IN THIS ISSUE 8
GRANT FROM HEARST FOUNDATIONS FUNDS NEW INNOVATION LAB The award will help solidify the Innovation Lab as a central academic space in the new Steers Center.
10 28
A CAREER OF GIVING BACK John Duffy ’59, P ’87, ’91 leads a life of philanthropy, and he wants you to do the same.
CREATING CONSCIOUS LEADERS Canterbury’s retreats connect students to themselves, each other, and the world around them.
56
SOCIETY OF ALUMNI MENTOR PROGRAM Building Relationships. Creating Opportunities.
DEPARTMENTS 5 From the Head of School 12 Hilltop Happenings 34 Athletics 48 Advancement 59 Society of Alumni Class Notes 66 In Memoriam
campaign.cbury.org PAGE 1.
PA L LI U M FALL/WINTER 2019-2020
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
CHIEF ADVANCEMENT OFFICER Rick Henderson
2019—2020
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF ADVANCEMENT Jennifer Loprinzo ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS Brittany Carlson MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS STAFF WRITER Kelly Slonaker PHOTOGRAPHY Rick Giles
860.210.3800
CBURY.ORG/ALUMNI
Mr. Robert H. Steers ’71, P ’11 | President Mr. John A. Donovan ’59 | Vice President Mr. Michael R. Carretta ’71 | Secretary Mrs. Rachel E. Stone P ’23 | Head of School/Treasurer Mr. Peter J. Cotier ’86, P ’19, ’2o | Assistant Secretary Ms. Dorothy L. Alpert ’78 Mr. Keith G. Angell ’75 Ms. Carol Lovell Carmody P ’18 Mrs. Karen B. Casey ’91 Mr. Harold T. Clark III ’86, P ’22 Mr. Matthew P. Dwyer Jr. ’71 Mr. Douglas M. Famigletti ’9o Mr. Kevin Fee P ’18, ’19, ’21, ’23 Mr. Sean F. Flanagan ’91, P ’23
SEND ALUMNI NEWS TO
DEADLINES FOR CLASS NOTES
Dr. Anna Flik P ’21
ADVANCEMENT OFFICE Canterbury School 101 Aspetuck Avenue New Milford, CT 06776 kpolsonetti@cbury.org
FALL—DECEMBER 31 SPRING—JUNE 30
Mr. Theodore C. Hollander ’82
Mr. Lawrence P. Fisher II ’77 Ms. Nancy B. Mulheren P ’o3,’13 Mr. H. Nicholas Ragland ’88, P ’21 Mrs. Nicole D’Amour Schneider ’93, P ’2o, ’22, ’23 Ms. Lauren J. Steers P ’11 Mr. Peter J. Tucker ’78 Mrs. Nell P. Williams ’81
instagram.com/canterbury1915 twitter.com/cburynews facebook.com/canterburyschoolct vimeo.com/canterbury1915
TRUSTEE EMERITI Mr. Daniel J. Altobello ’59 Mr. James R. Briggs ’56, GP ’12, ’15 Mrs. Hope Carter P ’86, ’87, ’88, ’91,’95, GP ’09, ’10, ’14 Mr. Denis P. Coleman, Jr. ’63, P ’97 Mr. Donn C. Dolce ’63, P ’01 Mr. John P. Duffy ’59, P ’87, ’91
PALLIUM is produced bi-annually by Canterbury’s Marketing & Communications Office, 101 Aspetuck Avenue, New Milford, CT 06776 NON-DISCRIMINATION Canterbury School does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, age, creed, national origin, age, sexual orientation or disability in admission or employment in its programs and activities. ©Copyright 2020 Canterbury School. All rights reserved. No content from this publication may be reproduced or reprinted in any form without the express written consent of Canterbury School.
Mr. John D. O’Neill ’57, P ’89 Dr. L. Michael Sheehy ’56 Please recycle this PALLIUM or share with a friend.
From the Head of School
O
ver the course of my many years living on a boarding school campus, I have experienced the peacefulness that descends on a campus—during Thanksgiving week, spring break, and the long summer months—when students have departed for home or vacation. As I write this, however, and as our world grapples with the magnitude of the COVID-19 crisis, the quiet and emptiness I see and feel on our hilltop create a different experience entirely. Even so, I am grateful knowing that our community remains engaged and active: students are learning, faculty are teaching, and staff are adjusting to remote work. More importantly, the extraordinary relationships that were forged when we were physically together on this campus—many of which are celebrated in this issue of Pallium—are still thriving in new, deep, and meaningful ways in the face of these otherwise isolating times. For certain, the COVID-19 pandemic has felt particularly jarring because the hallmark of who we are as a school community had to be manifested in unfamiliar ways. In times of difficulty, we all lean on those foundational experiences from which we draw strength and
steadiness; for me, my background in the field of public health has provided both clarity and inspiration throughout this spring. Moreover, it served as a reminder of my remarks to our faculty as we opened the school year last August. It is a message that is perhaps more poignant and resonant now than it was then: I shared details of the 75-year Harvard Study of Adult Development 1 which, in sum, revealed that a successful, healthy and happy life is grounded, and sustained, by the strength of one’s relationships. I humbly pointed out to my colleagues that this is what we do every day at Canterbury. We model connections with one another to our students. We help the teenagers living on this hilltop navigate the complexities—the messiness—of building and sustaining relationships with their peers. We ask them to be honest with, and to lean on and learn from, their teachers, coaches, advisors, dorm parents, and mentors. We expect them to understand and respect the differences among us and to recognize that those differences can serve as the foundation for the strongest and most meaningful relationships they will ever build. Yes, this is what we do.
We do not remove their hurdles, lower our expectations, or suggest that adolescence should be uncomplicated. Rather, we help them find those paths—those many paths—that set them on a course of continuing to seek self-awareness, to face their challenges, to embrace their role as leaders and as part of something much larger than themselves, and to be connected to others. As a small boarding school built upon values and grounded in a Catholic mission, we do this extraordinarily well and in a manner that is rarely replicated. The dramatic changes we all have experienced in recent months could easily have threatened the traditions of closeness and community that define the Canterbury experience. Instead, it was the myriad personal and professional connections nurtured on our hilltop before COVID-19 that allowed us to strengthen our relationships in spite of the distance between us. Most importantly, it is the strength and resiliency of these relationships that allowed us to find a deeper appreciation for, and an even greater calling to, the paramount importance of our work: To inspire our students to become moral leaders in a complex, secular world. May your families remain healthy and safe through these unsettled times. Well wishes,
Rachel E. Stone Head of School 1
Robert J. Waldinger M.D., “Harvard Second Generation Study,” Harvard Medical School. www.adultdevelopmentstudy.org (accessed August 2019).
PAGE 5.
STAY UP TO DATE AT:
campaign.cbury.org PAGE 6.
THE MAGAZINE OF CANTERBURY SCHOOL
STEERS CENTER U PDATE Now, more than ever, we eagerly await the day when we will have a space on our hilltop for our entire community to be together. Since breaking ground in July 2019, the Steers Center construction has progressed at an impressive, steady pace. With all steel construction, exterior walls, and the permanent roof in place, the expansive wall of windows is already framing the westward views and glorious Canterbury sunsets. Exterior construction was completed prior to the onset of winter weather, and the installation of utilities, lighting, and drywall continues. Planning is underway for the academic and extracurricular programming that will live within its walls, and the Steers Center project remains on schedule for a fall 2020 building occupancy.
PAGE 7.
GRANT FROM HEARST FOUNDATIONS FUNDS NEW INNOVATION LAB THE AWARD WILL HELP SOLIDIFY THE INNOVATION LAB AS A CENTRAL ACADEMIC SPACE IN THE NEW STEERS CENTER. In December 2019, Canterbury was awarded a
with Canterbury’s Associate Head of School for
generous grant of $100,000 from the Hearst
Academics Suzanne Roberts, Physics Faculty and
Foundations, which will provide partial funding
Robotics Team Coach Mike Kennedy, and Director
for its new 1,100-square-foot Innovation Lab.
of Academic Technology & Innovation Rob Roffe,
The Innovation Lab, which is included in the
as well as several students who use our current
construction of the new Steers Center, is slated
Makerspace and design lab. Mike Kennedy spoke
to open in fall 2020 and will provide dedicated,
about the limitations of the current space used
modern, and ample space for Canterbury’s
for the Robotics Team: “Our team could not even
growing innovation curriculum.
test their robot for competition based on the
Founded by William Randolph Hearst in 1946, the Hearst Foundations are national philanthropic
outlets.” Robotics Team member Erik Stedman
resources for organizations and institutions
’20 emphasized the importance of the new space
working in the fields of Education, Health, Culture
for the team to learn and practice the transferable
and Social Service. The Foundations’ goal is to
skills of engineering, saying, “Robotics allows you
identify and fund outstanding nonprofits to
to focus on the specific interests you have—design,
ensure that people of all backgrounds have the
coding, engineering, testing—and to develop your
opportunity to build healthy, productive, and
own unique skill set. If I want to go to college
inspiring lives. Since inception, the Foundations
to study engineering, I need the foundational
have made over 21,300 grants to 6,000
knowledge that I have developed here.”
organizations, totaling more than $1.23 billion in funds awarded. Canterbury was introduced to the Foundations
PAGE 8.
size of our space and limited access to electrical
The awarded grant will help crystallize the Innovation Lab as a central academic space that will enable students and faculty to weave
by alumnus William Hearst III ’67 and began the
elements of design thinking and fabrication/
rigorous grant application process in the spring of
ideation processes into subject areas spanning
2019. A crucial part of the process was a site visit
the humanities, arts, and sciences. Suzanne
from the Foundations, which included time spent
Roberts looks forward to the integration of the
THE MAGAZINE OF CANTERBURY SCHOOL
space across disciplines to prepare students for college and beyond, stating, “Innovation classes and coding languages have to be a part of every student’s curriculum for them to effectively participate in our global technology-based society.” The project has been galvanized by the ethos that “the most creative spaces are those which hurl us together. It is the human friction that makes the sparks.” (Lehrer, J. “Groupthink: The Brainstorming Myth.” The New Yorker. 30 Jan. 2012. The New Yorker Web. 4 Mar. 2019.) The well-appointed Innovation Lab will be centrally located on the lower level of the Steers Center and will include a NVBots Pro 3D printer, Glowforge Plus laser cutter, LaserPoint 3 ARMS Contour Cut Vinyl Cutter, Heavy Duty Singer sewing machine and other equipment. The space will be structured and scheduled to allow interdisciplinary access. PAGE 9.
A Career of Giving Back John Duffy ’59, P ’87, ’91 leads a life of philanthropy, and he wants you to do the same.
Duffy is a name that has become
contributions, he hopes his most lasting impact is
did more for me than my college did,” John
synonymous with Canterbury—Edward
inspiring others to give back as well.
shared. “I had a very meaningful experience at
J. Duffy Family Art Gallery, Duffy House,
After graduating from Canterbury, John earned his
and the John. P. ’59 and Anne Duffy Travel
B.A. from Princeton University, NJ, and then spent
and Teaching Award might immediately
three years in the U.S. Navy. Following that, he
spring to mind—but their namesakes, John P. ’59 and Anne Duffy P ’87, ’91,
spent 30 years as a member of the New York Stock Exchange and general partner in Spear, Leeds and Kellogg. During that time, John served on
represent so much more to our School.
Canterbury’s Board of Trustees from 1981–1992
They are the embodiment of what it
(including nine years as President), and again from
means to give back and lead by example.
1998–2006. After his retirement, he became a partner at SVP Tucson, a community of engaged
Canterbury—I grew up and learned how to act like a human being there, and I decided that was where I wanted to dedicate my efforts.” John continued, “I think you’ve got to stay involved in life, and Canterbury is one [big] part of life. And for young kids, it’s a very important part of their growth.”
“...There’s too much going on in life to worry about something that just concerns you; you have to focus outwards.”
If you take a look at Canterbury’s history, you will
philanthropists dedicated to building the capacity,
find John’s name throughout, starting from his
strength, and impact of nonprofits in addressing
time as a student in the mid-1950s all the way to
social problems. Not one to sit idly, John has said of
his appointment as a Trustee Emeritus today. His
this time in his life: “Yes, I am retired, and the best
generosity and commitment to the School have
part of life after a career of making a living is that
been unwavering and his impact undeniable. One
there are now unlimited careers involving ‘giving
Head of School Rachel Stone remarked: “We
of the most significant benefactors in Canterbury’s
back’ still ahead! There’s too much going on in life
are humbled by the countless ways in which
105 years, John has helped lead the way not only
to worry about something that just concerns you;
John has shared his great love for our School
when it comes to funding, but to making important,
you have to focus outwards.”
and his gratitude for the opportunities that his
enduring changes at the School (including taking part in the committee that decided to make Canterbury coeducational in 1972). But of all his
PAGE 10.
That sentiment has galvanized John and Anne to give back to the place that meant so much to John in his formative years––our School. “Canterbury
THE MAGAZINE OF CANTERBURY SCHOOL
Canterbury education afforded him. The very best of Canterbury’s past, present, and future have, and will always be, influenced by the
friendship and philanthropy of John Duffy. He is one of our School’s most stalwart and faithful champions, wisest counsels, and generous creators
Though John’s relationship to the School has changed many times over the years, it has remained steadfast. He has worn several hats along his
of opportunity.”
Canterbury journey, including student, alumnus,
For John and Anne, one of the most significant
asked which role has been the most meaningful
parent, trustee, volunteer, and benefactor. When
factors in that growth is Canterbury’s dedicated faculty. The couple has been incredible supporters of the School’s Endowment for that reason in particular. In fact, the catalyst for John becoming a member of Canterbury’s Board of Trustees in the first place was having his former teacher, Rod Clarke—who by then was Canterbury’s Headmaster—ask John to join. Still meaningful after so many years, the link between John and Rod
“...[John] is one of our School’s most stalwart and faithful champions, wisest counsels, and generous creators of opportunity.”
as student and teacher evolved to an even stronger
School has grown from four teachers instructing 16 boys in three buildings on eleven rented acres to a faculty of 50 men and women who teach 335 boys and girls in 26 buildings on a campus of 150 acres. [...] from benefactors Henry O. Havemeyer to John Duffy ’59, an unbroken line of individuals faithful to the Canterbury ideal has built the school that exists today.” John and Anne have instilled the value of philanthropy in their children as well; Kevin ’87 and Hilary ’91 have supported Canterbury over the years, as well as their own causes beyond the hilltop. When we asked John what he hopes current students and young alumni take away from their experience at the School, he said, “I hope they take
partnership as they transitioned to Trustee and
to him, he shared, “I suppose if the student part
away the feeling that Canterbury did enough for
Headmaster, respectively.
hadn’t been meaningful, I wouldn’t have gotten
them, and so they want to give something back.”
involved again. Being a student at Canterbury got
We thank John for all that he has ‘given back’ and
me into a good college, and even as small as the
for his continued and remarkable service to our
School was at the time, it introduced me to people
School.
John and Anne have also prioritized growth and learning opportunities for faculty, even sharing their love of travel by establishing the John. P. ’59 and Anne Duffy Travel and Teaching Award Fund in 1997. The award is given annually to faculty members to support their travel expenses on an
from other parts of the country and the world. [Going there] turned out to be a very propitious choice.”
approved itinerary. On the decision to establish
To have such a loyal friend, supporter, and leader
the award, John said, “It was to do something
has been propitious for Canterbury too. Addressing
good for the [faculty] who are doing something
the Canterbury community via a letter in the
for us all day long. The idea was that they could
Pallium in 1996, Trustee Emeritus Hope Carter
bring that travel experience back with them and
P ’86, ’87, ’88, ’91, ’95, GP ’09, ’10, ’14 wrote
share it with the students.” To date, more than 50
the following words, the spirit of which is still
Canterbury educators have benefitted from the
true today: “Canterbury owes its progress to a
Duffys’ generosity, and John is still actively involved
succession of outstanding headmasters, superb
in selecting the recipients of the award each year.
teachers, and generous benefactors. In 82 years, the
PAGE 11.
H IL LTOP H AP P E NING S Students “Walk a Mile for a Meal” to Benefit the New Milford Food Bank Over 30 Canterbury students, spanning all forms, participated in the “Walk a Mile for a Meal” event on Sunday, September 29, to benefit the New Milford Food Bank. Day and boarding students organized groups with their dorms and athletic teams to purchase food at the New Milford Big Y World Class Market and then walk their purchases one mile to the First Congregational Church on the Village Green to donate to the Food Bank. This is the 11th year Canterbury has participated in the community-wide event run by New Milford Social Services. Tracy Garcia-LaVigne, Director of the Center for Spirituality, Service and Justice at Canterbury, helps organize the School’s participation in the event each year and sees it as a great opportunity to help and connect with the larger community: “We have such a close relationship with New Milford Social Services, and it extends our Canterbury family to beyond our hilltop. It means a lot to our students to participate in these events.”
21-Year Life and Legacy of Joe Leto ’97 Celebrated at Final Run Canterbury hosted the 21st—and final—Run for Joe event on Sunday, October 6, to commemorate the 21 years of life of Lance Corporal Giuseppe “Joe” Leto, a Canterbury alumnus of the class of 1997. The event has been held every year since 1999 to honor Joe, who died during training exercises at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina while serving in the U.S. Marine Corps. Fellow classmates, family, friends, faculty members, and current students participated in a one-mile fun run or a 5K run/walk over the cross country course in remembrance of Joe’s legacy. A reception was held afterward near the Sheehy Family Field, where family and classmates remembered Joe as an exceptional friend and a passionate member of the Canterbury wrestling team. Joe’s brother, Vincent Leto ‘00, thanked family, friends, classmates, and running enthusiasts for attending the event and recounted the day in his Sixth Form year at Canterbury when Dave Wilson—then Director of Athletics—asked if Vinny and his family would like to host a run on campus to celebrate Joe’s life. Vinny said, “Never in our wildest dreams did my family imagine that this tradition of honoring my brother would last for 21 years.”
Sacristan and Sixth Form Council member, Abby Omaña ’20, took part in the event with her fellow Sacristans and emphasized the importance of being active in the New Milford community: “I chose to do Walk A Mile because I believe Canterbury’s involvement in New Milford’s community is important. New Milford is our town, and our partnership should be strong.” Sean Quaye ’21 was excited to participate in the event and organized a group of boys from his dorm to help. When asked what inspired him to put together a volunteer group, Sean said, “I was given the opportunity to give back to a community that has given so much to my peers and me. Participating in the event was a fun experience; it allowed the boys and me to bond while also doing a service for the community!” Many students were inspired to participate after the Fourth Form Retreat’s Oxfam Hunger Banquet, which highlighted issues of injustice and inequality in access to food resources. The “Walk A Mile” event is one of many community service opportunities off the hilltop that Canterbury students participate in annually.
On behalf of the entire Canterbury family, Head of School Rachel Stone presented the Leto family with a plaque to commemorate the School’s deep appreciation for their 21-year commitment to, and support of, the Run for Joe event and the Giuseppe Leto ’97 Scholarship Fund. Rachel invited former Director of Athletics Dave Wilson to join her in the presentation, along with Joe’s wrestling coach and former faculty member Bob O’Donnell, and other faculty in attendance who knew Joe as a student. Initially intended to be a one-time event, Run for Joe became a New Milford tradition, raising more than $200,000 in support of the memorial scholarship fund which provides financial assistance to New Milford-area Canterbury day students. Though this was the final Run For Joe, the scholarship is self-sustaining and will continue to benefit students for years to come.
PAGE 12.
THE MAGAZINE OF CANTERBURY SCHOOL
Spirited Musical Performances Ring in the Holiday Season On Friday, December 13, the Rock Band, Jazz/Rock/Pop Ensemble, Contemporary Music Band, Classical Chamber and Orchestra performed for the Canterbury community at the annual All-Band Christmas Concert. Conducted by faculty members David Overthrow and Hafez Taghavi, the show was the culmination of the students’ semester-long work in their instrumental courses. Students performed holiday favorites and pop and jazz classics, such as: “All I Want for Christmas is You,” “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas,” “Feliz Navidad,” and the Charlie Brown Christmas theme. Continuing the holiday spirit, students, faculty, and additional community members gathered for Lessons and Carols on the evening of Wednesday, December 18, in the Chapel of Our Lady. The event, celebrated annually by Canterbury, included seven lessons (readings from Scripture) and a variety of holiday carols in the spirit of Advent. Attendees began the evening with a communal rendition of “O Come All Ye Faithful” and concluded with “Joy to the World.” Varsity Voices, Chorale, and Community Choir led the seven lessons and carols, accompanied by Choral and Liturgical Music Director Sarah Armstrong and instrumental accompanists. The annual Christmas dinner preceded Lessons and Carols and was followed by a tree-lighting in the Student Center. Congratulations to all those students and faculty who made this year’s performance a successful and spirited evening.
Top: The women of Chorale and Varsity Voices perform “O Holy Night” during Lessons and Carols. From Left to right: Xinyi Weng ’23, Paulina Sierra ’23, Avery Trach ’23, Samantha Hawley ’23, Stella McCormack ’21, MaryBridget Horvath ’20, Sydney Ragland ’21, Chiara Vaccaro ’20 (soloist), Lily Lavigne ’23, Erin Sudbey ’20, Shannon Gao ’20, Emily Chickering ’22, Ziqian Yang ’22, and Katherine Delamere ’21.
Area youths were invited to participate in a “hackathon” for social good on Sunday, October 2, at Canterbury School. The event, which was open to boys and girls in grades four through eight, introduced students to simple coding technology and showed how it can be used to create solutions that benefit local non-profit organizations. No prior programming experience was required.
Random Hacks of Kindness Jr. Hosted on Campus
The one-day “hackathon” was organized by Patrice Gans, Director of Random Hacks of Kindness Jr., and Rob Roffe, Canterbury’s Director of Academic Technology and Innovation and Computer Science Chair. Rob teaches several sections of Computer Programming and Innovation Lab and also leads a Syracuse University Project Advance (SUPA) course on information security at Canterbury. The participating local youths worked with Canterbury student mentors to create a prototype App that
Bottom: The Contemporary Music Band took the stage at the All-Band Christmas Concert in Maguire Auditorium. From left to right: Kevin Wang ’20 on guitar, Nick Graham ’21 on drums, Alessandra King ’22 on vocals, Director of Music Dave Overthrow on bass, and Sebastian Tseng ’21 on piano.
promotes social good. Nine Canterbury students participated as mentors, including Brendan Clark ’20, Charles Dyer ’20, Cole Paynter ’20, Kai Xu ’21, Sandy Xu ’21, Yurou Li ’21, Hanyan Cai ’22, Ian Fernandes ’22, and Jerry Liu ’22. Rob Roffe hopes to make this an annual event at Canterbury, saying, “It offered our students the opportunity to work with and get to know kids from our local community and also helped them learn about local non-profits and think about ways we can help them succeed.” Random Hacks of Kindness Jr. was developed by Gans as an opportunity to empower and inspire youth to use technology for social good. Gans, a technology educator, organized the first Random Hacks of Kindness Jr. event at the Fraser Woods Montessori School in Newtown, CT, in May 2013. The event hosted at Canterbury was the 40th RHoK Jr. event since the organization was recognized as a formal 501c3 in October 2015.
PAGE 13.
H I LLTO P HA PP ENINGS
Jay Clarke ’84 Recognized for Years of Dedication and Service as Member of the Board of Trustees
50 Colleges and Universities Represented at Annual Fall College Night Canterbury hosted its annual Fall College Night on Thursday, October 3, with representatives from 50 colleges and universities in attendance. Fifth and Sixth Form students and their families met with institutions from across the country, including Boston College, Purdue University, Franklin & Marshall College, Providence College, and Yale University.
Jay Clarke ’84 stepped down from Canterbury’s Board of Trustees in January of 2020. As an alumna, Jay has brought passion, care, and vision to her role on the Board and has carried on her family’s legacy of leadership at the School. Head of School Rachel Stone remarked on Jay’s impact on Canterbury: “Jay’s success as a graduate and renowned career have brought great pride and distinction to the School. She has been a strong proponent of the School’s student-centric culture, ensuring that Canterbury students are known, cared for, and challenged to be well-prepared for college and for life.” Rachel went on to say, “Likewise, she has championed the School’s work in developing and maintaining an extraordinary community of educators and has advocated for facilities that support the growth and success of the academic program. Most of all, Jay has demonstrated a commitment to the relevance of Canterbury’s mission and Catholic heritage, making sure that the goal of inspiring tomorrow’s moral leaders resonates throughout everything that takes place on this hilltop.” Jay joined the Board of Trustees in 2007 and was actively involved in several committees during her tenure, including the Education Committee (which she chaired from 2008–2012 and 2015–2020), the Executive Committee, the Facilities Committee, and the Spiritual Life Committee. Under her leadership, the School saw myriad enhancements to its student life and curricular offerings. Just some of the work overseen by Jay’s leadership includes a vast array of roles: renovations to the David C. Copley ’70 Library to provide a more engaging space for students to work independently and in groups; the creation of the Sixth Form Project; upgrades to science classrooms and the establishment of an Innovation Lab on campus to support STEM curriculum; the prioritization of professional development and mentorship for young faculty; the conceptualization of the Donovan Center for Learning, which has become an integral part of the academic program; and the adoption of a new academic schedule that places the success and well-being of students first. After graduating from Canterbury, Jay went on to receive her B.A. in Art History from College of the Holy Cross, MA, and then obtained her M.A and Ph.D. from Brown University, RI. Her expertise in contemporary art has earned her lead curatorial positions at the Art Institute of Chicago in Illinois and the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute in Williamstown, MA, where she was also a lecturer in the Graduate Program in the History of Art at Williams College, MA. Throughout her prolific career, Jay has built impressive collections with a range of gifted and purchased acquisitions, organized numerous exhibitions, taught and mentored at the graduate level, and published and lectured extensively. Canterbury and the Board of Trustees hosted a dinner in early February to honor Jay and her service to the School. Head of School Rachel Stone, President of the Board of Trustees Bob Steers ‘71, P ‘11, and fellow trustees Nick Ragland ’88, P ’21 and Dorothy Alpert ’78, all spoke in celebration of Jay and her many accomplishments. Bob shared the School’s appreciation for Jay’s talents and hard work: “She’s a brilliant and beautiful person. She brought intellect, experience, and talent to the Board that were unique and greatly appreciated.” Bob continued, “Jay took on any task, and did it with class and great success. She is a quiet leader and has contributed so much to Canterbury in so many different ways that it’s very difficult to quantify. She will be so missed; she is Canterbury.” The entire Canterbury community thanks Jay for her years of wonderful service! PAGE 14.
THE MAGAZINE OF CANTERBURY SCHOOL
Fifth and Sixth Form students were paired with representatives to provide tours of the campus, and the groups were joined by faculty for a formal dinner in the dining hall. The dinner offered opportunities for students to engage in in-depth, candid conversations with the representatives about their goals and aspirations for the next step in their academic careers. Director of College Counseling Sarah Ferland organized the event and said, “The college representatives were more appreciative and complimentary than ever, and that is a testament to this community and the people in it.” Following the sit-down dinner, students and their families were invited to attend the annual College Fair in the David C. Copley ‘70 Library to learn more about each college and its offerings.
47th Annual Cross Country Invitational Hosted Two Students Place in Top Ten Within Their Divisions Canterbury hosted the 47th Annual Cross Country Invitational on Saturday, September 21, with over 35 schools in attendance. The day began with registration and observation of the 5K course at 10:30 a.m. before the first race started at 12:30 p.m. The temperature soared into the mid-80s as the races began, and the clear sky offered little respite from the heat for competitors. Canterbury faculty helped cool down runners with a hose on the turf.
Students Lauded with Honor Society Induction Canterbury celebrated the induction of eleven Sixth Formers into the Honor Society following their fall 2019 semester academic performance.
Each school’s teams were placed in a division depending upon the school size, with large schools in Division I and small schools—including Canterbury—in Division II. The Girls’ Division I runners kicked off the races at 12:30 p.m., followed by the Girls’ Division II race at 1:00 p.m., Boys’ Division I race at 1:30 p.m., and Boys’ Division II race at 2:00 p.m. Over 360 runners competed in the day’s events. Girls’ Cross Country Team Captain Lorelai Lee Swanek ’21 (23:06) placed ninth out of 94 competitors in Girls Division II; Abby Omaña ’20 (23:45) placed 14th; Brigida Caruso ’20 (27:29) placed 51st; and Maggie Ondrey ’21 (27:59) placed 57th.
The Canterbury Boys’ team finished fifth overall in their race among 19 other Division II schools. Jack McCluskey ’20 (18:11) led the team with his fifth place finish; Cullen Mulhern ’22 (20:16) finished 30th followed closely behind by Jasper Sun ’20 (20:17) who placed 32nd; John Bagg ’23 (20:38) finished 36th; and Hanyan Cai ’22 (21:03) closed out the scoring five with a 46th place finish. Sebastian Tseng ’21 (22:01) and Oscar Wang ’21 (22:14) finished in 67th and 76th places, respectively. Tracy Garcia-LaVigne, Head Coach of Girls’ Cross Country, and Drew Houghtalen, Head Coach of Boys’ Cross Country, spent the fall season preparing their runners for the race as well as organizing the widely attended event, aided by Paddy McCarthy ’94, Associate Director of Athletics. The Canterbury Invitational has been an annual tradition since 1972 when prep schools across New England and the Mid-Atlantic were invited to bring their Boys’ Cross Country teams to the School to race 2.7 miles across our hilltop. Girls’ teams were invited to join in 1978, but it was not until 2002 that the race was increased to 3.1 miles as a true 5K.
The faculty Honor Society Committee meets each September and January to review the academic program of eligible candidates in the Fifth and Sixth Form. To be eligible for consideration, candidates must be enrolled in a rigorous academic program—including honors and AP classes—in a diverse course of study. Students must additionally demonstrate academic integrity and consistent engagement as a positive contributor to the academic culture of the School. The newest Sixth Form inductees include Jillian Carleton, Isabella Cotier, Alexa Esposito, Cecilia Poli, Yongkyung Jo, Grace LaVigne, Cadence Trach, Erik Stedman, Yiqi Wang, Wensi Yang, and Diqing Xu. They join members of the Sixth Form class who were previously reviewed and inducted in May of 2019 (as Fifth Formers), including Sabrina Capodicci, Brigida Caruso, Gabriel Diamond, Xing Gao, Ryan Greguski, Katherine Grissmer, Abigail Omaña, Yitian Sun, and Jiayi Wu.
PAGE 15.
H I LLTO P HA PP ENINGS
Becoming Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable Social Justice Week Kicks Off Continuing Seminars and Service Events Throughout the Year
C
anterbury’s Social Justice Week brought students, faculty, and members of the local community together for seminars and educational events inspired by the three tenets of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s life: faith, service, and social justice. Five seminars were offered through the week that covered a broad range of social justice topics, each of them inviting open and honest discussion and encouraging continued engagement. Dean of Students Jake Dellorco noted, “The purpose of these seminars is to create the space for us all to consider a specific social justice issue a bit more deeply. While MLK Day and Social Justice Week help us dedicate time to focus on such issues, we hope that these discussions, seminars, speakers, and
PAGE 16.
service projects will open the door for continued conversations and work in the weeks and months to come.” The seminars began on Tuesday, January 14, with a discussion on Human Trafficking presented by the Women’s Center of Greater Danbury. Through the seminar, students gained a better understanding of human trafficking issues on a local and global scale and learned ways to get involved nationally and within the community. Thursday’s seminar, held on January 16 on the topic of Environmental Justice, was led by the Sustainability Club and science teacher and Director of Sustainability Cammy Roffe. The seminar investigated how environmental issues like pollution can disproportionately impact people from different demographics, and students discussed solutions to combat the issue. To honor Dr. King, Canterbury participated in the MLK Day of Service on Monday, January THE MAGAZINE OF CANTERBURY SCHOOL
20, with several local volunteer initiatives facilitated by the Center for Spirituality, Service & Justice. School Meeting opened with a special prayer by Fr. Patrick Conroy S.J., 60th Chaplain of the U.S. House of Representatives, and a presentation on the life of Dr. King. Throughout the day, students donated food and decorated lunch bags with notes for Camella’s Cupboard, a New Milford organization whose mission is to provide all children in the town with year-round access to food; donated and boxed up books for New Haven Reads, an organization that seeks to increase the literacy skills of children by providing individually tailored one-on-one afterschool tutoring, educational family support, and a community book bank; and also helped plant seedlings for Canterbury’s own chicken and butterfly gardens. MLK day concluded with the week’s third seminar, which featured a screening of the Academy Award-winning documentary, A Time for Justice: A History of the Modern
Civil Rights Movement. Led by the History Department and the CSSJ, the seminar closed with discussions about the struggle for equal rights under the law, how that struggle was waged, and the importance of the civil rights movement in United States history. Tuesday, January 21, held an interactive seminar called “True to Self: A Reflective Workshop” which was organized by one of Canterbury’s affinity groups, AHANA (an affinity group for students who are of African, Hispanic, Asian, or Native American descent). The workshop was run by Sixth Former Venessa Okoroanyanwu and faculty member Raheem Logan ’12. The workshop introduced students to the bystander effect and encouraged students to reflect on when they would speak up in a variety of challenging situations. Social Justice Week closed with a final seminar entitled: “Becoming Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable: A Workshop on Building the Courage to Voice Your Opinion While Hearing Others.” The workshop was led by JiWon Lee ’20 and Tray Alexander ’20 with the help of English Chair Lindsay Mulhern’s Race Theory class, and was based on the words of Dr. King: “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” In the interactive seminar, students were challenged to decide where they stand on various topics while considering how to actively listen to the opinions of others with whom they may disagree. This dedicated one-week program inspires events and conversations throughout the year including numerous other workshops, presentations, and service opportunities that address social justice topics. Director of the Center for Spirituality, Service & Justice and Theology Teacher Tracy Garcia-LaVigne noted, “Though we highlight specific seminar opportunities surrounding MLK Day, we encourage students to honor Dr. King’s life and legacy every day by encouraging them to continue to seek out opportunities to become more others-centered. By engaging the students outside of the classroom, we hope to further inspire and foster a culture of social engagement through faith, service, and justice initiatives throughout the year.”
10TH ANNUAL PINK OUT Varsity Volleyball Team More Than Doubles Last Year’s Donations for the Fight Against Breast Cancer On Friday, October 11, Pigott Arena was packed to the gills with students, faculty, family, alumni, and friends—all clad in pink—to support the Girls’ Varsity Volleyball team against Westover School, CT. The annual Pink Out match is hosted to raise money and awareness surrounding breast cancer research. It is traditionally one of the biggest and most well-attended events on campus, and this year’s 10th anniversary fundraiser was no exception. To commemorate the event, the School hosted a reception for alumni after the match, where past players enjoyed reminiscing about their own Pink Out matches and cherished time spent catching up with Coach EJ Soifersmith. Tanner Tardie ’15 attended the Pink Out and shared her excitement for being back on the hilltop: “I’m so happy I was able to come back for the 10th Annual Pink Out game! It’s so great to see Coach EJ teach these girls the way she taught me. She is truly the most amazing coach!” Both teams were also entirely decked out in pink gear—including Canterbury’s Varsity Volleyball Team Manager James Foster ’20, who wore an all pink three-piece suit for the occasion. Canterbury’s team was led by captains Molly Clancy ’20, Megan LeBlanc ’20, and Gillian Marma ’20, and Molly Clancy ’20 won the MVP Herrington Award, as voted by her teammates. Coach EJ was animated throughout the match and shared her appreciation for the community’s support, saying, “The fans were awesome, the energy in Pigott was amazing, and our team played incredibly well. We had one of our best sets, and we could feel the support from our community radiating through the Arena.” The evening’s bake sale and entrance donations raised over $3,400 for Susan G. Komen for the Cure in support of breast cancer research—more than twice what was raised at last year’s event.
PAGE 17.
H I LLTO P HA PP ENINGS
GUNNERY WEEK Saints Sweep Third Annual Gunnery Day to Close Out the Fall Season Canterbury swept the third annual Gunnery Day competition on Saturday, November 9, with several shutout wins. Girls’ Varsity Soccer beat The Gunnery 4–0; Boys’ Varsity Soccer won 6–0; Boys’ JV Soccer triumphed 5–1; Girls’ Varsity Field Hockey won 2–1; and JV Field Hockey ended the game at 1–0. Varsity Football and Varsity Volleyball also had big wins on the day against Portsmouth Abbey School, RI, and Millbrook School, NY, respectively.
PAGE 18.
Though the tradition only began in the 2017-2018 academic year, Gunnery Day—and the competition for the Canterbury-Gunnery Cup—marks the height of a longstanding athletic rivalry between the schools. With the points added from the Gunnery Day events, Canterbury now leads 8–1 toward the Cup, which will be presented to the victorious school by the opposing Director of Athletics at the end of the 2019-2020 school year.
THE MAGAZINE OF CANTERBURY SCHOOL
5-0 CANTERBURY-GUNNERY GAME DAY RESULT
The Day also marked the close of the regular season for all fall teams and the last fall athletic season for our Sixth Formers. With temperatures barely rising above freezing, the day certainly felt like the end of autumnal weather. Many families were in attendance to celebrate the senior games, and parents helped organize a hospitality tent for all teams and spectators, complete with food and warm beverages to power through the chill. Off campus, the Boys’ and Girls’ Cross Country teams both ended their season competing at the NEPSTA Division III Cross Country Championships at White Memorial Conservation Area, where three of our runners earned All-New England titles: Jack McCluskey ’20 finished fourth, Abby Omaña ’20 finished eleventh, and Lorelai Lee Swanek ’21 finished ninth. For three of our teams, games continued into the postseason: Girls’ Varsity Soccer and Varsity Field Hockey headed to the Class C New England Tournament and Varsity Football played in the Mark Conroy Bowl against Middlesex School, MA, at New Milford High School on Saturday, November 16.
TWO-PEAT FOR SAINTS ON GUNNERY’S TURF
“We are looking forward to great sportsmanship and competition between the two outstanding schools for years to come,” reflected Director of Athletics Jim Stone. “We’ve already had a natural rivalry given our schools’ proximity, and our students are looking forward to this spirited week and day.” The Canterbury-Gunnery Cup is awarded each May to the school who accumulates the highest number of overall wins throughout the year. As teams ended their winter season competitions, Canterbury maintained a steady lead for 2019-2020!
PAGE 19.
H I LLTO P HA PP ENINGS
For the week leading up to Gunnery Day events, the entire Canterbury community participated in spirited dress. Monday had students and faculty alike dressing as twins (and even some triplets and quadruplets); Tuesday was Form Color Day with each grade represented by their designated hue; Wednesday invoked feelings of warmer weather with Tropical Day; Throwback Thursday spanned decades of fashion; and
Friday celebrated all-things-Canterbury with Saints spirit dress. Friday night’s pep rally in Pigott Arena energized the whole School with skits and dances performed by the Sixth Form Council, varsity teams, and faculty. Following the pep rally, Sixth Formers, led by Head of School Rachel Stone, carried lighted torches up the road from Sheehan House to the lawn in front of South House. The path was lined with
Varsity teams initiated laughs, cheers, and groans from the student body during Friday evening’s Pep Rally in Pigott Arena. Each skit provided insight into the team’s spirit, from demonstrating a silly dance they had practiced for several weeks or their perception of their team and coaches.
PAGE 20.
THE MAGAZINE OF CANTERBURY SCHOOL
underformers and faculty, who cheered on the seniors as they made their way up the hill to light a colossal bonfire, ensuring a warm and memorable end to the season.
Members of the Administration team showed off their vintage Canterbury garb for Spirit Week. From left to right: Associate Head of School for Operations Pete Cotier ’86 (donning a basketball jersey from his student days!), Associate Head of School for Academics Sue Roberts, Assistant Head of School for Student Life Peter LaVigne, and Head of School Rachel Stone.
The cast from Clue in the fall’s Murder Mystery Double Feature production. Front row, left to right: Chiara Vaccaro ’20 as Mrs. White, Nick Vial ’20 as Wadsworth, and Abby Omaña ’20 as Mrs. Peacock. Second row, left to right: Cooper Stepankiw ’22 as Colonel Mustard, Colleena Healy ’21 as Miss Scarlett, Bella Carioscia ’22 as Yvette, and Ryan Greguski ’20 as Mr. Green. Back row: Sebastian Voskericyan ’22 as Professor Plum.
‘ Murder Mystery Double Feature’ Perfectly Executed This fall, Canterbury’s theater program ambitiously put on two productions with one theme: murder. The cast and crew worked tirelessly on All I Need to Know I Learned by Being in a Bad Murder Mystery and Clue: On Stage! before their live performances to full audiences in November. All I Need to Know I Learned by Being in a Bad Murder Mystery set the
stage first with a metatheatrical experience. Guided by the fourth-wallbreaking Narrator (Neil Yao ’22), the audience was taken on a humorous behind-the-scenes tour, so to speak, of the on-stage production of a murder mystery. In other words, it is a play about being in a play. All I Need to Know I Learned by Being in a Bad Murder Mystery offered a satirical glimpse of the process of putting up a play, peppered by humorous rants
PAGE 21.
H I LLTO P HA PP ENINGS
The cast of All I Need to Know I learned by Being in a Bad Murder Mystery led the audience through warm-up exercises. Left to Right: Beckett Reynolds ’23, Serena Arnold ’22, Bryce Stone ’23, Zachary Reis ’20, Sydney Ragland ’21, Ella Olcese ’21, and Francesca Mangravite ’21.
“Everything seen on stage was crafted specifically to propel the comedy of this play. Not one detail escaped our attention, and believe me, this show had a ton of details. This was the hardest fun we’d ever had.”
from the Narrator about bad theatre, bad actors and long-suffering audiences (and a heartfelt discussion about his cats). As Co-Director Keiko Mathewson put it, “It is said that laughter is the best medicine and that smiling is contagious—and if that’s the truth, you’ll leave [the performance] a happier and healthier person. As you sit back and experience the hilarity and ridiculousness this show presents, I’m confident you’ll more clearly understand what it is like to be an actor and part of a show.”
whodunnit?” The audience joined the iconic ensemble known as Scarlett, Plum, White, Green, Peacock, and Mustard as they raced to find the murderer in Boddy Manor. Based on the cult classic film and the popular board game, Clue is a madcap comedy that kept the audience in laughter and suspense all night long. From the actors’ top-notch accents, affects, costumes, and mannerisms, to the beautifully designed set (complete with blown-up images of the board game) and perfectly timed lighting and sound effects, the performance was not-to-be-missed.
After a brief intermission, Clue: On Stage! began with the premise, “It’s a dark and stormy night, and you’ve been invited to a very unusual dinner party. Each of the guests has an alias, a weapon, and a motive. So
“Comedy really is hard. It’s so much harder to make someone laugh than it is to make them cry,” wrote Co-Director Sarah Armstrong. “When it comes to dramatic tenets like grief, betrayal, and loss, we
PAGE 22.
THE MAGAZINE OF CANTERBURY SCHOOL
don’t expect a collective reaction. In comedy, you make a joke, and you either get a laugh or you don’t. In order for a comedy to be funny to an audience, it has to first be funny to the cast, and boy, have we laughed! Everything seen on stage was crafted specifically to propel the comedy of this play. Not one detail escaped our attention, and believe me, this show had a ton of details. This was the hardest fun we’d ever had.”
both plays did a spectacular job with lighting and sound to immerse the audience in a Bad Murder Mystery and to recreate the eerie and campy feel of Boddy Manor. Congrats to the entire cast and crew for a job very well done!
Several Sixth Formers took the stage for one of their last student performances, including Sabrina Capodicci, Anna Imrie, and Zach Reis (who all performed in both productions), and Nick Vial, Ryan Greguski, Abby Omaña, and Chiara Vaccaro (who co-starred in Clue). The crew of
PAGE 23.
H I LLTO P HA PP ENINGS
More than a Social Visit
PAGE 24.
THE MAGAZINE OF CANTERBURY SCHOOL
Intro to Digital Media Class Visits BuzzFeed and Tasty On Tuesday, February 4, Canterbury’s Intro to Digital Media class took a field trip to New York City to visit the BuzzFeed and Tasty offices and studios. New to the Academic Program for the 2019-2020 year, the Intro to Digital Media class aims to give students the opportunity to better understand the social media landscape as an avenue toward connecting with an audience, creating engaging content, and utilizing digital analytics in order to make informed and strategic decisions. Throughout the course, students explore various social media platforms, research business profiles, and analyze case studies. The course also includes web conferences with industry experts and off-campus site visits, such as this one. Associate Head of School for Academics Sue Roberts and Director of Curriculum Kelli Darrin, who both teach the class, arranged the trip with the help of Greg Coleman ’72, P ’05, current Executive Advisor (and former President) at BuzzFeed. Greg’s daughter, Mel Coleman, who serves as the Director of Product Marketing at BuzzFeed, started the day with a tour of the building, and the group was able to visit the Tasty recording studio and the BuzzFeed News floor. Afterward, the students were invited to a meet and greet with several members of the
“BuzzFeed family,” which included digital analysts, producers, content creators, marketing specialists, and individuals in charge of ad campaigns. A question and answer session with the professionals was offered during lunch, where students were able to learn more about their respective positions and their trajectory into the industry. As one of the highlights of the day, students were also able to see the production studio of AM to DM, Buzzfeed’s morning YouTube series, and meet with members of its production team. The class learned valuable information about the processes of producing and disseminating daily content to large audiences. Students remarked that they were especially impressed that each one of Tasty’s cooking videos is researched, cooked, filmed, edited, and produced by only one person. The Intro to Digital Media class continued to expand the classroom experience with a trip on February 20 to 98Q Radio Station. The class toured the facility; met radio personality, Rich Minor of Rich Minor in the Morning; and spoke with their General Sales Manager, Mike Delpha. In January, the class had Ryan Caraway (Condon) ’06 as a virtual guest speaker. Ryan is an award-winning actor, writer, and director who shared his career experience and advice with the students.
PAGE 25.
H I LLTO P HA PP ENINGS
Five-Minute Interview with Actor, Writer, Director Ryan Caraway (Condon) ’06 Ryan Caraway (Condon) ’06 is an award-winning actor, writer, and director who has trained in the conservatory program at the Stella Adler Studio of Acting, the Laura Rosenthal Lab, and The Actor’s Gym under Bobby Moresco. His directorial debut, By Jingo, premiered as the Headline Closing Night Film at the Nordic International Film Festival where he was awarded ‘Best Actor’ for his performance in a leading role. His short film, Hold Me!, premiered at the Hollywood Comedy Shorts Festival, and his second feature-length film is in development at Changing Film Productions. Ryan was a (virtual) guest speaker in our Intro to Digital Media class, where he shared his career experience and advice with the students.
Each November, high school and middle school students from across the state compete in auditions hosted by the Connecticut Music Educators Association (CMEA) with the hopes of qualifying for one of its four All-Region Ensembles (Northern, Southern, Eastern, and Western). Out of the hundreds of students who audition with each regional ensemble, only a small percentage are selected to perform. The CMEA’s mission is to provide programs and activities for professional educators, students, and future music educators striving to enhance the quality of music education for all children. Participation in CMEA concert festivals provides students the opportunity to be challenged through the performance of high quality repertoire and to develop relationships with other high caliber young musicians from around the state.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CANTERBURY MEMORY? Playing All Along The Watchtower at School Meeting. WHAT’S ONE THING YOU WOULD GO BACK AND TELL YOUR HIGH SCHOOL SELF? You’ll figure it out. In the meantime, read everything you can. Start with Stephen King and see where it takes you.
all about. We’ve gone from drawing on cave walls, to painting on canvas, to sitting in movie theaters and now we’re moving around with laptops and cellphones. The technology keeps evolving, but its purpose stays the same: tell a good story. TELL US ABOUT WHEN YOU KNEW YOU WANTED TO PURSUE ACTING.
YOU WERE RECENTLY A (VIRTUAL) GUEST SPEAKER IN OUR INTRO TO DIGITAL MEDIA CLASS — WHAT WAS IT LIKE TO SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH THE STUDENTS? Acting, as a career choice, is comprised of everything we’re conditioned to avoid. It’s chaotic, unreliable, and the smallest victories are preceded by mountains of failure. But when you look back at the path you’re on and put it all in context, you start to see there’s order in the chaos. You’re gradually making your way down the road. And that’s not just acting, that’s life. So to be able to share that with a new generation of students was incredibly rewarding. AS THE WORLD IS BECOMING MORE AND MORE DIGITAL, WHERE DO YOU THINK THE FUTURE OF TV AND FILMMAKING IS HEADED? It’s headed wherever people want to take it. With technology being so accessible, it’s never been easier for people to tell their stories. And that’s what it’s
PAGE 26.
Two Students Selected to Join CMEA Regional Bands
I was kind of pushed into it by accident. I was taking Film Theory in college because a friend of mine said you just sit around watching old movies. I wrote a couple of papers the professor liked and he asked if I wanted to take Directing Actors for the Camera the following semester. I signed up and the first day of class they had too many directors and not enough actors. He handed me a scene and ten minutes later I was up on a stage. WHAT’S BEEN YOUR FAVORITE ROLE SO FAR? THE MOST CHALLENGING? I don’t have a favorite role, but I’ve had a lot of great experiences. Those stick with you a lot longer than the parts you play. WHAT IS YOUR PROCESS FOR GETTING INTO CHARACTER? I’ll read as much as I can on the subject. Aside from that, I learn my lines and show up on time. WHAT WOULD BE YOUR DREAM ROLE OR PROJECT? I’d love to do a political thriller. DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR ASPIRING ACTORS? It’s all about the journey. Failures aren’t setbacks, they’re detours.
THE MAGAZINE OF CANTERBURY SCHOOL
This year, Canterbury had two students audition— and be selected—for this great honor. Ian Fernandes ’22 was accepted to the All-Region Orchestra and Andy Xu ’21 was accepted to the Northern Region Band. Andy ’21 has played trombone in the Jazz-Rock-Pop Ensemble since his first year at Canterbury and also plays in the Contemporary Music Band. He has played in numerous Canterbury performances both on and off campus, and has been playing the trombone for eight years. Ian ’22 has played in both the orchestra and chamber group in each of his first two years at Canterbury. He has been playing the violin for 12 years and performs in concerts and recitals throughout the year. The students spent the weekend of January 17–18 at New Britain High School, CT, in intensive rehearsals before performing with their respective bands in the Northern Region Music Festival on January 18. Andy and Ian shared that having the opportunity to rehearse and perform with like-minded musicians from across the state, who also enjoyed the musical challenge, was a great experience. Ian “loved the people and the program” and Andy “enjoyed playing with the other great trombone players and the festival atmosphere.” Both students plan to audition for the All-State Ensemble later this spring. Andy and Ian’s music teacher, Director of Music Dave Overthrow, shared his excitement and pride for the students’ accomplishments: “Andy and Ian both did a wonderful job in their respective groups. Each performed flawlessly and the groups gave powerful presentations. It has been my pleasure to work with and witness the passion of both of these music students. They both worked hard to accomplish this goal and continue to work in preparing for the All-State audition”.
Left to right: Sabrina Capodicci ’20, Grace Rundhaug ’23, Chiara Vaccaro ’20, Diana Turner ’20, Annaleise Booth ’23, and Francesca Mangravite ’21 take the audience through a day at Canterbury in Secrets.
Winter Theater Showcases Original Student Production, Secrets
This winter, six Canterbury students took on the incredible labor of writing, directing, and performing an original production. Secrets is a form of “devised theater,” loosely defined as the process of a group collaborating to create and perform a new work without a pre-existing script. Eric Grode on the TDF Theatre Dictionary website states that a devised process “typically begins with little more than a rehearsal space and a group of eager, committed theater practitioners. Through a series of improvisatory theater games or other conceptual icebreakers, they start to tease out the kinds of stories they’d like to tell and the way they’d like to tell them. Over time, a text emerges, one covered with the fingerprints of each and every participant.” The process for developing Secrets was much the same. Annaleise Booth ’23, Sabrina Capodicci ’20, Francesca Mangravite ’21, Grace Rundhaug ’23, Diana Turner ’20, and Chiara Vaccaro ’20 spent three months talking, playing, improvising, and crafting the show. They started every practice by sharing events of the day or stories from their lives to get to know one another better. Additionally, the group interviewed members of the School community in order to gain insight into the lives of other students on campus. Those conversations made their way into the theater games and improv exercises and ultimately into the show. The play focused on a day in the life of six Canterbury students. The audience was invited to follow them as they moved through different locations on campus (all done through creative blocking and stage direction in the L. Michael Sheehy ’56 Choral Classroom) and navigated conversations and interactions with each other. While each character was fictional, their stories were combinations of real things experienced by students at the School and by adolescents everywhere, including anxiety, stress, and unhealthy friendships. The play brought these experiences to life with authenticity, respect, and intention, and just as importantly, offered a forum to talk about them after the show.
The six performers sat with the audience for a talk-back session to answer questions both as their characters and as themselves. The session helped shed light on the characters’ behaviors, actions, and feelings, as well as on the performers’ choices in portraying them. Sabrina ’20 shared some of that process: “It was incredibly fun to develop characters with unique experiences, names, appearances, and personalities. The most challenging part was deciding which issues to include. Everyone deserves to see themselves represented on stage, so we tried to include a wide range of topics for our audience to connect with.” Ultimately, the play’s message was that everyone is going through something — even the people you don’t expect — and that looking at our relationships with others through that lens can make us more empathetic. Theater Director Sarah Armstrong shared, “It is our hope that by experiencing this performance and engaging in the talk-back session after the show, each [audience member] will walk away with a new perspective and sense of empathy for others.” After the play, Grace ’23 noted, “This play helped me really understand that you have to look at the bigger picture and not just judge things based on how they seem to be. You should always look deeper into something to understand what is actually happening.” The play’s program and talk-back session highlighted on- and off-campus resources for the issues discussed. We thank these six students for sharing their stories and talents with the community! PAGE 27.
AT CANTERBURY, we recognize that spiritual growth is a vitally important part of a complete education—touching every aspect of learning and life at the School and key to the overall experience of personal growth that defines us. Among some of the most pivotal opportunities our students are offered to explore and deepen their faith are the School’s retreats. Some are required—like the Form Retreats—and some are optional—like Emmaus—but they all provide the opportunity for students to get to know themselves, others, and God in a meaningful way. And in doing so, they
Creating
help strengthen the heart of the School’s mission:
CONSCIOUS LEADERS
complex, secular world.
FORM RETREATS All forms at Canterbury partake in a retreat each year organized by the Theology Department. While the format, focus, and location may change for each retreat, the overarching goals are the same: to bring each class together for reflection, unity, and contemplation; to help build trust and relationships among peers and faculty; and to encourage students to look both within and beyond themselves to answer challenging questions. The Canterbury retreat is a tradition that is informed by our Catholic heritage and guided by the School’s Five Values of Honesty, Respect, Compassion, Spirituality, and Self-reliance. While each retreat is distinct, they are designed to complement and build upon one another. Theology teacher, Director of the Center for Spirituality, Service, and Justice (CSSJ), and lead coordinator of the form retreats Tracy GarciaLaVigne says that no two are alike, “Each class brings its own dynamic to the experience. The retreats create the space for the students to build their form identity, and each student has their own special factor to contribute.” Combined with numerous service and faith-building opportunities coordinated by the CSSJ throughout the year, they offer our students a focused, intentional time for pause and consideration of themselves and others. Ultimately, retreats provide our students with the foundation to become conscious leaders. Die-hard (four-year) students go on their first retreat in the fall of their Third Form year. Centered on reflection, the retreat has Third Formers travel to Lover’s Leap State Park in New
Canterbury’s retreats connect students to themselves, each other, and the world around them.
PAGE 26.
To inspire our students to become moral leaders in a
THE MAGAZINE OF CANTERBURY SCHOOL
Milford to participate in a Living Mass. Sixth Form Sacristans, many of whom went on the same retreat three years prior, are charged with leading the Third Formers to stations across the wooded park and to various overlooks of Lake Lillinonah, pausing to lead prayer and invite students to write in their journals. The natural beauty of the park offers a calming atmosphere for honest reflection on the students’ first few weeks of school and encourages them to set goals and intentions for the year and for the rest of their time at Canterbury. Students and faculty advisors discuss challenges they have met in the year and the people and resources at Canterbury that students can turn to for guidance. This year, Third Former Kiley McCooey shared, “This retreat helped me reflect on the good things in life and also showed me what I need to work on. [...] The questions reinforced for me that being part of a community and caring for others is really important, and when others see that you care, it makes them feel good.” By reinforcing honesty among students — both with themselves and with others — this initial retreat sets up Third Formers for success throughout their Canterbury career and their lives. It gives them the tools to not only identify, but embrace challenges. They are encouraged to think deeply about the issues they struggle with and how to face them head on, and perhaps one of the most valuable lessons they learn is knowing when and whom to ask for help. Being able to identify their own personal challenges also helps students recognize and empathize with the challenges of others. Building on the learnings from the Third Form Retreat, the focus of the Fourth Form Retreat is to cultivate compassion and to bring awareness and action to issues that many people face, such as hunger and poverty. In turn, the retreat often results in a deeper level of gratitude among students for the resources and opportunities they have. The Fourth Form traditionally participates in the annual “Walk a Mile for a Meal” event to benefit the New Milford Food Bank, where students purchase food at the New Milford Big Y World Class Market and then walk one mile to the First Congregational Church on the Village Green for it to be donated to the Food Bank. In a similar theme, this year’s Fourth Form took part in an Oxfam Hunger Banquet for their retreat. Joined by Sacristans, faculty, and Head of School Rachel Stone, the class participated in
By reinforcing honesty among students — both with themselves and with others — this initial retreat sets up Third Formers for success throughout their Canterbury career, and their lives. It gives them the tools to not only identify, but embrace challenges. They are encouraged to think deeply about the issues they struggle with and how to face them head on, and perhaps one of the most valuable lessons they learn is knowing when and whom to ask for help.
PAGE 29.
C REATI NG C ONS CIOUS LE ADERS
Fourth Formers participate in an Oxfam Hunger Banquet where they learn about hunger and poverty statistics and actions to improve them.
a simulation that brings statistics about poverty to life. When they arrived in the Brodie Room, Fourth Form students randomly selected tickets matching real people who are high-, middle-, or low-income earners, effectively demonstrating that that there are elements of one’s place in life that are out of one’s control. The tickets are based on the latest global statistics about the number of people living in poverty, and each income level receives a corresponding meal. The 20 percent in the highincome tier—representing individuals that earn a minimum income of just $8,486.25 per year— were served a full, delicious meal of pasta, salad, and bread at set tables. The 30 percent in the middle-income section—representing individuals who earn between $2,135 and $8,486.25 per year—ate a simple meal of rice and beans. The 50 percent in the low-income tier—representing those who earn an income of less than $2,135 per year (under $5.45 a day)—helped themselves to
PAGE 30.
small portions of rice and water and were seated on the floor. Tracy Garcia-LaVigne helped organize the event to offer the students—and all involved—a different perspective. “The Fourth Form has been talking about needs versus wants in their classes, and this exercise allows them to step back and see the world around them from another point of view. The goal is for the students to shift their perspectives and to inspire them to act.” Maliyah Perkins ’20 acted as master of ceremonies, guiding participants through interactions that illustrate how inequalities in access to resources is the root of hunger and poverty rather than a deficit of food. After the meal, Sacristans facilitated small group discussions for students to share their thoughts on the experience and brainstorm actions to address the factors contributing to poverty. Alex Schneider ’22 drew a high-income card and noted that he felt both guilt and appreciation
THE MAGAZINE OF CANTERBURY SCHOOL
after the experience: “I felt guilty because while I was eating at a table, sitting in a nice chair, and eating good food, there were people just on the other side of the room that only had rice and a cup of water and were sitting on the floor. This experience made me appreciate more than just the food I get to eat every day. There are people who walk five miles a day for water that isn’t even clean. We don’t realize that we are extremely lucky and fortunate to have the food we eat, the education we receive, and so much more.” Ryan Kenna ’22 was in the low-income section and reflected on the importance of gratitude for what he has: “During this retreat, I learned a lot and saw so many things through a whole new perspective. [...] it made me think about all the good things I have in life that sometimes may be taken for granted, including having food and water on the table each day, having a home, and being able to receive the best education.” The Fourth Form Retreat’s focus on the
“We are so grateful to have Ms. Cook at our School, looking after us everyday. Her spirit of generosity and deep, genuine care for others can inspire us as we begin to think more intentionally about servant leadership, identify where we’ve witnessed it in our own lives, and reflect on how to become everyday servant leaders with and for others.”
needs of others is a perfect segue into their Fifth Form year as they begin to apply for and move into leadership opportunities at the School. Canterbury has numerous leadership positions open to the student body, especially to (rising) Sixth Formers, including: Sacristan (who, in addition to other duties, are charged with helping to lead all form retreats), Interfaith Council, Sixth Form Council, International Student Ambassador, Admission Lead Ambassador, Student Proctor (Day and Boarding), athletic team captain, elected officer of a club, and community service leader. Fittingly, the Fifth Form Retreat is centered on the theme of servant leadership—a philosophy in which the main goal of the leader is to serve others. The Fifth Form Retreat typically features a guest speaker who has a strong connection to the School, often as an alumnus/a. Past speakers have included Ed Perley ’76 in 2017 and Raheem Logan ’12 in 2018 who both emphasized the importance of following one’s passions, which in turn, can inspire and support others in their pursuits. In 2018, Fr. Patrick Conroy, 60th Chaplain of the House of Representatives, addressed the class, encouraging students to think about how they could incorporate service into all aspects of their lives, both while at Canterbury and once they’ve left the hilltop. This year’s speaker was the School’s own Director of Health Services Colleen Cook, R.N. ’02. Tracy Garcia-LaVigne led Colleen’s introduction, saying, “We are so grateful to have Ms. Cook at our School, looking after us everyday. Her spirit of generosity and deep, genuine care for others can inspire us as we begin to think more intentionally about servant leadership, identify where we’ve witnessed it in our own lives, and reflect on how to become everyday servant leaders with and for others.” Colleen returned to Canterbury this past fall after spending several years working as Clinical Director of Abdominal Transplant in the organ transplant unit at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, PA. After graduating from Canterbury, she received her B.S.N. from Villanova University, PA and obtained her M.B.A. from Temple University, PA. Outside of the School, Colleen is actively involved with two organizations based in Togo: Wish Them Well and El-Fazien orphanage. She recently traveled to Togo as a volunteer and has also participated in 11 of Canterbury’s annual pilgimages to Lourdes—three as a student and eight as the attending nurse for the group. PAGE 31.
C REATI NG C ONS CIOUS LE ADERS
Colleen addressed the class and shared examples of the people in her life who have influenced and inspired her with their servant leadership, including her grandmother, her parents, and her friend Amina Capaldi (who founded Wish Them Well). She shared that a big part of what led her to choose nursing as a profession was seeing how the important people in her life prioritized helping others. Colleen also cited her experience at Canterbury—particularly on the Lourdes service trips—as exemplifying the importance of leading to serve others: “My time at Canterbury really influenced my view of servant leadership. Outside of the mentors I met, my experience through the Lourdes pilgrimage was the most impactful. It was there that I saw people coming together from different backgrounds to have a shared experience of serving in faith and serving their fellow man.” She continued, “I often get asked why I keep going back, as this will be my 12th year since first going as a student in 2000. Admittedly, it has been hard to explain why I was choosing to use my vacation time this way, but I can say that every year I get something different out of the experience. I know that I always come back feeling recharged with a renewed sense of purpose of wanting to help others. It is there I am reminded of who I want to be.” Following Colleen’s address, Sacristans and faculty members facilitated smaller group discussions with the Fifth Form. As they began to apply for student leadership positions for their Sixth Form year, the class was asked to think about the qualities of servant leaders and how they can contribute to building community at our
“During that fall of 2016, we were all new and figuring things out, of course, and I want to thank the class of 2020 for collectively being my copilot for these first three— now heading into four—years on our hilltop. You have played a critical role in the tone and traditions that exist today, and you will always be my first 4-year diehard class.”
PAGE 32.
Sixth Formers choose stones hand-painted by Denise Trach P ’20, ’23 with words and quotes to use as inspiration for their goal and intention setting for the year.
School and beyond. One of these key leadership qualities was respect for others. Of course, when one leads with dignity, they are often shown the same courtesy in return. By exemplifying high esteem for their faculty and fellow students, the Fifth Form is poised to lead the School and set a culture of respect as they head into their final year. The Sixth Form actually participates in two retreats (one at the start of school and one just before Commencement), bookending their final year with opportunities to reflect and set goals and intentions. The annual Sixth Form Dinner & Retreat takes place on the class’ first day of school—their last first day as Canterbury students—and is a tradition which honors them and emphasizes the importance of their role at School. The evening begins with a formal dinner and an address to the class from Head of School Rachel Stone. This year, Rachel remarked that her Canterbury journey began at the same time as the 46 diehard students in the form: “During that fall of 2016, we were all new and figuring things out, of course, and I want to thank the class of 2020 for collectively being my copilot for these first three— now heading into four—years on our hilltop. You have played a critical role in the tone and traditions that exist today, and you will always be my first four-year diehard class.” After dinner, the Sixth Form takes part in another time-honored tradition: faculty form a line around the room, and each student
THE MAGAZINE OF CANTERBURY SCHOOL
shakes the hand of every faculty member. This tradition comes full circle at the Sixth Form’s Commencement in May, beginning and ending the students’ last year with a moment of gratitude, reflection, and connection with their teachers, coaches, advisors, dorm parents, and, for some, their actual parents. Afterward, the Sixth Formers head to the David C. Copley ’70 Library, where they
The (often emotional) Sixth Form-faculty handshakes begin and end the final year for our Saints.
participate in table discussions about their Canterbury memories and experiences—both their best and most challenging—and what they envision for their final year at School. This year, Brigida Caruso ’20, a Sacristan, Sixth Form Council member and Day Student Leader, addressed the class with her hopes for the year: “As we begin our final year on the hilltop, I hope that we will make a class effort to show up, be present, and experience things that we haven’t before, seeking out ways that remind us that we are in this together.” To end the retreat, Sixth Formers are able to write their prayers and intentions on scrolls to be placed on the altar of the Chapel of Our Lady and blessed at the Mass of the Holy Spirit, the first Mass celebrated at the start of the year. Sixth Formers also have the opportunity to write a letter to themselves with their own hopes, prayers and intentions for the year; the letters are opened again during the Sixth Form Reflections Retreat in May. Then, students have the opportunity to look back on their intentions from the beginning of the year and hold themselves accountable for both their successes and challenges. They move forward with self-reliance, knowing that they are responsible for their own happiness and fulfillment. Moreover, they leave Canterbury with the strength, resilience, confidence, and courage to tackle anything that comes their way.
EMMAUS All of Canterbury’s retreats encourage and explore spirituality, and the Emmaus retreat in particular allows students the space to deepen their faith and connection to God.
Emmaus is an adaptation of the Roman Catholic Cursillo Movement, which originated in Spain in 1949. Cursillo de Cristianidad means “little course in Christianity.” The original Cursillo leaders designed the program to empower persons to transform their living and working environments into Christian environments. Canterbury took these roots to produce a powerful retreat for and with its students. Emmaus is a two-day retreat offered to Fifth and Sixth Formers that is welcoming to students of all faiths. Through small-group discussions and exercises, students are given the spiritual tools to become closer to God and others. The rector and group leaders of the retreat are students (typically Sacristans) and they give a majority of the talks. This year, theology teacher and alumnus Raheem Logan ’12, was able to experience Emmaus for a second time (his first was as a student). He shared, “I was thankful to have the opportunity to be a leader in a retreat that meant so much to me as a student. The growth and openness that is encouraged by the retreat makes it a special
to focus on their relationships with God, self, and others.” She went on to explain, “This time for reflection, contemplation, and sharing has become a cherished experience for the students and faculty who attend. Our time together off campus allows students to connect without distraction, to be fully present with one another, and to explore the relationships they have and hope to build upon.” In addition to Emmaus and the Form Retreats, the CSSJ also offers “mini retreats” several times each semester. The mini retreats typically last only a half hour to an hour and focus on a range of topics and activities, including mindfulness, expression, contemplation, and meditation. Tracy Garcia-LaVigne has begun organizing the mini retreats as a way to help students take time to reflect and recharge. “Knowing how busy our students are, providing an opportunity that is accessible, welcoming, and enriching is so important,” she said. “We’re encouraging them to intentionally take the time to step back for a few minutes to regain perspective. It’s about setting our students up with healthy patterns and meeting
“This time for reflection, contemplation, and sharing has become a cherished experience for the students and faculty who attend. Our intentional time together off campus allows students to connect without distraction, to be fully present with one another, and to explore the relationships they have and hope to build upon.” weekend to be a part of.” The format and activities of the retreat remain much a mystery to those who have not experienced it—and that’s intentional. The retreat is designed to challenge students to stretch themselves spiritually, and that aspect of discovery (of self, others, and God) is key to its impact. Rachel Stone has said that, at its core, the retreat is, “a simple reminder that faith is (should be, can be) an avenue to the common ground of shared values and intentions: service to others, moral citizenship and leadership, acts of kindness and respect, and community building.” In essence, Emmaus is about connection. Tracy Garcia-LaVigne emphasized the importance of the retreat for taking a moment to pause and acknowledge one another: “Emmaus provides an opportunity for students and faculty to step away from the busy pace and pattern of our daily lives for a few days, allowing them to unplug and
them where they are to find a practice that suits them best.” Canterbury’s retreats are a unique and profound part of our School’s identity. They encourage students to be present and be of service to others—to think about things that are much bigger than themselves. They help our students find their own unique identities to navigate the many paths they choose through life with a strong foundation of morals and values. Most importantly, they nourish the spirit and, by doing so, weave together the many academic, artistic, and athletic facets of our students’ lives to build character and purpose. That’s why our students show up, they do the work, and they lead. That’s what makes them Saints.
PAGE 33.
AT H LE T IC S
SAINTS IN REVIEW FALL/WINTER 2019-20
CBURY.ORG/ATHLETICS
PAGE 32.
THE MAGAZINE OF CANTERBURY SCHOOL
PAGE 33.
AT H LE T IC S
CROSS COUNTRY JOHN BAGG ‘23
JACK MCCLUSKEY ‘20
LORELAI LEE SWANEK ‘21
BOYS’ Head Coach: Drew Houghtalen | Assistant Coach: Pres Hagen With only three returning varsity runners from last year’s team, the Saints knew they needed to put in hard work over the summer and at the start of the fall to match the success of the 2018 season. Sixth Form Captains Jack McCluskey and Yitian Sun helped foster an expectation of hard work and led a young varsity team to continually improve over the course of the season. After a disappointing first race, the team refocused their efforts and made consistent improvements each race leading up to the New England Championship. At the New England Championship, each member of the team ran a personal best in the 5K, and the Saints placed sixth as a team in a very tight race. Jack McCluskey ’20 had a great final race of his career, placing fourth and earning AllNew England honors. The returning runners on the varsity team, James Morice ’22, John Bagg ’23, Cullen Mulhern ’22, Huanrui Hu ’23, and Hanyan Cai ’22 are looking forward to working towards a podium finish at next year’s New England Championship. GIRLS’ Head Coach: Tracy Garcia-LaVigne | Assistant Coach: Matt Biggart The Girls’ Varsity Cross Country team enjoyed a successful season of program growth and individual accomplishments in 2019. Team Captains and Co-MVPs Lorelai Lee Swanek ’21 and Abby Omaña ’20 led the team as the top two finishers throughout the season. Swanek and Omaña finished the season with All-New England performances at the NEPSAC DIII Cross Country Championship, helping the team earn a seventh-place finish out of the twenty complete teams competing. Anna Imrie ’20, Maliyah Perkins ’20, Xing Gao ’20, Xinyi Weng ’23, and Brigida Caruso ’20 rounded out the varsity seven at the championship race. Olivia O’Connor ’22, Anika Flik ’21, Serena Arnold ’22, Maggie Ondrey ’21, Mia Perrucci ’22, Chiara Vacarro ’20, and Kate Pizzano ’22 competed in the Junior Varsity Championship race, earning a third-place finish out of seven complete teams. Through their dedication, team unity, and commitment to progress, the Saints continued to drop their times and improve their performances throughout the season. The team looks forward to building upon its successes and depth next season. PAGE 36.
THE MAGAZINE OF CANTERBURY SCHOOL
GRACE LAVIGNE ‘20
LIDA COCO ‘21
FIELD HOCKEY Head Coach: Maddie Lord | Assistant Coach: Meredith Berry-Toon Varsity Field Hockey showed another strong season and made it to the quarter-finals of the Class C tournament. Led by a solid Sixth Form, the team went 9-7 this season before falling in Boston against Winsor School. Sixth Formers Alexa Esposito, Emma Gambardella, Maeve O’Donnell, Kasey Sarmiento, Shannon Kennedy, Erin Sudbey, and Sixth Form Captains Grace LaVigne, Nessa Okoroanyanwu, and Tori Congdon were each so important to the team’s success and growth through the season. Impressive wins against Greens Farms Academy, which brought the Saints into an overtime 5-4 victory, as well as an overtime 1-0 win against Hopkins School (with only seconds left) were some of the highlights of the season. Tori Congdon ’20 and Lida Coco ’21 earned All-NEPSAC honors, and Grace LaVigne ’20 and Kasey Sarmineto ’20 earned All-NEPSAC Honorable Mention nods. Coco and Sarmiento also made the All-West teams. The MVP award went to Tori Congdon ’20 and the Coach’s Award went to Kasey Sarmiento ’20.
CONOR O’REILLY ’20
TYLER BARTHOLOMEW ’20
FOOTBALL Head Coach: Jim Stone | Assistant Coaches: Larry Badaracco, Jake Dellorco, Zach Lord, Sean Milano The Canterbury Football team had a strong season in their second year as a member of the Evergreen League. The team finished the regular season with a 7–1 record and was selected to play in the Mark Conroy Bowl against Middlesex School. Unfortunately, the Saints fell short 21–12 in the bowl game, but the team made great progress during the season and is headed in the right direction. Canterbury opened the season with a lopsided victory over Cushing Academy and then traveled to New Hampshire for a showdown with Proctor Academy. A disappointing performance by the Saints led to a 27-13 loss but an intensified level of drive and determination. Canterbury rebounded and went on a six-game winning streak, defeating Albany Academy, King School, Berkshire School, St. Luke’s School, Hamden Hall Country Day School, and Portsmouth Abbey. The Saints really kicked things in gear in the game against rival Berkshire; they came out inspired and played their best game in the last three years, defeating the Bears 41–0. From that point forward, the Saints kept getting better each week. It was a successful campaign for Canterbury and one that the team will continue to build upon as they prepare for 2020. PAGE 37.
AT H LE T IC S
GIRLS’ VARSITY SOCCER CLOSES OUT 18-1 SEASON WITH NEPSAC CLASS C CHAMPIONSHIP WIN
I
t was an excellent end to an excellent season. Girls’ Varsity Soccer won the Class C Title in the New England Private School Athletic Council (NEPSAC) Championship Final against St. Luke’s School, CT on November 17. After a 3–2 win against Dexter Southfield School, MA at home the day prior, the first-seeded Saints competed in the tournament final against thirdseeded The Storm on neutral turf at Deerfield Academy in Deerfield, MA where they won 1–0. This is the first NEPSAC Championship title win for soccer at Canterbury since 1989, for either the girls’ or boys’ teams; the Girls’ Varsity team made it to the tournament last year but lost in the quarterfinal game. Composed of mostly underformers and guided by talented coaching duo Sam Hargrove (Head Coach) and Bryce Wallis (Assistant Coach), the team’s trajectory is only heading upward. In fact, they were ranked fifth amongst all classes in Western New England. Led by Captains Cecilia “CC” Poli ’20 and Bella Cotier ’20, the team won 18 of their 19 games and boasted 82 goals in the season (lead scorers were Joy Okonye ’23 with 28, Ella Olcese ’21 with 27, and Abi King ’21 with 10). Only 10 goals were scored against them, and they had an amazing 13 shutouts by goalie Peyton DeRouen ’21. “It’s a great feeling to cap off an amazing season with a New England Championship. This group has really come together this year in many ways, including PAGE 36.
doing an unbelievable job raising money for St. Jude Children’s Hospital,” said Coach Hargrove. “This weekend was a testament to their character and grit with two games in two days against tough opponents. Coach Wallis and I are so proud of this team and all that they have been able to accomplish not only this year but in their time at Canterbury.” Assistant Coach Bryce Wallis remarked on the leadership of the team’s captains as being a crucial part of their championship season: “The success of this season was a testament to the innate leadership, accountability, and high standards set forth by Captains CC Poli and Bella Cotier. These two incredible young women are the epitome of team leaders. They came to practice every day with a willingness to work, learn, and achieve.” Coach Wallis went on to say, “CC and Bella continued to improve as the season progressed and both played integral roles in our starting defensive line. Their leadership on and off the field challenged our younger players to hold themselves accountable, develop a strong work ethic, and find joy in the sport. CC and Bella are role model student-athletes, and our team’s success would not have been possible without them.” CC ’20 shared her gratitude for the team and its coaches in her final season as a Saint: “All of it feels so surreal. Just four years ago, I would have never THE MAGAZINE OF CANTERBURY SCHOOL
imagined that we would be New England Class C Champions.” She continued, “Our coaches, team, and season were filled with lots of blood, sweat, and tears. We put so much dedication and heart into the game for our coaches, for ourselves, and for each other. This team is forever, and I will always be grateful for that.” The team presented their trophy to Head of School Rachel Stone during School Meeting, where she noted, “They played with class, they played with strength, and they played with the spirit of the Saints. We are so proud of this team!” Post-season, the team saw players receive several league titles. Peyton DeRouen ’21, Tori Gioiele ’22, Ella Olcese ’21, and Joy Okonye ’23 were named All-New England Class C, and Okonye was honored as Class C Player of the Year—a rare and remarkable accomplishment for a Third Form player. Olcese and Okonye were also named Boston Globe—All-Scholastic, and Okonye was named their Player of the Year. Bella Cotier ’20 and Ali King ’22 were named All-Western New England.
GIRLS' SOCCER GIRLS’ Head Coach: Sam Hargrove | Assistant Coach: Bryce Wallis It was a historic season for Canterbury Girls’ Varsity Soccer as 2019 saw the Saints capture the first NEPSAC Championship since 1989 for either the boys’ or girls’ programs. Amassing an overall record of 18-1-0, the team was led by Captains Bella Cotier ’20 and CC Poli ’20 who played their fourth and final seasons with the team. The Saints outscored opponents 82-10, including 13 shutouts by goalkeeper Peyton DeRouen ’21, an All-NEPSAC selection. DeRouen had quite the defense in front of her as Cotier and Poli worked alongside Cassidy Rockwood ’21 and Tori Gioiele ’21, an All-NEPSAC selection, to stifle the opposition. The offense was paced by a trio of forwards Abi King ’21 (10 Goals), Ella Olcese ’21 (27 Goals), and Joy Okonye ’23 (28 Goals). Furthermore, Okonye was named NEPSAC Class C Player of the Year while Olcese garnered All-State recognition. The midfield was dynamic in the team’s success as Ali King ’22, Lexah Caraluzzi ’21, and newcomers Ashley Regina ’22 and Rhea Khazzaka ’23 were consistent playmakers all season. The entire roster contributed throughout the season seeing a bright future from Jade Brinker ’21, Natasha Burns ’21, Lindsey Grandolfo ’22, Sophia Maselli ’23, and Avery Trach ’23. Another major highlight of the season was a substantial fundraising effort for St. Jude Children’s Hospital in November, partnered with a strong performance against Millbrook School. In 2020, the Saints will look to defend their New England title.
JOY OKONYE ‘23
ALESSANDRA KING ‘22
PAGE 39.
AT H LE T IC S
BEN SECOR ‘21
DYLAN CHUNG ’23
BOYS' SOCCER BOYS’ Head Coach: Shawn Ganow | Assistant Coach: Julio Omaña The Boys’ Varsity Soccer team ended the 2019 season on an upward note, taking two wins in two home games to close out the fall campaign. The Saints claimed a 1-0 victory over a strong Trinity-Pawling School squad on the last day of the season with a goal scored by Sixth Former Andrew Kim. On Gunnery Day, the Saints beat the Highlanders 6-0. This was also the last senior game of the season, and the team bid farewell to 12 Sixth Formers as they played their last minutes in Canterbury Navy. Other victories this season came against Rye Country Day School (4-1) and Wilbraham and Monson Academy (3-0). The high scorer for the 2019 season was Andrew Kim ’20 from Seoul, South Korea; the leader in assists was Jonathon Fernandes ’20 from Woodbury, CT. Returning Saints will enter the next soccer season with much growth under their belts and eager to get back on the field in fall 2020.
Sixth Form Athletes Commit to Playing Division 1 Lacrosse and Basketball
PAGE 38.
Girls’ Varsity Lacrosse committed three Sixth Form players to Division I programs. Bella Cotier has committed to Brown University, RI; Emma Gambardella will play for Iona College, NY; and Megan LeBlanc will compete for Fairfield University, CT. “We are incredibly excited to celebrate the accomplishments of these tri-varsity, female student-athletes,” remarked Head Coach Lindsay Mulhern. “They have been the backbone of our success for the past three years, and we are thrilled they get to take their lacrosse talents to the collegiate level.” Varsity Basketball player Michael Graham has also committed early at Elon University, NC. Relatively new to the game—this is his fifth year playing organized, competitive basketball—Michael
is a postgraduate from Xaverian High School in Brooklyn, NY where he was All-CHSAA as a senior (averaging 16 points and 11 rebounds) and was rated the #7 recruit in NY by 247 Sports. “Michael is a polite and humble person who comes from a great family,” said Coach Brian Baudinet. “He has made tremendous growth in his development in a short period of time, which is a testament to his work ethic and his previous coaches. He oozes potential, and I’m excited to continue to help him develop towards the player he is capable of becoming.” Canterbury wishes these Saints success on their continued athletic careers!
THE MAGAZINE OF CANTERBURY SCHOOL
VOLLEYBALL Head Coach: EJ Soifersmith | Assistant Coach: Kelli Darrin Although the final record for the season was not what the Saints had hoped for, the camaraderie, sportsmanship, and energy of the team was nothing short of stellar. The 10th Annual Pink Out was a roaring success with many alumni returning to show their support for the Saints and heroic cancer survivors. The season ended on a high note with a win over Millbrook School during the senior game, where graduating Sixth Formers Meg LeBlanc, Molly Clancy, and Gillian Marma (plus manager extraordinaire, James Foster ’20) were honored. LeBlanc, Clancy, and Marma have been dedicated members of the volleyball team and have enhanced the program in so many ways; their dedication and leadership as captains this year was remarkable. Coaches Soifersmith and Darrin look forward to continuing to build the team with the talent of returning players coupled with future players that will strengthen the program.
ABBY MITCHELL ’22
GIRLS' BASKETBALL MEGAN LEBLANC ’20
AVA RUISI ’23
CC POLI ’20
Head Coach: EJ Soifersmith | Assistant Coach: Todd Mathewson This year, Girls’ Varsity Basketball was a young, hard-working team with only three returning players. The three returners, Meg LeBlanc ’20, CC Poli ’20, and Emma Gambardella ’20 were each on the team for four years and were named Tri-Captains. These three led the young team in every way imaginable: points, rebounding, defense, and leadership. Third Former Rhea Khazzaka started, ran the show at point, and did a great job handling the pressure and executing her position. Abbey Kavanaugh ’21 also started and played aggressive at center, and Sarina Sheth ’22 played valuable minutes and was an excellent shooter off the bench. The team really came together and bonded this year and shows great promise for next season. Meg LeBlanc ’20 was named MVP and CC Poli ’20 and Emma Gambardella ’20 were winners of the Don Gowan III Award. Additional congratulations to Meg LeBlanc ’20 who received NEPSAC All-League postseason recognition as a New England Class C All Star.
PAGE 41.
AT H LE T IC S
MICHAEL GRAHAM ‘20
NEPSAC CLASS B
CHAMPIONS FOR SECOND TIME
T
he Boys’ Varsity Basketball team had a stellar season with an overall record of 25–2 that culminated in the NEPSAC Class B Title in the Championship Final against Brooks School, MA on March 8. After a double-overtime win in the semifinal against St. George’s School the previous day, the second-seeded Saints went up against first-seeded Brooks in the final game and came away with a 68–57 win at Worcester State University, MA. This is the second NEPSAC Championship title win for the boys’ team in the last five years. They won the Championship in 2015 and lost in the final game last year, but have made it to the semifinals or finals every year since their first title win. Head Coach Brian Baudinet and Assistant Coach Edward Ogundeko applauded the team, led by Captain Tray Alexander ’20. “The guys were ready to play in the championship. I think last year our team had more nerves in the championship game. But this year, after surviving a double-overtime game in the semifinals, it seemed like we could exhale and just go play with a clear mind,” Coach Baudinet shared. The team will be graduating several of their key players next year, including Mike Graham ’20 who will play at Elon University, NC and Charlie Campbell ’20 who earned MVP of the championship game and will play at Trinity College, CT. Coach Baudinet credits the team’s success to their camaraderie: “This was a great
PAGE 40.
group of guys. We had a nice blend of returning players and newcomers. It took some time for chemistry to develop, but we came to really enjoy each other.” He continued, “We battled injury and illness all year and actually only played 11 games with our full team; it was great to see different guys step up at different times when we needed it.” Coach Baudinet has a wealth of experience on the court. Prior to Canterbury, he coached at Trinity College, CT, American International College, MA, and Duquesne University, PA. He also worked as a D League Assistant with the Oklahoma City Thunder Association serving as an Assistant Coach with the Tulsa 66ers. “Winning the championship is a good feeling,” he said. “It’s a validation of the work we put in all year. I think for the returners it was also vindication from getting there last year and falling short. It wasn’t an easy road, but that’s what makes it worth it. Now, we have to work on building next year’s team!” In March, Coach Baudinet was named NEPSAC Class B Coach of the Year. Several team members also received recognition from the organization: Sean Durugordon ’21, Tray Alexander ’20, and Mike Iuzzolino ’20 were named All-NEPSAC, and Mike Graham ’20 and Marlon Short ’20 received Honorable Mention. Congratulations to the entire team on a fantastic season and a well-deserved championship win!
THE MAGAZINE OF CANTERBURY SCHOOL
SEASON RECORD: 25-2 TRI-STATE LEAGUE CHAMPIONS CLASS B TOURNAMENT #2 SEED
3
PLAYERS NAMED TO NEPSAC CLASS B ALL-STAR TEAM
BOYS' BASKETBALL GABE DIAMOND ‘20
Head Coach: Brian Baudinet | Assistant Coach: Edward Ogundeko The Boys’ Varsity Basketball team finished the season with a 25-2 record, including a 19-game winning streak. The season culminated with a 68-57 victory over The Brooks School to capture the Class B New England Championship—for only the second time in school history! The Saints also won the Tri-State League Championship for the second time in three years. Led by a hungry group of returning players from last year’s Class B runner-up team, the Saints played like a team on a mission. The newcomers blended their talent and personalities with the returnees, and the group truly enjoyed playing together. The team’s resilience, depth, and balance allowed players to overcome multiple injuries throughout the season and not deter them from their goal. The Saints thank the Sixth Formers—Tray Alexander, Charlie Campbell, Marlon Short, Gabe Diamond and postgrad Michael Graham—for their exemplary leadership. They will be missed!
TRAYVON ALEXANDER ’20
PAGE 43.
AT H LE T IC S COACH MCCARTHY
ANDREW MANCINI ’20
KENNY MAXWELL ‘21
RILEY MCPHEE ’22 ANIKA FLIK ‘21
HOCKEY BOYS’ Head Coach: Paddy McCarthy ’94 | Assistant Coaches: Nick Ellis, Mike Polsonetti Boys’ Varsity Hockey was led this year by Captain Josh Wilkins ’20. He was assisted by Andrew Mancini ’20 and Devon Carlstrom ’21. Cal Skwara ’20 led the team in minutes between the pipes. Jack McCluskey ’20, Jack Barton ’21, Matt Boczar ’20, and Casey Raffone ’21 led the Saints in points up front. Andrew Mancini ’20 led the D-Corp in points. Some notable wins were a 3–0 shutout of Albany Academy and a 6–2 victory over TrinityPawling School. Another highlight of the season was the fundraiser game against The Gunnery to fight ALS, where the team raised more $3,700 to be donated to ALS research. Andrew Mancini ’20 earned MVP honors, and Andrew Kessing ’20 earned the Coach’s Award.
GIRLS’ Head Coach: Katie Mandigo | Assistant Coach: Molly O’Sullivan Welcoming 13 new players this season, the Girls’ Varsity Hockey team had a roster full of fresh faces. With only two Sixth Formers on the team, the younger players had ample opportunities to step up and lead. The Saints opened the season with a come-from-behind overtime win at Greenwich Academy and closed the season the same way, this time beating the Gators with 45 seconds left in regulation. The team made tremendous strides throughout the season and was playing their best hockey for the final leg of the season. The Saints tied a highly ranked Choate Rosemary Hall team and also tied school rival, The Gunnery. With all but two players returning next season, the Saints have a lot to look forward to with a young, skilled team.
PAGE 44.
THE MAGAZINE OF CANTERBURY SCHOOL
RYAN GREGUSKI ’20
DIEGO PAREDES ’22
SWIMMING & DIVING Head Coach: Christine Harding | Assistant Coaches: Michael Niu, Paige Root, Sally Ruderman BOYS’ The Boys’ Swimming and Diving program had a rebuilding season after winning the New England Championship last year for the fourth time in a row. Leading some of the highlights of the season was diver Ryan Greguski ’20, who broke his own personal record three times. Greguski finished his season at New England Championships in second place in the 11 dive competition; he will dive with Middlebury College, VT, next year. Graham Higgins ’20 earned a second place finish in the 500-yard Freestyle, and Sam Tscheppe ’21 took the Gold Medal in the 50-yard freestyle. Throughout the season, the boys’ team experienced personal bests and tremendous growth. The Saints are looking forward to a young team growing even stronger next season. Additional congratulations to Sam Tscheppe ’21 who earned a NEPSAC All-New England Class C title in the 50-yard Freestyle.
GISELLE BRADSHAW ’21 ANABELLE PERNEREWSKI ’21
GIRLS’ The Girls’ Swim Team went from a ninth place finish last year at the New England Championship to a third place finish this season! Anabelle Pernerewski ’21 had an amazing rookie season with Canterbury, setting a new school record four times this year in the 50yard Freestyle and taking the top spot in both the 50-yard Freestyle and the 100-yard Breaststroke at New England Championship. The girls’ team only had 11 members this season, and each found her way to her own individual successes. All in all it was a great season of individual growth, which bodes well for the Saints next year. Additional congratulations to Anabelle Pernerewski ’21 who earned a NEPSAC All-New England Class C title in the 50-yard Freestyle and 100-yard Breaststroke.
PAGE 45.
AT H LE T IC S
NICOLAS GRAHAM ‘21
JUSTIN SCHNEIDER ‘20
SQUASH
ABIGAYLE KING ‘21
LILY GREENWOOD ‘21
BOYS’ Head Coach: Raheem Logan ’12 The Boys’ Varsity Squash team was in a rebuilding state this year. With losing six out of the top seven players from last year’s team, a number of young JV players were stepping into new positions. They had to learn how to put themselves in the position to play and win at this level. The Saints made progress through their experiences and defeats. Their thrilling 4-3 victory against Williston Northampton School was the highlight of the season. They had three nail-biting losses—two against Trinity-Pawling School and one against Salisbury School—but with narrow margins of 3-4 or 2-5 scores. The team’s peak of the season came at the National Tournament with a sixth place finish in Division VII. The team came together and displayed some of their best squash of the season, earning two of their four total wins there. The Saints were led by Captain Justin Schneider ’20 who kept the team together and in good spirits throughout the season. There were many young men with high character on this squad, and they serve as the foundation that will move the program forward in years to come. The season’s MVP was Justin Schneider ’20 and the Coach’s Award went to Elliot Cantor ’23 and Torin Kearney ’21.
GIRLS’ Head Coach: Amy Omaña ’86 The Girls’ Varsity Squash team ended another exciting season with back-to-back February tournaments. The girls competed for the first time in the High School National tournament, adapting beautifully to the three-day team format. It was a great weekend of intense play, team bonding, and lots of great squash. Following the HS National Tournament, the Girls’ Varsity team went on to perform very well at the (NEISA) New England’s Class D/E tournament. The team placed third overall and earned the coveted Team Sportsmanship Award. Notable highlights from the New England individual’s tournament were the first place finish by #5 Lida Coco ’21 and third place finish by Sixth Former and Co-Captain Bella Cotier ’20. As the heart and soul of this varsity squad graduates this year— Tori Congdon ’20, Bella Cotier ’20, Xing Gao ’20, and Gillian Marma ’20—the returning underformers are already looking ahead to summer training and tournament opportunities. The Saints are looking forward to maintaining momentum and building on the steady progress and success of the 2019-2020 season!
PAGE 46.
THE MAGAZINE OF CANTERBURY SCHOOL
WRESTLING Head Coach: Kevin Conroy | Assistant Coach: Chas Hollinger Canterbury’s Varsity Wrestling team had an exciting winter. Despite a small roster and only one returner, the grapplers were able to find plenty of individual success throughout the season. Winning 49 of 77 individual matches, the Saints posted an impressive 64 percent win percentage. Captain Sean Quaye ’21 led the charge; wrestling at the 220 lbs weight class, Quaye was 9-1 in the regular season and placed third at the very competitive league tournament. Both Quaye and Natale Frangione ’21 qualified for the New England tournament at the Hartford Armory. There, each placed top 6 in their weight class (Quaye–sixth at 220 lbs, Frangione–third at 285 lbs), earned the honor of All-New England, and qualified for the National Prep tournament held at Lehigh University. Competing against wrestlers from around the country, Frangione won three matches, putting him in the top 12 of heavyweights. The team is fired up to build on this success next winter. Additional congratulations to Natale Frangione ’21 for receiving NEPSAC All-New England Honorable Mention.
BRYCE TWOHEY, ‘20
NATALE FRANGIONE, ‘21
SEAN QUAYE, ‘21
PAGE 47.
Annual Family Weekend and Benefit Auction Give Families “A Taste of Litchfield County” and Life on the Hilltop
PAGE 46.
THE MAGAZINE OF CANTERBURY SCHOOL
Family and friends of Canterbury students were welcomed to campus on Friday, October 18, and Saturday, October 19, for the annual Family Weekend (formerly Parents’ Weekend). More than 300 family members accompanied their students to classes, practices, and rehearsals to truly experience two full days of life on the hilltop. Families were greeted on Friday morning with a welcome in the Chapel of Our Lady from Head of School Rachel Stone, who shared her excitement for her first Family Weekend as the parent of a Third Former. Rachel averred, “Every single day we (faculty and staff) draw energy, spirit, joy, and love from your children...” All families were treated to performances by the Chorale group and Varsity Voices, led by Choral and Liturgical Music Director Sarah Armstrong. Over the two days, family members had the opportunity to visit their student’s classes; meet with teachers, advisors, dorm parents and coaches; attend parent-faculty conferences; join students and their friends for meals in the dining hall; participate in college planning sessions; enjoy student musical performances and an art exhibit; and see all teams compete in home games against Berkshire School. Following Friday’s classes, guests were welcomed to the fifth annual Family Weekend Benefit Auction in David C. Copley ʼ70 Library for the opportunity to meet and mingle with fellow parents and faculty. The event directly supports the students
PAGE 49.
and the School and this year featured fantastic local drinks and eats with
is right now: we are already moving and we have momentum. We have
the theme, “A Taste of Litchfield County.” The rustic gourmet menu
students from all over the globe who thirst for a place in which they can
included beers from Kent Falls Brewing Co. in Kent, CT; liquors from
be challenged and applauded; a place where they learn that values are at
Litchfield Distillery in Litchfield, CT; cheeses from Arethusa Farm in
the core of all decisions we make in life.”
Litchfield, CT; and cured meats, greens and desserts from other local
The excitement of the Fall Benefit carried over into the weekend as
purveyors. Canterbury’s student Contemporary Music Band provided
campus transformed into a bustling hub of parents, families, and alumni
the soundtrack for the evening, playing several rock and jazz songs, such
returning across class years in preparation for Homecoming and the
as Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep,” and the Eagles’ “Hotel California.”
Athletics Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.
The School’s own Dean of Faculty Wright Danenbarger served as an entertaining auctioneer and sold hot-ticket items such as a stay in a luxury Paris apartment, a week-long trip to a chateau in the Pyrenees, and coveted reserved parking spaces at Steele Hall. Chief Advancement Officer Rick Henderson addressed the attendees, saying, “For the last three years, a force has been growing and it’s moving our amazing school forward to new heights. [...] What separates the good schools from great schools are two things: leadership and the relentless approach to always continue momentum. And that is where Canterbury
PAGE 50.
THE MAGAZINE OF CANTERBURY SCHOOL
HOMECOMING BRINGS SAINTS TOGETHER The extended Canterbury family gathered for the annual Homecoming Weekend and Athletics Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony hosted on Saturday, October 19. All teams played at home against Berkshire School, MA, for the coveted Sheehan Cup. While Canterbury did not take the Cup this year, the School had several great wins, including Football’s 41–0 victory, Girls’ Varsity Soccer’s 5–0 shutout, and Boys’ Cross Country’s overall win, with Jack McCluskey ’20 taking first place in the race. The beautiful fall weather was the perfect backdrop for enjoying delicious BBQ fare from The Cookhouse, and families, students, alumni, and faculty all mingled outside while taking in the surrounding games. Face painting and pumpkin decorating were big hits for the younger spectators under the tent. Many alumni continued the festivities in a “Post-Game Huddle” at the Iron Rail in New Milford after the last games wrapped up, and others stayed on campus to attend the Athletics Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.
Henry Vetter ‘22 with his parents, Johanna and Alex ‘89
PAGE 51.
ATHLETICS HALL OF FAME More than 100 alumni and guests were present for the Athletics Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on October 19 to reunite and recognize the inductees. The ceremony honored five individuals— including the first inductee to be recognized as both a Canterbury athlete and coach—and a historic team. Head of School Rachel Stone delivered the opening remarks for the evening, emphasizing the School’s pride in, and gratitude for, the inductees: “As you enter our Hall of Fame, your outstanding achievements will be immortalized on our hilltop and forever remembered by Saints fans—past, present, and future. Know, too, that you continue to inspire today’s students and provide exemplary role models for them as they balance the rigors, and joys, of academics and athletics. You have provided a standard of excellence, grace, and dignity for us all, and we celebrate you tonight with a deep sense of gratitude and enduring respect.” Honored for their exceptional athletic achievements that have brought great pride and distinction to the reputation of Canterbury School, the inductees boast numerous accomplishments from off the hilltop as well. Director of Athletics Jim Stone introduced many of the inductees and shared their outstanding achievements. W. Dickson Fairback ’55, recognized posthumously, earned 12 Varsity letters in football, ice hockey, and track & field while at Canterbury and continued his athletic prowess as a threesport athlete at Nichols College, MA; his son Dwight Fairback accepted the award. Jim Briggs ’56 was a “dual threat” as an athlete and coach for the Saints. He was a three-sport letterman in football, ice hockey, and baseball while at Canterbury; an all-star football and baseball player at Williams College, MA; and returned to the hilltop to coach football and baseball leading to Connetonic League titles in ’61 & ’62. Jim ’56 then returned to Williams in 1974 as head baseball coach—the longest tenured coach in the school’s history—and led the team to 216 wins and three Little Three titles and two international tournaments.
PAGE 52.
The Canterbury School Athletics Hall of Fame was founded to honor, pay tribute, and perpetuate the legacy of those individuals who, through participation or support, have made outstanding contributions in the field of athletics and have helped bring recognition, honor, distinction, and excellence to Canterbury School.
THE MAGAZINE OF CANTERBURY SCHOOL
2019 INDUCTEES
JAMES R. BRIGGS ’56
CHRIS RYAN ’69
CLAIRE FITZPATRICK ’09
1977 BOYS’ CROSS COUNTRY TEAM
W. DICKSON FAIRBACK ’55
RICHARD T. GILBANE ’69
PAGE 51.
Members of the 1977 Cross Country team in attendance at the Induction Ceremony (left to right): Brendan Skislock ’79, Chris Omeltchenko ’78, Noah Hume ’79, Kevin Burke ’79, Dave Keating ’78, Coach Walter Burke, Gerry Vanasse ’78, Tom McCormack ’79, Dave Langley ’79, Joe Viau ’79, and Joe Keneally ’78.
Dick Gilbane ’69 earned seven varsity letters in football, ice hockey, wrestling, and track & field while at Canterbury. He broke the School discus throwing record (173 feet three-quarter inches), a throw that was only two feet off the Connecticut state record (1969), and he remains the current Canterbury record holder! After Canterbury, Dick ’69 went on to compete for Harvard University, MA, in track & field, lettering all four years and was named First Team All-Ivy for discus in 1975 and finished 5th in the Intercollegiate Association of Amateur Athletes of America National Championship. Chris Ryan ’69 was an outstanding athlete who excelled in football, swimming, and track & field while at Canterbury, earning ten varsity letters. Captain of the swim team his senior year, Chris ’69 broke the school record in the 50-meter and 100-meter Freestyle races and was also a member of the 1966 Conference of Independent Schools Athletic Association Championship team that was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2015. Clare Fitzpatrick ’09 excelled in field hockey, softball, and basketball while earning ten varsity letters at Canterbury. She was the most prolific scorer in the basketball program’s history and was named the Most Valuable Player of the team all four years. Clare ’09 finished her high school career with 1,521 points—a record that may never be broken— and was named First Team All-New England three years in a row. After Canterbury, she went on to play for Cornell University, NY, where she continued to set records and was a three time All-Ivy selection. After Cornell, she began her coaching career and has been an assistant coach for seven years with stints at Yale University, CT; The United States Air Force Academy, CO; and currently at the College of the Holy Cross, MA. The Class of 1977 Cross Country Team had a 13–0 season record, and won the Canterbury Invitational and JFK Invitational, and was the Williston Invitational Class A New England Prep School Runner-Up. The team— led by Coach Walter Burke Jr. and Co-Captains Dave Keating ’78 and Gerry Vanasse ’78—had an extended winning streak with 51 consecutive dual meet victories. Since the inception of the Athletics Hall of Fame tradition in 2015, Canterbury has enshrined 36 athletes, six coaches and seven teams to its hallowed Hall, honoring the accomplishments of athletes from 1928 through 2009. The Induction Ceremony, in tandem with Homecoming, is a true celebration of excellence DICK GILBANE ’69 in Canterbury athletics—both past and present. PAGE 54.
CHRIS RYAN ‘69
CLARE FITZPATRICK ‘09
JIM BRIGGS ‘56 DAVE KEATING ’78 AND COACH WALTER BURKE
Annual Christmas Party Celebrated in New York
More than 150 alumni, current and past parents, and faculty celebrated the holiday season at the annual Canterbury Christmas Party on Tuesday, December 10, at The Harvard Club of New York. Alumni from class years spanning 1950 through 2017 were in attendance and spent time reminiscing and enjoying the festive holiday gathering. Peter Tucker ’78, President of the Society of Alumni and Canterbury Trustee, addressed the group: “Canterbury is the great school that ties us all together,” he began. “Tonight’s event allows us to celebrate our Canterbury memories and experiences and helps us connect with each other and the School.” Peter also extended thanks to Rachel and Jim Stone for hosting the gathering and acknowledged several Trustees in attendance: Mike Carretta ’71 and Lauren and Bob ’71 Steers P ’11 (pictured on left); John Duffy ’59, P ’87, ’91 (pictured on right); Sean Flanagan ’91 P ’23 and Karen Casey ’91 (pictured on left); and Kevin Fee P ’18, ’19, ’21, ’23 and Larry Fisher III ’77 (not pictured). Elizabeth Dooley ’10, Society of Alumni Executive Committee member and President of the Canterbury Club of New York, delivered notes and invited all New York Saints to get involved with upcoming events and activities to be sponsored by the Club. She went on to invite all those gathered to continue the evening’s festivities at the fourth annual CCNY After-Party, which was held at Point Break, a short one-block walk from the Harvard Club. The Society of Alumni and Rachel Stone extended their deepest thanks to all those who joined in celebrating the Christmas season and the School.
PAGE 53.
SOCIETY OF ALUMNI MENTOR PROGR A M Building Relationships. Creating Opportunities.
The Society of Alumni comprises more than 5,000 graduates
FROM YOUR SO CIET Y OF ALUMNI EXECUTIVE COMMIT TEE:
spread throughout the country and the world who have entered,
Our journey as alumni began as students. We came to Canterbury with our own hopes and expectations. We lived and learned during different decades and under different school administrations. We left on graduation day with unique memories and experiences, personal dreams and aspirations. However, something happened during our years as students on the hilltop that forever binds us as graduates. It started almost immediately on our first day at school and, hopefully, stayed with us throughout our lives. It is the indescribable feeling of community that was woven through our relationships with faculty and fellow students and all of our academic, athletic, and student life experiences. Most poignant of all, it is a sense of community that is deeply rooted in values, service, and respect for one’s self and others.
on the expertise of alumni, a desire to give back to Canterbury,
progressed, and excelled in myriad professional fields. Capitalizing
Fellow graduates, your membership in the Society of Alumni ensures that this remarkable community to which you belong extends long past graduation. You are forever connected to an incredible, global network of people with whom you share a common bond and love of Canterbury.
a resounding request from alumni for more career resources and opportunities to connect, and a driving goal to further strengthen and enhance the overall alumni network, the Society of Alumni Executive Committee has created a new, dynamic initiative: the Society of Alumni Mentor Program. The Society of Alumni Mentor Program is open to all Canterbury graduates, anywhere in the world, who are willing to offer a range of perspectives on everything from modern day college experiences to career wisdom gained over a lifetime. As a mentor, the program invites you to share your expertise and support with young alumni still in college, recently graduated, or those contemplating a career change, whether that means creating an official internship, arranging for less formal networking opportunities, passing along resumes to colleagues, or simply offering advice about navigating the ins and outs of a specific profession. Likewise, mentorship is a powerful method of professional development that can benefit individuals across all job levels, roles, and functions. The program allows those seeking career guidance to find and connect directly with seasoned professionals. Being mentored by a fellow Saint who has experience in your field can
“ A s the world continues to become more complex and challenging, your Canterbury family should always be a group that you can look to for guidance and knowledge; a group you can lean on for personal, professional, and social support. Canterbury Core is a natural, virtual extension of our alumni community and, more importantly, a way for us to network and help each other thrive and excel in the world.” VICTORIA BUND ONIS ROVIN ’81
PAGE 56.
THE MAGAZINE OF CANTERBURY SCHOOL
2019-20 SO CIET Y OF ALUMNI EXECUTIVE COMMIT TEE Peter Tucker ‘78, President | Victoria Bundonis Rovin ‘81, Vice President | William “Macy” Steers Jr. ‘04, Secretary | Elizabeth Dooley ‘10 Thomas Esposito ‘80 | A. Garvin Hammer ‘85 | George Malhame ‘74 | Patricia Sordoni Rasmussen ‘92 | Joanna Martiska Woodworth ‘77
have invaluable personal and professional benefits at any stage in your career. And since students learn best when they can apply in-class lessons to real-world experiences, the Society of Alumni Mentor Program also invites you to share your industry knowledge and career expertise with today’s students. Student mentoring includes immersion learning opportunities, such as internships, job shadows, or visits to a workplace. Alumni are also invited to speak with
“ T he web of connections between Canterbury students is so powerful and dense that it is hard for you to feel it while at school. It’s only after you step away that you realize how much you share with one another and how permanent that bond is.” MACY STEERS ’04
groups of students or guest lecture classes, either on campus or via webconference. “The SOA Executive Committee realized that there is not one model of what mentorship should look like,” said Peter Tucker ’78, President of the Society of Alumni Executive Committee. “We really want our more experienced alumni to help the students and graduates eager to benefit from their experience in ways they think best. Of course, an important goal is to help those at the beginning of their careers find internships or full-time jobs in their profession of choice. However, there is tremendous value in approaching mentorship more broadly. Getting career advice from someone with whom you share the common bond of Canterbury—whether you have already climbed the ladder or are still on the bottom rung— can be priceless,” said Peter. Unlike traditional mentoring programs made up of face-to-face meetings, scheduled touch points and reporting, the Society of
“ Since I’ve joined the Society of Alumni Executive Committee, I have gotten a much broader view of who our alumni are and what they have done since graduation. We have an amazing network of graduates, from accomplished professionals at the highest industry levels to extraordinary humanitarians who are changing the world. Our alumni are generous with their time, supportive of our efforts, and famously responsive. These are the hallmarks of Canterbury’s remarkable alumni community.”
Alumni Mentor Program is flexible and allows you to step in and out of the program based on your needs and availability. Mentoring can take the form of a conversation over a one-time cup of coffee or a deeper, long-term relationship established through multiple interactions and support—or anything in between. The program is facilitated through the Society of Alumni’s new and improved online platform, Canterbury Core, which utilizes technology to provide exclusive access to the School’s robust alumni network. Once you join Canterbury Core, all time and geographical barriers for one-to-one mentoring no longer exist. You can easily browse and connect with alumni across the globe. Fast and flexible mentoring meetings can take place online, by phone, or in person. Whether you are a mentor or a mentee, Canterbury Core will allow you to experience the power of your Society of Alumni network in action. The strength of this unparalleled network will best be described through stories—of ideas sparked, partnerships and businesses created, and lifelong bonds formed. These are relationships that will help you develop personally and professionally, no matter where your journey takes you. If you are interested in serving as a mentor, providing professional guidance, connecting fellow alumni to internship opportunities, being introduced to a mentor, or receiving information about student mentoring and immersion learning, please visit cbury.org/mentor.
PATRICIA SORD ONI RASMUSSEN ’92
cbury.org/mentor PAGE 57.
CANTERBURY CORE
PAGE 58.
THE MAGAZINE OF CANTERBURY SCHOOL
PAGE 59.
January 2020 marked the second anniversary of the passing of Ed Speno’s wife, Marty. Ed had a nice family reunion in Camden, ME, last summer; all six kids and their spouses, and 15 of the 17 grandkids attended; although there were a few he didn’t recognize when the occasion arose to check their IDs. (Remember those?!) This summer, Ed and his family are going to Rehoboth Beach, DE, where he and Marty had a summer home. Everybody’s excited as they are familiar with the area and have good memories of the place and all it has to offer. Ed was especially glad to see Dickson Fairback make Canterbury’s Athletics Hall of Fame; he is clearly deserving. Although Dickson and his wife, DeeDee, have passed, their son was able to attend.
Tony Vinals has been living in Madrid, Spain, with his wife and has been retired since 2007. Having lived on Long Island, NY, for over 40 years, life in Europe is good, with many opportunities to travel and visit his family in the UK and Germany. The great Spanish weather allows him to play golf and tennis weekly and enjoy the Mediterranean coast as well. He spends four months out of the year in Coral Gables, FL, escaping the few cold days that exist in Madrid!
Andrew Smith just published two new books: It’s Time: You Might Be Ready For Assisted Living If... and The Big Book of Golf Shot Names. Both are available on Amazon.
Bill Farley has been named Director of Communications for MUR Strategic, a law enforcement/private security training and executive protection provider based in Columbia, SC. Among MUR Strategic’s current celebrity clients is popular singer/actor Josh Groban.
Lee Beaulac continues working on hurricane recovery initiatives in Puerto Rico, recently reconstructing a number of baseball fields that were damaged in 2017. He still serves on the board of the National Rural Housing Coalition. He recently returned from a visit to Argentina, his childhood home. He is the proud grandfather of three
John Duffy and his wife, Anne, are off to the French Alps and Zermatt, Switzerland, for two weeks of skiing and then back to Tucson, AZ, for the spring in the desert. He trusts all is well with most of his classmates. Tony Vinals ’58 and his wife enjoy splitting time between Madrid and Coral Gables, FL.
PAGE 60.
THE MAGAZINE OF CANTERBURY SCHOOL
girls (Lea, Addison, and Iris) and a grandson, Oliver. He and Charlie O’Neil ’65 recently met for dinner in New York City and with Read McNamara ’65 for lunch in Rochester, NY.
Read McNamara is fully retired and has turned his attention and energy to three Nashville area nonprofits, two of which focus on veterans transitioning to civilian life and the third which nurtures fatherless inner-city boys into Christian manhood. Read and his wife, Mary, continue to enjoy their summers in Maine and have set an aggressive travel schedule for the next six months which includes England, Hong Kong, Guatemala, and travel across the U.S. to visit their five children and eight grandchildren. In addition to an enjoyable lunch with classmate Lee Beaulac in Rochester, NY, Read also recently spent a wonderful evening with classmate Joe Davenport. Mary and Read were having a late dinner at a small restaurant outside Chattanooga, TN, when
Several members of the Class of 1970 were hosted by the School and classmate Greg Ahern for a private dinner at the Yale Club in New York City. The gathering created the first of many memories marking 50 years since graduating Canterbury.
Read McNamara ’65 has retired to Rochester, NY, and spends his time traveling and assisting non-profits in Nashville, TN.
a strikingly handsome, mature fellow walked into the restaurant. Even after 55 years, Read had no doubt that it was Joe. They shared family stories and Canterbury memories and stayed up longer than 70 somethings should. They look forward to their next encounter, which will not be by chance like this one.
Terry Meehan’s wife, Montie, is going strong in her private practice as a therapist in New York. Terry’s children are working hard to accomplish their goals. Taryn is 29 and in her second year at Fordham University School of Law, NY. She married Richard Saum in May of 2018 and is living in New York. Terry’s son, Luke, is 23 and attended Colorado College, CO. Prior to starting school, he spent 4 years developing a technology company. Terry’s other son, Matthew, is completing Bard College, NY, and will graduate in June.
Christopher Colvin continues to teach history and geometry in Austin, TX, during the school year and philosophy in a summer term in Istanbul, Turkey. He plans to continue with both teaching positions for the next few years, circumstances permitting. He misses northern and more European climes.
Jonathan Zilli’s son rows for the University of California, Los Angeles Men’s Crew team. He caught up with Schuyler St. Germain ’19 who rowed for Cal at the UC
Jonathan Zilli ’76 and Schuyler St. Germain ’19 caught up at the UC Challenge Cup for rowing in Newport Beach, CA, in February.
Left to right: John O’Grady, George Wolfe, Greg Ahern, Len Savoie, Bobby Brown, Tom Murray, Nicholas de Alejo, Dave Oneglia, Matt Wier, and Joe LaCava from the Class of 1970.
PAGE 61.
Challenge Cup that was held in Newport Beach, CA, on February 29, 2020.
Victoria Bundonis Rovin loves having regular lunch dates with classmate Tony Walters in New York City. Always great conversations and lots of laughs!
Beth (Mazzella) Diefenbach ’85 spotted Scott Morgan ’89 at Gibson’s Chicago. Proof it’s a small world!
Christopher LaBarbera and his wife, Jessica, recently welcomed their second child, Christopher John, in November 2019. “CJ” joins his family along with his sister, Ava Grace, who was born in September 2017. He and his family reside on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, NY.
Laura (Dunleavy) Nelms is excited to announce the opening of her second Georgian restaurant (as in the country, not the state) in Washington, DC! Tabla—
Victoria Bundonis Rovin ’81 and Tony Walters ’81 enjoy regular get-togethers in New York City.
Left to right: Ryan (Zinn) White, Kara (Schiebel) Kacmarcik, Maggie (Reilly) Hauser, Meg (Caswell) Holladay, and Sarah (Ullman) Martorelli.
Beth (Mazzella) Diefenbach ’85 and Scott Morgan ’89 ran into each other in Chicago.
conveniently and coincidentally located on Georgia Avenue—will be only the second Georgian restaurant in Washington. Laura and husband, Jonathan, opened the first one, Supra, in 2017. If you live in DC or are visiting, please stop in! And if you really want to explore Georgian food and wine, join Laura and Jonathan on Supra’s trip to Georgia this summer. Gaumarjos! (Cheers!)
Classmates reunited at the home of Maggie (Reilly) Hauser in Pawling, NY for their annual event! Left to right: Ryan (Zinn) White, Kara (Schiebel) Kacmarcik, Maggie (Reilly) Hauser, Meg (Caswell) Holladay, and Sarah (Ullman) Martorelli.
who find themselves ripped apart by a tragic accident. When his ghost mysteriously appears to her, neither knows why or if this second chance is even real. The heart-aching film blends an edgy cinematic visual style with a traditionally romantic storyline. It has already proven a winner for Zeller, who earned Best Actor at the Aphrodite Film Awards for his role and earned Best Feature Film at the Big Apple Film Festival.
After teaching elementary school for 13 years, Annamaria (Des Biens) O’Brien earned her Library Media Specialist certification and has been a school librarian at Cook Hill School in Wallingford, CT, for six years. Anna also lives in Wallingford with her husband, Barry, and their three sons, Anthony, Barry, and Joseph. Her family still owns two Italian restaurants close to
Patrick Zeller gets a second chance at love in the new romantic feature film, Just One More Kiss. The ethereal film was released in limited theaters on February 20 and was released for DVD/streaming on February 25. Just One More Kiss centers around soulmates, Max (Zeller) and Abby (Faleena Hopkins), A still of Patrick Zeller ’95 from his new feature film Just One More Kiss.
PAGE 62.
THE MAGAZINE OF CANTERBURY SCHOOL
Left: Annamaria (Des Biens) O’Brien ’96 with husband, Barry, and sons, Anthony, Barry, and Joseph. Below: Brittany (Falconer) Metras ’05 married Sean Metras in Waltham, MA, in October.
Canterbury — Alfredo’s Restaurant in Gaylordsville, CT, and Colosseo in New Milford. She thanks all the family, friends, and Canterbury faculty who have supported the annual Run For Joe in honor of her cousin, Joe Leto ’97. The 21st and final Run For Joe was held this past October, celebrating Joe’s 21 years of life.
Alice McGrail was promoted to Head of Global Communications, Neurology & Immunology Franchise at EMD Serono Inc., the biopharmaceutical business of Merck KGaA, effective July 2019. She previously held the position of Director, U.S. Corporate Communications. She resides in Boston, MA.
Brittany (Falconer) Metras and Sean Metras were married on October 5, 2019 at Our Lady Comforter of the Afflicted in Waltham, MA. Friends and family enjoyed a reception at the Westin Waltham Boston following the ceremony.
Members of the Class of 2010 took to the hilltop for Homecoming 2019! Left to right: Freddy Hernandez, Tyler Mattos, Richie Edwards, Joey Cimaglia, Alex Lord, Rich Straub, Chris Salatino, Keeshia Laus, Holly Fraser, Liz Lowman, and Jack Inglis (photo on page 64.)
Alyssa (Najm) Kritzman ’10 married John Kritzman ’10 on December 1, 2019, during a picturesque snowstorm on top of the hill! Photographed outside the Chapel
Army Captain Graham Henderson ’11 helped represent the United States on the All-Army Hockey team in January.
PAGE 63.
Left to right: Freddy Hernandez, Tyler Mattos, Richie Edwards, Joey Cimaglia, Alex Lord, Rich Straub, Chris Salatino, Keeshia Laus, Holly Fraser, Liz Lowman, and Jack Inglis from the Class of 2010 caught up at Homecoming in October.
of Our Lady with the newlyweds are: Sally Mensching ’10, Taylor Garre, Nadia Najm ’06, Nathan Marsden, Peter Tomsheck, and Josef Najm ’12. Alumni in attendance at the wedding also included Alison Dyott ’10, Michael Park ’10, Timothy O’Keeffe ’10, and Ryan Greguski ‘20.
Graham Henderson, a Captain in the U.S. Army, was selected to represent the United States on the All-Army Hockey team. The team played in the Baltic Winter Goodwill Games in January against army teams from Canada, Sweden, Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia.
Chris Wiatr just began his season on the PGA Tour Latin America — a series of 14 events in Central and South America. In 2019, Chris won the Vermont Open by
five shots, shooting 17 under par. After a close call at Korn Ferry Tour Q School’s “second stage,” Chris earned full status via a qualifying tournament for the PGALA 2020 season. He shot 16 under par at the first event and finished tied for 28th. Chris has had success at each level he has played and is excited to continue his journey toward his ultimate goal of a PGA Tour card.
Raheem Logan ran his first-ever marathon on November 3, 2019, with a time of 4:14:02. From waking up at 3:00 a.m. to
Left: Alyssa (Najm) Kritzman ’10 married John Kritzman ’10 in December with several other Saints in attendance. Above: Chris Wiatr ’11 has been playing golf on the PGA Tour Latin America.
PAGE 64.
THE MAGAZINE OF CANTERBURY SCHOOL
Raheem Logan ’12 ran the New York City Marathon (his first) in November.
meditating before the race, to catching the 5:30 a.m. ferry bringing him to Staten Island, to hearing the cannon signaling the beginning of the race, to running through the loud and amazing crowds of support through the five boroughs, the race was an exhilarating experience that Raheem will cherish for years to come. He ran on behalf of charity, Team for Kids, and raised $2,900 to support programs and health initiatives for 250,000 students across the country.
Left to right: Amy Omaña ’86, Caroline Stolfi ’15, Seidu Shamsudeen ’18, Victoria Rio ’14, Alanis Perez Benitez ’15, and Brendan Omaña ’19 in Philadelphia in November.
Stags. Casey’s accomplishments as a coach for Fairfield University include a university record setting performance for the Men’s Varsity 8 at the 2019 Dad Vail Regatta and a third-place medal finish in the Men’s 4X. Under his coaching, the Fairfield University Men’s Varsity 4+ placed 15th in the 2019 Head of the Charles Regatta club division,
Casey Fuller, a previous member of the 2018 U.S. National Rowing Team in the World University Games in Shanghai, China, will compete at the U.S. Olympic Trials in Sarasota, FL with sights set on the 2020 Olympic Games in the Men’s 1X division. A Fairfield University alumnus, rower/captain, three-time All-Intercollegiate Rowing Association (IRA) Academic Team member, and IRA National competitor, Casey is the Head Men’s Rowing Coach for Fairfield University, CT. He will be returning from Ireland where he is currently training to coach his second spring season for the
finishing only one second behind the winning time put forth by Dartmouth. The placing earned them a guaranteed spot in the 2020 race.
Claire Cardillo has been accepted to the University of Scranton, PA, Doctor of Physical Therapy Program. She will graduate this May with a B.S. in Exercise Science.
Willem Steiner is currently loving Denver University, CO! In the fall, he joined the fraternity Lambda Chi Alpha and is currently in the process of starting DU’s first Investment Club. He hopes to be back on campus soon to see the new Steers Center.
Casey Fuller ’14 will compete in the next U.S. Olympic Trials for Men’s Rowing. PAGE 65.
David McDonnell ’45
Charles M. Denny Jr. ’49
Paul Sorg Reynolds ’52
James C. Dolce ’66
1927-2019
1931-2019
1934-2016
1948-2020
Tobin C. Shea ’81
John F. Altermatt ’82
Eric M. Miller ’03
Ivan R. Baquerizo Jr. ’17
1963-2020
1964-2020
1985-2019
1998-2019
former faculty Edward Camara, Jr.
1945-2019
PAGE 66.
THE MAGAZINE OF CANTERBURY SCHOOL
deacon frank bice ’77 Deacon Frank Bice ’77 passed away on the morning of January 1, 2020, in South Bend, Indiana. Frank was a cherished member of the Canterbury family as an alumnus, teacher, coach, advisor, and colleague. Above all, Frank was a friend to all and a mentor to many. Hailing from Manhasset, NY, Frank arrived at Canterbury in the fall of 1975 as a Fifth Former. While a student, he was a proctor in Sheehan House, captained the lacrosse team, earned All-New England Lacrosse Honors, and spent a summer studying in Salamanca, Spain. He went on to graduate from Siena College, NY, where he played football and lacrosse, and was later inducted into Siena’s Athletics Hall of Fame. During his senior year of college, he sustained a debilitating football injury that resulted in paralysis. An unshakable optimist and man of faith, Frank chose to draw strength from his injury and to live his life with positivity and gratitude, encouraging others to do the same. Also a lifelong academic, Frank received a master’s degree in theology and pastoral studies from the Seminary of the Immaculate Conception in Huntington, NY, and went on to receive a second master’s degree in religion from Yale University, CT. A Deacon of the Catholic Church, Frank penned two books and taught theology at Canterbury from 1991-1995. He returned to the School in 2015 as co-chair of the Theology Department and coach of football, girls’ basketball, and girls’ lacrosse. A three-time yearbook dedicatee, Frank’s impact on students, faculty, and alumni alike was evident. His calming presence radiated, and he was always available to listen with genuine care and interest. Head of School Rachel Stone remarked: “Frank modeled hope and resilience to our students each day and inspired us all with his bright outlook on life. His kindness, empathy, and generosity of spirit touched everyone around him. He (and his beloved dog, Kelly) will be greatly missed.” Fellow Canterbury alumnus and Associate Head of School for Operations Pete Cotier ‘86 shared, “Frank was a warm-hearted, humorous, and motivational teacher who was extremely gifted at connecting with both students and colleagues. He was our greatest champion, always believing in us and making us believe in ourselves.”
Rev. Ebony Grisom ’93, Chaplain at Georgetown University and a student of Frank’s while at Canterbury also shared her admiration: “Mr. Bice’s love was palpable. He loved everyone: students, colleagues, facbrats, family, friends, strangers. It seemed as though the ‘harder’ one was to love, the more that he loved them: relentless with his optimism, his kindness, his compassion, his faith-filled joy.” Since 2014, Frank founded and served as president of The Cranwell Foundation, a philanthropic organization established to support young people in need of scholarship opportunities and institutions he believed were benefiting the world. Among the individuals and groups supported—Canterbury included—the foundation directed contributions to the Sisters of Life, a religious order of women based in New York City. Rachel Stone noted: “Frank embodied the essence of our School and was one of the finest examples of living and leading by our Five Values. Indeed, a true Saint.” Canterbury will hold a memorial Mass for Frank in the Chapel of Our Lady in 2020. Details will be shared at a later date.
PAGE 67.
Charley Clarke ’47 Charles “Charley” F. Clarke Jr. ’47, whose deep affinity for Canterbury spanned more than 70 years, passed away on Wednesday, January 1, 2020. Charley’s roots at Canterbury run deep. Himself a graduate of the class of 1947, he was the proud father of current Trustee, Jay Clarke ’84; brother-in-law of classmate, the late Pat Flynn ’47; cousin to former Trustees, Ed Carney ’79 and the late Peter Carney ’49; and uncle to Otis “Sandy” Murphy Jr. ’66. In addition to a number of other Canterbury extended relatives, Charley’s grandfather, Thomas Dennehy, was one of the original benefactors who funded Dr. Nelson Hume’s aspirations of founding a boarding school for Catholic families wanting to prepare their sons for acceptance to the best academic colleges. While a student at Canterbury, Charley immersed himself in several activities—he captained the hockey team, played tennis, worked on the yearbook, and was a Sacristan, Associate Editor of the Tabard, and Class Secretary. He was notable to classmates for his “willingness to do more than his share in whatever comes up”— a trait that he carried with him on to Brown University, RI, where he obtained a bachelor of arts (A.B.) in classics; to the Korean War, where he served as a Second Lieutenant in the Army; and even as Mayor of Lake Forest, Illinois from 1990-1993. Charley’s exemplary career as a student at Canterbury was only the beginning of his connection and dedication to the School. Charley served as a member of Canterbury’s Board of Trustees from 1984 to 1991. He went above and beyond to ensure the School’s success and betterment through generous financial support, volunteer leadership of the Annual Fund, and careful stewardship of the School’s resources during his tenure as co-chair of Canterbury’s Finance Committee. He was a tireless promoter of the School in every facet of his life and, as such, was recognized with the esteemed Canterbury Medal in 2006. Charley’s hardworking nature and can-do, enthusiastic attitude made even the most daunting tasks possible. He was warm, genuine, and
PAGE 68.
effervescent, and his life was marked by action and giving. Rachel Stone noted, “Charley was a loving family man, outdoorsman, businessman, and philanthropist. He lived our mission, to act with humanity and purpose. He was deeply committed to supporting and serving his various communities, which included his and his family’s beloved school. He had a generous spirit that was guided by his desire to help and by his faith. All of us at Canterbury — classmates, alumni, trustees, faculty, staff, and students — have been, in one way or another, recipients of his generosity and graciousness. He will be missed.”
THE MAGAZINE OF CANTERBURY SCHOOL
Charley with his wife, Eleanor, and daughter, Jay Clarke ‘84, at the Canterbury Centennial Reunion celebration in June 2015.
canterbury
ANNUAL
FUND
Your Annual Fund gift supports
the faculty who prime our students for success, the coaches who demonstrate how to lead, and the mentors who help to establish inspiring opportunities. It is your philanthropy that helps to bring together a global community filled with learning and discovery for our students.
cbury.org/give
@CANTERBURYSCHOOL
PAGE 69.
NONPROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE
PAI D
HARTFORD, CT PERMIT #1382