HORIZONS 2024

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

President

Jeff Hargroves

President-Elect

David Machens

Secretary

Jason Banks

Treasurer & Finance Committee Chair

David Machens

External Relations Committee Chair

Jennifer Draper

Trusteeship & Governance Committee Chair

Sonali Agarwal

Member at Large & DBIE Advisory Council Co-Chair

Jamie Allen

David Atterbury ’00

Fred Coulson

Robert Grant ’04

Scott Hall ’96

Marilyn Hebenstreit ’70

Yvonne Hsu

Floyd May, III ’94

Lisa Murray

Tyler Nottberg ’94

Jorge Santizo - DBIE Advisory Council Co-Chair

Cristina Starks, Ph.D.

Aaron Rahsaan Thomas ’95

Megan Thornberry ’86

Abby Wendel

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

President

E.F. Chip Walsh ’89

Former President

Sarah Voss Hanson ’99

PHS Annual Fund Alumni Chair

Mike Nixon ’96

Kimberly Firestone Cho ’96

Mary Greaves Hodge ’73

Caroline Hogan ’15

Foster Honeck ’11

Katherine Smith Marx ’11

Russ Sifers ’66

Meredith Sight ’13

Zachary Sight ’00

Michael Taylor ’03

Anna Toms ’05

What a wonderful year this has been for Pembroke Hill School. I hope you will join me in celebrating the achievements and milestones of our school community. This edition of Horizons serves as a testament to the remarkable journey we have embarked upon, highlighting the rich tapestry of experiences that define us.

In revisiting the pages of our shared history, it is evident that the spirit of Pembroke Hill continues to thrive within each one of you. Our alumni are trailblazers, leaders, and contributors to diverse fields, shaping the world with their passion, intellect, and commitment. Their accomplishments not only reflect individual successes, but also the collective strength of our school community. It is with gratitude and pride that we acknowledge the legacy of excellence that has shaped Pembroke Hill throughout the years. I am proud to say we have continued to provide an environment where intellectual curiosity thrives, character development is nurtured, and the seeds of lifelong learning are sown.

At the heart of our journey lies our Strategic Plan, a roadmap that charts our course into the future. Our goals and strategies, crafted collaboratively with input from our diverse school community, are designed to prepare our students for the challenges and opportunities of an ever-evolving world. We strive to provide students with the tools to become knowledgeable and responsible citizens, equipped with the skills to contribute and lead in our community.

As we reflect on our successes, let us celebrate the achievements of our students, the dedication of our faculty, and the accomplishments of our alumni. From academic triumphs to artistic endeavors, athletic accolades to community service, each is a testament to the vibrant spirit that defines Pembroke Hill.

Looking ahead, our sights are firmly fixed on the future. The world is changing, and so too must we evolve to meet the needs of our students. Pembroke Hill will continue to be a beacon of education, instilling a passion for learning, fostering critical thinking, and nurturing the values that will guide our students as they navigate an increasingly complex global landscape.

I invite you to delve into the pages of this magazine, where the stories of our school come alive. Together, let us celebrate our shared past and present, while embracing the promise of a future filled with endless possibilities.

Thank you for being an integral part of the Pembroke Hill School community. Your dedication and support are the cornerstones of our success, and we eagerly anticipate the continued growth and achievements that lie ahead.

Warm regards,

Brad Shelley | Head of School

There were smiles all around at Pembroke Hill’s annual Back-to School BBQ and pep rally in September 2023.

Our school community came together for an unforgettable evening filled with laughter, delicious bites, and a sense of camaraderie. Young ones jumped in the bounce houses and played on The Lawn. The pep rally was filled with acknowledging athletic accomplishments and recognizing the fall sports teams.

It was great to see current families, faculty, staff, alumni and other community members on campus enjoying the evening. The event capped off with the football team taking the field for some Friday night lights!

The Back-to-School BBQ was a celebration of friendship, shared aspirations, and the promise of an inspiring school year ahead.

HONORING OUR FOUNDERS

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE FOUNDERS DAY

This past fall, Pembroke Hill School reintroduced a tradition - Founders Day. The tradition began on October 20, 1985. In commemoration of the merger between Pembroke-Country Day School for boys and Sunset Hill School for girls, members of the Pembroke Hill School Board of Trustees and other honored guests gathered on the Wornall Campus to dedicate the newly-named Founders Hall.

Both of Pembroke Hill’s predecessor schools shared a common visionary founder, Vassie James Ward Hill. She believed that the education of young people is society’s most important act and she was committed to providing a place where students could learn both in and out of the classroomeducating the whole child.

Head of School, Brad Shelley is excited to bring back Founders Day as an annual tradition.

“Founders Day is a terrific chance to bring our school community together to highlight the people

who have shaped our school into the esteemed institution it is today, while also shining a spotlight on current students and faculty members who are creating the framework for what Pembroke Hill will look like and be remembered for years to come.”

All students from Grades 3-12 gathered in the Bellis Athletic Center in the morning. The event began with the induction of four current faculty members into the Pembroke Hill Faculty and Staff Hall of Fame. Faculty and staff members who have given 25 years of service to the school are honored.

This year, David Burke, Mike Hill, Jeanette Jones and Matthew Pritchett were inducted. In the recent past, Hall of Fame members were recognized during a faculty and staff event, however Founders Day organizers suggested a change.

“We felt that their recognition is something that should be shared and celebrated with students and alumni,” said organizer Paula Engetschwiler. “It

Carolyn Fennell Sullivan ’68, recipient of the Alumni Service Award

FOUNDERS DAY

shows our students how dedicated our staff is and really highlights their amazing accomplishments to a much larger audience.”

The event also celebrated the extraordinary alumni that have given back to both the school and the surrounding community. This year’s recipients of the Distinguished Alumni Award, Charlie Sosland ’73 and Jeanne Ryan Sosland ’73, and the Alumni Service Award, Carolyn Fennell Sullivan ’68, were in attendance.

Students heard about the great acts of service these three have performed for Pembroke Hill and Kansas City. In Carolyn’s remarks, she shared her experience over many decades of involvement as a student, teacher, administrator, alumna, parent, grandparent and volunteer.

Next, current fifth grade students and past members of the Lower School Student Leadership Council took the podium. Loren Gillette, Reese Gonsher, Will Nibberich and Arjun Singh shared the experiences and insights gained from their roles as student leaders. The event was capped off with the ringing of the handbell.

“Events and traditions have a significant role in the culture of the school,” said Paula. “They promote school spirit and help to foster asense of belonging. Resurrecting an event that has historical significance connects current students with the past and helps them to feel that they are a part of a legacy that extends far beyond their time at the school.”

FOUNDERS DAY

Charlie and Jeanne Ryan ’73 Distinguished Alumni Award recipients

PEM-DAY

Russ Sifers ’66, member of the Alumni Association executive council, welcomes alumni back to campus for Founders Day and Reunion Weekend festivities.

REUNION WEEKEND

CATCHING UP Pembroke Hill alumni gather to reconnect over Reunion Weekend

Reunion Weekend at Pembroke Hill School was a vibrant celebration of shared memories and lasting connections.

There was a buzz in the air as alumni from various graduating classes converged on campus. The weekend included a variety of events - the Alumni Awards Luncheon, Hazard Lecture, Alumni Tailgate, Homecoming football game and various class reunions. The campus was full of laughter and shared storiesforging new bonds and rekindling old friendships. It’s this mosaic of experiences that encapsulate the enduring spirit of Pembroke Hill.

REUNION WEEKEND

Class of 1963 60th Reunion

Class of 1968 55th Reunion

Class of 1948 75th Reunion Class of 1953 70th Reunion

Class of 1983 40th Reunion

Class of 2013 10th Reunion

VETERANS DAY

Veterans Day holds a unique place in our hearts as it provides us with an opportunity to express our deepest gratitude to those who have worn the uniform in service to our country, including over 200 alumni who have served. It is a day of reflection, remembrance and appreciation.

These photos are just a glimpse into our heartfelt Veterans Day tradition at Pembroke Hill. Our community came together to honor and learn from veteran alumni, parents and staff. The day featured insightful discussions led by students, fostering a sense of gratitude and connection. With celebrations on both campuses, students gained a deeper understanding and appreciation for the service and dedication of our veterans. To see all alumni who have served, visit pembrokehill.org/alumni.

VETERANS DAY WITH MOM Kristina Griffin of the Kansas Army National Guard enjoys the Veterans Day festivities with her children.

DEBATE CHAMPION

THE NATIONAL CHAMP

Jimmy O’Connell has cemented his place in the school’s history books. Last June, at the National Speech and Debate Tournament in Phoenix, Ariz., Jimmy was named the National Debate Champion in Extemporaneous Debate. This win marked the first time a Pembroke Hill student clinched the coveted title of National Champion.

Students work throughout the school year and even during the summer with the hopes of qualifying for the national tournament. Last June, Pembroke Hill took 16 students to the desert to compete against the best 10 percent of high school debaters from across the country.

Jimmy’s crowning achievement came after a rather difficult day competing in Policy Debate, where he placed 37th in the nation. After a pep talk from his coaches, Jimmy faced the challenge of Extemporaneous Debate. The competition, which gathered 1,040 students, spanned two intense days. In each of the 14 rounds, contestants were presented with a different topic to debate. The challenge was intensified by the fact that participants were assigned either the affirmative or negative argument, with only 30 minutes allotted for research and preparation for each round.

His journey to the final round was nothing short of a mental marathon. Over the two days, he navigated through an array of diverse topics, showcasing his ability to think on his feet and articulate compelling arguments in real-time.

The climax of the event unfolded on the third day when Jimmy faced off against his opponent in the final round. The topic at hand was a weighty one: “Should the United States abolish the debt ceiling?” Assigned the affirmative stance, Jimmy had 45

minutes to research and construct his arguments before presenting them in front of judges, a live audience and through a live stream.

Undeterred by the pressure, Jimmy delivered a stellar performance, making a compelling case for the abolition of the debt ceiling. His eloquence, combined with well-researched arguments, swayed the judges and audience in his favor, securing his position as National Champion.

Reflecting on his groundbreaking achievement, Jimmy expressed gratitude for the support from his school, coaches and fellow debaters, “It is a reflection of the immense amount of time, effort and support from my coaches and teammates that helped me succeed.”

Fellow debate team members who had been eliminated in the tournament turned their focus to helping Jimmy succeed. They helped him research his topics in the limited time frame which propelled him in the final round. This display of teamwork exemplifies the well-oiled machine that is Pembroke Hill Speech and Debate.

Jimmy’s National Champion trophy wasn’t the only hardware that Pembroke Hill walked away with from the tournament. The team also earned the title of National Debate School of Excellence. It is the most prestigious trophy handed out to a team at large, and marked the team as one of the top 20 overall finishers.

The team’s triumphs have bolstered Pembroke Hill’s reputation on the national stage of high school speech and debate, and they have set a high standard for future students to follow.

FINDING FRIENDSHIPS

Wornall Campus students enjoying outdoor playtime!

RAIDERS REIGN STATE CHAMPIONS ATHLETICS

This past winter, spring and fall, our Raider studentathletes shone brightly, clinching not one, but four state championships in dance, boys tennis, boys golf and boys diving.

A YEAR OF DANCE EXCELLENCE

The Pembroke Hill Dance Team basked in the spotlight after a truly exceptional year. The dance journey began at the Missouri State University Invitational, where the team dazzled the audience and judges alike, earning them the coveted firstplace title in Kick and a well-deserved fourth place in the Mix category. The momentum continued at the Missouri Dance Team Association State Championships where the team once again claimed first-place in the Kick category and a second place in the Mix category. Their stellar performances across both categories secured them a commendable seventh place overall, a testament to their all-around excellence on the dance floor.

But the Pembroke Hill Dance Team didn’t just excel in the art of dance; they also showcased their intellectual prowess. With a remarkable GPA of 3.95, the team was honored with the prestigious “Overall Highest GPA” Award at the state competition.

BOYS TENNIS DYNASTY

The boys tennis team displayed extraordinary skill and teamwork as they rallied their way to a state championship. Pembroke Hill rolled through the Class 3 District 7 championships without dropping a match. Singles player Andy Greaves and the doubles team of Topher Thornberry and Trey Lambright were crowned district champions. Adam Bell (singles), Andy, Topher, and Trey represented the squad in individual state, with Topher and Trey placing second in doubles. The squad continued its dominance at state, culminating in the sweet taste of state championship triumph for our Raider boys tennis team.

BOYS GOLF BRILLIANCE

On the lush greens of the golf course, our Raider boys golf team proved themselves as true masters of the game. With each swing, they showcased precision, focus and a deep understanding of the sport. The team captured the Class 4 District 4 title on its way to winning the Class 4 State Championship. Connor Wood tied for 12th place at state, earning All-State honors. The state championship trophy now stands as a testament to their unwavering determination and the collective effort that propelled them to the pinnacle of success.

ZACH BERG’S AERIAL ARTISTRY

Above the diving board, Zach Berg soared to new heights, claiming the Missouri Class 1 State Championship in boys diving, with an incredible score of 394.10. Zach’s dedication to perfecting his craft and pushing the boundaries of what was thought possible in diving not only made him a state champion but also a true inspiration for aspiring divers in our community.

ADDITIONAL ATHLETIC TRIUMPHS

GIRLS LACROSSE

Accomplishment: KCMGLA Semifinalists

Milestone: First time competing in the KCMGLA playoffs.

BOYS LACROSSE

Accomplishment: LAKC Semifinalists

Distinguished Performance: Navigating through tough competition to secure a coveted spot in the LAKC Semifinals.

TRACK & FIELD

Accomplishment: Fifth place at state

Podium Glory: 4x100m and 4x200m relays clinching second place at the state level.

Individual Standout: Darin Conley ’23 securing second place in shot put.

BOYS BASKETBALL

Accomplishment: Fourth place in Class 5

Playoff Prestige: Battling through intense competition to secure a top-four finish in the highly competitive Class 5.

WINTER SEASON 2022-2023

BOYS BASKETBALL

Raider Award: Andrew Kim ’23, Ben Miller ’23

Captain: Devin Conley ’23

DANCE

Raider Award: Stella Linn ’23

Captain: Catherine Zhao ’23

GIRLS BASKETBALL

Raider Award: Aliza (Kenedy) Nutter

Captain: Ava Rasmus ’23

GIRLS SWIMMING & DIVING

Raider Award: Sophia Gotham ’23, Remley Grant ’23

Captains: Sophia Gotham ’23, Erin WIlliam ’23, Remley Grant ’23

WINTER CHEERLEADING

Raider Award: Katerina McDonald

Captains: Addison Funk ’23, Kaleigh Thornton ’23, Charlotte (Janey) Wetzel ’23

SPRING SEASON 2023

BASEBALL

Raider Award: Dimitri Guy

Captains: Harry Falk V ’23, Dimitri Guy

BOYS LACROSSE

Raiders Award: Evan Wyatt ’23

Captains: Wade Boles ’23, Ryan Kumer ’23

BOYS GOLF

Raider Award: Thomas (Fritz) Volini

TRACK & FIELD

Captains: Pierce Jackson ’23, Josh Murphy ’23

BOYS TENNIS

Raider Award: Stephen (Trey) Lambright, III ’23

Captains: Stephen (Trey) Lambright, III ’23, Alan (Buzz) Stevens ’23, Armaan Yarlagadda ’23

GIRLS LACROSSE

Raider Award: Maeve Donovan ’23

Captains: Ella Adkins, Maeve Donovan ’23, Caroline Kroh, Ellie Thornberry ’23, Kate Wollard ’23

GIRLS SOCCER

Raider Award: Sophie Armstrong ’23

Captains: Sophie Armstrong ’23, Ava Rasmus ’23, Keira Gaffney

Raider Award: Christian Jarrett ’23, Antonia (Toni) Schul ’23

Captains: Darin Conley ’23, Devin Conley ’23, Christian Jarrett ’23, Hananiah Quinn ’23, Antonia (Toni) Schul ’23, Marlena Smith ’23

FALL SEASON 2023

FALL CHEERLEADING

Raider Award: Hedy Rose Burd, Grace Falk

Captains: Ameila (Milly) Bertsch, Cathy Martin

CROSS COUNTRY

Raider Award: Henry Pickert

Captains: David Bell, Reaghan Gaffney

FIELD HOCKEY

Raider Award: Isabel Bernstein and Anna Shea Whalen

Captains: Caroline Copaken, Tessa Lambright, Anna Shea Whalen

FOOTBALL

Raider Award: Floyd (Xavier) May, IV

Captains: Dimitri Guy, Floyd (Xavier) May, IV, Josh Stahl

GIRLS GOLF

Raider Award: Kayla Ilardi

Captains: Emily Himmelstein, Lela Pereira

BOYS SOCCER

Raider Award: Niko van Zanten

Captains: Jean-Sebastien de Pierre, Sebastian (Beau) Herber, Terry O’Neill

BOYS SWIMMING & DIVING

Raider Award: Zach Berg, Tyler Sproull

Captains: Zach Berg, Cooper Crawford, Nicholas Frank, Tyler Sproull

GIRLS TENNIS

Raider Award: Helen Hendricks

Captains: Eliza Berg, Isabella Legaz, Tatum Smith

VOLLEYBALL

Raider Award: Hannah Woolley

Captains: Quinn Busch, Gretel Robbins, Hannah Woolley

PERFORMING ARTS

THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL

HALL STUDENT CENTER APRIL 2023

PHOTO CREDIT: Jon Northington

PERFORMING ARTS

MIDSUMMER JERSEY

HALL STUDENT CENTER OCTOBER 2023

PHOTO CREDIT: Jon Northington

CLASSROOM CHAOS

CENTENNIAL HALL

NOVEMBER 2023

PEMBROKE HILL SCHOLARS HAVE DEMONSTRATED OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE. SCHOLARS

THESE

We are thrilled to congratulate our exceptional students who have been recognized for their academic achievements as National Merit Semifinalists and Commended Students, as well as National African American and Hispanic Scholars.

These Pembroke Hill scholars have demonstrated outstanding performance, scoring among the top percentile nationwide in the PSAT/NMSQT. Their hard work, commitment and intellectual curiosity have truly set them apart.

Join us in celebrating these bright minds and their remarkable accomplishments. Their journey exemplifies the values of scholarship, leadership, and community that define Pembroke Hill.

Front Row (L-R) Helena Greim, Keira Gaffney, Leila Hao, Elan Jiang, Preya Nguyen, Nura Henok, Milly Bertsch

Back Row (L-R) James O’Connell, Peter Hagedorn, Nicholas Frank, Enoch Yang, Zachary Berg, Maxwell Casey

Not Pictured: Nicholas Franano and Oscar Bash

Pictured:

PEMBROKE HILL SCHOLARS

LEGACIES Pembroke Hill graduates pose with alumni parents and grandparents

LANDING IN THE HALL

OF FAME

Pembroke Hill School and its predecessor schools–Sunset Hill School and Pembroke-Country Day School (Pem-Day)–have been shaped by dedicated faculty and staff. As a way to honor those who have made a significant impact on students’ lives, the Pem-Day Class of 1949 established the Pembroke Hill Faculty and Staff Hall of Fame in 1989. Faculty and staff who have dedicated 25 years of service or more to the school, as well as those who have received special recognition by the Alumni Association, with approval of the Board of Trustees, are honored.

The Hall of Fame now has more than 140 members–all of whom have a plaque with their name in Patterson Hall. The quote on the display reads: “In appreciation for investing themselves in each of us.” Our Hall of Fame members have helped shape the school into the premiere institution it is today.

This year, Pembroke Hill is inducting four new members—David Burke, Mike Hill, Jeanette Jones and Matthew Pritchett.

OUR HALL OF FAME MEMBERS HAVE HELPED SHAPE THE SCHOOL INTO THE PREMIERE INSTITUTION IT IS TODAY.

David Burke

David Burke was hired as the director of college counseling 25 years ago. He is also the assistant upper school division head and the Ward Parkway Campus curriculum coordinator. He is a member of both the upper school Challenge Success and the Center for Teaching and Learning teams.

The college counseling program at Pembroke Hill has grown significantly over the years, most notably when it expanded to include the sophomore class. David’s experience and knowledge of the admissions process has allowed him to provide instruction far beyond the Ward Parkway Campus. His advice has been published in the The New York Times, and he has been part of the “Who’s Who” in the college counseling and admissions world for decades.

As head coach since 2017, David has successfully led the boys varsity golf team to multiple winning seasons including two state championships.

David is highly regarded by his colleagues for bringing a level of respect and professionalism to the workplace. He is known for being a mentor and someone who cares deeply about both his vocation and the community he serves. He works behind the scenes to ensure that students have the best experience.

Mike Hill

Mike Hill joined Pembroke Hill School in 1999 as the school’s resident thespian. As a drama teacher, he directed outstanding musicals and plays, including the opening performance in Centennial Hall. He was the performing arts department chair and liaison to the Arts Council. He taught drama and speech in the middle and upper schools, led a very successful debate program, and helped establish the Pembroke Hill National Junior Forensics League in 2000 to help middle school students improve their public speaking skills.

HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES

David Burke, Mike Hill, Jeanette Jones and Matthew Pritchett.

He has also contributed to the athletic department as an assistant varsity football coach, middle school football coach and varsity track and field head coach. He was appointed to the role of upper school assistant division head in 2008 as well as chair of the Faculty Evaluation Team.

Mike’s dedication and experience naturally led to him being named upper school division head in 2011. He is described by colleagues as having incredible care and concern for his students as they head into the world as competent and responsible citizens.

Jeanette Jones

Jeanette Jones—or J.J. as she’s known on campus—is an integral member of our social studies department. She is currently a member

of the Diversity, Belonging, Inclusion and Equity Advisory Council and a member of the upper school Challenge Success team.

She has taught AP courses along with a host of electives—ranging from Middle Eastern studies to geopolitical issues. She was nationally selected to pilot an Advanced Placement African American Studies course and has been a guest speaker on KCUR. Over the years she has worked with students to bring in outside experts to speak about various cultures.

J.J. is considered the heart and soul of the school’s affinity groups. Her co-workers describe her as energetic and steadfast in her convictions. They admire her ability to encourage students to step out of their comfort zone to analyze both historical and current issues.

Matthew Pritchett

Matthew Pritchett recently moved to the Ward Parkway Campus to be a middle and upper school physical education teacher. He was previously a lower school physical education teacher and department chair. For 25 years, he has been Pembroke Hill’s head coach for both the boys and girls varsity soccer teams. Within the soccer program, Matthew has created a culture in which both current students and alumni are proud members.

Known as a perennial state contender, Coach Pritchett has led both teams to multiple district championships and one boys soccer state championship. He has coached more than 1,000 varsity soccer games—collecting 532 wins. He has received multiple accolades, including the United Soccer Coaches’ High School Coach of Significance Award for the state of Missouri in 2020, and named Coach of the Year six times by the Missouri High School Soccer Coaches Association.

Matthew is described by his colleagues as having a growth mindset—always willing to learn and improve as both a coach and an educator. He always has his students’ best interest at heart.

HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES Celebrate Founders Day with the PHS student body and alumni.

A FOND

FAREWELL

At the conclusion of the 2022-23 school year, we bid farewell to five women who have been integral parts of the school community for decades. Collectively, these five beloved faculty and staff members contributed nearly 140 years of service to our school.

BETH BRYANT

Beth Bryant joined Pembroke Hill in 1986 as the school’s first director of communications. Over the years, her responsibilities changed and expanded as the school’s communication needs grew.

For 37 years, Beth was the primary communicator and voice of Pembroke Hill. She was responsible for the school’s internal and external communication strategies, including media relations, the school’s website, digital marketing and social media presence.

In retirement, Beth is excited to explore opportunities to support other organizations, spend more time with her husband Carlos, two sons and daughter-in-law, and take time to read a few good books.

DARLA BURNS

Darla Burns came to Pembroke Hill in 1986, a year after her son Tyler enrolled as a prekindergartner. She liked the school so much that she interviewed for a teaching position and taught third grade at Pembroke Hill ever since.

Throughout her time at the school, Anne worked to ensure that students and faculty had the resources they needed to research and complete large and small projects. She was also always willing to assist in the search for the hard-tofind book or video.

In addition to being the librarian for middle and upper school students, she served as a student adviser, cocoordinator of Jan Term independent projects and a member of the Academic Advisory Council.

One of her favorite things about Pembroke Hill has been the people – faculty and staff, students, parents and alumni who return to share their success stories after attending Pembroke Hill School. Anne said she will miss the laughter and camaraderie of the school community.

PAMELA ROBB

Pamela Robb joined Pembroke Hill in 2003 as an early years teacher. In 2013, she was appointed early childhood division head.

Pamela was an incredible leader for the early childhood program and an invaluable member of the administrative team for 20 years. She always led with the students’ best interest in mind.

As for her retirement plans, Pamela is looking forward to more family time with her husband Tom, three children, and four grandsons. She also intends to travel and engage in volunteer work.

Looking back on her years at Pembroke Hill, Darla has many happy memories. “People at Pembroke Hill became my family,” she shared. She also mentioned the many professional learning opportunities available to her as a Pembroke Hill teacher.

In addition to being an inspirational teacher, Darla is an avid master gardener, and gardening will be an important aspect of her post-Pembroke Hill plans. Darla also intends to spend more time with her 4-year-old grandson.

ANNE ERICKSON

Anne Erickson joined Pembroke Hill as a librarian on the Ward Parkway Campus in 1985, the first year the new Pembroke Hill School held coeducational classes with students from both predecessor schools.

LIZ ROONEY

Liz Rooney joined Pembroke Hill in 2016. As the lower school administrative assistant in the Intermediate Building, Liz kept the lower school running smoothly and looked after everyone - children and adults alike.

Her colleagues say Liz always came to school with her caring and supportive nature. That kindness was on full display in everything she did - from greeting visitors and securing substitute teachers to guiding the Safety Patrol team, giving hugs, and putting on Band-Aids.

Pictured L-R: Beth Bryant, Pamela Robb, Liz Rooney, Darla Burns, Anne Erickson

DBIE: TRAILBLAZERS

BLAZING A

BY JASON GINES ’95, Ph.D.

In the spring of 2023, Pembroke Hill hosted a remarkable event, one that celebrated the rich history, invaluable experiences, and the unwavering spirit of community that defines the school. Titled “Fireside Chat: Honoring Our Past, Building our Future Together,” the evening brought together a diverse audience of students, faculty, alumni, and community members to commemorate the legacy of three distinguished alumni of Pembroke-Country Day: Dr. Alonzo Plough ’69, Dr. James Walden ’73, and Dr. Jerry Woods ’69. This also marked the first time that these three outstanding individuals had been together at Pembroke Hill since their days at Pem-Day. The Fireside Chat was hosted by student Floyd (Xavier) May, IV.

DR. ALONZO PLOUGH ’69: PAVING THE WAY IN PUBLIC HEALTH

Dr. Alonzo Plough, a prominent figure in the realm of public health, took the stage first to share his journey from Pem-Day to his current role as the chief science officer and vice president of research-evaluation-learning at the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. His illustrious career, spanning over 25 years, has seen him serve in key positions, including director of emergency preparedness and response in Los Angeles County and director of public health in Boston. He has also shared his knowledge and expertise at renowned institutions such as Boston University, Tufts, and Harvard.

Dr. Plough’s opening remarks revolved around the concept of health equity, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based approaches in addressing disparities in health. He highlighted his most recent work, “Necessary Conversations: Understanding Racism as a Barrier to Achieving Health Equity,” as a significant contribution to the ongoing dialogue on this critical issue. His presence and wisdom resonated with the audience, leaving a lasting impression.

DR. JAMES WALDEN ’73: INSPIRING EXCELLENCE THROUGH LIFELONG LEARNING

Dr. James Walden, who embarked on a journey from a sociology major at Pomona College to a distinguished career in medicine. His extensive educational background, including a

medical degree from Baylor College of Medicine and board certifications in internal medicine and gastroenterology, reflects his commitment to lifelong learning and excellence.

Dr. Walden shared anecdotes from his time at Pem-Day, emphasizing the value of diverse experiences in shaping one’s future. He encouraged students to explore their passions and embrace a mindset of continuous learning, underscoring the importance of embracing opportunities as they come.

DR. JERRY WOODS ’69: A LEGACY OF DEDICATION AND LEADERSHIP

Dr. Jerry Woods brought a unique perspective to the event, as one of the first two Black students to attend Pem-Day. He excelled academically and athletically, and his journey continued at Princeton University, where he conducted his senior thesis on sickle cell anemia. Dr. Woods’ dedication to pediatric hematologyoncology, groundbreaking research, and leadership at Children’s Mercy Hospital were nothing short of remarkable.

His career was punctuated by significant achievements, such as confirming the lifesaving impact of oral penicillin prophylaxis for children with sickle cell anemia. He also founded the Sickle Cell Camp, known as Camp Courage, which served as a haven for children with the condition for more than three decades. Dr. Woods’ journey exemplified the power of knowledge, dedication, and a commitment to improving the lives of others.

The evening concluded with an interactive session, where students and guests had the opportunity to engage with the speakers, ask questions, and seek advice for their own journeys. In an age where education and community are more critical than ever, this event served as a beacon of inspiration, reminding everyone that the past can be a powerful guide in building a brighter future. Drs. Plough, Walden, and Woods demonstrated that the pursuit of knowledge, combined with a dedication to improving the lives of others, can lead to remarkable achievements that resonate throughout generations.

TRAIL

DR. JERRY WOODS ’69

DR. ALONZO PLOUGH ’69

DR. JAMES WALDEN ’73

Pictured with the featured speakers: Jason Gines ’95 and Brad Shelley

Students celebrate Raider pride at the annual Late Night Pep Rally

ADAPTING CAREERS: NAVIGATING CHANGE & EMPOWERING OTHERS

Just for a moment, let’s go back to the year 2000. Bedazzled denim is all the rage, flip phones with a camera are the hot new commodity, *NSYNC and Britney Spears are dominating the charts.

Meanwhile, in Kansas City, Amy Baumgartner Hutton ’00 is in her final year at Pembroke Hill School. “It was a really cool year to graduate with Y2K, you know, everybody was freaking out,” Amy said.

While reminiscing on her days at Pembroke Hill, she recalls having a foot in many different groups. She was in the photography club, played piano, sang in the choir, was goalie on the field hockey team, and acted in all the theater productions from seventh grade on.

She was voted most likely to come back and teach at Pembroke Hill, and her peers weren’t wrong about her desire to educate, which can in part be attributed to her choir teacher, Ken Foley. “He was really good at inspiring students to love music, while challenging them to reach untapped potential,” Amy said.

There were many people from Pembroke Hill who inspired Amy’s journey, including her college counselor, David Burke. “He was a cheerleader and advocate for me,” Amy shared. “I knew exactly what I wanted to do and what type of school I wanted to attend. I didn’t need a lot of support in determining where to apply, but it was great to have a champion in my corner.”

She credits her education at Pembroke Hill with equipping her with the tools she needed to achieve the success she’s had in life. While she was sometimes frustrated that things didn’t come as easily to her as her peers, she is grateful for the obstacles now, as the experience taught her how to work, learn and persevere.

Upon graduating from Pembroke Hill, Amy attended DePauw University where she started as an elementary music education major before quickly realizing it was not for her. She decided to double major in music performance and communications.

While at DePauw, she attended a theater interest meeting, volunteered to stage manage a show and ultimately fell in love with the role—leading to over a decade-long career as a professional stage manager. She worked all throughout the United States, including New York City, on several productions, a few of which include Tea at Five, Comedians and Trumbo. She is also a member of the Actors’ Equity Association, an essential for those looking to work at the top theaters in the country.

However, Amy’s inclination to teach never left her, and when she came across the opportunity to share her passion for theater with others, she seized it by accepting a job at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) as an assistant professor of theatre and head of stage management.

“I absolutely loved working with college kids, just being at the age of development where they are gaining their independence,” Amy said. “Being able to cultivate that was an incredible opportunity.”

She spent six years in the role, while earning her master’s in theater pedagogy, before transferring to the Department of Music as director of admissions. When the dean asked her to create a statistical report on how many students applied, how many were admitted, and so forth, she soon realized she wanted to be a vice

AMY BAUMGARTNER HUTTON ’00

president. And the next logical step was to advance her education, earning her Ph.D. in education with a focus on statistics.

Amy spent her last five years at VCU as a statistics professor and the director of enrollment research and evaluation. “I am probably the only person in the world who can say they’ve been a professor of both theater and statistics,” Amy laughed.

In 2021, Amy began working as the assistant vice president for enrollment management at the University of Alabama. Then, in 2023, she accepted her current job as both the chief enrollment officer and the associate vice chancellor for enrollment management at the University of Colorado Boulder where she oversees admissions, student accounting, financial aid, precollege outreach, scholarships, marketing and technology.

While currently writing a chapter for a textbook that speaks on the latest college trends in admissions and enrollment, she notes that more focus is being placed on retention and graduation as opposed to the number of students a university is bringing in. Furthermore, most colleges have shifted to holistic admissions, where more emphasis is placed on evaluating the student, on their experiences beyond the classroom—not just test scores.

“There’s a lot of research showing the test is not a strong indicator of success in college,” Amy said. All the universities Amy has worked for will give prospective students the chance to share any extraordinary circumstances that have impacted their high school experience.

“I absolutely loved working with college kids, just being at the age of development where they are gaining their independence.”

“It’s about picking the right step for you now, which is not necessarily what the right step is going to be 30 years from now.”

– AMY BAUMGARTNER HUTTON ’00

Advice for College Bound Students

Amy advises high school students to listen to their counselors, as they are very knowledgeable and are there to have intentional conversations and help students identify which schools best meet their needs. She also advises students to be cautious of sticker shock. “Don’t pay attention to the cost until you get your financial offer from that institution,” Amy said.

One of the main things Amy tries to relay to undergraduate students is that getting the undergraduate degree is what ultimately matters.

In this digital age, it may seem like the value of a college education is dwindling, as people are seeking more and more ways to make money online. However, by entering the workforce right out of high school, many are missing a unique time to explore, grow and develop a set of skills in a different way than you would in the professional world— how to meet new people, how to learn, how to work.

College is an opportunity to open students’ minds to things they have never heard of before. This is why she wants students to know that it is okay to not have it all figured out, in fact, she thinks it may be better that way.

“There are so many careers out there people have not been exposed to,” Amy said. “As an undecided or exploratory studies major, universities will build the firstyear coursework to make sure you are getting a chance to explore while still taking classes that will count toward the path you choose.”

According to Amy, 80 percent of students change their major in college at least once and on average, three times.

“I was going to be an elementary music teacher—that didn’t work out. I was a professional theater person, it worked out and I still switched fields. It’s about picking the right step for you now, which is not necessarily what the right step is going to be 30 years from now,” Amy said. “This is not the age of our grandparents, where you pick a career and stay

at the company for 30 years. That’s not the way Millennials work, it’s not the way Gen Z works, and that’s okay.”

Recently, Amy sat through a presentation by the associate vice chancellor of health and wellness at CU Boulder, and the discussion was centered around the unprecedented levels of anxiety this generation is facing right now.

“The resources on campus know what’s happening with students. The people that work on campus care and want to see you succeed. If you are struggling, they’ve probably seen it before and can help,” Amy said. “Failure is the way we learn. Struggling is critical to our development as humans. It’s really about what you do when you struggle, because everyone is going to struggle.”

Amy strongly encourages students to find that person on campus they connect with, someone who understands all they’re adapting to as a young adult going through a major transitional period in their life. She also believes engagement to be the strongest predictor of success in college—joining a club, an intramural team, anything that connects you with people is crucial to a smooth transition and ultimately your success.

This is what drives Amy each day—seeing students succeed, especially those who faced adversity, didn’t believe in themselves, or lacked the financial and social support others had. Many of her former students have gone on to work on Broadway, one even became a professor —and though Amy says it makes her feel old, nothing compares to knowing she’s made a positive impact in a student’s life.

“Seeing what those students do to give back to the community, to be successful in their own fields, to be the innovators that are going to cure cancer and develop green technologies and really make the world a better place—to know I was part of that journey, whether the student knew it or not, that’s the best reward I can get,” Amy said. “I want to see us be a more inclusive, diverse, equitable society that can in turn do really incredible things together.”

COLLEGE CHOICES

Pembroke Hill School students are recruited by the most prestigious colleges and universities in the U.S., and each year students are accepted by Ivy League and other top institutions. The goal of college counselors is to help students determine which colleges are right for individual interests, personalities, and goals. Following is the list of matriculations for the classes of 2019-2023 (average class size is 105), where two or more students have enrolled at the universities listed.

American University 2

Arizona State University 7

Bard College 2

Barnard College 3

Boston College 8

Boston University 4

Brown University 5

Bucknell University 2

Carleton College 4

Carnegie Mellon University 3

Case Western Reserve University 5 Clemson University 2 College of Charleston 2

Colorado College

Colorado School of Mines

Davidson College

Denison University

Emory University

George Washington University 3

Georgetown University 4

Haverford College 2

Indiana University Bloomington 5

Johns Hopkins University 3

Kansas State University 5

Lake Forest College 2

Loyola Marymount University 4

Loyola University Chicago 5

Macalester College 3

Manhattan College 2

Massachusetts Institute of Tech 3

Miami University, Oxford 8

Middlebury College 2

New York University 6

North Carolina State University 2

Northeastern University 4

Northwestern University 4

Oberlin College 2

Pomona College 3

Princeton University 3

Purdue University 2

Reed College 2

Rholdes College 2

Rockhurst University 2

Saint Louis University 3

Santa Clara University 6

Sarah Lawrence College 2

Scripps College 3

Skidmore College 2

Southern Methodist University 8

St. Olaf College 2

Stanford University 4

Texas A&M University 3

Texas Christian University 15

Tufts University 3

Tulane University 7

United States Naval Academy 2

University of Arizona 3

University of Arkansas 5

University of California, Berkeley 2

University of Chicago 3

University of Colorado Boulder 9

University of Denver 9

University of Kansas 37

University of Miami 9

University of Michigan 7

University of Missouri, Columbia 15

University of Missouri, KC 15

University of Notre Dame 4

University of Pennsylvania 6

University of Richmond 4

University of San Diego 5

University of South Carolina 2

University of Southern California 13

University of St Andrews 3

University of Virginia 6

University of Washington, Seattle 2

University of Wisconsin, Madison 7

Vanderbilt University 3

Villanova University 3

Wake Forest University 4

Washington and Lee University 4

Washington U. in St. Louis 9

Wesleyan University 2

Yale University 5

62%

ENROLLED IN PRIVATE COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES

38%

ENROLLED IN PUBLIC COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES

38+

STATES WHERE STUDENTS ENROLLED

TOGETHER...

You can make a difference and provide critical support for both the academic and student experience through the Pembroke Hill School Fund.

The PHS Fund allows our school to deliver dynamic and challenging learning experiences for our students while creating a true sense of belonging in our community.

We are excited and grateful to announce a matching gift up to $100,000 from The George E. ’35 and Annette Cross Murphy Charitable Fund. This generous match will double your PHS Fund donation in support of extensive security enhancements and also new scoreboards for both the Robert L. Hicks Field and the Wornall Campus Field.

Please consider participating in this generous matching gift by making your donation before June 30.

Contact Barbara Head | bhead@pembrokehill.org | 913.314.4858

WEDDING BELLS

Taylor Beaham ’13 and Charles Kersey Doering, August 3, 2019, Kansas City

In the tapestry of life, events such as weddings and births are the threads that weave the fabric of our shared human experience. At Pembroke Hill School, we recognize the profound impact these moments have on our community.

From weddings to births, these milestones serve as moments of hope and optimism. By embracing and commemorating these pivotal life events, Pembroke Hill reinforces the bonds that make us a close-knit family.

We invite you to contribute to our collective narrative. The triumphs and the special moments that define your journey. We believe in the power of unity and celebration. In recognizing each other’s moments of joy, we build a stronger, more connected community—one milestone at a time.

WEDDINGS

Mark Allen ’93 married Jennifer Johnson in December of 2022.

Andrew Lewis ’08 and Catherine Pogson Lewis ’09 were married on September 20, 2014.

Kathryn Hjalmarson ’09 and Jason Blake, April 15, 2023, The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe, San Diego, CA.

PICTURED Taylor Beaham ’13 and Charles Kersey Doering, August 3, 2019, Kansas City. Audrey Newell ’13, Cruz Wiles ’11, Luke Butler ’11, Richard Moriarty, Parker Beaham ’16, and Gracie Beaham ’19 were members of the wedding party.

Nick Letts ’19 married Katherine Brown ’20, June 24, 2023. Jackson Letts ’19 and Dasha McDonald ’20 were members of the wedding party.

IN MEMORIAM

We offer our sincere condolences to the family and friends of the following alumni, former trustees and former faculty and staff who have passed away from July 1, 2022 - December 18, 2023.

ALUMNI & FORMER TRUSTEES

’49 Richard “Dick” L. Berkley

’60 Whitney Tooey Flagg Miller

’71 Patricia “Patty” Brown Glenn

’76 Ann Rymar Johnson

Susan Shook Williams

ALUMNI & FORMER FACULTY

’46 Caroline “Carol” Hendren Robb

’56 Sandra Joy Yukon Walton*

FORMER FACULTY & STAFF

Susan Phillips Everett

Pauline “Polly” Elizabeth Jones

Mary Dian Molton

Andrea Spear Tatlock**

Douglas “Doug” Arthur Wood

WEDDING BELLS

Kathryn Hjalmarson ’09 and Jason Blake, April 15, 2023, The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe, San Diego, CA

WEDDING BELLS

Nick Letts ’19 married Katherine Brown ’20, June 24, 2023. Jackson Letts ’19 and Dasha McDonald ’20 were members of the wedding party

WEDDING BELLS

Taylor Beaham ’13 and Charles Kersey Doering, August 3, 2019, Kansas City

IN MEMORIAM

’38 Janice Marie McCanles O’Brien**

’46 Jean Wood Churchman

’46 Mary Putnam Hudson MacWherter**

’48 Earl Calvin “Cal” Padgett, Jr.

’49 Frank Bernard “Gus” Gustafson

’49 Dr. Lawrence Charles Pakula

’50 Dr. John Mcleod, VI

’52 Alice Burton Silver

’53 Susan Baker Campbell

’53 Ann Dickerman Hutchins

’53 Darold William Jackson**

’53 Joseph “Joe” S. Lerner, Jr.

’53 Jeanette Kuhn Moss

’53 Constance “Connie” Pryde Ryden Perucca

’53 James “Jim” Scarritt

’53 Gerald William “Bill” Van Keppel, Jr.

’55 Peter “Pete” Scarritt Story

’55 John Henry Welsch

’55 James “Jim” M. Whittier

’56 Marilyn Powell Rinker

’57 Robert Dinwiddie “Din” Groves

’57 Christine Murray Jones Kingman

’58 William “Bill” Goetze

’58 Richard Morris Helzberg

’59 William “Bill” Wallace

’60 Craig Wight Patterson

’61 John “Pete” C. Byram, Jr.

’61 Don Early

’63 Portia “Polly” Helena Adams Brown

’63 Nancy Gayle “Gay” Latimer Cawvey**

BIRTHS

Cat Larrison ’00 and her husband Jeff Sprinkle welcomed their daughter Magnolia “Maggie” Christine Sprinkle on March 31, 2023, joining older brothers Leo and Charlie.

Julie (Fairchild) ’02 and Lant Fogarty welcomed a daughter Clementine Ann Fogarty on March 17, 2023. She joins big brother John Patrick Fogarty, III “JP”, who was born March 10, 2021.

Andrew ’05 and Megan Turner Pence welcomed a son James Pence on Sept. 23, 2022.

Aroop Mukharji ’05 and Valerie Eisenson welcomed a daughter Lila in January 2023.

Christina Belsito ’06 and Tyler Jost welcomed a daughter Elizabeth Jost in March 2023, joining her older brother Ethan who will be 2 in August.

Maggie Fairchild ’08 and husband Dan Ciaglia welcomed a girl Margaret Evelyn “Maeve” Ciaglia on May 4, 2023.

Andrew Lewis ’08 and Catherine Pogson Lewis ’09 welcomed Vivienne Lewis on September 24, 2019 and Christian Lewis on May 23, 2022.

Anna (Price) ’08 and Parker Patton welcomed a daughter Charlotte Brooke Patton on April 3, 2023.

Dr. Shannon Redburn ’12 and Aaron welcomed a daughter Rosemary Ann Redburn on May 19, 2023.

Ryan ’13 and Daryl (Rosenblum) Hesse ’13 welcomed a daughter Virginia Rose Hesse in April 2023.

Taylor Beaham ’13 and Charles Kersey Doering welcomed a daughter Hadley Bea Doering on March 22, 2023.

PICTURED

1. Cat Larrison ’00 pictured with daughter Magnolia “Maggie” Christine, and sons Leo and Charlie

2. Taylor (Beaham) Doering ’13 and Charles Kersey Doering pictured with daughter Hadley Bea

3. Christina Belsito ’06 and Tyler Jost pictured with daughter Elizabeth, and son Ethan

4. Dr. Shannon Redburn ’12 pictured with daughter Rosemary Ann

5. Aroop Mukharji ’05 and Valerie Eisenson pictured with daughter Lila

6. Julie (Fairchild) ’02 and Lant Fogarty pictured with daughter Clementine Ann, and son John Patrick “JP” Fogarty, III

IN MEMORIAM

’63 William “Bill” T. Diamond

’63 Ann Cozad Jansson

’63 Cathleen “Cathy” Dodson Macauley

’64 William “Bill” Mixson

’64 John Merritt Webster, Jr.

’64 John Edward Park, Jr.

’65 Louis “Lou” H. Ehrlich, III

’65 Frank William “Bill” Lee, III

’65 Lee B. McMillan

’65 Philip “Phil” H. Watkins, Jr.

’65 Harry Harlan Welsh, III

’66 Michael “Mike” W. Miles

’66 Edward Douglas “Doug” McDonald**

’68 Georgette Clayton Ayala

’68 Nick Boneff

’70 Charles “Charlie” Hillix McCord

’70 Judith “Judy” Ann Yeckel

’71 Don Edward “Coop” Cooper

’73 Bruce Kyle Kemp

’76 Karl William Bricker

’76 Anne Curran Thompson

’77 Melody Walker*

’80 David Benjamin Whitacre

’87 Catherine Brook McWhirter

’88 Peter “Anders” Unruh

’89 Bush Charles Helzberg

’91 Kendra Louise Carithers Leirer**

**Died prior to July 1, 2022, we included as they were not previously published in Horizons.

RICHARD L. BERKLEY

Richard “Dick” L. Berkley ’49, beloved family man and city leader, passed away on November 29, 2023. He was 92. Dick grew up in Kansas CIty and attended Pembroke-Country Day in kindergarten and first grade, returning again as an eighth grader and graduating in 1949. He was elected president of his senior class, and eventually served as a Trustee for Pem-Day from 1976 to 1979. For his outstanding service to our Kansas City community as well as to Pembroke Hill, he was honored with the Pembroke Hill School Distinguished Alumni Award in 2009.

Following Pembroke-Country Day, Dick graduated from Harvard College and Harvard Business School. He proudly served as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Navy before returning home to join the family business, Tension Corporation. He served Tension for more than 60 years as its treasurer and a member of the Board.

Dick's love for Kansas City knew no bounds - he was its true champion. He served on the City Council for 22 years, beginning in 1969 as a Council member, then as Mayor Pro Tem before being elected Mayor in '79, '83 and '87. He retired in 1991. Dick was Kansas City's only Jewish Mayor, as well as being the city's only three term Mayor. He used his wisdom, grace and humor to guide the Council to make forward-thinking decisions.

Dick's many years as the city's leader enabled him to lay a foundation for a massive wave of improvements for the next 25 years. His leadership over the city's half cent sales tax for bonds provided capital improvements for police stations, the zoo expansion, Bartle Hall, the airport, water and sewer extensions, and more, totaling hundreds of millions of dollars. The bonds collectively fueled over 700 capital projects which began to clear the backlog of deferred maintenance across the city. As Mayor, Dick created task forces and teams to address issues concerning food insecurity and hunger, illegal drugs, and AIDS. He created the KC Jazz Commission and co-originated the KC Ethics Commission. He supported the arts, education, aviation, economic development and more. He attended meetings of all officially recognized groups and rarely said no to an ask for his input or attendance. As the region's best ambassador, Dick championed Kansas City locally, nationally and internationally, always doing the right thing with great personal integrity.

During Dick's many years serving the city, his dedicated wife, Sandy, worked diligently by his side championing projects such as the Kansas City Zoo, support for AIDS patients and the horse-drawn carriages on the Country Club Plaza. For almost 50 years there was a largerthan-life photo of the couple walking in the Plaza's Easter Parade, which greeted travelers at the Kansas City International Airport.

After his retirement, Dick Berkley remained high-energy and deeply involved in everything Kansas City-related. He had a great sense of humor and he loved people. He began carrying a small camera with which he was seen snapping pictures of people all around the city and beyond. He would then send a copy of the photo to each person with a brief note. The Kansas City Star published an article featuring Dick with many of his photographs; more were exhibited at the Kansas City Library. In fact, best-selling author Harvey Mackay wrote a chapter in one of his books about Dick's photographic exploits and how they served to draw people together.

Berkley Riverfront Park is named in his honor and brought him great pride. In recent years he loved taking family to the park to show its development. Ultimately, his remains will be placed at a memorial site within the park, which gave him great comfort knowing that he would always be a part of his beloved Kansas City.

Dick was proud to be named Kansas Citian of the Year in 1994, along with dozens of other meaningful awards and accolades, including serving as President of the U.S. Conference of Mayors. But what he treasured most was the love of his wife, Sandy, their children, grandchildren, and his entire family.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents and by his brother, Eliot Berkley ’42. He leaves his wife, Sandy, daughter, Elizabeth, son, Jon Berkley ’82 and his wife Heather, as well as his grandchildren Ashton, McKenna and Jack.

Dick’s love for Kansas City knew no bounds–he was its true champion.

Pictured below presenting the Key to the City to Former Pem-Day Head Bradford M. Kingman

Dick’s Senior Photo

MELODY WALKER ’77

Melody Walker was born on June 6, 1959, to Claudette Frank Walker and Hayes Walker III. Melody came from many generations of pioneering Midwestern reporters and publishers. She started reporting at the age of 10 for her father, who published the cattle magazine, The Hereford Journal.

She became a radio reporter in Kansas City at the age of 16, and at 18, she was the editor of Sunset Hill School’s The Sundial. After Sunset Hill, Melody went on to graduate from Barnard College with a degree in philosophy. As a student there, she was asked by CBS veteran Fred Friendly to work with him on a PBS series. Melody had a distinctive, award-winning career in public radio. After graduating from Barnard, she took her fluency in French and her journalism skills to Europe. In the early 1980s, Melody reported from Paris for NPR, Deutsche Welle, and Radio France, among others. She balanced her professional accomplishments with civic duty. Melody was an officer and board member of the Central West End Association and STL Village, an aging-in-place service and advocacy organization.

Melody’s memory as a long-time public radio reporter and producer, a wonderful friend, loving mother, sister, and partner, lives on. Mary died March 4, 2022.

Last year, the Sunset Hill School Class of 1977 started a wonderful tradition of gathering in the Cowherd Garden and is donating a sundial, which will be installed at a later date in honor and memory of Melody Walker ’77.

In 2023, during Reunion Weekend, Pembroke Hill continued the tradition and honored other dear alumni, including two who taught at the school: Carol Hendren Robb ’46, and Sandra Joy Yukon Walton ’56.

The Cowherd Garden in front of Founders Hall was dedicated on April 27, 1985, in honor of Sally Rapelye Cowherd ’41 and Grant Cowherd ’34.

For other alumni obituaries, visit the In Memoriam page on the Pembroke Hill website at pembrokehill.org/in-memoriam. Please contact Lisa Kiene ’88, Director of Alumni Engagement, 816-936-1220 or lkiene@pembrokehill.org if you know a member of the Pembroke Hill community that should be included.

CLASS NOTES

1934

Our oldest alumnus, Harrison Johnston, turned 105 years old December 12, 2022. To honor another remarkable lap around the sun, News 4 Tucson KVOA-TV covered his birthday celebration. Upon graduating from Princeton University with an engineering degree in 1939, Harrison began working for General Electric, where he had the privilege to work on the historic Manhattan Project. Harrison credits his longevity to a strict exercise regime—exercising three times a day for ten minutes before each meal.

1941

1943

On the 80th anniversary of their graduation, we remember the 17 members who made up the Pembroke-Country Day Class of 1943, including Edward F. Walsh, III—father of the current president of the Alumni Association, E.F. Chip Walsh ’89. All members of this class are now deceased.

The Sunset Hill School class of 1943 consisted of 22 graduates. As we commemorate the 80th anniversary of their graduation, we honor those who have passed, and celebrate those still alive today, including: Joanne Harrison Karlson, Janet Clark McCoy, Marilyn Blond Melcher, Jeannette Terrell Nichols, Marie Bell Watson O’Hara, and Virginia Snyder.

Bert Berkley celebrated his 100th birthday, joining a small group of fellow alumni in the Pembroke Hill School Centenarian Club. Many family and friends gathered in Kansas City in May 2022 to celebrate Bert’s significant year.

1950

Jay W. Lorsch, Louis Kirstein Professor of Human Relations at Harvard Business School, is delighted to announce the release of his new book, titled “How the Harvard Business School Changed the Way We View Organizations.” Since 1964, Jay has been a faculty member in the Harvard Business School, teaching MBA, Doctoral, and Executive Education Programs. He is also editor of “The Future of Boards: Meeting the Governance Challenges of the Twenty-First Century” (2012), and has authored over a dozen books. His book “Organization and Environment”, co-written with Paul R. Lawrence, received the Academy of Management’s Best Management Book of the Year Award as well as the James A. Hamilton Book Award from the College of Hospital Administrators.

1952

Shortly after a memorable trip to Sicily, Italy, Sunset Hill alumna Lloyd “Lolly” McDonnell Mitchell left her home in Spruce Head Maine to visit the land of her alma mater, where she had the opportunity to reminisce and reconnect with old classmates, including Lillis Prater Beihl, Judy Bodendieck Bradley, Midge Snyder Roosevelt and Helen Foster Wooster.

Lolly enjoyed a tour of Wornall Campus (Sunset Hill), as well as a special lunch in The Archives with the Head of School, Brad Shelley, Assistant Head of School for Development, Barb Head, and Director of Alumni Engagement, Lisa Kiene. We spent the afternoon on a wonderful journey, as we listened to her stories of the past and flipped through class photos.

All alumni are welcome to contact the alumni office for a tour of either campus.

Back row L to R: Will Levitt, John Inderman ’04, Sam Pape, Jim Levitt ’72, Daniel Levitt, Laura Levitt, Sarah Consagra, Matthew Berkley ’18

Front row L to R: Bill Berkley ’74, Maureen Berkley, Caroline Kelly Inderman ’04, Eloise Inderman, Jane Levitt, Kate Berkley ’14, Bert Berkley ’41, Carol Berkley Hillman ’44, Janet Dubrava.

1967

The Guggenheim Museum in New York City recently celebrated Richard “Dick” Armstrong on his retirement. He served 15 years as director of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and Foundation. In reflection on his time at the museum, Dick said, “It’s been a whirlwind as the museum has affiliated institutions in Venice, Bilbao, and Abu Dhabi—not to mention the active program in New York.”

1975

Susan S. Freeman (formerly Swartzman) recently released a book titled “Inner Switch: 7 Timeless Principles to Transform Modern Leadership.” In her book, Susan guides individuals on how to become “Inner Switch Leaders” by shifting from an unconscious reactor to a conscious responder. Her unique Inner Switch method integrates eastern wisdom derived from more than 25 years of studying yoga and yogic philosophy alongside the needs of western business management. Learn more about Susan by visiting her website at www.susansfreeman.com. We were honored that she visited campus to speak with alumni on May 15, 2023.

1977

Byron Motley recently visited Pembroke Hill for a campus tour alongside his sister, Bobette, and his husband, Jeffrey Miiller. They came to Kansas City for the premiere of Byron’s 23-year-long documentary project, “The League,” which focuses on the Negro Baseball League through archival footage and interviews with former players. His film offers valuable insights into the remarkable talents of players like Satchel Paige, the first Negro Leaguer to pitch in a World Series, as well as Buck O’Neil—Major League Baseball’s inaugural African American Coach. If you missed the chance to see it in theaters, keep an eye out for it on Netflix.

1979

Lori Wilber Nastav ’79 and Laura Curry Sloan ’79 visit Wornall Campus

1982

Christopher Bailey has been the arts and health lead at the World Health Organization for nearly 12 years. While his home base is in Switzerland, he has performed his powerful piece—The Vanishing Point—all around the world.

The Vanishing Point tells the story of Christopher Bailey’s journey into blindness, and what he learned as a result about perception, empathy, and the healing power of the arts. The Vanishing Point is both a personal narrative and study of the history of humanity’s quest for sense-making, from our hunter gatherer days through modern times, to the recent discoveries in neurology that are shedding new light on the science behind deep aesthetic experiences and their ability to heal.

CLASS NOTES

1983

Rita Cortes recently participated in a Pembroke Hill In Our Neighbor’s Shoes (I.O.N.S) event celebrating Latin and cultural heritage. Rita shared her family’s history, which includes three generations of Pembroke Hill alumni: uncle Carole Cortes ’52, father Gary Cortez ’57, sister Natalie Cortes Gurin ’86, brother Marc Cortes ’88, as well as niece Miriam Cortes who is currently a sophomore. The event featured other Pembroke Hill families who have ancestors in South American countries including Guatemala, Mexico and Peru.

1988

We would like to express our gratitude to Anne Kurtz Flam for leading in the organization of the 35th Reunion at Third Street Social. It was special to see so many in attendance, including Walt Tague, who won the award for traveling the farthest—all the way from Alaska! (Reunion Committee: Heather Bath, David Dickey, Beth Dolan, Anne Kurtz Flam, Lisa Kiene and Starr Terrell).

Jamie Schultz Berg devoted countless hours of service throughout the 2022-23 school year as the Pembroke Hill School parents association president— we are incredibly grateful for her leadership.

In October, David Dickey completed an impressive 13.1 miles in the San Jose, California half marathon with Emily Dickey ’19 and Johnathon Dickey ’22

In June, Shombi Sharp attended the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) awards at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi where he spoke to a crowd of nearly 20,000 and met with Indian film stars. Shombi expressed his deep appreciation for India and its incredible transformation of art, culture and creativity. His speech was followed by several mega dance performances.

Thad Withers began a new role as the senior program manager for General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, where he will support our national defense and international partners.

David Dickey ’88 with Emily Dickey ’19 and Johnathon Dickey ’22 at the San Jose, California half-marathon

1993

In the fall of 2023, the class of 1993 celebrated their 30th Reunion. A huge thank you to our dedicated reunion committee—Jamie Copaken, Paul Greenwood, Lisa Jackson and Wit Solberg—for making this happen.

In May of 2023, Mark Allen stepped into a new role as chief operating officer at King-Collins Golf Course Design.

Jamie Copaken played Teteh in the show Ragtime at The Barn Players Community Theatre in Kansas City.

1995

Justin Mathews has had a busy past few months. In addition to hiking the Grand Canyon and releasing a new album titled “The Math of Love Unreconciled” with his band, Not Made by Hand — he also organized the first annual “Hike for Reconciliation” in Kansas City to raise awareness about Reconciliation Services and the 200 year history of the Troost neighborhood. Justin also sought to celebrate community, and that he did with a turnout of over 300 people. In November, Dr. Lisa Jackson ’93, along with several Pembroke Hill upper school students, helped Justin and his team prepare for the event as part of their community service projects.

1996

In May, the KC Chamber of Commerce shared, “It was a bittersweet day at the Chamber. After 10 years, we said goodbye to Scott Hall as the senior vice president of civic and community initiatives. He’s done incredible work at the Chamber and, more importantly, Kansas City. From Tobacco 21 to the new terminal at KCI to the Public Safety Coalition, Scott has been a steady leader in much of what we do.” Scott has since started his new position as vice president of development at VanTrust Estate. Scott also joined the Pembroke Hill Board of Trustees in 2023.

In July 2023, Mike Nixon joined the Alumni Association Executive Council, where he will serve a three year term. Mike has also graciously agreed to be the 2023-24 alumni chair for the Pembroke Hill School Fund. In November 2023, Mike led a strong group of alumni volunteers for Giving Tuesday in Patterson Hall, and they had a great time reconnecting with old classmates while raising money for the fund.

1997

Jeff Fedotin traveled to Germany to see the Chiefs win against the Dolphins. He published an article on Forbes.com about the experience “How The Kansas City Chiefs Became so Popular in Germany.”

Katherine Holland has been named executive director of KC2026, the nonprofit organization overseeing strategy and delivery of contractual obligations for FIFA World Cup 26. In this role, Katherine is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of KC2026, which include collaborating with FIFA, building comprehensive plans and strategies for all components of the event, identifying staffing needs and reporting out to the KC2026 Executive Committee and Board of Directors. Additionally, the executive director manages relationships with internal and external stakeholders, civic and governmental groups, as well as other community leaders. Join us in wishing Katherine tremendous success in hosting the World Cup in Kansas City in 2026.

1998

Emily Cuiran Day lives with her husband and two sons in Westwood, Kansas. In addition to mothering her rambunctious boys, she is also a family nurse practitioner with advanced certification in functional medicine. She has her own practice in the Prairie Village area called Daylight Functional Medicine.

1999

A huge thank you to Sarah Voss Hanson for her two years service as president of the Alumni Association.

2000

In January 2024, Amy Baumgartner Hutton visited campus and shared her experience as associate vice chancellor for enrollment management at the University of Colorado Boulder.

2001

Win Ansley took an entry level staff position with the CBS Evening News in New York City in 2007 and became the deputy bureau chief of CBS News’ North Region in 2018. He lives in New Jersey with his wife and two kids and still strongly supports the Chiefs and Royals as a Kansas City ambassador.

2003

Auyon Mukharji and his indie folk band Darlingside came to campus on October 24, 2023 for the middle and upper school assemblies. They sang songs from their new album “Everything is Alive” and also talked with the students about their experiences. Check out their tour dates on www.darlingside.com.

CLASS NOTES

2008

Former Pembroke Hill basketball standout Kristina Mingos Cunningham received the Filbert Five Award in December 2023, which is for high school and college standouts from Missouri who have also given back to the game. Kristina and her husband Kanyon Cunningham are currently living in Elk City, Oklahoma.

Amy Dean Johnston and her German Shorthaired Pointer, Tayto, participated in the 2023 DockDogs World Championships held in Dubuque, Iowa. Tayto excelled in the Iron Dog event, which combines three different competitions - Big Air, Extreme Vertical, and Speed Retrieve. He had two chances to compete in the Iron Dog category. In the first, Tayto secured the 17th place out of 44 dogs in his Iron Dog - Warrior category. In the second, Tayto delivered a standout performance, finishing 4th out of 44 dogs. The combined scores placed Tayto at 8th overall, making him the 2nd alternate for the finals. Tayto’s impressive achievements included a Big Air jump of 20 feet and 11 inches, an Extreme Vertical height of 5 feet and 10 inches, and a quick Speed Retrieve completion in 8.863 seconds. The duo wrapped up the week on a high note and eagerly anticipates upcoming competitions throughout the United States in 2024.

2015

Caroline Hogan joined the Alumni Association Executive Council in July 2023. She is serving a three year term.

2018

Fielding Burnette moved to Paris in July 2023 for two years of law school.

Pictured (left to right): Asher Abrahms ’14, Blake Ives ’11, Isabella Pallotto ’15, JT Max ’09 at the American Youth Foundation National Leadership Conference

2019

Jancyn Appel recently graduated from Carleton College, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, with minors in public policy, Spanish, and music performance. She is now embarking on the next chapter of her academic journey at Creighton University, where she will be pursuing her Juris Doctorate. Jancyn has been honored with the title of Dean’s Fellow, a recognition of her outstanding achievements and commitment to her studies.

Rachel Legg graduated from Carnegie Mellon University’s School of Design, and had the privilege to work on a project called Eagles Reach for the Sky. She collaborated with the students and faculty of Liberty Elementary to transform their playground space. This process involved having the students draw pictures of their dream playground court, from which Rachel created a design. She thanks her professors, Brett Yasko and Dylan Vitone, as well as her friends and peers who dedicated a Friday to make the project come to life.

Liberty Elementary students enjoying the playground court design by Rachel Legg ’19

CLASS NOTES

2019

Nate Turtledove recently graduated from St. Lawrence University after four years on the tennis team as a student athlete. During his senior season, he was named the winner of the 2023 Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) Ann Lebedeff Leadership Award. This award is given to one player in all of college tennis (D1, D2, D3, and NAIA). ITA CEO Timothy Russell states, “Nate embodies everything that this prestigious award epitomizes—an outstanding tennis player who represents our sport in so many positive ways, following in the footsteps and spirit of legendary leaders Ann Lebedeff and Billie Jean King.”

Nate shared, “I wouldn’t be where I am today without the incredible preparation that Pembroke Hill provided me. As a collegiate athlete, time management skills are critical, and the academic and extracurricular rigors of Pembroke Hill School prepared me and provided the experience necessary to excel in and out of the classroom. Similarly, Pembroke Hill gave me the opportunities to advance in college and, more importantly, the confidence to jump in and make a difference in my new community.”

“I will forever be grateful for all of the incredible teachers, mentors, and friends I had over my seven years at Pembroke Hill, and I will always be proud to be a Raider!”

Nate was honored with a postgraduate scholarship and special recognition at the ITA Awards Weekend in New York in August. Additionally, the St. Lawrence men’s tennis team was awarded a $1,000 donation from the ITA in his honor.

2020

In November, Ellie Hughes and her Middlebury teammates won the NESCAC finals against Williams 4-0. Congratulations!

Gabe Nutter pitched for the Cavaliers in the JUCO World Series from May 27-June 2, 2023 at Suplizio Field.

Sydney Draper is off to a terrific start playing volleyball for Princeton. The Kansas City Star interviewed her and published the story “It’s definitely a big transition: Two KC volleyball players share bond at Princeton.” Sydney was named Ivy League Rookie of the Year.

Catherine Zhao recently explored a project on pneumonia detection as an Inspirit AI Leadership Fellow at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). She studied machine-learning topics including linear and logistic regression, natural language processing, and neural networks.

Want to get involved at your alma mater? We need your support and invite you to give back.

There are many ways to contribute, including: Mentoring Current Students & Young Alumni

Serving as a class agent

LATE NIGHT HOOPS

Students from the Dance and Cheer teams play games at Late Night at Pembroke Hill

LATE NIGHT HOOPS

Fifth graders face off with seniors in basketball