The Blue & The Gray - Fall 2015

POLY P REP M A GA Z I N E

THE

THE

BLUE & GRAY

FALL 2 015

BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2014–2015

MIDDLE AND UPPER SCHOOLS 9216 Seventh Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11228 LOWER SCHOOL 50 Prospect Park West Brooklyn, NY 11215

OFFICERS Susanna Furfaro, M.D. P’13, ’15 Co-Chair Robert G. Sabbagh ’87, P’27 Co-Chair Michael A. Correra ’87 Vice Chairman

Kristerfor Mastronardi ‘95 Treasurer Thomas H. Parker ’65 Secretary Grace M. Sawyer P’82 Assistant Secretary (Emeritus) BOARD MEMBERS Robin L. BramwellStewart ’86, P’16 Lawrence S. Brandman, Esq. ’78, P’16 Cynthia Cheswick Capone ’88

Michael Clark P’07, ’14 Jeanne M. Cloppse ’84 Elizabeth Comerford P’09, ’11,’14 Charles M. Diker ’52 Karen E. Burke Goulandris, M.D., Ph.D. P’15 Jennifer Jordan Gorman ’99 Nicholas Gravante, Esq. ’78, P’20, ’23 Gary E. Hanna, Esq. ’84 Arnold F. Mascali ’84 Cassandra Metz P’21, ’26

John J. Regan ’86 Daniela Vitale-Howell P’20, ’23, ’25 Vincent J. Vigorita, M.D. ’68, P’96, ’99, ’15 Wade E. Saadi Jr. ’95 President, Alumni Board of Governors TRUSTEES EMERITI (ex officio) Clifford Barr, Esq. ’48 Harry J. Petchesky, Esq. ’55

THE

THE

BLUE & GRAY

FAL L 2 015

POLY PR EP MA GA ZIN E

FEAT UR ES

 Vanessa Jimenez Gabb ’01 reads from her poetry collection. Read more on page 36.

03 History of Girls and Women at Poly A look back at Poly Prep’s transformation into a coeducational school, from its first matriculating class to the rise of female faculty.

08 W.I.S.E. Middle and Upper School girls explore engineering at annual symposium with professional female engineers as their mentors.

14 Girls Lead Poly girls take on leadership roles to help underserved girls worldwide, to raise money for cancer research, and in Poly student government.

18 Risk Taker How Mena Cammett ’05 measures international conflicts for companies.

22 ReConnect Poly alumnae are working to build connections with female alums leading up to the 40th anniversary of Women at Poly.

Editor Sousan Hammad Associate Director of Marketing & Communications Staff Writer/Photographer Linda Busetti Marketing & Communications Manager Sousan Hammad Associate Director of Marketing & Communications Design Lilly Pereira Photography Linda Busetti Martyn Gallina-Jones P’15 Greg Simpson William Rosario Poly Archives

26 What Being a “Girl” Means to Me Colette DiGrazia ’17 looks for a deeper understanding of gender and language in her insightful personal essay.

32 Team Spirit Trust and camaraderie are features of Poly’s Girls’ Varsity Softball team in its 16–3 season.

36 On Feminism and Writing Jules Gabellini ’18, co-founder of GirlUp, interviews poet and author Vanessa Jimenez Gabb ’01.

D EPA R T MEN T S

02 Headmaster’s Desk 38 Student Achievements 40 Faculty Achievements 42 Retirements 46 Book Review

O N T H E C OV E R How girls and women at Poly and beyond are breaking boundaries.

Illustration by Greg Simpson.

THE BLUE & THE GRAY is published by Poly’s Marketing & Communications Office. It features news from the Poly community of alumni, faculty, and students.

Inquiries and submissions are welcome. Contact the Editor at shammad@polyprep.org.

For more information about Poly Prep, visit www.polyprep.org.

50 Alumni Awards 56 Class Notes 66 Obituaries PH O T O SPR EA D S 12 Character 16 Lifers 20 Academics 24 Visual Arts 28 Poly Zines 30 Performing Arts 34 Athletics 44 Commencement 2015 48 Reunion

Headmaster’s

Desk

BY DAVID B. HARMAN P’04, ’06, HEADMASTER

GIRLS & WOMEN AT POLY AND BEYOND Dr. Helen Vendler, one of the best poetry critics in our moment, and the A. Kingsley Porter University Professor at Harvard University, once told an interesting story about earning her doctorate at Harvard during the 1960s.

She was researching original manuscripts of the 20th-century Irish poet and Nobel Laureate, William Butler Yeats, which were being held in Harvard’s rare book collection at the Lamont Library. Harvard College was still menonly in that era, and it turned out that Dr. Vendler, even as a Harvard doctoral student, would not be admitted to Lamont because of her gender. Instead, she had to go to Radcliffe’s college library, where women were permitted, and examine Yeats’ manuscripts as a bonded courier stood guard.

While the 1960s may seem a long time ago to some, it does not to me. The fact that Dr. Vendler had to suffer through what now seems an utter absurdity not all that long ago is both an emblem of the discrimination in education that women have faced for centuries and a testament to how far we have come in the last half century or so. (Indeed, Dr. Vendler’s experience was startlingly similar to the kind of discrimination Virgina Woolf described in her seminal feminist essay, “A Room of One’s Own,” with respect to Oxford’s library and women during the earlier part of the 20th century.) That it was not until the early 1980s, however, that Dr. Vendler became one of the first three or four women ever to achieve tenure in Harvard’s English department suggests how plodding progress can sometimes be.

2

T H E B L U E & T H E G R AY

Today, at Poly, all but two of the heads of our academic departments in the Middle and Upper Schools are women. Most of our faculty in all three divisions are women. Female students at Poly today play key leadership roles in the classroom, on stage, on our playing fields, and in our after-school clubs and community service activities. With nearly 1,500 Poly alumnae in our database, we can proudly say that Poly Prep has changed dramatically since it made the strategic decision to admit girls and go “co-ed” in 1977.

Yet, as the school has set goals for increased diversity of all kinds in our student body, with a desire to achieve the same gender parity on our Dyker Heights campus that we currently enjoy on our Park Slope campus, this edition of The Blue and The Gray gives us a chance to pause and reflect

on how far we have come with respect to girls and women at Poly and beyond, where we are now, and where we would like to go.

As you read about current Poly girls and what they’ve achieved in the classroom and beyond, discover some of the history of women at Poly, explore our W.I.S.E. program to support girls in the exploration of careers in engineering, and learn that Poly alumnae are organizing to create a powerful new affinity group to gather and mentor alumnae and girls at our school, I think you will agree that this edition of our school magazine has uncovered a rich vein of female leadership, achievement, aspiration, and experience that has enriched our school in the past and will propel it in the future as we seek to fulfill our educational mission.

The History of Girls and Women at POLY

By SOUSAN HAMMAD, Associate Director of Marketing & Communications

Infographics by GREG SIMPSON

P O LY P R E P M AGA Z I N E FA L L 2015

3

I

N THE CONTEXT of Poly’s 161-year history, the era of co-education at the school is short. Although the decision to admit girls in 1977 marked a momentous strategic decision that enhanced the diversity of the Poly experience, the school’s decision to “go co-ed” was influenced by a number of historical factors. These included the national decline in single-sex educational institutions (both at the collegiate and secondary school levels), and cultural shifts across America that gained momentum in the feminist movement of the 1960s.

Like many independent schools and colleges across the Northeast, Poly was motivated by the fundamental desire to expand enrollment and talent pool.

4

T H E B L U E & T H E G R AY

Yet women were not a completely alien presence in the years leading up to the school’s shift to co-education.

Group shots of faculty from 1918, for instance, and old Polygons reveal that there were women teachers at the school, albeit in small numbers and often only for the youngest boys or in the disciplines of music and art.

“

In September of 1977, Poly, an all-male institution since its founding in 1854, admitted 10 women into the school as Form V students.

In 1979, the school matriculated the first-ever female graduates of Poly.

”

Later, in the early 1970s, a number of interested girls from other schools such as Packer began volunteering to be a part of the school’s theater productions—including in the stage and make up crews—which had formerly only cast men en travestie for any female roles.

Formally, the first sign of approaching co-education did not occur until

the Headmaster at the time, William M. Williams, along with his Planning Committee, headed by then Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Arthur Levitt Jr. ’48, agreed to address the issue as a strategic consideration.

By 1973, two years after the advent of Title IX (a portion of the federal Education Amendments of 1972 that made it illegal to discriminate in public schools on the basis of sex), debates on whether to include female students at Poly gained momentum.

Despite resistance from some members of the Poly community, chronicled in contemporaneous Polygon articles, the barriers began to fall. In 1975, the choice was made: women were to be accepted into Poly.

It took two years of preparation after the Board’s ratification of Headmaster William’s decision to admit the first class of women but, in September of 1977, Poly, an all-male institution since its founding in 1854, admitted 10 women into the school as Form V students. Then in 1979, the school matriculated the first-ever female graduates of Poly.

C H A NG E S A N D C H A L L E N G E S

The introduction of women into the Poly environment made it clear there was a need for related changes and improvements on campus.

Encouraging girls to apply to Poly was one thing; taking care of their needs once they were on campus was another. Beyond the increase of population size, the school made other changes (some as simple as expanding the number of women’s bathrooms) to accommodate the increase and gender diversity in enrollment.

Co-education also spurred recruitment of female faculty, and the number of women teachers at Poly doubled from 1977 to 1978. That change continues to this day. While there were only nine female teachers

P O LY P R E P M AGA Z I N E FA L L 2015

5

6

T H E B L U E & T H E G R AY

in 1977, the year Poly went co-educational, today there are over 110 women faculty members in the Lower, Middle, and Upper Schools, with all but two heads of academic departments being women as well.

Athletics became another integral part in the development of Poly’s co-educational atmosphere, where a number of female coaches were hired as the years went on. Some of the biggest challenges, however, came from the Varsity Club, an organization comprised of male varsity athletes who, in 1978, opposed female athletic inductions. During their first year at Poly, many women sought to have a girls’ equivalent of the Varsity Club and, after much contention among the school’s student body, Headmaster Williams decided to allow girls into the Varsity Club, a moment of triumph for many of the school’s incoming classes who sought equality in all aspects of student life. Even today the Athletics Department continues to see enhancements: from the expansion of the girls’ locker rooms to a new girls’ fitness center, expansions which reflect an ongoing adaptation to co-education.

The same can be said for admissions at Poly. Nearly 38 years after Poly became co-educational, the average number of girls applying to the school has steadily increased. Still, the school is seeking to achieve full gender parity in all Middle and Upper School grades, while the Lower School is essentially 50/50 boys and girls.

Today, the continued growth of female enrollment at the school is reflected in the dramatically increased number of female leaders in student government and in the number of organizations and clubs that focus on girls’ issues such as GirlUp, the Poly branch of an international organization that raises awareness of issues

“

Today, the continued growth of female enrollment at the school is reflected in the dramatically increased number of female leaders in student government and in the number of organizations and clubs…

”

affecting young women and girls in developing nations, or in a new alumnae-run affinity group actively encouraging alumnae participation in the Poly community.

Nevertheless, after nearly 40 years of co-education, there are still gender-related challenges to explore, including the dress code and gender ratios in math and science classes.

But Poly’s faculty, students, and staff are committed to an atmosphere where the school empowers each girl to realize her fullest potential. It is here that female faculty and alumnae—and current female students, themselves—are working to expand opportunities for girls while Poly alumnae are making their voices heard at the school—and in the world beyond our walls—in ambitious, creative, and powerful ways.

P O LY P R E P M AGA Z I N E FA L L 2015

7

NOW PREPARING FOR ITS FIFTH YEAR, POLY’S W.I.S.E

ENCOURAGES GIRLS TO EXPLORE ENGINEERING

AND MOBILIZES FEMALE ENGINEERS AS MENTORS

W.I.S.E.

[ WOMEN’S INNOVATION SYMPOSIUM IN ENGINEERING ]

8

THE BLUE & THE GR AY

across new york city, one hundred and thirty girls rose early on sunday morning, march 4, 2015, eager to build bridges, create electrical circuits, and test water quality at poly’s fourth annual women’s innovation symposium in engineering ( w.i.s.e. ) . twelve leading women engineers from academia and the corporate world rose early, too, to join them.

BY LINDA BUSETTI, Marketing and Communications Manager

P O LY P R E P M AGA Z I N E FA L L 2015

9

W.I.S.E. organizer Flo Turkenkopf (Science) said attendees included girls from Poly and 66 independent, charter, parochial, and public schools, including 69 9th–12th graders and 61 7th or 8th graders.

“When we started W.I.S.E.,” Turkenkopf said, “we were trying to fill a need that Poly had to find an avenue to expose our girls to engineering… W.I.S.E. is a day of encouraging girls and women to celebrate being who we are and especially to feel comfortable being science nerds.

For Poly, it is an opportunity to say that we, as an institution, support and encourage girls in engineering. It is a chance for us to showcase our school to the outside community and, hopefully, to encourage bright and curious girls to consider coming to Poly for high school.”

Keynote Speaker Susan Murcott, Senior Lecturer, M.I.T.

In the Richard Perry Theatre, Turkenkopf asked Linda Sandor ’16 to introduce keynote speaker Susan Murcott, senior lecturer in M.I.T.’s Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering.

Murcott, a 1960s “hippie” began her M.I.T. studies at 35. Dr. Donald R.F. Harleman, a civil engineer at M.I.T., became her mentor. “I was mostly working with men,” Murcott said. “Today 18 percent of faculty at M.I.T. are women.”

Murcott’s interest in water sanitation began in 1998, at an International Women & Water Conference in Nepal.

Learning that “1.8 million people die of waterborne diseases each year” prompted her to found the Nepal Water Project. She used her engineering skills to develop a cheap water

10

THE BLUE & THE GR AY

filtration system, now used in Ghana and Nepal. This “huge and fascinating engineering challenge” has been the cornerstone of Murcott’s stellar career.

W.I.S.E. Workshops

Next, W.I.S.E. attendees moved to workshops in either Poly’s main building or the Marks Science & Technology Center. (Participants had already pre-registered for one of 12 sessions taught by professional women engineers or university-level engineering students.)

In a workshop for 13 girls, Murcott demonstrated water testing and low-cost water treatment systems for developing countries. “It was interesting to learn about the things [organisms] we can’t see,” said Jennifer Kuliyev ’19.

Sofia Russo ‘19 and Elena Diaz ’19 built “a circuit to make an LED

dimmer” and learned how to read a circuit diagram.

Poly alumna Emily Giurleo ‘13 showed students how to create webbased interactive stories, programmed in JavaScript, while Laura Wacker ’09 taught girls how to use Python, another programming language, to win a tic-tac-toe game. In another workshop, girls used MIT’s App Inventor to program mobile apps for phones.

In “Shake It Up,” Eliza Schiff ’19 built an elaborate toothpick and marshmallow structure set in Jell-O, designed to withstand an “earthquake.”

Saide Singh of Jamaica, Queens learned the structural principles incorporated in civil engineering designs in a hands-on workshop.

At lunch in Commons, Kuliyev wore, around her middle, a pouch containing a rainwater sample. The 8th grader was “incubating it with body heat.” After 24 hours, she would do a check for E coli, she explained.

Sydney Urban ’20 and Katie Futterman ’20, attending their first W.I.S.E., ended the day encouraged by the message that they can be engineers, too.

After lunch, workshop representatives presented to the entire W.I.S.E. assembly in the theatre.

Later, Turkenkopf said, “I have been absolutely thrilled with the

“ to see them in the classroom teaching and passionate about engineering

is the greatest gift i could receive as a teacher.

”

growth of the event… The population is diverse and the feedback is that the students really enjoy the day… In addition, I think that getting to work with women in the field of engineering and to see how excited they are to give back and encourage the future generation of engineers is a fulfilling part of the process.

“More and more of the women running the workshops are former students of mine, and this is just such a thrill,” Turkenkopf continued.

“To see them in the classroom teaching and passionate about engineering is the greatest gift I could receive as a teacher.

“The committee of women and girls that plan the event are such a powerful group and a wonderful support system. Having Jamie Nestor (Classics) and Susanna Furfaro P’13, ’15 (Trustee) at my side, leading the charge, has been such a blessing.”

W.I.S.E. WORKSHOP LEADERS Jasmina Aganovic General Manager of Consumer Products at AOBiome Freddie Brooks Technical Manager at Alcatel-Lucent Nancy Choi Senior Water Engineer at Arup Karen Clark President & CEO of Karen Clark & Company Rebecca Collins Senior Software Engineer at Google Emily Giurleo ’13 current M.I.T. student Olivia Kalban ‘10 Cornell graduate, Master of Engineering student Melissa Kaufman Research Engineer at Karen Clark & Company Miriam Madsen MD/PhD student at University of Massachusetts Medical School Elizabeth Mailhot Technical Manager, Alcatel-Lucent Mengqi Shi Analyst at CINCS Racquel Quarless Clinical Specialist for Boston Scientific Neuromodulation

P O LY P R E P M AGA Z I N E FA L L 2015

11

Poly Character

POLY IS CHARACTER! During the 2014–15 year, Poly students had many opportunities for character building and community service projects, including several Upper School blood drives, “Be a Green Neighbor” Day, Prospect Park Clean-Up Day, a Fun Run/ Walk to benefit Keep a Child Alive, and Breast Cancer Awareness Day.

12

THE BLUE & THE GR AY

P O LY P R E P M AGA Z I N E FA L L 2015

13

Girls Lead!

14

THE BLUE & THE GR AY

From Student Government and Community Service to Issues of Global Empowerment, Poly Girls TAKE AC T ION Poly girls lead in many ways, in the classroom and in the laboratory, on stage and in the art studios, and on Poly’s playing fields, but one of the biggest changes in the last decade or so has been the proliferation of girl-focused, girl-led after-school clubs and activities, in both Upper and Middle Schools. Girl leaders have flourished in student government, launched fundraisers for charities targeting children (such as one that fundraises for pediatric cancer research), or founded Poly “branches” of nonprofits that highlight girls’ struggles globally for education, empowerment, and equality.

Middle School GirlUp Chapter

Jules Gabellini ‘18 offers a prime example of this significant trend. Back when she was in 7th grade, Gabellini joined with teachers Kate Flahive (Math), Gail Karpf P’06 (Middle School English Coordinator), and Francesca Leibowitz ’95, P’29 (5th Grade) to start a GirlUp chapter at Poly.

GirlUp is a campaign started by the UN Foundation to spread awareness about issues affecting young women and girls in developing nations.

The club had a very successful first year, hosting a panel discussion about the film “Girl Rising,” the stories of nine girls in developing countries struggling to get an education.

GirlUp became, in Karpf’s words, “a club that empowers girls by raising awareness and supporting our ‘sisters’ in developing countries.”

On April 10, 2015, the GirlUp club hosted a “Women in the Arts Forum” as a fundraiser to buy bicycles for girls in developing nations. The event attracted an impressive roster of female visual artists, performance artists, gallerists, and writers to act as panelists, including: Shavonne Dargan of Live Nation; Tavi Gevinson, writer and actor; Barbara H. McLanahan of the Children’s Museum of the Arts; Toya Lillard, Executive Director of viBe Theater Experience; Ruby Sky Stiler, visual artist; Susan Yankowitz, playwright; Joan Ashley,

BY LINDA BUSETTI, Marketing and Communications Manager

drummer; and Dr. Angela Gittens (World Languages), director of Poly’s African Dance club, who led a vibrant West African dance performance, as “a celebration of womanhood and femininity.”

GirlUp member Eliza Schiff ’19 welcomed the panel of “extremely talented women representing all areas of the arts.”

Moderator Rema Hort’s ’19 first question to the panel was, “What special challenges do you as a female artist face?”

“Women’s voices don’t get heard,” McLanahan said. “Women have to hold their place at a meeting. Women should feel confident they have something worthwhile to say.”

“What advice can you offer young female artists?” Hort asked.

Playwright Yankowitz advised young women to intern: “Throw yourself into it. Don’t be afraid. Be yourself. There is no right way to write a play or paint a painting.”

“Don’t be afraid to bring your authentic self to the table,” Lillard added. “That is a particular challenge to young women of color. Demand your place at the table.”

“How big a role does your gender play in the art you create?” Hort asked the panel.

“When people see me play the drums,” said Ashley, “it gives them courage. Seeing women in roles they are not usually in empowers them.

They think, maybe I can do that.”

The event raised $1,600, and, as Karpf commented later, “That’s a lot of bicycles for girls in developing nations!”

In response to Poly’s successful fundraiser, the UN Foundation has

invited Poly’s GirlUp chapter to host a fashion show to benefit GirlUp, on Sunday, November 8, 2015 on Poly’s Dyker Heights campus.

Margaret Riordan ’15 and Kids Walk for Kids with Cancer

Margaret Riordan ’15 founded Poly’s chapter of Kids Walk for Kids with Cancer when she was a 14-year-old sophomore and new to Poly.

Kids Walk, an organization that supports pediatric cancer research at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center through student-led fundraising and awareness efforts.

100 percent of its raised funds go to cancer research.

Riordan rallied Poly’s Kids Walk team for annual Central Park walks, which raised $20,000 in three years.

And students will never forget the epic Kids Walk Dodge Ball Tournament fundraisers that Riordan hosted in the gym.

Riordan wrote on her blog, “Kids Walk for Kids with Cancer is an organization that thrives upon student leadership and ultimately kids helping kids. It is an organization that teaches young students the value of giving and the strength of a community.” We suspect Riordan will continue her leadership and commitment to service at Hamilton College this fall and beyond, in whatever profession she chooses.

Girls Lead Student Government

During the 2014–15 academic year, in yet another example of girls’

leadership at Poly, girls served as presidents of both the Middle and Upper School student governments.

Middle School Senate President Eliza Schiff ’19 began the year organizing a Homecoming bake sale, raising over $1,500.

During the year, the Middle School Senate coordinated a canned food drive with the Upper School collecting 3,278 donations for Reaching Out Community Services, a non-profit food pantry.

Upper School Student Government President Flora Gallina-Jones ’15, in her Opening Chapel address, advised students, “Be aware of how the moments in your life add up.”

She proceeded, through the whirlwind college admissions process, by advocating for community forums and community service events, such as three blood drives during the 2014-15 academic year.

Gallina-Jones, has participated in student government since Middle School, because she “wanted to make a difference.” She added, “We need people power.”

Given her outstanding contributions as a Poly scholar (this past year she earned a National Merit Scholarship and a rare “perfect score” on her Advanced Placement Spanish Language and Culture exam), and her leadership, we are certain a bright future awaits Gallina-Jones in California where she is attending Harvey Mudd College on a President’s Scholarship.

P O LY P R E P M AGA Z I N E FA L L 2015

15

Poly Lifers

TRAVIS DESHONG

ANDREW GIURLEO

ERICA DEMPSEY

Poly would like to send a heartfelt goodbye to the 2015 graduating class of Poly Lifers. A ”Poly Lifer” is a student who joined our school in Nursery or Kindergarden, and experienced all that Poly Prep has to offer over the course of his or her years through the Lower, Middle, and Upper Schools.

LLYOD POOR

16

THE BLUE & THE GR AY

DANA LUBOW

ALASDHAIR CLAREMONT

ARIANA LUKSH

FLORA GALLINA-JONES

MATTHEW MCCURUIN

TOM SIMPSON

ROBERT MOGAVERO ISABEL TESSIER

ROWAN MCALLISTER HENDRIK HUMES

GABRIELLA SHPLISKY

BENJAMIN CLAREMONT

GRACE BELL

JOHN GOULANDRIS

P O LY P R E P M AGA Z I N E FA L L 2015

17

HO W M EN A C A M M E T T ’0 5 ME A SUR E S IN T ERN AT ION A L CO NFL I CT S F OR C OM PA N IES

Risk Taker Mena Cammett studies risk for a living. As a senior risk analyst, Cammett ‘05 has to translate conflicts into probability. Part of that means she has to try to understand the local environment of certain countries in an effort to reduce potential risks to companies with businesses abroad, from Honduras to Egypt. Of course, while risks are everywhere—on a plane or while we sleep—it is no easy task to track and predict crises around the world.

BY SOUSAN HAMMAD, Associate Director of Marketing and Communications 18

T H E B L U E & T H E G R AY

Cammett agrees: “In our model you can’t predict war.” However, Cammet believes there are certain patterns that can help gauge and measure the possibilities of a conflict. One vehicle for discerning these patterns is relatively simple: “We read newspapers every morning,” she said.

The amount of data that a risk analyst has to undertake is immense. Whether reading daily news reports, looking at documented violence and civilian attitudes, or speaking to military and economic specialists, the task of measuring the future is not an easy one.

Cammett gave an example: “One day I got a deal in, a sale for the government of Zambia. That very day news came in that the president passed away. Because that happened, I didn’t know what the future of that country’s government would be. Would the elections be peaceful or violent? Would contracts be honored by the next administration? Being aware of what’s happening can directly affect our deals.”

While Cammett initially wanted to work as a diplomat, she changed her mind after taking an international relations course. “In studying international relations, my perception was that it was more about bargaining and geopolitical posturing…and I wanted to have an impact on the lives of everyday people rather than state level (which is obviously important). So I focused on international development,”she said.

CROSSING T HE ATLA N TIC TO THE ARAB WOR LD After learning Arabic at Yale, as part of her double B.A. in International Development and Arabic and Islamic Studies, Cammett decided to go to graduate school. She received an MBA and afterward moved to Egypt for her study abroad year. The move was a calculated effort, job-wise, to focus and commit on the Middle East. “[Cairo] is so diverse. I really loved it the second I arrived. It’s chaotic…and I’m from New York so it made me feel like I was

at home. People were generally kind and hospitable,” she said.

Cammett added: “…Cairo was the safest place I could imagine. The same family was in power for 30 years...there was tremendous inequality and many social ills, but there was relative stability.”

Eventually, she landed a job with Global Trade Matters, a company that seeks to improve the business landscape in Egypt by targeting and promoting entrepreneurship among pre-existing businesses, from magazines to restaurants.

Then came the year 2011: a time when the Middle Eastern region confronted a transformed set of political and social challenges. The populist uprising that began that year, referred to by many as the “Arab Spring,” had a huge effect on Cammett during her time in the Egyptian capital.

“It was life-changing for multiple reasons… I was there from the first day of protest to the day Mubarak stepped down. In Egypt the people who did well in business had close ties to the regime, or they already had capital. After the uprising, many of these people were being accused of corruption, their assets frozen and put in jail. It changed the landscape overnight. The transformation was alarming.”

Cammett’s first-hand experience in the conflict-ridden country has given her an advantage in her current role in political risk insurance. “We have to assess how things fall apart. It could be war, it could be bankruptcy,” she explained.

Now back in New York, Cammett continues to work with clients in private companies who are investing in other countries, notably the banking and energy sectors. She explained how it all works: the clients come to her with their projects in mind, detailing its cost, structure, and budget. After an in-depth analysis and assessment, Camett reports back to them.

“It’s like auto insurance. We can use a model and come up with a statistic

“

[Cairo] is so diverse.

I really loved it the second I arrived.

It’s chaotic…and I’m from New York so it made me feel like I was at home.

People were generally kind and hospitable.

”

probability like you would with a car.

You can predict to a certain level and that determines how you pay,” she said in a simplified account.

T H E P O LY Y E A R S Cammett mentioned that it was her time at Poly, a school she admired for holding on to both tradition and progressive values, which informed her decision to go to Yale. She was committed, Cammett said, to finding a similar place that would affect her.

“Tradition, school spirit, diversity. I thought of Yale as a ‘Poly college’,” she said.

P O LY P R E P M AGA Z I N E FA L L 2015

19

Poly Academics 20

THE BLUE & THE GR AY

POLY IS ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE! Some highlights during the 2014-15 year included: Upper School students participated in a History conference; collaborated on “Rube Goldberg Machines;�and competed in a national debate tournament.

Middle School students earned medals in a national Latin exam; finished 5th out of 27 in a regional Science Olympiad competition, and Lower School students studied New York City immigration through writing journals, Ellis Island visit, and oral history.

P O LY P R E P M AGA Z I N E FA L L 2015

21

Re:Connect

22

THE BLUE & THE GR AY

“Poly Women Connect” is making an effort to create connections between Poly’s approximately 1,500 women graduates

A girl in Poly’s Class of 2016

might be amazed to hear there were “only eight or nine” females in the Class of 1980 when Margaret Watson ’80 arrived at Poly.

As Poly approaches 2017, the 40th anniversary of admission of women to the previously all-male school, a group of alumnae tentatively identified as “Poly Women Connect,” is making an effort to create connections between Poly’s approximately 1,500 women graduates and Poly today, particularly with current Poly girls.

Watson is part of a Poly Women Connect Mission and Branding Subcommittee, which began meeting last February to enunciate their mission and plan how to reconnect with those Poly alumnae who have been out of touch with the school. Watson said her experience at Poly was good but, by the time she reached law school, she had fallen out of touch.

“Sometimes, it just takes an invitation,” Watson said.

Jeanne Cloppse ’84, a member of Poly’s Board of Trustees and also of Poly Women Connect, is a graduate of Williams College who works in marketing and advertising. “Our big goal is to connect with everybody,” Cloppse said. “To reach all 1,500 alumnae through personal outreach.”

At a meeting of the group’s Mission and Branding Subcommittee in May, members adopted Poly Women Connect’s mission statement: “To build, reinforce and redesign bridges to carry our alumnae back to Poly and to bring all that is Poly to them.

We aim to connect alumnae with each other, with the Poly of today, and ensure that they are an integral part of the Poly of tomorrow. Ultimately,

it is our mission to embrace, support and celebrate the Poly Woman and to make sure that there are no lost girls.”

In drafting a vision statement, Poly Women Connect says they hope to be a resource to all Poly women, and to provide a forum for communication, mentoring, sponsorship, networking, career development, and special events, as well as to contribute to Poly’s future.

Poly Women Connect has identified as one of its goals the need to celebrate the Poly Woman. As the 40th anniversary of coeducation quickly approaches, the group “feels the need to fortify our community, explore our identity, reconnect, and provide resources to each other,” Watson said.

The subcommittee plans to share these plans in a letter to all Poly’s women graduates in fall 2015, which will include a survey to determine why Poly alumnae lose touch and what will bring them back.

Since reconnecting with Poly this year, Watson has been pleasantly surprised to hear about initiatives such as W.I.S.E. (Women’s Innovation Symposium in Engineering) and Poly’s new Mentoring & Internship Program. One alumnae meeting included a visit from current Poly girls who described W.I.S.E. “I was blown away by the great things girls are doing today at Poly,” Watson said.

Cloppse cited the “fantastic job” Katie Pazushko ’15 had done as an intern in a legal firm as part of the Mentoring & Internship Program. Watson joked that Lori Redell P’10, ‘11 (Director of Mentoring & Internship Program), also a member of the Mission and Branding Subcommittee, should take the group of girls “on the road”

BY LINDA BUSETTI , Marketing and Communications Manager

because they are such great ambassadors for Poly.

Cloppse invited her classmate, GiGi Georges ’84, to be part of the subcommittee. Georges said she was “fortunate to receive a tremendous education” at Poly, but “hadn’t felt connected to Poly” in the past 10 years. Georges welcomed the “exciting” opportunity to be part of the subcommittee. a•lum•nus Georges hopes the 1640s from alumnus (in initiatives “keep moving Latin a masculine ahead,” but added, “We noun) refers to a male graduate have a lot of work ahead or former student; of us… I am excited about the plural is alumni. Coined the potential, but there in 1882, an are challenges to achievalumna (in Latin a feminine noun) ing these goals… It is refers to a female so important to ensure graduate or former student; that it [Poly Women the plural Connect] becomes incluis alumnae.

Traditionally, sive and broad.” the masculine As Poly Women plural alumni has been used for Connect reaches out to groups composed alumnae, the message will of both sexes and is still widely be, “We want you back used: the alumni here,” Cloppse said. of Poly Prep.

Cloppse hopes to see Origin “more Poly alumnae speak LATIN at Upper School Chapels” alere to share their experiences nourish alumnus and expertise. “We hope pupil to see more female leaders alumni plural at Poly,” she added. alumna “We have to ask people feminine alumnae where they are and why feminine plural they have not been back,” Cloppse concluded.

“People want to be asked.

That is the first important step.”

Stay tuned for a fall mailing and other outreach as Poly Women Connect finalizes its plans for the 2015–2016 academic year.

P O LY P R E P M AGA Z I N E FA L L 2015

23

Poly Visual Arts 24

THE BLUE & THE GR AY

POLY IS THE VISUAL ARTS! Under the guidance of our gifted arts faculty, Lower, Middle, and Upper School students produce imaginative drawings, paintings, collages, ceramics, sculpture, and photos throughout the school year. But The Blue & The Gray was particularly struck by the work featured here: a series based on the portraits of American artist Chuck Close, which Shane Sahadi’s (Visual Arts) 9th graders made this past winter. Using Close’s techniques, including blending and subtracting charcoal, a strong value scale, and vivid 3-D effects, Sahadi’s students created truly memorable “close ups” of individual personalities.

P O LY P R E P M AGA Z I N E FA L L 2015

25

26

THE BLUE & THE GR AY 2012, a zine created by Poly students "Outskirts" cover from Dec.

I Student Essay I

What Being a “Girl” Means to Me We all have certain characteristics that we associate with men and women. We see certain traits as being masculine and others as feminine.

However, the question of gender goes far beyond these. Rather than boxes labeled “boy” and “girl,” people are able to lie wherever they feel comfortable on a spectrum of gender. On one end we have biological boys (born with a penis), on the other are biological girls (born with a vagina), and in the middle are people who are biologically intersex (born with ambiguous genitalia).

Not everyone with the assigned genitalia identifies with these categories. People who identify as transgender may choose to switch to the opposite side of the spectrum, or land somewhere in the middle, such as people who are agender, genderqueer, or gender neutral. People like this may feel uncomfortable with traditional gender roles because it puts pressure on them to act a certain way.

One might believe that if they identify as a boy they will be expected to act masculine in a way with which they are not comfortable, just as a person who identifies as a girl may feel pressure from society to act like a “lady.”

While girls have historically been characterized as weak, second-class, someone to simply bear children and take care of housework, the definition of the word is steadily changing. Today a woman can be strong, independent, childless and still retain her status as a “girl,” whether she is a cisgender (self-identifies with gender they were assigned at birth) woman or transgender.

The question remains whether or not there should be some sort of separation between these two groups in terms of identification.

A woman who was assigned male at birth, will most likely have grown up with different experiences than that of a woman who was assigned female at birth. However, even

BY COLETTE DIGRAZIA ‘17

within these two categories there are very different experiences among them. To say that all women have the exact same experiences or that all transgender women have the exact same experiences is far from the truth. Although this is the case, these two groups of women have had a history of oppression that has brought them together.

An example of this is the gender pay gap. White women make about 78 percent of what men make. The gap is even worse for women of color. Black women get 64 percent of a white male’s pay, and Hispanic women are paid as little as 54 percent of a man's wage. Although no statistics have been found for the pay gap between men and transgender women, 15 percent of transgender people report making less than $10,000 per year, a rate of poverty that is nearly four times that of the general population. Transgender women also face these struggles when transitioning, usually with the addition of discrimination for their gender identity.

Women and the transgender community also suffer through a great deal of violence. According to a 2013 global review of available data, 35 percent of women worldwide have experienced either physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence or

non-partner sexual violence. Around 120 million girls worldwide (slightly more than 1 in 10) have experienced forced intercourse or other forced sexual acts at some point in their lives. More than 133 million girls and women have experienced some form of female genital mutilation. In the first four months of 2014, 102 acts of violence against the transgender community were reported. And that number doesn’t seem to be going down sufficiently. So far in the year 2015, at least 17 transgender women were murdered.

While everyone’s situation is different, it seems appropriate that women might feel a sense of unity and strive to change the systematic oppression and violence against women and the transgender community.

Whether you identify as a woman, a man, both, neither, or switch off from day to day, everyone deserves to feel comfortable within their own bodies and communities.

In my opinion, gender is simply a way of connecting us to a community of like-minded people where we feel we belong. It is not right to force people into boxes because it makes you feel more comfortable; you probably would not want someone to do the same to you.

At the end of the day, gender can help us as a human race to break boundaries and band together to break a cycle of oppression.

I do not identify as either a boy or a girl, but I sure as hell want to work so that those who do, and those like me, have equal rights.

P O LY P R E P M AGA Z I N E FA L L 2015

27

Poly Zines "Outskirts" was a Poly magazine produced by Upper School students from 2012–13. Excerpted here are two pages from the 2012 issue.

28

THE BLUE & THE GR AY

P O LY P R E P M AGA Z I N E FA L L 2015

29

Poly Performing Arts

POLY I S THE PERFORMING ARTS! Last academic year, Poly’s talented singers, dancers, actors, and musicians were showcased in the Upper School musical, Les Misérables; the Middle School musical, Shrek; an Afternoon of Student Choreography; the Middle/Upper School Dance Concert; the Lower School Concert; and during classroom instruction.

P O LY P R E P M AGA Z I N E FA L L 2015

31

POLY’S 2015 VARSITY SOFTBALL TEAM Coach: Mildred Piscopo (Athletics Director) Assistant Coach: Vanessa Munz Assistant Coach: Megan DeGraff (Classics) Varsity Softball MVP: Amanda Grossman ‘15 Most Improved Player: Sarah Healy ‘15 Outstanding Offensive Player: Morgan O’Mara ‘17 Outstanding Defensive Player: Ava O’Mara ‘17 Golden Glove Winner: Lily Seibert ‘15

2015 Team Members: Amanda Grossman ‘15 Sara Healy ‘15 Cassie Moriarty ‘15 Lily Seibert ‘15 Carly Corr ‘16 Ava O’Mara ‘17 Morgan O’Mara ‘17 Honor Sankey ‘16 Blaise Behar ‘17 Antonia Hatzipetros ‘17 Nova Stoller ‘17 Sophie Rodney ‘17 Jen Babick ‘18 Ellen Gaffney ‘18 Jane Malafronte ‘18

32

THE BLUE & THE GR AY

Spırit� Team

ON A MAY AFTERNOON, at Poly’s Dyker Heights campus, pitcher Ava O’Mara ‘17 was on fire, and Poly’s Varsity Softball team was pounding out the hits and circling the bases in a 16–0 victory over Fort Hamilton High School.

A sense of fun and camaraderie was obvious, as the team with a 14–2 record was poised to enter the New York State Association of Independent Schools Athletic Association (NYSAISAA) championship playoffs beginning on May 16.

They had already won the Ivy Prep League crown.

The Poly girls got off to a great start by defeating TRUST AND Riverdale 2–1 in the NYSAISAA quarterfinals and then routing Dalton 13–0 in the semifinals. But, after a CAMARADERIE heartbreaking 5–4 loss to Fieldston in the NYSAISAA MAKE POLY’S Championship game on May 20 at Manhattanville 2015 VARSITY College, the team finished the season 16–3.

SOFTBALL TEAM The Blue & The Gray spoke with several members of A “WINNER” Poly’s Varsity Softball team in May to find out what made DESPITE the team unique despite the NYSAISAA championship frustration. (Poly’s Softball team is used to winning big, HEARTBREAKING having garnered many Ivy Prep crowns and NYSAISAA NYSAISAA championships in the past.)

CHAMPIONSHIP Third baseman Honor Sankey ’16 said the team spends LOSS a great deal of time together on and off the field and “have a lot of laughs together.” “It is a 1:1 ratio of work and fun,” Sankey said. “We have fun, but we work hard.”

“We have workouts in the fall and winter,” added pitcher Ava O’Mara ’17.

“When we have a day off from practice, I am disappointed.”

“I look forward to practice all day. It’s a great release,” said first baseman Lily Seibert ’15, who will play softball in fall 2015 for Grinnell College in Iowa.

The girls say they are very competitive, even among themselves. If one player gets a hit, the next one to bat is looking for a hit, as well. But in the end, “We are one team, no matter what,” Ava O’Mara said.

“Being part of a team means you will always have people supporting you on and off the field,” pitcher and center fielder Morgan O’Mara ’17 said. “We pick each other up and learn how to work together as we aim to achieve one common goal. Being on a team can teach you commitment, collaboration, and discipline while being able to have so much fun in the process.”

“Poly’s softball team is incredibly special to me,” Morgan O’Mara continued.

“I have made many personal goals for the season, [such as] maintaining a high batting average and learning new pitches… [but] every player on the team is so

BY LINDA BUSETTI, Marketing and Communications Manager

supportive... We work well together, and all give 100 percent on the field…. The coaches encourage us and give us the confidence to work hard and play well.

We are an incredibly close team and know how to maintain a balance of focus and fun.”

“We look up to the captains, too,” Sankey said of Seibert and Amanda Grossman ’15.

“As a team, we are close with everyone on the team,” Seibert explained, “We have built a chemistry of trust on and off the field. We are all friends off the field and hang out. We are on the same page and have the same goal in mind.”

Seibert said she and the other players “make softball our priority,” so much so that members of other Poly teams look at the softball players and say, “You have so much fun!”

“That’s because we have the best team at Poly!” Sankey responded.

All the girls agree much of the credit for their success goes to “Pisc,” which is what they call Varsity Softball Coach Mildred Piscopo (Athletics Director).

Piscopo has a quiet way of taking a player aside to tell her what she may be doing wrong and suggest a better way to go about it, Ava O’Mara said.

“Pisc is always calm,” Sankey said.

“She can tell you what you did wrong without yelling. Her office is always open, if you want to talk to her or just to sit around.”

Sometimes when the team is having too much fun, Seibert said, “Pisc brings us back to focus. She demands a lot, but we want to make her proud.”

Piscopo said that what made this team special was, “They loved being on the field. Regardless of their role, each player was dedicated to the overall success of the team. They had a great fight in them and believed in one another. For me, they were so much fun to coach!”

P O LY P R E P M AGA Z I N E FA L L 2015

33

Poly Athletics 34

THE BLUE & THE GR AY

POLY IS OUTSTANDING ATHLETICS! Poly sports highlights during the 2014–15 year included: Varsity Boys’ Basketball won 2nd place in the Ivy Prep League; Varsity Boys’ Wrestling won with an overall record of 6–0, the Ivy Prep League Championship, Mayor’s Cup, and NYSAISAA Championship; the best season ever for the Boys’ Squash team, which won the Ivy Prep League title; individual honors for the Boys’ and Girls’ Indoor Track teams; the Girls’ Varsity Softball team had an 11–1 record and won the Ivy Prep League Championship.

P O LY P R E P M AGA Z I N E FA L L 2015

35

J UL ES GABEL L IN I ’ 1 8 I N TERV IEW S POET VANESSA JIMEN EZ G A B B ’ 0 1

Q&A On Feminism and Writing: Notes From Then and Now

“Brooklyn folks are all poets,” says Vanessa Jimenez Gabb, Brooklyn-dweller, poet, and member of the 2001 class of Poly Prep. Gabb’s two poetry collections, midnightblue (2015) and Weekend Poems (2014), invoke a sense of realism and straightforwardness about daily life, especially in places throughout Brooklyn, such as the gym or the apartment. She teaches sophomore and junior English at Newark Academy. Gabb has a B.A. in English from Tufts University, an M.A. in English from St. John’s University, and an M.F.A. in poetry from CUNY Brooklyn College. Gabb also founded Five Quarterly, an online literary enterprise that encourages readers and writers alike to partake in the editorial process, helping cultivate a space where writers can submit their most personal work. Gabb’s poetry has been featured in The Atlas Review, Time Out NY, Girls Write Now, and The Female Gaze.

Jules Gabellini, member of the class of 2018 at Poly Prep, is the founder and sole author of teenfeminist.com, which she launched in late 2013. She is also a member of the 2013–2014 class of Teen Advisors for Girl Up, a UN Foundation organization. Gabellini is a Be Loud Ambassador and a member of the advisory board for School of Doodle, as well as an intern for the Harnisch Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to investing in girls and women everywhere. She has been profiled in Mashable, BuzzFeed, Dolly Magazine (Australia), and The Guardian, and her writing has been published by WNYC. In her free time, Gabellini loves to perform in the theatre and write poetry. She believes that girls everywhere are the future.

36

THE BLUE & THE GR AY

In your poem, “LBD” (Little Black Dress), you speak about how a woman’s right to say “no” to sex is a political act. What is your opinion on the issue of consent?

“No” for me is too many things under the umbrella of capitalism, and by extension, patriarchy. It’s the woman, or otherwise voiceless, becoming less and less alienated from herself when she gives or does not give consent.

In an interview with “Girls Write Now,” you say that “reading and writing are forms of

BY JULES GABELLINI ’18

activism.” How do you think you use your writing and reading to be an activist? I think reading texts in addition to mainstream ones, looking in alternative places to be informed, is activating your awareness, which in turn informs your life, your craft, at least for me. I try and read this way, so that I can write this way, so that I can know better.

What are your personal causes?

I support causes that affect anyone who is oppressed and fighting against that oppression.

Do you have any advice for young girl/women writers? Write honestly about what you know about being a young girl/woman. Read to raise your consciousness of why this may be, to see. And then read why that may be and what’s unique and not unique about it. Question.

How do you think Poly supported you as an aspiring poet/writer? It’s always an interesting tension to be in a moneyed environment, especially when that might not be the world you know or are used to. At Poly I became more exposed to class dynamics, which is what I’m most concerned with exploring in my writing.

Poly is also where I first read some of my favorite books.

Some of the work I have focused on is the question of feminism from a teenage perspective and one of the questions I have come across is: how do girls voice their opinions in a society that discourages them from speaking their mind, and I’m wondering how you involve this in your own work, if at all? For me, it may be more of a question of how than of when. “How” can often happen organically, spontaneously. The system discourages the majority of us from speaking out, so it’s only a matter of time before we will and fiercely, women in particular. It is the logic of our development. I believe what Lorraine Hansberry said, and I’m paraphrasing, but it’s something like “those who are twice oppressed, can be twice militant.”

“

BROOKLYN FOLKS ARE ALL POETS. You can hear it and see it when you listen to them speak or walk or dress or love or fight.

It’s such a rich and special place to grow up.

”

Do you write with your gender in mind? I do, but not solely my gender.

How has your upbringing in Brooklyn influenced your work?

Brooklyn folks are all poets. You can hear it and see it when you listen to them speak or walk or dress or love or fight. It’s such a rich and special place to grow up. Some things come easy then when I write, while some things are more torturous. Some lines are soft, some tough.

You have published two chapbooks, midnightblue (2014), and Weekend Poems (2015). How are the pieces in these chapbooks different? Is there a common theme running through each, respectively? The earlier poems are less nuanced, I think. The newer ones are a bit more dimensional. They all share in their attempts at minimalism formally, though, and in their ideology and interest in the personal as political.

During the span of your career and your life as a writer, have you ever felt “less than” because of your gender and how you are perceived as a woman? Of course. And too often. The literary world, in many ways, is a microcosm of the larger one.

Do you remember one singular moment in your life where it became clear that you wanted to become a poet? Perhaps not one moment but one undergrad class I took with the late Deborah Digges, called “Dickinson, Bishop, and Plath.” We read some radical stuff and I wanted to express myself in that same, no-bullshit way.

Who were your poetic/literary influences as a child? Who are your influences now? As a child, R.L. Stine was my favorite! As an adolescent, Their Eyes Were Watching God and Love in the Time of Cholera were absolutely everything to me and still are. Gosh, I’m influenced by so much. Most recently, I’ve been reading a lot of nonfiction that is now part of what and how I think. Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee is one of them.

Have you ever had a mentor during your career? Who were they and how did they inspire you to create?

I’ve had several mentors, formally and informally. During my MFA studies, I worked with the poets Julie Agoos and Sharon Mesmer.

I’ve always looked at my parents as the most special of mentors.

Do you have a favorite poem or story that you’ve written? Eek. Hm. Right now I think I said everything I needed to say, the way I wanted to say it, in the poem, “Aubade with Ham,” which Word Riot was so kind to publish last year.

Your style of writing is very straight-forward and realistic.

How did you discover your unique, personal voice? I think discovering your voice is the struggle. I’m not sure I fully have, but I have realized I want to write about socioeconomics as a basis for understanding life and love.

I feel most right in realism, materialism, without being too obscure or lofty. < Jules Gabellini ’18

P O LY P R E P M AGA Z I N E FA L L 2015

37

Achievements:

Student

Aspiration, Excellence, Victory Outstanding Student Achievements at Poly (2014–2015 Academic Year)

COLLEGE RESULTS & ACADEMICS • 35 members of the Class of 2015, or approximately 28 percent of the class, enrolled in universities ranked in US News & World Report’s Top 40: Princeton (1), Yale (1), Duke (3), Penn (2), Dartmouth (1), Johns Hopkins (1), Northwestern (1), Cornell (2), Brown (1), Vanderbilt (2), Emory (3), Virginia (1), Carnegie Mellon (1), USC (2), Tufts (4), Wake Forest (1), Michigan (1), UNC (1), Boston College (2), NYU (1), Case Western (1), and Lehigh (2).

•A member of the Class of 2015, who is attending Princeton this fall, won a Gates Millennium Scholarship in recognition of her “strong leadership, community service and academic achievement” and as a “Leader for America’s Future.”

•A Duke-bound member of the Class of 2015 won a Milken Scholarship for $10,000.

At Poly, our students achieve great things in the classroom, lab, theater and art studio, and on our athletic fields. Space does not permit us to include all of their individual accomplishments, but we have assembled an overview of the most notable student accomplishments during the past academic year.

For more about the individual students who won academic, art, or public service awards, please visit our website at polyprep.org/excellence.

For more about Poly athletics successes last year, please visit our website at polyprep.org/sportsnews.

38

T H E B L U E & T H E G R AY

I Achievements: Student I

•1 member of the Class of 2016 scored a perfect 36 on the ACT college admissions placement exam.

• T he staff of the Polyglot won 2nd place in the American Scholastic Press Association yearbook competition.

•1 member of the Class of 2015 won a prestigious National Merit Scholarship, which includes a $2,500 award, an honor achieved by only about 0.5 percent of students who took the PSATs.

•P oly’s Middle School Science Olympiad team finished in 5th place (out of 27 teams), winning medals in 9 categories in their second New York City Science Olympiad Regional competition.

•3 members of the Class of 2015 were named National Merit Scholarship semifinalists and 2 earned National Achievement Scholarship honors. Another earned an award from the 2014–15 National Hispanic Recognition Program.

•A Poly junior participated in a Health Professions Recruitment and Exposure Program (HPREP) at Weill Cornell Medical College and earned a College Book Scholarship for Best Research Paper out of 89 program graduates.

•A member of the Class of 2018 earned a perfect score on the 2015 National Latin Exam. 66 Poly students earned honors for their high scores, including 6 winning Summa Cum Laude (Gold Medal); 28 Maxima Cum Laude (Silver Medal); 12 Magna Cum Laude; and 20 Cum Laude.

•A ll 9 members of Poly’s new Upper School Italian class earned honors in a National Italian Exam.

• F or the fourth year in a row, Poly students won major honors at the New York City Science & Engineering Fair (NYCSEF) competition. 3 members of the Class of 2015, who were part of Poly’s Science Research course, won second, third, or a special award.

•A Poly Debate team duo in the Class of 2016 took home the Championship in Public Forum Debate at a national circuit tournament, and made Poly history at the National Speech & Debate Qualifying Tournament, as the first Poly students to qualify for the national tournament, which was held in Dallas in June 2015.

•2 Poly sophomores won Gold Key Awards in the NYC Regional Honors of the 2015 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards Competition.

• I n Middle School, a member of the Class of 2020 won 1st place in the New York State Association of Mathematics Teachers poster competition.

•A Poly freshman was accepted for a highly competitive New-York Historical Society Internship Program to work with museum professionals during summer 2015.

ATHLETICS • Poly’s Varsity Baseball team won its 8th straight Ivy Prep League title finishing out the season with an overall record of 18–4, including huge out-of-league victories against Delbarton, George Washington, Xavier, St. Joseph’s by the Sea, Tottenville, and Monsignor Farrell.

•P oly’s Varsity Softball team won the Ivy Prep League title, and barely missed winning the NYSAISAA crown in the last game, ending their season 16–4.

•P oly’s Varsity Wrestling team won the New York State Private School Wrestling Tournament and the New York Mayor’s Cup Tournament while 2 Poly wrestlers earned All-American honors at the National Prep League Championship in February.

•P oly’s Boys’ Varsity Squash team had its best season ever, winning the Ivy Prep League Championship.

CHARACTER & COMMUNITY SERVICE • Last academic year, Poly students in all three divisions collectively raised more than $13,200 for hundreds of NYC-area charities while Upper School students collectively volunteered thousands of hours of community service.

•2 rising Poly seniors received Division I football scholarships to Rutgers University and Boston College.

•U pper School students and faculty donated a total of 29 pints of blood in the third blood drive of the year, with a total of 105 pints for the entire year.

•P oly’s Boys’ Varsity Swim team broke Ivy Prep League and Poly records in 200 Medley & 200 Free Relay events in the 2015 Ivy Prep League Swimming Championship.

• F or the third year, Poly’s Form III students participated in community service projects at 11 sites in Brooklyn, Staten Island, and Manhattan for Freshman Service Day on October 24, 2014.

•P oly’s Middle & Upper School students donated their hair to make wigs for cancer patients as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October 2014.

•A Poly sophomore on the Blue Devils Varsity Football team was named to the CBS Sports Network Sophomore AllAmerican Team.

•A Poly fencer in the Class of 2019 competed in the Regional Junior Cadet Circuit (RJCC) and finished 7th.

•A Poly junior won low medalist honors at the NYSAISAA Golf Championship at Hampshire Country Club in Mamaroneck, New York in May.

P O LY P R E P M AGA Z I N E FA L L 2015

39

Achievements:

Faculty

Outside the Classroom Outstanding Achievements by Poly Faculty (2014–2015 Academic Year) At Poly, our outstanding faculty, coaches, and mentors are central to the Poly experience, helping students to achieve many amazing things each day in the classroom, lab, art studio, rehearsal room, theater, gym, and on the playing fields.

But Poly faculty are busy outside the classroom, too. Some are entering new degree programs, earning new degrees and certifications, engaging in professional activities in their fields, attending or presenting at conferences, publishing, winning awards, or being named to endowed chairs and lectureships at Poly. Below we have provided just a sampling of some of the notable faculty accomplishments this past academic year that took place outside the classroom.

Poly honored Lulu Commaratto P’00 (Accounts Payable), Liane Dougherty P’06, ’12 (Middle School History Coordinator), Gail Karpf P’06 (Middle School English Coordinator), Mary Maffa (Payroll and Benefits Administrator), and Billy McNally (Physical Education; Development Manager for Affinity Marketing) for 25 years of service to the school at a celebration on April 9 in the Joseph Dana Allen Library. ¶ Five members of the World Languages Department, Elisabeth Mansfield (Chair), Jennifer Olson-Walker, Ryan Rockmore, Shihan Liu, and Megan DeGraff ‘05, attended the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL)

40

T H E B L U E & T H E G R AY

conference in San Antonio. Mansfield and Olson-Walker presented a session, “Speak Out! A Teacher’s Grab Bag for Successful Communication in the Foreign Language Classroom.” ¶ Patrick Livingstone (Form V Dean; History) and Olivia Tandon (Science) each finished the New York City Marathon on Sunday, November 2, despite bracing headwinds. ¶ Robert Aberlin ’62, P’00, ‘03 (Assistant Head of School, Finance) presented a slideshow about his two-week participation in an Earthwatch project to study the endangered African Penguin in South Africa to Middle School Chapel. ¶ Sonya Baehr P’00 (Performing Arts) participated in the Ständige Konferenz Spiel und Theater (Annual Conference for

Play and Theatre) in Germany. ¶ Middle School Head Lori-Anne Brogdon ’95, P’27, ‘28 became the first volunteer in Poly’s hair donation project as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month on October 17.

Brogdon also announced on November 12 that she officially passed her doctoral defense at Columbia Teachers College. ¶ Whitney Davidson (History) presented the school’s annual Livingston Lecture on April 30 in the Gazzani Terrace Conference Room on the Dyker Heights campus. Her lecture, “From Bubonic Plague to AIDS: The Social Construction of Disease,” focused on the ways in which the cultural meanings ascribed to infectious diseases often serve to stigmatize and marginalize victims. ¶ Dr. Virginia Dillon (History) published an essay, entitled “Transylvania in German Newspapers: Systems of Reporting and the News Stories György II Rákóczi, 1657–58,” about news communication

I Achievements: Faculty I

in Early Modern Central and Eastern Europe, which is based on her dissertation research. ¶ Dr. Sara Douglas Psy.D., NCSP (Middle School & Upper School Psychologist), the author of many research publications, had a paper accepted into the 37th International Conference on Learning Disabilities. She also held a symposium at the annual Association for Psychological Science convention on May 22. ¶ Louise Forsyth P’03, esteemed, retiring Poly history teacher, addressed Poly’s 158th Commencement on May 29. ¶ Marisa Gomez (Upper School English, Department Chair) was awarded Poly’s Miles M. Kastendieck Lecture in the Humanities grant for “The Individual in Nature: The Visionary Art of Walt Whitman and Frank Lloyd Wright” to be presented in spring 2016. ¶ Headmaster

David B. Harman P’04, ‘06 was elected President of the venerable Country Day School Headmasters’ Association (CDSHA), headquartered in Charleston, S.C., for the 2014-15 academic year. ¶ Annie Hauck-Lawson P10, ‘13 (Sustainability Curriculum Coordinator) talked about sustainability at Poly in a “The Many Shades of Green” interview on BBox Radio in October. ¶ Jose Oliveras (World Languages) starred in “La Caida de Rafael Trujillo,” by Carmen Rivera at Teatro Circulo in Manhattan. Oliveras is a founding member of Teatro Circulo. He was nominated for two Best Actor awards, one from the Association of Critics of Entertainment (ACE Award) and the other from the Association of Independent Theaters (AIT Award), for his portrayal of Trujillo. and he won the Best Actor Award from AIT. ¶ Ann Oransoff (Senior Technology Coordinator; Grade 6 Advisor) received word that her application to become a Common Sense Digital Citizenship: Certified Educator was accepted. ¶ Dr. Amit Prakash (History) presented his Kastendieck Lecture on “Counterinsurgency and Us: Security and Everyday Life,” on May 7 in the Gazzani Conference Room on the Dyker Heights campus. ¶ Josina Reaves (Form V Dean; English) was selected to become Poly’s new Director of Diversity. ¶ Shane Sahadi (Visual Arts) illustrated a new, recently published edition of the Young Adult novel, Entertaining an Elephant, by William McBride (Under One

Roof: 1997). ¶ Olivia Tandon (Upper School Science) was awarded the Livingston Family Lecture in the Natural Sciences grant for “Why Study Dinosaurs in the 21st Century?” which she will present in spring 2016. ¶ Runako Taylor (Classics) was elected Censor, part of the slate of governing officers of the New York Classical Club, during its leadership elections. ¶ Dan Wood (Lower School Science Teacher) attended workshops about how to better use outdoor resources to teach science at the 5th Annual Green Schools National Conference in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

P O LY P R E P M AGA Z I N E FA L L 2015

41

Staff

Retirements

Now, as I set off on new adventures, I rest easy knowing that my wonderful colleagues will… inspire Poly students to love the life of the mind and become caring global citizens.

}

Poly sadly said goodbye to four long-time staff members at the end of the 2014–2015 academic year, but wishes them all the best in their retirement.

ILL USTR ATIONS BY SHA N E SAHAD I Shane Sahadi teaches Visual Arts (Upper School) at Poly. He also storyboards for professional advertisements and illustrates comics, including the graphic novel, Entertaining an Elephant, which is now a standard book at San Francisco City College. He wishes he was Spider-Man.

LOUISE FORSYTH P’03 History (Upper School) [ 28 years ] At Poly’s 158th Commencement this past June, Louise Forsyth delivered the featured speech and spoke passionately about liberal arts and its value to the individual and society. “Ideas matter,” Forsyth asserted.

She also noted, “If you study history properly, you study art, philosophy, economics, political systems, and social conditions.”

Forsyth originally came to Poly as a replacement teacher in 1987, but ended up rising to become one of Poly’s master teachers (covering AP European and World History, Economics, and Psychology) as well as chairing the school’s History Department.

Asked how the school has changed since the 1980s, Forsyth answered: “It was in many ways vastly different than it is today. It still reeked of the male bastion it had been for over 100 years, with a strict tie-and-jacket-every-day dress code and few sports for girls. It also was a profoundly Brooklyn school. Those elements have certainly changed, but it remains the same school, with diverse and endlessly interesting students, an engaging and engaged faculty, and the promise of a transformational experience for everyone.”

Forsyth added: “Now, as I set off on new adventures, I rest easy knowing that my wonderful colleagues will… inspire Poly students to love the life of the mind and become caring global citizens.”

Fond Farewell} 42

THE BLUE & THE GR AY

BY SOUSAN H A M M A D , Associate Director of Marketing & Communications

So, to the students of Poly, may I continue to be worthy of the lessons you have taught me.

It is a source of pride … that so many of our children continue their education [on Poly’s Dyker Heights campus] and that so many of them distinguish themselves there.

It is remarkable that Poly students are willing and able to share deep feelings and that they are able to express themselves so well.

JAMES KEMP Librarian (Joseph Dana Allen Library) [ 16 years ]

ANNE EPSTEIN Head Teacher Pre-K B (Lower School) [ 27 years ]

DR. ELLEN BRIEFEL Science (Upper School) [ 6 years ]

“When I started to work at Poly in 1999, Bill Williams was Headmaster, boys had to wear ties every day, and the library relied on its microfilm collection of periodicals as a mainstay of research,” explained Kemp, who joined Poly at a transformative moment. Just three years later, the library received its first complete renovation in 30 years, including an “overall updating of the physical library that coincided with the [Internet] revolution.”

A highlight of Kemp’s Poly career was his leadership in ensuring Poly become one of the nation’s first high schools to adopt the JSTOR database to support student research.

While Kemp worked in publishing at Random House before coming to Poly, his 16-year run at the school was the “profoundest learning experience” of his life. “And, by and large,” he said, “the students have been my teachers, leading me to understand and embrace those two basic tenets of Tibetan Buddhism—wisdom and compassion—as the truest goals of life. So, to the students of Poly, may I continue to be worthy of the lessons you have taught me.”

For 27 years, Anne Epstein taught four-andfive-year-olds at Poly’s Lower School. With a B.S. in Journalism from Fordham and an M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education from the Dillon Child Study Center, Epstein was also a member of the faculty at Woodward Park School whose Park Slope campus Poly acquired in 1995.

Born in Manhattan, Epstein moved to Alabama as a child during the Depression.

Her journalism career was short-lived because she decided to marry and have children. But, upon receiving her graduate degree, Epstein began a happy career in teaching.

About Pre-K, Epstein says, “It is a great age… four-and-five-year-olds are coming into their own world and are excited at discovering all the things they can do… That level of enthusiasm is very satisfying for a teacher.”

Reflecting on her teaching career, Epstein remarked: “It is a source of pride among Lower School faculty that so many of our children continue their education [on Poly’s Dyker Heights campus] and that so many of them distinguish themselves there.”

Dr. Briefel described her short tenure at Poly as a “journey of growth and enrichment” at a school that offered “community, support, and warmth.” Dr. Briefel arrived at Poly in 2009, after more than 20 years teaching at colleges, universities, and public and independent schools. While Dr. Briefel initially hoped to be a math teacher, she eventually chose to study science and earned her B.A. at the University of Rochester, then an M.A. at Yale, and finally a doctorate in nuclear physics at Brandeis.

About Poly students and Upper School Chapels, Dr. Briefel noted: “It is remarkable that Poly students are willing and able to share deep feelings and that they are able to express themselves so well.”

One of the most rewarding moments of her Poly teaching career, Dr. Briefel said, involved a recent senior plan advisee: “[His] creative project was to design a spacecraft for interstellar travel. [It] was brilliant, and it was a privilege for me to end my teaching career hearing a student share his ideas and excitement about applied physics.”

P O LY P R E P M AGA Z I N E FA L L 2015

43

Poly Commencement 44

THE BLUE & THE GR AY

POLY IS SUCCESS! Poly celebrated its 158th Commencement on May 29, 2015. Former Chairman of the Board of Trustees Scott Smith ’75, P’14, Jair Froome ’15 (Senior Speaker), Headmaster David B. Harman P’04, ’06, and Louise Forsyth (History) addressed the audience.

CLASS of 2015

P O LY P R E P M AGA Z I N E FA L L 2015

45

Book Review

E LL I O T A CK E R M A N â&#x20AC;&#x2122; S

Green on Blue Book Review by DR. AMIT PRAKASH Pâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;27 (History) This past academic year, I have been steeped in historical writing on war. Between reading much of the new historiography on World War I in preparation for a new senior elective and plowing through dozens of titles on the history and theory of counterinsurgency for my Kastendieck Lecture, the origins, prosecution, and aftermath of war have occupied much of my mental life for the preceding nine months.

46

T H E B L U E & T H E G R AY

Yet every time I read a newspaper report about conflicts from around the world, I am stunned. War, at its base, is organized groups of human beings inflicting premeditated violence upon one another. How is this possible? Why is it so frequent? How well can history answer these questions? When confronted with the ambient violence of the world that is the daily news, I am confronted with the limits of history. A number of impressively skilled historians have explained the origins of war through the careful analysis of war plans, economic incentives, territorial rivalries, ideological differences, the politics of prestige, and the quirks of statesmen. Doubtlessly, these are crucial factors to consider in understanding how wars come into being. However, to my mind, they do not fully explain how warriors come into being. That is to say, they do not provide an adequate account of how ordinary people transform their will to commit acts of violence they would ordinarily consider inhumane. Interestingly, it is in

I Book Review I

fiction that we may find truth about war and warriors—not historical truth, but truth about the human condition.

In his book The Drowned and the Saved, the brilliant Italian-Jewish Holocaust survivor Primo Levi asks the question, “Have we—we who have returned—been able to understand and make others understand our experience?” As an answer, he suggests that the human desire to simplify, to arrange people, thoughts, and actions into neat moral categories, is understandable, but perverts the complexity and ambiguity of human experience.

Reality, especially in times of crisis, is not black and white, but exists in what he calls “the gray zone.” It is this gray zone that is so elegantly brought to life in Elliot Ackerman’s new novel Green on Blue.

Ackerman is also a man who has, in a sense, “returned” and attempted to convey his experience. A decorated Marine Corps Special Operations officer who served five tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan, including a stint as the head of a 700-man Afghan battalion that sought to capture Taliban leaders, his novel is astonishing for the narrative perspective it adopts. Rather than telling the story of the current war in Afghanistan through semi-autobiographical fiction like many of the great war novels—Remarque’s All Quiet on the Western Front, Barbusse’s Under Fire, Hemingway’s For Whom the Bell Tolls, O’Brien’s The Things They Carried— Ackerman reverses the perspective and tells the entire story through the eyes of an Afghan boy named Aziz whose life is irrevocably changed by the wars in his land.

Aziz and his brother Ali were left orphaned by “the war that came after the Russians but before the Americans.” Their village obliterated, they eked out a living with other orphans, begging and doing odd jobs in the market town. By their fourth year alone, things took a drastic turn for the worse as yet another war came: “Americans accused men of being militants and disappeared them in the night on helicopters.

The militants fought to protect us from the Americans and the Americans fought to protect us from the militants, and being so protected, life was very dangerous.” When Ali is gravely wounded by a rocket attack by the warlord Gazan, Aziz is recruited to join the Special Lashkar, an American-backed Afghan unit, that will allow him to get his badal (revenge) and regain his family’s nang (honor). Thus, Aziz quickly goes from being a child to a soldier and becomes that awful hybrid of modern conflict: a child soldier.

Ackerman is sparing with Aziz’s introspection about his life in the Special Lashkar, during which he learns about the dirty dealings of his ferocious Commander Sabir and the motivations of his fellow fighters.

However, it is in the small exchanges of dialogue that Ackerman is able to convey the tragedy of Afghanistan’s recent history and how it has affected the Afghan cultural psyche. The near endless war-making in the country since the Soviet invasion in 1979 has produced generations of people whose normal condition is war. In an exchange with Mumtaz, a benevolent village elder, Aziz is told stories of Mumtaz’s carefree childhood and his father’s thriving trucking business.

Mumtaz implores Aziz to remember these stories: “Aziz, you’re still a young man.

Know these stories so we can remember a way that is different than now. The future is in the remembering.”

The stories, however, prove insufficient to resist the force of circumstance, as we observe the young Aziz lose his innocence and settle into a role that is at once tragic and completely understandable. It is the power of Ackerman’s writing that makes Aziz’s initial choice to take up a life at arms and the ensuing transformations due to that choice utterly believable. Ackerman has performed a colossal act of empathy with this novel. For such sparse prose, there is an intimacy to this work that gives us a glimpse into the particular motivations for war of an Afghan, a boy, a villager, a poor person.

“

…it is in fiction that we may find truth about war and warriors— not historical truth, but truth about the human condition.

”

We also understand Aziz’s motivations from a universal perspective: Aziz loves his brother Ali. Given all of this, the opening lines of the novel are poignant: “Many would call me a dishonest man, but I’ve always kept faith with myself. There is an honesty in that, I think.” War, like life, is complicated. Ackerman understands this deeply, and, as such, Green on Blue unfolds in shades of gray. < Dr. Amit Prakash P’27

P O LY P R E P M AGA Z I N E FA L L 2015

47

Poly Reunion POLY SPECIAL REUNION! Special Reunion 2015 on April 25 featured the Class of 1965â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 50th anniversary as well as the return of members of Poly classes ending in 5 or 0; awards to distinguished alumni during Convocation; the first-ever panel hosted by the Council of Poly Alumni of Color; and families enjoying a delicious barbecue and Taste of Poly out on the Oval.

48

THE BLUE & THE GR AY

P O LY P R E P M AGA Z I N E FA L L 2015

49

Alumni Awards

I Alumni Awards I

50

T H E B L U E & T H E G R AY

I Alumni Awards I

Reunion Awardees ALUMNI DISTINGUISHED ACHIEVEMENT AWARD Steven I. Froot ’75, a former assistant United States attorney, is a partner in the Boies, Schiller & Flexner LLP law firm in New York City. He is also a member of the Federal Bar Council and the Association of the Bar of the City of New York, where he has served on the Federal Courts Committee and the Corrections Committee.

Among Froot’s practice of complex federal and state litigations—from defending class actions and representing appeals in the area of securities fraud, to government and internal investigations—he is highly praised for his wide array of legal achievements. These include representing a major telecommunications firm in a historic antitrust case, and litigating an Anti-Terrorism Act claim on behalf of the family of a terror bombing victim.

Prior to joining his current firm, Froot served in the Office of the United States Attorney for six years, where he managed civil appellate litigation for the federal government in the Southern District of New York.

In 2013 and 2014, Froot was featured on New York Metro’s “Top 100: Super Lawyers” Froot attended Yale University where he earned his bachelor’s degree in 1979, graduating magna cum laude with distinction in economics. He later attended Columbia University School of Law, earning his J.D. in 1985. While studying at law school, Froot was the editor for the Columbia Law Review, winning a Charles Bathgate Beck Prize for his work. Later, he returned to Columbia to teach a “Profession of Law” course.

With over 25 years of working in the law, Froot has also published articles on a number of legal topics, such as environmental inves-

tigations and espionage. He has also participated in panels on “Argentina’s Prospects for Supreme Court Review” (London & New York, 2013); and “Legal Developments in Argentine Debt” (London, 2013).

During his time at Poly, Froot was the Editor-in-Chief of the Polygon, in addition to being heavily involved with the International Relations club. He was also a finalist for the National Merit Scholarship and won Best Speaker at a Model UN conference.

In his free time, Froot referees soccer and coaches basketball.

Dr. Sheldon H. Cherry ’50 is the Associate Dean of Clinical Affairs and Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the FIU Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine. Dr. Cherry, who was born in New York City and received his M.D. from Columbia University, is nationally recognized for his research on women’s reproductive health.

Consistently named as a “Top Doctor In America” and in “Who’s Who in the World,” Dr. Cherry believes that women should participate in their health care in partnership with their health care providers.

Among Dr. Cherry’s many accomplishments, he is known for pioneering the use of amniotic fluid for genetic diagnoses, winning an NIH (National Institutes of Health) grant for his work. In addition, Dr. Cherry’s groundbreaking discovery about the dangers of routine hormone replacement therapy in menopause was confirmed twenty years after his initial warning.

Alongside his successful medical and academic career, Dr. Cherry has gained praise as an author as well. He is the senior editor of the classic medical textbook,

Complications of Pregnancy, and has published several books on women’s health, which have been translated into four different languages. His bestseller, Understanding Pregnancy and Childbirth, has sold over 1 million copies worldwide.

Additionally, Dr. Cherry’s extensive experience and knowledge has landed him guest appearances on widely viewed television programs such as the “Today Show” and “Good Morning America,” along with radio interviews and more local TV shows. In addition to his television appearances, he has also been featured in some of the most renowned newspapers and magazines.

Dr. Cherry has been mentioned in Vogue, The New York Times, Cosmopolitan, and in many other publications.

At Poly, Dr. Cherry’s activities ranged from being on both the Track and Soccer teams, as well as participating in the Glee and Dramatic clubs.

Dr. Michael G. Vitale ’85, celebrated for performing the first magnetic spinelengthening treatment, is the Ana Lucia Professor of Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery at Columbia University Medical Center.

In addition to his academic career, he is also the Director of the Division of Pediatric Surgery and the Chief of the Pediatric Spine and Scoliosis Service at Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital of New York-Presbyterian. He has a special interest in early onset scoliosis treatments, including the use of a magnetic spinelengthening device called “MAGEC” that eliminates the need to perform repeat spinal surgeries every 6–9 months on growing children. Dr. Vitale also performs complex limb reconstruction surgeries on the lower

P O LY P R E P M AGA Z I N E FA L L 2015

51

I Alumni Awards I

Top photo (from left to right): Wade Saadi ‘95, Steven Froot ‘75, Dr. Michael Vitale ‘85, Scott Smith ‘75, P’14, Headmaster David B. Harman P’04, ‘06; Bottom left photo: Matthew Walsh ‘92, Headmaster David B. Harman P’04, ‘06, Steven Froot ‘75; Bottom right photo: Scott Smith ‘75, David B. Harman P’04, ‘06.

extremities for problems such as Blount’s disease, leg length differences, and malunions of bones.

Dr. Vitale has over 100 peer-reviewed research publications in the field of pediatric orthopedics as well as numerous national awards from the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America, including the Arthur H. Huene Memorial Award, the Angela M. Kuo Award, Young Investigator Award, the Robert Hensinger Scientific Paper Award, the Hansjorg Wyss Research

52

T H E B L U E & T H E G R AY

Award, the Frank Stinchfield Research Award, the Rosamond Kane Award in Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery, and the Harrison McLaughin Award.

He received both his M.D. and M.P.H. from Columbia University. He then went on to complete his residency in orthopedic surgery at Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center, after which he moved to the West Coast for a one-year fellowship at the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles in the University of Southern California.

Dedicated to improving the lives of all children with orthopedic problems, Dr. Vitale advocates for their needs globally through the Institute of Medicine and, at a national level, through The Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America. In 2010, Dr. Vitale traveled to Haiti after the massive earthquake that devastated the nation.

Offering much-needed orthopedic care, he partnered with the United Aid Foundation to efficiently and safely treat patients both in central Haiti and on the Dominican

I Alumni Awards I

border. He also volunteered in China and Honduras.

In his free time, Dr. Vitale is an avid skier and marathon runner, as well as a recreational triathlete. Most of all, he enjoys spending time with his wife and four sons.

At Poly, Dr. Vitale played on the Varsity Soccer team and was a member of the Chess Club. He also co-formed his own club, The Wuntoniners Society, which was inspired by the science of numerology.

SCHOOL SERVICE AWARD Scott M. Smith ’75, P’14 is the Managing Partner of Camelot Capital L.P., an investment firm specializing in the information services industry, in Greenwich, Connecticut. Smith and his wife, Heidi, founded Camelot Capital in 1994. Prior to his current firm, he was Vice President at Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette from 1986 until 1993, where he was responsible for investment research in the computer software and services industry.

Smith received both his B.S. and M.B.A. from Cornell University in 1979 and 1980, respectively. He is a member of the Cornell University Council and the Alumni Athletic Advisory Council.

In honor of their son, who passed away in 1995, Smith and his wife founded the Garrett B. Smith Foundation, which has since raised more than $4 million to support pediatric cancer research and provide funding for the Big Apple Circus Clown Care Unit at Yale-New Haven Children’s Hospital.

In 2014, he published his debut novel called, The Fourth Amendment, a cybercrime thriller, and is currently working on the next book which he intends to become a series.

Smith, who has served on Poly’s Board of Trustees since 1993, became the Chairman in July 2011. He and his wife are the proud parents of two children, Alex, 22, and Sabrina, 19, who graduated from Poly in 2014.

During his time at Poly, Smith, then Editorin-Chief of The Polyglot, was also the winner of the prestigious Regents’ Scholarship. When he was not playing on the Varsity Golf and Wrestling teams, Smith also served as Varsity Football Manager.

Homecoming Award SPIRIT AWARD 2014 RECIPIENT Each year, the Poly Prep Alumni Association and its Board of Governors presents the Spirit Award to one member of the faculty or staff who has exhibited exemplary dedication to the school and a commitment to excellence inside or outside the classroom. The winner of the 2014 Spirit Award was Susan Beiles P’88, ’90, ’95 (History) who finished her stint as Dean of Faculty at the close of the 2014–2015 academic year.

In a Poly career now spanning over 30 years, Beiles got her start at the school in 1979 as a part-time Advanced Placement (AP) U.S. History teacher, just two years after Poly transitioned into co-education.

“There were very few women teachers in the Upper School,” Beiles remarked in an early Pulse article. “I think the term role model is too grandiose, but I thought that as a woman with a more public position at the school, I could have a positive influence.”

At the award ceremony, Headmaster David B. Harman P’04, ’06 remarked on what a splendid day Homecoming 2014 had been. He invited Harry Bernieri ‘85, P’15 (Form I Dean; History) to introduce the two speakers who would pay tribute to Beiles.

Louise Forsyth P’03 (History, now retired) characterized Beiles as the “voice of reason and voice of conscience,” as well as the “Dress Code Queen” at Poly. “This Spirit Award is well deserved, indeed!”

Javaid Khan P’24, ’30 (now Poly’s former Director of Diversity) told the gathering that Beiles occupied an office near his and that they had become good friends.

“She keeps the academic program as the basis of everything she does,” he said.

Beiles is always learning, although she has been a teacher at Poly for 35 years. “You cannot be a teacher if you are not a student,” he said.

When she took the lectern, Beiles thanked Harman, as well as the head of the history department who had hired her years ago. She also thanked all the Poly staff who had worked to set up the event along with her husband, three daughters, and five granddaughters, who were in attendance.

Of the Alumni Board of Governors and the honor bestowed upon her, she remarked, “That I have touched your lives overwhelms me.”

P O LY P R E P M AGA Z I N E FA L L 2015

53

I Alumni Awards I

STAY CONNECTED

54

T H E B L U E & T H E G R AY

I Alumni Awards I

TO JOIN POLYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S GLOBAL ALUMNI NETWORK Attend one of our many fun alumni events, including: Homecoming 2015 September 26, 2015 Oasis Night January 8, 2016 Alumni New York Regional January 13, 2016 Location TBA Gala 2016 March 11, 2016 Cipriani Special Reunion 2016 May 14, 2016 WANT TO FIND OUT MORE? Contact Maria Dedato, Associate Director of Alumni Relations, at mdedato@polyprep.org, or by phone at (718) 836-9800, ext. 3090.

CONNECT VIRTUALLY ANYTIME Like www.facebook.com/polyprep Watch www.youtube.com/polyprepcds Follow www.twitter.com/polyprep Look www.instagram.com/polyprepcds Link www.linkedin.com/company/poly-prep-country-day-school Web www.polyprep.org/alumninews Polycam www.polyprep.org/polycam P O LY P R E P M AGA Z I N E FA L L 2013 P O LY P R E P M AGA Z I N E FA L L 2015

55 55

Class Notes

I Class Notes I

FR OM THE AR C HIVES

56

T H E B L U E & T H E G R AY

I Class Notes I

1937

This year marks the 50th anniversary of Charles Plotz’s marching at Selma. It also marks his 70th wedding anniversary, which he and Lucille will celebrate along with a Poly son and a Poly grandson.

1938

Ray Herrmann reports a delightful visit to Bali where he has an interest in a new hotel and says: “Charming people. One motorbike per capita.”

1940

Edward Byk retired in 1987 as President and CEO of Byford Imports. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps in WWII. As a First Lieutenant, he flew in a B-17 bomber with the 527th Bomb Squadron. Byk has been happily married to Debby for 61 years, and they moved to Palm Desert, CA in 1991 from the Village of Lake Success, NY. Their sons, Curt and Ken, also live in California. ¶ Robert C. Taffae celebrated his 93rd birthday on March 17, 2015. He is married to Anita and has two daughters, Jessica and Joen. Jessica lives in Chapel Hill, NC, and Joen lives in Atlanta, GA. Their son, Peter, lives in Santa Monica, CA.

1943

Stuart Hodes and his wife, Helen, moved into an adult retirement community, Gulf Coast Village, in Cape Coral, FL. Helen is now in the Alzheimer’s/dementia secure section in this community. Hodes still lives in the independent living section in his own apartment.

Hodes’ family joined him in March for a few days to celebrate his 90th birthday.

1946

Henry Hadad, Jr. moved to New Jersey three years ago with his wife Claudie Jabara Hadad. He is retired from his songwriting days, when he wrote hits for Connie Francis, Steve Lawrence, the McGuire Sisters, Frankie Avalon, and Al Martino. Hadad is enjoying living near his son Henry, his wife Lara, and his four grandchildren. ¶ Two mornings a week, Roy Fidler volunteers in the county D.A.’s office, doing consumer protection and mediation, landlord-tenant disputes, neighbor issues, complaints against contractors

and auto shops, and scams. He is spending the summer of 2015 in Europe to catch up with friends made over the years. He went to Corsica and southern France in 2014. He even got to Brooklyn.¶ Hugh Herrmann and his wife Kerry continue to live on their 200-acre Vermont hill farm. Although Herrmann’s wife works full time in physical therapy and he works in primary medical care, they find time to fly fish in Canada, ski there, and sail their 50-year-old pilot boat on the Maine coast.

1947

Peter Dykman Fyfe retired 22 years ago and moved to Lexington, VA in 1996.

He is active with Meals on Wheels, the Rockbridge Area Hospice, and the local Habitat for Humanity, both on their board and in their store. He is on the vestry of the R.E. Lee Memorial Episcopal Church where he was also the head usher for ten years and served on the Property Committee, among other roles. He still drives and travels to visit his family and friends. ¶ Sheldon Kravitz is busy saving advertisers money on their media purchases, while he watches his 15-year-old son encounter some of the same tribulations he found at Poly. Kravitz is proud of the fact that his son is doing better at The Browning School than Kravitz did at Poly. ¶ James S. Blundell, Jr. is visiting his 3 children, 7 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild in Massachusetts, Virginia, and California with his beautiful wife, Pamela. Blundell continues to walk the wonderful streets of New York City.

1948

Arthur Levitt lives in Connecticut and serves on a number of boards. He does three radio shows a week for Bloomberg L.P. using skills mastered at Poly’s Bearns speaking contest. He works for a number of tech firms including Motif, Peer IQ, and Affirm, and advises several financial service firms. ¶ Jules Baum, MD is 84 and still playing tennis. He and his wife, Laura, went to Mexico with their family for one week in April, where they stayed at the Four Seasons resort at Punta Mia. Then they went to South America for 3 weeks. Jules Baum still goes to medical conferences in San Diego, Denver,

SEND US YOUR NOTES Go to www.polyprep.org/ bluegray and click on “Submit a Class Note.” To get into the next issue, make sure to submit your news by March 1, 2016.

SUBMISSIONS Inquiries and submissions to The Blue and The Gray are welcome. Please email Sousan Hammad, Associate Director of Marketing & Communications, shammad @polyprep.org. You may also mail submissions to ATTN: Sousan Hammad, Poly Prep Country Day School, 9216 Seventh Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11228.

ADVERTISE Every issue of The Blue and The Gray reaches thousands of Poly alumni, parents, and their families. Promote your business to a readership that is as discerning as it is intelligent. For availability, contact us by email at shammad @polyprep.org, or call (718) 836-9800 ext. 3950.

and Newport. ¶ Hugo Freudentha is enjoying retirement in Dunedin, FL with lots of activities.

1949

Since their 65th reunion, Don Conover and Patti have had some nice trips, a cruise to South America, another to the Western Caribbean for some snorkeling, and a trip to Chicago to spend some time with their son, Paul, and their grandson. He is sad to say that Herb Oestreich passed away. Don’s email is donpatcon@aol.com, and he would love to hear from more of his classmates.

P O LY P R E P M AGA Z I N E FA L L 2015

57

I Class Notes I

1950

Joseph De Paola is busy as a volunteer researcher in the archives of American Airlines for the C.R. Smith Museum, in addition to doing aviation consultancy work. ¶ Matthew Scharff has been a faculty member at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine for 52 years and is a Professor in the Departments of Cell Biology and Medicine where he holds the Harry Eagle Chair in Cancer Research. He teaches and does research in immunology and has published more than 300 scientific papers. He has mentored 60 graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. ¶ Since graduating from Poly, Ed Wallach’s professional life has been devoted to academic and clinical medicine.

Immediately after completing his residency training, he spent two years in the U.S. Public Health Service’s Division of Indian Health, providing obstetrical and gynecological care on the Navajo Reservation at Tuba City, AZ.

1951

Peter Malkin and his wife Isabel are happy in a small apartment. He is still playing golf. Malkin has 10 grandchildren, 1 family in London, and 2 in Greenwich. He is looking forward to his 65th reunion!

1952

John Bissell has been living in the DC suburbs (Silver Spring, MD) for ten years. He is grateful to have his daughter and family in the neighborhood. DC is a fascinating area

for retiree exploration and enjoyment. He has become an experienced tour guide if any class members are in town! ¶ Michael Rabbino has done 40 years of clinical cardiology, patient care, and teaching. He plays the piano at local senior residences and nursing homes to add levity to those last years. Rabbino has a loving family and travels worldwide. He sees Ben Boley and, occasionally, he speaks with Jon Hammer.

He misses Warren Sherman. ¶ Jerome Kobre retired after 27 years as Mayor of Chestnut Ridge, NY, and is now the Assistant Director of the NY State Small Business Development Center in Rockland County. ¶ Lawrence Maslow retired after 2 careers. He spent 30 years in management in the uniform and linen supply industry, then 17 years as a manager and agent in insurance and equity sales. He retired as a Life Underwriter Training Council Fellow. He is now residing in Florida, doing nothing.

1953

Eugene Wheeler is happily down to one home, settling in Vero Beach, FL from New Hampshire. In Florida, two and three years ago, he hosted two Class of ‘53 minireunions. Peter Hammer, Jim Crawford, Mike Press, Bruce Bernstein, Al Mushkin, Stu Godin, Ron Judson, and Stu Richmond attended. He still plays lots of tennis and golf, and volunteers to keep the body moving. He is glad to see how many classmates are doing well in this 80+/-period. Wheeler has developed a big family of 2 children,

4 stepchildren, 13 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren.

1954

Gene Flamm continues as Professor and Chairman of Neurosurgery at Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Medical Center.

He is also active in the bibliophilic world as an officer of several bookish organizations and an avid collector of early medical books. His grandkids are at Packer, so he gets back to Brooklyn, but not as far as Dyker Heights.

1955

Richard Perlman’s philosophy is: one wife, one home, and one job equals success. He is very proud of his 2 sons and 6 granddaughters. He is still working as an orthopedic hand surgeon, but he is taking more time off for family, travel, and hobbies. Pat (Livingston) Perlman sends her regards.

1956

Chuck Kaufman retired from the dairy business and telecommunications industry. He moved to Florida this past year and is looking forward to his 60th reunion. ¶ Ted Fuller founded a new company named ScooterBox LLC. He is manufacturing a new electric kick scooter for use on college campuses. ¶ Landy Nelson is the grandfather of Madeline Nelson, who received an early appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point, and joined the class of 2019 on “R” Day, June 29. Nelson says he is one very proud grand-

C LAS S P H OT OS

’45/’50

’55

Class of 1945: (center): Bernard L. Spence. Class of 1950: (left to right): C.R. Lonshein, Gery W. Sperling. Class of 1955: (left to right) front row: Leslie J. Stark, David Youngblade, Peter G. Stone, Robert S. Field, Paul M. Brown; second row: Kenneth C. Lessall, Lawrence Lefkowitz, Michael M. Sussman, Harry J. Petchesky, Ernest A. Daniels.

58

T H E B L U E & T H E G R AY

I Class Notes I

father. ¶ Jaren and Bruce Ducker continue to thrive, spending more time in their mountain home. Ducker’s wife serves on the board of Compassion & Choices, promoting end-of-life choices. Ducker skis, fishes, and writes occasional fiction for magazines with a readership fewer than the membership rolls of the Huzzahs, although he hopes the members have a higher literacy rate.

1957

Charles Tolk and his wife Terry have been singing with the Oratorio Society of New York, with 3 concerts a year at Carnegie Hall. They travel to the Vatican, Notre Dame, and other venues in Europe and South America. This summer, Tolk and his wife will travel to the birthplaces of Bach and Handel in Germany to sing. It all started with the Captain of the Pinafore in 6th Form. ¶ Vic Rich still sees and speaks regularly with George Malin, Fred Shwom, and Harvey Scheff, the former 2 on Long Island, and the latter in Boca Raton, FL. Vic and Fred still play golf together several times a year.

1958

Stephen Hersh is deeply involved in biomedical research projects, including mitochondria, cardiac regeneration, and others. He is blessed with a spouse, 4 adult children and their families and 7 grandchildren. ¶ Edward Jeffer recently published his second book, The Man Who Killed Happy Hour.

1960

Julian Ferayorni is retired and moved to northern Georgia. His two children, Justin and Lauren, are living in San Diego and doing well with their two children each. Julian and his wife, Elizabeth, garden, play golf, read, etc. They are enjoying themselves and, if any classmates are near Alpharetta, please give them a ring.

1962

After retiring from his solo medical practice in Hampton, VA in 2008, Sue and Stephen Green moved to Northern VA near their kids and grandkids. He has been working one week a month as a hospitalist at a local facility, and he does some telemedicine infectious disease consulting for small facilities lacking an on-site specialist. Stephen and Sue also enjoy traveling.

1964

Daniel Leshner says, “What could be better than April in Paris? How about last May with Willie and Chris Free?”

1965

Rob Ratzan wants everyone to check out his music at cdbaby.com/all/ratzan. He is working on his 10th album. ¶ Louis Vigorita had a great time attending the 50th Reunion of his class on April 25th. There was a great turnout, and he marveled at the additions and remodeling to the Poly campus. He highly recommends that all further 50th reunion classes attend in full force! ¶ Andrew

Mogelof began a dental practice in 1977, and his son, Scott, is his partner. As constant students, they ensure superb care using the best science and techniques. Andrew enjoyed the journey with Poly as a foundation. He also worked as a certified dental consultant, fraud examiner, and expert witness in dental-legal matters. Scott’s twin, Eric, is a Managing Director and Partner at PIMCO. His son, Scott, is looking forward to the 50th! ¶ Terry Martinson retired in 2013 after serving for 41 years as the pastor of The Old South Union Church in S. Weymouth, MA. He is currently an interim pastor on Martha’s Vineyard. In 2011, he wrote a book on youth ministry. ¶ Roger Heymann is still doing tax returns. He moved to Rockville, MD. His son, Sean, is now working for PIMCO in California, and his daughter, Lauren, is working for Tory Burch in Manhattan.

1966

After approximately 42 years practicing law, Arlen Gunner decided to retire to spend more time with his wife of 30 years and to continue to frequent the local casinos, and in Las Vegas, where he plays in poker tournaments.

1967

Jim Hennessy hoped to have a trip to New York this year to visit his daughter, who was in town with her longtime boyfriend for his appearance on Broadway in “Side Show,” but the show closed earlier than expected. But they CLA S S PHOTOS

’60

’65

Class of 1960: (left) Richard Mizrack. Class of 1965: (left to right) front row: Robert S. Schachter, Robert I. Madison, Thomas H. Parker, Gregg Fishman, John T. Avellino, Richard A. Steinberg; second row: Frederick Goldinov, Kim Nelson, Michael Chesner, Andrew Mogelof, William Tartikoff, Stephen Mosses; third row: Edward Behrman, Ray Mosteiro, Jeff Rubin, Joshua Polan, Donald Bobrow, Harrison Bush; fourth row: Ernest Saasto, John Artise, Richard Segal, Peter Taubman, Robert Saasto, Louis Vigorita, Patrick Burger.

P O LY P R E P M AGA Z I N E FA L L 2015

59

I Class Notes I

are planning on the 50th reunion in 2017, if not before. Hennessy is hoping that there will be as many showing up as they had at the 40th! ¶ Jeff Baloutine recently moved back to Austin, TX after being away for over 7 years. He is still working in affordable housing with NeighborWorks America. He would be happy to connect with Poly grads in the area. ¶ Robert Nelson attends the Class of 1967’s yearly reunion in Glendale, AZ with Frank Strafaci as a stand-in.

1968

Robert Herzog will have a novel coming out this fall, A World Between. He notes that he is “…still young enough to have a debut in something!” and asks: “Look for it, order it, review it, tweet it, like it, and all that.” He adds, “It is very exciting for me, because it is a dream I have had since my Poly days.” ¶ “Forty-seven years ago, Kenneth Roko graduated. He notes “How time flies!” His government and private sector careers have been “one wild ride,” he says. He hopes his classmates have been as fortunate with their life journeys. ¶ Keith Shaftel is still in Houston with 2 of his 3 kids working with him in the family diamond and jewelry business. He notes that they got a few of their special pieces on the red carpet again this year. He regularly stays in touch with John Evangelista, the Ottaways, and the Shelalas. He is enjoying golf and his three granddaughters—in reverse order, of course. ¶ Peter Sessa is still teaching at the Northeastern University School of Law

and loving it. His son has become the Head Coach of the Boston College men’s lacrosse team. Peter has had dinner with John Evangelista a few times, and always loves catching up with his old Poly guys.

1969

Joel Pfister is happily married to Lisa Wyant and lives in New Haven, CT. He is Olin Professor of English and American Studies and Chair of the American Studies department at Wesleyan University. Oxford University Press is publishing his sixth book in January 2016: Surveyors of Customs: American Literature as Cultural Analysis. ¶ Philip Shain would have sent his two sons to Poly were it not that they live 3,000 miles away in the San Francisco Bay area. The older, Sam, is on his way to NC State on a Park Scholarship.

Shain has spent 30 years so far as a child and adolescent psychiatrist and has just finished a book called Parenting Reinvented. ¶ Frank DeLizza is celebrating 37 years of marriage in September, and 25 years with Parsons in June. He never thought all this would happen, or that he would be living in Texas when he graduated in 1969. “Yee-Ha, life is a journey!” he says.

1970

Michael Price remembers the 45th reunion. He brought his wife Maria and their twin girls who just turned 7 and motivated Price to retire from his medical practice in May. Now he can be a full-time dad with some part-time interests.

Michael hopes to see everyone at the 50th!

1971

Louis Vogel is a royal dermatologist and was invited to the Gala Wedding of His Royal Highness Prince Moulay Rachid of Morocco—“a most magnificent affair!” he says. At the opposite end of the spectrum, Vogel continues to provide dermatologic care and to teach at Mayan Medical Aid in Guatemala. ¶ Paul DuBowy has retired and relocated to Wyoming where he serves as Research Associate at the Draper Museum of Natural History of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem in Cody. Recently, he was named Fulbright-Brazil Scientific Mobility Program Distinguished Chair in Ecohydrology at the Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo in Vitória for 2015–16. ¶ Vincent Pantuso remembers fondly that in 2014, 17 class members met for a weekend in Atlantic City; they had group dinners in June, November, and December. The dirty dozen will be going to Montreal in May. Contact Pantuso at vpantuso@verizon.net to join the fun.

1972

Henry Parke just became film editor of True West Magazine. Since he started reading the magazine when he was 10, Parke comments that he is “pretty thrilled!”

1973

Frank Magilligan was recently awarded the Frank J. Reagan ’09 Chair of Policy Studies at Dartmouth College. ¶ Robert Mascatello has had many blessings, including three

C LAS S P H OT OS

’70

’75

Class of 1970: (left to right) front row: David Nelkin, Mike Price, Michael Zarou; second row: Jonathan Kay, John Ferrari, Robert Arcaro, Kim Saal. Class of 1975: (left to right) front row: Richard DeFuccio, Peter Blum, Glen Roven, Steven Froot, Kenneth Simurro; second row: Scott Smith, Andrew Rebhun, Robert Maloof, Robert Soiffer, Allen Flores; third row: David Schlecker, Michael Adesman, Jay Pelc, Sherman McGrew, Lawrence Savell

60

T H E B L U E & T H E G R AY

I Class Notes I

great kids (now 19, 23, and 29). He is living in Chantilly, VA.

1974

Tim Hollister has published a book, Not So Fast: Parenting Your Teen Through the Dangers of Driving, and won a national award from the Governors Highway Safety Association in September 2014.

1975

In 2013, Chuck Birenbaum joined Greenberg Traurig LLP as its Chair of Northern California and is a shareholder in its Labor & Employment practice. His claim to fame was when he caught touchdowns in intramural touch football off of Park. ¶ Glen Herman is a board-certified anesthesiologist running the outpatient surgery center at Imperial Point Medical Center in Fort Lauderdale, FL. He is married with four kids and is still sailing and windsurfing. ¶ Will Stevens is still a student! He is working on his doctorate in theology with a focus on “Old Testament” giving as a mark of faith.

Stevens is serving the Lord at WaterStone, a ministry providing tax-smart giving strategies to families, charities, and ministries. ¶ In June 2014, Rev. Dr. Kenneth Simurro Jr. retired from the NYC Department of Education/New Dorp High School as a lead chemistry teacher. Also, he has celebrated 16 years at his current parish and 31 years of ordination.

1976

Lisa, Mark Ettinger’s wife of 25 years, works for FEDEX. Their son, Nicholas, is graduating from Carnegie Mellon this year and will work for IBM. Their daughter, Tilly, is a sophomore in high school and enjoying life! Last year, Ettinger started two new companies— AnyThingMED.com and AnyThing.Ventures.

1977

Cory Cuneo is currently the Director of Security for the NYC Administration for Children’s Services. Cuneo resides in Staten Island with his wife and 3 children. He enjoys occasional dinners with Espo, LoRusso, Camuso, Morici, Frito, Barrett, and Palladino, et al.

1978

Dr. Michael Sherman serves as chief medical officer for Harvard Pilgrim Health Care and is on the faculty of the Department of Population Medicine at Harvard Medical School. He was recently elected as President of the Harvard Business School Healthcare Alumni Association. He and his wife, Heather, have a 5-year-old, Lila.

1980

Michael Ingegno has been living in northern California in the Oakland Hills for 15 years.

He works in the East Bay as a vascular surgeon. He has 2 children ages 11 and 14. ¶ Margaret Watson is living in Park Slope with her daughter Huntly (15) and son Mac (12). Their schedules keep her more than busy. Margaret also has a ‘day job’ of

practicing law full time with the firm McElroy, Deutsch, Mulvaney & Carpenter LLP, where she specializes in employment law litigation. ¶ Haiva Marks Meyer was a dentist in New York City until 2005. She sold her practice and moved to Florida with her husband and daughter. Soon after, she moved to London for 2 years. There, she had her second daughter. Meyer moved back to Boca Raton, FL in 2009. She did some real estate investing and other things. Now she has a recruiting, search, and placement company. She enjoys helping people find their dream jobs!

1983

Joe Scott has been living in Los Angeles and, last year, he was nominated for a Daytime Emmy Award. Currently, he is producing the hit CBS daytime show, “Hot Bench!” ¶ Claudio Caballero is enjoying his second expat stint in Southeast Asia, and has lived in Bangkok since 2011. He manages technology projects for work, travels for pleasure, and misses family and friends home in New York. ¶ “Greetings and salutations!” offers Steven A. Saporito, Esq., who has been really busy raising his now 3½-yearold son and trying to run the office at the same time. “It’s been worth every second,” he notes. ¶ Gregg Kaye was recently named commissioner of the New England Football Conference (NEFC). Gregg is also entering his 9th year as commissioner of the Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC), an NCAA Division III conference based in CLA S S PHOTOS

’80

’85

Class of 1980: (left to right) front row: Robert Ayoub, Michael Frustaci; second row: Jim Kalamaras, Ted Loftus, Ronald Jabara. Class of 1985: (left to right) front row: Ilise D. Lombardo, Deborah G. Paul, Joy Campanelli, Howard Horowitz; second row: Andrew H. Schupak, Steven Schuster, Derrick I. Ades, Jennifer Solaas; third row: Michele L. Calvosa, Arthur L. Aidala, Michael G. Vitale, Terry Maltese, Mary Jean Bonadonna Ely; fourth row: Kenneth J. Fitzpatrick, Debbie Sickler-Johnson, Victor Samaha, Stacey E. Charkey-Bennett, Harry Bernieri.

P O LY P R E P M AGA Z I N E FA L L 2015

61

I Class Notes I

Springfield, MA. Five CCC schools currently compete in the NEFC.

1984

Joe Dwech opened Dweck Bicycle in March 2015. He makes hand-made, custom bicycles in Brooklyn. ¶ Wendy Haft is raising 3 children: Reece (11), Madison (9), and Cole (6). She is currently the Director of Athletics and Physical Education at Rye Country Day School.

1985

Robert Pass lives on the Upper West Side, directing the pediatric cardiac catheterization laboratory at Children’s Hospital at MontefioreEinstein. He is trying to help as many children with congenital heart disease as he can and feels privileged to do what he does. He gives his best regards to all.

1987

Dr. Armin Tehrany is an orthopedic surgeon in Manhattan and Assistant Clinical Professor at Mount Sinai School of Medicine. He recently joined the NYU Medical School Board of Governors. He received 2015 Top Doctor awards from SuperDoctors and Castle Connolly. Additionally, Armin is an executive producer on the upcoming Nat Turner biopic “Birth Of A Nation.”

1988

Talinh Agoyo says “Hello!” She has been traveling across the country to photograph and discuss environmental concerns with Native

American children. Her photo series is called The Warrior Project (warriorchildren.com).

She also works in Native arts with Indigenous Fine Art Market and continues to act in television and film. She lives in Santa Fe with her 4 awesome boys.

1991

Tina Alexander lives in Miami Beach where she enjoys water views, sunsets, and yoga classes. She left the Big Apple to lead digital marketing and e-commerce for travel and entertainment brands. ¶ Joseph Verdirame is excited to announce the birth of his son, Joseph Neal, born on January 8th.

Joseph recently moved to Glen Head, NY with his wife Nancy and two children. Joseph is the Chief Operating Officer of Alliance Homecare, a concierge home healthcare company serving the greater NYC area, and Principal of JNV Advisors.

1993

Aaron Cistrelli got married in 2014. ¶ Rob Conti and his wife just welcomed their newest son, Tommy Gunn Conti on October 23, 2014.

His Dark Carnival Haunted Attraction just acquired the S.K. Pierce Victorian Mansion, which is “the #2 most haunted house in the USA.” It will serve as their newest attraction, and they hope to open it by October 2016!

1994

Jon Marrelli is the Director of Behavioral Health and Primary Care Integration at NYU-Lutheran Medical Center. Jon says this means his focus

is on integrating mental health services into primary care sites at NYU-Lutheran. As a psychologist, he supervises others and treats patients. He says that anyone interested in mental health should feel free to contact him.

1995

Matteen Terrany, previously Mattean Tehrany, is the founder of Albert Edison Inc. A serial entrepreneur & active philanthropist supporting organ donation and dyslexia education, Matteen created the company to develop socially responsible concepts and software.

Matteen and his wife, Jasmin, enjoy their time with their first child Zen, in Miami, FL. ¶ David Crystal owns and runs a successful test preparation and college application preparation business called Crystal Clear Tutors. For select students, the program guarantees admission to top-100 universities.

1996

Mana Behbin and husband, Richard Evans Baltimore, Jr., have a son, Maziar Evans Baltimore, who was born on December 10, 2014. They also have an older son, Cyrus. ¶ Alison DeGregorio says, “Life is good in Seattle!“ She just welcomed her newest addition, Lilyan Emory Donovan, last June.

She is working as an outside counsel for Microsoft and volunteers as a dependency court-appointed special advocate in her (very limited) spare time.

1997

Shruti Ramesh has been working as a part-time

C LAS S P H OT OS

’90

’95

Class of 1990: (left to right) front row: Danielle Sabbagh Basso , Danielle Pannone Kelly, Kristin Vitacco, Richard Nunez; second row: Raquel Herreros Manning, T. Michael Cuite, Christopher McIlraith, Jennifer Hitchcock, Gina Bondinello; third row: Yashana Mc Aulley, Michelle Hignio Armstrong, David Lindenbaum, Andrew Kunz, Zachary Bohart, Randy Panetta; fourth row: Ritin Chakrabarti, Eddie Plantilla , Diahann Billings Burford, John Merhige, Eric Klausman. Class of 1995: (left to right) front row: Christine A. Bertuna Haines, Francesca G. Garson Lisk, Elizabeth Feldman, Kate Bernstein, James Vaccarino; second row: Carol Notias Kotsinis, Lori-Anne S. Stelmark Brogdon, Laura Beiles Coppola, Ilona Koltonyuk, Reem J. Jaber-Iqbal, Kristerfor T. Mastronardi; third row: Francesca Mordini Leibowitz, Anne Campbell, Anthony A. Tortora, Kesu J. James, Kelly Ann Harkins Price, Lara Mizrack, Christopher Bassolino; fourth row: Wade E. Saadi Jr., Mark L. Lakin, Regina Umansky-Bloom, Case Dorkey, Mark A. Ahasic.

62

T H E B L U E & T H E G R AY

I Class Notes I

pediatrician in Millburn, NJ. She has been full-time mommy to her 5-year-old daughter and 2-year-old son. ¶ Leah Horowitz and her husband, Matty Stuart, welcomed their daughter, Penelope Alice, into the world on April 11. Leah says they are tired, but very happy! ¶ Jill Rudnick Baker and her husband had their first child, Brody Luke Baker. ¶ David Alperin owns a men’s clothing store and gallery space in Brooklyn Heights called Goose Barnacle. He continues to play soccer once a week with a group of Poly alumni in Brooklyn Bridge Park. ¶ Michael Allegretti and his wife, Paula, celebrated the first birthday of their son Jackson in January on the Upper West Side, where they currently live. Having spent nearly 4 years as Vice President at the Manhattan Institute for Policy Research after a bid for the U.S. House of Representatives in 2010, Michael is now heading up public policy for Uber Technologies in New York City.

1998

Lauren Tafuri is a fashion stylist and costume designer. Recently, she designed the costumes for Annie Lennox’s PBS Special & Grammy performances. Currently, Lauren is working with CoverGirl, styling their campaigns/ spokesmodels: Katy Perry, Janelle Monae, and Sofia Vergara for print and commercials.

She has also styled Sam Smith and his entire Grammy performance. ¶ Justin Pagan got married on December 31, 2014 to Diana Mendes. They had a son, Justin Junior, on February 13, 2014. ¶ Jennifer Marines

and Kenny welcomed the newest addition to their family, Oliver Grayson Marines, on August 6, 2014. Big sister, Gabriella (4), and big brother, Ryan (3), are ecstatic to have a baby brother. On the work front, Jennifer became a partner in the corporate restructuring group of the global law firm, Morrison & Foerster.

is currently taking referrals. You may find him at psychologytoday.com.

2002

Alexandra Maresca Azara and Brian Azara ‘99 welcomed Sirena Paris Azara (7 lbs., 14.3 ounces) to their family on September 15, 2014.

Christian J. Zaino, MD has matched into the Orthopaedic Hand and Upper Extremity Fellowship at the University of Chicago, starting August 1, 2016. He is very excited to be training at such a well-respected, wellrounded institution in such a wonderful city.

He says he could not have done it without the foundation he received at Poly. ¶ Maria Illinsky is the lead recruiter at the largest design agency in Silicon Valley.

2001

2004

2000

Marissa Beck currently works as a registered dietitian for a Microsoft corporate wellness program, and was recently appointed as President-Elect of the Greater Seattle Dietetic Association. She and her husband were expecting their firstborn on June 27. “It’s a girl!” says Beck. ¶ Ksenia Winnicki was married in September 2008 and is currently a publicist at Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing. She received her MA in English from Brooklyn College in Spring 2014, and will be presenting her thesis at an academic conference at the University of Hertfordshire in the UK this fall. ¶ Giacomo Buscaino has been working as a licensed psychologist at an outpatient clinic of South Beach Psychiatric Center in Brooklyn. He is proud to announce that he has also just started a parttime private practice in Park Slope, providing psychotherapy to adolescents and adults, and

Julian Warshaw has joined the team at Strz Enterprises as COO, tasked with expanding the label and tech fund into publishing, management, and film financing/distribution. Previously, he co-founded and led his production company, Vine Street Music, to #1 single/album releases for Cher, Jason Derulo, and others. He currently lives in Beverly Hills. ¶ Chris DiForte became engaged, bought a house, and acquired school business leader certification for educational administration. ¶ Ben Ross appeared on Sports Jeopardy on crackle.com on March 18.

2005

Elisabeth Santana co-founded e.j. blooms, a floral design firm in Manhattan. She designs arrangements for corporations, events, non-profits and the hospitality industry. ¶ In 2013, Sammy Jacobs founded a website: CLA S S PHOTOS

’00

’05

Class of 2000: (left to right) front row: Stephanie Fox, Alex Marresca, John Verzosa, Christopher A. Pedersen, Raymund J. Lansigan, Nadine Jamal, Stacy A. Osborne, Johanna R. Rodriguez,Sal Adinolfi; second row: Lance Bennett, Brian J. Pariente, Brian L. Cantor, Guy Maldari, Benjamin Watson, Jasmin I. Rivera, Karnika Bhalla; third row: Joseph Seggio, Robert Petrozzo, Wilson S. Calle, Beth A. Tuccillo, Joseph Tringali, Deirdra H. Hazeley; fourth row: Dylan Giordano, Antoinette Perrotta, George Guirguis, Victor Chemtob, Amanda Pucci, Christopher Fraser, Dominic C. Williams. Class of 2005: (left to right) front row: Julia Dimant, Kathryn C. Shanley, Cristina J. Cote, Katherine Lapham, Pamela Lehrman, Rudolph V. Pica, Danica R. Noel, Lynnea A. Midland, Juliette Pannone Garcia, Adrienne J. Rolle, Katherine Murphy, Christine O’Leary, John Kendrick; second row: David Morace, Vincent DiSalvo, Adam K. Garson, Michael D. Weiss,, Monique Wilson, Brittany A. Sugarman, Emily A. Hazlewood; third row: Francis Florio, Olujimi A. Tommasino, Mena Cammett, Keith Hernandez, Simone Russo, Elizabeth Ross, Paul S. Lehrman, Anne Herbert, Leonard E. Belvedere Jr.; fourth row: Joshua Talton, Thomas Axon Jr., Sammy Jacobs, John S. Kefer, Colin M. Hart, Megan S. DeGraff, Daniel C. Manning.

P O LY P R E P M AGA Z I N E FA L L 2015

63

I Class Notes I

HoosierHuddle.com. It is credentialed for all the Indiana University football games. They have just surpassed the 100,000 hit mark in May (2015). ¶ John Roelofs works for an advertising agency in San Francisco, CA where he makes commercials for Reebok, Audi, and 76. ¶ David Morace graduated from the New Jersey Institute of Technology and received his degree in architecture. After college, he quickly joined his father in his architectural firm and has been working there for the past five years. David and his wife got married in June of 2012 and have completely re-designed the interior of their current home. ¶ Jamila Williams graduated from medical school in May 2015 with distinction in global health and will be starting a pediatrics residency at NYU this year. She was selected to do a medical away rotation in Vienna, Austria at the Vienna General Hospital. ¶ Rudolph Pica says the end of 2014, and 2015 so far, have been great! He ran the New York City Marathon this year with his fiancée and got engaged at the finish line.

He will be getting married this October and just bought his first apartment.

2006

Graduating from RPI with a Bachelor of Architecture, Christine Lois has developed an interest in multiple types of design. She has been pursuing an architectural and design career, having worked on projects ranging from large, global, and city-wide ones down to apartment interiors and sets. ¶ In October,

Chelsea Petrozzo launched a company called CitySeat, which is a bike seat cover for share ride bikes and spin bikes. The seat is waterproof, patterned, and folds into itself, making it pretty convenient. The company just released a padded seat as its second product directed towards spin bikes. CitySeat is made in America and promotes green living and wellness. ¶ This fall, Yin He will be joining the class of 2017 at the Darden School of Business at UVA to pursue his MBA. ¶ Eva Lipiec is finishing up her master’s in marine resource management at Oregon State University. She is taking advantage of the great Pacific Northwest outdoors with trips to the forest, the beach, and the mountains. Eva looks forward to exploring new parts of the world when she graduates! ¶ During the past nine years since leaving Poly, Craig Jacoby has been teaching special education and college readiness at Suffern High School.

He says, “It has been great to see Poly continue to thrive and to read about the continued success of the athletic teams. I have also read about so many of Poly’s former players who are now college graduates succeeding in life!”

2007

Grant Levine graduated from Brooklyn Law School class of 2015, earning his JD. ¶ In August of 2014, Jesse Campoamo was hired as Director Of Community Affairs in the Public Affairs Bureau of the Office of New York City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer. ¶ Candice

Clark is living in the Financial District with her sister. She works in sales at Bloomberg and is studying for her MBA. In the last few years, she has been fortunate enough to play soccer in Barcelona and Italy. Now, she is captain of the New York Magic and would love to hear from Poly grads interested in playing! ¶ Robin D’Oench made the short film, TADAIMA, which has premiereed in film festivals in San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York City, and Washington, DC. The film received awards for Best Narrative Short Film, Best Cinematography, Best Supporting Actor, and Best Ensemble. The movie’s website is tadaimathemovie.com.

2008

Lee Feiner is an associate video producer at Sports Illustrated. She covers major sporting events around the world. Everything leads back to film/video production with Mr. Higham in 2008.

2009

Park Cannon works as a health advocate and program coordinator in one of the last late-term abortion clinics in the South. She is passionate about reproductive justice, fair legislation, and de-stigmatizing healthcare decisions. JD and MPH degrees are up next!

2010

Brandon Ford achieved a position as a financial advisor for a well-recognized company in Long Island. ¶ Emilia Petrarca was

C LAS S P H OT OS

THANK YOU FOR COMING TO SPECIAL REUNION 2015!

’10

Once again, we pulled off a wonderful Special Reunion, and we couldn’t have done it without all the support from the Poly community. See you next year!

Class of 2010: Ashley Bryan, Corinne Cathcart, Emily Hyman, Emily Hochman, Natalie M. DiStefano, Olivia Kalban, Milana A. Baker, Zachary S. Weiss, Fatouseck A. Primus; second row: Frank Schleimer, Sarah Crandall, Levi Jones, Elliot A. Philips, Lauren Boulbol, Karina J. Krainchich, Victoria Edel, Shannon Cohall; third row: Dylan D. Wong, Chesley J. Ratliff, Rachel Steinberg, William Hochman, Brandon Ford, Kaitlin M. Kirker, Sean P. Ryan, Michael Ruocco, Devante Wheeler; fourth row: David McIntyre, Clara J. Kirkpatrick, Danielle DiPersia, Matthew J. Choi, Emilia C. Petrarca, Richard Carbone, Terrance J. Hyland, Jacob S. Willner, Ben C. Tarhan.

64

T H E B L U E & T H E G R AY

I Class Notes I

recently hired as Associate Digital Editor for W Magazine.

2011

Samuel Alter graduated with departmental honors in geosciences from Franklin & Marshall College. As a four-year oarsman, prior to graduation, he had the opportunity to race in the Dad Vail Regatta in Philadelphia, the largest collegiate regatta in the US.

2014

Thomas Clark attends Gettysburg College. As a freshman, he achieved recognition for excellence in academics. He earned a place on the Gettysburg record books for distinction in track and field. He also placed at Conference Finals competing in the decathlon. He continues dancing as a member of the elite Gettysburg dance team the “Bomb Squad.” ¶ During his first year at Middlebury, Connor Pisano performed in two small plays in the fall, the musical Ragtime in January, and in the play Spring Awakening in the spring. He also performed in the Fall Dance Concert and joined a dance crew for which he choreographed a hip-hop piece, set to Justin Timberlake’s song “My Love,” during his second semester.

SEND US YOUR NOTES Go to www.polyprep.org/bluegray and click on “Submit a Class Note.” To get into the next issue make sure to submit your news by March 1, 2016.

P O LY P R E P M AGA Z I N E FA L L 2015

65

Obituaries

I Obituaries I

1934

On July 19, 2014, Wallace Herbs Cox, 97, passed away peacefully in Venice, FL. He leaves his loving wife of 68 years, Marguerite Mattoon Cox, four adult children and their spouses, 9 grandchildren, and 3 great-granddaughters. Prior to their move to Florida in 2004, Wally and Margie were long time residences of Nutley, NJ where they raised their family and were actively involved in community programs and events.

Wally was born December 18, 1916, in Brooklyn. Wally earned his BS from Harvard College in 1938, followed by his MBA from Harvard in 1940. He was a loyal supporter of Poly Prep and Harvard throughout his life and described Poly Prep as the most positive educational influence on his life. During his formative years, he spent his summers at the Adirondack Woodcraft Camp where he learned to love nature and developed exceptional horseback riding, camping, canoeing, and boating skills. Wally, when in his 80’s, was known for waterskiing and making beach landings while wearing his sunglasses.

Wally worked for the Wilkata Folding Box Company, then Potlatch International Paper Company, in Kearney, NJ, where he advanced from his position as an accountant to president. He was highly respected by management and union workers alike and put his job on the line to hire the first Black employee against the wishes of the company’s owner. He met his wife on horseback at a dude ranch and they spent a lifetime sharing many of the same interests. They enjoyed their retirement years traveling throughout the U.S. and the world.

1936

Arthur F. Goat, 96, died peacefully with family on January 8, 2014 at Valley Terrace in Norwich, VT. His sense of humor survived to the end. He was born March 13, 1917, in Brooklyn, the son of Walter and Elsie (Rieman) Goat. After graduating from Poly, he attended Duke University. During World War II, he served in the Marine Corps in the Pacific, with the rank of major. In 1946, he went to work for the Champlain Company, later becoming president and chairman of the board of directors of Bobst-Champlain, Inc., of Roseland, NJ. He married Nancy

66

T H E B L U E & T H E G R AY

Perkins of New York City in 1948. She died in 2009. He was a member of Baltusrol Golf Club, the Short Hills Club, the Lakota Club, and the Woodstock Country Club. He leaves his daughter, Leah Goat, of Hanover, NH; his son, David Goat, of Pomfret, VT; and nephews, Randy and Robert Goat. He also leaves his good friends the Bernards, Sheila Murray, and Betsy Rhodes, all of Pomfret, and old friend, Ian Grant-Suttie. He and his family have been grateful to the loving caregivers at Valley Terrace who made his last years so happy. Last but not least, he leaves his fellow napper, Sweetie, the cat.

1938

Dean Moulton Hatheway, 95, of Virginia Beach, VA, made his transition on October 23, 2014, while visiting with his family in New York. He was born July 20, 1919 in Brooklyn, the son of Philip Moulton Hatheway and Clitheroe James. Dean was a loyal alumnus of Poly Prep and Colgate University, and earned his MA from New York University. His college career was interrupted by serving during World War II in the Army Air Corp, after which he was an English teacher in the Greenwich, CT public school system. He spent many summers as both a camper and a counselor at Mowglis School of the Open, a residential camp for boys in New Hampshire. Dean’s passion was singing, and he sang with Barbershop Quartet choruses in Westchester County, NY and Norfolk; also Daylight Singing Time, “The Blenders” quartet, and the ForgetMe-Notes. Dean was predeceased by his beloved wife, Janet Horton Hatheway and daughter Diane Dannemann, his sister Clitheroe Engel, and his parents. He is survived by daughter Lynn Kline (Chuck); sonin-law Kevin Dannemann; four grandchildren, Ryan Dannemann (Patty), Bridget Dannemann (Rob), Jonathan LaCount (Rose), and Todd LaCount; and two great-granddaughters, Olivia and Daisy. ¶ Paul Finkelstein M.D. passed away on June 20, 2014.

Born in 1920, he received BA and MD from Louisiana State University. An accomplished surgeon, he began his career as a Captain in the U.S. Army Medical Corps stationed

in Japan. Paul was devoted to, and loved by, both his family and patients. He was the Chief of Urology at The Brooklyn Hospital Center from 1971-1989 and served as Chairman of the New York State Board of Medicine, President of the Kings County Medical Society, Vice President of IPRO and Congregation Beth Elohim in Brooklyn, and was a board member of The Brooklyn Hospital and Metropolitan Jewish Geriatric Home. Paul is survived by Doris, his loving wife of 60 years, and was the proud father of Henry, Susan (Michael), Dru and Lewis, and grandfather of Lindsey, Emma, David, Charlie, Natalie, Matthew, and Sam.

1939

Richardson “Dick” Buist, of Basking Ridge, NJ, a retired corporate executive and banker, died Wednesday, July 30, 2014, after a very short illness. He was born August 8, 1921, in Brooklyn to George Lamb and Adelaide (Richardson) Buist. He married Dr. Jean Mackerley, DVM, on October 2, 1948, in Newton, NJ. Mr. Buist attended Yale University and worked at the Sussex County Independent 1946–48, the Dover Advance 1950–53 and later as the business manager of the New Jersey Herald in Newton, 1953–70. After one career in newspaper work, he began yet another as a banker, serving as a trust officer for Midlantic/Sussex & Merchants Bank in Newton and Midlantic National Bank in Newark from 1971 until his retirement in 1988. He was active in many facets of public service and gave unselfishly of his time and expertise, serving as officer, trustee, or director in a myriad of charities and worthy causes. He loved to travel and accompanied his wife, Jean, on trips around the world, including photographic safaris in Africa. Mr. Buist leaves his daughter Betsi Bixby, of Weatherford, Texas; daughter Jean Earle and husband, Terry, of Chatham; son, Peter and friend, Emma Lee Grennan, of Fairbanks, Alaska; grandchildren, Sheila, Morgan, Abbey and Jason and wife, Susan; three great-grandchildren, Jaden, Kaiya and Ava Buist; and many, many dear friends. ¶ Ihler Grimmelmann was born April 2, 1922. He died November 10, 2014. He is

I Obituaries I

survived by his wife of 65 years, Frances, his children, Erik and Ellen, and by his half-brother Frank. Ihler was predeceased by daughter Lisa Bidwell and by his siblings Dorothy, Ann, and Karl. Much loved grandfather of James, Rachel, and Lily, he was also the great-grandfather of Beatrice, and a graduate of Middlebury College (1943) and Columbia University’s Teachers College (1948). Ihler worked as a child psychologist in White Plains, NY, as well as with Head Start and in early childhood education. ¶ David L. Joseph was born in Brooklyn, NY in 1922, graduated from Brown University, and served in the U.S. Army Air Corps in Tunisia during World War II. He later headed a successful embroidery business for more than 30 years, residing in Oceanside, NY and later Teaneck, NJ, where he was active in his temple. Always passionate about learning and exploring new places, David enjoyed an early retirement in Florida filled with travel adventures, adult education classes, and volunteer work at WXEL-TV and at Boca Raton Community Hospital. He lived for many years at Boca Delray Golf & Country Club with wife, Miriam (Mimi), who preceded him in death after 52 years of marriage. He most recently lived at Abbey Delray. David is survived by children Leonard, Richard, and Nancy, as well as three grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and longtime companion Rose Whinston. He will be dearly missed by those who knew him and his generous spirit will always be remembered.

1940

Kenneth Warwick Nelson, 91, was a beloved husband for 70 years of Carey Boone Nelson. He was the loving father of their 6 children: Caren Nelson Schubart, Kenneth Nelson II, Kimberley Nelson, Keith Nelson, Kyle Nelson Galante and Craig Nelson. Kenneth was the cherished grandfather of 17 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. He was a graduate of MIT with a BS in Business, Engineering & Administration and Harvard Business School (U.S. Navy Officer’s Program). He was the founder and chairman of Tech Products, Inc. on Staten Island (Active in the community, Mr.

Nelson was a board member of the Staten Island YMCA, the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce, and an honorary member of the Richmond County Country Club, Dongan Hills. Ken, with his wife, enjoyed traveling several times around the world, as well as boating and golfing with family and friends.

He especially treasured family reunions with all three generations. ¶ Robert A. Shanley was born on June 1, 1922, in Brooklyn, New York to parents James G. Shanley and Bernadette (Roncoroni) Shanley. He is predeceased by his wife and long-term companion, Charlotte Belenky Shanley, who died in 1998, and his brother, Captain James V. Shanley, U.S. Marines.

Robert served during World War II with the United States Army in the occupation duty at Okinawa, 1945-1946. Robert was a professor emeritus in the Political Science Department at the University of Massachusetts, and retired in 1994 after 32 years of teaching and research. He received a BA and MA at Columbia University, and a PhD at Georgetown. After his retirement in 1994, his volunteer activities included assisting immigrants in passing their citizenship exams, reading aloud to Springfield 4th graders, and volunteering with Meals on Wheels and Rachel’s Table. He also sponsored children in developing countries whose parents died of AIDS, and children in the Philippines who were abandoned by their American soldier fathers. Robert is survived by a cousin, Walter Strohmeyer, of Orient, New York, nieces Gloria Rothman, Enfield, Connecticut and Susan Haskell, Boston, and nephew, Neil Belenky, Greensboro, North Carolina.

He was also a part of the caring extended family of Yvonne and Dr. Robert Baevsky, and the family of Charlotte Pollak and Sheryl and Gary Okun, of Longmeadow. He is also dearly missed by his caring home companions, Jackie Howell, Maureen and Daenia Bernard, and Shanice Brown.

1942

Mr. Fridtjof Nelsen was born on March 15, 1923 and passed away on Monday, July 7, 2014.

Fridtjof was a resident of Floral Park, New York. ¶ The family of Jerry Karlin is sad-

dened to announce his death, which occurred on May 13, 2013. His great-grandson is now in the first grade at Poly. He leaves his loving wife, Ruth, 3 children, their spouses, 6 grandchildren and one great-grandchild, Gavin Karlin.

1943

Dr. Joseph R. Whelan, 89, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on December 22, 2014. After graduating from Poly, Joe went on to begin his collegiate career at Williams, but transferred to Tufts after his first two years because they disbanded the ROTC program he loved so much. After graduating with a degree in medicine and meeting the love of his life and wife of 65 years, Isabelle, at Tufts, he enrolled in medical school at the Brooklyn College of Medicine as well as serving in the US Navy as a naval officer in the reserves.

He graduated in 1950 and went on to complete his residency where he was chief resident his final year. Joe then went on to work at both Mercy Hospital in Rockeville Centre and St. Francis in Roslyn, where he was chief of general surgery, as well as his own surgical practice until his retirement at age 70 in 1995. He was known for his quiet charm, wisdom, and impeccable bedside manner as well as his love for photography, his lakeside house in Maine, and New York Mets baseball. He is survived by his loving wife, Isabelle, children Edward and Kathy, and grandchildren Tracie, Dayna and Kyle and will be dearly missed.

1945

Robert “Bob” Johnson, 86, of Millwood, NY passed away at home on June 1, 2014.

He was born in New York on August 30, 1927 to Clara and Algot Johnson. After Poly, he attended the United States Merchant Marine Academy, was a ship’s officer in the Merchant Marine, and spent his professional career with the Smith & Johnson Shipping Company. He was a member of the Board of Governors of the Camp Fire Club of America in Chappaqua, and a founding director of the Camp Fire Conservation Fund. Bob was an avid outdoorsman and an accomplished hunter. He will surely be remembered for his hunting enthusiasm and skill. He was one of a mere handful of hunters who were able

P O LY P R E P M AGA Z I N E FA L L 2015

67

I Obituaries I

to take trophies of all 29 species of North American big game. His happiest moments were spending time outdoors, hunting, and enjoying the camaraderie of his hunting companions. He leaves behind his wife Patricia, of New Orleans, and 5 nieces. He is predeceased by his sister, Lois Johnson Avery, and by his parents.

1946

David S. Hume, 87, passed away on Monday, June 29, 2015 at Wake Robin in Shelburne, VT. He was born on May 2, 1928 in Brooklyn, the son of Kenneth and Elizabeth (Newman) Hume. He was raised in Brooklyn Heights and attended Poly Prep. He worked for Merrill Lynch in Lower Manhattan before attending and graduating from Colgate University in 1951. After being accepted at Harvard Business School, he was drafted by the US Army.

He went to Fort Dix in NJ for basic training, received a late draft deferment, but continued with the US Army to places such as Fort Benning in Georgia, Aberdeen, Maryland and a one-year tour as an infantry platoon leader in Korea where he earned a Bronze Star. In 1953, after active military he worked for a small company in Brooklyn, he reapplied to Harvard Business School and was accepted for the 1954 school year. He married Barbara Louise Burns on June 26, 1954 and together they went off to Cambridge for two years of business school, where he graduated in 1956 with an MBA. David is survived by his wife of 61 years, Barbara Hume of Shelburne; daughter, Lauren Baker and husband Gary of Chester and their children, Jeff Baker of Denver, CO, Doug Baker, his wife Tory and 11-month old son, Hudson of Centennial, CO, Kenneth Baker, Chester, Derek Baker, Boston, Mass. and Sarah Baker Chester; son, Bradford Hume of Burlington; son, David Hume, Jr. of Putney and his sons, Clayton Hume of Los Angeles, CA and Miles Hume of Portland, OR; sister, Ann O’Brien of Marshfield and numerous other cousins, nieces and nephews and their respective children. David was predeceased by his sister, Polly Keck. ¶ Norman S. Lerner died on May 3, 2015. He was a gentleman

68

T H E B L U E & T H E G R AY

of the old school and “his like shall not pass this way again”. Respected by all who knew him personally and in business, he was a student of history and a mentor to many. He leaves his loving and dearly loved wife Inez (nee Yondorf). He was a caring, devoted, and generous father to Holly (and the late Hans- Geert), Bambi (Michael) and John (Amy). He was proud of his grandchildren Benjamin, Garrett, Reid, Rachael, and Billy.

He will be missed by many, most of all his grieving family.

1947

Benjamin T. Young, Jr., 84, of West Islip, NY, died on January 12, 2014. He was retired from the U.S. Department of Justice after more than 29 years of service. He was also a 20-year veteran of the New York Army National Guard. His many interests included trains and trolleys. He was president of the Long Island-Sunrise Trail Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society from 1985 to 2005. He will be missed by his beloved wife, Rosalie, his brother Malcolm, his nieces, nephews and friends.

1949

Dr. Herbert M. Oestreich, 82, unexpectedly died on November 12, 2014. He was a beloved husband, father, “Grandpa Sir,” and brother. He was also a superb clinician, devoted to his profession and patients. His positions included former chief of Neurosurgery at White Plains Hospital, a trustee at the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, President of the New York State Neurosurgical Society and Associate Professor of Neurosurgery at New York Medical College and Westchester Medical Center. He was an avid golfer, tennis player and skier; a music, opera and gadget lover, a student of the Torah, and a wry humorist.

1950

Alan Brandt passed away in April 2011 from a stroke. ¶ Stuart Grimshaw Shafer, USMC, 80, a resident of Onancock, VA since 1995, passed away on Wednesday, March 12, 2014, at his residence. Born December 28, 1933 in Brooklyn, he was the son of the late Mervin Monroe Shafer and Eleanor

Grimshaw Shafer. Major Shafer retired from the United States Marine Corps, and was a member of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Onancock. His survivors include three children, Douglas Shafer, Kirk Shafer and his wife Sharon, and Pamela Geminy, several grandchildren; a sister, Susan Wallace of Palos Verdes, CA; and two nieces.

1955

Leslie H. Larsen, Jr., 77, passed away on May 13, 2015 after a short illness. Loving husband of the Carol Larsen, father of Kari Larsen Pedone and adoring grandfather of Maddie and Ellie. Son of the late Leslie H. and Florence Baldwin Larsen of Brooklyn.

After graduating from Poly in 1959, Larsen served as Lieutenant Junior Grade in the US Navy aboard the U.S.S. Charles S. Sperry from 1959 to 1961. He worked for David Rockefeller as an advisor to his personal real estate investments and later as the Vice President of Rockefeller Center Development Corporation, totaling 16 years with the Rockefeller interests. He then had a successful career in commercial real estate at Cadillac Fairview and Landauer Associates. Les had many things that were dear to him—among them: the New York and then San Francisco Giants, the Montreal Canadians, Poly Prep and Dartmouth. ¶ Dr. Alan B. Rosenthal died peacefully on Friday, December 13, 2013, surrounded by loving family and friends. His passionate dedication to healing led to a remarkable career in neurosurgery, with a subspecialty in pediatric neurosurgery. After graduating from Yale University (1958) and the University of Virginia Medical School (1962), he pursued his fascination with the neurosciences to a residency at Peter Bent Brigham Hospital and the Children’s Medical Center of Boston, where he served as Chief Resident and Teaching Fellow in Neurosurgery at Harvard Medical School in 1968. His remarkable ability to perform intricate surgical procedures and intense interest in pediatrics took him to Long Island, where, as a founding member of Long Island Neurosurgical Associates, he developed the first pediatric neurosurgical practice in the region. He then left LINA to become Co-Director of Winthrop-University Hospital’s Institute for Neurosciences and

I Obituaries I

Chief of their Division of Neurosurgery, where he was a principal player in the development of Winthrop’s Neuroscience Intensive Care Unit—the first of its kind on Long Island. He was also instrumental in bringing the first CyberKnife, used to perform non-invasive robotic radio-surgery, to the NYC-metropolitan area. Additionally, he was an attending neurosurgeon at several other Long Island hospitals.He was a contributing author to three major textbooks on pediatric neurosurgery, and his bibliography includes over 25 articles in peer-reviewed journals. He was also an invited speaker at many international symposia. His greatest gift, however, found expression in the personal side of medicine.

He remained in contact with many of his first patients, and followed their lives as they grew into adulthood. He continued to receive birthday and holiday greetings from several of them until he died. He loved to play golf and tennis, listen to baroque and classical music, drive high performance sports cars, and read volumes of history and international intrigue. His memory survives as a blessing in the thousands of lives he touched and saved, but most especially in the hearts of his beloved and devoted wife Enid Feldman Rosenthal; daughters Amy Ilyse Rosenthal and Nina Michelle Rosenthal Fusillo; son-in-law Michael Fusillo; grandsons Nathaniel James and Benjamin Paul Fusillo; brothers-in-law Barry and Joel Feldman; and sisters-in-law Diane and Tina Feldman. ¶ William L. Shapiro died at his home on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan on February 3, 2012 after a long illness. He was born in Brooklyn on July 26, 1937, the son of Leon and Ruth Shapiro. After Poly, he took over the family business as owner-manager of Triangle Sports. A lifetime New York resident, Shapiro loved his native city. He was a compassionate businessman who maintained the original Flatbush Avenue store, founded by his grandmother Bessie in 1916, through changing times in Brooklyn. He is survived by his dearly loved wife of 30 years, Joan Shapiro, her 2 sons from a previous marriage, Reed and Ross, their wives Susan and Lucy, and Reed and Sue’s three sons. To his stepsons and their wives, he was a great friend and benefactor, and to Erik, Devon and Luke he was their beloved Grandpa Bill. A very kind man, he will be deeply missed by

his wife and family, friends, and employees.

Bill requested that his remains be donated to the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. ¶ Leslie J. Stark, 76, advertising man, actor, playwright, proofreader, raconteur extraordinaire and beacon of hope for those with cancer died on Friday, July 17. Stark was born on August 18, 1938 in Brooklyn. After Poly, he graduated from Hobart William Smith College, both of which he remained devoted to. Later in life, he served on the board of trustees for Hobart for many years. After Hobart, he attended the Yale School of Drama and acted in off-Broadway plays. When he met his wife Myra and started a family, he decided he needed a steady income and became part of what popular culture now refers to as the “Mad Men” age of advertising in New York City—although Stark would be quick to point out that his life did not resemble the popular series. He and Myra celebrated their 49th wedding anniversary this past December.

After a 1966 visit, he fell in love with Martha’s Vineyard and came back every summer. He was a board member and regular participant of the Cancer Support Group there, attending meetings for decades whenever he visited.

Stark was a 3-time cancer survivor—he had been cancer-free for 18 years—and he went to these meetings to help others. He is survived by his wife Myra; sisters Renee Stark and Cheryl Stark and her wife Margery Meltzer; daughter Victoria Stark; son Brian B. Stark and his wife Dr. Julie Ramos, and their daughter Eliana Grace Stark.

1956

Knut Eric Knutsen, 75, longtime resident of Riverside, beloved husband, father and grandfather, died on October 1, 2014 at The Nathaniel Witherell Nursing Center. The cause was complications from Alzheimer’s. He was born in Brooklyn to Norwegian immigrant parents, Alice, a piano teacher, and his father, Knut, who had an affinity for singing, storytelling, and wordplay. Eric and his younger brother, John, grew up in Bay Ridge, but also spent the late ‘40s in Copenhagen, and then Pittsburgh, when Knut’s job at Gulf Oil relocated the

family temporarily. After graduating from Poly, he majored in mathematics at Yale, where a knack for probabilistic thinking gave rise to a tuition-funding poker career, in pickup games with classmates. In 1959, he landed an internship at IBM in Kingston, NY—a short commute from his parents’ summer retreat in Woodstock—and began writing software.

A year later, he was hired to work on IBM’s Stretch project, a supercomputer contracted by the Los Alamos Scientific Lab. In 1960, soon after graduation, he married the love of his life, Gail Antony, whom he met and courted as a teenager. The newlyweds worked at IBM in Poughkeepsie for two years and then moved to Cambridge, MA, where Gail continued to work for IBM while Eric earned an MBA from Harvard. The couple then settled in Yorktown Heights, NY, where 2 sons, Rick and Chris, were born. Seized by an entrepreneurial itch, Eric left IBM in 1967 to co-found Graphic Sciences, a tech startup built with fellow veterans of Stretch that produced facsimile devices.

He later became a consultant at Gartner Group in the mid-’80s, where he worked for more than a decade. A devoted golfer since his youth (he was captain of Poly Prep’s 1956 championship team and once shot a 68 at the Woodstock Golf Club), Eric assumed the role of historian and archivist at Innis Arden Golf Club, whose newsletter once anointed him the clubhouse “Herodotus.” Even in the final months of his life, Eric’s cheerful spirit never dimmed, nor did his love of singing. In his brief time Nathan Witherell, he became known as a star of the karaoke mic, and took pure delight in seeing (and singing with) his family, who will forever miss the light he brought to their lives. In addition to his wife and sons, Eric is survived by four granddaughters—Olivia, Charlotte, Isadora and Sabine—all of whom, he would note proudly, live in Brooklyn, and two of whom currently attend his beloved Poly Prep. ¶ Mr. Martin B. Sloate passed on December 15, 2014 in Delray Beach, FL after a long illness. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Roberta (1990), mother of his children Pamela and Jonathan, and survived by his loving wife Roxene and his siblings Alan Sloate (Phyllis) and Laura Sloate.

He was a man of great generosity, friendship, and love. He now lies in painless peace.

P O LY P R E P M AGA Z I N E FA L L 2015

69

I Obituaries I

1957

Michael A. Hyman, beloved husband of Arleen, has died. He was also a devoted father of Lawrence Hyman, Robin, and Ric Davidovich, a cherished grandfather of Sammy, Matthew and Sophie, and a dear brother of Gale and Rose. He was an uncle, cousin and friend.

1959

Andrew Julien, father of Sharon Julien, has

passed away.

1964 1961

Edward T. Dunne, 71, of Holmdel, passed away Monday, January 5, 2015. He served on Poly’s Board of Trustees.

He was a 1965 graduate of Norwich University, Northfield, VT, where he received a BA and a commission in the US Army. He served as the Adjutant, US Army Garrison, Fort Polk, LA from 1967-1969 and later became a member of Norwich University’s Board of Fellows. Mr. Dunne attended the NYU Graduate School of Public Administration, New England School of Law, and the Securities Industry Institute at the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania. Edward had a distinguished career on Wall Street and lectured on the securities industry at a number of graduate schools. Most recently, he served as a Managing Director at Willowbridge Associates, Plainsboro, NJ. He will be sadly missed by his colleagues, family and friends.

His parents, Edward T. Dunne, Sr. and Kathryn Nicholson Dunne, predeceased him. Surviving are his devoted wife of 47 years, Gail; his son, Brendan and his wife Nicole; two daughters, Meredith and Tara; his sister, Lucille and her husband, Sean and daughter, Katie; his grandchildren and “granddogs.”

70

T H E B L U E & T H E G R AY

Neil H. Brandt, passed away April 28, 2014 after a long illness. He lived his life in the pursuit of both spiritual and creative endeavors. He is survived by his brother Jay C. Brandt ’68. ¶ Andy Weber, passed on October 10, 2014. Happily, he was able to attend his 50th reunion celebration at Mel Immergut’s home which he was thrilled to do. He loved Poly, which he attended from 6th grade through high school with his brother Steve Weber ’58. He is survived by his wife, Becky.

1965

Edwin John Effinger, 68, of Rixeyville, Va., passed away on March 10, 2015. Mr. Effinger was born in Brooklyn on March 5, 1947 to Edwin John Effinger and Alma Weida Effinger. He graduated Hamilton College in 1969 with a BA in History; earned his MA in History from Wake Forest; served as headmaster of private schools for over 25 years until he became an owner of E Title & Abstract LLC of Culpeper which operated for over 13 years. Mr. Effinger served as Headmaster of Academy Prep in St. Petersburg, FL, and was co-class president for life at Hamilton College, where he last attended his 45th reunion. In 2001 he married Pamela Enriquez on the St. Petersburg beach. Surviving Mr. Effinger is his wife, Pamela of Culpeper, VA.; his children, John W. Effinger of Danbury, Conn., James C. Effinger and his wife, Heidi of Homer, NY, Corey Goodrich and her husband, Kyle of Denver, CO, Mark C. Enriquez and his wife, Tiffany of Cleveland, OH, and Melinda Pomeroy and her husband, Corey of Palmyra, FL; his grandchildren, Lulu Effinger, Emma Effinger, Haven Goodrich, Holden Goodrich, Pippa Enriquez, Autumn Pomeroy, and Alex Pomeroy; his sisters, Gay Colina of Trenton, NJ, and Elsie Tierney of Oriental, NC; and

his first wife, Lynne Muller of Brookhaven, NY. ¶ On the morning of July 5, 2015, Richard Kastendieck passed away peacefully, after an 11-month battle with a rare form of cancer. He was born on January 26, 1948 in Brooklyn, the son of renowned Poly teacher Dr. Miles Merwin Kastendieck and Clementine Hall Kastendieck, both deceased.

Kastendieck received degrees from Drew University, University of Wisconsin-Madison, and Temple University. He was an attorney for over 35 years in Philadelphia, Bucks County, PA, and Baltimore, MD. In 2003, he retired from the Maryland Attorney General’s Office after almost 20 years of dedicated service as Assistant Attorney General. Always an active member of his community, he served 2 years post-college with VISTA as a draft counselor during the time of the Vietnam War. For 20 years, he was a board member with New Pathways. He was president of the Mt. Washington Improvement Association in 1999, and served as an officer on the board of the Mt. Washington PTO. An athlete and sports enthusiast, he was a wrestler and football player, and continued to stay active, hiking parts of the Appalachian Trail and attending Pilates classes every Saturday.

He was also an avid Baltimore Orioles and Ravens fan. He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Sally J. Miles, and his children, Molly Kastendieck and Miles Kastendieck, and his beloved pets. He is also survived by his twin brother, Dr. Jon Kastendieck of Denver, CO, and sister, Carol Kastendieck of Brooklyn.

1973

Henry D. Finkelstein M.D. passed away on June 20th, 2014. Born in 1920, he received undergraduate and medical degrees from Louisiana State University. An accomplished surgeon, he began his career as a Captain in the U.S. Army Medical Corps stationed in Japan. Paul was devoted to and loved by both his family and patients. He was the Chief of Urology at The Brooklyn Hospital Center from 1971–1989 and served as Chairman of the New York State Board of Medicine, President of the Kings County Medical Society, Vice President of IPRO and Congregation Beth Elohim in Brooklyn, and was a board member of The Brooklyn Hospital and Metropolitan Jewish Geriatric Home.

Polyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mission is rooted in its deep commitment to the strength of mind, body, and character.

Each year, Poly relies on its annual fund contributions to provide the flexibility in making curricular and co-curricular decisions to support our students.

PLEASE MAKE THE POLY FUND YOUR #1 PHILANTHROPIC PRIORITY. WWW.POLYPREP.ORG/GIVE

I GE T TO K N O W I

…YOUR POLY REPRESENTATIVE!

SUBSCRIBE TO THE POLYCAM

Below is a list of your Poly class agents.

Don’t see your year represented?

Interested in contacting your class rep?

Contact Maria Dedato, Associate Director of Alumni Relations, by phone at (718) 836-9800, ext. 3090, or via email at mdedato@polyprep.org

Charles Plotz ’37, P’73

Mitchell Bernstein ’66

Gary Hanna ’84

Robert Carpenter ’39

Stephen Ellman ’67, P’09

Douglas Jabara ’84

Gilbert Feldman ’42, P’83, ’85

Frank Strafaci ’67

Arnold Mascali ’84

Salvatore Cumella ’69

Derrick Ades ’85

Lawrence DiGiovanna ’69

Arthur Aidala ’85

Robert Arcaro ’70

Christopher Della Pietra ’85

John Ferrari ’70

John Regan ’86

A. Kim Saal ’70

Laura Torrado-Malley ’86, P’16, ’18

Russell Tilley ’43 Bernard Spence ’45 George Smyth ’48 Donald Conover ’49 Stephen Ehrlich ’51

Steven Goldberg ’71, P’94, ’96

Lori-Anne Stelmark Brogdon ’95, P’27, ’28 Kristerfor Mastronardi ’95 Wade Saadi ’95 Marc Calcagno ’96 Anitra Haskopoulos ’96 Andrew McNally ’96 Nicholas Nakos ’96 Andrew Katz ’97

Andrew Brandman ’87, P’16, ’20

Shruti Chakrabarti Ramesh ’97

Michael Correra ’87

Kenton Williams ’97

Jamal Hayden ’87

Courtney Archer-Buckmire ’98

Robert Sabbagh ’87, P’27

Shavonne Pegues Gibson ’98

M. Robert Gumer ’72

Stella Angelakos ’88

Matthew Cronin ’99

James Oussani ’73

Samantha DiGennaro ’88

Danielle Hatzipetros ’99

John Gallo ’74

Erika Boccio Farrell ’88

Carolyn Razzano ’99

Hal Rose ’74, P’04, ’09

William Basso ’89, P’21

Steven Froot ’75

Marco Mancuso ’89

Alexandra Maresca Azara ’00

Elliott Rebhun ’75

Stella Moniaros ’89

Kenneth Dashow ’76

Stellene Volandes ’89

Marvin Lerman ’58

Charles Kreines, ’76, P’08, ’12

Danielle Sabbagh Basso ’90, P’21

Arthur Rebell ’58

Frank Sinatra ’76

Norman Silberdick ’59

Henry Camuso ’77, P’07, ’17

Danielle Pannone Kelly ’90, P’20

Ron Wilson ’59

Lawrence Brandman ’78, P’16

Stephen Pearlman ’61

Nicholas Gravante ’78, P’20, ’23

Peter Malkin ’51 Donald Zarou ’52, P’81, ’82, ’86, ’90 Bruce Bernstein ’53, P’79 Peter Liebert ’53 Richard Merhige ’53, P’83, ’86, ’90 Harry Petchesky ’55 Peter Stone ’55 Edward Fuller ’56 George Malin ’57 Harvey Scheff ’57 Mark Groothuis ’58

Robert Aberlin ’62, P’00, ’03 Robert Shack ’62 Douglas Crawford ’63 Morton Levitt ’64 Eric Ruby ’64 Andrew Salzman ’64 John Artise ’65 Thomas Parker ’65 Louis Vigorita ’65

72

Get the latest Poly alumni news delivered to your inbox monthly. The Polycam features alumni profiles, news & events. Contact Sousan Hammad, Associate Director of Marketing & Communication at shammad@polyprep.org.

T H E B L U E & T H E G R AY

Michael Junsch ’71, P’94, ’95 Vincent Pantuso ’71 Anthony Tagliagambe ’71, P’11

Raquel Herreros Manning ’90 Philip Kelly ’91, P’20 Corey Modeste ’92

Peter Latson ’78

Richard Naddeo ’92

Joseph Ferrara ’79, P’12, ’16

Matthew Roventini ’92, P’21

Martin Valk ’81

Lauren McNally Kelly ’93

Michael Solomon ’82

Christine Kando Szabo ’93

Peter Sperry ’82

Marianne Bertuna ’94

Edward Antonio ’83

Jaime Blanc ’94

Claudio Caballero ’83

Nadia Mastromichalis ’94

Jeanne Cloppse ’84

Loretta Cacace ’06 Kaitlin Donohue ’06 Nadia Ahmed ’07 Kathleen Boardman ’07 Thana-Ashley Charles ’07 Candice Clark ’07 Elijah Frazier ’08 Courtney Nolan ’08 Daniel Lempert ’09 Anne Levine ’09 Shannon Cohall ’10 Emily Hochman ’10 Terrence Hyland ’10 Qadir Forbes ’11 Morgan Mathiesen ’11 Rolanda Evelyn ’12 Ayisha McHugh ’12 Christopher Patacsil ’12

Raymund Lansigan ’00

Ben Smith ’12

Johanna Rodriguez ’00

Sebastian Andersen ’13

Eileen Ahasic ’01

Jacqueline Chirdo ’13

Margo Rivera Power ’01

Christine Croasdaile ’13

Victoria Perrotta ’02

Kiera French ’13

Christian Zaino ’02

Kuvonn Richardson ’13

Matthew Dresher ’03

Renangie AlcantaraPolanco ’14

Robert Francis ’03 David Herbert ’03 John Polignone ’03 Dina Atallah ’04 Timothy Boardman ’04 Akilah Jeffers ’04 Freda Koomson ’04 Francis Florio ’05 Adam Garson ’05 Juliette Pannone Garcia ’05

Anise Diaz ’14 Drew Lewis ’14 Denzel Munroe ’14 Eugenia Xiao ’14

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD OF GOVERNORS 2014–2015

EXECUTIVE BOARD Wade Saadi ’95 President, Nominating Committee Matthew Walsh ’92 Awards Committee Chair Nadia Mastromichalis ’94 Events Committee Chair Lawrence Brandman ’78, P’16 Fundraising Committee Chair Hal Rose ’74, P’04, ’09 Networking Committee Chair, Nominating Committee Member Matthew Roventini ’92, P’21 Nominating Committee Chair Martin Valk ’81 Secretary

MEMBERS Steven Andersen ’71, P’13,’22 Alexandra Maresca Azara ’00 Danielle Sabbagh Basso ’90, P’21 William Basso ’89, P’21 Harold Bernieri ’85, P’15,’19 Marianne Bertuna ’94 Andrew Brandman ’87, P’16,’20

Anitra Haskopoulos ’96 Jamal Hayden ’87 Ayisha McHugh ’12 Denzel Munroe ’14 Courtney Nolan ’08 Talisa Ramos ’14 John Verzosa ’00 Todd Vitolo ’92

Jacqueline Chirdo ’13 Shannon Cohall ’10 Christine Croasdaile ’13 Lisa Della Pietra ’86 Matthew Dresher ’03 Qadir Forbes ’11 Adam Garson ’05

STUDENT MEMBERS Margaret Riordan ’15 George Henderson ’15 Flora Gallina-Jones ’15 Shauna Brandman ’16

EMERITUS MEMBERS Samantha DiGennaro ’88 Emeritus Lawrence DiGiovanna ’69 Emeritus Gilbert Feldman ’42, P’83, ’85 Vice President Emeritus Nicholas Gravante ’78, P’20, ’23 Chair, Fundraising Committee Emeritus Vincent Vigorita ’68, P’96, ’99, ’15 Emeritus Gary Hanna ’84 Emeritus Paul Zola ’53 Vice President Emeritus

Nonprofit Org U.S. Postage PAID WHT RIV JCT VT Permit 86 MIDDLE AND UPPER SCHOOLS 9216 Seventh Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11228 LOWER SCHOOL 50 Prospect Park West Brooklyn, NY 11215

4

THE BLUE & THE GR AY