THE SPIRIT ISSUE
IN THIS ISSUE FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS BLUEBOTS
SPIRIT CUP
WHAT THE DEVIL!
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FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS
BLUEBOTS
ON TH E COV ER:
Graphic inspired by an image of the Girls’ Varsity Soccer team celebrating their victory over Dalton on Homecoming 2021. THIS SPREAD, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP:
The new Varsity Robotics Team collaborates on a competition project. Poly’s Dance Team reunites on Homecoming where football was victorious. Poly’s mascot was reimagined in a new design.
Faculty Fuel A Love of Learnig
BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2021–2022
LOWER SCHOOL
50 Prospect Park West Brooklyn, NY 11215 MIDDLE AND UPPER SCHOOLS
9216 Seventh Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11228
OFFICE RS
TRU STE E S
B OA RD M E M B E R, N O N -TR UST E E
Andrew Foote P’27, ’29 Chair
Indhira Arrington P’29, ’31 Jeanne M. Cloppse ’84 Michael A. Correra ’87 Nicholas Gravante, Esq. ’78, P’20, ’23 Gary E. Hanna, Esq. ’84, P’22, ’22 Hans Humes P’12, ’15, ’21, ’35 Thomas Iannelli ’82, P’18, ’19, ’24 Taek-Geun Kwon P’32 Sang Lee P’22, ’23 Michael Liburd P’21 Stephen Maharam Jennifer Powers P’26, ’28 Jennifer J. Ramberg Kareem Raymond P’31, ’33 Laurie T. Rosenblatt P’23 Wade E. Saadi, Jr. ’95 Elizabeth R. Schlesinger P’28, ’30, ’32 Irwin Simon P’18, ’22 Daniela Vitale-Howell P’20, ’23, ’25 Elizabeth Wiatt Maxwell T. Wiley P’18, ’21
Quadir Forbes ’11 (Pres. Alumni Board of Governors)
Arnold F. Mascali ’84 Vice Chair Robin L. Bramwell-Stewart ’86, P’16 Treasurer Cassandra Metz P’26 Secretary
TRU STE E S E M E RITI
Clifford Barr, Esq. ’48 Dr. Karen Burke Goulandris P’15 Harry J. Petchesky, Esq. ’55
POLY PREP MAGAZINE
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FEATURES 4
Friday Night Lights
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Faculty Fuel a Love of Learning
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A New Twist on an Old Tournament
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Bluebots
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New Club Spotlight: She’s the First
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What the Devil!
New activities and traditional events brought our community out and together—from Blue Devil Night to the reunion of the Class of 1971. After more than 50 years, Poly says goodbye to the College Board’s AP curricula and ushers in a new era of advanced programming. The Poly Spirit Cup carries on the tradition of the Blue & Gray competition. Poly’s inaugural robotics team qualifies for States. An interview with Keyara Ahmadi ’22
Poly’s beloved mascot gets a refresh, a sidekick, and a bigger mandate.
DEPARTMENTS 26
Class Notes
29
Obituaries
E D I TO R - I N - C H I E F
Jennifer Slomack S TA F F W R I T E R
Linda Busetti C O P Y E D I TO R
Linda Busetti
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DESIGN
TH E B LU E & TH E GRAY is
published by Poly’s Engagement & Communications Office. It features news from the Poly community of alumni, faculty, and students. Inquiries and submissions are welcome. Contact communications@polyprep.org. For more information about Poly Prep, visit polyprep.org.
Joseph Inglis P H OTO G R A P H Y
Linda Busetti
WHAT THE DEVIL!
POLY PREP COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL
Rob Tringali Poly Archives
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TIME TO PLAY YOUR PART Support the Poly Arts Center Campaign FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: Head of Arts Michael S. Robinson mrobinson@polyprep.org (718) 663-6064
polyprep.org/arts-center
Chief Advancement Officer Peggy Cook pcook@polyprep.org (347) 394-1169
Director of Major Gifts Keith Wiggs kwiggs@polyprep.org (347) 394-1164
MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL
DEAR COMMUNITY, Our Brooklyn neighbors might be wondering what’s going on at Poly. It feels louder, brighter, shinier. The start of school seemed more like a reunion than a beginning of the academic year. The rush to get off the bus, the laughter in Commons, the giggles and screeches on the playground. Nearly 1,800 full-throated supporters transformed Blue Devil Night into an iconic Friday Night Lights experience, including Upper School students rushing the field at halftime after the first-ever goal in the great Lower School halftime melee–err, soccer game. Hearing our students together, being with each other, refilled our collective cup. What’s different this year is that it’s the middle of winter, Omicron is roaring through New York City and, wonderfully, the sentiment hasn’t waned. Students are teaching the rest of us that enthusiasm, energy, and optimism are more powerful than a virus. They are teaching us by doing the things they always do: dancing on the stage, playing on the courts, building in the Makerspace, preparing for debate, discussing news, making art, and rallying around each other as college acceptances come in. These things happen every year, but it seems more precious today, after two years of pivoting to meet the challenges of the COVID pandemic. We feel more grateful to be together. In an age of uncertainty, the power of community to nourish and sustain our spirits is irreplaceable. In this issue, we celebrate the Poly spirit. A new Varsity team breaks into the ranks of national robotics competition and a new club promotes girls’ education globally. Our e-Sports team defends its National Championship in Rocket League. (I am told that Rocket League is a game played between schools like, say, basketball was for my generation.) Director of Student Life Jared Winston and Director of Communications and Engagement Jennifer Slomack evolve traditions and symbols for today’s students. Things may change, but the Poly spirit inspires and empowers everything we do. By the time you read this, we’ll be planning Commencement 2022. Annually, that august event represents a transition; students are deemed prepared for higher education and to fend for themselves on college campuses across America. With them are brought memories and relationships born of growing up together at Poly. Our lives are our stories, and the best stories are textured with the detail of daily living. I hope our students remember goofing on our grassy knolls, lobbing snowballs on the Malkin Terrace, showing off crazy socks and crazy hats, and wanting to spend as much time with each other as possible. Those stories are the threads that form the fabric that is our school. They are shared over generations of students, each infused by the collective spirit that is Poly.
Sincerely,
Audrius Barzdukas P’20 Head of School
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New and traditional spirit-boosting activities brought our community out and together—from Blue Devil Night to the reunion of the Class of 1971.
Seventh graders Celia C. and Lucy S. enjoy hot cocoa at Friday Night Frights after watching Varsity Girls’ Volleyball defeat Horace Mann 3-0, making Poly the #2 seed going into NYSAIS. Poly GVV ended the season as the League and NYSAIS champions.
The spirit of Poly fans was electric as they filled the backfields on a cool September evening. With the Verrazzano’s lights sparkling in the distance, the bleachers rocked with cheers and our football team routed the competition. The halftime Grade 4 soccer game came off like a World Cup event. Carnival games and ice cream coupled with the aromas of BBQ and popcorn added to the festive evening. This was Blue Devil Night, the first in-person communitywide Poly event since March 2020, and the first in a series of new family-friendly Friday night activities. The enormous turnout of Blue Devil Night was on par with a typical Homecoming and a harbinger of the events to come. It was clear that we had all missed each other and took advantage of every opportunity to gather throughout the fall with outdoor and indoor performances before live audiences, celebrations of alumni class reunions, and service projects for the Brooklyn community. See the Poly spirit shine over the next pages.
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THE BLUE & THE GRAY
On-site, hands-on service returned to Poly this year. In addition to the first blood drive in two years, Poly students worked with One Love Community Fridge, a food rescue organization, based in Fort Greene, Brooklyn. Large groups of Poly kids and parents met for Service Saturdays led by Mr. Sivin to supply and stock community fridges like Benicio Q. ’27 in this photo.
The first weekend of November was a big one. On a brisk Saturday morning, the Clarke family (pictured above) joined many Poly community members for the Prospect Park Cleanup, an annual Lower School tradition since 2012. On Sunday, many regrouped on 4th Avenue and 8th St. to create an impromptu Poly cheer station for the parents and staff who ran in the TCS New York City Marathon, including first grade teacher Susie Brandmeyer.
In a new addition to Homecoming 2021, our theater terrace became a stage for Poly’s talented performers who treated guests to a showcase of dance, songs, and music. Dancers Adrianna Neal ’23, Anna Sophia Chamorro ’24, Maddy Doty ’22, and Atiya Pope ’23 were excited to perform for a live audience.
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The inimitable Lou Rossini, Keeper of Commons, Cookie Conjurer, and hands down, everyone’s favorite chef, was a sport to pose beside his graphic doppelgänger. Chef Lou set up on the Oval at Homecoming to give the people what they wanted: kale Caesar salad and mac and cheese. Nom nom.
The weather turned stormy and while a number of outdoor Friday Night Frights activities were canceled, the athletic contests and fans prevailed. Following their win against Horace Mann, Girls’ Varsity Volleyball teammates Adele Hoinacki ’23 and Elektra Urbatsch ’23 joined Justin Durso ’23 and Devan Kodali ’22 to keep dry and cheer on their fellow football Blue Devils.
Epiphany, Poly’s Step Team, gave two back-to-back stellar performances at the Pep Rally and Homecoming.
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THE BLUE & THE GRAY
Veteran math teacher and devoted Poly fan Sabina Laricchia P’21 was honored with the 2021 Alumni Association Spirit Award. There were many heartwarming tributes from colleagues and former students, but we think she was most surprised—and humored—by the fantastic Sabina face fans.
With some time to kill before football and a storm approaching outside, costumed Middle Schoolers took over the gym on Friday Night Frights for a spirited game of newcomb refereed by Coach Junsch and Coach McNally.
The Class of 1971 celebrated their 50th reunion. Classmates Ron Schachter and John Fritz hug it out.
During halftime on Blue Devil Night, the football teams headed toward the sidelines as the Girls’ Varsity Soccer team rushed out with soccer nets. Coach Durando gave his Grade 4 soccer squad some final words of advice and off they went to play before the crowd.
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New Homecoming activities geared for Middle Schoolers like the mechanical bull and climbing tower were a big hit, but they make their own fun wherever they go. Near the Gaga Ball pit, we caught Grade 6 students in action (L-R) Jake B., Hank C., Mick W., and Zuva K.
The Girls’ Varsity Tennis team made their way to the Ivy Prep League Championship match after finishing an incredible regular season with a 7-1 record. Team Co-captain Carly Pyles ’22 (below) went to the NYSAIS semifinals with Mia Edwards ’23, while teammates Bella Saul ’22 and Holyn Karp ’25 were recognized with First Team All Ivy honors.
Blue Devil Night. It was a perfect autumn evening. The bleachers were packed. The sidelines rocked. One ingenious family brought all the makings for a picnic. While parents hugged and teens cheered, the youngest kids tumbled into the bouncy house, battled with balloon swords, and munched on popcorn. It had been a long time since crowds gathered on the backfields to take in a game and the best spot to view the Verrazzano.
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THE BLUE & THE GRAY
Faculty Fuel a Love of Learning After more than 50 years, Poly says goodbye to the College Board’s AP curricula and ushers in a new era of advanced programming.
In February of 2021, Michal Hershkovitz P’16, ’18, Assistant Head of School, Academics shared exciting new plans with parents and Upper School students. Poly would launch new advanced college preparatory curricula created to reflect the school’s educational priorities, its faculty’s remarkable expertise, and state-of-the-art subject-specific learning methods. As part of this new programming, a wider range of elective courses would be introduced. Students can expect to sharpen their writing and analytical skills and read more critically while diving deeply into exciting topics across disciplines from new directions. The new programming, which spans Grades 9–12, will officially replace the AP curricula in September 2022, but new electives have already debuted, giving students a sneak peek at the vibrant academic landscape ahead. In addition, we have launched a Middle School electives program that engages younger students in subjects of special interest to them and is one-of-a-kind for this age group. Take a look.
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NEW ELECTIVES
It’s often standing room only, but that’s because Dr. Ramesh Laungani’s curriculum is practical and hands-on in this lab-based course where students study how organisms evolved through time. Mastering the fundamental underlying biological activities that drove the formation of anatomical structure gives students a deeper understanding of human anatomy.
“I am also excited,” he continued, “because this class is a place where students can learn to read and analyze primary scientific research papers. As a professional scientist, when I want to learn about cutting-edge science, I go straight to the primary research literature, whether it's about anatomy, climate change, or virology. I want to make sure my students are just as comfortable going ‘right to the science,’ and not have to wait for CNN or some other news outlet to translate it for them. Learning to read these papers is a skill, just like throwing a perfect spiral football pass; it takes practice and determination. It is this skill that I know will pay off for the students when they enter college, and I know that no other high school students in the country are reading and breaking down scientific research in the way that we are in this class. By developing this skill, students in their first year of college can confidently walk into a professor's office and say ‘I'd like to do a research project with you’ and when that professor hands them a stack of research papers to get them up to speed, they will be ready to take on that challenge.”
“This class is fun to teach,” said Dr. Laungani, “not only because students get to learn about all sorts of unique features of animals—like the fact that elephants use their big ears as radiators so they don't overheat—but through dissection of various animals, they also get to see the similarities among species that look very different on the outside. Plus, they get their hands messy through exploration, pure science!”
“What has been quite amazing, but not necessarily surprising knowing the high caliber of Poly students,” Dr. Laungani continued, “is watching the students take on the challenge of a college-level course and reach, and in many cases, exceed my expectations. I don't think the students even realize how well they are doing in taking on this level of material and so watching them knock it out of the park always brings a smile to my face.”
MIDDLE SCHOOL
Legends of Classical Antiquity Dr. Anthony Gini P’23 Women in Mathematics Danielle Rauch
Introduction to Psychology Eman Abbas The Medieval World Caesar Fabella Creative Writing Laura Caldwell
UPPER SCHOOL
Comparative Anatomy Dr. Ramesh Laungani Art of Design Paola Ligonde Futures Laura Caldwell
Slavery and Resistance Dr. Alex Carter Networks, News, and American Democracy Dr. Virginia Dillon Queer Histories Maggie Moslander Linear Algebra Carolyn Licata Discrete Math Ira Feldman
Mythology Dr. Anthony Gini P’23 10
COMPARATIVE ANATOMY Dr. Ramesh Laungani Chair of the Science Department
“
Even as we discuss myths that I first read years ago, I find myself engaged because of how we apply current themes to them. One issue that we have discussed at length is the male gaze and how it manifests itself in popular culture. The suggestion that Pygmalion could fall in love with an inanimate statue based entirely on her looks perpetuates the notion that women are simply objects of affection for men… a notion that we must contend with very often today, but one that I did not previously identify in mythology.
—JA K E Z R I H E N ’ 2 2
MYTHOLOGY Dr. Anthony Gini P’23 Chair of the Classics Department “This course is very much like the traditional, and very popular, college mythology course,” said Dr. Anthony Gini, Chair of the Classics Department, with one important difference. “Our course is connected very deliberately to our schoolwide goals of fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion,” Dr. Gini said. “We study gender issues such as the idea of the ‘male gaze,’ the representation of gender roles and gender fluidity, and the overreach of patriarchal structures.” He added, “We
POLY PREP COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL
also consider ancient treatments of the idea of the outsider and the refugee, and how they reflect the definition of civilization versus barbarism. We are currently considering, through Homer’s Iliad, the impact of war on participants and civilians, and we are touching on the themes of PTSD and moral injury, with reference to the work done by Dr. Jonathan Shay with returning veterans. This course serves to bring many of the texts we traditionally study into a dialogue with more contemporary issues.”
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QUEER HISTORIES Maggie Moslander Chair of the History Department “Queer Histories is new this year!” said Maggie Moslander, Chair of the History Department. “It is a United States history seminar, designed to give students a foundational understanding of U.S. history through the lens of ‘queer histories.’ We began the year considering how it changes our approach to history to consider it from the perspective of marginalized groups rather than from the center, and we explored especially how boundaries of race, sex, and gender were constructed in colonial America. We then moved on to a consideration of Manifest Destiny, the experience of enslavement, and the
‘American man;’ now we’re in the 20th century, considering how the emergence of LGBTQ+ identities was shaped by the political, economic, and social conditions of that century. We’ll finish the semester with student research projects on the emergence of LGBTQ+ rights movements in the second half of the 20th century.” “I’m excited to teach this class,” Moslander shared, “because it’s a course that students have been asking for, and it gives me a chance to connect my love for U.S. history with the history of an often-overlooked group in the United States. The students have been amazing—they have really embraced the challenge of the class and are doing college-level reading and writing, which is exactly what we’re aiming for as a program committed to helping students do the work of historians themselves.” “The work of the History Department is to broaden student perspectives and deepen student understanding of the wide variety within the human experience, and this course helps us move closer to achieving that goal. It also helps us tackle a consistent issue in teaching United
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States history, which is the question of selection: how do we choose what to include in a course that could be many semesters or years long? By approaching United States history through a particular lens, we are able to be transparent with students and with ourselves about how we’ll make those tough choices: we’ll be guided by the disciplinary questions of the course, knowing that students will have the opportunity to consider U.S. history through several different lenses by the time they graduate.” “I’ve been so impressed with the passion, interest, and genuine curiosity that students have brought to this class,” Moslander said. “Students have been asking such important questions and drawing connections across our readings; recently, students discussed how the experience of industrialization and the emergence of modern capitalism created the conditions both for the emergence of gay identity in the 20th century and also for the oppression of LGBTQ+ people. Their insights blew me away; I constantly feel as though I am learning from them and they are learning from each other.”
THE BLUE & THE GRAY
FUTURES: A STUDY OF SPECULATIVE FICTION Laura Caldwell English Faculty “Futures, a study of speculative fiction, was added when we expanded the English elective program to create more choice for students,” shared Laura Caldwell who is also teaching a new creative writing elective for Middle School. “I’m excited to teach this course because we examine the ways in which Speculative Fiction (SF) reflects popular culture and the concerns of society today while exploring what it means to be human in a changing world.”
As seniors are about to embark on their own paths, Caldwell said, they are particularly interested in how SF literature often predicts the future. “I’ve been pleasantly surprised that students have continued to read on their own other works by some of the authors we study in class. This is very gratifying because one of my goals for the class was to bring back the joy of reading for busy students who have many demands in their lives.”
“
I really enjoy how the stories are their own universe, like a fantasy book, but also still realistic in some sense. It’s a genre that allows you to be creative, but in a grounded way. My favorite author has been Margaret Atwood because she specifically only included events that have actually happened in our world.
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—ELLA LEONARD ’22
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NETWORKS, NEWS, AND AMERICAN DEMOCRACY Dr. Virginia Dillon History Department “This elective takes things that I love to read and think about—communication networks, news media, infrastructure—and considers how these structures both shape and are shaped by the American public and the American government,” Dr. Virginia Dillon said. “It allows us to see history as a combination of the many forces that push and pull on each other in different ways, encouraging and challenging sources of power. It complicates our ideas about American history as a straightforward series of events, a narrative about a succession of presidents and wars and important figures, and instead asks us to look for the sometimes invisible or neglected elements that are at play.”
counted as part of the American public and, therefore, examine levels of access and privilege.” “Networks, News, and American Democracy offers an approach to the study of history that is becoming increasingly relevant to students’ lives and common in the discipline itself: an examination of both networks of information-sharing and the technology by which we receive that information,” Dr. Dillon said. “It also challenges students to see and think about the ways the information and news they receive today are shaped by economic and political interests, as well as their own identities. The course also allows us to naturally integrate questions of who gets
“I think I always anticipated that the students would be interested in the more modern aspects of news and technology,” Dr. Dillon added, “but I’ve loved seeing their passion and curiosity about the parts of history that can feel more removed from our day-to-day lives such as the relevance of colonial era law, the implications of the expansion of the postal networks, or the importance of newspaper advertisements that offer the sale of enslaved people. I don’t have to convince them that these things matter, too; they’ve already bought in!”
“
Learning the origins of the formation of the press has helped me gain a more thorough understanding of our current structure of government as much of it is highly influenced by the media.
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— R AY E E DA M A H M U D ’ 2 3
THE BLUE & THE GRAY
The Blue versus Gray competition was revived this past fall with a new twist when Director of Student Life Jared Winston launched the Poly Spirit Cup. The competition has been fierce and fun and if the students’ determination to earn points is an indication, it is a unqualified hit. Over the summer, Winston moved from the World Languages Department to assume the student life position. “What makes Poly, Poly?” is something he always considers as he works with faculty, staff, and students on programming and initiatives. “I heard countless stories of a Blue-Gray competition that galvanized the student body each year,” said Winston. “As I entered this role, I hoped to revitalize traditions that bring the community together, and thought that a Spirit Cup concept would build upon tradition and chart a new course in the years to come. For current
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students, I hope to create a connection to Poly alumni and future Blue Devils, alike.” “From what I understand, past programming was athletics-based field day events,” Winston continued, “so I wanted to reimagine a yearlong competition that highlighted the great variety of talent we have. On our Spirit Cup schedule, you will find that we have field days, a spelling bee, a Poly’s Got Talent showcase, and a winter clothing drive. The hope is to shine a spotlight on the pillars that define this community: academics, arts, athletics, service.” “Change is inevitable,” Winston said. “Teachers will come and go and our student body will change, but we have it within our power to curate cultural programming that stands the test of time. I hope the Spirit Cup does just that.”
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FIELD DAY FUN Gray took the early lead with the first Spirit Cup event of the year, Middle School Field Day. The backfields had an Olympic atmosphere—players putting forth their best effort, cheering spectators, and refs thoughtfully conferring on plays. Activities included student favorites such as capture the flag, dodgeball, knockout, newcomb, line soccer, Ultimate, gaga ball, and pillow polo.
SPELLING BEE BONANZA It wasn’t your typical bee. Blue and Gray each presented a team of super spellers who had the opportunity to spell every word. Points were awarded for every correctly spelled word. In Upper School, Blue Team dream team Alex Xiao ’24, Lulu McDonald ’24, Nathan Ben-Ur ’22, and William Ling-Regan ’24 edged out Gray for the win.
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THE BLUE & THE GRAY
POLY’S GOT TALENT We all know Poly’s got talent so the anticipation for this event was palpable. While Middle School performers warmed up, Upper Schoolers opened the show. Jack Yan ’22 sang “Evermore” from Beauty and the Beast. Sophomores Lulu McDonald and Zeke Wise did a duet from Wicked, and the entire audience erupted into song along with Hannah Smith ’22 who played Taylor Swift’s “Love Song” on ukulele. Competition was fierce and Spirit Cup points were awarded to the top three performances—all Blue team members. Seventh graders Lester Shamos and Spencer Udin won with their rendition of diablo to “Eye of the Tiger.” “It was bone-chillingly fantastic,” raved Mr. Winston of sixth grader Tyler Chan’s original piano composition. Fittingly, the third winner, Kailynn Hernandez ’27, closed the show to thunderous applause with Rhianna’s “Take a Bow.”
COSTUME SPECTACULAR Halloween is always a big day at Dyker Heights, but with Spirit Cup points on the line this year, Poly kids BROUGHT IT and 24 students walked away with top prizes. Standouts for originality included MaKiyah Turner-Hicks ’24 and Sadie Schoenberger ’25. Hicks came as “work from home on Zoom” while Schoenberger’s Polyglot had an interactive element. Students were invited to sign her clothing. In the same category, we applaud fifth grader Deven Mukherjee for his take on death and on the other end of the spectrum, sixth grader Aviva Treister, who for many portrayed life itself—caffeine—in the form of a Starbucks Frappuccino®.
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YOUR LEGACY. YOUR WAY. Planned Giving is simpler than you think, especially at Poly Prep. If your goal is to conserve your estate, create life income, or reduce future tax liabilities for heirs, it’s time to consider the Joseph Dana Allen Society. Named in honor of Poly’s longest serving head of school, the JDA Society recognizes donors who have named the school as a beneficiary in their will, insurance policy, or retirement account. Charitable gift annuities, charitable remainder trusts, and the donation of non-cash assets are also practical options for alumni and friends. Working with your financial planner, we can structure a legacy gift that will memorialize the values most important to you, maximize your philanthropic giving, and make a smart plan for the future. If you’ve already included Poly Prep in a bequest or other planned gift, please let us know so we can express our gratitude and recognize you for your generosity as a member of the JDA Society. We’re happy to help you get started on a legacy gift to Poly Prep. Go to polyprep.mylegacygift.org or contact: Peggy Cook, Chief Advancement Officer pcook@polyprep.org (347) 394-1169 Donna Muoio P’13, ’17, Director of Alumni Relations dmuoio@polyprep.org (718) 663-6031 Keith Wiggs, Director of Major Gifts kwiggs@polyprep.org (347) 394-1164
“Creating a legacy is important to me. As a member of the JDA Society, I’m proud to support future generations of Poly students.” - Peter Malkin ’51
polyprep.mylegacygift.org
Poly’s inaugural robotics team qualifies for States
Kyle Williams ’23 and his brother, Jaden Williams ’25 connected an arm to the robot. Nearby, MaKiyah Turner-Hicks ’24 intently worked on the coding. Seated at another station, eighth grader Alex Basham explained his design for other aspects of the robot. He’d used the Makerspace’s 3D printer to create a wheel that would soon be incorporated into the body. Computer Science teacher and founding Robotics Coach Kristin Guynn wound her way through the room watching intently, asking questions, offering advice, and delivering praise. Three days a week, more than a dozen dedicated students rush into the Makerspace to meet with Guynn, one of Poly’s newest Computer Science teachers. Together, with Assistant Coach Dan Costello, Tech Support Specialist, this group composes the new Varsity Robotics Team. On this day, their first intramural competition was only a few weeks away and there was a lot to do.
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The team surrounds the first iteration of their robot.
Kristin Guynn charted an impressive path on her way to Poly. In addition to launching a technology program at her previous school, she worked with the Google Educators Group and CSEd research team, as well as Girls Who Code. Guynn also co-founded Mind.Code.Create, a non-profit mindfulness and tech incubator for Black and Latinx youth. At Poly, she quickly set about inspiring her students and building a team. There was a lot to live up to. The most recent Poly Varsity team also launched from the Computer Science Department. Esports became national champions in their first year and recently defended their Rocket League title. Kyle Williams was part of the robotics club in ninth grade, but it did not last, so he was glad to hear about the new Robotics Team. “I’m joining with a wealth of knowledge on programming gained through the pandemic,” he said, “but am still very new to applying my knowledge. I plan to simply throw myself into it all and figure it out as I go.” “The one large project that we’re working on is constructing a robot for the FIRST Tech Challenge,” Turner-Hicks explained. “For the challenge, we have to create a robot that can navigate around obstacles, carry and transport cargo of various weights, and interact with other objects on the competition area. The Robotics Team has divided itself into different, smaller groups to make it all more manageable; some of us program, some build the robot, some are in charge of wiring, and a few 3D print additional pieces for aesthetics and functionality. It’s all very collaborative and exciting. I am working on the autonomous portion of the competition with the programming team to create multiple sequences for us to use during the competition.”
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MaKiyah Turner-Hicks ’24 prepares the robot for its first task while competitors and spectators from 15 schools look on.
THE BLUE & THE GRAY
“I think autonomy is going to be a very interesting problem to solve,” said Williams, “as a lot is going on all at once during a match and we need to balance time and point priorities while keeping code clean and the robot’s actions consistent.”
“We have an impressive robot but it is nowhere near as impressive as the character and grit that these kids have shown!” — COACH GUYNN
Annakaecia Clarke ’25 has always loved technology and coding so joining the Robotics Team was a natural fit for her. She was first introduced to this subject in sixth grade where she coded a robot to display lights in the shape of different emoticons. Clarke is looking forward to competing with other schools. “Although winning is a big part of the competition,” she said, “I am also excited to see the dynamic of the event and how schools went about building their own robots. Along with this, the competition can provide me with an outside sense of ‘the world of robotics’ and how it’s important in other people’s lives.” Asked if he is looking forward to competing against other schools, Williams said very enthusiastically, “Yes! We’re going up against a lot of schools who have been ‘keeping it in the family’ for years, so it’s going to be a bit of an uphill battle, but I think we can do it!” The Results The Poly team progressed rapidly following their first scrimmage. They didn’t do well, but they weren’t discouraged. They learned a lot and knew they had to work harder to compete against seasoned teams from Bronx Science and Brooklyn Tech who have been participating in robotics meets for decades. Over the course of several weeks, the Poly team spent every spare moment in the Makerspace and had a build session with Cornell Tech Grad students who offer advice and answer technical questions for New York robotics teams. “As a founding team (and the only novice team at our first match) we have a really steep learning curve,” said Guynn. “We placed second to last. Just about everything that could go wrong that day did, but to say that our team rose to the challenge would be an understatement. Fast forward to our final regular season match and we qualified for the state championships. We have an impressive robot but it is nowhere near as impressive as the character and grit that these kids have shown!” In March, the Bluebots compete at States and hope for a chance to go to Nationals in Houston, TX in April, a rare accomplishment for a new team. We’re cheering them on.
Coach Guynn counsels MaKiyah Turner-Hicks ’24 and Selena Wu ’25 BLUEBOTS TEAM Alex Basham ’26, Annakaecia Clarke ’25, Siming Fu ’23, Nyjah Harrison ’24, Tesvara Jiang ’23, Nikash Khanna ’24, Harrison Lucas ’25, Grace Moore ’26, Holden Pawlak ’24, Owen Samra ’24, MaKiyah Turner-Hicks ’24, Jayden Williams ’25, Kyle Williams ’23, Selena Wu ’25
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Seniors Julia Sperling, Miranda Meyer, Leah Radnay, Keyara Ahmadi, Grace Taylor, Hana Hassan, and Lulu Timoney talk to ninth graders about She’s the First at the September 2021 Upper School Club Fair.
SHE’S THE FIRST NEW CLUB SPOTLIGHT
An interview with Keyara Ahmadi ’22 What is She’s the First? She’s the First is a non-profit organization that functions to aid girls globally to be the first in their family to attain an education, in turn, to dictate their future. Why did you start this club at Poly? This organization seemed to align with our values. She’s the First is important to us because we believe that all girls globally should have the opportunity to attain an education and decide what they want to do in the future. Additionally, She’s the First works as a community for different campus chapters. Through this community, chapters share information and learn about issues that align with current events and intersectional feminism. 22
What has been one of your favorite moments? One tradition that we have is going around at the start of each meeting and letting the group know how we are feeling and how our week has been. This routine part of our meeting has brought us closer together and has cultivated a greater sense of community among members. We all come together to vouch for girls’ educational rights and advocacy for women’s issues. Still, we have realized that ensuring each club member’s individual feelings are valued and heard before diving deeper into our discussions has been a more productive way of working. In addition, building a greater sense of community has resulted in better cooperation and communication to tackle our tasks. How will Poly's She's the First club make a difference in girls' lives? We seek to expose the greater Poly community to the organization, facilitate conversations surrounding feminist issues, and create an environment to unite all gender-identifying students who are interested in the cause. Last year we held a Zoom movie night to watch Greta Gerwig’s Little Women and raise money for the non-profit. We created several raffle prizes for the Poly community and announced the winners at the end of the movie. We raised over $1,000 through donation and raffle ticket sales, and She’s the First allocated those funds to girls’ organizations and high-impact grassroots organizations around the world. We spent several months planning and strategizing the logistics of this event, but its success made it all the more worthwhile! This event is another one of my favorite parts of being in She’s the First. To learn more about the non-profit and how our chapter has a global impact, visit shesthefirst.org. THE BLUE & THE GRAY
WHAT THE DEVIL! After more than 50 years, the Poly Blue Devil mascot gets a refresh. POLY PREP COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL
At
the 2021 Homecoming, Martin Kafina ’71 recalled for fellow 50th Reunion celebrants how in January of 1968 Poly students held a contest to pick a school mascot to boost athletics. A committee came up with ideas and took suggestions from the students, who then voted in their homerooms. Kafina’s suggestion of a Blue Devil got the most votes and he won Knicks tickets. Poly had a new nickname and shortly thereafter, a new student-created design. “It’s unusual for a mascot design to remain unchanged for more than 50 years,” said Jennifer Slomack, Poly’s Director of Engagement & Communications. “Normally, a mascot is refined or refreshed so that it evolves along with the institution and the times.” She added, “the Poly of 1968 is very different from the Poly of 2021. The original devil design predates the enrollment of girls, the addition of seven Lower School grades, and communicating through social media and other digital platforms. We were overdue for purposeful discussions and a thoughtful refresh.” Slomack led the internal committee and worked with the brand agency, Fancy NYC, and award-winning illustrator and cartoonist Ken Niimura, in a process that spanned four months—from the first creative brief to an entire new sub-brand around the devil. “It’s not just one design,” Slomack said. There are now multiple marks, logotypes, graphic elements, and spaces for customization that students can use to visualize their Poly Blue Devil activities, including a sidekick created for Lower School. “For a long time, the mascot was used mainly for athletics, but the new design system was created to serve Poly stories across all divisions and disciplines,” she said. “Every Poly student is a Blue Devil.”
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“As an alumnus, I am nostalgic for Poly's traditions so I was initially hesitant when asked to be on the committee for the Blue Devil logo redesign. The goal of the redesign was to create a modern and flexible Blue Devil logo which reflects Poly's identity today—diversity, excellence, and Brooklyn. I think the new design delivers and I hope that the Poly community will rally around it.” — Q A D I R F O R B E S ’ 1 1 , P R E S I D E N T O F T H E A LU M N I A S S O C I AT I O N B OA R D O F G OV E R N O R S
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Niimura, a Spanish-Japanese illustrator and writer, lives and works in Japan and Europe. He has several acclaimed works including Umami, Henshin, Never Open It, and I Kill Giants which won several prestigious awards and was adapted into a 2019 film starring Zoe Saldana.
MEET THE ARTIST
Ken Niimura Amid the excitement of Homecoming 2021, was the unveiling of the much anticipated new Poly Blue Devil design. When Poly decided to update the mascot’s more than 50-year-old design, it was ultimately international award-winning illustrator, Ken Niimura, who was chosen.
“I love doing illustration work in between these longer books,” Niimura explained, “as it’s a nice small challenge every time, and it allows me to collaborate with people and places I normally wouldn’t.” For the updated Blue Devil designs, Niimura said, “I want them to be two characters all students can identify with. I like that the school’s motto is ‘virtue is the victor over fate,’ and that the mascots, which represent the students, are a couple of small devils. It does correspond more with my memories of what going to school was like, more on the playful side.” Niimura said the project was a challenge, “but I’ve enjoyed every step of the process,” he added, “and was especially happy about the feedback I got from the school, which helped and encouraged me at every stage of the process. I would have maybe tended to do something similar to what I’ve done in the past otherwise, but all of this feedback has pushed me to go into uncharted territories. Exciting!”
Seventh graders Emma L., Lauren P, and Lucy S. pose with all their Poly spirit swag including the first piece of merch with the new Blue Devil—the 2022 Homecoming T-shirt.
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CLASS NOTES
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Dr. Michael Rabbino ’52 sends his warmest regards to his classmates on the occasion of their 70th high school reunion! Mike, who lives in beautiful San Mateo, CA, retired from practicing internal medicine and cardiology, and stays active volunteering and playing the piano. He and wife, Davida, have two children— Adam and Amy—and two granddaughters —Ella and Sophie. Ella lives in Brooklyn! Mike describes Poly as “an island of beauty in Brooklyn,” and has wonderful memories of the teachers he knew and the friendships he made.
a few contests, and getting First Place in one last year. They’re also raising Monarch Butterflies who deposit their eggs on milkweed plants. Bette then takes the plant and puts it in an enclosure where in 30 days the eggs hatch into hungry caterpillars, going from cocoon to beautiful Monarchs in just days.
60 George Marks ’56 and wife, Bette, recently hosted some of the Poly staff when they were in San Diego and talked about the “old” Poly Days. George and Bette enjoy being in touch with classmates, and look forward to the Zoom reunions. They have expanded their hummingbird photography, entering 26
Bob Mitchell ’62 lives in Carlsbad, CA, and remains active as an author of twelve books of fiction, non-fiction, and poetry. With his wife, artist Susan Love (his copy, her art), he has just published a new art coffeetable book of reflections and responses to the pandemic. Bob studied poetry in France on a Fulbright Fellowship, enjoyed a career as a French professor (Harvard, Ohio State), was a teaching tennis pro, and worked in advertising as a creative director at a number of New York ad agencies (think Mad Men!). Bob credits both Poly Prep and his undergraduate experience at Williams for giving him excellent preparation for life and for teaching him about humanity.
Rick Gordon ’63 hopes everyone is safe and well! Rick and his wife Phyllis have relocated to Palm Beach Gardens, FL and he is still working and playing golf.
Bill Free ‘64 and his wife Chris, live in Piedmont, CA. For the last few decades, Bill has been an independent filmmaker, producing documentary films and series, public policy programming, and children’s programming—live action and animated— for theatrical and broadcast distribution (PBS, BBC, National Geographic, and Discovery Channel). Bill and Chris have close family ties to Brooklyn...two of their grandchildren attend Packer! Also, he continues to maintain friendships with several of his Poly classmates and hopes to see everyone at their next reunion in 2024. Roger Heymann ’65 sold his CPA firm, works part time for an old firm, works with Dressage horses, and is a CFO with a concrete company in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Roger’s children Sean, Monte, and Lauren are all doing great—he’s also the proud grandfather of three grandchildren. THE BLUE & THE GRAY
CLASS NOTES
Terry Martinson ’65 fully retired from 45 years of ministry, though still preaches when called upon. He and wife, Marcia, have two sons and five grandchildren. They both volunteer at Plimoth Plantation, MA (AKA: Plimoth/Patuxet). Terry has done lots of walking—over 1,500 miles since the quarantine began in 2020.
Alan Schulman ’67 and wife Mary are enjoying an active life, splitting their time between Rancho Santa Fe, CA and Orcas Island, WA. Since retiring from his law practice, Alan has served on several nonprofit boards. He currently serves on the University of San Diego board where he taught at the Law School for many years. Among the Poly Prep teachers and coaches he remembers fondly are “Doc K,” Lawrence Hayden, and Ralph Dupee. Alan has four adult offspring and several grandchildren. Alan sends his regards to the class of 1967 who will be celebrating their 55th reunion in 2022. POLY PREP COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL
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Philip Sawyer ’82 is a managing partner at Bering Capital in the heart of the San Francisco financial district. Philip’s work centers on venture capital for cutting-edge biotech and medical technology companies that provide innovative solutions to many of today’s most pressing health issues. His connection to Poly Prep continues through the Grace Sawyer Fund, named in memory of his mother who was a longtime Poly Trustee, which offers support for faculty development. Philip has fond memories of his time at Poly, and wishes everyone in the Class of 1982 a great reunion this spring.
Ken Dupee ’83 sends his best regards to his classmates and friends from Poly Prep. Ken oversees office development projects at Bay Area real estate developer TMG Partners. He and wife Nancy, who
is a dedicated volunteer helping people transition from shelters to personal housing, have three boys ages 22, 20, and 18. Ken reports that his dad, longtime faculty member Ralph Dupee, is still active and enjoying life with his wife Joyce in Katonah, NY. Ken is looking forward to his reunion in 2023 and hopes to see everyone in person. David Wilson ’86 LCSW is a psychotherapist, who lives in Hoboken, NJ with his wife and young child, and looks back at his years at Poly with fondness and a sense of wonder.
Samantha DiGennaro ’88 I’m thrilled to announce that Leonardo (Leo) DiGennaro hurtled into our world on September 5, 2021 with an ear-to-ear smile followed by crocodile tears. Baby Leo is blessing his mommy’s life in more ways than I ever could have imagined. This has been a very long journey to parenthood and I feel so fortunate to have a healthy and beautiful baby boy (nonetheless, at our age!!). If anyone wants to meet my little champ or just catch up, please drop a line at sam@ digennaro-usa.com. SPRING 2022 27
CLASS NOTES
Kathleen Martin Stillo, MBA ’88 recently joined Carallel, an early-stage company focused on supporting the 53M unpaid caregivers who preserve dignity and enable lower cost care for millions of very vulnerable patients nationwide. As Chief Clinical Innovation Officer, Kathy leads the design and execution of health and social care programs to support friend/ family caregivers. By caring for the caregiver alongside the patient, Carallel helps families develop resilience and stability during what are often the most bewildering and expensive healthcare experiences. Kathy has long been on a mission to blend healthcare delivery with social care for better care at lower cost. She spent 10+ years leading complex care teams at the intersection of medical and social care. She has served in Co-Founder, COO, and VP roles within large payer and provider innovation teams, including at UnitedHealthcare, Cooper Hospital in Camden, NJ, and the NJ COVID Recovery Hotel. Her work blends a deep understanding of care delivery, social determinants of health, and data-driven patient segmentation. Her approach includes a care philosophy that is traumainformed and oriented toward supporting patients and their caregivers on their healthcare journeys. Kathy is a member of Princeton, New Jersey’s Board of Health and serves on the Camden Coalition’s National Advisory Board. She earned her MBA from Columbia Business School and her BA from Bowdoin College.
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Dylan Swift ’91 reports that he and wife Brittany Lauer have three busy children— Emerson in grade 9, Piper in grade 6, and Cole in grade 4. He has now been with Yelp, as Senior Director of Enterprise Marketing, for 12 years and manages a team of 20. “Poly prepared me for Bowdoin and gave me a foundation that informs my work even today.” Shout out to the Class of 1991. Let’s get together soon!
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Christina Sapega ’07 married Mike Sciortino on November 6, 2021, celebrating with family and many Poly friends.
Pictured in group photo: Susan Randall (Sapega) ’03, Brooke Murray ’07, Meghan Manning ’07, Christina Sciortino (Sapega) ’07, Anastasia Mancini (Cembrovska) ’07, Sara Boatti ’07, Alysa Delerme ’07, ThanaAshley Charles ’07, Sena Ito ’07, Deana El Mihdawy (Belvedere) ’07, David Alperin ’97, and Lauren Akinmusuru (Sapega) ’99.
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Courtney Nolan ’08 and husband Andrew Oddo proudly announce the birth of their daughter, Penelope Margaret Oddo, on November 29, 2021.
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Ayisha McHugh ‘12 married Andrae Nelson on August 20, 2021, at the Legacy Castle in Pompton Plains, NJ. The two corporate attorneys met studying for the bar exam. THE BLUE & THE GRAY
OBITUARIES
1930S Raymond R. Herrmann ’38 died at his home in New York City on August 21, 2021, just weeks before his 101st birthday. Ray was born on September 11, 1920, in Louisville, KY. He was a 1942 graduate of Princeton University. Ray unquestionably enjoyed one of the most respected, distinguished and accomplished careers in the beverage alcohol industry. Ray's family ties to the industry began with his grandfather, who settled in Louisville, KY in the late 1800s and founded a wine and spirits importing company, later forming Herrmann Brothers Distillery in Bardstown in 1880. Ray began his own iconic career as a liquor salesman in New York's distribution tier after honorably serving in the United States Army, 191 Field Artillery Group in the South Pacific
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Theatre from 1943 to 1946. He went on to hold various roles with Schieffelin Company and National Distillers Products Company before being recruited in 1973 by McKesson Corp. After becoming Vice Chairman at McKesson in 1984, in 1988 Ray led an acquisition of McKesson's wine and spirits businesses, forming a four-state distribution company known as Sunbelt Beverage Corporation. In 1994, Ray formed a formidable partnership with the late industry legend Herman I. Merinoff, joining forces to form The Charmer Sunbelt Group. In 2016, Charmer Sunbelt merged with Wirtz Beverage to form Breakthru Beverage, today the third-largest spirits and wine wholesaler in the U.S. Ray continued to proudly serve as Chairman Emeritus of Breakthru Beverage until his death, completing a legendary devotion to the wine and spirits industry that spanned more than five decades. Ray's professional leadership included extensive industry
positions. He served as both Director and Chairman of the National Association of Beverage Importers from 1973 to 1985, and as a Director and executive committee member of the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) from 1973 to 1986. Ray proudly served on the Wine and Spirits Wholesale Association's Board of Directors for more than three decades, receiving the WSWA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2010. Ray was a brilliant, tenacious and determined businessman. His love for the industry and its participants was perhaps best exemplified by his mentoring of the many wine and spirits industry members who have themselves become icons today. Ray is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Mariana Herrmann, his daughter, Laura Nicholson, his grandson, Christian KaiNielsen, and his dog, Pancho II. Ray was predeceased in death by his sons, Mark Herrmann and Michael Herrmann.
Art by Marisa Triola ’21
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OBITUARIES
1940S Milton Mensch ’43 of Palm Beach Garde, FL, passed away on October 7, 2021 at the age of 96. Gordon Robert (Bob) Edwards ’44 passed away on October 9, 2021 at his home in Houston, Texas. He was born on January 30, 1927 in Brooklyn, NY, attended Poly and graduated from Princeton University in 1948 with a B.S. in Chemical Engineering. He obtained an M.B.A. from New York University in 1960. Bob and his wife, Nancy, first met in June 1948 on Shelter Island, New York, where their parents, by sheer coincidence, had rented summer homes adjacent to each other. After graduation from college, Bob worked for a couple of years at the Borden Company in New York and then was drafted into the Army where he served three years as a 2nd Lt in the U.S. Army Signal Corps, serving in Korea until he was discharged at that war's conclusion in 1953. Shortly after that, he joined the M.W. Kellogg Company as a piping engineer and continued there for a 31-year career in engineering, project management, and sales, that culminated in the position of Vice President of Sales. Kellogg was one of the world's largest petroleum/petrochemical design engineering and construction companies. His job took him and his family to London for nine years, Toronto for two years, and finally to Houston in 1973 when Kellogg moved its headquarters there, where he remained. Retiring from Kellogg in 1984, he then spent eight years at a division of Dresser Industries until final retirement in 1993. Bob was an avid golfer who swung his first club at age three, urged on by his golfing parents. A highlight of his time in England was when he played the old course at St. Andrews. In 1974 he joined the Lakeside Country Club in Houston, where he spent many happy hours playing golf and hanging out with his buddies, especially once he retired which gave him time to play three times a week! He and Nancy also enjoyed the performing arts and were longtime subscribers to the Houston Pops and the Alley Theatre. 30
Art by Jocelyn Lu ’22
Bob was predeceased by his adored wife of 66 years, Nancy Purtell Edwards, and is survived by his son Dr. Gordon (Win) Edwards and his wife Janet of Katy, TX, and their children Jennelle Berger and her husband Greg and Linda Wolfe and her husband Nick; his daughters Sharon L. Edwards of Atlanta, GA, and Susan E. Bopp of Houston, TX, and her children Austin and Lindsay; and his great grandchildren, Carson and Trent Berger and Ashlynn, Tyler and Brady Wolfe. Professor Carl Felsenfeld ’44, who taught at the Fordham University School of Law, passed away on January 4, 2021 at the age of 93. A lifetime New Yorker and World War II veteran, Carl earned a JD from Columbia University and worked as an executive in the banking industry before transitioning to his distinguished teaching career, during which he authored multiple legal publications before retiring in 2017. Carl was a good natured, cheerful, and fun-loving family man. Carl was preceded
in death by his wife, Judith. He is survived by son, Peter, daughter-in-law, Vida, sister, Betty, granddaughter, Sierra and greatgrandson, Otto. Dr. Donald B. Louria ’45, prominent physician and medical author specializing in infectious diseases, preventative medicine, and drug abuse, of Bernardsville, NJ, died July 26, 2021. He was born July 11, 1928 into a family of physicians. Donald graduated with honors from Poly Prep. Subsequently, at Harvard College, he graduated with honors while collectively earning 11 varsity letters in soccer, wrestling (two-time captain), and lacrosse. He then entered Harvard Medical School and graduated with honors in 1952. After graduating, Donald completed two years of residency training in internal medicine at Cornell University Medical School and The New York Hospital, followed by two years at the National Institute of Health focusing on infectious diseases. While at NY Hospital, he was the lead author analyzing the effects THE BLUE & THE GRAY
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OBITUARIES
of lung complications observed in the 1957 influenza epidemic. Subsequently, he served a 10-year tenure as the Head of the Cornell Infectious Diseases Laboratory at Bellevue Hospital in NYC where he became interested in the medical complications resulting from heroin and other drug abuse. This resulted in his authoring several published papers as well as two books, The Drug Scene and Overcoming Drugs. This led to several direct appointments from Governor Nelson Rockefeller, including Chair of the Public Health Committee of the New York County Medical Society and President of the New York State Council on Drug Addiction. By age 40, in his new athletic passion, squash, he was ranked fourteenth overall in the United States and second in the over-40 category. In 1969, he was appointed Chair of the Department of Preventative Medicine and Community Health at the New Jersey Medical School in Newark, NJ–a position he held for 30 years. During his prolific career, Dr. Louria authored over 450 published papers on infectious diseases, preventative medicine, drug abuse, and systems thinking. His 18-point health promotion and disease prevention program became law in New
Jersey as the Health Wellness Promotion Act. Donald is survived by his daughter, Anne Ludes; son-in-law, John Ludes; his daughter-in-law, Agi Louria; grandchildren, Johnathan, David and his wife Dvora, Stephen, Hannah, Andrew, Gwen, Isabel, & Grace, as well as great-grandson, Lawson. He also leaves his brother-in-law, Wayne Jeffrey Watson, as well as his nieces & nephews, Lorie, Maureen, Jeffrey, Leigh, Susan, Tyler, Amanda, Reed, Myles, Holly, Brad, and Tracy. He was predeceased by his wife, Barbara Watson Louria, with whom he celebrated a 65-year marriage; daughter, Dana; son, Charles; his parents, Dr. Milton and Lucy Louria; sister Dana; brother, Lee; sisters-in-law, Mary-Ruth, Patricia and Barbara, as well as his nephew, Christopher. Jay Kane ’49 passed away on March 15, 2021. He was born on June 4, 1931 in the home of his grandparents in Brooklyn. His parents were Margaret Brassler Kane and Arthur Ferris Kane. When he was a child, Jay accompanied his parents to museums where his mother, a prominent sculptor, exhibited her work. Later in life, he helped his mother with the acquisition of her work by museums, including the Smithsonian
American Art Museum that has her stone carving "Harlem Dancers" on prominent display. Jay attended PS 139 and Poly Prep, afterward receiving an AB from Columbia College in 1953, and an MBA from the NYU Graduate School of Business in 1961. Following college, Jay joined Bankers Trust Company where he worked for 35 years in various capacities including Senior Investment Officer for employee benefit funds, as well as Vice President for marketing and administration of corporate pension funds. Upon retirement, he became Regional Director in the NYC office of Russell Investments where he was engaged in consulting and management of public pension funds for seven years. Having lived for most of his life in Greenwich, CT, Jay built a house next to his son's home in Darien, CT. He was a member of the Board of Trustees of the Museum of Darien. An avid sailor, Jay was a lifelong member of the New York Yacht Club and the Riverside Yacht Club. He is survived by his companion Ann Dudley Belknap; his daughter, Lisa Brown and her husband, Mike, and grandchildren Katie and Jenny; his son Jim Kane, wife Kate, and grandchildren Jack and Lucie.
IN MEMORIAM Gilbert H. Feldman ’42, P’83, ’85 Poly Prep mourns the passing of Gil “Feldy” Feldman, a devoted alumnus, dedicated and much-loved teacher of the classics for 34 years, and Latin scholar, on January 6, 2022. After graduating from Yale, Feldy returned to Poly and taught here from 1955 until his retirement in 1989. During that time, he served as Chairman of the Latin Department, sometime Chairman of the Athletic Committee, and President of the Cum Laude Society. Upon his retirement, he was described in The Polygon as having
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a “perfect balance of intellectual passion and good humor.” Feldy will be dearly missed by all who knew him and students who were greeted each day by his classic “How are you?” Feldy was a reliable presence at Reunion, where he enjoyed reconnecting with former students. He is survived by his loving wife, Barbara, and children, Nancy ’85 and Edward ’83. This year would have been the celebration of Feldy’s 80th Poly Reunion as part of the Class of 1942. An in-person memorial for Feldy will be held at Reunion on Saturday, April 30.
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OBITUARIES
Art by Caleb Kim ’22
1950S
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2014 after 30 years of service. He was an avid bowler at Skylanes and golfer, enjoyed swimming and roller skating, and in younger years was a Golden Glove Boxer. Known to many in the Monroe County area, Ray was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles #1106 in Stroud Township and a frequent diner at Besecker's Diner. He was the husband of the late Eleanor (Little) Howie who died in 1991. Surviving are two brothers, Dennis Howie of Old Tappan, NJ and Kenneth Howie of Manila, Philippines; a sister, Nanette Gettis of Norwood, NJ; several nieces and nephews; and many good friends including Carmen Coco, Bob and Jane Storm, and his Ray Price Chevrolet "family." He was preceded in death by a sister, Diane Zipf.
Ronald Keith Howie ’50 passed away on November 29, 2020 at age 87 in Saint George, UT. After graduating from Poly, he attended the University of Virginia. He worked in South Louisiana before returning to New York City and worked as a stockbroker for Shields and Company. After leaving Wall Street, Ronald raised capital for an investment fund with the investors in the Bahamas and Florida while working from Boston and New York. In 1981, he left the East Coast and moved to San Diego where he became interested in a new age spiritual program before moving to Hawaii, where he resided for years. In 1998, he relocated to Reno, Nevada, and then Houston, and then back to Mesquite, Nevada. Ronald is survived by his two sons, John and Tim, and a daughter, Jennifer, and a brother, Jerome.
William Schwartz ’54 of New York and formerly of Holmdel, NJ and Matawan, NJ, passed away on July 9, 2021. Born and raised in Brooklyn, Bill was predeceased by his parents Albie and Ruth Schwartz. Bill graduated from Poly Prep in 1954 and Columbia College in 1958, and was for many years President of Blackstone Company, an East Brunswick, NJbased distributor of building materials. His numerous civic and charitable involvements included service as the President and Board Chair of the AmericaIsrael Cultural Foundation, President of the Jewish Federation of Monmouth County, Captain of the South Aberdeen Emergency Medical Service, Trustee of the Kaufman Music Center, and Governor of the Mannes School of Music. Bill is survived by his wife of 60 years, Janet, his sons David (Hannah) and Marc (Margot), and his grandchildren Avital, Andrew, Matan, Eliana, and Alon.
Raymond E. Howie ’53 of Stroud Township, PA, passed away on July 16, 2021, at age 85, at Pleasant Valley Manor in Hamilton Township where he was a resident since March. Born on November 22, 1935 in Brooklyn, he was a son of the late Michel and Alma (Khoury) Howie. In earlier years Ray worked at Empire Lincoln Mercury in New York City. After moving to Monroe County he was parts manager at Ray Price Stroud Ford and then at Ray Price Chevrolet where he worked from February 1984 until retiring in February
John Kells ’56 passed away on November 7, 2021 at age 83. Born in April 1938 to David and Evelyn Kells, John grew up with his brother, David, and sister, Mary, in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. John and family spent summers up at their home in Brookfield, CT and on the waters of Candlewood Lake, where his love of sailing was born. John met his beloved wife, Pat, in high school and went on to a post-grad year at Poly, where he met lifelong friends Andy Gurley and Ted Fuller. John began his college career at Colgate University where he
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studied engineering, however upstate New York proved to be both too cold and too far from home. He transferred to NYU and graduated with a degree in economics and accounting. With the requisite diploma in hand, John succeeded in getting a “YES” to his proposal, and he and Pat were married in January 1962. John embraced the mantra of 'work hard, play harder' his entire life. A member of Cedar Point Yacht Club in Westport, CT, The Eastern Yacht Club in Marblehead, MA, and The New York Yacht Club in Newport, RI and NY, NY, John was an avid sailor and loved to race his Thistle, aptly named Pandemonium, and later Celebration, his Pearson 36. He learned to ski in his twenties and fell in love with Stratton Mountain, VT, where he spent many winter weekends. John's professional life spanned over 40 years in sales at major technology firms, starting as a sales rep and Branch Manager for Honeywell, then VP of Sales and Marketing for Nixdorf Computer USA and TD Systems, and Sales Manager for Stratus Computer. John, never one to retire, ultimately settled in Stratton, VT, where he served on the board of his condominium association, joined the Stratton Mountain Guides, and embarked on a career in property management and real estate sales with TPW. John is survived by his four children: John Ryan Kells (Deirdre Kleinschmidt Kells) of Maynard, MA, Colleen Kells Sepich (Jon Sepich) of Manchester, MA, David Bryan Kells of Tahoe, CA, and Peter Christopher Kells (Gina Boland Kells) of Waterville, VT, and seven grandchildren: Matthew Sepich, Siobhan Kells, Meghan Sepich, Nicolas Kells, Jack Kells, Monica Kells, and Charlie Kells. John was predeceased by his parents, David and Evelyn Kells, his brother, David, sister, Mary, and beloved wife, Patricia. Robert Shear ’56 passed away on August 13, 2021. Eugene Anthony Sirianni ’56 passed away on April 28, 2021. He was the eldest son of Dr. and Mrs. Anthony Sirianni. While at Poly, “Gino” was captain of the undefeated championship football team. He was a first team All City and All Ivy League tackle. He also lettered in lacrosse and wrestling and was a member of the Varsity Club THE BLUE & THE GRAY
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and school Color Leader. Gene attended Bucknell University. Upon graduating, he worked as an executive at Steelcase Office Equipment and subsequently opened his own firm in Saratoga Springs, NY. Gene was also owner and founder of “9 Maple Ave,” a famous local jazz lounge in Saratoga. As an avid hunter and sportsman, Gene was very active in several hunting and wildlife clubs in Upstate NY. He will be missed by all who knew him. Gene was the cherished husband of Judith; the devoted father of Nick, Mike, and Jennifer; three grandchildren; one great grandson and the loving brother of Nick ’57 (deceased) and Tony ’59. Robert Samuel Brower ’58 passed away on August 19, 2021 at age 81. Robert was born in Brooklyn on July 6, 1940, to Ed and Marian (Massler) Brower. Robert, also known as Bob and Bobbie to many, grew up in Rockaway Beach, NY, and attended Poly, where he was a star athlete and where he broke a school basketball record by scoring 42 points in one game. He always talked fondly about those days and stayed in touch with many of his childhood friends. Robert received his B.A. from Dartmouth College in 1962 and obtained his master's in counseling from NYU. After college, Robert worked with anti-poverty and social justice organizations in the Bed-Stuy neighborhood of NYC before moving to Boston where he worked as a school counselor. Robert married the love of his life, Margaret Scott "Scottie" Brower, in 1973 and they moved to Vermont to be close to Robert’s two children from his first marriage, Pepa Brower and Joshua Brower. Caitlin Brower was born to Robert and Scottie in 1977, the same year they built their family home in Middlesex. In 1974, Robert founded Woodbury Associates with two friends, Larry Mandell and Jim Ritvo. Robert developed a counseling program, which later became a mediation program when Woodbury gained accreditation and became Woodbury College. Robert later left Woodbury to start a private counseling practice, which he maintained until 2010. In 1989, Robert studied Spiritual Lifestyle Training at the Kripalu Center, in Lenox, Massachusetts, where yoga became a foundation of his personal, POLY PREP COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL
spiritual, and physical health, and he began teaching yoga in the 1990s. Over the next 25 years, he taught hundreds of yoga classes to many students who became and remained cherished friends of both Robert and Scottie. Robert and Scottie enjoyed teaching a process of dream work they learned together, and always had a “dream group” meeting regularly until 2019. Robert was active in the community and loved supporting the Savoy Theater in Montpelier by volunteering and seeing as many movies as he could. Robert is survived by his wife, Scottie; his children, Pepa and her husband, Andre Neeley, Josh and his wife, Erin Brower, and Cait; his grandchildren, Owen Brower, Eliza Brower, Miles Moore, Upendo Moore and Naji Neeley; as well as his sisters, Bonnie Brower and Vicki Brower, and her partner, Michael Gottsegen; and countless other family and friends. Richard Warren Hafely ’58 of Naples, FL, passed away on October 25, 2021. William F. Arida ’59 passed away on June 23, 2020 in Austin, TX at age 78. He was preceded in death by his parents Hickimet Arida and Isabel Armstrong Arida. William is survived by his beloved wife of 40 years, Delia Guerrero Arida; his daughter and her husband, Ann-Marie Kiser-Sloan and Garth Sloan; grandchildren: Christian Sloan, Lucas Sloan, Aubrey Kiser, and Jameson Kiser; and numerous other loving family and friends. Richard (Rick) Gertz ’59 passed away on October 20, 2021 after a brief illness. Rick was a football, baseball, and wrestling letterman in the late ’50s and a member of the Mediterranean Men's Club. He graduated from Columbia and subsequently received his MBA from Columbia University as well. He was a CPA, Broker, and a GC before moving to Fort Lauderdale, FL with his family to become a successful real estate developer ultimately building over two million square feet in South Florida. His most important achievement in life was the family he created with the love of his life, Ellie. Together, they had three wonderful children and six loving
grandchildren who adored him. He is survived by fellow Poly grad, brother James (Jim) Gertz ’62.
1960S Michael D. Sendar ’63 passed away on December 12, 2021. Michael graduated from the University of Rochester (BA Political Science, cum laude) and the University of Michigan Law School. He also held a Master of Law in Taxation from the Georgetown University Law Center. Michael started his legal career with the office of the chief counsel of the IRS and continued to practice law for over 40 years, representing small businesses. In 1971, he founded and ran Big Wheel Bikes, a multistore retail chain. He is survived by his wife, Luann Sinclair, and two children, Jake and Shawn Sendar. Elihu H. Estey ’64 a pioneering AML (Acute myeloid leukemia) researcher, physician, and scholar died unexpectedly on October 8, 2021 in Seattle. He was 75. Eli grew up in Brooklyn, attending Poly, where he believed a major part of the development of his critical thinking took place. He graduated from Yale University with a major in mathematics in 1968 and received his MD degree from Johns Hopkins University in 1972. His post-MD training was in medicine and neurology at New York UniversityBellevue Medical Center. In 1978, Eli moved to Houston to begin a fellowship in oncology at MD Anderson Cancer Center, intending to specialize in neurooncology. There he met his lifelong mentor and colleague Prof. Emil J. Freireich. Under Freireich’s influence, Eli redirected his career to leukemias as a fellow and assistant professor in the Department of Developmental Therapeutics. From 1983 to 1984, Professor Estey worked as a cancer expert at the NCI Investigational Drug Branch of the Division of Cancer Treatment. He returned to MD Anderson as an associate professor and became a professor in the Department of Leukemia in 1993 and chief of the Section of Acute Leukemia and Myelodysplastic Syndromes SPRING 2022 33
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in 1997. In 2008, he and his family moved to Seattle, where he became a professor at the University of Washington and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. There, he built one of the largest clinical AML programs in the U.S. that quickly gained national and international prominence. Improving the lives of people with leukemia was his lifelong passion. His tools were astute observation, hypothesis testing, and especially rigorous data analyses. An out-of-the box thinker, he would routinely question or challenge the validity of widely accepted medical practices. Eli is survived by his wife, Cynthia David, an accomplished radiologist in her own right, his children, Andrew and Emily, and his beloved dog “Hutch.”
1970S Sigurd Qualben ’71 passed away on January 8, 2021 in Brooklyn at the age of 67. He was buried in a graveside funeral at Green-Wood Cemetery near his brother Lars ’69, who was a 9/11 victim, and parents Paul & Ruth Qualben. John Stephen Mascatello ’78, golf agent of the Wasserman Golf Group of St. Simons Island, GA died on June 27, 2021 at age 61. John earned his JD and MA degrees from American University Washington School of Law. He joined Wasserman Golf Group as Vice President in 2011. Wasserman Golf Group is one of the world’s leading sports marketing companies, represented in major sports such as the PGA Tour, the NFL, MLB, NHL, and media personalities.
1980S Kandace Violet Simmons ’84 passed away on July 6, 2021. She was the daughter of Harry Simmons (deceased) and Sharon Edwards Simmons. Along with her younger brother, Harry Simmons III (Hank), Kandace grew up in Brooklyn in a loving home where she was greatly influenced by her parents. They instilled 34
Art by Chloe Guedes Smith ’26
in her a religious foundation, her social consciousness, a strong work ethic, and an appreciation for education. Kandace attended Brooklyn Ethical Culture from K to the third grade; Berkeley (now Berkeley Carroll) from the fourth to the eighth grade; and Poly Prep from Grades 9 to 12. Kandace was a trailblazer from an early age. At the age of 16, she was the second African American female to graduate from Poly Prep in 1984. She was very engaged in school activities and was sought after for a variety of leadership roles. Kandace took great pride in serving as the Editor-in Chief for her yearbook, enjoyed playing
the flute as a member of the band, and embraced portraying various roles in school musicals. After completing Poly Prep, Kandace attended Yale University. Many of her friends recalled Kandace's beautiful smile, winning personality, social conscience, and love of gospel music. An excellent communicator, Kandace regularly spoke out on the injustices of apartheid and offered support to striking college staff that included underpaid cafeteria workers. Kandace was a member of the Yale Gospel Choir. She truly enjoyed touring with the choir. When the choir performed in New York, her parents THE BLUE & THE GRAY
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generously opened up their beautiful home to provide accommodations for many of her fellow choir members. Her brother Hank would always get excited when the tour bus arrived in front of their home. Choir members would gather in a circle to pray before departing the Simmons home to return to Yale. Kandace graduated from Yale in 1988 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. Kandace embarked on her impressive professional career in both the private and public sectors which expanded over 33 years. Initially employed by Chemical Bank as a financial analyst, Kandace excelled at management reporting, planning, and analysis. Kandace joined the NYC Department of General Services (DGS) in 1990 where she became a member of DGS's internal consulting planning group which resolved operational, financial and management issues. Her keen business acumen and demonstrated project management accelerated her advancement to Senior Policy Analyst at DGS. Kandace became an integral staff member to the agency Commissioner responsible for managing the City's portfolio of leased and owned buildings, construction, purchasing and maintenance of the piers. She loved her job and was passionate about the responsibilities
Art by Zoe Campbell ’25
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entrusted to her. However, in October 1994 upon the sudden passing of her father, Harry Simmons Jr. the founder and CEO of Simmons Architects, Kandace left DGS to assume leadership of her father's firm and to complete projects under contract with Simmons Architects. At the age of 26, Kandace became President/CEO of Simmons Design Group, Ltd., where she managed a staff of 11 and oversaw a solid building design firm with projects of over one million square feet with multi-milliondollar annual billings. Kandace capably stepped into her new challenging role, worked tirelessly and never complained. To enhance her skills, she enrolled part-time at the Pratt Institute's School of Architecture while running the firm. Kandace applied her knowledge of property management and development, building design, architecture, marketing, and finance to maintain and complete 37 contracted projects. Over a 10-year period, she worked side by side with builders, and represented the firm to clients, community boards and other public agencies to achieve approval of projects. In 1997, The Brooklyn NAACP honored her as CEO of the Year. Among Kandace's most rewarding accomplishments was the completion of The Greater Allen A.M.E. Cathedral which
her father had started. Having developed an extensive track record in the real estate market, Kandace returned to the private sector in 2004 as a licensed real estate broker and consultant. She was recruited by the head of E.L. Martin Partners LLC., a boutique real estate brokerage firm. As their Director of Investment Sales, Kandace helped transform their commercial/ investment property sales business. Kandace was a Strategy Management Consultant for Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation , owners of Foxwoods Resort Casino and MGM Grand at Foxwoods. She also served as Senior Director/Consultant for Management Consulting & Controls Group, Inc. , where she worked on projects that included the development of a $35 million new health care construction stimulus project, a $8 million rehabilitation and conversion of a landmark firehouse to a museum in Harlem, and a $3 million church renovation and expansion in the Bronx. Kandace served for eight years as Mayor Bloomberg's representative to the NYC Public Design Commission, which approves the design of all buildings, parks, and installations of permanent artwork on city property. At the time of her passing, she was employed by Civic Builders, Inc, the nation's first nonprofit charter school
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developer, where she served as Director of Real Estate Development. Beyond her professional achievements, Kandace was active in her community. She served on the Board of Directors of the Weeksville Heritage Center from 2001–2009 and was a charter Board Member of the Museum of Contemporary African Diasporan Art (MoCADA). She also mentored young people. Kandace was a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, Brooklyn Alumnae Chapter. She leaves to cherish her memory, her loving mother, Sharon Simmons; her devoted brother Harry Simmons III; sister-in-law, Candice Cook Simmons; nephew Harry Simmons IV; and a host of dear relatives and friends. Her half-brother, Carlton M. Tarver, predeceased her.
1990S Nicholas Magalhaes ’92 passed away suddenly on February 8, 2021. Born August 11, 1974, he spent childhood summers playing baseball with his friends in the neighborhood with his dad and grandfather by his side coaching, and eating Chinese roast pork sandwiches with his mom at the diner. His love of sports continued in high school where he was a star player on the football team at Poly Prep and developed friendships that continued throughout his life. He attended Ithaca College (Class of 1996) where he played rugby and made friends who were thought of as brothers. He married his wife, Chrissy, in 2009 and they had their first son, Nicholas, in 2010, followed by Lucas in 2013. That’s when Nick’s life truly began. He loved his boys more than anything and always spoke to them about growing up to be kind and respectful men. He taught them the importance of family and how to apply the lessons of Star Wars and the Avengers to life. He would always tell them “I love you 3000,” a line from their favorite Avenger movie. Nick is survived by his wife, Chrissy, and his sons, Nicholas and Lucas; parents, Nicholas and Michele Magalhaes; sister, Jayme Amoroso (Michael); brother, Philip Magalhaes; niece Elyse and nephews Christian and William. Beloved nephew of 36
Ronnie and Freddie Scheferman and Nedra LeConte, great aunt, Theresa Magalhaes and loving uncles, cousins and extended family. He was predeceased by his mother, Elyse Magalhaes.
2000S Timothy Boardman ’04 passed away on May 31, 2021. Tim was a Jordan Scholar who excelled in academics, arts, and athletics. As an alumnus, he remained connected to Poly as a class agent and served as a member of the Alumni Association Board of Governors. His classmates remember Tim as a stellar part of the community who truly upheld the standard of excellence that represented Poly at its very best. Tim had a career in finance on Wall Street and most recently had founded 8 Point Capital Partners, LLC. He was also Head of Institutional Client Group at Phoenix Financial Services. He is survived by his parents, Russell and Lynn, brother Russell, and sisters Kathleen '07, and Courtney '08. John Capotorto ’06 passed away on August 30, 2021.
2010S John Thomas Vigorita ’15 passed away on September 25, 2021 at his family home in Amagansett. He was 25. Vigorita, who was known as Tommy, graduated from Fairfield University in Connecticut in 2020 with a major in business and finance, and had been working for Masterworks, an art investment company in Manhattan, at the time of his death. Tommy was born in Brooklyn on Jan. 27, 1996, to Dr. Vincent John Vigorita and the former Patty Johnson. After the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in Manhattan, the family moved to Amagansett. Tommy attended the Amagansett School and the East Hampton Middle School, but his family returned to Brooklyn so that he could spend his high school years at Poly Prep, where he was co-captain of the lacrosse
team and starred in several theatrical productions. His interest in acting began in Amagansett, where he had a cameo role in a film called Treasure that made it into the Hamptons International Film Festival. In high school he received the school's best actor award for his role in Candide and played the lead in Horton Foote's The Dancers. Tommy grew up participating in the East Hampton Town junior lifeguarding program and went on to serve for several summers as a lifeguard in Amagansett and Montauk. His range of interests included cooking, investing, fishing, and music. Tommy played the guitar and piano and enjoyed surfing, skiing, and golfing with family and friends. While still in middle school, he played on East Hampton High School's junior varsity golf team. He enjoyed travel, as well, and had spent two summer semesters studying Spanish in San Sebastian, Spain. He had also traveled to the Balkans, on the Mediterranean, and to Australia and Hawaii. While growing up, Tommy attended St. Luke's Episcopal Church in East Hampton and Plymouth Church in Brooklyn Heights, where he helped at the homeless shelter. Tommy is survived by his parents, his brothers, Vinny Vigorita of Park City, UT, and J.W. Jordan of Westin, FL., and a sister, Jenni Gorman of Palm Beach Gardens, FL. He also leaves his aunts and uncles, Louis and Rosemary Vigorita of Ventura, CA, Phyllis Mitchell of Wilmot, NH, and Amelia and Dominic Schirrippa of Springs, NY and his longtime girlfriend, Charlotte Biedermann of New Jersey.
Art by Isobella Gordon ’23
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