OakTree Times Spring/Summer 2016

SPRING | SUMMER 2016

OakTree Times

A 13-year endeavor THE K-12 EXPERIENCE AT POLY

I n s ide : #PolyDay2016

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Poly launches new trips

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Seventh grade Water Week

OakTree Times SPRING | SUMMER 2016

Feat ure s: 10 A 13-year endeavor

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Poly’s K-12 environment connects curriculum across divisions and helps build lifelong friendships.

14 Virtual homecoming

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The first-ever #PolyDay2016 social media campaign unites the Poly community from near and far.

A P U B L I C A T I O N F O R T H E P O LY T E C H N I C S C H O O L C O M M U N I T Y

Departments: The Patio p.05 Eighth grade service day…The Paw Print wins award…

OAK TREE TIMES EDITORIAL STAFF: Leslie Carmell, Director of Communications

Poly hosts Science Olympiad…New GIP travels…

Michelle Feynman, Communications Officer/ Photographer

Troop 5 celebrates 100 years

Jennifer Godwin Minto, Photographer

CONTRIBUTORS:

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In the Classroom

Tom Berrian, John Bracker, Jill Bush, Sam Clark ’17, Amanda Edwards ’92, Greg Feldmeth, Renée Larios, Katherine Vieser, Chris Wilson.

Seventh-graders explore the wonders of water ON THE COVER:

A junior in Upper School English works with a fifth-grader on a collaborative grammar project.

Panthers in the Zone 10 of 12 seasons

ed ct ne

Winter recap…spring recap…Seniors honored for

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facebook.com/poly twitter.com/polytechnic

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Poly Connections Senior class establishes Poly Experience Fund…

Poly events…Class Notes…In Memoriam

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P.S. Poly staff member Brad Walters shares the passion he brings to Poly … as well as a little-known talent.

twitter.com/polyalumni

Head of

School

Whenever I have a mile left to walk or

Two students spoke at graduation

ride, I imagine that I am going from my

about particular classrooms that were

childhood home on Elm Street to the

places of inspiration and comfort. Others

center of town. The first intersection is

talked about GIP trips or a year abroad

Wood Street, where I waited for the yellow

where they learned the most about

school bus almost every morning. Further

themselves. And still others found their

down, I cross the Sudbury River where

paths led them to the dance studio, the

I caught my first sunfish — slippery little

written word, or the stage. While our

thing — upstream from “the rude bridge

attention is often captured by what is new

that arched the flood” that Emerson

or breathtaking, it is the experiences that

immortalized. A bit later, Elm Street

engrain themselves in our being that truly

merges into Main Street, where

ground us. Like habits, these pathways

the Woodwards’ house stood. I have

help us build confidence in what we

vivid memories of the smell of

know and what will be possible. Often

Mrs. Woodward’s clothes as she sat in

circuitous, these routes — one step at a

our kitchen after her beautiful colonial

time — create the frame that defines our

house burned down. Halfway to Concord

ability to approach the “complexities of a

Center, I cross Thoreau Street. To the right

changing world with confidence and good

is the train station that whisked us into

character,” as stated in the

Harvard Square for Elsie’s burgers, records

Poly Philosophy.

at The Coop, and the T to Fenway Park.

During the last week of school,

Friendly’s was further down that street. I

I watched the seniors rehearse their

spent a lot of my elementary school lunch

procession onto the graduation stage.

money there on chocolate marshmallow

Just over their shoulders as they lined

ice cream until my “friend” Ben ratted me

up were our kindergarteners leaving the

out. Just before I get to Concord Center,

gym after Lower School Sing rehearsal.

the town’s public library and Concord

There it was in two lines — the arc of

Academy sit. These two institutions had

a Poly education moving forward with

a profound impact on my love of reading,

irrepressible energy and grace. Their

quiet spaces, and working in schools.

paths, familiar and unfamiliar, explored

As I watched our seniors cross the

and unexplored, will define them and us

graduation stage in June, I thought about

for another generation of students.

their walk across our campus and through their education. What routes were familiar to them? What spaces along the way had special meaning?

John W. Bracker 04

HEAD OF SCHOOL MESSAGE

The

Patio

On a Saturday in April, Poly eighth-graders joined in a collaborative effort to beautify one small corner of Pasadena for their community outreach day. Together with day laborers from the Pasadena Community Job Center and several Middle School teachers, the group enjoyed breakfast and had a chance to share why they chose to participate in this event. The students and workers commented that they wanted to do something for their community and to get to know new people. Shortly thereafter, everyone walked to the City of Pasadena’s Villa Parke Recreation Center for a morning of hands-on work.

The center’s recreation coordinator, Bill Davis; Vannia de la Cuba from District 5; and the Pasadena Police showed their support by planning and supervising of this event.

After a pep talk and introduction to the city’s youth boxing program and how it helps young people set high goals, the volunteers rolled up their sleeves and got busy cleaning the gym. Students wiped mirrors, swept and mopped floors, scrubbed punching bags, scraped grime from the corners and floorboards, and put a shine on the exercise machines. All the while, children from the program sparred with their coaches in the background, the constant deep slaps of gloves on pads keeping a steady beat throughout the morning.

With refreshments nearby, workers’ energy remained high as they transitioned to the outside gardening session.

Everyone cleared out weeds, trash, and old shrubs from the planting beds in preparation for new plants, giving a cleaner look to the perimeter of the park. Wheelbarrows, rakes, brooms, gloves, collection pans, dozens of large black plastic bags, and awesome attitudes were the tools of the day. Kids and day laborers worked in teams, and everyone had a great time making a difference.

When the work was done, students, day laborers, and teachers returned to the Job Center for lunch and reflection time. People shared how much they had enjoyed getting to know one another. The day laborers, who had given up the chance to work and earn money that day in order to participate in this event, commented on how impressed they were that young people cared enough about their community to spend their free time cleaning up their city.

Students heard from the laborers that it was a relief for them to know that the young people at Poly could see them as good people rather than media stereotypes. People left with spirits lighter and yet heavier at the same time: There’s much to be done in the world. n

T H E PAT I O

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The

Patio

Poly hosts its first Science Olympiad tournament Poly began competing in Science Olympiad during the 2012-13 school year with both Middle and Upper School teams. To prepare for the tournament, 15 students must study various topics and build devices. The competition itself consists of 23 events covering all areas of science and engineering. After attending invitational tournaments — essentially practice rounds — at other schools for two years, Poly hosted its own Upper School tournament this year, inviting 14 teams from nine schools from around Southern California. At the regional event, Poly’s Upper School team placed 12th overall. As the program heads into its fifth year, the goal is for the team to progress beyond the regional tournament to compete at the state level. n

The Paw Print receives national award The American Scholastic Press Association recently named Poly’s Upper School student newspaper, The Paw Print, as the 2015-16 Outstanding High School Newspaper in the United States for schools with an enrollment of fewer than 500. The ASPA evaluates hundreds of high school and college newspapers and yearbooks in determining its awards.

The Paw Print, which is in its 28th year of publication, is produced monthly by a student staff that meets after school and on weekends.

The ASPA evaluation awarded The Paw Print a rating of 905 out of a

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possible 1,000 points; criteria included page design, content coverage, art and photography, editing, and creativity. The judge evaluating the paper commented, “You have an excellent school newspaper, which shows the creativity and journalistic knowledge of your editors, reporters, writers, photographers, layout/ graphic designers, and advisor. Congratulations to all on your first place award and being named the best high school newspaper (under 500 population).” n

The

Patio

New Global Initiatives Program travels

Poly students recently returned from the Global Initiatives Program’s new travel program offerings. The first group visited Cambodia and Vietnam, where they examined the two peaceful countries’ recovery from war and conflict. The other group engaged in service projects in Baja California, Mexico, where students were immersed in the region’s ranchero and costal communities.

In Vietnam, the group crawled through the Cu Chi tunnels of the North Vietnamese soldiers, walked the steps of Kim Phuc and Nick Ut (whose riveting photo showing the human suffering became famous during the war), spoke with villagers about the struggles of daily life during the war, and gained insight about how the Vietnamese remember the divisive and destructive conflict.

During their journey to Cambodia, the Poly group had the unique opportunity to connect with survivors of the Pol Pot regime. They heard the powerful accounts and spoke with two of the seven known survivors of the

S21 Prison, which not only brought a dark period of history to life, but also reinforced the importance of promoting education and culture as a key part of recovery.

The group reconnected with GIP event speakers Arn Chorn-Pond and Kalyanee Mam, who talked about the importance of protecting the beautiful landscape and preserving the traditions and arts almost extinguished by the Khmer Rouge. After a dance workshop and an evening show at the National Museum, the Poly group accompanied Chorn-Pond to his village outside of Phnom Penh, where they saw the Khmer Magic Music Bus and participated in an impromptu outdoor concert for the villagers.

The group also spent two days doing service work at the Seametrey School, and they built wheelchairs with Nobel Peace Prize laureate and landmine victim Tun Channareth. In one participant’s words, “What I found in Southeast Asia was eye-opening, exciting, emotional, and eclectic.”

Poly travelers to Baja first stayed at

the Rancho Refugio in Baja California Sur, where they deepened their knowledge of ranchero culture and daily life. Students learned to make candy, fragrant foods, and leather goods in the idyllic rural setting. They spent the majority of their time on a service project, which was to build a palapa to provide shade for its residents.

The group spent the second part of the trip in the small coastal town Todos Santos. Students learned about natural plant remedies and healing

from a shaman and put together their own medicine kits. They also visited a community center that teaches residents about sustainable living and reusing materials. Poly students then collaborated with experts from the University of La Paz in a sea turtle tagging project, which involved camping on a remote island surrounded by natural beauty, and they joined a local group in a beach clean-up run by the Ocean Conservancy. The group came away with a true connection to Baja’s people and its breathtaking landscape.

To learn more about GIP, visit www.polytechnic.org/gip.

To see more photos and to read the blogs from the trips, visit www.polytechnic.org/webextras.

T H E PAT I O

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The

Patio

Polytechnic School’s Scout Troop 5 turns 100

This April, Poly’s Boy Scout Troop 5 hosted a centennial celebration in the Debbie Reed Courtyard. More than 200 people attended the event, including 58 Eagle Scouts, past Scouts, and scoutmasters of Troop 5 and their families.

The celebration began with Scout-led flag ceremonies.

Guests viewed two signal towers built by Scouts and memorabilia from the troop’s history, including Liberty Bond sales from the ’20s, voter registration drives from the ’50s, community service projects, and summer trips to Camp Cherry Valley. Throughout the evening, guests enjoyed video presentations created by Creighton Penido ’11 and Chris Wilson ’85 that showcased Troop 5 history and current troop activities.

With Robert Burrows ’85 serving as the master of ceremonies, the evening featured remarks from Head of School John Bracker, Pasadena Police Chief Phillip Sanchez, Teresa Lamb of Congressman Adam Schiff’s

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office, and Scout Executive Chuck Keathley. Troop 5 also recognized the extraordinary service and commitment of its parent volunteers by inducting its first class of “The Old Goat Patrol Honor Society.”

Troop 5 also recognized outstanding and unique service to the troop by awarding to Travis Williams, Ai Buangsuwon, and Bill Jameson ’82 the Knox-Gregory Award. Past Troop 5 Scoutmasters Herbert Gregory and Bob Knox lead Troop 5 for 31 and 21 years respectively, and the Knox-Gregory Award recognizes that the commitment each of them inspired continues in Troop 5 today.

Jameson and John Babcock ’87 led the Centennial Organizing Committee that included Tom Bakaly ’76, Amber Blanco, Ai Buangsuwon, Burrows, Dom Femino ’83, John Penido ’67, Kim Shepherd, Bruce Toomer ’75, and Wilson. n

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In the

Classroom

Seventh grade Water Week year, and he gave an engaging and informative talk on the role of water in Los Angeles history. Finally, students heard from Poly’s Facilities Engineer Dave Yamaoka, who gave students a detailed overview of the school’s sustainable water allocation efforts.

Throughout the week, students chose special projects they completed in small groups. Projects included examining water quality and building water filters; writing and illustrating storybooks; exploring sustainability at home and at school, which featured a presentation from Poly parent and Caltech sustainability expert John Onderdonk; and chronicling Water Week as part of a media/website team. The resulting website featured comprehensive reflection, interviews, and videos summarizing the week.

For the second consecutive year, the seventh grade At the end of the week, the grade took a field trip took a break from their normal schedule to dive into an to a local watershed, Rubio Canyon. Students learned interdisciplinary unit focusing on water. Water Week how drought and lack of water affect the canyon and its provided students with an opportunity to take an in-depth biodiversity. Students spent time removing non-native look at water from many different viewpoints by exploring plant species in an effort to various important issues “It definitely made me realize the impact I have allow native plants a better and points in history. on the Earth. I feel very lucky that I have access chance for survival.

Over the course of to clean running water.”

Water Week gave the week, each student students a focal point for attended seven different “Many people take water for granted making connections across classes covering a wide and don’t realize how water conditions disciplines, as they were are in other countries.” range of issues, including challenged to absorb and an examination of water in “I am constantly thinking about water now. synthesize information ancient civilizations, the I am telling my parents and siblings how from different classes. drought in California, the to conserve water.”

Intended to challenge Flint, Mich., water crisis, students to look closely at water and topics surrounding the implications of clean water access, and the the resource, the week may best be summarized with some relationship of water to infant mortality rates. quotes from students about how their perceptions of water To complement the classes, students heard from have changed because of Water Week. water experts throughout the week. On the first day, Bill n

McDonnell, Metropolitan Water District water efficiency manager, told students about the customers that MWD serves, its rebate programs, and how a MWD gets its water.

Poly parent Bill Deverell was a guest expert for the second

To view more photos, please visit www.polytechnic.org/webextras.

IN THE CLASSROOM

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A 13-year endeavor THE K-12 EXPERIENCE AT POLY

By Cotter Donnell, Dean of Studies (6-12) and Middle and Upper School English Teacher

It’s no surprise that when you ask Poly students about their most memorable experiences at school, you’re likely to hear stories about the Poly Pet and Hobby Show and the sixth grade Outdoor Education trip to Big Bear.

What might be a surprise is that you are as likely to hear these responses from a 12th-grader as you are from a younger student. For many students in the Upper School, memories from Lower and Middle School are as essential to defining their

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Poly experience as the things they have done in high school.

One of the many things that make Poly unique is the K-12 experience, the opportunity to be immersed in one school community that nurtures

students from the time of their first school days at age 5 until they are ready to leave for college at 18.

Recent graduate Lauren Wilmore, a Poly “lifer,” credits annual all-school assemblies with helping her to track her own growth. “I can remember looking around the gym and thinking, ‘Wow, everyone is so big!’ And now I look around and say, ‘Wow, everyone is so … young.’”

The single largest point of entry for Poly admissions is kindergarten, when the school admits three classrooms of students. The class grows steadily as it works its way through the school, increasing enrollment primarily in the sixth, seventh, and ninth grades. However, in any class, more than a third of the students have spent their entire school lives at

Poly. The graduating class of 2016 includes 33 students who were at Poly since kindergarten or pre-K (they were one of the last classes to come to Poly before the pre-kindergarten program was phased out).

Poly’s K-12 identity doesn’t benefit only those students who have been at the school since kindergarten. Students and families who come to Poly in the later grades join a community that is strong in its sense of shared purpose and steadfast in its love for the school. “It was a difficult adjustment at the beginning,” says Shuchi Seghal, a recent graduate who came to Poly in ninth grade. “But Poly offers a lot of ways to create new memories with classmates. Before long, I felt like I had been here for 12 years, too.”

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Three schools, one Poly Each of the three schools that make up Poly has its own unique identity. Teachers in each division work to cultivate a program designed to meet the needs of students at each stage of their development, all while promoting a shared school-wide mission and common ideas about what is best for all students.

“The Poly Middle School is a division that understands and values the fact that these are key developmental years for adolescents, characterized by an incredible amount of physical, social, and emotional growth,” says Interim Middle School Director Pat Gray. He identifies one important challenge for teachers in the Middle School: preparing students for the demands of a rigorous Upper School program while “allowing kids to stay kids.” Gray explains, “It’s very important for us to be a Middle School rather than a junior high school.”

The difficulty of managing transitions between divisions exists in all schools, of course. One of the benefits of being a single K-12 school is the opportunity to work collaboratively across grade levels and divisions to promote a common vision for student learning.

This is work that is central to Poly’s Faculty Curriculum Committee, a diverse group of teachers, administrators, and specialists tasked with promoting effectiveness and innovation across the K-12 curriculum. The committee, which includes educators from all academic departments and each of the three divisions, keeps an eye on the curriculum and facilitates regular reviews of each of the academic departments.

Core domains for learning We recognize that providing a superior learning experience goes beyond traditional measures of excellence. To meet the unique challenges of the world that students will face after they graduate, we strive to cultivate:

CHARACTER … recognize the importance/responsibility of their choices and act with integrity, honesty, and empathy.

OUTLOOK … face challenges with resourcefulness and resilience. They value the importance of self-discipline and possess a willingness to take risks.

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The collaborative K-12 nature of the FCC’s work is essential to its success. “Working on the departmental self-study with the entire K-12 history department helped me to see similarities across the divisions that I’d never thought of before, as well as better appreciate the many differences,” says kindergarten teacher Lizzie Bonamy.

One of the methods that the FCC uses to oversee the program is the school’s curricular scope and sequence, a documented overview of the essential questions, learning objectives, and skills that make up each course in the school. Teachers update their scope and sequence documents annually and use them in refining and planning their courses from year to year.

On the one hand, the scope and sequence project serves the pragmatic purpose of helping teachers to identify needs and eliminate redundancies in the curricular plan — what teachers call the “vertical alignment” of their courses. On the other, and perhaps more importantly, the documents serve as a mechanism to collaborate with colleagues across grade levels, refocusing the conversations periodically on shared learning objectives and common goals.

In order to solidify these shared K-12 learning objectives, the FCC recently completed a school-wide project to articulate the hallmarks of a Poly education.

Through dialogues with teachers in each of the divisions about what skills and habits of mind a Poly education should help build for all learners, the FCC identified five “core domains” for learning that cross all academic disciplines, co-curricular programs, and all grade levels (see box below). The core domains now serve as the framework for periodic departmental reviews.

COGNITIVE BEHAVIORS … approach learning and problem solving with curiosity and creativity. They learn to think critically and reflect with open minds.

INTERPERSONAL SKILLS … communicate with self-confidence. Their awareness and acceptance of others empowers them to be active listeners and effective collaborators.

CITIZENSHIP … are aware of their place in an interconnected world. They appreciate the responsibilities of local and global citizenship and are eager to serve.

Sophomores share their enthusiasm for learning by playing the role of teachers while showing kindergartners the wonders of chemistry.

Promoting a K-12 vision Students from the first grade recently made the trip down to the Poly building on the South Campus to observe demonstrations from Owen Kiely’s 10th grade chemistry classes. The first-graders watched as the sophomores initiated chemical reactions in a series of demonstrations carefully selected to elicit delight and awe from the young viewers. After leaving the lab, the class rounded out their visit to the South Campus with a tour of the Boswell Art Studio led by Visual Arts Department Chair Arnor Bieltvedt and a stop in the courtyard to see the chalk drawings of college-bound seniors.

“The first-graders were mesmerized by the experiments, and they all came back to class eager to try our own,” says Lower School teacher Amy Davidson.

“Any time our kids have the opportunity to interact with the older students, they are thrilled.”

The older students are amazing role models, and they inspire the kids.”

It’s also the kind of learning experience that makes a K-12 program like Poly unique.

Older students get to demonstrate their knowledge by playing the role of teacher, and younger students get to be inspired by a firsthand glimpse of what awaits them in the future.

Promoting these kinds of moments is one of the objectives of a new daily

Fifth-graders learn from their older counterparts as part of a cross-divisional Upper School English project.

schedule, which will be in place as school resumes this fall. For the first time, the daily schedules of the three divisions will be aligned. This shift will support those crossover teachers who have classes in more than one division, as well as allow for more cross-divisional projects like the partnership between kindergarten and 10th grade chemistry. “In the past, it was logistically difficult to find a common time for classes and students to work together across divisions,” says Director of Summer and Extended Day Programs Jonathan Fay, who oversaw the development of the new schedule. “But now there are multiple opportunities for this kind of crossdivisional work.”

In addition to adjusting the schedule, Poly’s leadership is working on other ways to preserve and enhance the K-12 experience, including the appointment of Sharon Thompson as Poly’s assistant head of school for K-12 programs. Thompson, who joined the Poly community in 2013 and has served as the interim Upper School director for the past two years, is poised to take on the new position. “In Sharon’s new role, we have the distinct advantage of having an experienced educator look for opportunities to strengthen Poly’s K-12 academic and co-curricular program,” says Head of School John Bracker. “Honoring the promise of our statement of philosophy ‘to have graduates prepared to meet the complexities of a changing world with confidence and good character’ will be at the center of the assistant head’s work.” n

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#PolyDay2016

Poly unites

online for a day 14

F E AT U R E

ANYONE WHO DIDN’T MAKE IT TO CAMPUS FOR ALUMNI AND REUNION WEEKEND THIS SPRING GOT A VIRTUAL FRONT-ROW SEAT THROUGH THE FIRST-EVER POLY SOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGN, #POLYDAY2016.

On April 29, live-streaming video from the 99th Poly

with current students through the posts online.”

Pet and Hobby Show, photos and stories from the

Alumni and friends who were on campus posted

Poly archives, and videos and photos from students,

photos throughout the day as they toured around

teachers, and alumni lit up the Poly Facebook,

the school and attended the Pet and Hobby Show.

Instagram, and Twitter feeds. More than 100 posts

“Overall the virtual event was a fun, exhilarating

showed Poly spirit in many forms. That spirit was

experience, and we were excited to attract more of

not just about athletics or the big events on campus;

the greater Poly community to become involved and

it came from all the surprising and wonderful

support what the school is all about today,” says

moments of Poly life. Third-graders’ sharing their

Ezra Callahan ’99, communications committee

joy of math; displays of appreciation for teachers;

chair on the Alumni Board.

reactions of alumni on their return to campus; and

“Considering how connected the Poly community

evidence that many traditions from Poly’s early

is on social media, there’s something really cool

qualities are alive today — all played starring roles in

about having a single day where everyone is focused

#PolyDay 2016.

on their memories and connections to the school.

Poly’s Director of Alumni and Community

It provides a nice parallel to what is such a big day

Relations Katherine Vieser explains, “We wanted to

at Poly with the reunion, the Pet and Hobby Show,

create a virtual homecoming, where each part of the

the Upper School musical, and more,” Callahan

Poly community could connect with other groups

shares. The Alumni office thanks everyone who

and other Poly experiences. It was great to see

participated. Certainly #PolyDay2017 will be

alumni who are not local to Pasadena or Los Angeles

even bigger!

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feel some nostalgia for Poly’s history and engage F E AT U R E

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PANTHERS

IN THE ZONE

S WINTER RECAP Boys basketball Boys basketball turned in a strong season, finishing with a record of 18-7, 4-4 in the Prep League, which placed them as the #3 seed in the league, advancing them to the playoffs. They traveled to Silver Valley High School in the first round of the CIF-SS Division 5AA playoffs, but lost in a tough game 47-56. After graduating two seniors this season, the underclassmen look to take charge next season. n

Girls basketball The girls basketball team had a tough season after suffering the loss of their only senior due to a season-ending injury. They finished with a 5-16 overall record, 3-9 in league. This young team was led by sophomore Sarah Johnson and will look to her leadership in future seasons to come. n

Boys soccer The boys soccer team finished the regular season ranked #2 in the Prep League

SPRING RECAP Badminton The badminton team posted a season of new beginnings, welcoming new head coach Susana Zhong, with the help of veteran assistant coach Laura Holmgren. They played a tough schedule against big schools and finished the season with a record of 6-8. It was a season of much growth and learning for both the coaching staff and for the players. n

Baseball Panthers baseball had a unique season this year, with five players crossing over on both JV and Varsity rosters, allowing more depth for both squads. They had

with a 3-2-1 record. They were able to advance to the post-season, where they faced Nogales High School in the first round of CIF-SS Division VI playoffs, dropping to the Nobles 1-0 in a very hard-fought game. The Panthers finished with an overall record of 13-5-2. n

Girls soccer Girls soccer had an outstanding season, closing it out with a 19-4 overall record, 9-1 in league, earning them the title of Prep League co-champions.

They advanced to the CIF-SS Division 3 playoffs, where they shut out Charter Oak High School in the first round 3-0.

The Panthers hosted Cypress High School in the second round. After a scoreless game after regulation and two 10-minute “Golden Goal” periods, the Panthers fell to the Centurions after a heartbreaking round of penalty kicks.

The team will rely on the experience of their returners next year after graduating 10 seniors. n

some big wins, as well as some very tough losses, finishing the season with a record of 5-7 in league, 8-15 overall. n

Boys golf Boys golf completed a successful season, finishing the regular season 12-2 overall, and 6-1 in league and with the title of Prep League champions.

Their low-scoring season qualified them to compete in both individual and team CIF playoffs. The Prep League sent the top four players as representation to the individual playoffs; two of the four top players were from Poly. As Prep League champions, the Panthers also competed in the team CIF-SS playoffs. n

Girls water polo Girls water polo finished the season with a 12-14 record overall, 6-4 in league. They were able to clinch a spot in the CIF-SS Division 6 playoffs after beating Morro Bay High School in the wild card round. The Panthers faced #1 seed Santa Monica High School in the first round, when they fell to the Vikings. There is much anticipation for next year since the team is graduating only three seniors. n

fi L r f m

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Fencing Fencing’s only senior finished the season ranked 15th in a field of 46 in the team’s last tournament. This team developed a lot of young talent that was showcased during the winter season tournaments and is looking forward to the upcoming talent in future seasons to come. n

Boys tennis

T o

The boys tennis team went undefeated in league with 6-0 record, and they walked away with the title of Prep League champions for the fourth consecutive year. They finished their season with an overall record of 15-2. The Panthers hosted their first round of CIF-SS Division 2 playoffs at Caltech versus Burbank High School but finished the post-season run by dropping a match to a very tough team from Claremont High School. n

Track and field The track and field team showed success this past season. The boys

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PANTHERS IN THE ZONE

PANTHERS

IN THE ZONE

SPRING RECAP continued finished the season with the title of Prep League champions for the third year in a row. They finished the league meet just four events short of sweeping the entire meet. n

Softball The softball team was full of young talent this year. They had a successful season, going 8-4 in league, 9-9 overall. They finished well enough to advance to the post-season, qualifying for the CIF-SS Division 6 playoffs. n

Swimming and diving

Boys volleyball

The swimming and diving team finished the regular season with the title of Prep League champions for the fourth time in the last five years. This advanced them to the CIF-SS Division 3 playoffs, where they claimed the CIF-SS title for both boys and girls diving. Also, girls returned to the pool as defending champions and walked away as back-to-back CIF-SS Division 3 champions, beating the competition by more than 100 points. n

The boys volleyball team finished the season with a winning record of 12-9 overall, and an even 4-4 in league. This qualified them to advance to the postseason for the first time in five years. The Panthers hosted the CIF-SS Division 4 wild card game versus Santa Ana Valley.

Although playing an evenly matched game, the Panthers fell to the Falcons in a fourset match 1-3. Despite graduating three seniors, they will return with strong talent for next season. n

Sophomore Susannah Laster won two individual swimming events and was on two winning relay teams in Division 3.

Laster won the 200-meter freestyle (1:50.72) and 100-meter backstroke (56.76). She swam on the winning 200-meter medley and 400-meter freestyle relay teams.

Sophomore Tom Amsbry won the boys diving title in Division 3 by 93.1 points.

Sophomore Daria Lenz won the girls diving event in Division 3 by 17.7 points.

Senior Tim Krasnoperov set a Poly track and field record and won the Prep League discus title with a throw of 178’03”.

He came in second in Division 4 with a throw of 160’2”.

The Class of 2016 had 14 student-athletes participate in 10 out of 12 seasons of sport, with one student-athlete competing in all 12 seasons of sport.

Ally Annick – Cross Country (1), Golf (3), Soccer (4), Swimming (2) Dean Behary – Football (1), Water Polo (3), Soccer (2), Volleyball (4) Lucas Bohlinger – Football (4), Basketball (2), Volleyball (4) Emily Dickinson – Fencing (2), Water Polo (4), Swimming (4) Joseph Edwards – Football (4), Basketball (2), Baseball (4) Laura Fraher – Volleyball (4), Soccer (4), Swimming (4) Mary Holt – Tennis (4), Water Polo (4), Softball (2), Swimming (1) Dylan Magsarili – Water Polo (4), Fencing (2), Swimming (4) Tim Matthiessen – Football (3), Basketball (4), Tennis (4) Jake McCarthy – Football (4), Soccer (4), Golf (1), Baseball (1) Jack Queen – Football (4), Soccer (4), Track and Field (2) Alex Treister – Volleyball (4), Soccer (4), Softball (3) (Back, left to right) Conor Xanders, Joseph Edwards, Dean Behary, Lucas Bohlinger, Jack Queen, Jake McCarthy, Tim Matthiessen (Front, left to right) Alex Treister, Dylan Magsarili, Laura Fraher, Mary Holt, Ally Annick, Austin Yu, Emily Dickinson.

Conor Xanders – Cross Country (2), Soccer (4), Track and Field (4) Austin Yu – Fencing (7), Swimming (4)

PANTHERS IN THE ZONE

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A note from the Alumni Association president When I was asked for #PolyDay2016 (see feature on page 14), “What does Poly mean to you?” without hesitation I answered, “friendship.” I know I am not alone in saying the friendships I forged at Poly are some of the most cherished relationships I have today. During Alumni and Reunion Weekend in April, I witnessed first-hand the wealth of friendships that have endured over decades. From seeing members of the Class of 1944 embrace in Grace Henley Patio at the 50-Year Club Dinner to hearing my fellow 1986 grads share stories at our 30-year reunion dinner on the Upper School campus, it felt like these friendships never missed a beat. It was a real homecoming.

We continue to look ahead and seek ways to create new connections within our alumni community, each of us members of the Alumni Association. Everyone can play a significant role in keeping fellow Panthers connected: Consider hosting a current student or recent grad as an intern or job shadow at your workplace; come and speak to Upper School students through PolyConnect; join our Bay Area or New York regional groups and stay in touch through their Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn accounts.

Stay connected with the Poly community and your fellow alumni! We would love to hear what you are doing.

There are many exciting things happening in the Alumni Association, some highlighted in the following pages. I proudly join the Alumni Board members and Alumni Office staff in serving you. We welcome your suggestions and concerns. Please reach out if you would like more information about how to get involved.

Go Panthers!

Warren Techentin ’86 18

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Alumni Roundtable: The Business of Startups

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The Alumni Association held its third Alumni Roundtable at the Athenaeum at Caltech in April during Alumni and Reunion Weekend. The event brought together more than 50 alumni and parents who are interested or involved in the startup industry. John Horn ’78, current Poly parent and host of KPCC’s “The Frame,” a daily arts and entertainment program, moderated a discussion focused on “The Business of Startups.”

Panelists included John Coogan ’07, co-founder and CTO, Soylent; Minnie Ingersoll ’94, co-founder and COO, Shift Technologies; and Brian Nickerson ’96, CEO and cofounder, MagicLinks.

As attendees enjoyed breakfast, the panelists talked about their experience developing their startup, learning how to fail, and other lessons they’ve learned along the way.

Horn reflects on the unexpected similarities between the panelists and his usual interview subjects: “As the host of a daily public radio show that is focused on art, entertainment, and culture, most of my interviews are with creative people who are sharing the story behind the story — for example, how a screenwriter put together a movie or how a curator assembled a show.

What surprised me about the entrepreneur panel is that while the circumstances were dramatically different — John, Minnie, and Brian were building online services or consumer products — they, too, were storytellers. They identified a question that had not been answered, used their creative minds to put together a solution, and then set out to bring what they imagined to the world.” n

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Alumni and friends return to Poly for Alumni and Reunion Weekend

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The Class of 1966 is inducted into the 50-Year Club. (Back, left to right) Alf Schonbach, Roger Lustberg, Jeff Hahn, (Center, left to right) Joey Thyret, Gale McLain Lewis, Laura Ison Entwistle, Linda Sohlberg, Pauline Wood Egan, Kit Armstrong, Brooke Person Biscay, Paula Roberts Cook, Bill Blair, Derek Shannon, (Front) Gifford Meyers

In April, nearly 400 alumni and guests were on campus to celebrate Alumni and Reunion Weekend. On Thursday, the Class of ’66 was inducted into the 50-Year Club, whose members graduated from Poly 50 years ago or more. Guests toured the North Campus with current students as guides, enjoyed dinner and a performance by the Lower School Junior Orchestra, and heard school and Alumni Association updates from Giancarlo DiMassa ’92 and Head of School John Bracker. “The Business of Startups” was the topic for the Alumni Roundtable at Caltech on Friday morning. Back at Poly, classroom visits led into the 99th Poly Pet and Hobby Show and the first-ever #PolyDay2016 on social media. Friday evening, the campus filled with celebration: The centennial of Boy Scout Troop 5, the 10th anniversary of the Poly pool, and a performance of the Upper School musical offered nostalgia and fun variety. Saturday morning, alumni joined John Bracker at his home for the Head’s Welcome, where students and faculty discussed Poly’s Global Initiatives Program. In the afternoon, families enjoyed the annual Alumni Family Picnic on campus before the evening celebrations, when the 15th through 50th reunion classes gathered on Arden Lawn for a reception and class photos before dinner.

Current students, faculty, and staff loved seeing so many alumni, parents of alumni, and former faculty back on campus to catch up and enjoy the time together. Special thanks go to all who attended and to the 2016 reunion committees, whose incredible efforts throughout the year made the weekend a success.

The Class of ’86 won both the Willis Stork Award for highest participation in the Poly Fund (36 percent) and the Gosney Cup for highest dollar amount raised for the Poly Fund ($37,000).

To view more photos, please visit www.polytechnic.org/ alumninews

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E Oak Tree and Grace Henley Societies join together on campus

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Ella K. ’20 shares with guests her view of Poly’s Global Initiatives Program.

The far and wide reach of Poly’s community was especially clear in late February when two groups of especially devoted supporters visited school for lunch and reconnection. The Oak Tree Society, donors who have given to the school for 20 years or more, and the Grace Henley Society, those who have provided for the school in their estate plans, had a special treat at the annual event this year. Two students from each division of the school spoke movingly about their exposure to the worldwide community through Poly’s Global Initiatives Program.

Whether they were alumni, past parents, or former faculty or staff, the Grace Henley and Oak Tree Society guests were inspired to hear the impact of global studies

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in each student’s story. Andrew F. ’23 told of befriending a visiting Costa Rican pen pal (especially on the soccer field); Eleanor V. ’22 shared her connection with Japanese students whom Poly’s fifth-graders had hosted on campus; Ella K. ’20 described her fast friendship with a French student who had visited through a homestay; Ben S. ’20 described the eye-opening Middle School study of Sudanese “Lost Boys” that included a visit by Lost Boy Alepho Deng to school; and Carter W. ’16 and Sean M. ’16 described experiences in Senegal and Nicaragua that helped shape their perspectives of their roles in the world. n

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Events Graduating seniors get schooled in Alumni 101

PoPs keeps Poly connection alive Poly’s former faculty and staff group, PoPs, met for lunch at El Portal Restaurant on Cinco de Mayo. With innumerable stories to share and such high-caliber company to enjoy, PoPs offers wonderful ongoing connection to Poly life. To learn more about the group’s activities, please contact the Alumni Office at alumni@polytechnic.org or 626-396-6335. n

Kim Bickell ‘93, Ezra Callahan ‘99, and Elisa Rodriguez ‘01 share insights with the senior class about college life and the Poly alumni community.

At the end of the year, when commencement is near on the horizon, bags are almost packed for the senior trip, and classes have wrapped up, Poly’s graduating class has something special left to consider during their final days on campus: how to make the transition from members of the student body to Poly alumni. Hosted by the Alumni Association for departing seniors, the Alumni 101 session in May brought the senior class together in Garland Theatre one last time to be welcomed to the alumni community by current alumni board members Kim Wycoff Bickell ’93, Ezra Callahan ’99, Elisa Rodriguez ’01, Derek Phillips ’85, and Poly’s Director of Donor Relations Amanda Edwards ’92. The program covered a wide range of topics, from the importance of staying in touch with Poly to what it’s like going from Poly to a college or large university and a new town. The students had an opportunity to ask questions and share their concerns. The seniors received helpful insight and reassurance as they looked toward their college careers, and they heard about the benefits of the Alumni Association and staying involved with the Poly community. If you are interested in volunteering to speak with seniors at future Alumni 101 events, please contact the Alumni Office at alumni@polytechnic.org.

Pictured (clockwise from front, center): Marie Assaf, Glennie Cameron, Ann Marie Mitchell, Priscilla Dunn Flynn ’44, current Poly Archives Manager Barbara Bishop, Jane Soloway, Celinda Pearson, Dorothy Wooddell, Elizabeth Lanski, Susan Grether, and Howie Farer.

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P Poly unites coast to coast for its first National Alumni Community Service Day

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Lori MacPherson ‘85 and Richard Kim ‘98 prepare lunch for members of the Union Station Homeless Services Adult Center.

Sebastian Cahill ‘13, Jordan Wallens ’90, and Jordan’s son, Xabi, help spruce up the garden at Hastings Branch Library in Pasadena.

Emma Newhall, daughter of David Newhall ’95, helps plant new gardens at the Pasadena Library.

Blythe Haaga Parker ’01 and Calvin Hwang ’93 serve at the Bowery Mission in New York.

On June 11, current school families and alumni in Los Angeles and New York joined together for Poly’s first-ever National Alumni Community Service Day. Locally we partnered with Union Station Homeless Services and the Pasadena Libraries Hastings Branch; in New York, alumni volunteers came together at the Bowery Mission. In Pasadena, volunteers spent the morning planting new gardens at the library and preparing and serving lunch at the Union Station Adult Center. On the East Coast, volunteers prepared the dinner service for visitors to the Bowery Mission. Poly thanks Rhonda Stone — council liaison to Mayor Terry Tornek and mother of Adam ’96, David ’00, and Evan Stone ’03 — for her assistance. We also appreciate the welcome from Gwen Hourihan, coordinator of volunteer and community programs at Union Station Homeless Services, and Jordan Yeo, volunteer scheduling coordinator at the Bowery Mission. A special thanks to Blythe Haaga Parker ’01, Poly’s New York regional representative, for her help in coordinating the event. n

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Philanthropy New funds to support the full cost of Poly life As every independent-school family knows, the cost of an exceptional education goes beyond annual tuition.

Poly parents are all familiar with the list of “extras” — from school uniforms and lunches to Outdoor Education trip gear, tickets to dances, and athletic equipment.

Those expenses outside of tuition can be as important to creating a positive experience for growth as the fees that support courses and classrooms; they help make up the fabric of Poly life.

While essential to students’ full participation in the school community, additional costs can become too burdensome for many families. “We recognize many expenses may be difficult for families to cover, whether or not they are receiving financial aid toward tuition,” Brad Walters says from his perspective as Poly’s financial aid officer and assistant director of admissions. Walters is working with Head of School John Bracker and the Advancement team to ease that burden on family budgets, starting with a realistic understanding of what Poly life truly costs.

This past year, Walters has overseen a survey of a broad cross-section of Poly families to collect information about spending on school-related activities beyond tuition.

Thirty-five families from all grade and income levels have reported their expenses, which have included: school supplies like notebooks, pens, and science project materials; athletic wear and team snacks; special celebration costs such as dance tickets and clothing, “Secret Santa” gifts, and senior portraits; and a range of individualized experience costs like tutoring, scout dues, afterschool classes, and service project contributions.

A common message has been clear — any family can become overwhelmed at some point by the number of demands on their resources, and Poly’s attention to the matter is refreshing. One parent in the survey said, “I’m so glad you’re doing this [data collection]. We’re a full-pay family, but feel we’re on the cusp of being able to manage

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Prom-goers enjoy one of many community-building traditions.

what it takes to be here.” The necessary choice to opt out of certain activities or purchases can create divisions and tension within the community and inhibit individual students.

In the 2016-17 school year, Poly will begin to offer more equal access to the full school experience through an option for any family to apply for help with auxiliary expenses. And a special group of donors has taken the lead in contributing to that goal: the Senior Class of 2016.

The “Poly Experience Fund,” started by the most recent graduates’ families, is dedicated to helping cover all non-tuition costs that make life at this school so full and enriching. Senior Class President August O’Beirne ’16 said in presenting the gift, “We believe that no one at Poly should be excluded from school events on the basis of wealth — we have found it essential that everyone should be able to enjoy this extraordinary place in an extraordinary way.”

Poly’s administrative team and the Board of Trustees are enthusiastic about the greater possibilities for inclusion as awareness and support grow around this program. “We want all Poly students to be able to participate fully in the life of the school,” Head of School John Bracker says. “Funds to cover school activities will help each one of them to enjoy the vibrant opportunities that distinguish and define a Poly education.” n

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Class Notes

Congratulations to the Class of 2016!

On Thursday, June 9, Babcock Field was overflowing with family, friends, faculty, and staff as 87 seniors gathered to be honored with diplomas and officially conclude their time as Poly students. Hale Integrity Prize recipient Allison Annick offered the invocation, after which Head of School John Bracker welcomed the seniors and their family and friends. This year’s commencement speech was delivered by the seniors themselves.

Ten students were randomly selected to deliver two-minute speeches telling the story of their Poly experience, classmates, and hopes for the future. With confidence and poise, the seniors took to the podium and reflected on how much they have grown individually and academically, and how their lives have been enriched and confidence fueled. They spoke of Poly as their home, their classmates and teachers as family, and a shared pride knowing that Poly has prepared and nurtured them to be, unapologetically, who they are. After diplomas were awarded, Faculty Appreciation Award recipient Jack Prater offered the benediction, before Bracker concluded the evening. Congratulations to the Class of 2016 and welcome to the Alumni Association! n

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Class Notes Dr. Kent Coleman ’66 Our daughter went to Villanova. Our grandkids go to old Poly soccer rival Ojai Valley School. Great to see you at the reunion. Stories to tell. n

Class Notes editorial policy: The editorial staff gives preference to those class notes that come from primary sources. We reserve the right to edit class notes (primarily because of space considerations and occasionally for clarity). We do not have the resources to fact-check class note entries; therefore, we cannot be liable for inaccurate or false information that may inadvertently find its way into a class note. We thank you for your understanding.

To submit a class note, send an email to classnotes@polytechnic.org.

1939-1959 Daniel Crotty ’51 Janet and I completed our 40th year in Ventura, Calif. We remain active on the Jesus Film Development Board for a film viewed by more than two billion people in 1,350 languages! n David Young ’52 Last summer, Jean closed her Montessori school, and I retired from the EPA. Our grandchildren seem to approve of the new lifestyle, and so do we. n

1970-1979 her home in Paris; Margaret Rhodes came from Massachusetts. The rest of us are still in Southern California! Pictured from left to right: Jill Bennett Polsby, Alison McKelvey Clayson, Sandy Hixson Sarnoff, Margaret Rhodes, Betsy Crockett, Sally Grant Holland. n

1960-1969 Cynthia Stork Gerber ’64 Funny — who would have thought 50 years ago that we’d be “talking” with each other on Facebook?! Turning 70, I’m looking forward to a good time in Sonoma with Taylor Smith ’90 and Ted Smith ’93 and their families. Let me know when you’re coming to Seattle. I had a great time at Poly. n

Gary M. Stever ’56 I spent 25 years adjusting maritime claims, then 12 years self-employed and semiretired. Now living in sunny Ojai and have a house just off the beach in Carpinteria, 35 minutes away. n Barbara Breasted Whitesides ’56 In response to the school’s “Language at Poly,” I just want to nail down the six pages of “Foreign Words and Phrases” at the back of my Webster’s Dictionary — embarrassing at 74 not to know them all! n Sara Grant Holland ’57 On Jan. 8, six members of the Class of ’57 gathered at the home of Sally Grant Holland ’57 in Thousand Oaks, Calif.

Alison McKelvey Clayson traveled from

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Kathryn Nickel Levenson ’76 I enjoyed my 40-year Poly reunion. I finished my 26th year interviewing for Harvard and my fourth as co-chair. I enjoy my teacher librarian job in San Francisco.

My son, Max, is preparing for his summer tour through Asia and Europe with the a cappella group Harvard Krokodiloes. See them at Kroks.com. n Cheryl Nickel Prueher ’79 I recently moved to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and started a new job as executive director for the Rotary Club of Spokane #21, reportedly one of the oldest and largest Rotary Clubs in the United States. I just received my Silver Singles and Pairs judging appointment for U.S. Figure Skating, and I am closing out the second year serving as president of the Spokane Figure Skating Club. Yes, living out here, I guess you could say that a lot of my life is spent in the cold and on the ice. It makes me appreciate the warm summers and the beautiful lakes out here. n

1980-1989

Kathleen Huber ’64 My husband, Jerry, and I recently saw the publication of our book, “Four Plays by Jean-Jacques Rousseau.” These are lively new translation/adaptations of Rousseau’s little-known theatrical works. Most are romantic comedies. The book also includes introductions to the volume and to each play and a timeline of Rousseau’s life and work. The book is available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle. n

Amy Talbot ’81 My kids, triplets Stanwood, Malcolm, and Clare Roediger, are graduating high school this year. Looking forward to reinventing myself in 2017. n

Alison Sloane Gaylin ’83 Alison recently published her ninth book, P O LY C O N N E C T I O N S

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ALUMNI PROFILE

Class Notes CONTINUED

Dr. Olugbenga Ajilore ’92

by Sam Clark ’16

As so often happens, the direction Gbenga Ajilore ’92 envisioned during his high school career differed considerably from the actual path he has followed since. A passionate student, Ajilore found math at Poly especially engaging, as he was among the earliest classes to experience a redesigned curriculum.

Ajilore says he also benefited from a spectacular teacher, Mr. Robinson, whom he credits with nurturing students’ excitement about the subject by encouraging them to match his own. Reflecting on this example, Ajilore explains that his learning from Poly teachers has manifested in his own teaching style. “Teachers are catalysts for the potential of each of their students,” he says, “and I try to incorporate that enthusiasm I was exposed to at Poly.”

Ajilore pursued mathematics in college, but his vision for his career evolved quickly. In his words: “I didn’t know I wanted to be in academia until I became an academic.” Finding applied mathematics too abstract but still hoping for a means to apply his love of math, Ajilore added economics as a second major. This additional subject soon became a focus for him after year with a consulting firm, and Ajilore decided to pursue a Ph.D. in economics. An experience teaching a course in graduate school kindled his love of teaching, and he says the classroom just seemed to fit him.

Currently Ajilore is an associate professor of public economics at the University of Toledo, where his main research areas are the militarization of law enforcement and the role of peers on adolescent behavior. Regarding the latter, Ajilore explains that his research takes a unique view of behavioral influence on teens, expanding beyond just friends to encompass people who live in the same area and peers who take a similar course load at school. Through that research, Ajilore has demonstrated that the whole range of peers has a significant and persistent influence on a teenager’s life.

Ajilore encourages students to be open to new experiences and to acknowledge that their path in life is not set in stone. “I had no idea that Toledo, Ohio, was in my future. However, it turned out to be where I belong and has allowed me to make a positive impact on the lives of many people and my community.”

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“What Remains of Me,” in February 2016.

Her critically acclaimed suspense novels have been published in such countries as the U.K., France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway and Japan. n Scott Lindus ’84 After nearly 20 years with J.P. Morgan and Bear Stearns, I joined Morgan Stanley Wealth Management in Beverly Hills and couldn’t be happier! I work indirectly with another Poly alumnus and classmate, Michael Grimes ’84, who heads up Morgan Stanley’s Technology Investment Banking franchise in Northern California.

Separately, classmate Gretchen Seager ’84 just sold my uncle’s house in San Marino and couldn’t have done a better job for us!

It’s fun to work professionally with old friends! On the home front, our daughter, Sophia, will be attending Harvard-Westlake for seventh grade in the fall, as her brother, Beau, starts third grade at Carlthorp School in Santa Monica. So far, 50 doesn’t seem so bad! Hope to see any Panthers soon! n Suzanne Kelley ’85 After spending the past 16 years in New York, I am very excited to be back in sunny Southern California. Please look me up if you are in the Venice area! n

1990-1999

Roopal Mehta Saran ’90 Anne Su Chang ’90, Wendy Ray ’90, Shabnum Matthews Vu ’90, Yenyen Chan ’90, Michelle Hsu Chang ’90, Roopal Mehta Saran ’90, and Amy Horng ’90 got together in Monterey, Calif., for a weekend

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Class Notes in October 2015. It was really wonderful to catch up and celebrate more than 25 years of friendship! n Kelly Rakow Sutherland ’95 In February 2016, Kelly Rakow Sutherland was awarded an Alfred P. Sloan Research Fellowship for her work in the field of ocean sciences at the University of Oregon.

The Sloan Fellowship will help finance her oceanographic research. n Anne Gifford Ewing ’96 I am still happily practicing trusts and estates law at Gifford, Dearing, & Abernathy LLP in L.A. My husband, Mark, and I spend most of our spare time chasing our beautiful daughter, Georgiana, who just turned two. n Sharath Reddy ’96 I moved back to the Bay Area in 2014 after 10 years in Mumbai, Philadelphia, and NYC. In 2015, we welcomed a daughter, Nathasha, to join Noyan, age 4. We are loving being back in California! n Richard Plotkin ’97 Richard and Emily Plotkin are proud to announce the birth of a baby girl, Nadia Eleanor. She was born on Aug. 7, 2015, at Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles, and weighed 7 lb. 3 oz. She joins her big sister, Arya, in cat chasing and other shenanigans. n

Anuj Gupta ’98 My wife, Aparna, and I welcomed a baby boy, Amarveer (“Veer”) Narendra Gupta, on Oct. 28, 2015. His name means “eternally brave,” and he shares his middle name with

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my father, whom we lost last July. Veer is now sitting up on his own and babbling loudly, enjoying having his own room in our new home in Santa Monica! n Mark Gordon ’99 ICM Partners’ Mark Gordon was named head of international scripted TV in London. He is relocating to the agency’s London office. Gordon began his career at Broder Webb Chervin Silbermann, where he became an agent in 2005. He segued to ICM following the agency’s merger with BWCS and was named partner in May of 2012, the same year he was named head of the television literary department. n

2000-2014 Neil Tolaney ’00 Neetu and Neil welcomed Annabel Oak Tolaney on Nov. 5, 2015. n Megan Hole ’05 After spending a year and a half at BCBG in Los Angeles as an assistant colorist, I was offered the opportunity to join the Nordstrom Product Group as a colorist at their corporate offices in downtown Seattle. The move was quite unexpected. I was offered the position in mid-September, landed in Seattle on Oct. 2, and started my new job four days later. I’m just now catching my breath! For those wondering what a textile colorist does, we deal with fabric mills around the globe to help ensure the materials we buy are dyed the right color before we send it to be cut and sewn into the final garment. Believe it or not, this is actually pretty tricky! NPG produces a great number of products under brands you probably never realized were exclusive to Nordstrom (examples include BP, Halogen, Zella, Treasure & Bond, Trouvé, Leith, Caroline Issa, and Olivia Palermo’s new collaboration with Chelsea 28). The rumors you’ve heard are true—Nordstrom is truly an incredible place to work. n

Sami Chau ’09 Sami started medical school at USC Keck School of Medicine. n

Monique Bartley ’12 My good friends Brittany Beljak ’12 and Jordan Askins ’12 are fellow Poly pre-K lifers, and we recently graduated from Barnard College of Columbia University.

We always joke that the Poly bond was too strong to sever for college! Here’s a photo from our special day! n Alexis Genske ’12 Alexis was named Second Team All-Ivy of the University of Pennsylvania volleyball team. This is the second such distinction for Genske, as she was named to the second team as a sophomore as well.

Alexis graduated in May as a philosophy, politics and economics major in the College of Arts and Sciences. n

For the latest in alumni news and events, visit www.polytechnic.org/alumni

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In Memoriam We extend our condolences to the families and friends of those listed below and hope this section assists those who wish to honor their Poly classmates and friends. Poly publishes obituaries as space allows when we receive notice that an alumnus/a or former faculty or staff member has died. If we have neglected to list someone, please send us biographical information, which we will print in a subsequent issue. Please note: Listings include those received through April 2016.

William Piper ’33 2015, Santa Rosa, California Virginia Hovey Rowan ’34 December 25, 2015, Pasadena, California Virginia was born in Kansas City, Mo., on Aug. 20, 1919. She and her family moved to Pasadena when she was 4 years old.

She attended Poly and Westlake School and graduated from Finch College in New York, N.Y. She volunteered for many years at Huntington Hospital and was on the board of directors of the John Tracy Clinic. She is survived by her daughters, Lorraine Hovey Rowan ’63 and Virginia “Jinx” Rowan Lobdell ’67.

Don Switzer ’34 2015, Tempe, Arizona Ethlyn “Dulie” Dulin Ware ’37 December 17, 2015, Geneva, Illinois Ethlyn was born March 9, 1921, in Pasadena. She is the daughter of Garrettson Dulin and Jane Stimson Dulin. She attended Poly, The Masters School in Dobbs Ferry, N.Y., and Scripps College, graduating in 1943. Following graduation, Dulie volunteered for the Red Cross, serving as a Grey Lady stationed in Honolulu, Hawaii. After her service, she returned home to start a nursery school in Los Angeles. While in Los Angeles, she met Gordon Keith Ware; they were married in June 1946. Dulie was an active volunteer with the Junior Leagues of Pasadena and Chicago, where she served as president. She was also a member and president of The Contemporary Club, the Know Your Chicago Club, The Women’s Athletic Club, the Belvedere Club, and the Dunham Woods Riding Club. Dulie is survived by her four children, 10 grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, two brothers (Garrettson Dulin Jr. ’38 and Robert Dulin ’43), niece Cynthia Dulin Herr ’78, nephews Robert Dulin ’80 and James Dulin ’76, and great-niece Molly Dulin ’09.

Robert T. Andrews ’38 October 6, 2015, Issaquah, Washington Robert was born in Chicago in 1923. After attending Poly, his studies at Pomona College were cut short when he enlisted in the Army in 1942. He served in Europe under General Patton in the 35th Infantry Division of the Third Army before his discharge in November 1945. Robert married his childhood sweetheart, Theodora Hammond, in 1946, and they lived in San Marino. Together they had two children. Robert and Theodora were drawn to the woods of Issaquah, Wash., where they lived for more than three decades. Robert was most known

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for his extensive community activities, including volunteer fireman in Issaquah, Overlake Hospital emergency room volunteer, and Issaquah schools bus driver. He is survived by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Robert was predeceased by his brothers, Wilbur Andrews ’39 and Peter Andrews ’42.

Mary Ellen Hayward Brooks ’39 February 5, 2016, Annapolis, Maryland Mary Ellen was born Nov. 12, 1923, in Oxnard, Calif., to Virginia Schaul Hayward and Max Everett Hayward. She was the niece of Poly’s founding head of school, Virginia Pease Hunt. She was married to Captain Daniel P. Brooks for 22 years. They had four children. As a Navy wife, Mary Ellen enjoyed duty stations in Hawaii, California, Virginia, Connecticut, Guam, and Maryland.

She loved to travel. Beyond her Navy days, she continued to travel the globe, owned a vacation apartment in Spain, and, until the age of 92, spent every winter in California. Mary Ellen worked as a real estate agent for Herbert Hawkins in Pasadena and for Charles H. Steffey and Shannon and Luchs in Annapolis. She is survived by her children, grandchildren, greatgrandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.

Dorothea Sabin Barnes ’40 January 12, 2016, Aliso Viejo, California Hazel Bilton Lyon ’41 September 6, 2014, Carpenteria, California Hazel was born July 8, 1925, in Maudsley, England, to Percy and Edna Bilton. She is the sister of Derek Bilton ’44. The family lived in Pasadena, where Hazel attended Westridge and Poly.

After Poly, the family sailed back to England where Hazel was a conscripted volunteer civilian in the Royal Admiralty. During wartime England, she met her husband, George Ray Lyon Jr., who at the time was the youngest captain in the U.S. Army. They were married in Pasadena in 1946. Together they had three children. Hazel is survived by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Julia “Judy” McCook Banning ’41 April 19, 2016 Judy was born to George Anson McCook and Marie Converse McCook on June 15, 1926, in Westwood, Mass. As a child, she attended Poly and Westridge until the eighth grade. Her high school years were spent at Milton Academy in Milton, Mass., where she flourished, graduating with distinction in 1945. Although Judy had been accepted at Vassar College, circumstances resulting from World War II brought her back

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to California, where she enrolled at UC Berkeley in the fall of 1945. Judy and her husband, Bill, were married July 16, 1949, at the Church of Our Savior in San Gabriel, Calif., and the couple lived in South Pasadena until 1958. Together they had five children. Throughout her life, Judy was an active volunteer and participated in many civic and philanthropic organizations, including the Junior League, Harbor Day School, the Friends of the Newport Beach Library and the Library Board of Trustees, the Newport Harbor Service League, the UC Irvine Arboretum, and the Board of Directors of Planned Parenthood Association of Orange County, serving in the 1980s as president. A prolific gardener, Judy belonged to the Diggers Garden Club in Pasadena and the Garden Rakes in Santa Monica and was a founding member of the Little Garden Club in Newport Beach.

Also, she was a docent at the Botanical Gardens at the Huntington Library and at the Sherman Library and Gardens. Julia was predeceased by her siblings, Marie McCook Cooper ’34 and Anson McCook ’36, and brother in-law, Robert J. Banning ’39.

where she earned a second bachelor’s degree in fine arts at UC Santa Cruz. She was an artist in the Bay Area for a decade, showing her works in watercolor, oil painting, sketches, mixed media, and sculpture. She is survived by her children and four grandchildren.

Lee Norris Shaw ’42 September 17, 2014, San Juan Capistrano, California Lee was born in Los Angeles on Dec. 30, 1927, to Herndon and Lorena Norris. She is survived by her husband, George H. Shaw ’41, 17 grandchildren including Lisa Perry ’94 and Jon Perry ’00, great-grand children, nieces, and a nephew.

She is the sister of Lorena Norris ’38.

Anne V. Bullock-Webster ’49 January 15, 2016, Sacramento, California Anne was born Jan. 23, 1935, in Pasadena. She was predeceased by her brother, Michael Bullock Webster ’49. Anne attended Poly and Scripps College before moving to San Francisco. She was married to Richard Baldry and moved to Sacramento. Anne was a member of the Junior League, the Sacramento Opera Association, Del Paso Country Club, assistant director of the Volunteer Placement Bureau in Pasadena and Volunteer for Channel 6 Auction and Washington Neighborhood Center. Anne adored time with her family, whether in Tahoe, the beach, or their homes; she enjoyed playing tennis, swimming, and playing golf. She is survived by her children and grandchildren.

Madeline Kimball Conley ’43 Claremont, California Martha Joanne Sanford Alva ’44 February 19, 2007, Petaluma, California Martha was raised in Southern California and was involved in equestrian sports during her youth. She graduated from the University of Arizona and worked as a dietician for San Quentin State Prison for many years. She was an avid golfer, bridge player, friend of animals, and a world traveler. Martha was a member of the Fountaingrove Country Club, Church of the Incarnation, and the board of directors for the Sonoma County Museum. She was a resident of Sonoma County for 30 years.

Victor “Toby” Palmieri ’44 October 27, 2015, Van Nuys, California Joya Bogan Wells ’45 February 10, 2016, Santa Barbara, California Joya was born in Santa Barbara to Dr. Alfred and Helen Bogan on Feb. 17, 1930. She was the younger sister of Al and Louie Bogan. She lived in both Santa Barbara and Pasadena in her childhood and graduated from the Montecito School for Girls. She attended Smith College until her marriage to Edgar Wells Jr. In the early years of their marriage, she lived in many locations, including Virginia, South Carolina, and Massachusetts.

The family returned to her hometown of Santa Barbara in 1959, where she raised her three children. Later in life, Joya followed her passion for art and moved to Northern California,

Eleana de Vrahnos Peratis ’49 April 13, 2016, Stanford, California Eleana was born June 17, 1934, to Marie and Pierre deVrahnos in Los Angeles. She spent her formative years in San Marino. After high school, her sharp, mathematical mind and curious spirit brought her to Stanford University, where she studied cultural anthropology, inspiring her to pursue a career in the travel industry. To many people, Eleana seemed like a force of nature: beautiful, determined, gregarious, with an unyielding desire to make everyone around her feel special. She adored her five grandchildren, and she was fiercely loyal to those she loved. She is survived by her two children, grandchildren, and sister, Diane de Vrahnos Spencer ’47.

Robert D. Cutler ’53 January 1, 2012, Lucas, Texas Robert was born in Pasadena on May 20, 1938. After high school, he joined the Army and ultimately established a long career in sales in the housewares industry. Robert married and had three children. He was a fun-loving, adventurous spirit.

Robert and his wife, Nancy, traveled the world many times in pursuit of his scuba diving adventures.

John S. Hunting ’58 March 8, 2016, Santa Barbara, California John was born July 23, 1943, in Pasadena. A graduate of Poly, Midland School, and Denison University and a student at Art Center College of Design, John was a talented illustrator and graphic artist. He served in the U.S. Army Reserve and worked in advertising and corporate communications. John is survived by his siblings, Nancy Hunting Saunders ’52 and David Hunting ’69. He is predeceased by his parents, Edgar H. Hunting and Alice Leeds Hunting ’23, and his brother Edgar “Ted” Hunting ’54. He is the nephew of Charles Leeds ’19, Eleanor Frenzi ’31, and Elizabeth Myers ’33, and cousin of Desaix Myers ’63 and Gifford Myers ’66.

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P.S. Brad Walters

Brad Walters (second from left) pictured with his colleagues in the Admission Office.

Brad Walters joined Poly as financial aid officer and assistant director of admission in 2015.

In this role, he guides families through both the admission and financial aid application processes so Poly can continue to welcome a talented, bright, thoughtful set of students each year. Prior to Poly, he began his career in a similar role at The Webb Schools.

Q: What is your favorite thing about your role at Poly?

I have found warmth and enthusiasm in every corner of this community. As an admission officer, it’s important that I get to know the school I represent, so I’ve sought a lot of different experiences, from teaching an after-school class to joining some of the Outdoor Ed trips. Every time, I’ve been welcomed enthusiastically. It’s a wonderful and clear reinforcement of Poly’s commitment to community.

Q: How are you working to further define the financial aid program at Poly?

I’m a strong proponent of financial aid being a tool to reinforce a school’s mission, so I always have that in the back of my mind. Two concepts seem particularly important at Poly: community and character. How can we best use our resources to foster a culture of inclusivity and service to the community? My part is to make sure that a family’s ability to pay doesn’t impede the creation of a vibrant, diverse, inclusive community on campus. That means being methodical and careful in distributing the budget to ensure we always have funds available to support those who need them. In the long term, that also means I have an interest in outreach to underrepresented communities.

Q: What is the last movie you saw?

I think it was the new “Captain America” movie. My husband works for Marvel, so we often go to the premieres. It’s a pretty awesome perk of marrying into that company!

Q: If you could pick one phrase that is your motto, what would it be?

As a kid and teenager, I was idealistic and headstrong (my parents and teachers might say “rebellious”). I eventually learned the power of what I call “incidental rebellion,” or the idea that we often do the most good when we simply show the world that we — and the qualities we represent — are competent and valuable. So I think my motto would be: “Get involved, be yourself, and do a good job.”

Q: What is a hidden talent that people don’t know you have?

Does a near-encyclopedic knowledge of U.S. senators count as a talent or merely a useless bit of information worthy of mockery? Whistling … I’ll go with whistling.

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