Rossman School Alumni Magazine - Spring 2019

Alumni Magazine Spring 2019

Message from t he Chair Dear Rossman School Alumni, The kids have just returned to school after a long and relaxing spring break. The temperatures are becoming warmer, flowers are blooming, and before we know it, the hot lazy dog-days of summer will be upon us. Friends and classmates will say goodbye to each other at the end of the school year and look forward to seeing each other again in August.

As children we take for granted how often we see and spend time with our friends and classmates.

Their noted absence during the summer makes everyone all the more excited for school to start and for everyone to reunite come fall. At some point everyone graduates and goes their separate ways, ending up at a new school, a new city or a new job and all those years spent together become distant and, hopefully, fond memories. As I was ruminating on these thoughts, it brought to mind the importance of time, and how we spend it and how little of it we truly have.

As these summer days approach, consider reaching out to old friends or classmates and get together face-to-face. Go grab coffee or lunch or attend your alma mater’s alumni event or reunion. Following someone on social media is no substitute for the in-person dialogue and connection that can be felt when walking down memory lane with old friends, the ones who knew you before you became the “you” of today.

Laughing when being reminded of one’s youth, retelling stories of the past that only become more embellished with time, and learning new things about old friends can recharge the soul.

I am taking my own advice and already have a few dates on the calendar to see some of my dearest old friends (including some of my fellow Rossman classmates) this summer. I smile just thinking about getting together, reminiscing, and most importantly, laughing like we did when we were kids. I hope you do the same. Have a great summer!

Best Regards,

Meghan Bass Gearhart (’94) Chair, Rossman School Board of Trustees Development/Alumni Relations Committee

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Inside departments Message from the Chair . . . . . . . . . 1 In Focus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Rossman Today . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Message from the Head of School . 4 Alumni Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Roll Call . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 FEATURES Alumni Up Close . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Memorials and Tributes . . . . . . . . 14

On the cover:

Inspired by Kelsey Montague’s What Lifts You campaign of wing murals, each Rossman student created a unique feather in art class last fall. The feathers were assembled into an interactive mural in the Schnuck Children’s Art Gallery. Members of the Rossman community are invited to reflect on how Rossman lifts you and post photos with the hashtag #RossmanInspires.

Stay Connected To update your contact information or send us news, please email alumni@rossmanschool.org.

Visit us on Facebook, LinkedIn or the Rossman School website at www.rossmanschool.org/alumni.

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In Focus

Upcoming Events Young Alumni Luncheon (Class of 2019) May 22, 2019

Seats Sparkle with Newly Installed Donor Plaques

Sixth Grade Graduation May 29, 2019

Seats in Rossman’s Marshall Gymnasium and Pratt Performing Arts Center are being adorned with glistening new plaques commemorating students, parents, families, teachers, and businesses. The school’s Take a Seat endowment campaign invites supporters to leave their mark in one of these spaces while supporting the education of generations of future Rossman students. Seats are still available. For a gift of $200 or more, members of the Rossman community may customize a nameplate in the space of your choice. To learn more, contact Cathleen Wyckoff at 314.434.5877, ext. 204, or visit www.rossmanschool.org/takeaseat.

Class of 2018 Reunion June 4, 2019 Class of 2016 Reunion June 5, 2019 Networking Happy Hour June 6, 2019

If you would like to help with any of these events or assist in planning a reunion for your class, please contact Director of Development Cathleen Wyckoff at 314.434.5877, ext. 204, or cwyckoff@rossmanschool.org.

Rossman School Alumni Associat ion Steering Committee Meghan Bass Gearhart (’94) Chair, Rossman School Board of Trustees Development/Alumni Relations Committee

Bill Adams (’69) Hal Ball (’74) John Bosman (’48) Julie Buck Brooks (’84) Andrew Carlie (’98) Ryan Carlie (’96) Cathy Yates Carlson (’78) Brian Collard (’87) Lisa Schwartz Engel (’84) Andrew Finefield (’98) Anne Fuleihan Fischer (’90) Erica Fishel (’97)

David Gast (’42) Josh Hazan (’93) Jim Howe (’71) Nelson Howe (’65) Curt Ittner (’70) Mike Johnson (’85) David Kantrovitz (’87) Kim Hesker Kovac (’87) Arthur Lueking (’53) Jay Marshall (’58) Kathy Sedgwick Moran (’69) Connor Murch (’99)

Laura Dierberg Padousis (’87) Michelle Farberman Quatmann (’89) Kent Rapp (’70) Jennifer Serot (’98) Mitch Siems (’85) Chris Benedict Skale (’88) Jamie Stuart (’97) Steve Sumner (’93) Dave Swaykus (’88) Judy Rogers Trout (’70) 2

Rossman Today

Rossman Today

Schwaner Award Funds Sensory Library From alternative seating and visual timers, to self-regulation and fine motor tools — Rossman educators now have access to an array of materials to support children in classrooms. The school’s new sensory library was made possible by the Helen Schwaner Faculty Professional Development Award and the innovation of its 2018 winners, Learning Consultant Heather Blome and Lower School Director Rachel Dixon.

“In our experience, small tweaks and accommodations in the classroom can often translate into major differences in focus, self-regulation, and ultimately, learning,” explained Mrs. Blome and Mrs. Dixon in their award proposal. “It is often the case that no such tools are tried because they are not available or the family has not provided them. Furthermore, utilizing these tools can also involve some trial and error as we identify what works best for the child. Having our own supply would allow us to try different tools, without having to ask families to invest dollars in something that may or may not work for the child.”

Since winning the Schwaner Award in November, Mrs. Blome and Mrs. Dixon have intentionally selected sensory tools based on the needs they have encountered in their work with children throughout the building.

“Whether it is a visual timer to help a student manage their time and prepare for transitions or a carpet square

Jackie JoynerKersee Inspires Rossman Students Rossman was delighted to welcome six-time Olympic medalist, heptathlon world record holder and activist Jackie Joyner-Kersee to campus in January. Mrs. Kersee’s visit kicked of the school’s annual Wellness Week, a series of activities designed to bring awareness to being healthy in mind, body and spirit. Throughout the week, Rossman families collected over 1,100 personal care items for the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation.

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that reminds one of our younger students to remain in their personal space during carpet time, we are already seeing these tools go a long way in supporting our students with the accommodations they need to be most successful,” says Mrs. Dixon.

Established in Learning Consultant Heather 1995 by the CumBlome and Lower School Director mings family, the Rachel Dixon, winners of the 2018 Schwaner Award Schwaner Award provides Rossman faculty the opportunity to implement an idea to enrich the educational experience of Rossman students. The Cummings family is related to the late Helen Schwaner, who founded Rossman School with Mary Rossman in 1917.

Rossman Welcomes Five New Faculty and Staff Members for 2018-2019 Lower School Director Rachel Dixon Rachel has spent much of her career working in St. Louis independent schools. She has taught grades 1, 2, 5 and 6, and her administrative experience has taken her from an urban elementary charter school to an early childhood center. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Child Development from Tufts University, and a master’s degree in language and literacy from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

Sixth Grade Teacher Jordan Andes Jordan is a John Burroughs School graduate who recently returned to St. Louis after earning a master’s in English from Belmont University and teaching at Ensworth School in Nashville. Jordan strives to engender curiosity in his students by exposing them to diverse ideas and texts, expand their horizons through cultural awareness, and encourage interdisciplinary connections.

Sixth Grade Teacher Rachel Price Having earned a bachelor’s in Spanish, Rachel discovered her passion for teaching while serving as a volunteer English and music teacher in Buenos Aires.

After five years abroad, she obtained a master’s in education from Hunter College while teaching math in New York City. Rachel has taught math at St. Louis area schools since 2017.

Receptionist Julie Frizzell A professional with many talents, Julie has a heart for children and an appreciation for excellence in education. She holds a bachelor’s in communication studies from Taylor University in Indiana, and she recently worked with Covenant Christian School, designing their outdoor classroom and overseeing the remodeling of their library.

Facilities Manager John Dickerson Holding a bachelor’s in education, John has a background teaching third grade. He moved into facility management while working for Westminster Christian Academy, where he also maintained a faculty position as a theatre advisor. John comes to Rossman from Mercy, where he maintained the Heart Hospital and several patient floors.

Rossman Today Message from t he Head Dear Rossman Alumni, Reflection. It is said that to reflect is to look back so the view looking forward is even clearer. This year has offered great perspective as I reflect on our storied past and envision our exciting future.

One of the highlights of my first year as head of school was meeting many of you, our school’s dedicated alumni. Whether at our New York reception, one of the St. Louis happy hours, or a visit to campus, you have shared your stories of joyful days at Rossman and your gratitude for the elementary education that served as the foundation for the success you now enjoy. It has been an honor (and great fun) to hear about teachers who encouraged you, the traditions you hold dear and the school day memories that have shaped you.

Ultimately, your stories are about relationships. A caring teacher who spent extra time to ensure you understood a lesson. A head of school who believed in you when your belief in yourself faltered. A group of friends you’ve known nearly your whole life. An art teacher who inspired, a P.E. teacher who helped you reach a goal and a librarian who fed your voracious appetite for great books. At Rossman, you established deep relationships that nurtured your confidence, revealed your uniqueness and gave you roots, so you could fly.

We aspire to do the very same today! It is our privilege to educate and nurture a new generation of learners. Some are your very own sons and daughters. How wonderful it is to build new relationships and memories that will last a lifetime. As I reflect on the extraordinary children we have the honor to teach, it is incredibly clear that our future is bright!

Always grateful,

Elizabeth Zurlinden Head of School

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Rossman Today

William E. Ball Library Hosts Four Renowned Authors Rossman’s William E. Ball Library has been bursting with inspiration and imagination this year, as a series of distinguished authors have stopped by to talk with students and teachers about their books, careers and research.

March brought Australian author Andy Griffiths and hilarious tales from his Treehouse series. Students enjoyed a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of the books’ incredible ever-expanding treehouse and life lessons including whether or not one should push a big red button. Ms. Cowell’s, Ms. Rinker’s and Mr. Griffiths’ visits were made possible by The Novel Neighbor, an independent bookstore in Webster Groves.

Rossman was also delighted to welcome author and digital media expert Dr. Devorah Heitner to campus in the fall. Dr. Heitner presented an interactive workshop for educators, school leaders and counselors at ISSL (Independent Schools of St. Louis) schools highlighting the latest research on digital natives and how to support young people as they encounter and master digital skills.

Alumni Connections

Pictured clockwise from top: Cressida Cowell, Dr. Devorah Heitner, Andy Griffiths and Sherri Duskey Rinker

Upper School students were overjoyed to meet children’s author Cressida Cowell in October. Ms. Cowell shared the childhood experiences that inspired her best-selling How to Train Your Dragon series, introduced young fans to her new series, The Wizards of Once, and encouraged aspiring writers and artists to keep dreaming. Rossman’s captivated audience even got a lesson in speaking Dragonese and an early peek at the third How to Train Your Dragon film.

In November, Lower School had the opportunity to visit with Sherri Duskey Rinker, author of the #1 New York Times bestselling Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site series. With contagious energy, Ms. Rinker taught students about the magic power of books and how an idea becomes a book. The children loved hearing her heartwarming story Construction Site on Christmas Night and her inspiring tale of Tiny and the Big Dig.

At a charity event for The Next Step, SK Teacher Kathleen Bauer had an unexpected reunion with Cole Imbs (’08).

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Art Teacher Erica Spangler had the chance to meet and catch up with Brad Reay (’87) during a visit to Indiana last winter.

Helen Rapp Nightingale (’04) stopped by the sixth grade classroom via video conference to talk with students about founding a non-profit service organization.

Alumni Activities

Alumni Act ivit ies

Rossman Community Goes All In at Ross Vegas

Vegas newbs and whales alike enjoyed a memorable evening of fun and friendship Saturday, March 9, at Ross Vegas. The biennial “fun”raiser hosted by the Rossman School Parents’ Club raised $82,000 for Rossman students. Nearly 130 parents, alumni, faculty and staff gathered in the Marshall Gymnasium to try their luck at classic casino games, delight in a delicious dinner buffet and enter an array of enticing raffles. Up for grabs in the silent auction were a number of Rossman rarities and class projects. There was even a surprise visit by an Elvis tribute artist, who filled the room with laughter and nostalgic Presley music.

The event was chaired by six dedicated parents: Nicole Albrecht, Julie Ernst, Courtney Goodman, Kelly Metcalf, Michelle Ott, and Nima Rothmel.

Funds raised will support the renovation of the Drosten Greenhouse and other special projects, Rossman’s endowment and teacher wishlists.

Pictured from left: top - Roya Dover, Elvis Tribute Artist, Kim Hesker Kovac (’87), Kelly Metcalf, and Samaneh Ahmad; bottom - Laura Dierberg Padousis (’87), Patty Perschbacher, Cheryl Johnson, Becky Kaveney, and Alison Nadaud

Head of School Elizabeth Zurlinden (center) met up with Ted (’65) and Susan Gamble during a visit to New York.

Head of School Elizabeth Zurlinden and Upper School Director Gail Clark had the opportunity to connect with alumni at Belmont University and Vanderbilt University during a conference in the fall. Pictured from left: Jessica Goldberg (’11) and Mrs. Zurlinden; Mrs. Clark, Abigail Oglesby (’12), Emma Cohen (’10) and Mrs. Zurlinden.

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Alumni Activites

Holiday Program Reunion Continuing a treasured tradition, alumni of all ages took to the stage at the 86th Annual Rossman School Holiday Program to join current students in singing “Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer.”

Alumni Connect at New York Gathering An intimate gathering at The Harvard Club in New York City brought together local members of the Rossman community in February. More than a dozen people, including alumni representing classes from 1974 to 2008, enjoyed getting to know one another, reminiscing about their Rossman days, pouring over memorbilia from their time at the school (from old yearbooks to graduation speeches), sharing stories with spouses and guests, and devouring an array of mouth-watering hors d’oeuvres.

Head of School Elizabeth Zurlinden shared details about the latest initiatives at Rossman and enjoyed listening to the alumni share countless Rossman memories, including their favorite lunch.”

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Pictured clockwise from top left: Micah Ganske, Colette Robbins (’93) and Andrew Levine (’96); Audrey Imbs (’06) and Turner Rapp (’06); Emily Rapp, Andrew Levine (’96) and Haroon Chishti (’88); Head of School Elizabeth Zurlinden and Derek Rapp (’74)

Alumni Enjoy Winter Night Out A night out at Lester’s Bar and Grill was just the thing to lift alumni’s spirits during the long winter months.

The Alumni Networking Happy Hour on February 20 brought together Rossman alumni representing classes from 1942 to 2001. More than 20 people gathered for a fun and memorable evening.

Pictured from left: top - Judy Rogers Trout (’70), Second Grade Teacher Melissa Kriegshauser and Meghan Bass Gearhart (’94); middle - Carol Gast, Director of Development Cathleen Wyckoff and David Gast (’42); bottom - Head of School Elizabeth Zurlinden, Josh Hazan (’93), Kathy Hazan, Steve Sumner (’93), and Hal Ball (’74)

College Choices The following list shows the higher education choices of those alumni who have notified the Alumni Office.

Ethan Bagwell Arianna Baker August Ball Julian Ball

Class of 2012 University of Tulsa

Colorado State University

Washington University, St. Louis Southern Methodist University

Berkeley Bearden Texas Christian University Billy Boldt United States Military Academy Preparatory School Ashley Caster Indiana University Bloomington Anna Choi Grace Crockett Leigh Dennis Grant Duchars Victoria Enderle

New York University

High Point University

University of Michigan

Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology Southern Methodist University

Alexander Feldman Denison University Mia Guetterman Saint Louis University David Hardcastle Aidan Hunter Jennifer Johnston

The Citadel

University of Colorado Boulder University of Colorado Boulder

Margaret Johnston University of Miami Abby Kadane University of Tampa Sohan Kancherla Lily Lackey J.D. Mikula Eliza Miller Abigail Oglesby Kiki Peters

Harvard University Taylor University

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Indiana University Bloomington Belmont University

Indiana University Bloomington

Armando Sánchez Washington University, St. Louis Julian Shniter University of Tampa Hunter Sigmund John Walker Kaitlyn Wallace Trevor Weaks Jennifer Williams

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Indiana University Bloomington University of Chicago University of Kansas

University of Vermont 8

Alumni Activites

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Decades-Old Tradition Continues with Rossman School Class of 2013

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Twenty-three alumni from the Class of 2013 teamed up March 8 for Rossman’s 32nd annual Spirit Day basketball game. The high school seniors went head to head with fifth and sixth graders, making a valiant effort despite the wacky games concocted by P.E. teachers Larry Huusko and Jenna Lucas.

The alumni handicaps included imaginative challenges like: “Totally Tubular,” which required alumni to keep a golfball balanced inside a long tube while endeavoring to score; “Jedi Basketball,” which tested the alumni’s dexterity as they held a lightsaber in their dominant hand and played basketball with the other; and “Balloon Pop,” which involved each alumni player holding a balloon between their legs and avoiding the Rossman students whose mission was to pop them.

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The crowd was kept roaring with excitement and laughter for the entire basketball game. At the final buzzer, the fifth and sixth graders’ score was miles ahead, but the alumni were undeniably winners too, having shown a great sense of humor and impressive skills during the twelve whimsical periods.

Following the game, the alumni gathered in the Pratt Performing Arts Center to catch up and reminisce. The returning seniors represented John Burroughs (11), MICDS (8), St. Louis Priory (1), St. Louis University High (1), Visitation (1), and Harper College, IL (1).

Above: Members of the Class of 2013 are pictured from left to right: front row - Divya Srihari, Caroline Boyle, Allison Dahl, Catie Ackerman, Shaila Lundal, Chloe Frank, and Elle Sullivan; second row - Nico Feldman, Jack Brooks, Samer Hajji, Will Dreesen, Lexi Young, Kate Stengel, Abby Lee, Lindsay Ball, and Catherine Holt; back row - Drew Hardwick, Avi Dundoo, Turner Carlson, Gulshan Kodwani, Matt Brooks, and Jimmy Chalfant. Not pictured: D.J. Sansone.

Alumni Activities

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Alumni Events For information about upcoming alumni events, visit www.rossmanschool.org/alumni.

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Nico Feldman reaches high to pass the ball.

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Samer Hajji and Caroline Boyle race to intercept the ball during a round of “Wild West Basketball.”

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Chloe Frank, Turner Carlson, Caroline Boyle, Jimmy Chalfant, and Jack Brooks prepare for a round of “Balloon Pop.”

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Avi Dundoo, Divya Srihari, Chloe Frank, Allison Dahl, Drew Hardwick, Shaila Lundal, Kate Stengel, and Will Dreesen prepare to play “Gimme a Break.”

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Catherine Holt and Catie Ackerman wield light sabers as they play “Jedi Basketball.”

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Matt Brooks and Jimmy Chalfant struggle to control their “horse” in “Wild West Basketball.”

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Drew Hardwick scores for the Alumni team.

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Lindsay Ball prepares to pass.

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D.J. Sansone poses for a photo with siblings Dominic and Alayna before a round of “Relatively Basketball.”

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Kate Stengel, Divya Srihari, Elle Sullivan, Lexi Young, Shaila Lundal and Drew Hardwick gear up for “Spring Break Beach Ball.”

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Turner Carlson narrowly escapes having his balloon popped by the opposing team.

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Abby Lee, Chloe Frank, Catherine Holt and Gulshan Kodwani stretch out their band in preparation for a round of “Blob Ball.”

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Alumni Up Close

Alumni Up Close

Meet Sohan Kancherla Class of 2012

A freshman at Harvard University, Sohan Kancherla (’12) makes a positive impact everywhere he goes. After graduating from Rossman, Sohan attended St. Louis Priory School, where he continued to exemplify the values taught by Rossman — leadership, citizenship, creativity, humanity and love of learning. Outside of school, Sohan founded a non-profit organization called Bridges to America, which serves members of the immigrant and refugee communities in St. Louis and raises awareness for issues they face.

Rossman: Sohan, name a few of your favorite Rossman memories.

S: One of my favorite Rossman memories would have to be playing dodgeball and capture the flag during P.E. It was such a great time when all of my class would go outside or into the gym and play around. Especially when Mr. Huusko or Miss Babcock joined in the game, that’s how you would know an intense match was going to ensue.

On another note, I loved Mr. Valdez’s math challenge puzzles that he would put up every week in fifth grade. These puzzles really pushed our class to embrace challenges and go beyond the curriculum. In particular, I remember Kaivon and I would race each other to finish the puzzles first. In the classroom and on the soccer field, Mr. Valdez always nurtured fun, good-natured competition.

“Rossman instilled in me the hunger to learn and the drive to always challenge myself, allowing me to succeed in my studies and motivating me to pursue various extracurricular activities.”

R: What is your favorite Rossman tradition?

S: My favorite Rossman tradition would have to be Field Day. It is truly an iconic Rossman tradition, unrivaled by my Field Days at both Saint Louis Priory School and Harvard. I cherished being able to play wacky lawn games with my Rossman family, signing yearbooks, and then eating a picnic lunch filled with all sorts of goodies like Twinkies … and oh … two words: snow cones. It was certainly a great way to start off the summer!

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R: Is there a Rossman teacher with whom you had a special connection or who had a great impact on you?

S: Not to sound cliché, but I have fond memories of all of my Rossman teachers, along with the behindthe-scene administrators and staff like the lunch ladies, Mrs. Moran, the Extended Day staff, and Mr. Haywood. Every time I come back to campus, it really feels like coming home. I would like to say thank you to everyone at Rossman. Your guidance, encouragement and love helped form me into who I am today. I’ll just try to share a few experiences that especially stand out.

Mrs. Morris is like a grandmother to me. On every visit back to Rossman, I always look forward to Mrs. Morris’s comforting hugs that seem to transport me back to Senior Kindergarten. As a shy and nervous SKer, she always made me feel special. I also have to mention Mr. Valdez’s impact on my drive and hunger for learning. I was lucky to have him both as my third grade and fifth grade teacher. His inspiration and motivation to teach was contagious and helped push us beyond our limits. Shout out to his challenge math and challenge spelling lessons, loved them both!

R: How did Rossman prepare you for secondary school?

S: I would say that Rossman prepared me superbly for secondary school at Saint Louis Priory School by giving me all the tools necessary to succeed

academically as well as in terms of character development.

Rossman’s intensive English/writing curriculum and Mrs. Grote’s note-taking skills also had me more than prepared for Priory. Rossman instilled in me the hunger to learn and the drive to always challenge myself, allowing me to succeed in my studies and motivating me to pursue various extracurricular activities.

R: Are there aspects of your Rossman education that you still draw on as a college student?

a dialogue between various religions in the St. Louis area.

In an increasingly polarized society, I’m trying to play a small part in breaking down some of the barriers blocking communication between members of different faiths and backgrounds.

“In an increasingly polarized society, I’m trying to play a small part in breaking down some of the barriers blocking communication between members of different faiths and backgrounds.”

S: The four main principles of kindness, honesty, respect and responsibility guide me to this very day. Rossman’s other favorite saying of “treat others the way you would want to be treated” helped me to become mature and self-confident enough to stay on the right path and make some amazing friends along the way.

Rossman gave me the support I needed to start my college career on a good note with strong time-management skills and a solid sense of morals and values. I still strive to better my community wherever I am, a trait that Rossman engrained in me with its lessons in how to be a good friend and a kind human being.

R: What do you hope to pursue professionally in the future?

S: I am majoring in biomedical engineering and am currently considering a career in either medicine or business.

R: Please share with me any awards you have received, including secondary school, college or community awards (I know you aren’t one to brag, but please do!).

S: I was the Valedictorian and Student Council President of my class at Priory, earned a perfect score on my ACT, and was a National Merit Scholar and an AP Scholar with Distinction.

I was recognized as a national Coca-Cola Scholar, a national AXA Achievement Scholar, a Presidential Scholar Semifinalist, and a Saint Louis County Outstanding Student Leader. For my community service efforts, I was honored with the Princeton Prize in Race Relations, Semifinalist for the Yale Bassett Award for Community Engagement, and the St. Louis Martin Luther King Jr. Model of Justice Award.

R: What was the genesis of your idea to create Bridges to America and the Interfaith Youth Council?

S: The idea of Bridges to America came about to help myself and my classmates gain a greater appreciation for the bright mosaic of cultures in our area and to aid immigrants and refugees assimilating into American society.

My work with Interfaith Youth council was aimed to foster

R: What was your favorite…

R: Rossman lunch?

S: Mostaccioli and Texas toast R: Holiday Program song?

S: “Hot Cup of Cocoa” R: Field trip?

S: My favorite field trips were Sixth Grade Camp and Space Camp. Getting to bond with my class outside of school was a truly awesome and exciting experience. I actually still have vivid memories of the fun chants and campfire stories and the thrill of the Space Camp G-Force ride with my friends. Anyone close to me can tell you that I still proudly bring up how I was a real co-pilot at Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama.

R: Grade level?

“Being able to be a leader at Rossman and act as a model for the younger students was a transformative experience for me.”

S: While I enjoyed every grade level at Rossman, fond memories of Sixth Grade probably stick out the most in my head. Being able to be a leader at Rossman and act as a model for the younger students was a transformative experience for me. I really matured that year, and I gained a lifelong community of friends that I still keep in touch with.

R: Any advice for Rossman students or parents?

S: Trust and embrace the community of Rossman. It’s a great place with a great group of people. In regard to either academics, respect for others, or overall character, Rossman kids really do stick out in any middle or high school. Rossman really helped me put down roots and grow wings to fly.

R: Complete this sentence. Rossman is ______.

Rossman is my family.

This interview is part of Rossman School’s Alumni Spotlight series. The growing collection of alumni stories may be viewed on the Rossman School Blog or by visiting www.rossmanschool.org/tags/alumni-spotlight.

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Roll Call

Roll Call

Please note: Alumni are listed by graduation year. In most years, this is the sixth grade year. Exceptions are those years when students completed Grade 7 and/or 8; that final year is the year of their graduation. Students who transferred from Rossman School before completing sixth grade are listed according to the year in which they would have graduated.

Chrissy Taylor Broughton (’88) and Carolyn Kindle Betz (’89) were promoted to president at Enterprise Hold-

ings and president at the Enterprise Holdings Foundation, respectively.

Caroline Morehead (’04) moved back to St. Louis last

Jimmy Chalfant (’13) is captain of the MICDS

varsity football team. He was selected all-state, all-conference and all-district.

Preston Chen (’13) is student body president at Parkway Central and captain of Swim Team.

year from Dallas, Texas, where she was working in Corporate Partnerships for the Dallas Stars. She writes, “Over the past year, I have been working to bring this idea of mine to life, and I am thrilled to open the first Drybar location in Missouri as the Operating Partner of Drybar - St. Louis. We will be open seven days a week with a simple concept ‘no cuts, no color, just blowouts.’

Our flagship salon will open May 2019 at The Village at Schneithorst’s in Frontenac.”

Will Dreesen (’13) is excited to be continuing

Turner Carlson (’13), Josh Magare (’15), Jackson Miller (’14), Chase Stokes (’14), and Chase Warner (’13) were

University in the fall.

his education in the fall at New York University Shanghai.

Avi Dundoo (’13), Shaila Lundal (’13), Kate Stengel (’13) and Elle Sullivan (’13) partici-

pated in an international model UN conference in Doha, Qatar.

Nico Feldman (’13) plans to attend Denison

part of John Burroughs’ 2018 championship varsity soccer team.

Chloe Frank (’13) plans to study actuarial sci-

Mia Duchars (’14) was one of 30 athletes selected for

Chris Handy (’13) plans to study finance at

the USA Field Hockey’s U17 Women’s Junior National Team and one of 60 athletes selected by Max Field Hockey as third team All-American. She also was one of 48 athletes selected by NFHCA as third team AllAmerican. Locally, she was recently named the Metro League 2018 Field Hockey All-Conference Player of the Year.

Janie Shanahan (’14) was named First Team, Metro League 2018 Field Hockey All-Conference.

Annalisa Goot (’15) was chosen as a recipient of the

2017-2018 US Squash Scholar Athlete Award. The national award recognizes high school students who excel in both the classroom and on the squash court.

Emily Kantrovitz (’16) and Sami Remis (’14) were

named 2018 All-Metro Girls Tennis First Team, and Ainsley Heidbreder (’15), was named Third Team. Emily was also named Metro League All-Conference Player of the Year; Ainsley and Sami were named First Team; and Meredith Goldberg (’14), Abby Lee (’13) and Kate Stengel (’13) were named Second Team.

Logan Donnelly (’17) won the 2019 MICDS National Geographic Society GeoBee and placed sixth in the Missouri Geography Bee.

Ethan Albin (’18) was elected seventh grade class chair for Student Council 2018-2019 at MICDS.

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Senior Spolight

ences at Lake Forest College in the fall.

MIZZOU in the fall.

Catherine Holt (’13) plans to study business at Indiana University in the fall.

Shaila Lundal (’13) was named a National

Merit Finalist and earned the Presidential Service Award three years in a row.

D.J. Sansone (’13) plans to attend St. Bon-

naventure University in Allegany, New York this fall on a rugby scholarship.

Divya Srihari (’13) was one of 46 Missouri stu-

dents named as a 2018 Congressional Award recipient. She accepted her silver medal on September 22. The Congressional Award is the highest honor bestowed upon a young person through the Senate and House. The program recognizes youth for initiative, service, and achievement.

Kate Stengel (’13) won state with the JBS

Varsity Tennis team and got sixth in individual doubles at state in the fall.

Chase Warner (’13) plans to attend Washington University in the fall.

In Memorium

Since the publication of the last issue of Rossman’s Alumni Magazine, word of the death of the alumni listed below has been received.

Our thoughts and prayers are with their families and friends.

John Gunter (’29)

Mary Roberts Mellow (’41)

Robert Koedding (’71)

Ann Stickney Lindsay (’30)

Thomas Day (’42)

Melissa Graviss (’82)

Julian Samuels, Jr. (’30)

Alan Siegerist (’43)

Leo Miller, Sr. (’33)

Julia Terry Barnes (’46)

Punch Garesché Collins (’41)

Mari Garesché F.M.M. (’48)

Laura Thompson Cook (’41)

Barrett Taussig (’51)

February 19, 2019

February 7, 2018

April 20, 2018

May 21, 2018

January 16, 2019

September 15, 2018

April 26, 2018

July 23, 2018

December 24, 2018

October 27, 2018

April 4, 2018

February 10, 2018

It’s Your Turn To submit news for the next Alumni Magazine, email us at alumni@rossmanschool.org or visit www.rossmanschool.org/alumni.

October 30, 2018

May 13, 2018

Memorials and Tributes

The following list honors the donors who made a memorial or tribute gift between January 1, 2018 and February 28, 2019.

In Honor of and Memory of J. Andrew Benecke (’00) Dr. and Mrs. James Benecke, Jr.

Betsy Waltz Arsenia and Eric Hanson Chris and Lisa Imbs

In Honor of Kathy Betz

Anne-Marie Christopher Arsenia and Eric Hanson

Gail Clark, Larry Huusko, Julie LaConte and Erin Moore Jim and Kris Holmes

Ruthie Grote, Mary Jane Carissimi and Ben Essenburg Jim and Kris Holmes

Annie Menees

Jim and Kris Holmes

Joe Goff H. Katharine Menees

Alison (’18), Nathaniel (’21) and Claire (’23) Booth

Phyllis Murphy

Jeri Brice

Debbie Moore

John C. Bosman (’48)

Pat Shipley

Annette Bosman Flanders

Debbie Brummit, Annie Menees, Danielle Lee and Susan Ward

Jim and Kris Holmes Annie Menees Susan and Rick Sullivan

Kathleen Bauer, Lauren Brody and Anne-Marie Christopher Melissa and David McGinnis

The Classes of 2003-2017 Jim and Kris Holmes

The Class of 2018 Jim and Kris Holmes

Frank T. Costello Maddox Hilfrink (’21)

Kelli Eggers-Larson Katherine and Charles Betz Dan, Blake (’03), Connor (’06) and Harper (’09) Larson Barbi and Bill Macon Dr. and Mrs. Steven Willibrand

Mary Ann Lee

Elizabeth Zurlinden

Katherine and Charles Betz

Melissa and David McGinnis

Katie Ritchey

In Memory of

Mr. Richard E. Coin, Jr. (’95) Blair Coin Burdette (’95)

David K. Armstrong Katherine and Charles Betz

Michael J. Bauer Katherine and Charles Betz

David Bowie Anonymous

Jim and Kris Holmes 14

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Sponsored by Lexington Partners, Inc. David Kantrovitz (’87)

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