RAREBITS RUMSEY HALL SCHOOL | 2019/20
OUR MISSION
Rumsey Hall School is committed to a whole child approach to education and believes that teaching academics and teaching an attitude of mind are of equal importance. The School emphasizes effort as a criterion for success and is dedicated to helping each child develop toward his or her maximum stature as an educated person, a successful member of a family and a contributing member of a community.
RAREBITS TEAM EDITOR, LAYOUT & DESIGN Frankie Winter P’19, Director of Communications ADDITIONAL EDITORS Michelle Rittler, Trish Silvernail, Cynthia Hogan PHOTOGRAPHY Ross Mortensen Robert Mandl P'07, '11, '15 Jason Wallengren Phil Dutton Jordan Hollender/HollenderX2 Frankie Winter P'19 Faculty & Staff Cover: Drone photo by HollenderX2 Rumsey Hall School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion or disability in admission or employment in its programs and activities.
rumseyhall.org Rumsey Hall School 201 Romford Road Washington Depot, CT 06794 860.868.0535
FSC This book was printed with solar power, using LED UV process ink on recycled paper.
BROMLEY SKI TRIP 2020
RAREBITS ON CAMPUS Letter from the Interim Head of School 2 Around Campus 3 2019 Fall Athletics 10 2019 Winter Athletics 13 Upper School Student Art 34 Lower School Student Art 36
FEATURES What does it mean to belong? 20 The Peace Crane Project 22 Faculty Profile: Val DiLorenzo P'15, '18 26 Leaders in Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion 28 Alumni Games 32 Alumni Profile: Alexander Krivosheiw ‘93 38 Class Notes 48
2019-2020
Dear Rumsey community, Rumsey Hall has long taken pride in our strong sense of tradition deeply rooted in family values; yet, as you know, we have been wrestling with some significant challenges since March. The School has answered these challenges with a spirit of community, and this “new normal” has provided an opportunity for innovation, collaboration, and growth. While we may not know what lies around the river bend, we do know that our exceptionally dedicated faculty paired with a skilled and experienced Board of Trustees will navigate the School toward a future that promises strength, vitality, and innovation. As you will see in this issue of Rarebits, we celebrate both traditional campus events such as athletic contests and stage performances as well as new events, including the end-of-year car parade and our virtual commencement ceremony. Paying homage to our past while reinventing for the future, we strive to keep our community connected even when separated by time and space. Together, we have charted the best possible route to beginning the new academic year, understanding that there will be course corrections and adjustments. Our faculty and staff deserve the highest praise and recognition, for they rose to the challenge of creating an exceptional Distance Learning Program to accompany our on-campus instruction. Thoughtful and creative, they designed new lessons and assessments, responding along the way to student and parental feedback. Our faculty are deeply invested in the success of the School, and their complete dedication to reworking every aspect of school life from drop-off to lights-out is proof of this. In addition to responding to the pandemic, we are also called upon to voice our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in words and action. Early in June, Rumsey Hall published a letter to the community stating that, “Rumsey Hall wholly rejects hate in all of its forms, including prejudice, bullying, and elitism and we renounce behavior that excludes others.” We expand upon this most important topic later in the article on page 28. In partnership with Resource Group 175, the Head of School Search Committee has launched a comprehensive and inclusive process, seeking input from all members of our community in identifying the critical skills, experience, and vision a new Head will need in order to ensure Rumsey Hall’s future success. The boat has left the dock; the anchor is lifted, and the journey has begun; I am confident we are ready for the year ahead given the School’s overall health with a strong endowment, a veteran, committed faculty, and loyal, supportive parents and alumni. Thank you for your commitment to the School, your confidence in me, and your support as we steam ahead into a future brimming with promise and opportunity.
Brooke Giese P'23, '27 / Interim Head of School
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around campus
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1. The annual Blue Dog Parade. 2. Orientation Day: from left to right Laurel ’29 and Conor ’28 Madden with mom Kara Anne Zarchin and Sarah Tamsen and Chris Gray with Sawyer Gray ’23 3. Football practice using the new tackling dummy. 4. Bizarre & Extreme Day: Sierra Cortes ’20 and Morgan Clarke ’20 5. Lower Schoolers spent the day replanting the flower boxes next to Lower School Street. Pictured here: Bennett Maguire '27.
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around campus
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6. The Butler family got a new puppy this spring and Logan was prominantly featured in Rumsey's social media channels with photos around campus and the hashtag #whereislogan? 7. First day of School 2019 8. Director of Lower School Rob Brenner and Primes Teacher Willow Brenner P’14, ’17, ’19 9. A successful day fishing in the pond: William Wang '23, Noah Young '22, Garrett Rossini '23 10. Fire Prevention & Safety demonstration by the local Washington Fire Department. Piper Romaniello '27 tries on the safety vest. 11. Peter Dyball '27 and a frog from Lower Pond.
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12. The annual Ancient Egyptian Banquet in Mrs. Saxe's classroom. 13. Celebrating and saying goodbye at the end-of-year car parade on campus. 14. Samantha Kaufman ‘20 and Ava Qin ‘22 received medals for the All Tournament Team at the Rick Spooner Volleyball Classic Tournament. Also pictured are co-coaches Marisa Mastrianno '02 and Ali Spooner '90 Linley P'23 with Athletic Director Jay Przygocki P'00, '03 15. IVth Form science class modeling phases of the moon with Oreos, Sawyer Gray '23 and Dashiell Hessler '23
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around campus
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16. Upper School Holiday Concert 17. Rumsey Circle Parents Association assembling cookie boxes for the faculty and staff. 18. Lincoln Bernardin '24 at the Lower School Checkers Tournament 19. The Million Bottle Cap Challenge is underway! 20. Studying in the Treasure Island classroom, Josh Smotroff '20 and Morgan Clarke '20.
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21. An Upper School Airband group performing in The MAX. 22. Tang Soo Do grading. 23. On Seibert Field getting ready for the Blue Dog Run.
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MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
greg warner P’17 In May of this year, Greg Warner was appointed Chair of the Rumsey Hall Board of Trustees. He joined the Board in 2017 and during his tenure has served as Vice Chair, Strategic Planning Committee Chair, Finance Committee Chair, Search Committee Co-Chair, and as a member of the Investment Committee. Mr. Warner is President of Ingleside Investors, an investment holding company based in New York City. Prior to that, he was a consultant with McKinsey & Company in their New York, Hong Kong, and Los Angeles offices. He attended the University of California, San Diego, where he received a B.S. in Engineering, and The Wharton School, where he received an MBA. He serves on the boards of several companies as well as the Josiah Macy Jr. Foundation, where he heads the Investment Committee.
"We are at an important moment in Rumsey’s history and I couldn’t be more excited about our next chapter." Mr. Warner’s daughter, Amanda, was a Rumsey boarder from the fall of 2015 through the Spring of 2017 and is currently a freshman at Villanova University. He has three other children: Haley, a junior at Northwestern University, Brooke, a junior at The Spence School in New York City, and Jack, a fifth grader at Collegiate School in New York City. Greg and his wife Leslie have a home in New Preston about 10 minutes from campus and they love spending as much time as they can in Litchfield County. “I am honored to serve Rumsey in the capacity of Board Chair.” Mr. Warner commented. “The many changes the School has endured over the past few months have presented seemingly endless challenges, and I have been deeply impressed with how Brooke Giese and the rest of the team have come together to step up and meet them. We are at an important moment in Rumsey’s history and I couldn’t be more excited about our next chapter. The opportunity to bring in a new Head of School presents a rare opportunity to build on the incredible foundation that has been built over the past 120 years. The search process is off to a great start, and the Board is confident Rumsey will find a dynamic leader with new ideas, who also appreciates how important it will be to retain the elements that make Rumsey the amazing place it is today.”
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BOARD NEWS
Welcome...
john fauster P’19
John Fauster lives in Grosse Pointe, Michigan with his sons Jack (Rumsey ’19, New Hampton ‘22) and Charlie (Grosse Pointe South ’24). After starting his career in investment banking in Chicago, John moved to Detroit in 1998 to start his equity investment company that focuses on buying undervalued “critical commodity” companies. John graduated from Hillsdale College with a double major in English and History and an MBA from the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business. John enjoys tennis, golf, running and spending time outdoors.
suzanne blaicher P'23, P'23
Suzanne graduated from Ursinus College, Collegeville, PA and entered the publishing world at Construction Data Corporation, a regional lead service for contractors, eventually managing four publications in the Northeast region as Senior Editor. After ten years at CDC, Suzanne and her husband shifted gears to purchase a John Deere dealership in Wall, NJ where she worked the parts counter, inventory, service writing, and did some IT work with HR on the side! Moving to Litchfield, CT to purchase a local Chevrolet dealership was their best transition ever with their two children Kate and Matthew. Suzanne is actively involved in the Litchfield community as a member of the Litchfield Country Club, the Litchfield Garden Club, and is a personal fitness trainer and group exercise instructor at Litchfield Hills Fitness.
...Thank you
monica vogelstein P'14, '19
Monica Illich Vogelstein, mother of David '14, Natalie, and Matthew '19 served as a Trustee for six years as well as serving as the Fall Benefit Chair for the past several years. She is currently an Advisor to the Board of Trustees. Rumsey Hall is very fortunate to have had Monica's generous support and dedication for these past six years! Thank you!
dennis fulling p'16, '16
Rumsey Hall bids farewell to Trustee Dennis Fulling after completing six years of service and support to our School and Board. Because of Dennis’s understanding of the needs of Rumsey Hall and willingness to share his time, he served on the Endowment Advisory Committee, Finance Committee, and the Investment Committee, which he was Co-Chair. Thank you Dennis for your involvement and leadership, and thank you to your children Michael and Patrick, and to Julie for sharing you with Rumsey Hall.
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2019 fall sports > 10 Rarebits
CROSS COUNTRY
Coaches: Liz Butler, Kim Mandl, Roderick Pratt, Cassie Rydingsword Captain: Ivy Hillman '20 Record: 12-1 MIP: Raegan Bertuglia '23 Coaches’ Award: Chloe Coffin '20 & Charles Cosgriff '22 Blue Dog Award: Jack Murdica '24 & Leah Rydingsword '23 Rising Star Award: Yixuan "Fiona" Shen '22 & Justin Victory '23 Golden Sneaker Award: Stella Curwin-Amfitheatrof '23 & Jake Newman '22
.......... What are we going to do today, Coach? RUN!! And that’s exactly what we did. We ran and ran and ran. Uphill, through cornfields, in the woods, on the road, in the mud, in the snow, in the rain, when it was really really hot and really really cold. We ran on trails and explored new pinnacles and beautiful views. Congratulations to our Seniors Ivy, Chloe, Quinn, Kangdrake, Ethan, Aubrey, and Owen. Thank you for all your energy and effort. Finally, thank you to Ivy our Captain for her leadership and snacks after races!
BOYS’ VARSITY SOCCER
Coaches: Chris Dyball and Doug Kolpak Captains: William Kirkiles '20 & Alejandro Osorio '20 Record: 12 – 3 - 1 MVP: Jun Ho "Justin" Lee '20 MIP: Ryan Delmore '20 Coaches’ Award: Alexander Kenerson '20 & Jiakang Kakou Su '20 Blue Dog Award: Quillan Oberto '20 Eaglebrook Tournament: 4th Place
.......... The 2019 Boys' Varsity Soccer team squared off against many competitive teams. And despite a rebuilding year, having graduated some key players from last year’s squad, Rumsey soccer tallied a 12-3-1 season. That being said, however, our rising VIIth Formers successfully supplanted holes in our defense and offense. The "thrilla in Manilla," once again, took place under the lights at Hotchkiss as we attempted to exact retribution on our rival, IMS–a team we lost to by multiple goals earlier in the season. Stealing from the basketball playbook, we ran a successful box and one to nullify their most dominant threat.
With this tactic, we held them to just two goals, losing 2-0. Finally, we finished in 4th place (out of 12 teams represented) at the yearly Eaglebrook Tournament, coming within one goal of earning some "jewelry." Highlights were edging out both Cardigan Mountain and Eaglebrook.
GIRLS’ VARSITY VOLLEYBALL Coaches: Ali Spooner ’90 Linley and Marisa Mastrianno ’02 Record: 2 - 13 Captain: Sierra Cortes '20 & Kyra Rook '20 MIP: Shelley Huang '22 Coaches’ Award: Youngseo "Emily" Son '20 Blue Dog Award: Samantha Kaufman '20 Rick Spooner Classic: 3rd Place Rick Spooner Classic All -Tournament Team Members: Ava Qin '22 & Sam Kaufman '20
.......... Varsity Volleyball found ourselves with only three returning players. Not only were we working on basic skills, but the girls also had to learn rotations, positions, and court awareness, which had been taken for granted in the past two years having a team of veteran players. This season we were looking for new setters, more middle hitters, back row specialists, and outside hitters. Many girls were out of their comfort zone, yet rose to the challenge. They learned new rotations and new offensive and defensive positions on the court. They played with the agenda that we use every received serve to set up our offensive attack: pass, set, and hit. Despite our record, what it doesn’t show is how we outplayed many of our opponents. The points our opponents earned were usually due to our own errors, attempting to pass to the setter instead of hitting it right back over the net, attempting to set the ball instead of bumping it, and spiking the ball. With a young, new team mistakes happen and unfortunately our opponents benefitted from them, but they also did not take the same risks we did on the court. A constant reminder to the team was: we are not here to play safe, we’re here to play volleyball. In our minds we beat teams like Kingswood Oxford, Hotchkiss, and Berkshire because we set up more offensive attacks. In our last game against IMS we had 21 to their 4.
BOYS’ VARSITY B SOCCER Coaches: Christian Anderson and Peter Linn ’10 Captains: Oliver Ramee '21 & Yuzhe "Kevin" Zhang '20 Record: 7-4-1 MVP: Wyatt Tuff '22 MIP: Charlie Molner '21 & Matthew Sherman '20 Coach’s Award: Hezekiah Benson '22 Blue Dog Award: Christopher Clancy '21 Dutchess Day Tournament: 3rd Place JR. BLUE SOCCER Coaches: Sean Kinsella & Robert Mandl Captain: Henry Shattuck '22 Record: 9-3-3 MVP: Charles Carruth '23 & Boden Johnson '22 MIP: David Block '23 & Yoohyun "Andrew" Shim '22 Coaches’ Award: Viktor Maag '22 & Paul Ellis O’Dwyer '23 Blue Dog Award: Sawyer Gray '23 & Noah Young '22 Dutchess Day Tournament: 3rd Place JR. RED SOCCER Coaches: Meredith Tallent & Tiffany Romaniello MIP: Veronica Antov '24 Record: 3-2 Coaches’ Award: Jackson Delmore '23 VARSITY FIELD HOCKEY Coaches: Alex King & Stacie DeGrazia ’09 Captains: Erin Butler '20 & Morgan Clarke '20 Record: 7-2-3 MVP: Morgan Clarke '20 MIP: Gexuan "Chris" Liu '21 Coaches’ Award: Aleka Gutierrez '20 & Maria Pia Visoso '21 Blue Dog Award: Erin Butler '20 VARSITY B FIELD HOCKEY Coaches: Deborah Bender & Libby Kappler Captain: Yiran "Jami" Huang '22 Record: 2-2-3 MVP: Mana Shida '22 MIP: Frances Clulow '22 & Hisano Enomoto '22 Blue Dog Award: Louise Traina '24 VARSITY B VOLLEYBALL Coaches: Jillian Dufresne and Emily Carney Record: 6-4 Captain: Maxine Maag '21 MVP: Chelsea Altamirano '22 & Cindy Jiang '21 MIP: Gracie Shen '22 Coaches’ Award: Ning "Camila" Xu '22 Blue Dog Award: Madeline Scheidt '23 Varsity Club Fall/Winter: Andrew Conto ’20 Fangyan "Wendy" Huo ’20 Ray Kawaji ’21 Radley Cherosnick '22 Spencer Louie '20 Sophie Tibbatts '21 Victoria Weirich-Freiberg '20
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GIRLS’ VARSITY SOCCER
Coaches: Carmine Buono and Craig Naclerio ’05 Captain: Leighton Smith '21 Record: 12 - 2 MVP: Radley Cherosnick '22 MIP: Charleigh Newman '21 Coaches’ Award: Maria Valera-Macouzet '21 & Victoria Weirich-Freiberg '20 Blue Dog Award: Renee Tracey '20 Unsung Hero Award: Elena Cosgriff '23 IMS Tournament: 3rd Place
. . . . . . . . . . The Rumsey Girls’ Varsity Soccer program entered their third season with determination to improve upon past teams' successes. With only four returners, it was important to connect quickly both on and off the pitch. Many new faces worked together to make this team a family, including the introduction of IIIrd Formers for the first time on the team. IVth Former, Elena Cosgriff, received the “Unsung Hero Award” for her selfless play and vision in the midfield, working well with striker, Sophie Tibbatts, combining for 40 goals and 62 points between the two players. Our defense was strong due to the competitive drive from the team’s Most Valuable Player and goaltender, Radley Cherosnick, “Blue Dog Award” winner, Renee Tracey, “Coaches Award” winner, Victoria Weirich-Freiberg, and the team’s Most Improved Player, Charleigh Newman. The other “Coaches Award” winner, Maria Valera, played defensive midfield and worked tirelessly to shut down the opposition’s best attackers game in and game out. Everyone on the team played a pivotal role in the development and success of this impressive young squad. With great leadership from the team’s captain, Leighton Smith, the girls finished the season with a record of 12 wins and 2 losses with a 3rd Place finish in the IMS Tournament. Coaches Buono and Naclerio are proud of the way the girls competed until the very end. Thank you, girls, for continuing to build this wonderful program.
VARSITY FOOTBALL
Coaches: Eric Scheidt, Mark Simonelli and Max Kersten Captain: Ian Abreu '20 & Thomas Bethel '20 Record: 1-4 MVP: Thomas Bethel '20 12 Rarebits
MIP: Jiamian "Yuki" Dai '21 Coaches’ Award: Ian Abreu '20 The Peter Carriuolo ’74 Memorial Football Award: Thomas Bethel '20 Blue Dog Award: Andrew Conto '20 & RJ Souza '20 Offensive Lineman of the Year: Jacques van der Merwe '20 Defensive Lineman of the Year: Evan Rydingsword '20
. . . . . . . . . . 2019 was a good season for the Football Team, one of the longest established teams at Rumsey Hall. We made great strides toward increasing our membership, with both a Varsity and a Junior (undefeated 1-0!) squad. The Varsity squad had a total of 11 matchups, with 6 scrimmages and 5 games against 4 different opponents. We opened our season with scrimmages against the likes of Cardigan Mountain, Fessenden, Williston Northampton, two Brunswick teams, and the New Milford Green Wave. We were dominant in all but one of these matchups, and were riding high on our team's abilities and chances for the season. Our first game was against Loomis Chaffee's IIIs on Parents' Weekend. This was a hard-fought, down-to-the-wire game. And while we gave up quite a bit in size, we played valiantly. Unfortunately, we came up just short, with a final score of 12-19. We then played a very talented Eaglebrook twice, losing both contests. Next, we traveled to Greenwich Country Day to play their new JV team. The boys played hard again, but came up short. So, we headed into our last game, winless and questioning our abilities. Were the dominant performances we had in our scrimmages just a fluke? Would it be that we will go winless, after all the hard work we had put in? Should we just fold up and take the loss to the powerful Brookfield team under the lights, in the rain, at their field? No, we came out as a team and put in an incredible effort, and came out victorious. Congratulations and thank you to the Seniors moving on to new fields; thank you for all you have meant to this team. You have left us in a better place, with a strong cast of returning starters and promising players from the Junior squad ready to step up and continue the proud tradition of Rumsey Football.
2020 winter sports >
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BOYS’ VARSITY B ICE HOCKEY Coaches: Mark Simonelli and Craig Ough Record: 5-5 Captains: Liam Kinsella ’22 & Gunnar Ough ’23 MVP: Artem Gagushin ’22 MIP: Ulrich “Uli” Linn ’24 Coaches’ Award: Boden Johnson ’22 Blue Dog Award: Teddy Kowalchick ’24 & Anfeng "Wilson" Xie’22 Unsung Hero Award: Jayden Choi’21 BLUE DOG ICE HOCKEY Coaches: Robert Mandl and Tiffany Romaniello Record: 0-2
BOYS’ VARSITY BASKETBALL Coach: Steve Dodge Record: 9-5 Captain: Peter Villano ’21 MVP: Ian Abreu ’20 MIP: Ryan Delmore ‘20 Coach’s Award: Pedro Pablo Soberon-Cordero ’21 Blue Dog Award: Ryan Delmore ’20 BOYS’ VARSITY B BASKETBALL Coach: Phil Perreault Record: 6-7 Captain: Zimo Liu ’21 & Charlie Molner ’21 MVP: Carter Sneller ’20 MIP: Jack Nettleton ’21 Coach’s Award: Myles Crain ’21 Blue Dog Award: Lucas Lombardi ’21 Maplebrook Tournament: 2nd Place
BOYS’ JUNIOR BLUE BASKETBALL Coach: Carmine Buono Record: 2-6 Captain: Jack Giles ’22 MVP: Tokuto Hoshiyama ’22 MIP: Charles Carruth ’23 Coach’s Award: Kail Pennington ’22 Blue Dog Award: Wyatt Tuff ’22
BOYS’ JUNIOR RED BASKETBALL Coaches: Peter Linn '10 and Roderick Pratt Record: 0-5 Captain: Noah Linley ’23 MVP: Ruida Dylan Qiu ’22 Coaches’ Award: Truman Brooks ’24 Blue Dog Award: Jack Murdica ’24 GIRLS’ VARSITY BASKETBALL Coaches: Christian Anderson and Alex King Record: 11-4 Captain: Morgan Clarke ’20 MVP: Leighton Smith ’21 MIP: Victoria Weirich-Freiberg ’20 Coaches’ Award: Youngseo "Emily" Son ’20 VARSITY B GIRLS’ BASKETBALL Coach: Emily Carney Record: 3-5 Captain: Jinru Cecilia Li ’21 MVP: Elizabeth Ensign ’24 MIP: Gracie Shen ’22 Coaches’ Award: Shawn Clarke ’23 Blue Dog Award: Leah Rydingsword ’23
JUNIOR VOLLEYBALL Coaches: Deborah Bender and Kim Mandl Record: 0-6 Captain: Stella Curwin-Amfitheatrof ’23 Coaches’ Award: Veronica Antov ’24 Blue Dog Award: Raegan Bertuglia ’23 Hustle, Hit, Never Quit Award: Indie Merrill ’21
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GIRLS' VARSITY HOCKEY
Coaches: Sean Kinsella and Stacie DeGrazia’09 Record: 13-3-1 Captain: Erin Butler ’20 Assistant Captain: Deyi "Jasmine" Zhu ’20 MVP: Charleigh Newman ’21 MIP: Morgan Brown ’22 Coaches’ Award: Erin Butler ’20 Blue Dog Award: Taylor Manchanda ’21 2nd Place Upland Country Day Tournament All-Tournament Team: Morgan Brown ’22, Charleigh Newman ’21 & Mana Shida ’22 2nd Place Rumsey Invitational All-Tournament Team: Erin Butler ’20 & Charleigh Newman ’21
.......... The Rumsey Girls’ Varsity Ice Hockey team traveled to Kennett Square, Pennsylvania in February to compete in the annual Upland Country Day School Invitational Hockey Tournament. The Blue Dogs had a challenging schedule on Saturday, facing off first against a talented Upland team. The Rumsey girls came from behind and beat the tournament hosts 5-4 in an exciting and faced-paced game. Later that afternoon, Rumsey played well against the eventual tournament winners, Bux-Mont Catholic, but lost the game 7-2. Rumsey’s morning matchup on Sunday featured a shut out from Blue Dog goaltender, Morgan Brown, as the girls beat the Jr. Flyers 4-0. Following a thrilling matchup between Upland and Bux-Mont Catholic that ended with an overtime victory for Bux-Mont Catholic, Rumsey needed to beat New Cannan to hold the runner-up spot in the tournament. New Cannan hit the ice firing on all cylinders, but the Rumsey goaltending and solid defense limited their chances and Rumsey came out on top with a 6-5 win and second place overall in the Tournament. Throughout the weekend, The Blue Dogs enjoyed the company of their gracious host families and fellow competitors from the other schools. They played with sportsmanship and class all weekend and were thrilled to be a part of this great tradition. - Coach Kinsella
VARSITY B SKI TEAM Coaches: Libby Kappler Captain: Aleka Gutierrez ’20 Coach’s Award: Frances Clulow ’22 Blue Dog Award: Nicolas Besozzi ’21
.......... The Varsity B Ski Racing Team was comprised of nine advanced skiers (four girls and five boys) whom had never ski raced before December. Each and every racer grew tremendously over the season and improved their personal times with each competition. This was all accomplished through hard work and hours spent on both GS and Slalom courses each day of the season. Their love of the sport shone through as they endured difficult conditions, long bus rides, and tackled challenging courses.
BOYS' VARSITY HOCKEY
Coaches: Rick Butler and Craig Naclerio ’05 Captain: Quillan Oberto ’20 Assistant Captain: Alexander Kenerson ’20 Record: 1-4 MVP: Alexander Kenerson ’20 MIP: Grant Vogel ’20 Unsung Hero Award: Soji Ihashi ’21 Blue Dog Award: RJ Souza ’20 1st Place Upland Country Day Tournament All-Tournament Team: Santino DeFazio ’20 & Alexander Kenerson ’20, William Kirkiles ’20 2nd Place Pavek Cup All-Tournament Team: Andrew Conto ’20 & Santino DeFazio ’20
. . . . . . . . . . On the weekend of 1/11 and 1/12, the Rumsey Hall Boys' Varsity Hockey Team traveled to Kennett Square, PA to participate in the Upland Country Day School Hockey Tournament. The tournament format was a round-robin and the top two teams played in a championship game on Sunday afternoon. The first game was against Rectory. Rumsey won 7-6 with a goal in the last 10 seconds of the game. The second game was a hardfought battle against Upland with a Rumsey loss of 5-4. Sunday morning, Rumsey played New Canaan Country Day School. If the team won this game, they would have the opportunity to play in the championship. Rumsey won against NCCS, 5-2. In the final game against Upland, after a doubleovertime thriller, Rumsey came out on top, with a 4-3 win. In each game of the
tournament, Rumsey trailed early and had to overcome and fight through adversity. This was a testament to the hard work, grit, and determination each member of the team showed throughout the weekend. They were respectful, both on and off the ice and showed a lot of character. I could not be more proud of the boys and how they represented themselves, their families, and their school this past weekend. The Seniors on the team set a great example through their actions and everyone bought into the system. They played with passion and heart, and their hard work paid off. – Coach Naclerio '05
VARSITY SKI TEAM
Coach: Clayton Ketchum Captain: Ivy Hillman ’20 Record: 8-1-1 MIP: Henry Shattuck ’20 Coaches’ Award: Hyunjae Henry Cho ’22 1st Place BHSL Championships
.......... The Varsity Ski Team began its training before the Holiday Recess for the first time in the School’s history. It looked to be shaping up to be a great winter, until winter decided it really wasn’t that interested in its job. Warm temperatures, a lack of snow, and plentiful rain did not get in our way however. The team picked up where it left off last year and dominated the BHSL, winning the championship for the second year in a row. Tripp Clark anchored the team and finished in the top three every race this season. But, like last year, this is not where the races nor the Championship were won. The second place through tenth place skiers were immensely important in the long run. Former B-teamers Spencer Louie and Henry Shattuck were able to place consistently in the top 10 as were new comers Ansel Hamlin and Henry Cho. Viktor and Maxine Maag also found points in several races this year. Rowan Davies had a rough beginning of the season, but started doing some of his best skiing at the end of the season. Ivy discovered that she really enjoyed slalom and Niko progressed a great deal, especially in the giant slalom. Ivy, Tripp, and Maxine all earned some hardware for their season accomplishments as well as their Championship performance. Congratulations to all! – Coach Ketchum
VARSITY WRESTLING
Coaches: Eric Scheidt and Max Kersten Record: 3-4 Captain: Evan Rydingsword ’20 MVP: Evan Rydingsword ’20 MIP: Danil Popov ’20 Coach’s Award: Jiakang Kakou Su ’20 Blue Dog Award: Ray Kawaji ’21 & Alejandro Osorio ’20
.......... The Rumsey Hall Varsity Wrestling Team was comprised of 15 wrestlers. We had a great mix of experienced wrestlers from last season, new and enthusiastic new wrestlers, and incredible leadership from our Seniors. Early on, Coach Kersten and I discussed our goals for this team. We both agreed, getting ready for the Eaglebrook Tournament was a priority. To that end, we scheduled pre-season scrimmages against the JV squads from Taft and Hotchkiss. These matches were longer in length against seasoned, experienced wrestlers. We learned a great deal, and returned to practice with an increased intensity and desire to get better. And improve we did. We had quad meets against our familiar foes at Greenwich Country Day and Brunswick Academy. The Eaglebrook Tournament was when it all came together for our team. We came in 4th place overall in a stacked field of traditional wrestling powerhouse programs. Evan Rydingsword and Ray Kawaji both took home gold medals, while wrestling in two of the tournaments most competitive weight classes. We had two bronze medalists with Kangdrake Bernardin and Danil Popov taking home the hardware. Another huge highlight for the team was our home match against the JV squads from Taft, Hothckiss, and Trinity-Pawling. Looking forward to 2021, we will miss Evan’s leadership, and thank him for all he has meant to the wrestling program over the years. We bid farewell and wish the best of luck to this fantastic group of Seniors who we are confident will continue to wrestle and excel in high school. But with a strong core of returners we also look forward to the continued growth of our program!
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Rumsey's Leadership Giving will also be highlighted in the upcoming 2019/20 Annual Report, but we wanted to emphasize our gratitude to our major donors for their generosity and support of the School. Thank you!
LEADERSHIP GIVING The Founders’ Circle Named in honor of the School’s forebears, to pay tribute to each donor who has combined gifts of $20,000 or more. Amanda Taylor and Clifford Brokaw Jiwon Hyon and Chul Yong Cho Seo Jeong Lee and Kyung Chan Do Laurie Gavel and Frank Gavel '78 Stephen Gavel ’81 Stephanie Grullon and Manuel Grullon '00 Jean Marie and Douglas Jamieson Li Li and Haoran Jiang
Sunjoo Shim and Heejun Kim Luhua and Feng Lin Eileen Mulrenin and Gregory Loss Adrienne and Dan Lufkin Gregory Matthews Xiao Chun Zhang and Ya Shen Ja Young Lee and Yong Koo Shim Nicholas Solley '64
Jia Yang and Hyonsok Son Xiaocong Liu and Qing Su Monica and Andrew Vogelstein Jie Chen and Zhen Wang Leslie and Gregory Warner Kate and Brian Worrell
The Headmasters’ Council Named in honor of the Headmasters who have served Rumsey, and to pay tribute to each donor who contributed $10,000 to $19,999 to the School. Tamar Ben-Dov Kristen and Colin Cashel Susan Hugel and Jeffrey Hugel '70 Kyung-A Paik and David Jin
Yi Gao and Ming Jin Amie and Louis Kreisberg Bovornrudee and Pisit Poonsornsiri Harold Salo '59
Lisa and Harry Segalas Yinyan Li and Jin Wang Jing Heng and Chenguang Yang
The Leadership Council Named in honor of those who have served Rumsey, to pay tribute to each donor who contributed $5,000 - $9,999 to the School. Carol Vargo and Rob Blanchard Amy Chouest Amy and Christopher Conto Natalie Munk and Taran Davies Michelle and Angelo DeFazio Maki and Hideharu Enomoto Gretchen and Philip Farmer Chris and Allen Finkelson Lisa and Alex Grinberg Fei Xu and Xiaofeng Gu Elizabeth and Whit Hamlin Donielle and Stuart Hawley Craig Henrich Christopher Keppelman ’62
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Julie Leever and Daniel Leever '64 Yaming Zhao and Degang Li Fangying Yuan and Yuesheng Liu Monica Gray Logothetis and Nicholas Logothetis ’03 Seraina and Alejandro Macia Pamela and William MacMullen Nina Mendieta Alexandra Miller '00 Murphy and Drew Murphy ’00 Melanie Munk Anne and James Murdica Marianna and Brian O'Dwyer Mary Boosalis and Thomas Olsen Adrienne and Jeffrey Owen Denis Siller and Jose Parga
The Payne Family Susan Payne John Payne IV ’83 Kate Dale Payne, Trevor, Neely and Eliza Payne Sarah Payne ’85 Bliksem, Lily '23 and Madeleine '25 Tobey Xue Wang and Xiaomeng Ran Rosemary Sagar Lori and Walter Seibert Shannon and Brett Wheeler Yan Xu and Junsong Wu Jie Lin and Junhui Zhang Wenwen Jiang and Qun Zhu
Jump Rope for Heart! Lower School Students Jump in Support of the American Heart Association FEBRUARY 7, 2020 In celebration of National Heart Health Month, Lower School students polished their jump roping skills and discussed the importance of fitness and cardiovascular health in their Physical Education and Health classes. This heart-healthy study culminated on the morning of February 7th with our annual Jump Rope for Heart event to benefit the American Heart Association. Students cycled through a series of eight stations at which they jumped continuously for one hour. This year, the Lower School raised $6,171.22! Thank you to all who participated! The support of Rumsey's family and friends has once again helped fund the American Heart Association's life-saving efforts in research and education. And an extra special Thank You to Mrs. Dyball P'27, '28 who organizes the event each year!
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Fall Parents’ Weekend
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The 35th Annual Rumsey Hall Benefit was held on Friday, October 11, 2019 over Parents' Weekend. Rumsey's community of trustees, alumni, past and present parents, and faculty and staff came together to celebrate our Annual Fall Benefit. Special musical guests Matt White '93 and Jason Spooner '88, along with Ali Spooner '90 Linley, kicked off the dinner and Live Auction portion of the evening. 2019/20 19
For three days, students and faculty were invited during their lunch periods to fill out notecards with what this year’s school theme: "We All Belong Here" meant to them. Submissions could be anonymous or credited and include anything from intricate essay-like paragraphs to simple illustrations. Here are some of their responses, all answering the same question – "What does belonging at Rumsey mean to you?" 20 Rarebits
"It means feeling safe, confident, respected, and equal to everyone in the community. It’s a non-judgmental zone."
"We All Belong Here means that no matter what color your skin is, where you live, your religion, we are all people. Our differences make us the people we are. We all matter."
"It means you are welcome...Rumsey is a place of goodness and truth."
-Mrs. Saxe
-Brooke DeMague '24
-Elizabeth Ensign ‘24
"It means that nobody is afraid to be themselves."
"I think We All Belong Here means that you should treat everyone like they are a winner. Even if they're a Red and you're a Blue, always be a nice sport."
"It means treating everyone with equal respect, no matter what."
-S.C.
-Ava G.
-Anonymous student 2019/20 21
Peace Our Kindergarten, PrePrimes, Primes, and 1st Form students (above) and the Hanoi International School students holding their peace cranes in Hanoi, Vietnam (right).
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Crane PROJECT The Peace Crane Project invites all children to fold an origami crane, emblazon its wings with a message of peace,
and exchange it with another child elsewhere in the world. Launched after the cataclysmic devastation of the events at Sandy Hook Elementary School in 2012 and inspired by the use of paper cranes as a symbol of hope and healing in Japanese culture, The Peace Crane Project has become an international force for encouraging the next generation to pursue harmony and peace throughout the world.
Since its inception eight years ago, The Peace Crane Project has involved millions of children in 154 different
countries and this past fall, Rumsey Hall was proud to join their ranks. Spearheaded by our Kindergarten teacher, Mrs. McGrew P'14, '17, the Rumsey Hall Peace Crane Project brought new understanding to this year’s theme We All Belong Here. For a month, our Kindergarten, Pre-Primes, Primes, and 1st Form students partnered with the Hanoi International School located in the heart of Hanoi, Vietnam. As an initiative to honor our school theme and International Day of Peace (September 21), our students spent their recesses, class time, and library time folding origami doves, hearts, and peace cranes to send across the globe to their new friends in Vietnam. The students in IInd Form aided the Kindies counting and sorting the origami menagerie and producing graphs to represent the data they collected. The 1st Formers sent a letter and photograph to the Hanoi students in the hopes of becoming long-term penpals. Then, with some help, our students packaged and mailed their project the 8,100 miles between Washington Depot and Hanoi.
Soon after our students shipped off their contribution to the Peace Crane Project, they received a package
from the students in Hanoi - a box overflowing with paper cranes. There were enough for each student to take one home and those remaining were distributed around campus to faculty and staff, where they serve as a daily reminder to be kind and open to others, because we all belong here. 2019/20 23
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2019/20 25
FACULTY PROFILE
VAL DI LORENZO P'15, '18 Library Media Specialist
I always say that the “Librarian Gods” had their hands in placing me at Rumsey. I grew up about five miles away from the School, yet never knew much about it. In May of 2010, some friends of mine (parents of both current students and alums) mentioned that the Rumsey Hall librarian was leaving. They put in a good word for me. After I interviewed with Mr. Spooner P'88, '90, '94, he walked me around the campus. I remember meeting some students in the Lower Office who were excited about their performance in the Talent Show the night before. Thinking back, I realize that I didn’t even walk through the library on that first visit! It didn’t matter though; I knew Rumsey was where I wanted to be from the moment I stepped onto campus. Though I’ve remained as the Library Media Specialist during my tenure at Rumsey, I’ve worn quite a few other hats. I coached when I first started and now am an Advisor, and last spring, I filled in for a dorm parent. These experiences have helped me become a better teacher and person. With the help of others, I’ve done my best to make it a welcoming, productive, and fun learning space for all.
What are three things that the Rumsey community may not know about you?
I spent over two weeks in the United Kingdom during 2019 thanks to a Rumsey professional development opportunity. I was able to partake in "The Library and The Academy", a seminar series offered by Oxbridge Academic Programs. We explored the libraries of Oxford University, and I was in librarians’ heaven. I also traveled to parts of Scotland to meet with friends and fellow educators. – I learned to ski last year at Bromley! – I’ve lived in Taiwan and Beijing.
What was your favorite book as a kid, and why?
Believe it or not, I wasn’t an avid reader when I was a kid. I do remember reading and enjoying Madeleine L’Engle’s A Wrinkle in Time, though. That book was so different from other books at the time. Now, my favorite genres are realistic fiction and historical fiction. I think it’s important for the students to see that I wasn’t much of a reader as a kid, but I became one – that’s why I’m always trying to plant the seed for students to become readers if they aren’t readers already.
Tell us about the Rumsey Hall Book Fest.
Our first Book Fest program started in 2014. We were going to be utilizing our third book fair vendor in four years because of a variety of circumstances. I had had several meetings with a small group of Rumsey Circle volunteers, and we thought, why not do something totally different? We came up with Book Fest. We envisioned a variety of activities that would change year to year, but that all encompassed a love of books and reading. My goal for Book Fest has always been to get as many people as possible in the Rumsey community talking about books. We had author, Alex London visit our campus as part of that first Book Fest in 2014. We also held our first Book Clubs that year. At the start, I had hoped to have 100 Upper School students signed up for Book Clubs, but we quickly surpassed that number, ending with over 200 participants. All of our Lower School students join a book club. We’ve had well over thirty different book clubs meet each year since 2014. Starting that first year, we had an “in-store” book fair at the Hickory Stick Bookshop just after students signed up for book clubs. 26 Rarebits
What resources does the Dane W. Dicke Family Library provide for students?
In my ten years at Rumsey, I’ve tried to add something new to our library almost every year. From iPads to audiobooks and ebooks, to ergonomic chairs in The Reading Room, to a document camera, a green screen, Apple TV, a Makerspace (with a sewing machine, duct tape station, and more), board games, a variety of assistive tools (earplugs, magnifying reader rulers, book rests, etc.), a Reading Bike, a “Reading Chair,” and more. I always encourage people to simply ask if they need something. Just last week, a student came in with broken glasses and we had the tiny tool needed to fix them!
Tell us about an event, experience, or interaction during your time at Rumsey that has been especially rewarding to you.
I have so many special moments and memories at Rumsey. One that stands out, however, was the very first time that Upper School teachers announced their Book Club choices at Morning Meeting. That was a brand new program. I didn’t even know if teachers would be willing to take part. They did, of course. I don’t know why I ever had any doubts. Their book club announcements ranged from impromptu to humorous, to competitive, to sincere. Our teachers succeeded in pulling the majority of our students into clubs that year. The program ended up becoming an annual activity. We’re now in our seventh year of Book Clubs. I feel so fortunate that I was able to teach at the same place where my two sons went to school. Though they’ve both graduated, Rumsey helped shape them into the young men they are becoming. I always loved listening to Mr. Spooner tell a story. I still remember him telling a story about boats. In certain places they are directed to "leave no wake." In this particular story, Mr. Spooner eloquently compared boats to students, encouraging them to like the boats "leave no wake." Professionally, I am still in awe of the dedication of our teachers to students and the School, in general. Whenever I come up with an idea, I know that if it’s good for the students and I put it out there, one or more of my colleagues will jump on board to make the program/activity/event work. That’s why we have a huge white birch branch lying on top of a bookshelf in our library!
RUMSEY QUESTIONNAIRE What are the first words that come
is in session. What do you treasure
here at Rumsey, what would you be
A special place to learn and grow.
the place. After a vacation, I still get
Prefects, and they said, “Most Likely
to mind when you think of Rumsey? Who
are
your
Rumsey
heroes?
Our boarding faculty are my heroes. I
marvel at how they are able to juggle
so much every day, 24/7, when school
most about Rumsey? The people and
excited driving down Romford Road
to come back to Rumsey to see the faculty, the students, and the library.
awarded? I asked a few of my Library to Travel the World . . . in retirement, of course”!
If you were to be given a superlative 2019/20 27
DEIJ LEADERS
Rumsey sat down with faculty members Kim Mandl P'07, '11, '15 and Craig Ough P'23 to talk about the issues of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice on our campus.
<= Since the writing of this article, the world and our community have been turned upside down. The Covid-19 pandemic began with anti-Asian sentiment throughout the world and we even heard fear and hate speech spread on our campus. Two incredible students from China, Emily Son ‘20 and Miranda Wang ’20, worked with Craig Ough to share a factual and informative presentation about coronavirus that dispelled myths for our greater community. We led two empowering Zoom meetings with VIth and VIIth Form students and several faculty that focused on hate speech and the power of words. Students were engaged and thoughtful in sharing their personal experiences and offered suggestions for how to make our community more inclusive so that everyone truly feels they belong. After the murders of Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and George Floyd, we wrote letters to our community on Rumsey’s stance regarding hate. We shared our plans regarding work the school has done and is committed to doing going forward. We received feedback from several alumni after those communications – thank you! Some were rightfully upset and some shared the positive experience they had while they were here. All were willing to jump into the work and help break down our own systems of oppression. As time moves forward and we listen to divisive words and witness violence all around us, we are committed to standing beside those in our Rumsey family and in the world who are pushed to the margins of society, to upend systems and policies that rob them of opportunity and peace. We look forward to hearing more from alumni and to working with our entire community in our antiracist work. – Kim Mandl and Craig Ough How did Rumsey’s initiative towards Diversity, Equity, Inclusion (DEI) begin? Where did your involvement start?
CRAIG: The kids were telling us they needed more from their experience at Rumsey. They were having conversations about inclusivity and overall awareness regarding the school. These percolated up in different ways, such as Morning Meeting announcements and student led awareness campaigns. Even conversations among the adults indicated there was something missing in the climate of the school. The initiatives led by students wishing for a better community experience regarding multicultural awareness had to be amplified by mentors and school leaders. The foundation of my involvement in DEI really started from my work in community engagement and character education. Middle school students should practice the skills 28 Rarebits
of discussion, reflection, and listening to others. About three years ago, I attended the Gardner Carney Leadership Institute as a professional development opportunity to invest in a character and leadership program at Rumsey Hall, as well as improve my Challenge 20/20 community engagement class. The mentors of that program wove diversity and multicultural intelligence in with their character curriculum and lessons about developmental needs and communication skills. I was excited to bring these techniques to our teachers. I offered what I could to faculty workshops that start our term and organized a Character Day which was an exercise in deliberate teaching of character skills, but also cultural awareness and anti-bias. The Challenge 20/20 class certainly was infused with these new lessons, but more importantly the value of giving and receiving feedback. While all of this was going on, Kim and I worked together, compiling our experiences and
interests in an increasingly organized manner, pushing the school to do more DEI work. Eventually, we were asked to oversee the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Task Force during our strategic planning process. KIM: I think there are many answers to how our initiative towards a diverse, inclusive, and equitable school began. I know that for the last few years, many students approached me with their own personal struggles regarding diversity. Students who identified “differently” would come to me seeking help or understanding around their experiences here on campus – some of them quite challenging and upsetting. Discussion among administrators surrounding the need for building capacity in our faculty to discuss with and educate our students about diversity and more importantly equity and inclusion seemed to increase. The Board of Trustees, administrators, and department heads met during a retreat in June 2019 and from that meeting a Strategic Plan for Rumsey was initiated. Several areas of study were determined to be a priority for the school. Craig and I were asked to co-chair the task force on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice. While my official journey in diversity education began in the Summer of 2019 I have spent my life amplifying underrepresented voices, being an upstander and an interrupter of bias and hate, and helping support equity and opportunity for all. I work my hardest to make everyone feel welcome and valuable and worthy. Especially those who feel marginalized – for any reason – skin color, religion, beliefs, sexual orientation, gender expression, culture, family makeup or socio-economic status.
(PoCC) and your experience there? How will you
time I had a different experience. Year one was about learning vocabulary, learning about myself and my lens on life, and feeling honored to be in a place full of the most beautiful minds willing to share their knowledge and life experiences with me. I studied cultural competency and development of identity. I learned about finding opportunities to start conversations with students around diversity and engage them in activities that celebrate identity. I also learned how to begin to incorporate racial literacy through those courageous conversations and activities. Year two was more focused on my own identity as a white woman in a space for people of color to be held up and fortified so that they could move through the world with “full buckets”. I was aware of the space that I was taking up and feeling the need to bring that feeling home with me to Rumsey. I focused my learning on how to bring lessons about leadership and inclusivity into the dorm, classroom, and field. I deepened my understanding of allyship and how to build that skill in the adults and students here at school. Craig and I each went to subject specific anti-bias lesson building workshops in support of building faculty capacity towards our DEIJ initiatives. CRAIG: The PoCC was eye-opening and full of joy; thousands of people came together to share their experiences, offer advice, and be in that place where their voices were heard. My work there was as an ally, engaged in active listening and gathering resources for my students and our diversity initiatives. The professional development I gleaned there is copious, including new strategies to introduce anti-bias education in my math classes and how to enhance student-led initiatives and discussions. The lessons from PoCC will also help steer our teachers toward stronger cultural competency and anti-bias practices, acting as allies and building an inclusive community. This only improves the strength of our school as a safe place to learn.
efforts at Rumsey?
What has been your greatest inspiration so far in
=> Tell us about the People of Color Conference use the things learned there to improve the DEI
KIM: The NAIS PoCC is committed “to equity and justice in teaching and learning. The mission of the conference is to provide a safe space for leadership and professional development and networking for people of color and allies of all backgrounds in independent schools. PoCC equips educators at every level, from teachers to trustees, with knowledge, skills, and experiences to improve and enhance the interracial, interethnic, and intercultural climate in their schools, as well as the attending academic, socialemotional, and workplace performance outcomes for students and adults alike.” I have attended this conference twice and each
this undertaking?
CRAIG: My biggest inspiration has been the student led awareness campaigns. I’m amazed by the leadership and passion demonstrated by these students. These have included a gender awareness conversation led by Ellie LaCasse '19, daily announcements duirng Black History Month led by Indiah Kent '19 and Nande Cuba '19, and so many others about discrimination during the pandemic, human ailments, and disability. These steered our school to take a closer look at our overall inclusivity and how way may continue to amplify the student voice.
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KIM: Working with students and watching them start to think on their own, question their views and the views of those around them. I love to see students chew on a topic and then have an “aha” moment or be able to justify their opinion. There are students who I have watched learn to trust a few more adults than they used to. Just knowing that a few teachers, administrators, or staff members are there to be a safe haven can make a student’s experience here immensely positive. Several students have become leaders and allies in the work of diversity and inclusion as they learn to trust themselves. That is truly inspirational. What has been the greatest challenge?
KIM: Patience. Patience is my greatest challenge in all parts of my life, but because being patient in making Rumsey a more inclusive and representative community is so personal and important to me it has been especially hard to “wait”. Some things seem so natural and instinctive to me and I want change to happen right away. I realize and accept that our community is on a journey and that it takes time. Also, knowing that we are moving forward and that our administration and the Board have made the work their priority keeps me feeling inspired and energetic. The bottom line in this work is that we are beyond talk. There needs to be action. Now is the time for action. CRAIG: Change takes time. There’s an urgency to the work and a need to get everyone boarded as soon as possible. Doing that correctly takes adequate research and planning as it’s about building an overall climate of inclusion and tolerance. What are your goals for DEI at Rumsey?
CRAIG: Ideally, we need to be an institution that teaches our students to be decent humans, and there are really two pieces to this. There’s the need for ensuring the school’s overarching policies and philosophies are lined with DEI best practices which ultimately leads to greater representation of people on our Board, as school leaders, and as employees. These policies and philosophies need to steer our entire school towards greater cultural competency and continuously aim to reduce unintentional bias. There’s also the need for thoughtful and deliberate planning for students. I envision an enhanced curriculum where kids learn about different cultures in all of their classes. I hope for an environment within which they are allowed to practice conversation, giving them opportunities to hear others and also be heard. There needs to be adequate 30 Rarebits
planning in support of marginalized populations at our school, such as affinity groups and community-wide celebrations. As this grows, there are numerous ways to expand this work to include parents and alumni. KIM The work of DEI is long and forever ongoing. People are ever evolving and changing. Middle school is one of the places we begin to learn about who we are and who we want to be. We also learn about other people and who they are. It is most important that we learn how to embrace and celebrate the things we each have in common as well as, and almost more importantly, the things that are different and unique about each of us. My goal for the entire Rumsey family, our community, is that we all feel safe, respected and valued. That we are committed to an inclusive mission that teaches social responsibility, justice and cultural competency. I hope we can achieve a school culture where we celebrate everyone’s appearance, perspective, values, and ability. I hope that becomes our living mission. How can people in the Rumsey community best support the DEI effort?
KIM: Awareness is most important. Recognizing that our community will only be stronger when we embrace and practice DEI is key. Our world will only increase in multiculturalism and it is important for anyone in a mentor or leadership role to build their cultural competency. As we build our own competencies our students will develop stronger multicultural intelligence. Ideally our students will act to make our community a safe place for all to learn. We need to foster a community of learners where students get to practice cooperation, collaboration and most importantly, communication. CRAIG: The best way for the Rumsey community to help with DEI efforts is for each of us to look at ourselves and be open to opinions and different perspectives. I would like to see us all have the desire to teach all of our students (and help each other) look deeper than the surface, to think critically, to build compassion, become multiculturally competent, and to commit to celebrating everyone’s individuality. We should look outward to increase our understanding, improve our skills, and expertise around DEI, but we also look inward to better understand each other and our different backgrounds. Only then will we truly be committed to the process. The last thing I want to say is that this can no longer be only a DEI issue. We MUST add the J for Justice.
The Francis M. Ryan Indoor Rowing Facility Dedication
Have you ever noticed in the Lufkin Rink the door that has the red and white oar on it? Have you ever wondered what was inside? Each spring upwards of 40 athletes call that room home. The "erg room", the "boathouse", it has earned a few names. On June 9, 2020, with the blessing of Mr. Ryan's family, Mr. Przygocki, past and current Rumsey rowing coaches and friends, it was given a new name. The Francis M. Ryan Indoor Rowing Facility was dedicated to Mr. Ryan in recognition of his 31 years at Rumsey Hall School. Under the tutelage of Mr. Ryan, Rumsey Crew has developed into an incredible middle school rowing program. Rumsey Crew uses the space to train and learn the rowing technique in the indoor rowing tanks. With a proper space to teach young rowers and coxswains, Mr. Ryan and his coaches were able to develop their athletes' skills and a strong rowing community. As a testament to the impact this program has had on young athletes, banners of several college rowing teams commemorate those students who got their start on Rumsey Crew.
• • • Thank you Mr. Ryan for your dedication to developing the Rumsey Crew program! We all wish you well in your new leadership role in VA.
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Alumni Games
Adam Platt '07, Mark Naclerio '07, Craig Naclerio '05
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From top, left to right: Class of 2019 Dongbin "Tony" Jia, Ellie LaCasse, Sawyer von Jess, Cooper Choate, Parker
Davis, Ellie Frisbie • Juliet Lin '19, Seonga "Elina" Choi '19, Matthew Vogelstein '19 • Eric Duoji '18, Jiaqing "Jason"
Zeng '19 • Mason Jarvis '21, Terrell Jarvis '17 • Bryan Platt '10 and fianceé Morgan Wilm • Tara St. Amand '03 • Enjoying some laughs during the volleyball game.
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1. Grayson Gordon '22, digital Art, CT Scholastic Art & Writing Honorable Mention 2. VII Form Students Erin Butler and Yunseo "Christine" Jeong creating 3-D pieces 3. Gracie Shen '22, exploding book displaying monoprints 4. Jeronimo Alvarez Morphy '21, graphite pencil drawing in the style of Mathew Borrett "Hiding Places" 5. VII Form Metal working 6. VII Form Students Chloe Coffin and Joshua Smotroff 7. Youngseo "Emily" Son '20, digital art, CT Scholastic Art & Writing Gold Key winner 8. Ava Qin '22, graphite pencil drawing in the style of Mathew Borrett "Hiding Places" 9. Yujin "Evelyn" Kim '22, drawing with mixed media, Scholastic Art & Writing Silver Key winner 10. Low-level relief paper sculptures, L to R: Justin Lee '20, Josh Smotroff '20 11. Maxine Maag '21, color pencils, CT Scholastic Art & Writing Honorable Mention
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LOWER SCHOOL ART 10
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1. Pre-primes, posing in cut-paper masks after their study of masks around the world 2. Truman Brooks '24 self-portrait in tempera 3. Avery Eren '28, primary and secondary color collage with line inspired by the work of Wassily Kandinsky 4. Tommy Perreault '27 inspired by Wayne Thiebaud’s “the three machines” 5. Oliver Antov '26, plaster King Tut mask 6. Piper Romaniello '27, pear still life 7. IInd Form working on the Chinese New Year dragon 8. Catalina La Placa '28, desserts painting inspired by painter Wayne Thiebaud 9. Still life by Zachary Kocienda ‘24 10. Griffin Hawley '24 designing a plaster mold for an animal mask 11. Aelita Rogers '24, self-portrait
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ALUMNI PROFILE
ALEXANDER KRIVOSHEIW '93 Internationally renowned sculptor
After leaving Rumsey, Alexander began his artistic studies in Greece at the age of 15, moving on to graduate from The School of Visual Arts in New York City with a B.A. in Sculpture, and then spending seven years apprenticing under acclaimed sculptor, Kevin Barrett. Alexander’s work has been exhibited worldwide and belongs in the private collections of various world leaders and celebrities. His full portfolio is available at www.aksculptures.com.
How has your career and life unfolded since leaving Rumsey Hall?
It's been quite a journey. I wasn't quite sure where I'd land after leaving Rumsey. Testing was never my strong suit – I was slightly dyslexic (I just had to spell check that). That, paired with my low SAT scores, limited my educational opportunities. It also bred insecurity in me which would later surprisingly become a gift. It motivated me to prove to myself that I could be a success despite what I looked like on paper. My skills in creative writing, sports, and charming interviews were my backdoor entrance into schools that focused on liberal arts. I was accepted to The Williston Northampton School in Massachusetts. They foresaw a career in athletics which later became less of interest to me than their arts program. I'm pretty confident that this became a problem for my acceptance the following year (or maybe it was dating the principal's daughter). The art teacher at Williston saw my potential, but unfortunately, that wasn't enough. My parents consulted with an educational advisor to find a school that would better suit my artistic strengths. Due to my low SAT scores, the advisor suggested that I have an Emotional Intelligence Test. My EQ score was through the roof. An average EQ score ranges from 90-100, with a perfect score measuring 160. I scored 150. Researchers recognized that even though SAT scores could help predict academic performance and professional success, some of those with high scores were doing poorly in life by communicating in a way that hindered their chances to succeed. They lacked emotional intelligence, so that's when my EQ score proved to be an advantage, putting me in a bracket to study in college courses while in high school. I was accepted into an intense college graduate program by the name of Ithaka in Greece. I was quickly recognized as a creative thinker with talents in the fine arts arena. Following my graduation from the Ithaka program, I returned to the States and was accepted as a senior to Buxton School in Massachusetts. I graduated with honors in liberal and fine art. After seven years away from home, which began when I was only 12, it was time to return to NYC. I was accepted into the School of Visual Arts where I apprenticed with a renowned metal sculptor, Kevin Barrett. After 12 years, I took a hiatus to explore other creative endeavors, which included everything from interviewing George Lucas to working with the world's brightest kinetic engineers creating interactive sculptural forms. Eventually, I ended up in South Florida to open up my studio seven years ago.
How did you get your start as a sculptor and how did you come to the specific style and materials that you are known for?
Sculpting chose me at a very young age. I was about four years old when I found myself in my father's garage, building little wooden sculptures. At age 15, I was selected along with 12 other students from around the world to participate in the Ithaka program in Greece. I was the youngest student enrolled, as the majority of my classmates had already graduated from college — each student was paired with a mentor whose expertise ranged from social anthropologists to master Greek artisans. I was placed with a premier marble sculptor who I apprenticed with for two years, carving marble angels and deities for Greek Orthodox churches. Here, was when I recognized my affinity and love for sculpture and appreciation for mythology, which has since been an ongoing theme in my work. I then apprenticed with a third-generation abstract metal sculptor in Brooklyn, NY. I first learned how to work with aluminum, which is the best material to learn on, as it is the most delicate. Then bronze and stainless steel. I fell in love with the fundamental nature of metal's longevity, strength, and inherent elegance. 38 Rarebits
Who or what has been your greatest inspiration?
This is a common question an artist is asked to articulate. For me, the inspiration is not a specific object or moment, but more so, the space between the viewer and their subject. We are in a constant emotional state which changes at every waking second, and we all perceive things subjectively. As Anais Nin expresses best, "we do not see things as they are, we see things as we are." It's the ongoing evolutionary contemplation of this space that fascinates me.
In what way do you feel that your time at Rumsey inspired or encouraged your future as a sculptor?
I continuously recognize the ways that Rumsey has influenced me. The structure of the School helped to develop my sense of discipline. Discipline is really what separates a professional artist from a hobbyist. The teachers at Rumsey fostered creative individualism. The art scene is full of replicated concepts, therefore being in an environment that pushed me to develop my ideas, and to own them, gave me an identity and confidence that the majority of artists don't have.
What has been your favorite piece that you have created, and why?
That's a tough question. Every sculpture validates itself in its own time. My work with the The International Olympic Committee sculpting The President's Trophy (the most prestigious award given to highly respected and admired global icons) was surreal. It put my work in the hands of the most notable people on the planet, from world leaders to the most decorated Olympians like Usain Bolt. Then again, every sculptor wants to see their work on the largest scale possible, so my monumental sculptures that have been installed internationally are other favorites. But my most heartwarming piece is a very small sculpture that I sold to a retired nurse. He loved the work so much that he saved year after year to have enough money to purchase one for himself. His raw passion and love for this piece made this little 9-inch maquette, Amour, one of my favorites. Sometimes, it's not about the piece alone, but the emotional attachment that the collector has to it that makes it a favorite.
What has been a memorable moment in your career?
Being able to sit here and share these moments with you.
What advice would you give to current students who are interested in art?
Don't limit yourself. Understand that every mistake is an opportunity. If you're not scared of what's coming next, you're not growing. Every aspect of life plays a role in your creative spirit. Once you second guess your intrigue, you should stop thinking and move forward. "Idle hands are the devil's workshop" can't be better stated here. These moments don't always make The President's Trophy: Bronze plated with 24k Gold. Commissioned by sense at the time, but will eventually play a role in your developed mind. Be the International Olympic Committee "the President's Trophy is the highest sports award given to athletes who have excelled in their sport and had an patient, and in time you will understand why. extraordinary career, creating a lasting impact on their sport" - Wikipedia
RUMSEY QUESTIONNAIRE What is the first word that comes to mind when you think of Rumsey Hall? Family. Who are your Rumsey heroes? Tom Farmen and my girlfriend at the time. What do you treasure most about Rumsey? The discipline and willingness of the faculty to improve a student's weaknesses and still enhance his or her strengths. If you were to host a dinner
party with anyone, who would be on the guest list? Antonia Canova, Henry Moore, Stanislav Grof, Nikola Tesla, David Bowie, Barack Obama, Steven Spielberg, Hulk Hogan, Alfred Hitchcock, The Dalai Lama, Albert Einstein, Aristotle, Ludwig van Beethoven, and my father. If you could go back and change one thing about your time at Rumsey, what would
it be? Nothing. I've never lived a life of regret. If you were given a superlative your senior year at Rumsey, what would it have been? Best Dressed. I was known for my vibrant colored blazers with the sleeves rolled up. When was the last time you were on Rumsey's campus? Ten years ago, for a lecture I gave. 2019/20 39
40 Rarebits
Car Parad e ! JUNE 5, 2020
2019/20 41
Commencement 2020
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Dear Class of 2020, Your class, the Class of 2020, will forever be known as the group of leaders who charted a courageous and inspiring course through a pandemic that disrupted our lives in every possible way. You stayed connected, cared for one another, and maintained the core values of our community. Even as you confronted the challenge of being apart, your class came together in remarkable ways. We honor and celebrate your resilience, strength, and grit. We are so very proud of each one of you. Years from now, you will look back on this spring term with pride because you made it through while remaining true to the extraordinary people you are. When we are able, we look forward to gathering you here on campus to reunite your class. Congratulations! We miss you dearly and salute you.
2019/20 43
Dear Rumsey, I didn’t think we’d part like this, so far away, saying our goodbyes through screens and tear-stained letters. I met you at a time in my life when everything was going wrong and going right at the same time. The good and bad were blending together, and I experienced most of that with you. Seeing you for the very first time, I hadn’t expected my eyes to open that wide or to walk away that day knowing that I’d be returning for a whole two years of walking up the hill, playing on your courts, running through your fields, crying in your rooms, and laughing in your dining hall. Soon, I noticed I was becoming a better person because of you. Maybe it was your friendly smiles, warm inviting hands, freezing but beautiful winters, and the way leaves seem to fall more when you were around. Maybe I’m imagining it, but there was just something that I couldn’t put my finger on that lit me up inside. You introduced me to friends I will never forget. Maybe you smiled at them the same way you smiled at me. Because, somehow, you always seem to make us all share that same inexplicable life. Every laugh we share, each hug and helping hand we gave each other, you were behind. People reached out to me, so willing to help, and, like you, helped me become who I am so proud to be now. It’s so nice to speak with you again, Rumsey. It’s been a while, but don’t ever think you’re far from my mind. The curve at the end of my letter T’s reminds me of how at the end of a long day, you picked me up again to face tomorrow, when I opened my blinds to let the sun in again, even when sleep was so inviting. Sure, we had our moments where I wanted to turn away from you. But your steady presence, patience, and persistence always brought me back. I’m anticipating the day when I will return to your door, your faithful friend knocking again. No matter how you’ve grown, you will not have changed a bit. You will have open ears. And no matter how I have changed, you will remain the same with your kind smile, welcoming arms ready to catch me when I fall, and warm hands to applaud when I succeed. It would be wonderful to be with you once again. Forever yours, Renee Tracey, Class of 2020
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commencement prizes 2020 The Edward B. Whitney Prize for Excellence in Declamation: Kyra Charlize Rook ’20 The Annual Dining Hall Prefect Award: Yiyang Jack Ruan ’20
The Cody Montana ’08 Memorial Paddle Out Award: Aleka Gutierrez Saenz ’20
The Award for Excellence: Youngseo “Emily” Son ’20
The Prize for Outstanding Scholar-Athlete: Fangyan Wendy Huo ’20 Quillan Oberto ’20
The John F. Schereschewsky, Jr. ’47 Memorial Award: Oliver Ramee ’21
The Prize for the Greatest Improvement The David Loyd Memorial Prize: in Scholarship: Kyra Charlize Rook ’20 John William Bartels ’20 The Marjorie Hull Barr Prize: The Lawrence Larkin '16 Computer Achievement Award: Andrew Roraback ’24 William Sherer ’20 The J. Mitchell Magnoli ’77 Memorial Award: The Richard M. Wachcic Junior Athletic Award: Junho Lee ’21 Elena Cosgriff ’23 Sawyer Gray ’23 The Scott Evans Seibert ’92 Memorial Scholarship: Charles Cashel ’21 The Charlotte Underwood Library Award: Minseong Ethan Kim ’20 The Faculty Cup: Renee Tracey ’20 The Best All-Around Male and Female Athletes: Morgan Ashley Clarke ’20 The Memorial Award: JunHo Lee ’20 Alejandro Osorio Mijangos ’20
The Gabriella Bass ’94 Art Award: Robert Fairchild Ober IV ’20
The Prize for The Boarding Scholars with the Best Conduct Record: Samantha Ellie Kaufman ’20 Santino Vincenzo DeFazio ’20
The Duff Community Service Cup: ZiYi Wang ’20
Headmaster’s Cup: Evan P. Rydingsword ’20
The Alfred L. Hart II ’65 Fine Arts Prize: Sierra Mayme Cortes ’20 The Ryan J. Whelan ’89 Memorial Scholarship Prize: Charleigh Newman ’21
Class Speaker: Renee Tracey '20
Greatest Improvement in Athletics: Victoria Olivia Weirich-Freiberg ’20 Ryan James Delmore ’20
The Rose Algrant Memorial Scholarship: Rosemarie Oberto ’22 The Henry B. Van Sinderen Memorial Scholarship Award: Myles Crain ’21 Prize for Perseverance and Worthy Endeavor: Chloe Roberts Coffin ’20 Award for Leadership: Ian H. Abreu ’20
Award for Merit: Erin Reilly Butler ’20
Permanent 2020 Class President: Robert Fairchild Ober IV '20
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Names of graduates as they appear on their diploma Ian H. Abreu
Samantha Ellie Kaufman
John William Bartels
*+ Alexander Robert Kenerson
+ Kangdrake Bernardin
Carter Scott Sneller
* Youngseo “Emily” Son
*+ Quinn Andrew Kennedy
+ Richard Joseph Souza III
*+ Erin Reilly Butler
*+ William Blanchard Kirkiles
Jiakang (Kakou) Su
Zhun Chen
Mason Joseph Lockowitz
+ Chloe Roberts Coffin
Giancarlo C. Mendieta
+Jacques van der Merwe
* Quillan Oberto
Yimiao "Miranda" Wang
Danil Popov
+Victoria Olivia Weirich-Freiberg
+ Kyra Charlize Rook
Shaowen Yang
Taylor Stephen Brown
Minseong Kim
Edoardo Carlo Cassano
JunHo Lee
* Morgan Ashley Clarke
+ Robert Fairchild Ober IV
Santino Vincenzo DeFazio
Alejandro Osorio Mijangos
Griffin Owen Dow
Clara Patricia Rodriguez Cisneros
*+ Ryan James Delmore Xander Gort
Aleka Gutierrez Saenz
Nene Uchiumi Grant J. Vogel ZiYi Wang
Chase Robert Weisleder Yuzhe “Kevin” Zhang
William Sherer
Charlie Devyn Zimmerman
+ Evan P. Rydingsword
Fangyan Huo
Matthew Tyler Sherman
Yunseo (Christine) Jeong
Renee Tracey
Yiyang Ruan
Ivy Hillman
Alexander Charles Howe
Aubrey Alexander Swan
Spencer Louie
+ Andrew Christopher Conto Sierra Mayme Cortes
Katherine Grace Stutt
* Joshua Lawrence Smotroff
* With Three or More Honors Courses + Charter Member – Enrolled Since Lower School Permanent Class President: Robert Fairchild Ober IV
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Deyi "Jasmine" Zhu
Where they were accepted
and where they went...
Acceptance List
Asheville School, NC Avon Old Farms School, CT Benet Academy, IL Berkshire School, MA Blair Academy, NJ Brewster Academy, NH Brooks School, MA Canterbury School, CT Chapel Hill-Chauncy Hall, MA Chatham Hall, VA Cheshire Academy, CT Choate Rosemary Hall, CT Christopher Columbus HS, FL Concord Academy, MA Culver Academies, IN Cushing Academy, MA Emma Willard School, NY Episcopal High School, VA Ethel Walker School, CT Forman School, CT Frederick Gunn School, CT Governor’s Academy, MA Gulliver Prep, FL The Hill School, PA Hopkins School, CT Hotchkiss School, CT Kent School, CT King School, CT Lawrence Academy, MA Loomis Chaffee School, CT Master’s School, NY Millbrook School, NY Miss Porter’s School, CT Northfield Mount Hermon, MA Oldfields School, MD Palmer Trinity School, FL Peddie School, NJ Pennington School, NJ Pomfret School, CT Portsmouth Abbey, RI Proctor Academy, NH St. Andrew’s School, DE St. George’s School, RI Salisbury School, CT South Kent School, CT Suffield Academy, CT Tabor Academy, MA Taft School, CT Trinity-Pawling School, NY Vermont Academy, VT Westminster School, CT Westover School, CT Westtown School, PA Wilbraham & Monson School, MA Williston Northampton School, MA
Matriculation List American School Foundation, MX Asheville School, NC Avon Old Farms, CT Berkshire School, MA Blair Academy, NJ Brewster Academy, NH Brooks School, MA Canterbury School, CT Choate Rosemary Hall, CT Christopher Columbus H.S., FL Culver Academies, IN Episcopal High School, VA Forman School, CT Frederick Gunn School, CT Hopkins School, CT Hotchkiss School, CT Kent School, CT King School, CT Loomis Chaffee, CT Masters School, NY Palmer Trinity School, FL Peddie School, NJ St. George’s School, RI Salisbury School, CT South Kent School, CT St. Mark’s, MA Suffield Academy, CT Taft School, CT Tomas Moro Lomas, MX Vermont Academy, VT Westminster School, CT Westover School, CT Wyoming Seminary, PA
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class notes 48 Rarebits
James’ daughter Jessica writes: “James Harriman Rogers III of Maine passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 5, 2019. Jim graduated from Rumsey Hall in 1948 before heading to The South Kent School. Jim received his undergraduate degree from Brown University before serving in the U.S. Army from 1956-1958 in Berlin, Germany. After his service, Jim taught English at the Collegiate School in New York City for five years before attending Harvard University to earn his Master’s in Education. Upon graduation, Jim accepted a position in the Admissions Office at Brown, where he was later promoted to the Director of Admissions, a post he kept until 1988. After leaving Brown, Jim and his wife, Margaret, moved to Italy where Jim opened an educational consulting business called The Rogers Group International. Jim worked with families outside of the U.S. as a private secondary school and college consultant. The couple moved back to the U.S. in 1993 and settled in Castine, Maine."
HENRY VALLANT ‘50
“Still alive and kicking… our Class missed our 70th Reunion.”
CARLTON G. NORTON, JR. ‘52
Tucson AZ. Carlton Graham Norton Jr. 83 died September 28, 2019. Carlton graduated from New Milford High School, Class of 1956 and went on to serve in the U.S. Air Force in Germany. He earned a degree from Cornell University in horticulture. He lived in Millbrook NY where he owned and operated a landscape design company and taught horticulture at BOCES (Board of Cooperative Educational Services) in Poughkeepsie, NY. He is survived by his wife Jane McLaughlin of Tucson, AZ, brother, Robert of Kent and sister, Nancy of Killingworth.
GINNA BOYNTON FISHBURNE ‘55
“So sorry to miss our 65th Rumsey Reunion… We are enjoying our retirement community although we are on ‘lock down’ right now! Hope members of ’55 stay healthy and we can reunite next year.”
JOHN MCDONALD ‘59
“Nothing has really changed since the last year. Just running my company, Masscot Internet.”
LUCIA BRYANT BLANCHARD ‘61
“Loving life in Florida as a ‘snow bird’. Playing lots of golf and riding horses when I’m not visiting with son and family in Colorado or daughter and family in Bermuda.”
GEORGE A. HUBBARD ‘62
George and Laurentina have called Tamworth, NH home for the past 45 years. Although mostly retired from his other endeavors, George is still an active partner with EAA TOOLS, Inc. based in Phoenix, Arizona. EAA designs and fabricates
specialized tools and parts for the H-60 Blackhawk helicopter series. Laurentina is a master rug hooker with the A.T.H.A. guild. They travel frequently to their “finca” in Colombia to be with extended family and to savor their homegrown coffee.
KELLY NYE ‘68
“Went back to see Dead & Company in Mexico. Hurt my knee and ankle the first night. Saw Mayan stone structures in Tulum. WOW, THE BEST! … Go Rumsey!"
KATHARINE MOWBRAY ‘69 MICHIE
“We are still happily living outside Worcester, MA. Our two grandsons, six and three, live nearby. I am enjoying retirement and floral designing.”
CALLI GUION ‘70
“I am still living in Norwich, Vermont with my partner of 30 years, Erik Blanchard, cousin to Casey, Lee and Nina Blanchard, who were all at Rumsey when I was there in the late 1960s. I am still in close touch with Palmer Marrin ’70 as well. I am a docent at the HOOD Museum of Art at Dartmouth and sing with the Thetford Chamber Singers, a chorus of about 35. We give concerts twice a year, in December and May. I also have been involved with Hospice and singing at bedside. In August 2018, my mother passed away at the age of 94. On Halloween of this year, my eldest niece gave birth to the first of the next generation, a lovely baby boy. In 1979 our family hosted an AFS student in Litchfield for a year and we are still very much connected with the Brochet family. I spent Christmas in France last year with them and will return next week for a week outside of Paris with the family. Erik and I attend many performances in the Upper Valley. Best to all my classmates from those years at Rumsey!”
TED SARANT ‘70
"I'm going into my 45th full year of self-employment in my home remodeling business, which is still thriving. As long as I can do the work, I have no plans to retire in the regular sense. I'm still in good physical condition with full lifting strength. I still do hiking, walking, and biking."
MAX SOPER ‘71
Max reached out to the School to send thanks for the birthday card he received in the mail. “As an alumnus of 1971, I want to report in… It’s been a long while, however, the memories are still fresh. Recalling class with big Lou, Sherry, and having the honor of serving on the Student Council. I enjoyed the privilege of opening the candy store in the afternoon and handing out Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and Twizzlers and other healthy treats to fellow students at Rumsey, the foundation of a good start in my life! Since then, I followed my passion and am enjoying developing a building business and a solid family life.”
DAVID NELIGAN ‘72
"My antique shop furnished most of the antiques in the 2019 film Knives Out, including all the furniture used to interview the suspects." 2019/20 49
class notes
JAMES H. ROGERS III ‘48
class notes
JOSH L. KAIMAN ‘74
Josh has accepted a new position as a Subcontract Administrator for L3Harris Corporation, the 6th largest U.S. Defense Contractor and primary supplier of electronic systems to the Department of Defense and to NASA. Josh will be based in Mason, Ohio (suburb of Cincinnati).
ANDY FOX ‘76 Andy sent this picture on his tractor.
other departments from across the Chicagoland area as well as FBI agents. Crisis Intervention team training helps officers understand how to communicate with someone having a mental health crisis. The Chicago Police Department was the first department in the world to use mental health consumers as roleplay actors. In 2016, he was awarded the International Consumer of the year at the Crisis Intervention Team Convention held in Chicago of that year. Since then, he's become known as an international advocate for mental health. He also works at the Harris Theater for music and dance in downtown Chicago and is an ensemble member with the Hyde Park Community Players. He’s been involved in multiple productions both on stage and off.
EMMANUEL XUEREB ‘81 AND SALVATOR XUEREB ‘81 OSCAR JESURUM ‘77
“After graduating from Rumsey, I went back home to Venezuela to go to high school. Then after graduating from high school, I returned to the United States to attend Central Texas College located in Killeen, Texas where I received my Associate Degree in General Agriculture. Then I transferred to Sam Houston State University (SHSU) in Huntsville, Texas. While attending SHSU for my B.S. in Science, I was forced to start working to continue paying for my education. I started working in landscaping for a few years until I landed an excellent job at Woodland Farms, a duck farm in California, where I eventually worked as their Production Manager. I worked there for 15 years, was quite successful, and then got married and had two sons, Zackary and Jacob. Now I am back in Venezuela, but my sons, now 22 and 21, are still living in California.”
WILLIAM KING ‘78
“I retired from the Seymour Police Department on May 10th after a total of 35 years of service. I am now in class to become certified as a Fire Marshal here in Connecticut with my final class exam at the end of January. Not necessarily a new career, but something to keep me busy.”
CLARK WEBER ‘81
Clark Weber, known as Clark T. Weber professionally, has lived and worked in Chicago since 1987. After studying improvisation at Players Workshop of Second City and the Second City Training Center, he has had moderate success as an actor. He has appeared in the major motion picture “Baby's Day Out” as Photo Asst. #1 working directly with Joe Mantegna, Joey Pantoliano, and Brain Haley. He has also appeared in the TV series Early Edition as Harvey Pillsky, working directly with Kyle Chandler. Despite that moderate success, his most honorable and prideful work has been working as a Crisis Intervention Team Training role play actor for the last 15 years. He helped train Chicago police officers as well as officers from 50 Rarebits
Emmanuel and Salvator write: “After 11 years of a very successful partnership with 360 Realty, Emmanuel and Salvator Xuereb are very proud to announce that their agency Team X Estates joined Compass earlier this year. After being approached by most of the major brokerages, we decided to join Compass because they are the agency of the future, as well as embodying the same spirit we do. Compass is continually evolving to be at the forefront of ideas, cutting edge technology, amazing support for their agents, as well as incredible resources for the clients we represent.”
JOHN F. KLEIN-ROBBENHAAR ‘82
“The news here is that in May 2019, after nearly 24 years as a practicing attorney, I began serving an eight-year term as a United States Magistrate Judge. My new job involves plenty of research and writing, presiding over preliminary hearings in criminal cases, and mediating disputes in settlement conferences. Prior to this position, I served as an Assistant Federal Public Defender for over 10 years, and before that I managed a private law practice, so my new role as a federal judge is quite challenging and represents a complete reset in my legal career. Exciting times! Meanwhile, I am still living in Albuquerque, New Mexico, after 29 years. My oldest daughter Eveline is graduating in the Spring from Elon University and hopes to go to graduate school to become a nurse practitioner, while my younger daughter Grace is finishing her second year at Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado, studying psychology and art. My wife Erika manages a consulting firm, training and coaching professionals and organizations, and recently became certified in professional mediation. We enjoy traveling and getting outdoors, and look forward to our bi-annual visits to Cape Cod and the East. I'd be remiss if I failed to mention the important role Rumsey has played, and continues to play, in my life. While Rumsey Hall in 1982 may not look much like the Rumsey of today, the Blue Dog values that I internalized back then--effort, determination, good citizenship--are obviously still foundational to the character of the school today. Kudos to Rumsey for focusing on honesty, kindness and respect--this is what makes the school a very special place. Keep up the good work!”
class notes
MELINDA CORNELL ‘86 MORAN
Melinda Cornell ’86 Moran just moved to Fairhope, Alabama and is loving the Southern life. Her son Colby ’17 is finishing high school and working in an artisanal Italian restaurant.
MARK LOKEY ‘86
American Airlines Captain Mark Lokey ’86 and First Officer Kathy Hill, mother of Kelly Hill ’17 and Samantha Hill ’19.
our children’s activities: horseback riding, sporting clays, basketball and baseball. We love the outdoors, hunting, fishing, motor cross, riding four wheelers or working the farm. As to those I knew at Rumsey I have only kept up with the Brooks brothers, Allan ’89, Truman ’89 and Oliver ’87. Several years back during high school I ran into George Blankson in London, England. He happened to be the roommate of a good friend of mine from Spain, small world. The encounter was surreal in how we connected the dots.”
JOSHUA EUSEBIO ‘94
GLEN BIGELOW ‘87
“Glen is enjoying his career as a pilot with Net Jets Corporation in Columbus, Ohio. He owns a home in Dublin, Ohio and his two children, Claire (12) and Carter (9).”
Joy Eusebio P’94 writes, “Joshua graduated from Fairfield University in Fairfield, CT as an engineer and has been working at Walt Disney World in Florida. He is celebrating his 10-year anniversary with the company this year.”
ARTHUR HUNTINGTON ‘96
MICHAEL NATOLI ‘88 “I got married on July 14, 2018. My wife's name is Karen Natoli. We celebrated our wedding in Crofton, Maryland with family and friends.”
“I got married on 11/11/16 and my wife and I had our first child, Cora Anne Huntington, 6/1/2019. We live in Louisville, Kentucky where I am a chef.”
MARWAN MARZAGAO ‘89
“It has been quite some time since my Rumsey days. At eight years old, I arrived during a summer session as a foreign exchange student who hardly spoke English and then transitioned into the school year. Rumsey has a special place in my life journey. Today I live in Columbia, South Carolina, and am married with three children, two daughters, 13 and 11, and a son, 8. My primary job is with Intuitive Surgical who I have been with for almost 13 years. When not traveling my time is spent at home with my family on our farm or trying to help with the hustle of 2019/20 51
class notes
ARJUN KUMAR ‘05
Congratulations to Arjun Kumar on his recent marriage to his wife Sonam! The couple got married in Los Cabos, Mexico and are pictured here, from left to right, with Celine Kumar (Vikram’s daughter); Vikram Kumar ’00; Former Headmaster Tom Farmen P’97, ’99; Arjun Kumar, Sonam, and Ashley Farmen. Not pictured: Vikram’s wife, Poojah.
WILL MURPHY ‘08
“I have recently moved to Sydney, Australia. I plan to be working and surfing in Sydney hopefully for a full year.”
MAX ENIS ‘12
Max started as a Pilot First Officer for Frontier Airlines upon graduating from Purdue University in May 2019. Based in Denver he is ranked as one of the youngest commercially licensed pilots on the Airbus 319/320/321 fleet.
GENEVIEVE ZASADA ‘05
Genevieve earned her Air Force Wings at Laughlin, TX in October. She will be continuing her fighter pilot training in Klamath Falls, OR to transition to the mighty F-15 Eagle!
KEEFE RAFFERTY ‘07
Secondary School Placement Director Fran Ryan ran into Keefe on a recent flight from Atlanta to New Orleans. Keefe was on his way back to Louisiana where he's stationed for another year and a half.
JAMO ETTING ‘07
Jamo moved back to Connecticut after four years in Baltimore, MD when he got a new job with the Wethersfield, CT Police Department. 52 Rarebits
babies top to bottom:
Peyton Elizabeth Rehkamp, daughter of Marisa Mastrianno '02, born Friday, January 3rd, 2020, weighing 8.5 pounds. Riley Neary, daughter of Sarah Ruh '05 McMannis celebrated her first birthday on October 15, 2019. Ryan Conroy '98 and his wife, Kerry, welcomed their first son Quinn Phillip Conroy on November 1, 2019. Beckett Garrison Carr, born to Ania Przygocki '00 Carr and husband Jonathan Carr on November 30, 2019.
Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d love to hear from you! SEND US YOUR CLASS NOTES AT RUMSEYHALL .ORG/ ALUMNI/UPDATE-US
2019/20 53
class notes
REAGAN KETCHUM ‘13
Reagan graduated from Ursinus College with a B.A. in Media & Communications Studies on May 16, 2020 (virtually).
CAROLINE RICKE ‘13
Caroline graduated from the University of Colorado, Boulder on May 7, 2020 with a B.A. in Sociology and Anthropology. She was a Sister of Tri-Delta Sorority and intends to pursue a career with the FBI.
DAVID ROSENBAUM ‘16
While on campus for Alumni Games in February, David shared that he is double-majoring in History and Education at Quinnipiac University on an academic scholarship.
TYLER COX ‘17
Tyler just graduated from Avon Old Farms ‘20 and is headed to St. Lawrence University in Canton, NY - where his Rumsey Varsity Football Coach (Clayton Ketchum) is [an] Alum. The Football team in 8th grade was a powerhouse. Rumsey classmates are lifelong friends. Go Blue Dogs!
ERIC DUOJI ‘18
Eric, currently enrolled at Western Reserve Academy in Hudson, OH, met up with Director of Community Service Craig Ough P’23 at the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) People of Color Conference in Seattle, WA in December 2019.
ALEX KAGAN ‘14
“Alex is a rising senior at Furman University in South Carolina studying Psychology. She looks forward to her summer on the water while home in Ipswich, Massachusetts.”
MIKE HENNESSY ‘16, MASON CONTO '16 & COLIN KENNEDY '16
Mike, Mason and Colin pay faculty member Craig Naclerio '05 (and Ayda Naclerio) a visit.
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Over winter break Oscar traveled to Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos with his dad, brother, and a family friend. They hiked, swam in waterfalls, took 22 ziplines, and feasted on local foods. Here he is on the banks of the River Kwai in Thailand.
CULLEN STONE ‘19
Cullen Stone (left) pictured here with his mother Rachel E. Stone (Head of School at Canterbury School) and his younger brother Kip ’21 after the Rumsey Boys’ Varsity Basketball game against Canterbury on February 24.
DAMIEN CRAIN ‘19
The Crain family went fishing! Pictured here from left to right: Myles Crain '21, Roger Crain, and Damien Crain '19.
In Memoriam ANTHONY GIBSON ’61 THOMAS HEARN ’61 CARRIE HELPRIN ’85 MATTHEW MOGOL ’88 CARLTON GRAHAM NORTON JR. ’52 JAMES H. ROGERS, III ’48 RALPH “DUSTY” SANDMEYER ’61
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class notes
OSCAR IANNONE ‘19
RUMSEY on the road! 56 Rarebits
NOVEMBER 13, 2019 • NEW YORK CITY
DECEMBER 5, 2019 • SEOUL, KOREA
FEBRUARY 13, 2020 â&#x20AC;¢ MEXICO CITY
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FEBRUARY 2020 â&#x20AC;¢ SAN FRANCISCO & MALIBU, CA
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Your contribution drives their success.
Support our students and faculty with a gift to Rumsey Hall's Annual Fund. For more information about ways to support Rumsey Hall, please contact Michelle Rittler, Associate Director of Advancement/Parent & Alumni Relations at (860) 868-0535 or mrittler@rumseyhall.org. This was Jane Darby's last year at Rumsey Hall. She has taught our Pre-Prime class for the past 15 years. Jane, you will be missed but we wish you much rest and relaxation in your retirement!
2019/20 59
Thank you. Thank You!
Rumsey Hall School 201 Romford Road Washington, CT 06794 Parents of Alumni: If this publication is addressed to your child and they no longer maintain this address, please send updated information to alumni@rumseyhall.org 860.868.0535 Thank you!
