Letter from Headmaster Matthew S. Hoeniger ‘81 P’11, P’15

from the headmaster

When I reflect back on my childhood days here at Rumsey, I do so with a smile on my face and a true sense of warmth in my heart. Middle school years are some of the most challenging for adolescents. It is a time of various stages of growth, of trying to figure out one’s identity, and certainly a time of testing limits. It is a time when children need the adult figures in their lives to support, guide, and center them. The faculty members who took care of me during my three years here at the School had a life changing impact on me. As a young man, I found the classroom work challenging. My successes came easier on the athletic fields, on the ice, and with the friendships I formed. It was, however, through the guidance and support of Rumsey’s faculty that I understood the importance of finding success in the classroom as well. I developed structure around my study habits and grew significantly as a student. However, what stands out in my memory the most are the lessons learned outside the classroom, spending time in the dormitory before going to dinner or on the ponds in the winter, or walking back from the practice fields after sports. It was dorm parents saying good night, and for those alumni who are old enough to recall, having that front seat in the van. There is something special about being part of this close knit supportive family. Students may not fully realize the impact Rumsey’s values will have on their lives until they journey through life beyond Rumsey; only then will they begin to appreciate the foundation that was laid here.

I recall the summer before my senior year in college, I’d made the decision to work at Rumsey’s Summer School. While I did not teach, I was given many other responsibilities that provided me the opportunity to begin giving back to a place that was so pivotal in my life and helped shape the person I am today. Many years later, I remain just as committed and thankful to this special place. I am certainly not the only alumnus to feel this way, as there are ten of us here at Rumsey.

It is inevitable that all schools must evolve in order to stay relevant. As we embark on a comprehensive strategic planning process, I am personally thrilled to create a roadmap to identify areas of need and growth. This process will highlight all that we have done and will continue to do well, while providing a clear framework on which to help guide the future plans of Rumsey. I look forward to sharing more about this process as the year continues. It is important to note, that we would not be where we are today without the dedication, leadership, and support of all those who came before us. While we must always look to our future, we must also honor our 119-year history of effort, family, and community as the core of who we are as a school.

As you read through this Spring edition of Rarebits you will see traditions, celebrations, recognitions, remembrances and moments of daily life here on campus. Thank you to families from all over the world, and down the road, for giving us the opportunity to work with your children, and thank you to our faithful Alumni who keep in touch or who have the chance to return to this beautiful valley and school family that provided them the opportunity to preserve their childhoods.

Sincerely,

Matthew Hoeniger ’81 P’11, ’15 Headmaster

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

DESIGN AND LAYOUT

Frankie Winter P’19, Director of Communications

EDITORS

The Advancement Office Amy Hoeniger P’11, ‘15 Julie Fredlund Cynthia Hogan Jennifer Kolpak P’13, ‘15, ‘17

PHOTOGRAPHY

Robert Mandl P'07, '11, '15 Phil Dutton/Photo Trophies Jordan Hollender/HollenderX2 Photography Faculty & Staff

Cover Photo: Robert Mandl P’07, ‘11, ‘15 Crew: Andy Qin ’19, Sophie Tibbats ’21, Evan Rydingsword ’20

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.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2018/19 Chairman

Nicholas N. Solley ’64

Vice Chairman

Gregory Warner P’17

Headmaster

Matthew S. Hoeniger ‘81 P’11, ‘15

Gretchen Farmer P’99, ’02 Dennis Fulling P’16, ’16 Louis “Skip” Gardella ’72 P’09, ’09 Manuel Grullon ’00 Craig Henrich P’13, ’14 Jeffrey Hugel ’70 Amie Kreisberg P’18 Nicholas Logothetis ’03 Adrienne Lufkin P’20, ’24 William MacMullen P’10, ’12 Gregory Matthews P’18 Alexandra Miller ’00 Murphy James J. Pates Jr. ’47 P’86 Rosemary Sagar P’15, ’17 Thomas Sheehy III P’00 Elizabeth Schereschewsky ’56 Stout Monica Vogelstein P’14, ’19

Ex Officio Treasurer

Karen Scodari Business Manager/CFO

Assistant Treasurer

Brooke Giese P‘23, ‘27 Assistant Head of School, Director of Studies

Secretary of the Corporation

Julie Fredlund Executive Assistant

Director of Advancement

Tina Couch ‘94 P‘28

Commencement 2019

Previous page: The Senior Class lining up for the Commencement

processional. This page, top left: Class of 2020 Baton Winners L-R: William

Kirkiles, Morgan Clarke, Evan Rydingsword, Erin Butler, Edward ‘Quillan’

Oberto, Sierra Cortes, Edoardo Cassano, Victoria Weirich-Freiberg, Jacques

van der Merwe, Fangyan ‘Wendy’ Huo. Above: Charter Club: Kindergarten

Class of 2028 and the Graduating Senior Class Left: Former Trustee and

past parent Susan Shulman Katzenberg, Commencement Speaker Andrew

Katzenberg ’09, Isabella Katzenberg ’10, Headmaster Matthew Hoeniger

’81. Bottom left: Catalina LaPlaca ’28, Patricia Bender ’28 Below: Seniors

Gabe Matthews, Oscar Iannone, and Will Jackson