the bulletin - Fall 2021

the bulletin S T O N E L E I G H - B U R N H A M S C H O O L A LU M N A E M A G A Z I N E

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ON THE HORIZON

The Bulletin | Fall 2021

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contents

FALL 2021

LETTER FROM THE HEAD OF SC HOOL

ON THE HORIZON Every day, my team and I think about the School’s “horizon,” our vision of and goals for the future of SBS. The horizon for a school is always dynamic, and keeping our eye on the horizon over the past year and a half was especially challenging.

Nevertheless, we persevered by learning, living, and working together in new ways, and we are extremely excited about our future.

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Class of 2021

Our graduates attended a hybrid ceremony on May 28

SPEAK UP!

FOR STONELEIGH-BURNHAM

C A M PA I G N

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Speak Up for StoneleighBurnham Campaign Betty Stout ‘61B makes a difference in the Speak Up Campaign

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Current students tell us why they chose SBS

A record-breaking year

Annual Report to Donors

Forward Thinking

For the past eighteen months, SBS students, faculty, and staff have been working in a COVID-19 bubble. From our adoption of remote learning in the spring of 2020, to adapting and continuing with a remote fall, to finishing the school year in hybrid mode, we have been in an immediate and intense process of change. Now, as we look to the horizon, we will keep and depend upon the unique spirit and legacy of SBS while refining, streamlining, and creating new initiatives within our existing program in order to better serve our mission and our students.

The focus of the work toward our future is threefold: • First, we are purposefully building innovative and missioncentered programs, which will serve more students and strengthen our financial foundation.

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British Horse Society Intensive, a Certification Program for young women ages 17–20

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Letter from the Head of School

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Class Notes

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CODA

In this issue, you’ll read about our students and learn why they have committed to SBS. You’ll also find excitement in our teachers’ creative and thoughtful ways of approaching their profession in this new era. Further, you’ll learn about some innovative programming that we believe will keep the SBS spirit and tradition vital and vibrant for years to come.

This “small school with a big voice” has chosen to see and understand the changing world we are living in, and to grow and learn from our experiences. We’re looking forward to what’s on the horizon because there is so much to be grateful for, and so much to look forward to.

• Second, we are thoughtfully incorporating things we have learned from the pandemic era and extending them into the years to come.

IN EVERY ISSUE

Career Path to Excellence

• Third, we are developing student life, student wellness, and Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion programs. These initiatives reinforce our commitment to helping students become their best selves while contributing to SBS and other communities.

Stephanie Luebbers Head of School

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF STEPHANIE LUEBBERS

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What’s Your Story?

A collaborative school project examines the theme of identity

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The bulletin has a new look!

Flaxie Roberson Fletcher ‘68 SPH and Laura Hellman Hill ‘81

ABOUT THE COVER

Alumnae Spotlight

Let us know what you think, email us at alumnae@sbschool.org.

Bonnie Castle Riding Campers Madelyn, Annabell, and Annabella look to the main campus from the SBS Equestrian Center.

MORNING Visit with my advisee McKenna ’22 at the Equestrian Center.

NOON Check on campus construction projects.

(Photo taken during construction of the now-complete Fitness Center addition.)

EVENING Watch the sunset from Coleman House.

STAY CONNECTED WITH SBS. Tag us on social media! Use the hashtag #SBSOwlsForLife Instagram.com/sbschool Instagram.com/StoneleighBurnhamAlumnae Instagram.com/SBSequestrian

Vimeo.com/StoneleighBurnham

@sbschoolorg

Facebook.com/sbschool Facebook.com/sbsequestrian Facebook.com/StoneleighBurnhamAlumnae

@sbsconnect.org

The Bulletin | Fall 2021

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Susan Mattei

Director of Development & Alumnae Relations

Kathleen Tuck Fontaine ’83

Assistant Director of Development & Alumnae Relations EDITORIAL BOARD

Stephanie Luebbers Head of School

Amanda Mozea

Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Brittany M. Weiss

Director of International Admissions & Marketing & Communications Coordinator A DV I S O RY G RO U P

Sam Sattin-Torres ’08

Assistant Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Cole Whitaker

Assistant to Head of School & Special Projects Manager

Class of 2021

EDITORS

AFTER A YEAR LIKE NO OTHER, Stoneleigh-Burnham celebrated its 152nd Commencement with a hybrid, on-campus event held Friday, May 28, 2021. Of the 21 graduates in the Class of 2021, nine seniors were able to participate in person: Olly, Kate, Serafina, Cassie, Avdeep, Rosa, Tessa, Rachel, and Jizziyah.

Registrar and Assistant to the Deans Shelley Futter who gave the Opening and Closing Remarks said, “This past year has shown the determination of this community that I am proud to be a part of. You are truly the unsung heroes of this challenging and unprecedented past year.”

Personalized cakes for the graduates

Head of School Stephanie Luebbers and Dean of Students Sara Brown Gibbons ‘98 celebrating Junjie (Wendy) ’21

Registrar and Assistant to the Deans Shelley Futter gives Opening and Closing Remarks

Our in-person graduates Tessa, Avdeep, Kate, Rosa, Jizziyah, Cassie, Olly, Rachel, and Serafina

Sharon Weyers P ’13

Director of Financial Aid & Director of Day Student Admissions

Founder/President of Gbowee Peace Foundation Africa and 2011 Nobel Peace Laureate Madam Leymah R. Gbowee gave the Commencement Address via Zoom. In her impassioned speech, Madam Gbowee explained how she once received a failing grade on a paper from a teacher who assessed her on the fact that she never spoke up in class.

Gbowee advised the graduates to use their voices to speak up, in keeping with the SBS mission. “You don’t have to be extremely loud like some of us,” she said, “but never be silent. Never allow yourselves to be judged on the basis of your silence. You have something to say, so be part of the conversation.”

It was a different kind of ceremony, which is perhaps what made it all the more emotional. Head of School Stephanie Luebbers wrote to the community after the event, “Graduation was beautiful and meaningful.

Thank you to every single person for your help. It took the efforts of each and every one of us to get to this moment.”

CONTRIBUTORS

Breanna ’22 Shawn Durrett P ’26

Assistant Head of School for Community & Program

Liz Vollinger

Admissions & Summer Program Coordinator DESIGN

Penny Michalak C O V E R P H O T O BY

Matthew Cavanaugh The Bulletin is published two times a year by Stoneleigh-Burnham School, 574 Bernardston Road, Greenfield, MA 01301. Printed by Hadley Printing, Holyoke, MA on 10% post-consumer recycled FSC certified paper with vegetable-based inks.

We’d like to know what you think!

Do you have story ideas? Send comments on the bulletin and story ideas to communications@sbschool.org Change of address?

Please send change of address to alumnae@sbschool.org or on website at sbschool.org/alumnae 2

Stoneleigh-Burnham School

Liberian peace activist Madam Leymah R. Gbowee delivers the Class of 2021 Commencement Address

“You have something to say, so be part of the conversation.”

“You are truly the unsung heroes of this challenging and unprecedented past year.”

— MADAM LEYMAH R. GBOWEE

— SHELLEY FUTTER

The Bulletin | Fall 2021

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SPEAK UP!

What’s Your Story?

FOR STONELEIGH-BURNHAM

On spring days like this we promised to be

C A M PA I G N

Difference Maker ELIZABETH “BETTY” STOUT ’61 MAB

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rustee Emerita Elizabeth “Betty” Stout has an email footer that reads, “Take care of yourself, those you love, and your neighbors.” She lives this motto every day.

A 1961 graduate of the Mary A. Burnham School, Betty gives back to her community and her alma mater. In Savannah, GA, Betty is a volunteer on city-wide social justice and human rights issues, and she is an active breast cancer volunteer. She has also remained dedicated to SBS. Betty’s recent gift as a lead donor in the Speak Up for Stoneleigh-Burnham Campaign will help fuel enrollment growth, increase alumnae participation, and create exciting new ways for students to have access to quality girls’ education. Her gift is supporting a critical effort to bolster the School’s finances as it recovers from the worldwide pandemic.

As of June 30, twenty-five donors have contributed $1,882,745 for the Speak Up for Stoneleigh-Burnham Campaign—more than half of the $3.5 million goal.

To learn more about the Campaign and its impact, visit sbschool.org.

Say Yes by Shawn M. Durrett

Summer 2021 at SBS Of the 178 campers that participated in 2021 Summer Programs, more than 150 of those students set foot on our beautiful 100-acre campus for the very first time! Campers explored many ways to use their voices and express themselves in the Speak Up Debate and Public Speaking Camps for girls ages 10–18, the coed Performing Arts Camp for students ages 10–18, Bonnie Castle Riding Camp for girls ages 8–16, and the new coed Horsemanship Camp for beginner riders ages 7–12. With three choices of camp structure (Day, Extended Day, and Overnight), campers and their families had multiple options for immersing themselves in the camp curriculum and participating in on-campus

Last spring, the Middle School Equity Subcommittee, Community Alliance, and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Team came together to propose a fun new project to the SBS community. The “What’s Your Story?” project was inspired by DEI goals, Dr. Gholdy Muhummad’s book CultivatingGenius, and an interdisciplinary initiative developed by a school in Philadelphia. It asked members of the community to create a short presentation in any medium (e.g., video, drawing, poem, song) that answers any of the following three questions:

good, to never complain again, to learn

1. How do others perceive my identity?

2. What has shaped my identity?

3. How do I see my own identity?

Far off I hear the hum of cars entering and

Assistant Head of School for Community & Program Shawn Durrett P ’26 responded with the poem (right) that she shared with the SBS community during Housemeeting.

subordinate clauses, anything we could think of until our teacher finally said yes, and took us outside under the willow tree. Shoes off, we unburied our feet, like pale winter turnips, and sunned them in the grass, pretending to pay attention to Thoreau. Today I am the teacher who said yes, and my students scatter the hillside like caps plucked free from their acorns, opening themselves up to the sky. exiting the highway— all those busy and complicated lives that don’t need me, and closer, a groundskeeper with a weed-wacker giving spring its first haircut. Today, I know my place in this world.

In the distance I see a field of dark birds grazing.

I see the horses nosing for new grass, warming their backs in the sun.

If I called they would lift their heads

Shawn Durrett P ’26

and look at me.

If I reached out to touch their coats my hands would come away warm.

activities.

Campaign donor Betty Stout ‘61 MAB (above left) pictured with Barbara Llewellyn ‘69 during an afternoon in Savannah, GA.

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Stoneleigh-Burnham School

To learn more about Summer Programs at SBS, visit sbschool.org/summer.

The Bulletin | Fall 2021

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What makes SBS students so unique? They are a

diverse group of students who are expanding their horizons at SBS.

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Stoneleigh-Burnham School

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There are so many opportunities to use your voice at SBS. One time I’m really proud of was when I participated in a climate change rally. Climate change is very important to me and being able to get out and use my voice was powerful.

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Admissions Office information

The first time I visited campus, I noticed how close-knit and diverse the community was. Everyone seemed so supportive of one another. Since being at SBS, I’ve felt welcomed and made to feel like a part of the school.

PLEASE JOIN US

On-Campus Open House October 11, 2021 November 11, 2021 January 17, 2022

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Virtual Visit Day

Avi ’24 h

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Thanks to the tuition reset for both day and boarding students, our tuition is now 10-17% lower than the national (boarding and day) averages, making an SBS education more accessible to a wider range of students. We get excited about that not only because it enriches the academic and co-curricular experience for all, but because our students in grades 7-12 are evidence that what’s on the horizon is better than ever before.

Sina is a day student who plays soccer and the oboe, participates in the dance program, sings in the Vocal Ensemble, and is a first year Blue Key tour guide.

Faline is a day student and a member of the Students of Color Affinity Group.

September 22, 2021 December 8, 2021 February 17, 2022

Avi is a day student and a member of the cross-country team.

Our students represent what’s on the horizon at Stoneleigh-Burnham. They are creative individuals interested in the visual and performing arts. They are equestrians and debaters. They are committed to finding their voice, and to speaking up for the environment, social justice, gender inclusion, and more.

Sina ’25

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forward thinking

Faline ’26

I chose SBS for its strong academic programs. The discussion-based, challenging academics were very appealing to me. Having a smaller class size that is based on student thoughts, ideas, and needs makes for a wonderful learning environment to be a part of.

On-Campus Information Session Ask An SBS Parent November 6, 2021

Affording SBS

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December 15, 2021

Julia ’23 h Julia, a boarding student from China, is on the Interscholastic Equestrian Association Team and a member of the Multicultural Club.

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Skye ’24 h

Stoneleigh-Burnham School is unique because of its inclusive community. You make a lot of connections through weekend activities and the different clubs.

Skye is a boarding student originally from Alaska. She is on the Interscholastic Equestrian Association Team and a member of Blue Key Society, a group of students that work with the Admissions Office.

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SBS is filled to the brim with opportunities and you’re supported every step of the way.” (My advice:) ‘Don’t be afraid to try something outside of your comfort zone.’

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Drew ’24 h Drew is a boarding student from New Jersey and a member of the Gender & Sexuality Alliance, Students of Color affinity groups, and Multicultural Club.

She also participates in dance, voice studio, and theater.

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The trust that students and teachers have between each other here at SBS is something I’ve never experienced anywhere else.

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Virtual Information Session Ask An SBS Parent

November 16, 2021

Affording SBS

December 14, 2021

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Contact admissions@sbschool.org or 413.774.2711 x272 to refer a prospective student and learn more about Stoneleigh-Burnham’s signature programs including equestrian, the arts, debate & public speaking, athletics, our Middle School, and the International Baccalaureate.

Continue the Legacy

The Bulletin | Fall 2021

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SAYLES PLANNED GIVING SOCIETY

FACULTY NEWS

Charlotte Newton ‘71

Amanda Mozea

FACULTY NEWS

Silver Linings

DIRECTOR OF DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION

Scholarships for Tomorrow’s Students CHARLOTTE NEWTON ‘71 IS USING HER ESTATE PLAN TO PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES When Charlotte Newton ’71 heard about the Speak Up for Stoneleigh-Burnham Campaign, she realized it was the right time to share her plans with the School.

Charlotte, a former SBS Trustee, had made provisions for Stoneleigh-Burnham in her Last Will & Testament when she relocated to Arizona, with the intent to fund scholarships for future students. What she hadn’t done was let the School know the details of what she hoped to achieve through her gift. After talking with Susan Mattei of the Development Office about the new fundraising campaign, Charlotte’s plan was put in writing through a simple fund agreement outlining her wishes.

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eet Amanda Mozea, the new Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion! Amanda comes to SBS with experience that directly aligns with our mission. After graduating from Harvard College in 2018, she became the Education Outreach Manager at MEDIAGIRLS in Boston, MA, an organization that teaches girls and young women how to be critical social media consumers. She later served as the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Consultant at the Frontier Regional and Union 38 School Districts in South Deerfield, MA, where she had previously been a student.

Through the Charlotte Prescott Newton Scholarship Fund, she will leave a legacy, help ensure the School’s future, and give tomorrow’s students the opportunity she had. “StoneleighBurnham challenged me to accept responsibility, follow through, and always strive to do the very best job possible,” she says.

Charlotte was recently honored with the 2021 StoneleighBurnham Distinguished Alumna Award at the Reunion Gala in June. She was recognized for her outstanding and diverse professional career, including work in neonatal intensive-care nursing, dog breeding, and financial management.

Through her estate plan, Charlotte has made a gift that is in line with her values: education, service, and passion for her alma mater.

With her gift, Charlotte becomes a member of the School’s Sayles Planned Giving Society. If you have questions about the impact you can make at SBS through giving, contact Susan Mattei at 413.774.2711 x247 or development@sbschool.org.

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Stoneleigh-Burnham School

Last year challenged our teachers in a number of ways. One silver lining, however, was that during our remote and hybrid periods, many of our faculty members were able to test out new teaching methods with their students. Several successful methods forever changed the way they will teach. Read what our teachers are continuing this school year and why.

Apple Gifford P ’23, ’26, Director of the Academic Center

Remote and hybrid learning made it somewhat challenging for us to have robust class discussions last year, but it made it a lot easier to focus on individual self-reflection. One thing I am continuing is starting out the week with a reflection activity that asks the students to connect to the curriculum in a personal way.

Miriam Przybyla-Baum P ’20, ’22, ’25 Language Department Chair

Director of Auxiliary Programs Heidi Gebo, who also previously worked at Frontier Regional and Union 38 School Districts, recommended Amanda for the DEI position at SBS. When Heidi approached her, Amanda jumped at the opportunity. “Since SBS is cultivating a collective spirit around antiracism work, it felt like the next right thing for me.” My goal is to help SBS make the shift from ‘We’re Doing This Work’ to ‘We Are This Work.’”

Beginning in the fall of 2020, some of my colleagues and I taught French and Spanish levels 1-3 using the Comprehensible Input method. This approach uses stories as the basis for acquiring language.

Stories represented cultures around the hispanophone and francophone world. We used an interactive digital platform instead of textbooks and workbooks. We continued this through the hybrid period and this fall. There is no going back to memorizing lengthy vocabulary lists or complicated grammar rules!

Morgan Rubin, Vocal Music Teacher

Choral and ensemble singing was challenging during our remote and hybrid periods of learning for a number of reasons, so we chose to shift the focus in “Voice Studio” class towards learning about vocal technique and vocal musicianship, skills that are applicable to solo as well as ensemble singing. During the winter and spring terms, many choral students met with me 1:1 each week for voice lessons and chose independent projects to pursue, including working on musical theater repertoire, songwriting projects, improvisation skills, and sight reading. While the students and I are very excited about the return of choral ensembles this fall, it was wonderful to watch students grow their confidence in, and knowledge about, their own voices this past year. I am continuing to offer students opportunities for 1:1 vocal and musical coaching this year.

Alison Phillips, Mathematics Teacher

As a new teacher, I had the unique experience of beginning my teaching career during the pandemic. While the year was challenging, it highlighted the importance of focusing on mental health, both my own and my students’.

Thus, I shaped my teaching, grading, and curriculum approaches to allow for everyone involved in my classes to prioritize their own mental health without the stress that stems from grades and missing assignments. The most valuable learning happens when the learner has the mental energy to focus on school, and although the pandemic may be winding down, life still has its bumps and snags. I continue to adjust my classes to account for anything a student may be facing, so that they can ensure their own health and safety without sacrificing their mathematical learning.

The Bulletin | Fall 2021

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BY SUSAN MATTEI

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Stoneleigh-Burnham School

FOR STONELEIGH-BURNHAM

C A M PA I G N

$1.88 MILLION GIVEN

GIFTS AND PLEDGES Operating

as of June 30, 2021

OUR GOAL

$526,025

$3.5 Million

Bequests $1,003,254 Restricted

Capital and Facilities

$1 MILLION

Innovative programs to fuel revenue growth

$104,525

$500,000

$2,481,334

TOTAL GIFTS

Build alumnae engagement for the future

618

Donors

YO U R I M P A C T I S G R O W I N G !

GIFTS AND PLEDGES $3,000,000 $2,500,000 $2,000,000 $1,500,000 $1,000,000 $500,000

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Throughout its history, StoneleighBurnham has been highly regarded for its riding program. The School is a four-time holder of the National IEA title and has graduated notable alumnae including Vicky Castegren ‘94, national champion and owner of Hyperion Stud LLC, Alex Warriner ‘90, stable manager for famed showjumper Kent Farrington, and countless others who enjoy professional careers in horsemanship and instruction. SBS is the only secondary school in the U.S. to offer British Horse Society (BHS) certification and has done so for the past seven years. The School’s Equestrian Center is also licensed as a BHS Exam Center, passing rigorous requirements including wellbeing of the horses, equipment safety, and risk management.

Covid-19 relief

Endowment $5,364

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A HISTORY OF PROMINENCE

Maren Vogel ‘17 (right) was the first student SBS certified as a BHS International Instructor.

$2 MILLION

$842,166

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Equestrians in the program are offered the option of room and board in a dedicated area of the dormitory.

They will also teach and work at the Equestrian Center to gain experience and fulfill their requirements. Adult BHS Intensive students may also live off campus.

SPEAK UP!

A RECORD YEAR!

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The program focuses on assisting equestrians in completing the Horsemanship Pathway, which is Stage 3 certification, the highest level offered in the United States, according to Halkett. It is designed as an 9–12 month course of study, with the desired entry point in the fall or spring. It is expected that some students may be able to join at various times during the year. Exam dates for certification will be offered in May, and plans are underway for an additional examination date to accommodate more students and their schedules.

Construction of state-of-the-art outdoor paddocks, GGT footing in Flagg Arena, newly refurbished barn stalls completed during the pandemic, and new roof insulation that keeps the Arena warmer during the winter months have taken place over the past three years.

Further upgrades and new facilities are planned and will be funded through the Equestrian Center Expansion Campaign.

As we look to the horizon, we see your generosity.

You give students a life-changing education.

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Equestrian Center Director George Halkett, says, “Americans used to train in England for the International Level I instructor’s license. Since the BHS came to the U.S. it is now much more affordable for adults wanting to pursue careers in the equestrian field. For young women who want a career with horses, this is the professional route to take.”

“Stoneleigh-Burnham’s equestrian program is well-respected throughout the world,” says Halkett. “Our facilities are top notch. Recent additions and renovations totaling more than $500,000 have been made possible through the generosity of alumnae, parents, and family foundations.

The BHS Intensive is going to allow students to take advantage of the facilities as well as the instruction.”

ghalkett@sbschool.org, sbschool.org/equestrian

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toneleigh-Burnham’s British Horse Society Intensive is now offering optional boarding for young women, ages 17–20. Those enrollees seeking professional BHS certification who live on campus must be high school graduates or have earned their GED. A limited number of openings are available.

THANK YOU

—George Halkett, Equestrian Center Director

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NEW BOARDING OPTION FOR YOUNG WOMEN AGES 17–20

JU LY 1, 2020 TO JUN E 30, 2021

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Career Path to Equestrian Excellence for High School Graduates

A n n ua l Re po r t t o Do no rs

“For young women who want a career in horse training, this is the most professional route to take.”

The Bulletin | Fall 2021

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then&no

athletics Then

A student playing tennis in 1969

Alumnae Spotlight

Now

McKim Jean-Pierre ‘16 playing tennis in 2016

ement

commenc Then

Dr. Denise Bruner ’70 (left) pictured during the 1970 Commencement Exercises

Laura Hellman Hill ’81

Dr. Flaxie Roberson Fletcher ‘68 SPH was the first Black student to graduate from Stoneleigh-Burnham, according to Dr. Denise Bruner ‘70. Flaxie, an otolaryngologist, went on to earn her medical degree from Howard University.

She has served as a role model and mentor to many, including Denise, who credits Flaxie with introducing her to SBS. SBS was proud to have this prominent alumnae as its 2017 Commencement Speaker and in 2020, Flaxie received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the MillerLawrence Medical and Dental Society in Los Angeles County. Dr. Fletcher recently moved to Texas to be near her daughter Shari, who said of her mom, “Thank you for being my inspiration and teaching me to believe in what’s possible, and pushing beyond the predictable to get to extraordinary.”

At the age of 50, Laura Hellman Hill ’81 decided for art and went back to school for graphic and web design. While web design was not her cup of tea, a part-time job at her local Sephora revealed her true passion: educating people and marketing products on social media. In 2019, Laura applied for, and won, a coveted spot on the #SephoraSquad, a highly diverse group of social media influencers. She takes pride in leveraging her “wisdom and age” as her diversity. “I never in my wildest dreams imagined that this would turn into an opportunity like interviewing Jennifer Lopez for our company’s Instagram.”

She takes great pride in her role and in the inclusive work Sephora is doing. Throughout her journey and successes, she remains aware of her alma mater’s role in her journey.

“Suffice to say, I’m forever grateful to Stoneleigh-Burnham for my education, my friendships, and life skills.”

Now

Head of School Stephanie Luebbers & Assistant Head of School Shawn Durrett P ’26 cheer on Ruixuan (Anna) ‘21 during the 2021 hybrid Commencement Exercises

dorm life Then

Two roommates in their dorm room circa 1960s

Stoneleigh-Burnham School

STONELEIGH-BURNHAM ANNUAL FUND DRIVE

Now

Your gift this year will...

Two roommates in their dorm room circa 2017

Do you recognize anyone in these photos?

Does seeing these take you back to your days at SBS? Let us know by emailing us at alumnae@sbschool.org

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Dr. Flaxie Roberson Fletcher ’68 SPH

DOUBLE your IMPACT

Inspire learning and growth Magnify student potential Prepare scholars for college and beyond A dd financial aid to support families Create opportunities for inclusion Touch lives and build a better tomorrow All gifts doubled through the Impact Match, funded by the Board of Trustees.

Details at sbschool.org/donate.

The Bulletin | Fall 2021

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class notes

Submit class notes and photos at sbschool.org/alumnae/classnote. If you would like to request contact information for another alumna, please call the Alumnae Relations Office at 413.774.2711 x317, or email alumnae@sbschool.org

1949 SPH MaryEm Bodman Kenner I had a letter from Jackie Wieber Woods ’48 SPH. She’s been in La Jolla, CA for years. I spoke to Addie Warner Minott ’50 SPH, she and her husband continue to be well and have a lovely country home in Guilford, VT. I keep in touch with several other Stoneleigh-Prospect Hill friends. I have lived in Canada for many years as well as several years in Westmount, Montreal, and Manhasset, NY, with a short time in North Carolina. My son Dixon is in Ottawa with his wife; son Scott lives in Alaska; and my daughter Dayna in Toronto with her husband and two teenage daughters. Their eldest is in their first year at Queens University, the “Harvard of Canada”.

Scott and his wife’s daughter recently graduated from the University of California - Santa Barbara, summa cum laude. What a feat! She wants to be a doctor. She’s also an equestrian jumper and musically talented. My three granddaughters are certainly on their way! I still live in a house west of Toronto, on the North Shore of Lake Ontario. At 89 I am “trying to downsize” so I can squeeze into a condominium and leave the yard and snow shoveling behind.

1951 SPH Joan Walthers Parks After almost two years in Florida, mainly due to COVID-19, I am finally going to my “home-home” for several months. Like many others I haven’t seen my family except on Zoom. I have many friends here in our little community and have kept very busy.

Our oldest daughter retired from the Acton-Boxborough school system and moved with her family to Maine. Our middle daughter lives in Fitchburg, 14

Stoneleigh-Burnham School

MA with her family and works at Nashoba Valley Hospital in Groton, MA. Our youngest lives with her family in Pembroke Pines, FL. We have 10 grandchildren and 3 great-grands.

1953 MAB Gail Knapp Spell It’s hard to believe I graduated 68 years ago! I have such fond memories of Burnham. I lived one year at Round Hill, my senior year at Southwick. My roommate Elaine Gilman and I keep in touch. She lives in Vermont and I in Florida. Times were so different then. Study Hall with Proctors who came around and checked if you were studying. Chapel in the morning, and of course, Mountain Day every Fall. Oh, how we loved to hear that announcement from Mrs. Peters! I have had a wonderful life with my husband, Lang.

We’ve traveled around the U.S. and beyond. We taught ballroom dancing on cruise ships for years, and have enjoyed our blended family of six kids,12 grandchildren, and 16 great grandchildren! For my 80th they all got together and gave me a surprise birthday celebration at a Shenandoah Valley, VA vineyard.

There is so much more to tell, but I’ll close by saying I’ve had a wonderful life with a fantastic husband. (photo)

Gail Spell ’53 MAB with Lang and Kaitlyn

1956 MAB Harriet Middlebrook Luck I wanted to share that I have 7 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.

Judith Howard Whitney-Terry On May 28th, 65 years to the day after we graduated, 7 of us “Zoomed”. We were from coast to coast and Hawaii! Margot Marshall Brosseau braved joining us at 6 a.m.

Hawaian time with her cute little dog too. Corrine Young McGrady from Washington state, Andy Welsh Campbell and Beverly Stackpole Webster from Vermont, Sandy MacDonald Wemmerus from Virginia, Clarita Kushelevitch Kaufman from NYC and me from Cape Cod, MA. So here are some of the tidbits: Most of the conversations were memories of Burnham, teachers, classmates, house mothers, etc.. Remember we were all just coming out of the restrictions from the pandemic.

Corrine reads a great deal of news and history - Nancy Jenkins would be proud of her! Sandy keeps active with Mahjong at picnic tables by the lake and meetings, classes, and family gatherings by Zoom. Beverly taught French in Northampton until retirement. She lost her husband in 2018, but continues to live in Brattleboro where some of her 4 children are still nearby. Clarita and Abe are staying put, getting in a daily walk, weather permitting. She enjoys a Zoom reading group and phone or texts family members and friends.

Unfortunately Andy’s audio did not work, but she certainly looked well!

Sandy Durkee Switaj emailed to say that in the process of moving, she had forgotten about the meeting.

She and Bill are downsizing to a condo. I also caught up with Jean

Mclean Jankowski, now president of the Ohio Garden Clubs and thus, despite less driving, spending hours on Zoom. Barbara Davenport Brinig writes “I have lived for the past 16 years on 40 acres in the far southeast corner of Arizona, after 45 years in Phoenix. The move was for me and my horses. The horses have the run of most of it. I get to ride, feed, handle and observe 24/7.

What a joy. We have traveled a vast part of the world with our children and grandchildren - starting with a climb up Kilimangaro and moving on through Central America, most of South America, and Antarctica. We spend our summers in Missoula, MT. Anyone near Tucson or Missoula, I would be very happy to see you. A quick chat with Victoria, daughter of Paticia MacDonald Angell, informed me that Pat was well and still driving.

Judy Park Coyne designed kitchens and baths in Meredith, NH but is now active at her local library in Gilford, NH. We missed seeing her on our trip last fall to Squam Lake. Finally (if you’re still with me) Bob and I still play tennis and yo-yo between Orleans, MA and our tennis club in Vero Beach, FL. He still writes and I still try to stay ahead of the household repairs! Our last overseas trip was to Italy and Croatia just before Covid-19 set in. We took an eightday leisurely trip home from FL this year, much better than the 24-hour straight through drive home in 2020!

We headed to Maine in August for grandson Pete’s 2020 graduation celebration, staying out of planes for a while yet. Love hearing from you all, please keep in touch.

1958 MAB Joellen Donnelly Murphy The past year was one of ups and downs. Sad news, Gail Shinn Nyholt, my friend and roommate since sophomore year at Mary A. Burnham passed away in May of 2020. Gail and I went to our 50th M.A.B. Reunion together and had a wonderful time. Boy has the school expanded with the merging with its sister school Stoneleigh-Prospect Hill. When Gail and I went to M.A.B. there were two

Barbara Wheaton ’61 MAB

houses – one house for the seniors, two housemothers, and classrooms, the other housed the dining area, kitchen, classroom, and a tiny gym/ all purpose room. The main floor had a formal living room and Mrs. Peter’s office. There were classrooms and dorm suites as well. Mrs. Emerson, the head mistress, had her apartment over the main entrance. A third house, Round Hill, with a tiny playing field was several blocks away.

As Smith College surrounded the properties, they purchased them after the merger. My husband and I have had some health issues and several falls. We are selling our home and moving to a senior/assisted living complex.

1959 SPH Barbara Meistrell I am still in Missouri but will be moving back to Florida around Thanksgiving to live with my oldest daughter, and three of my grandkids will be living ‘round the corner. I had open-heart surgery in 2020 and am doing very well. I will truly miss Missouri but I look forward to returning to Florida.

1961 MAB Barbara Bergeron Wheaton Barbara’s daughter called to share that after a brief struggle with cancer, Barbara passed away June 12, 2021. She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Warren, her daughter Courtney, son Arthur, and four grandchildren. When Barbara and Warren moved from Dallas to Santa Fe in 2003, she continued with her interests in sewing, knitting, and interior design. She also became a volunteer for the Santa Fe Animal Shelter, completing 18 years of faithful service to the animals. (photo)

Jane Kasov ’62 MAB with her brother John (left) and her husband Joe in Fort Lauderdale

1961 SPH Julie Stephens Wyman Dear Classmates: I find it hard to believe 60 years have passed since our graduation! Sam and I sold our home in Sarasota and now live in a condo in Naples. I prefer a house but a condo is easier. We are on the Gulf. Naples has a lot of great restaurants, theater, Naples Zoo and the Humane Society which keep us busy! What started out as a fun weekend get-away town has become our permanent home. We are fortunate to have come through the pandemic and look forward to seeing friends and enjoying our ‘normal’ activities again. If any of you are near the Naples area or if you just want to ‘catch up’ please contact me at julie4cats@gmail.com or 8787 Bay Colony Drive, Apt. 1705, Naples, FL 34108. Hard to believe it has been a ‘lifetime’ since we graduated.1961, I would love to hear from you!

1962 MAB Jane Konheim Kasov I have lost two brothers: Bud, who died two years ago; and John, who died this Memorial Weekend after complications from surgery. You may not have known Bud, who visited Burnham twice while traveling for work (once to catch me in Twelve Angry Men), but if you were at Burnham with me, chances are you knew John, Class of ’61 at Williston. On Sundays he and school friends often drove over to visit (i.e., free) us. You may remember hearing the beautiful sound of a beloved Karmann Ghia (Bobby’s) double clutching “hello” as it went by Round Hill or later Southwick House. At the end of John’s senior year, we and our parents welcomed any friends in the

Susan Walker Bernan ’68 MAB (right) Pam Smith Harvey ’62 MAB

New York area to come and camp out in our house for the week and go to the ocean beaches. John kept up his outgoing ways at Columbia.

Gael Greene interviewed him in the “Times” about his activism for student rights. In the Sixties, in divided Berlin, John supported some new friends in their bid for freedom. In 1968 he volunteered for the US Army and did a tour of duty in Vietnam. There he made valuable audiotapes of the singing of Montagnard children whom he interviewed, and the sounds of battle. To know a bit more about John in subsequent years, visit his website konheim-art.com or YouTube - Konheim - Vietnam Battlefield Audio November 1969. (photo)

1968 SPH Susan Walker Bernan In February, Pam Smith Harvey and her husband, Paul, visited me and my husband, Sandy in Florida.

We’ve been enjoying visits for years either in Florida, Pennsylvania, or New Hampshire and always have a great time. I also had the joy of reconnecting by phone with Kathy Field Fischer in Indiana. I’m looking forward to a visit with Kathy and her husband, John, in Pennsylvania. I’ve known Mindy Marvin Kittell since elementary school and was able to talk with her by phone. Reconnecting is a delight. (photo)

1971 SBS Charlotte Newton With great thanks to science and the availability of vaccines, I was able to get together with my family.

It had been 18 months before being able to be together in one place. We celebrated both my and my sister’s upcoming birthdays and the birthday of one of my grand nephews. With

More class notes and photos are online at sbschool.org/alumnae.

Charlotte Newton ’71 with family

youngsters involved, the San Diego Zoo and trips to Legoland were a must! Added bonus was breakfast with Natalie Cole Lynn ’69 SBS. Great to see classmate Sue Green, and other schoolmates who were able to tune in, during our virtual 50th Reunion! (photo)

1972 SBS Charlotte Lewis-Hankus Greetings from New Hampshire! We continue to customize our new home with a vegetable garden, landscaping around the new pool, all while enjoying pool time with our favorite little man! My flower gardens seem to like their new home in spite of my brown thumb. I would like to take this opportunity to challenge my class to have the largest attendance at our 50th reunion next summer! Reunion Weekend is June 10-12, 2022. Let’s return to gather, reminisce, and support a special place in our lives! We have a year to plan and organize a wonderful weekend. Let’s connect soon. I am open to getting involved with other classmates to work with the Stoneleigh-Burnham Alumnae Office to make it happen. Stay well as we all begin to open our lives to reconnecting! (photo) Karin Forde Whittemore Like for all of us, it has been a most unusual year with Covid and lock down. I am a photographer and chose to be in workshops and classes for most of this time. I do love my down time in my studio, so I think it was easier for me than most.

I still live in my grandmother’s home in Mystic, CT with my husband Peter and our dog Madea. We managed to not kill each other during the pandemic. I am hoping that everyone else at SBS survived as well as we The Bulletin | Fall 2021

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IN MEMORIAM

Grandson of Charlotte Lewis-Hankus ’72

Madea, dog of Karen Whittemore ’72

Rose Hannigan ’08 with her children

1946 SBS did and I can’t wait to see my SBS pals again. (photo)

1976 SBS Sue-Bence Trotte Woodcox What a wild ride we all have experienced this last year, whew! Laughing out loud about a lot of things, today, Disney World Orlando is 50! I was there during the opening summer.

Dang, time does fly! Good life, two wonderful sons, and married happily to the same good man for half of my life. My memories of Stoneleigh-Burnham are just as fresh as yesterday.

Wishing my classmates and all SBS alumnae the best. Each graduating young woman makes me proud to be a part of this wonderful school!

1981 SBS Janet DeLucia Cimmino Greetings class of ’81! Due to Covid and the quarantine I don’t have much to report. The pandemic was tough - but you all made it better with emails, texts, Facebook, Zooms and FaceTime. Knowing you were just a click away made the last 15 months better. It never ceases to amaze me how we always pick up right where we left off. I look forward to our “Do-Over” 40th Reunion next year.

Plenty of time to arrange for us all to be there! Shout out to Jennifer Jones McIntyre for becoming an Alumnae Board member! Go Jennifer!

REUNION AWARDS Distinguished Young Alumna Award Recipients

Joyhdae Albert ’01

Stoneleigh-Burnham Athletic Hall of Fame Inductee

Mary Dooley ’03

Chinwe Okorie ’13

Stoneleigh-Burnham Equestrian Wall of Fame Inductees

Karen Kelley ’86

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Stoneleigh-Burnham School

Lorna Conway ’88

Carolyn Joseph Mainardi ’93

Jennifer Jones McIntyre Last year was a chance to grow a thriving career training and mentor program after earning my Master of Business Administration from California Lutheran University in May 2020. Mentoring is a natural fit and I have been able to support business owners in several countries. Heading back to college was rewarding, especially given that my four sons are all in school right now - everyone is a learner! Other news includes my becoming engaged to Clint Arrigoni who popped the question in front of my favourite lighthouse in Edgartown, MA. Debra Van Dyke I made it through Spring 2021.

People are getting their COVID vaccinations. Hopefully more returns to “normal” life continues. Did some sightseeing in Vermont, some camping in Delaware. Ready for more adventures!

Beatrice Aliber Epsten November 25, 2020

1961 MAB Barbara Bergeron Wheaton June 12, 2021

1958 MAB Gail Shinn Nyholt May 8, 2020

2008 SBS Rose Spring Hannigan Our 2020 was crazy like everyone else’s! During the pandemic we were in the midst of building our forever home during the pandemic.

We moved in June 2020, in August we welcomed our baby girl. Aurora Juliet has been an amazing addition to our family. We can’t believe she is already one! Our son will be turning seven this year and moving up into 1st grade. My hope is to revisit campus next year! (photo)

Former Faculty Geraldine Bannister P ’89, ’92 June 20, 2021

My “Moving Up” Message to the Eighth Grade

Congratulations on finishing middle school. Eighth grade can be a tough year, and I can only imagine what it was like going through it online. My eighth grade year was challenging but it also included watching “Wonder Woman” in the first week of school, writing fanfiction about Greek gods for an assignment, constantly running to the school store for snacks, and somehow teaching Karen Suchenski P ’16 (Eighth Grade Dean) about memes and vines. Whatever your eighth grade experience was, I hope that you made the best of it. It will become a period of your life that you look back on and laugh at, maybe even regret, but ultimately still a part of your life journey.

Whatever you feel about eighth grade, I want to advise you to let go of it. Hold on to the memories—good and bad of course—but be prepared to start anew. Wherever you go from here, continuing through SBS or somewhere else, you will enter a different stage of life, and high school will give you an entirely new set of experiences. These new moments will be just as precious as the last ones.

Each and every one of you is an intelligent person with diverse opinions and interests, and I encourage you to explore them both candidly and introspectively.

As I move into senior year, I want to leave you with three things that I’ve learned since middle school:

More class notes and photos are online at sbschool.org/alumnae.

Please submit photos that are at least 500KB in size or they may not be printable.

CODA

BY BREANNA ‘22

• As stereotypical as it may seem, you should take risks.

Do not take anything you do in high school for granted and don’t do it only to look good. If you lose an election, win a soccer game, or find yourself between a particularly large rock and a hard place, every moment and how you deal with it counts in shaping you into your best self.

• Talk to the adults and your peers you trust because no one gets anywhere without help. Don’t be afraid of feeling vulnerable or needing help in any way, it makes you human.

• Finally, take care of yourself. The stress at some point will get to you and try to drive you wild. In those moments, take a deep breath, address it as best you can, and let it go.

Amidst the stress and work, the most important part of high school is taking time to do the things that you love and that satisfy you as a person. Have fun. Also, don’t be too hard on yourself. If you’re too critical of yourself, you won’t allow yourself to do everything you’re capable of...and you’re all capable of amazing, world-changing things.

Congratulations again on your moving up ceremony, and go rock the world!

This speech was delivered by Student leader Breanna ’22 during the Eighth Grade Moving Up Ceremony on May 27, 2021.

The Bulletin | Fall 2021

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UPCOMING ALUMNAE EVENTS VOLUNTEER EMPOWER HOUR October 12, 2021 LEADERSHIP COUNCIL MEETING & 1869 SOCIETY RECOGNITION PROGRAM October 15, 2021 BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETINGS October 16-17, 2021 December 15, 2021 February 5-6, 2022 April 2-3, 2022 GIVING TUESDAY November 30, 2021 ALUMNAE BOARD MEETINGS December 4, 2021 April 16, 2022 June 12, 2022 REUNION WEEKEND June 10-12, 2022

S AV E T H E D AT E

REUNION WEEKEND ’22

Stoneleigh-Burnham

JUNE 10 –12, 2022

HONORING THE CLASSES ENDING IN 2 & 7, 1 & 6, 0 & 5 ALL ALUMNAE WELCOME

REGISTER ONLINE: SBSCHOOL.ORG/ALUMNAE