the bulletin - Spring 2013

SPRING

2013

the bulletin

Stoneleigh-Burnham School

THE

LEADERSHIP ISSUE

THE MISSION: Stoneleigh-Burnham School is an academic community that fosters an international perspective. We inspire girls to pursue meaningful lives based on honor, respect and intellectual curiosity. Each student is challenged to discover her best self and graduate with confidence to think independently and act ethically, secure in the knowledge that her voice will be heard.

Sea Creature Alphabet, Theresa Oung ‘13, Ink and watercolor

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in this issue: 2

Cultivating Spunk

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A Trimester in Photographs – Spring at SBS

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Hall of Fame & Wall of Fame

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A letter from the Editor

The Poetry of Lifelong Learning: Joan Hutton Landis ’47S

by Hannah Richards, Public Relations Coordinator

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Inspired Giving

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Alumnae Career Day

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Gifts of Opportunity and Growth

Owl Network Sphere of Influence: Women in Leadership

by Sally Mixell, Head of School

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Class Notes

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In Memoriam

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Coda – In Our World

by Nafisatou Mounkaila ’13

We’d like to know what you think! Do you have story ideas?

Send comments on the Bulletin and story ideas to sthompson@sbschool.org

Pictured: Architect and Educator, Karen Van Lengen ‘69 joins fellow alumnae at our First Annual Alumnae Career Day.

ON THE COVER: Standing: Saskia Ahmad ‘13. Sitting foreground: Rose Kelleher’13 and Chinwe Okori ‘13. Background portrait: Ellie Johnstone Ferdon ‘54B, first alumna Chair of the Board of Trustees.

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A Letter from the Editor

Cultivating Spunk

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ately everywhere I turn people are talking about leadership, specifically about women (or the lack thereof) in leadership positions. Most notably in recent months are Anne Marie Slaughter, who wrote the infamous Atlantic article entitled “Why Women Still Can’t Have It All,” Marissa Mayer and her controversial leadership decisions at Yahoo!, and of course, the debate around Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg’s book Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead.

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our work as a school. To me, it all starts with the environment we have cultivated for girls to feel safe and supported in taking risks. It’s a training wheels method: if you take a risk and are ridiculed, it would be difficult to ever want to take another. But if, in taking that risk, you are supported and praised for doing so,

endless opportunities to discover in themselves qualities that enable them to motivate others, to inspire cooperation, and to learn to lead by example.

Our own Middle School Dean, Bill Ivey, has been tackling themes of women, gender, and leadership on our blog, View From the Nest (sbschoolorg.wordpress. com) for years. With the recent praise and criticism that has been aimed at Slaughter, Mayer, and Sandberg, Bill has written insightful posts reflecting on the real gender inequities that continue to exist in our world and what we can do as educators to prepare our girls for the inequity they will inevitably face. In one of these posts, Bill wrote that his 8th graders consistently believe they can find their voices and feel heard at our school, but “they want us to help them ensure they will be able to make their voices heard out in the world.”

“By creating an environment that supports healthy risk-taking, we allow our girls to find their spunk and to develop their nerve.”

Perhaps there is no better testament to the power of girls’ schools in cultivating women leaders than the stories of our alumnae. In this ‘leadership’ issue, you will find short profiles of remarkable alumnae who have worked their way to the top. You will also hear from Head of School Sally Mixsell; in her feature article, she reflects on her own education as a leader. And you will hear from our most recent “Sweater Girl,” Nafisatou Mounkaila, who was our Junior Leadership Award winner and who has earned admittance into the prestigious NYU Abu Dhabi program.

your next effort isn’t so daunting. We know the world into which our students will graduate won’t be so nurturing, but by creating an environment that supports healthy risk-taking, we allow our girls to find their spunk and to develop their nerve so that when they do face challenge or inequity, they will have the confidence in themselves to persevere.

I urge you to share your own stories of leadership with our alumnae office and to visit our blog at sbschoolorg.wordpress.org to find more in-depth reflection on gender, leadership, and how we as a school are driven by our mission: to ensure each student graduates secure in the knowledge that her voice will be heard.

So how do we “help our girls ensure they will be able to make their voices heard out in the world” and help shift the paradigm? How do we enable them to have the confidence to strive for and assume leadership positions, but also encourage a more welcoming world for women as leaders in general? This part of our mission is woven into every aspect of

Additionally, we provide frequent opportunities for our students to assume leadership positions. In fact, they might be hard pressed to graduate from our school without at some point holding a position of leadership. From captain of the basketball team, to Resident Assistant, to President of Student Council, and everything in between, our girls have

Susanna H. Thompson Communications Manager

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reasons why your gift matters…

Photo by Francesca Eremeeva ’15

Your gift to the Annual Fund gives our girls the tools to learn and grow…and change the world.

Make Your Gift Today!

Ways to give: •

Set up a Monthly Gift, call Anne Bridge in the Development Office at 413.774.2711 x262

•

Give online at www.sbschool.org

•

Use the enclosed gift envelope to send a check or charge a gift to your credit card

Thank You for creating the opportunity for Stoneleigh-Burnham girls to shine!

Gifts are tax-deductable as allowed by law.

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the bulletin SPRING

2013

Editor Susanna H. Thompson Assistant Editor Hannah Richards Design Peter Chilton peterchilton.com

Above Left: 7th graders on Pajama Day during Spirit Week.

Above Right: 8th graders and their chaperones in front of a D.C. landmark, Ben’s Chili Bowl.

Editorial Board Mitch Anthony P’12 Liz Feeley, Director of Development & Alumnae Relations Sally L. Mixsell ’69, Head of School Contributors Liz Feeley, Director of Development & Alumnae Relations Sally L. Mixsell ’69, Head of School Nafisatou Mounkaila, ’13 Andrea Reynolds, Assistant Director of Development & Alumnae Relations Hannah Richards, Public Relations Coordinator Susanna H. Thompson, Communications Manager Photography Contributors Francesca Eremeeva ’15

Above: JV Softball after winning the first game of the season.

Above Right: Junior Team USA Synchroettes Michelle Rose and Abigail DiTosto with Bridget O’Brien ‘82 for a special visit with our Skating Team.

Right: Seniors enjoying each others’ company at 100 Nights.

Liz Feeley, Director of Development & Alumnae Relations John Nordell, P ’17 Student Art Contributor Theresa Oung ’13 Change of address?

Email abridge@sbschool.org or mail to the Alumnae Office.

Stoneleigh-Burnham School

574 Bernardston Road, Greenfield, MA 01301 413.774.2711 www.sbschool.org the bulletin is printed with vegetable based inks on 55% recycled FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified paper, with 30% post consumer fiber.

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Above Left: Franny Eremeeva ‘15 and Sally on Twin Day during Spirit Week.

Above Right: Students getting ready to see SBS-hosted screening of Girl Rising at Greenfield Garden Cinema.

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8th grade class trip to Washington, D.C.

Head of School Sally Leach Mixsell ’69 Board of Trustees Kathy Seyffer Opdycke ’70, Chair Allison Porter ’89, Vice Chair Rich Hubbard P’00, ’02, ’05, Secretary Annette A. Cazenave ’74, Treasurer Dr. John Barrengos Nancy Corsiglia ’74 Anne Quantrell Dennen ’70 Jennifer Eremeeva P’15 Charles Gledhill P’13 Lynn Schultz Kehoe ’77 Rebecca Knapp ’85 Barbara Mayo Llewellyn ’69 Dr. Mary Maloney ’69

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Laura B. Richards ’60S Helene A. Robbins Sharon Lewis Gaffey ’68S, Alumnae Board President, Ex-Officio Sally Leach Mixsell ’69, Ex-officio Nancy L. Diver ’53B, Emerita F. Michael Donohue, Jr. P’78, Emeritus

Above: A: Students wear traditional Asian clothes for a Housemeeting presentation during Asia Week.

B: Varsity Basketball team after their victory against Miss Hall’s.

C: Chinwe Okorie ‘13 and Ghazaleh Agazadeh ‘15 at the Easter Egg Hunt.

D: International students from Africa presented facts about their home countries as part of several International Weeks.

Elinor Johnstone Ferdon ’54B, Emerita John McNear P’79, Emeritus Elizabeth T. Stout ’61B, Emerita

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Equestrian Wall of Fame & Athletic Hall of Fame A

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On Saturday, October 6, 2012 the School honored alumnae and a coach for their outstanding achievements in Equestrian and Athletics.

Equestrian Wall of Fame Inductees:

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2001 IEA National Championship Team

Athletics Hall of Fame Inductees: Dr. Paul Bassett (coach) Victoria “Tori” Askerberg ‘69 2000 New England Championship Softball Team A: Inductees Naomi Gendron-Waidlich ’01, Ashley Grant ’04 with Tyler Davis.

B: Linda Cunningham P ’00, Donna Homan, Amanda Gendron P ’01, Mike Waidlich and son.

C: Aileen Logan-Tyson, Kasey Jefferson Kakascik ’00, John Kakascik, Sharon Jefferson, Gary Jefferson and Alissa Jefferson Viscone ’97.

D: Ted Tudryn, Elizabeth Tudryn, John Wozniak and Melissa Tudryn Wozniak ’02.

E: SBS Tech Guru Tod Pleasant and John Wood PP ’01.

F: 2010 Wall of Fame Inductee Jerilyn Jacobs ’85 and Mina Payne Willaims ’78.

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A: Celebrating Paul Bassett’s induction: Kate Flanagan ’89, Jennifer Murphy Chernick ’89, Taffey Bassett-Fox ’88, Nora Sulzman Kenneway ’89 and Anne O’Connor ’88.

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B: Dr. Paul Bassett PP ’85, ’88.

C: Melissa Tudryn Wozniak ’02, Paul Bassett and Kasey Jefferson Kakascik ’00.

D: Anne O’Connor ’88 and Kate Flanagan ’89 step back in time.

E: Equestrian Director George Halkett introduces Wall of Fame inductees Naomi Gendron Waidlich ’01, Ashley Grant ’04, Linda Rollins (mother of McKenzie Rolllins ’01) and Teri Wood (mother of Emily Wood Johnson ’01).

F: Director of Development Liz Feeley, Kase Jefferson Kakascik ’00 (with her SBS owl necklace on!), John Kakascik, Melissa Tudryn Wozniak ’02, John Wozniak and French teacher Miriam Przybyla-Baum.

G:Hall of Fame inductee Victoria “Tori” Askerberg ’69 accepts her award.

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Distinguished Alumna Award 2013

The Poetry of Lifelong Learning: Joan Hutton Landis ’47S

by Hannah Richards, Public Relations Coordinator

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f an artist must live with her arms wide open to every experience in order to enrich her work, Joan Hutton Landis seems to take every opportunity to nourish her craft. Landis, a poet, professor, and self-identified lifelong learner, lives a life full of adventures. One can imagine how thoroughly these moments have informed her poetry.

Words have always stood out to Landis, whose deliberate speech indicates a mind adept at weeding out the superfluous, measuring the sound of each word. She remembers her mother reading aloud to her as a child and how “those cadences meant a lot. A.A.Milne,“ she says wryly, “may have had the greatest influence on me of any writer.” At Stoneleigh-Prospect Hill, her favorite teacher, Ethel Johnson, once challenged her “on a word I used in a theme and offered to write it on the board 500 times if I could find in the dictionary the word ‘Canorous.’ She got to 50 when she was rescued by the bell.”

During my conversation with Joan, a word kept surfacing for me: moxie. Dusty, as her classmates and friends know her, has this tangible, magnetic spirit. Imagine her gusto on stage as Pitti-Sing, performing a lead role in the Mikado during her senior year, one of several Gilbert and Sullivan operettas put on by Deerfield and SPH. It comes through her poems, in the moments of hidden rhyme that one can only hear aloud (the way we are meant to experience poetry) and in our discussion of what it means to know intellectual excitement.

Upon graduation from Stoneleigh-Prospect Hill in 1947, Landis applied to only

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one college. Bennington provided her with the “intellectual excitement I yearned for,” sparked by professors Stanley Kunitz, Howard Nemerov, Kenneth Burke, and Ben Belitt. Of Kunitz, she notes, “he was the best teacher I had at Bennington. He knew how to take a bad poem and find just where to cut it to actually make it good.” His ruthless paring and art of revision gave Landis the tools, confidence, and self-discipline she desired while earning her B.A. in English.

“I will always be grateful that I went to an allwomen’s high school. Back then, there was a lot more self-consciousness between the sexes, and if you loved to study, as I did, it was an essential choice.”

After Bennington, Landis worked for a short time in publishing before her marriage to Kendall Landis, whose work as a banker took them overseas to live in Paris, Jeddah, Beirut, and Casa Blanca.

While abroad, Landis wrote poetry and was active in theater. She starred in the American Repertory Theater’s “Oh Dad, Poor Dad,” “The Boyfriend,” Tennesee Williams’ “Something Unspoken,” and finally played Martha in “Who's Afraid

of Viriginia Woolf?” to rave reviews. All this, while also raising three young sons.

When the family moved back to the States in 1967, Landis was ready to return to academia. She earned her masters degree from Wesleyan University, studying poetry with Richard Wilbur. Her poems were published in the Transatlantic Review and the New York Times, as well as several other literary journals. Her son Joshua remembers, “From a kid’s point of view, Mom was ideal. She stayed home while we were young, spoiling us with constant love, games and adventure. When we got into our teens, she returned to school, turning the house into a world of ideas.”

Continuing with her education after the family moved to Swarthmore, PA, where Kendall became Vice-President of the College, his alma mater, Landis received a Danforth Graduate Fellowship for Women to complete her Ph.D. at Bryn Mawr. During this time, she also wrote articles on Shakespeare that were published in Hamlet Studies, The Upstart Crow, Shakespeare Quarterly, and others.

Her reviews of the poetry of Louise Gluck, Ben Belitt, and John Peck appeared in Salmagundi.

As Landis was finishing her course work at Bryn Mawr in 1977, she was hired by The Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia to “teach musicians honeyed words.” Arriving at the inception of the Liberal Arts Program afforded her the opportunity to help develop the core curriculum. She established poetry, fiction and theater workshops as well as courses in Shakepeare, American literature, and Joyce. She was elected Chair of the Liberal Arts in

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a place for single-sex schools, and I am so glad to see Stoneleigh-Burnham growing and thriving.”

She participated in Frank Bidart’s poetry workshops at the New York Summer Writers’ Institute in Saratoga Springs, where she was encouraged to work on the manuscript that eventually became That Blue Repair, her first book of poems, published in 2008. Peg Boyers, executive editor of the well-regarded poetry journal Salmagundi, writes “Joan Landis sees as clearly as Bishop, feels as deeply as Frost, demonstrates now and then the wit and humor of Philip Larkin. But she is altogether her own kind of poet.”

Three composers have recently used her poems in their work, Luis Prado, for voice and small orchestra; John B. Hedges, for choral work; and Chris Rogerson, for string orchestra and cello. This piece, inspired by her elegy and title poem of her book, “That Blue Repair,” was performed at Carnegie Hall last March to rave reviews. In 2011, Landis’s poems “Autobiography,” “March Simile” and “Amherst Noon” were set to music and performed by the Chestnut Street Singers in Philadelphia in June. In 2011, she was also a featured reader at The Barn’s summer series, with poets Bill Wadsworth and Galway Kinnell, and read new works at Bigtown Gallery’s summer series, in Rochester, VT. Landis serves as a board member of the Rochester Chamber Music Society. She has been instrumental in bringing many groups to play including the Lark Quartet, The Borromeo, Brentano, Johannes and St. Lawrence Quartets, among others.

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photography by Sarah Zimmerman

She has participated in many other readings during the past few years, most recently at the Kelly Writers House at University of Pennsylvania. Orchestra 2001, a Philadelphia-based contemporary classical orchestra currently chamber-in-residence at Swarthmore College, has recently commissioned a work by Chris Rogerson to be based on another of Landis’ poems. In September, Poetry published her poem, “The Plan,” an elegy for her college roommate.

Thinking back on her experience at Stoneleigh Prospect Hill, she notes, “I will always be grateful that I went to an all-women’s high school. Back then, there was a lot more self-consciousness between the sexes, and if you loved to study, as I did, it was an essential choice.” When asked about women’s education today, she was emphatic: “There will always be

Landis currently splits her time between her home in Media, PA and a rural farm in Granville, VT, where she is most inspired to write. She speaks proudly and lovingly of her three grown sons, with whom she is very close. At the end of our interview, Landis commented, “I have been lucky in my mother, schools, marriage, children, friends, a kind of charmed life. I now have Parkinson’s to rough things up some; I hope I can deal with it well enough, learn from it, not be a burden to my family.” However, it is patently clear that she continues to pursue an inspired life focused on her art, receiving highlydeserved accolades not only for her poetry, but also for her work in academia and the application of her poetry to music. For her dedication to lifelong learning and to her own art, and for her significant contributions to her students, her readers, and to society, she is awarded our Distinguished Alumna Award.

Joan Hutton Landis ’47S will be honored with the School’s fourth annual Distinguished Alumna Award. The Distinguished Alumna Award was created in 2010 to honor one alumna each year who has distinguished herself in her personal or professional life, in her intellectual pursuits, or in her dedication to service of community, country or society.

The award also serves to inspire the entire Stoneleigh-Burnham School community to strive ‘to become their best selves’ in their pursuit of a meaningful life.

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Gifts of Opportunity and Growth

Inspired Giving Alumnae Pay Homage On October 3, 2012, a small group of alumnae challenged themselves and others to get involved. By October 21st, in just seventeen days, this group assembled a remarkable opportunity for future generations of Stoneleigh-Burnham girls.

Together, you donated over $50,000 to create and support the Iampietro Scholarship Fund, established to honor the many years of dedicated service to the School by Tom Iampietro and Canny Cahn (Candy Iampietro). As of March 17th, you

“I don’t think I’ve ever been a part of something quite so special as this!”

– Rebecca Kreston McKinnon ’84

have given and pledged over $70,000 to this scholarship! When the fund reaches $100,000, it will become an endowed scholarship and live in perpetuity here at Stoneleigh-Burnham School. Tom and Canny are amazed and honored by your love and generosity as you pay homage to their legacy. They will join us on Saturday, June 15 for Reunion 2013 as Head of School Sally Mixsell publicly announces a proclamation of the Iampietro Scholarship to Tom and Canny at dinner that evening.

Tom Iampietro and Canny Cahn (Candy Iampietro) at their home on October 21, 2012, hear for the first time of the Scholarship alumnae created in their honor.

Generous Family Gift Vicky Castegren ’94 and her mother, Eva, teamed up to initiate a special gift to Stoneleigh-Burnham’s Equestrian pro-

“We are happy to be able to give back to SBS. The new footings are essential for the horses’ health and the riders will see better performances as a result.”

– Vicky Castegren ’94 gram. Vicky and Mrs. Castegren made a gift of $100,000 to replace the footings in both indoor riding arenas, replace the kickboards in the main arena, and provide a leveling device for the new footings. This gift elevates the facility to championship show qualification and will provide a safe environment for both horses and riders.

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Vicky Castegren ’94 hosted SBS riders for a BBQ at her home in Wellington, FL. (l to r) Hallie Robinson, Tess Drouin-Reed ’12, Mrs. Eva Castegren P’84, P’87, Saskia Ahmad ’13, George Halkett Equestrian Director, Vicky Castegren ’94, Julia Thayer ’18, Ellie Waugh ’17, Franny Eremeeva ’15, Kristen Landino ’98.

Due to the generosity of the Castegrens, along with fellow alumnae, our riding program now boasts a new truck and four-horse trailer proudly broadcasting Stoneleigh-Burnham School at horse shows, a newly renovated Fuller Viewing Lounge as well as the new footings and

kickboards. Vicky hosted a BBQ at her home in Wellington, Florida for current riders competing in Florida in March; a wonderful opportunity for the riders to meet Vicky and Mrs. Castegren and thank them personally for their gift to the School.

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Fiscal Year* 2013

G OA L

$

250,000

215,000

$

Raised to date**

Join your classmates, friends, parents, and peers and

make a gift today!

Your Annual Fund Gift…

•

provides deserving girls with financial aid

•

creates professional development opportunities for our dedicated faculty

•

enhances our IB program

•

updates students’ rooms and common spaces

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keeps your school on the cutting edge for girls’ education

*Fiscal year 2013 ends on June 30, 2013. **As of April 26, 2013

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SBS Events

Alumnae Career Day Owl Network A

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Guests of Honor H

Karen Van Lengen ’69 Architect Stephanie Moeckel-Cole ’87 Lecturer and Post Doctorate (Breast Cancer) Research Associate Annmarie Greeley O’Connor ’97 Commuinications Specialist

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Naomi Gendron-Waidlich ’01 Entrepreneur, Equestrian Jessica Fydenkevez ’03 Associate, Industrial Economics

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A: Great conversations and lots to learn at the round table discussions. B: Karen Van Lengen ’69 shares some ideas with Moonlight ’14.

C: Stephanie Moeckel-Cole ’87 raises the roof! D: Students and alumnae enjoy mingling at the mock cocktail party. E: Naomi GendronWaidlich ’01 enjoys a laugh at the round table with seniors Jillian, Emilie and Kate. F: Seniors Anna, Nafisatou, Brandi, Jessica Fydenkevez and junior Sarah at the event. G: Karen Van Lengen holds court at her round table discussion. H: Caroline ’14, Greeley O’Connor ’97, and Mary ’13 network during a fine evening.

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Photography by John Nordell, P ’17

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The Sayles Planned Giving Society “I needed small classes and a supportive environment to encourage my intellectual growth.

I experienced three wonderful years at Mary A. Burnham. I am grateful and feel strongly it is important to give back to the community that gave me so much. My Planned Gift will secure the future growth and development of our students.”

- Linda Barrows Bloodgood '55B (a 40+ Year True Blue Donor)

Planned gifts support the School’s Endowment.

Learn more about our Planned Giving Program by contacting Liz Feeley at 413-774-2711 or lfeeley@sbschool.org

Linda and John Bloodgood photo by: Billy Orr IV

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Women in Leadership

SPHERE OF INFLUENCE Women in Leadership

by Sally Mixsell, Head of School

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rowing up parallel to the Women’s Movement in this country, observing a mother who is still happily self-employed at an advanced age, and having had multiple opportunities to test myself in murky waters, I have slowly but surely come to understand myself both as a leader in general and as a woman in leadership positions more specifically.

I have been a student of leadership for a very long time, starting in 1965 - my ninth grade year, when I was elected class president. From that moment forward I tended to gravitate toward positions of responsibility, often without seeking them out.

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...having had multiple opportunities to test myself in murky waters, I have slowly but surely come to understand myself both as a leader in general and as a woman in leadership positions more specifically.

Having attended this school and subsequently a women’s college, I was not challenged for a long time in any co-ed environment. That didn’t happen until after college. Honestly, I was uncomfortable with the concepts of leadership and power, having only experienced a top-down version of both. I struggled to find a comfortable place as a leader because I worried that others would make the erroneous assumption that I was power-hungry. That was not why I engaged in leadership activities, but I continued to do so because the work was interesting to me.

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Alumna Profile Years into my career I heard a speech

by Beverly Daniel Tatum, at that time president of Spelman University and author of the well-known book Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria, and Other Conversations About Race (1997). Dr. Tatum talked about her own leadership journey, and she offered a context for power to which I could relate with more comfort and confidence. Tatum asked herself each time she was offered a new level of responsibility if she was ready to take on the “sphere of influence” dictated by the position.

Sphere of Influence! Brilliant! After so many years of feeling slightly disconnected, the concept of leadership was finally starting to make more sense to me. I could now move ahead with each invitation to a new position with a question that would help me understand what challenges might lie ahead. Yes, the work interested me but so did the challenge.

Dr. Tatum’s revelation came relatively late in my career. When I first started in school administration, the lower school head came to my office one day.

She was excited to have another female

administrator on the team and wanted to offer me her support. Initially I was a bit confused. How could it make that big a difference that we were both women?

It didn’t take long to find out how very different male and female approaches were at that school. I was constantly being told that I was too soft, didn’t vent my anger often enough, and was not forceful enough.

By contrast, I was commended by those who reported to me for listening before passing judgment; for being approachable; and for saying no in ways that weren’t offensive. In short, I was getting a lot of mixed messages. I was once told by the head of school that I was his “go-to” person if he wanted to get someone to do something; I apparently had a way of helping others see what’s possible or necessary; I was able to influence them.

Later in my career I was introduced to Dr. Hugh O’Doherty, a professor at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government and an expert in conflict management and leadership through change.

O’Doherty talks about the difference between authority and leadership, authority being the power authorized by

Allison Porter ’89 LEADERSHIP POSITION: President at Avalon Consulting Group, Washington, DC ROAD TO SUCCESS: •

Avalon Consulting Group – Executive Vice President

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Herzog Swayze, Inc. – Program Manager

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Edelman Public Relations – Executive Assistant

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Yankee Candle intern – Human Resources

“When I got to college I called my mom (Pam Brewster Bensen ’64S) and told her it was so strange that I was the only girl in my college class raising her hand and answering questions.”

NOTEWORTHY: Sports: field hockey, softball in college and SBS Other SBS activities: Volleyball, Literary Society, Debate Society EDUCATION: Hamilton College, B.A. World Politics VOLUNTEER LEADERSHIP EXERIENCE: Vice Chair Board of Trustees: StoneleighBurnham School The Annapolis Film Festival Fundraising Committee; Annapolis, MD

photography by Billie Zhang

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Women in Leadership

Alumna Profile

Holley Chant receives the Principal of the Year Award.

Photo courtesy of ITP Publishing Group.

Holley Chant ’81, LEED AP, QSAS CGP LEADERSHIP POSITION: KEO International Consultants, United Arab Emirates – Corporate Sustainability Director Manages a team of eighteen consultants in sustainability that conceives and implements policies that revolve around Corporate Social Responsibility and Corporate Sustainability.

ROAD TO SUCCESS: •

Tawreed UAE (Board of Directors)

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Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council

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Connections Magazine and New York Real Estate Journal – Freelance Journalist

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Chant Interiors – Owner/Architectural Interior Designer; practiced architectural interior design in London and Paris

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Actress/model

“I had a lot of people who mentored me and family that has encouraged me to pursue things with great passion and abandon.”

NOTEWORTHY: Sustainability Leadership Award Asian Leadership Awards, 2012 Principle of the Year Award, Middle East Architecture Awards 2012 Harvard awards: Dean’s List, Thesis Prize Nomination, Harvard Real Estate Consortium Grant for Excellence in Real Estate, 2008 EDUCATION: New York University: B.A., Dramatic Arts Tulane University, Marymount College Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts Study Abroad program, London Harvard University: Masters, Harvard Extension School: Environmental Management VOLUNTEER LEADERSHIP EXERIENCE: Abu Dhabi Eco-Chicks – Founding Member

“My team is more than 50% women out of 18 people. I want to empower Arabic women in this field. At the leadership level I have been in board rooms and was the only woman there. ” 16

the title and leadership being the act of moving people to “do what they would rather not do.” He makes the point that just because one has a position of authority, the title and position do not automatically reflect leadership. Rather, one’s actions and attitude define leadership, ultimately emerging as a body of work that can be judged by virtue of the interactions with others and the outcomes of an organization’s vision.

In 2000-2001 I took a sabbatical and spent a year as a Klingenstein Fellow at Teachers College, Columbia University. This allowed me luxurious time to read and think about private school leadership and to delve deeper into an understanding of my own career path.

Near the end of that year the head of my school asked me what I had been learning. I responded that I had come to understand I was pretty good at my job – something I had not necessarily known before. He acted surprised by my statement, but I also told him that I realized that my “female” style of leadership was now coming into vogue for both genders, thanks to the work of people like Daniel Goleman, Stephen Covey, Robert Greenleaf, and so on (ironic, isn’t it, that all these authors are men!).

Goleman is the highly touted proponent of emotional intelligence (EQ) and its effects on leadership and life in general.

His first book on this subject, Emotional Intelligence (1996) was followed by Primal Leadership: Learning to Lead with Emotional Intelligence (2002),

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Student Profile two books that have guided me well in my work. Today Goleman’s body of work on EQ, often in collaboration with others, includes more than ten books.

EQ can no longer, then, be ignored as a key component to strong and effective leadership. Goleman and others believe, too, that EQ can be learned, or at least

One’s actions and attitude define leadership, ultimately emerging as a body of work that can be judged by virtue of the interactions with others and the outcomes of an organization’s vision. enhanced, with deliberate practice. Even the military, bastion of the “male” topdown power-based style of leadership, has embraced it. Doctors are learning more about it in medical school, and it is included in most graduate education leadership programs. I delighted to see Goleman referenced even in Doris Kearns Goodwin’s recent best-seller, Team of Rivals, on the leadership of Abraham Lincoln.

From my perspective, it is EQ that has largely inspired a new definition of leadership. We are lucky in this day

and age that the emergence of emotional intelligence parallels breakthroughs in brain research, thereby offering a new understanding of how we work and what makes a difference. In related work, Dr. Howard Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences (1983) has underscored the need to differentiate our interactions with others and to honor more deliberately individuals’ particular strengths in order to improve organizations. And then Jim Collins came out with Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap…and Others Don’t (2001), his iconic study of the common elements of eleven companies that moved out of mediocrity into greatness. Collins encourages leaders to get the right people “on the bus” and the wrong people off, suggesting a close look at whether each individual shares synergy with the organization and has a role that benefits from her strengths. In his words, “those who build great companies understand that the ultimate throttle on growth for any great company is…one thing above all: the ability to get and keep enough of the right people” (p. 54).

In Goleman et. al.’s preface to Primal Leadership, they contend, “The fundamental task of leaders, we argue, is to prime good feelings in those they lead. That occurs when a leader creates resonance – the reservoir of positivity that frees the best in people. At its root, then, the primal job of leadership is emotional.” The notion of resonance is a far cry from the authoritative model of leadership espoused years ago. We never

Sara Baksh ‘13 LEADERSHIP POSITION: Debate & Public Speaking Society co-president; in her fourth year as participant NOTEWORTHY: Intern for Wall Street lawyer during summer when she was 15; plans to attend law school

“My mom has always said I’m a good arguer, so debate seemed like a natural fit for me at SBS.”

VOLUNTEER LEADERSHIP EXERIENCE: “People look up to you when you’re in a leadership role, so I want to set a good example and try as hard as I can in debate.” As co-president, she does a lot of organization and mentoring of newer members. She says she feels it’s very important for her to be part of the support system for the younger students. Sara believes that her participation in debate has a lot to do with her ability to speak to people with confidence and poise. “I’ve learned to speak my own opinion.

Debate has taught me how to organize my thoughts when I’m speaking.”

ROLE MODELS: The two women she has worked/interned for during the summers, one a lawyer/entrepreneur and the other is the head of a contracting company.

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Women in Leadership

Student Profile

Student Profile used to talk about how people received leadership, and so we never considered that organizations could improve if people felt good about what they were doing. Now we do.

Alysha Romain ‘13

Dixinyao (Moonlight) Zhu ‘13

LEADERSHIP POSITION:

LEADERSHIP POSITION:

StuCo (Student Council) – President

Volunteer teacher with JinXiaZaiHuaLong in HuaLong, Qinghai Province, China

NOTEWORTHY: Even before the 2010 earthquake brought international attention to the small, impoverished island nation, Alysha had interest in Haiti. She saw her ‘extended essay’ for her International Baccalaureate diploma as an opportunity to delve deeper into the struggles of Haiti.

NOTEWORTHY: Taught English, math, and geography to 3rd and 4th graders.

This program typically only allows college students to participate as volunteers, but Moonlight persuaded them to allow her to participate while still in high school.

“Ultimately I wish I could do something to help improve or work on the infrastructure challenges there (Haiti). I’m not comfortable with just one visit or just giving money. I want

“I’ve always wanted to help others open their minds and their eyes to what’s possible.”

to continue doing something hands-on to help.”

VOLUNTEER LEADERSHIP EXERIENCE: Volunteers for Peace – Traveled to Haiti to work on the effort to rebuild.

Alysha and her father, Lionel, (a fluent Creole speaker who had previously travelled to Haiti to help translate in health clinics) spent twelve days in Haiti as part of a volunteer team. They repaired fences and planted plantain trees and coffee plants around earthquake-damaged CODEHA community center. She taught girls the alphabet and numbers in English at a local school.

ROLE MODEL: Father “He has always supported me and inspired me which makes me want to follow in his footsteps by being a person others can look to, like he has for me.”

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VOLUNTEER LEADERSHIP EXERIENCE: Moonlight was the youngest of about 20 volunteers in HuaLong. “One thing I learned from my students was attitude of studying; it encouraged me to work harder,” say Moonlight, who plans to continue volunteer teaching.

While teaching, she feels like she “became skilled at organizing and being a leader, and I also learned a little Tibetan medicine.” The experience also increased her “interest in psychology and communication because I used them both to teach.”

ROLE MODEL: Mom Her mom leads a medical company in China and is passionate about Chinese Medicine, a field that Moonlight would like to pursue further, especially if she decides to attend college in China.

The great challenge to all organizations, of course, is change; therefore, the great challenge to leaders is doing what it takes to move people through change – to help them do what they would rather not do, to influence them in appropriate ways.

EQ theorists say essentially the same thing. One key characteristic of EQ is self-awareness; do we as leaders understand and act on who we are and how we interact with others? Do we know how they respond to us, and do we make adjustments accordingly? Another who agrees with this line of thinking is Stephen Covey, best known for his popular 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, who later authored Principle-Centered Leadership (1990). Covey suggests that all good leaders must work from “the inside-out.” That is, they have to know on what underlying principles they operate so that they are not seduced by the random demands from others.

These ideas can be stretched concentrically to consider not just the individual leader, but the organization at large. If it is not guided by mission, does an organization really know what it’s about?

Without a clear mission, can we be succinct in helping others understand us?

Can we even hold anyone to a standard that makes sense? I am proud to say that here at Stoneleigh-Burnham School we

the thebulletin bulletin F A S PL R L I/ W N IGN2013 T E R 2012

Alumna Profile

We never used to talk about how people received leadership,

with leaders who create meaningful work for those in the sphere while they are held to a high standard and working toward clear goals.

and so we never considered that organizations could improve if people felt good about what they were doing.

Now we do. work hard to align everything we do to mission; we have been diligent in finding the right people for the right places; and we have headed our bus in one clear direction, according to our strategic vision. We are seeing some good results.

It is my job to lead the way, with the help and support of our determined and wise Board of Trustees, our collaborative and strong administrative team and our dedicated and smart faculty and staff.

The sphere of influence I have taken on as head of school has been enormous, which is why I continue to espouse lifelong learning. There are many lessons I have had to learn along the way and surely many that await me as I wade through the challenges ahead. I hope that time will show that I have been an effective leader here, and that the world really can move forward more positively

Sally L. Mixsell is an alumna of the first graduating class of the merged Stoneleigh-Burnham School in 1969.

She has also served on the School’s Board of Trustees from 1987 to 1991 and from 2001 to 2006.

Sally holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Comparative French and American Literature from Wells College and a Master’s Degree in Education Administration with a focus in private school leadership from Teachers College, Columbia University, where she was also a Klingenstein Fellow.

Her academic career has included teaching French, English, ESL and leadership in day and boarding schools in Connecticut and Pennsylvania. She also held administrative positions as a grade dean (grade 9), academic dean (grades 7-12) and director of curriculum and instruction (grades Pre-K-12). At the Klingenstein Center for Independent School Education, Teachers College, Columbia University Sally served as project director, which included overseeing and instructing in the Leadership Academy master’s degree program.

From 2005-2008, she was a founding partner of eduINNOVATIONS, an independent school consulting firm.

Sally also founded the Beginning Administrators’ Institute, a summer leadership development program for administrators in private schools.

Elaine Chow ’90 LEADERSHIP POSITION: Partner at Black Swan Capital, Hong Kong ROAD TO SUCCESS: •

Nomura, Wealth Management – Associate Director

•

Sun Hung Kai Financial – Assistant Vice President

•

Credit Suisse – Associate

“Leaders are there to support and inspire others to be their best.”

NOTEWORTHY: Speaks English, Chinese; proficient in French and Arabic Activities: Christian Youth Fellowship in college SBS activities: Debate Society, Peer Tutor, Field Hockey, Choir EDUCATION: The University of Hong Kong: LLB Law Degree Harvard University: B.A. Literature VOLUNTEER LEADERSHIP EXERIENCE: The Mentoring Program – Guidance for junior members of the organization Island Evangelical Community Church, Leadership Committee – Tutors low-income families LP Leadership Program, Volunteer Mentor – Promotes leadership and team building for young and new professionals

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Class Notes Amy Medford Nebeker's ’93 son, Greyson, 7 1/2 months.

1949B

Class Agent: Yvette Mencoff Nathans – 1417 Riverside Circle, Wellington, FL 33414, yvette523@aol.com Yvette Mencoff Nathans writes: When Janet Adaskin Walder ’50B was an incoming student, I was the senior designated to be her sponsor. Her name came back to me after all these years and I Googled her, only to find her obituary. She passed away on June 27, 2012, at the age of 79, predeceased by her husband, Arthur Walder, and son, George.

She is survived by twin daughters, grandchildren, and sisters.

1949S

Class Notes Class Agents play an important role in keeping their classmates engaged with our School.

Thank you for all you do. For the following years, Class Agents are needed: 1941B, 1941S, 1942B, 1942S, 1943B, 1943S, 1944B, 1944S, 1945B, 1947B, 1947S, 1948B, 1948S, 1955S, 1956S, 1965B, 1968S, 1977, and 1979. Contact Andrea Reynolds in the Alumnae Office if you are interested in becoming a Class Agent at alumnae@sbschool.org or 413-774-2711 x270.

1941B

Class Agent needed!

1941S

Class Agent needed!

1942B

Class Agent needed!

Class Agent: Connie Johnson Corsiglia – 101 Country Side Rd, Greenfield, MA 01301

1946B

Class Agent needed!

1946S

1942S

Class Agent needed!

1943B - 70th REUNION!

1947B

1943S - 70th REUNION! Class Agent needed!

1944B

Class Agent needed!

1944S

Class Agent needed!

MaryEm Bodman Kenner shares: I was in Maine last summer for a sculpture exhibit by my late great-uncle, Bela Lyon Pratt. While passing through Camden, ME, I called June Kemp Fryer ’48S and we met, for the first

1945S

Class Agent: Elizabeth McLean McLain – 12725 Via Nasca, San Diego, CA 921281572, patmclmcl@hotmail.com

Class Agent needed!

Class Agent: Sue Heubisch Milkey – 27076 Kindlewood Ln, Bonita Springs, FL 34134

MaryEm Bodman Kenner ’49S (l) and June Kemp Fryer ’48S meet for the first time in 62 years in Camden, ME.

Class Agent needed!

1947S

Class Agent needed!

1948B - 65th REUNION! Class Agent needed!

1948S - 65th REUNION! Class Agent needed!

1945B

Class Agent needed!

MaryEm Bodman Kenner’s ’49S granddaughter, Megan E.W. Kenner.

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the bulletin F A L L / W I N T E R time in 62 years, over dinner by the ocean.

June went to Colby Junior College, as I did.

It was wonderful to see each other looking much the same as we did at school! I still hear from many friends from my SPH years.

1950B

Class Agent: Emily Cooper Stephenson – PO Box 957, Carmel, CA 93921, emilystephenson@sbcglobal.net

1950S

Class Agent: Addie Warner Minott – 2518 Stage Rd, Guilford, VT 05301, pulpitfm@ myfairpoint.net

1951B

Class Agent: Susan Huber Gross – 49 Ravenwood Rd, West Hartford, CT 06107

1951S

Class Agent: Joan Walthers Parks – 37 Church St, Westminster, MA 01473, bowtie-1@mindspring. com Joan Walthers Parks shares: I rarely hear from anyone from the class of SPH 1951, but you gals must admit I have tried over the years. I know my address list is quite out-of-date! I do keep in touch with Barbara “Pixie” Prince Wallis ’48B and Ashley Guertin Whitney ’92.

Gib and I are back in Florida for the winter.

At our age we don’t move fast or go far! We came down this year on the Amtrak Auto train and enjoyed it. Gib walked our youngest daughter down the aisle at an outdoor wedding in Rindge, NH, in late October. Our 3 girls have all been divorced, and Lynne was the last to remarry. Hence, 6 trips down the aisle for Gib. Our middle daughter is in Pembroke Pines, FL, with her family of 6. She and Jorge are now grandparents, which of course makes us great grandparents! Our oldest daughter and her daughter are living at our Westminster home this winter. Our granddaughter is in middle school there, as her experience at a Florida school as a SPED student was very unsatisfactory. Husband/ Dad is holding down the fort in Bradenton, FL. It is not an ideal situation, but it is what it is. He is able to commute monthly. My best to all my classmates, wherever you may be!

2012

1952S

Class Agent: Barbara Schaff Blumenthal – 36 Sullivan Dr, West Redding, CT 06896, Barbglea@aol.com

1953B - 60th Reunion!

Class Agents: Gaye Alexander Cavanaugh – 1 Dean Dr, Bolton, CT 06043-7217; Jane McGrath Packer – jpacker796@comline.com

1953S - 60th Reunion!

Connect with SBS

Class Agents: Pat Birge Johnson – 4130 SW 25th Pl, Cape Coral, FL 33914 Pat Birge Johnson says: I encourage you all to attend Reunion this year, our 60th! Due to health issues, I won’t be able to make it to Reunion, but hope that many of you can return to campus. Please send me your news when you have a chance.

1954B

Check out our photo albums and connect with the School and other alumnae using our two Facebook pages: http://www.facebook.com/sbschool http://www.facebook.com/sbsalumnae

Class Agent: Jill Crawford Stoll – spunkygram57@ aol.com

1954S

Class Agent: Linda Jennings Kraus – 58 Judson Rd, Fairfield, CT 06824-6655

1955B

Class Agent: Patt Reinking McBane – 1200 North Shore Dr NE #212, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, forbirch@aol.com Patricia “Patt” Reinking McBane writes: Judy Park Coyne ’56B and I visit about once a year when we are both in Maine. Judy was my roommate for two years. Manuela Veve Margarida says: Blessings for the New Year! I just received The Bulletin and when I read it I remembered the good old times at Burnham. I thank God for that. My husband, Willie, and I spent Thanksgiving in Stowe, VT, with our daughter, Tere, her husband,

With contributions from all corners of the School, our blog is brimming with fun and informative snippets of life at SBS. Read it regularly at http://sbschoolorg.wordpress.com/

Follow our tweets at twitter.com/sbschoolorg Questions? Contact the Alumnae Office at alumnae@sbschool.org

1952B

Class Agent: Sandra Williams White – PO Box 790, Franconia, NH 03580

Patricia “Patt” Reinking McBane ’55B (l) and Judith “Judy” Park Coyne ’55B (r).

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Class Notes

Our Exclusive Stoneleigh-Burnham Alumnae App! Download it for Free

Melinda “Linda” Deming Bloodgood ’55B with her husband, John H. Bloodgood.

(Villanova) and Veronica (SCAD), wanted to be in P.R. for Christmas. We enjoyed the celebration and snowboarding. I have been spending time in Stowe for the last 10 years.

I remember our class ski weekends and all the times I fell down trying to ski. It was so much fun. Were you there? Do you remember where we stayed? Was it The Thatcher Inn? I would love to find out. If someone remembers, please let me know. After Thanksgiving, we drove to Hartford, CT, to fly back to Puerto Rico. We stopped in Greenfield on the way. I was so impressed with the School.

I felt very happy and proud. I took some pictures in front of the School. Last year, I finally got back in touch with my very good friend, Maria Papini Regalado. I had not heard from her since graduation. Marta lives in Salvador and has a beautiful family. She is one of the founders and President of the Board at The Marte Museum. It is the most important museum of art in Salvador. We are planning to meet in Miami, hopefully this year. Patt, thank you for being our Class Agent, and I hope you are planning for our next Reunion in 2015.

1955S

Class Agent needed!

Features: News, events, social media and an Alumnae Directory • Contribute pictures or news • Connect with alumnae worldwide • Network through LinkedIn integration

1956B

Class Agent: Judith Howard Whitney Terry – judith.whitney@gmail.com Manuela Veve Margarida ’55B with her husband, Willie and daughters (l to r) Tere Lloveras and Sonia Bacardi.

Available on iPhone, iPad & Android Questions?

Contact the Alumnae Office At 413-774-2711 x317 or alumnae@sbschool.org

Ursula Kendrtarvich Hogan writes: I am still teaching 18 hours a week in Springfield, MA. I was in Lithuania for my 7th trip there at the end of summer. I am fluent now, and it is fun to travel as a local. Clarita Kushelevitch Kaufman and I toured the Tenement Museum in NYC in early November. It was fun being together for a day. Ann Andy Welch Campbell and I have lunch at least twice a year, and Phyllis Tosi Lawlor is still in contact also. All else is good.

1956S

Class Agent needed! iPhone App

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Android App

Manuela Veve Margarida ’55B and her entire family, including all 6 of her grandchildren.

1957B

and our grandchildren. They live in Puerto Rico, but own a house in Stowe, which we all love. Usually, we go during Christmas break, but this year our granddaughters, Patricia

1957S

Class Agent: Roberta Lee Gerber – 47 9th St, Bonita Springs, FL 34134, rlgerber@me.com Class Agent: Winnie Steel Walker – 14 Honey Corners Rd, West Topsham, VT 05086

the bulletin S P R I N G

2013

of historic St. Andrews; and a day trip to Edinburgh, which among many other things included a visit to the Royal Yacht Britannia, the retired ship of Queen Elizabeth. We had a wonderful week together, with great weather and much laughter shared with treasured friends.

1958S - 55th Reunion!

Class Agent: Anita Smiley Bailey – PO Box 83, Boyce, VA 22620 Six classmates from MAB flew to Scotland for a week of adventure and exploring. (l to r) Valerie Brenhouse Mace ’58, Dale Herrmann Sack ’58, Betsey Evans Paige ’58, Lynn Dender Kelly ’58, Gail Benger Reifsnyder ’58, and Linda NimsWeaver ’58.

1958B - 55th Reunion!

Class Agent: Karen Preefer Hanauer – khanauer@optonline.net Karen Preefer Hanauer writes: My husband Jerry and I spent 3 weeks in France this past September driving all over the southwestern region. Madame Guiet, our French teacher, would be so happy to know I am grateful for her French lessons. I heard from Nancy Estreicher Sokol who is living in southern California and has a clothing store named Sundancer in Del Mar. She has a 23-yearold grandson, Matt, who is finishing college and she will become a grandmother again in July to another boy. Nancy's daughter Suzy helps her run the store and her son, Jon, is an attorney. I am fortunate that some of our classmates live near me, in Westchester county and Connecticut, and I often get together with Valerie Brenhouse Mace, Linda Nims Weaver, and Gail Benger Reifsnyder for lunch. I also recently had lunch in NYC with Dale Herrmann Sack and her husband, Donald, who leave their Pennsylvania home and visit the City for a few days every once in a while. It has been so much fun to keep in touch with classmates and catch up.

Linda Nims Weaver shares: In September, 6 classmates from Mary A. Burnham flew to Scotland to start a week-long adventure, which included exploring, playing golf (real and miniature), pub dining, and enjoying the friendship we have shared for 55 years. We were fortunate enough to have been offered a lovely home in St. Andrews. From there we took interesting side trips to Glamis Castle, the home of the Queen Mother; a guided tour

Anita Smiley Bailey says: I saw Kate Cartmell Campbell and her husband, Doug, this past summer for lunch at the Simon Pearce glassmaking site in Quechee, VT. They spend a couple of months in Starksboro, VT, during the summer humidity season of South Carolina. Last year they were engaged in checking out Northern Retirement Communities. Kate had back surgery a while back and decided to quit golf; I couldn’t talk her out of the quitting! My significant other, Borris Bushneff, and I visited Nantucket in September and had a blast with Beverly Mack Hall ’59S and her now husband, David Billings. David is an avid Asian art collector and lecturer. I am looking forward to having them come to Vermont this summer.

1959B

Class Agent: Susan Cummings Campbell – beachrosedesigns@comcast.net

1959S

Class Agents: Betsy Barry Beaudin – betsy@ beaudins.com; Joannah Hall Glass – jhallglass@ aol.com Beverly Mack Hall shares: I married David Lane Billings II on January 20, 2013 at St. Paul’s Church on Nantucket. Joannah Hall Glass writes: This time of year reminds me of my delightful visit in February for the lovely induction into the Wall of Fame for equestrians who have graduated from SBS. What a blessing to have experienced the warm hospitality and encouraging atmosphere that permeates those halls. I am a member of the BOD of the Devon Horse Show & Country Fair, which occurs for 11 days starting Memorial Day Weekend. I would ask that any SBS folks stop by the Committee Stand and say hello in Devon, PA. I would love to hear the news from my SBS sisters. As I write this note I am in Aiken, SC, (my winter home) getting ready for our first of 3 Horse Trials.

Our secretary for Sporting Days Farm has

Beverly Mack Hall ’59S and David Lane Billings II were married January 20, 2013 at St. Paul’s Church on Nantucket. (credit: Zophia Photography) accepted 225 entries for this one-day event, which now breaks all previous records. A course walk will be published, with pictures of preliminary jumps, on our website in the form of a link: www.SportingDaysFarm.com

1960B

Class Agent: Rachael Chamberlain Schlegel – rcs4335@aol.com Magdelaine Anthony Smith says: I had my 6th hole-in-one in golf this year and I am also playing on 2 tennis teams. Keep moving!

Magdelaine Anthony Smith ’60B with her grandsons (l to r) Cliff and Brady.

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Class Notes

1960S

Class Agents: Margery Lawton Cooper – mtlcooper@yahoo.com; Laura Richards – lrichards102@gmail.com Alixie "Pete” Carpenter Hurgret writes: In January I was sitting inside looking out at all the rain "which is the norm around here" in Freeland, WA and realized it was time for my husband, Jeff and I to leave for a bit, and head to Charleston, SC, to visit Jeff's family.

We planned to make it a 4-month trip with lots of driving! We were looking forward to seeing the clan, especially Jeff's niece, Hailey, who was very pregnant. We were hoping that we would get there “in time!”

We planned to stay in a house on the beach while there. Pete's dog Jake moped when he saw the suitcases come out, and Felix the cat hid under the bed. Fortunately our daughter Camille and husband Tim live close by and are the official pet-sitters. Happy New Year wishes to all. Beth Barker Park shares: I am still working as a child advocate, and also as an advocate for victims of sexual abuse. In what spare time I have, I work with Siberian Husky rescue groups and with Blind Dog Rescue Alliance, which places blind/partially blind dogs of all breeds in permanent homes.

I had a very interesting trip to Cuba in November 2011 with a small group. It was a great chance to see the country and view the natural beauty of a place that has so much to offer. I still travel when time permits, but I am very happy in Seattle. Cecelia “Ceci” Ament Roberge says: I spent 3 weeks with family in Connecticut over the Christmas holiday. It was beautiful to be with family. I enjoyed the 14 inches of snow, but also enjoyed taking off the “longies” when arriving back in Florida.

Leo and I love the sun and the pool! We are celebrating our 50th anniversary this year with some travel. We already had a short first-ever cruise in January and an educational tour of Cuba in February, with ideas for more trips in the planning stage. Our son Rob has a new book coming out in the spring entitled The Cost of Living. I am pretty sure it's not about economics! Dianna, our daughter and her husband Tim saw their son Charles off to Worcester Polytechnic Institute this last fall.

Their daughter Nadia is in her sophomore year at Hartford University and Sam is in second grade. All are happy with their schools, so we are counting their blessings. Laura Richards writes: I spent a lot of time dealing

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with the aftermath of October's Hurricane Sandy. The storm caused all of my tall oaks to fall, hitting the back of my house, causing quite a bit of damage. Because of rain, snow and nor'easters, the replacement work took longer than expected. The damage in my area on the north shore was due more to the hurricane winds than to flooding. It has been unbelievable. I had a wonderful trip in September 2011 to Scandinavia. Our group flew into the beautiful port of Helsinki and traveled north into the Samiland area. What beautiful countryside and reindeer farms. We actually had a reindeer BBQ dinner cooked for us on one of the farms! The second week we joined a cruise (Norwegian Hurtigruten Ship Line) and traveled down the coast of Norway. While the ship delivered mail and goods, we learned the history of the area and toured the beautiful fjords. The last port was Bergen, a lovely city. Although there were a few rainy days, it was a fantastic trip. Sally Gottlieb says: All is well in Vermont. We are still very active with the local food shelf, the ongoing weekly community dinner, and various other activities. My kids are spread out “all over the place” so Robert and I always seem to be going somewhere. I wish everyone a healthy, happy, and serene New Year.

Marcia “Marci” Currier writes: Rey and I are enjoying life in our winter home in Del Webb Spruce Creek just outside The Villages.

We are very happy to be able to enjoy all the fun, entertainment and shopping in the area. We love this retirement living, and the kids and grandkids all love to visit us here!

Binnie Brady Chase says: I had a bout with kidney stones during the Christmas holidays that kept me from visiting my daughter and family in Colorado. In the end, I was glad it happened then, as I was set to go off early in January on a 3 week birding trip to Kenya.

I was supposed to see approximately 700 different birds! Kenya has been on my to-do list since I was in my twenties. It is my 25th anniversary as a breast cancer survivor. I wish everyone the best in 2013. Sue Pruyn King says: There is not much “news” from Cape Cod: You know the drill – around 70, it’s all those trips to the doctor simply keeping me glued together. I had been getting a bit nostalgic for my old home in the Adirondacks, but I just heard that it was below zero up there, so not so much nostalgia now. Lorraine Price Muth says: Now let’s see who can top this schedule! I play tennis

3 days a week (singles on Mondays, clinic on Wednesdays, and doubles on Fridays); I downhill ski on Tuesdays and Thursdays; I play duplicate bridge on Wednesdays and Fridays after tennis. I also try to get in at least an hour everyday to practice my banjo. I am nowhere near the playing level that I would like to be, but I am working on it. I love the jams I participate in every other week.

Bob attends the potluck part of the jams, but leaves as soon as the music begins. Bob and I do spend some time together, although it probably doesn't sound that way; we often cross-country ski on the weekends or if one of my other activities is cancelled. Bob and I also participate in “Feed the Flathead” where churches in my area cook and serve dinner on a regular basis for anyone who wishes to come. There are usually about 50 people in attendance. Some are homeless, but some, I think, are just lonesome. Bob is a driver for "Meals on Wheels" sponsored by the Council on Aging. We celebrated our 50th anniversary in September! Our kids gave us a wonderful party. It’s hard to believe that much time has passed. They’ve been good years with some bumps in the road, but still good. Margery “Mimi” Lawton Cooper shares: I discovered Susan Gibb Tweh’s obituary in a Selinsgrove, PA newspaper. She lost her battle with cancer in July 2009. Sue felt a call to serve early in life and pursued that call through the Episcopal Church. She spent 30 years as a teacher/ missionary in Liberia and West Africa. Upon returning to the United States in 1990, besides other employment, she worked as an ESL aide in her school district and advocated for her students and encouraged diversity. Prior to her illness, she was an active member of the Liberia Companion Synod Committee and returned to Liberia in 2001 and 2002 “to assist Liberia in its efforts to rebuild following a long civil conflict.” She is survived by her husband Peter, whom she met and married in Liberia, a son, 2 daughters and 9 grandchildren. It is always hard to lose a classmate. My own news is not very exciting.

I am just enjoying beautiful St. Augustine, especially its great, warm weather, after ten days over the holidays in Connecticut with family. There was no snow when we arrived, but a good amount when we left. I’m feeling very spoiled. I don't know if I could do a whole winter up that way again! It seems I remember some pretty high, cold snow drifts on the old SPH campus, but don’t remember

the bulletin S P R I N G giving it a whole lot of thought back then.

Even though it’s only January, Barry and I are already looking forward to our trek north in May for our summer on Highland Lake in Connecticut. It is nice to be close to our son Lev and his family in Harwinton, and daughter Sara in Brooklyn. Meanwhile, I’ll keep myself busy with my painting, jewelry making, and all the projects that need to be done around our little old house and yard.

Needless to say, I’m still enjoying retirement!

I send my best to everyone.

be living in Darien, CT, so much closer for Sarah; she is thrilled. Terry Martin Maitland and her husband, Frank, have completed their 7-month job assignment in Manchester, NH, and have become legal residents of Florida.

They are planning a trip to Alaska in June.

They plan on a cruise and land tour. Their granddaughter, Zoe, will keep them company on the cruise. After Reunion Betsy Robins Strasser and her husband, Bob, went on a fantastic Baltic cruise. At the end they sailed

1961B

Class Agents: Judy Vandeveer McDermott – judithmc33@aol.com; Toni Schust Zegras – tzegras@optonline.net

1961S

Class Agent: Julie Stephens Wyman – Julie4cats@gmail.com

1962B

Class Agent: Kathy Conathan Reardon – kathyr1230@aol.com Kathy Conathan Reardon shares: I have heard from a few of our classmates, but would love to hear from more. The recurring theme is how great it is to keep in touch. As I said in the last newsletter, our 50th was fantastic, and quite a few of us have managed to stay in touch since then. Beverly Burgess Williams has been busy with work and committee meetings. She is planning a trip to Florida and then in March a Caribbean cruise with her family. She went on a wonderful Greek Isles cruise last October. In September she met Sarah Caldwell Anderson and Becky Ellis at the Boston Harbor Hotel.

Bev reported, “It was a beautiful day, and we were able to sit outside by the water. There is no doubt that we talked more than we ate! At some point this year I hope we can gather together a group of us from the Boston area. One of the things we talked about was a NYC weekend. Wouldn’t that be fun?” I think it sounds great, and we could probably get classmates from other areas also. That gives us something to think about. Sarah is quite the adventurer. She has an upcoming African Safari family vacation with her adult children. She has always wanted to see the Great Migration, big cats, and interact with people in the local villages. Her daughter, sonin-law and twin granddaughters have moved back east after 2 years in Houston. They will

Rebecca “Becky” Ellis ’62B (l) and Patricia “Pat” Wood Corcoran’62B (r)celebrate Pat’s birthday. up the Thames the day before the Olympics began. They then spent time on the Cape with family and in Chatham for the Nickerson family reunion. Recently they met with Louise Bradley Fraungruber and attended a Paul Anka concert. They recommend it to everyone. It was a trip down memory lane, and there were 4 curtain calls. Betsy and Bob are in the planning stages of a 65-day trip to the Pacific at the end of the year. Elizabeth “Libby” Apfel Sanderson writes that she regrets missing our 50th Reunion, and wants to know if we can all try for the 55th. She had a remarkable trip to Provence and Paris, which culminated in her falling off the curb in Paris the last day and tearing her rotator cuff and spraining her ankle. She writes, “At least I was on my way to the airport to fly home, and it didn’t happen the first day. However, I ended up having surgery to repair my much damaged shoulder. I think every one of my joints has been damaged now, but at least I had a great trip—no pun intended—when I got hurt this last time. Aside from aging, I am generally pretty healthy, which is a good thing. I am officially retired from my position as a school psychologist, but in fact I still work 2 days a week at my job and I still love it. I was afraid I would spend my

2013

days in my PJs when I retired, but with this schedule I have to get dressed occasionally.

I am also studying French, so the next time I fall off a curb in France I can tell them what hurts. My Burnham French was of little use to me. I have a minor art career as well. I do collage and I spend a lot of time with a wonderful arts program, right outside of Northampton, called Snow Farm. It has a connection to Elder Hostel, or Roads Scholar as they now call themselves, because there is a wide range of ages attending. It would be fun if some of us went together, and we could visit Northampton just a few miles away. I hope we can have another reunion soon. It was so much fun to see everyone at our mini-reunion at Becky Ellis’s.” Althea Prescott Cranton writes: I had such a great time at our reunion and loved getting together with people I haven’t seen since graduation.

I loved how we just picked up where we left off. I enjoy catching up via Facebook. The excursion to Burnham was bittersweet. I was glad to poke around and try to figure out where our rooms were, but sad about the loss of the Blue and Green rooms. My mother passed away in early October at the age of 99.

My sister, Polly (Paula Prescott Hart ’64B), and I have found letters and notices from us and from Mary Burnham School. I even found my old field hockey uniform! In addition to special education teaching in middle school, I am still teaching skiing at Wildcat Mountain in Jackson, NH. I will be going to Telluride, CO, to ski with Polly in February.

As for Jack and me, we are getting used to his being retired. Or at least I am; he has had no problem. I am going to Denver in April and will take care of Trevor, Declan, and Fiona.

While my daughter-in-law runs the Boston Marathon, son Tiger is going along as the cheering section. Then Jack and I are going on a Mediterranean cruise with old friends from Ohio. Hope everyone is healthy and enjoying the New Year; I hope to hear from you all soon. Patricia Wood Cochran writes: I had a great holiday with my 2 daughters (one living in Paris), their husbands, and my 5 grandchildren. I went to Jamaica for a fun, relaxing week with my daughter, Tracey, and her family immediately after. A week after our return, Tracey's oldest, Ben, 12, had brain surgery (we have known about, was scheduled last fall) to remove a tumor. It all went well, and he's on the mend. I've been living at Tracey's since X-mas, “holding down the

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Class Notes fort” (another set of hands helping out with the other 2 kids, their busy schedules, and household chores) while they were in the hospital and in recovery. I hope to return home and to “my life” in a week or so. I still think back on Reunion with great memories and hope we can/will make our own mini ones before the next decade rolls around.

Hugs and love to all of the Class of ’62.

1962S

Class Agents: Carole Karp Barnett – 45 Willard Avenue, Portsmouth, NH 03801, carole. barnett@unh.edu; Charlot Martin Taylor – PO Box 1333, Wainscott, NY 11975-1333

The Class of ’62S met for a mini-reunion in Avon, CT on November 10, 2012. (l to r) Jackie Wilson Blaine ’62S, Dee Grayson Saffery ’62S, Charlot Martin Taylor ’62S, Carole Karp Barnett ’62S, and Blaine Free Foltz ’62S.

1963B - 50th Reunion!

Class Agent: Judith Whalen Dunbar – Judidunbar@aol.com Judith Whalen Dunbar shares: OK ladies, you want news? Come to our 50th Reunion and get it firsthand. Margot Dunbar Bleier and I are contacting everyone we can and as of February 1st we have about 15 classmates ready to sign up. We have a hold on all the rooms at the Crumpin Fox Inn in Bernardston, MA, for Friday and Saturday night; the per room price per night is $113.00 plus tax; call 1-413-648-9131 to reserve your room. As of February 1st we have 8 rooms with confirmed reservations. If we haven't been able to connect with you yet, please call or email one (or both!) of us: Judi at 603-673-2823, and Margot at 603-961-0033 or mdbleier@yahoo.com. Rooms are also available at the School, if you want to go that route.

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1963S - 60th Reunion!

Class Agent: Sally ImFuller@ sopris.net

Miller

Fuller

–

Josephine “Jo” Hamp Wescott writes: I had a lovely lunch with Andrea Reynolds in March; we talked about plans for our 50th Reunion and caught up on SBS news. How about hearing from some of you? I live in Belfast, ME, in an 1845 Cape, and am loving the retirement life with husband, Jim. I'm looking forward to seeing all of you in June for Reunion. Please write some news for The Bulletin!

1966S

Class Agent: Beth Born Mellina – 710 Dartmoor, Westfield, NJ 07090

1967B

Class Agents: Jody Geberhardt – jodyg@ cableone. net; Judith Lilleston – lillestonj@ hotmail.com

1967S

Class Agent: Susie Hine – PO Box 96, East Dennis, MA 02641

Josephine “Jo” Hamp Wescott ’63S and Andrea Reynolds discuss the class of 1963’s upcoming 50th Reunion over lunch in Damariscotta, ME.

Robin Fowler Rochette writes: This summer, we moved out daughter Gianna out to Catoosa, OK, to become part of John Smithwick Ministries International/Global Ventures. She will be travelling to Thailand, Belize, Kenya, Peru, and Australia this year on missions trips. She is also working at Texas Roadhouse as wait staff. We are so proud of her. She is extremely happy. Our son Jonathan, a Software Engineer, is now house hunting in the area. They grow up so fast. A few months ago, I got a message on Facebook from a SBS alumna, Melissa McKallagat ’96, who lives a few miles from me. Of course she graduated just a FEW years after I did. I got to meet her and her fiancé and it was like old home week. The world gets smaller and smaller.

1964B

1968B - 45th Reunion!

Class Agents: Gail Martin Clock – gclock@aol.com; Ellen Chello McFarland – ejmcfarland@ snet.net

1964S

Class Agent: Anne Morris-Stockton – annasenf@yahoo.com

1965B

Class Agent needed!

1965S

Class Agent: Patricia Roberts – proberts6@ nyc.rr.com

1966B

Class Agents: Kiki Black – henshaw66@ yahoo. com; Mandy Burr – RevMandy@ aol.com; Judy Arnold Conner – jmac333@ comcast.net

Class Agent: Joyce Cornish Suter – ljsuter@ comcast.net Joyce Cornish Suter writes: I'm trying hard to come east to our Reunion and am looking forward to seeing as many of you as possible for our 45th. The excitement in our lives is the recent marriage of our daughter, Laurel, to her longtime boyfriend, at the Retzlaff Winery in Livermore, CA.

1968S - 45th Reunion!

Class Agent needed!

1969

Class Agent Chairs: Meg Long White – megevents@gmail.com; Bonnie Briskin – bonnieb351@yahoo.com; Class Agents: Deborah Chamberlain – dorchamb@aol.com; Mary Maloney – maloneym@ummhc.org; Tori Askerberg – tori@us.ibm.com

the bulletin S P R I N G

Anne Quantrell Dennen ’70 with her granddaughter, Claire Everly Dennen. Claire was born on January 22, 2013.

1970

Class Agent Chair: Kathy Seyffer Opdycke – wlpmom@verizon.net; Class Agent: Perky Heath Hamill – peezola@optonline.net Dotti Shannon Carter shares: Wow, I am finally writing to a class agent! I have not been in touch with SBS since I graduated and have always meant to do something about it! Lynda Decker Gallagher ’71 and I have stayed in touch and she has been telling me for all these years that I should update our class. First, I hope that I find you all well and happy. It is hard to believe that we have reached our 60th year! I am doing very well.

I have 2 wonderful children who have grown and are creating great lives of their own. My son, Jared, and his Cuban born wife have just blessed us with a grandson last week. Jared is a lawyer/professor in Burlington, VT. He's an adventuring, outdoor sort of man. My daughter, Michaela, and her husband had a baby girl last September. Michaela was a second grade teacher in Massachusetts, but is taking time now to enjoy her baby.

Jonathan King (remember him?) and I raised our kids on a large farm in the western Maine mountains. At different times, we have had bees, a horse, chickens for eggs and meat, worms for compost, and many terrific dogs and cats. Now we are down to 1 dog, 1 cat,

Claire Everly Dennen, granddaughter of Anne Quantrell Dennen ’70. and chickens for meat. We also grow most of our own food organically and buy local organic meat. I do a lot of canning/freezing, so we can be set for winter. King has been active in environmental issues. He is winding down now, but in the past he has run environmental referendums to ban clear

2013

cutting and bear baiting. He has also run as a Green Party member for governor and Congress. Those times were adventures for sure. I have been a kindergarten teacher for most of my career. I worked in our local school until it closed for consolidation. Then I decided to follow a dream of mine to work on an island. Off I went to Matinicus Island to teach, which is the farthest island off the coast of Maine. It is only 1 mi. wide and 2 mi. long. I was there for 2 years. I loved my students and was challenged greatly by having to prepare for kids in grades K–7! I ate a lot of lobster. The only way on or off the island was by single engine plane, ferry (2x per month in the winter), or lobster boat. The weather dictated my life! I went out alone as my kids were either in college or graduated.

King came out when he could, but wasn't interested in being out there all the time. It was just my own adventure. When I got back, I started working for Literacy Volunteers, a nonprofit, which provides tutors for adults who need help in literacy. And that is where I am now. I have a "bucket list" for my 60th year! Having 2 new grandbabies is my most exciting activity, but I am also trying to follow other dreams in my life. I am crossing off items on my list! For example, I plan to take a night walk every month on the full moon. Rain or shine, I'll be out there listening for coyotes and owls. King and I are taking the train out to Nebraska to see the spring migration of Whooping Cranes coming back along the Platte River. And I am planning a summer excursion to Tanglewood to sit on the grass and listen to good music while I eat a yummy picnic. I have tons of items on my list and over the next many years I am going to work on doing them! My advice is for everyone to make a bucket list and then get down to doing it. It is so much fun! I often think about what has become of the wonderful folks from Stoneleigh-Burnham. If anyone is up in western Maine, look me up.

I live in Lexington (30 miles from Sugarloaf Mt.). There is plenty of room for visitors.

We have hiking trails and a mile of river on our property. In the summer, you can help me freeze veggies and then go down for a swim in the river! All my best to everyone.

Katherine “Kathy” Seyffer Opdycke writes: Congratulations to Anne Quantrell Dennen on the birth of her granddaughter, Claire Everly Dennen on January 22, 2013. Her son

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Class Notes

Class Agent: Lynda Decker Gallagher – lyndadeckergallagher@gmail.com

Class Agent: Lynne Schulthess – Slynne.schulthess@newcanaanmountedtroop. org

1972

1979

1984

1971

Class Agent: Melissa Leach Dickson – MelissaLDickson@gmail.com Cathy Falk Caccioppoli writes: I send my best wishes to all my friends and classmates from SBS. I will be awarded the Citizen of the Humanities for 2012 award from the Lawton Arts and Humanities Council this February in Lawton, OK, where I have made my home for more than 20 years. My work as Executive Director of the Lawton Philharmonic Orchestra and my participation in many charitable organizations were reasons listed for this award. My husband, Giuseppe, is a child psychiatrist and works at the local Community Mental Health Center.

My 2 daughters now live in Washington, DC. The elder, Nina, works at the National Gallery of Art and her husband, Todd, is an elementary school teacher for Washington, DC public schools. The younger daughter, Joanna, is a lawyer who is completing a year of specialization in International Law in DC. I was thrilled to make contact with some of the 1971 Octette members, to send them a CD of the LP they had made that year in NYC. It was fun to reminisce about that trip to the big city and a surprise to all to hear how good we sounded!

1973 - 40th Reunion!

Class Agent: Susan McVie – 1731 Rose Ave, Bethlehem, PA 18018

1974

Class Agent: Vicki Zialcita Stousse – 121 Cream Pot Rd, Hartland, VT, 05048 vzpickles@aol.com

1975

Class Agent: Susan Murphy Mulcahy – emeraldsm@sbcglobal.net

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1976

Lois Kuiper Fuller writes: Hey there Class of ’83, I can’t believe that our 30th Reunion is this June! I have been able to connect with some friends on Facebook, but unfortunately have lost touch with many. I have been living in Colchester, VT, for the past 12 years with my husband, 2 daughters, ages 5 and 13, and a chocolate lab. I am looking forward to reconnecting with you and hearing about your families. If you need help with a place to stay, I’m about 3 hours away—not too close, but it’s free. Please email me and let me know what you’ve been up to!

Will and his wife Ali greeted their daughter 5 weeks prematurely, but from all accounts everyone is doing well! Plans for the SBS Reunion Weekend (June 14–16, 2013) are coming along, and I hope any of our classmates can join us on campus for the fun! I would love to hear how you are doing, so please feel free to send me an email updating me on your lives: wlpmom@verizon.net.

Class Agents: Nancy Maurer Preston – npreston07@gmail.com; Susan Tyrrel – styrrel@ cox.net

1977

Class Agent: Kathryn Whitney Mansfield – kat.mansfield@verizon.net

1978 - 35th Reunion!

Class Agent needed!

1980

Class Agents: Kim Day – 403 Pacific Cir, Newbury Park, CA 91320; Dawn Slaney Hill – 303 Tutwiler Dr, Trussville, AL 35173; Cindi Grader Viola – jckviola@comcast.net

1981

Class Agent: Becky Rawson Aronson Weaver – baronson75206@yahoo.com Jennifer Jones McIntyre says: I recently moved with my family of 4 sons and husband, William McIntyre, Sr., to a newer home in Westlake Village, CA, to be closer to schools and sport activities. I was recently appointed Senior Society President of the Los Angeles–Eschscholtzia Society of the Children of the American Revolution. My duties include travel around California with youth members as they promote the love of the U.S. My classmates are invited to visit us when they are in the Los Angeles area.

1982

Class Agent: Bridget O’Brien – bobrien@ comcast.net Elizabeth “Liz” Loucks Lombardo writes: My daughter is hoping to go to the University of Chicago and study nursing and art. One she really loves and can use to make a living, the other she loves, and is really talented. On the not so bragging side, my twin 11(almost 12)-year-old boys are driving me completely out of my mind! I still love them to death; they are comical and a lot of fun!

1983 - 30th Reunion!

Class Agent: Lois Kuiper Fuller – lcmfuller@ comcast.net

Class Agent: Susan Mahoney Casey – suem65@flash.net

1985

Class Agents: Susan Stutzman Genereux– Suzedesigns@verizon.net; Sophie Aikman – sophieaikman@ hotmail.com; Sharon Barbour Petrecca – spetrecca@cox.net; Evelyn Trebilcock – Evelyn.Trebilcock@oprhp.state. ny.us

1986

Class Agents: Liz Engel – eengel1241@ aol. com; Liz Tichenor Percheson – elizabeth. percheson@pharna.com

1987

Class Agent: Stephanie Moeckel-Cole – moeckel.cole@gmail.com

1988 - 25th Reunion!

Class Agents: Linwood Bardusch Kenneally buggie221@yahoo.com; Taffy Bassett-Fox – tbassettfox@hr-k12.org; Travis Stewart – travandboo@sbcglobal.net; Kelsa Fuller Zereski – kelsa96@aol.com Erin Lowe Pagliaro shares: We bought a house last year in the mountains of Asheville, NC, where I teach math and science to 5th graders in our awesome EL charter school.

We are so lucky to spend the school year up here riding horses, skiing the slopes, mountain biking, rock climbing, hiking, camping, and then heading back to play on our sailboat in the Bahamas for the summers! I am looking forward to seeing everyone at Reunion!

1989

Class Agents: Julie Gunther – julesgunther@ yahoo. com; Sam Loud Migon – migons@ bellsouth.net

the bulletin F A L L / W I N T E R

1990

Class Agents: Dionne Cason – 5904 Terry Parker Dr N, Jacksonville, FL 32211; Melanie McCusker Fenstersmaker – dmfence@aol. com; Tamar Cooke Luck – twnsrul@yahoo. com; Teresa Williams-Yetming – paris100@ aol.com

nice to experience random kindness? How often do we slow down and appreciate the people around us? There’s lots of intrinsic value, joy, and peace from these type of exchanges. It's 6:30 a.m. and I'm now preparing my day visiting clients. I'm thinking of my husband and son, Damien, in Hong Kong, and my friends from work and the leadership program. Let's continue to spread our love and kindness to serve the people around us.

1991

Class Agents: Amy Christiansen-Burton – ajchristiansen@aol.com; Rebecca Whiting Harr – rwharr2@aol.com; Brooke Harris – ebrooke326@yahoo.com

1992

Class Agent: Ashley Guertin Whitney – awhitney@cushing.org

1993 - 20th Reunion!

Class Agent: Virginia Dunn – vhdno@hotmail.com

Elaine Chow ’90 and her husband, Cyrus.

Elaine Chow ’90 with her son, Damien.

Elaine Chow says: Yesterday I spent time revisiting my father's birthplace in Gulangyu, Xiamen, and chatted with an 80 year-old lady who has lived there for 40 years. She invited us into her apartment for a cup of tea. How

Allison “Ali” Cross Lieske writes: Hello from Naples, FL. I am still residing in Old Naples with my family of 4, Noah, Sebastian, Jule, and Eden. I am constantly toying with the idea of living part time in Manhattan, Naples, and St. John. Naples is a great town, and the kids have a blast. On Monday mornings Sebastian's teachers wonder where this child comes from after listening to his anecdotes.

We spent this past summer in St. John, the United States Virgin Islands, giving the little ones a taste from my past. They adored it and were enrolled in summer camp at the Gift Hill School, which involved, among other things, a weekly jaunt to Trunk Bay National Underwater Park, for a full day of snorkeling, hermit crab hunting, and paradise! Anyone looking for work for her teenager should really check out the National Park System down there—amazing programs for kids! We were able to island hop with them to the BVI, Puerto Rico, and the many other islands in the Caribbean. The Baths of Virgin Gorda are like a scene from “The Goonies,” and they adored them! My children were a part of my sister Megan’s wedding at the Buccaneer Hotel in St. Croix this past spring. Sebastian started his first business selling his artwork to the hotel guests; he will make a fine husband one day! We are headed out West to Crested Butte for some much

2012

deserved snowboarding in February, and I can hardly wait to catch a chill. I have seen and spent time with Breck Baker ’92 and she is now in Florida full time. I have every intention of making it to our 20th Reunion and hope to see as many of you as possible. I have a lot to be grateful for after all these years, and our class has had its share of losses to shoulder. Let's make it a reunion to remember, 1993! Amy Morford Nebeker shares: Since my last update, our youngest son, Greyson, is almost 7½ months old. He is such a happy baby and a wonderful addition to our family; my husband and I are so blessed with 2 beautiful sons. Big brother, Ashton, now 4, has adjusted very well to his role of big brother. It is great fun to see the boys interact with each other. We bought a house and are still settling into our new place.

We are finally starting to make some headway with unpacking all the boxes, so our house is beginning to feel more livable and less cluttered. I know our 20th Reunion is coming up, but we probably won’t be able to make it. My husband has a big meeting scheduled for around that time. It has been so much fun reconnecting with everyone on Facebook and seeing what all you wonderful women are up to in your lives. How much we have all accomplished since graduation!

I will miss seeing all of you at Reunion and hope you have a wonderful time! Love to all my classmates. Omoi Toyonaga Kawakami writes: I live in Tokyo, Japan. I got married and have 2 boys. Sakutaro is almost 6 and starts elementary school this coming April.

In Japan, the school year starts in April.

Michishige is only 1. Hope all is well!

Virginia Dunn says: I am living in Louisiana and running my own children’s clothing business. Like all other small businesses, each day brings its own rewards and challenges, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Lately, I’ve been in touch with Kiri Ejiri Enda. Kiri runs her own children’s clothing line in Japan: EriCarina—super cute, smart clothes. I took a trip to Tokyo in the summer of 2011 and had dinner with Omoi Toyonaga Kawakami.

Omoi and her husband have 2 beautiful little boys, and she works in her family’s interior design business. While in Tokyo, I spent a week with Kyo Yamada ’91 touring Tokyo and working a children’s apparel trade show. Kyo is doing well and is still the kind,

29

Class Notes

Amy Medford Nebeker’s ’93 sons smile for the camera.

Amy Medford Nebeker’s ’93 son, Ashton 4. giving, and fun girl everyone remembers.

Kirsten King and I talk a lot and have been in regular contact since our 10th class Reunion. We are both looking forward to attending our 20th and seeing all our old classmates. Courtney Pillsbury writes: I am living in Los Angeles and finishing up my

30

science prerequisites to get a second Bachelor’s degree in Registered Nursing. My estimated program start date is January 2014.

Jennifer McCarthy says: Alicia Carlson ’90 and I are still best friends and hang out all the time with her baby girl, Gwynn. I still train dogs and work with wolves. I recently

moved back from being away for many years doing research. Business is booming in L.A., I and couldn't be happier. Hope everyone is doing well! Dena Hodges writes: I moved to Jacksonville, FL, and finished my Master’s degree in Forensic Psychology at the ripe old age of 36! I currently work for the Department of Children and Families helping abused children. I love my job and love living here!

My 2 girls are 11 and 9, and they are enjoying their new home in Florida. I hope we can afford to come see everyone who shows up for Reunion! Amy Franklin Boyer shares: In October my husband and I welcomed our second daughter, Olivia Grace. Her big sister, Breeana, could not be more proud! She is a great help and loves her new little sister. Still living in northern Connecticut and working as DOS for the Hampton Inn & Suites in Manchester, CT. I am looking forward to seeing everyone in June! Michelle Romano writes: Notes! It's like homework all over again! Nothing huge happening in my life; I am getting ready to start another degree in the fall. I'll be working on a Bachelor’s in Interior Design at Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design. I just adopted a tiny little Chihuahua. He was found wandering around the dog park, obviously dumped. And I am in love with Denver. Kara Goeldner Macro writes: I got married in June 2012 to Frank Macro, my boyfriend of 10 years. We have 2 daughters; Marin is 9, and Alexis is 14. I am living in South Yarmouth and just bought a Restaurant Located in Historic Onset Vil-

the bulletin F A L L / W I N T E R lage, MA, which we have named Cranberry Crab. We look forward to opening in late January 2013. Life is busy; I am also the PTO President for LCM Elementary School in South Yarmouth, the leader for a Troop of 10 third grade Girls Scouts (Brownies), and the Girl Scout Cookie Manager for the Towns of Dennis and Yarmouth. Collette YoungerCassidy writes: I have a 1-year-old daughter, Londyn Ray. She was born in Bronxville, NY, on January 4, 2012. I've been happily married for the past 5 years and currently live in New Rochelle, NY. I'm working as a mental health social worker at a hospital in the city, with goals to have my own practice or community-based program. Kirsten King writes: I am living on the Cape where I teach kindergarten at a private school in Brewster, MA, called The Laurel School. I am happy and healthy. Suzi von Entress says: I live in Kentucky and enjoy life working on a race horse farm in the foaling barn. I hope to be able to return for Reunion and look forward to reconnecting with old friends. Margaret Cumbie shares: I am married to a wonderful man who teaches Special Education, and I am a social worker at a high school. We love living in Portland, ME, during the winter. In the summers we live on Nantucket where I manage a Wine Shop. I am very excited about returning to Stoneleigh-Burnham for Reunion and can’t wait to see everyone! Natasha Reeves Tibor writes: I was married in 2005 and, in 2010, we welcomed our son, Jackson.

I am still working at TJX as a ladies shoe buyer for T.J.Maxx and Marshall's. I have been there since 1999. Most of my family still lives in England, so we are often making trips over to see them. Carolyn Joseph Mainardi says: I am the owner and trainer at Valkyrie Equestrian Center in Granby, CT. My husband, Eric, and I have a 2-year-old son named Gabriel. Andrea Roensberg writes: I won't be able to make it to Reunion this year and will miss catching up with you all! Last year’s presidential election in the U.S. offered a perfect opportunity, though, to get back in touch with Catherine “Cat” Robinson Horn. I work as a freelance radio, online, and TV journalist for public broadcasters here in Germany, and one of the radio programs I work for, DRadio Wissen, put up a special program for Nov. 6: “All America All Night”—an apt title for a show that ran from 8:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m. CET.

We talked to Germans and Americans all over the U.S. about who they had voted for and why, and what issues moved them. Of course my SBS roommate had to take part!

Despite initial qualms ("Krautie, are you sure you want me to do this?"), Cat did an excellent job live on air. I ended up with tears in my eyes, not because of Cat's political analysis, but because I got so nostalgic listening to her. Kirk Ejiri Enda says: I left Tokyo 2 years ago for more fresh air and have been living in a forest of Mt. Fuji National Park.

I have a daughter, Erica, who is 8. I also have a small clothing line for girls called EriCarina, which you can find at www.ericarina. com; I have 2 stores in Tokyo. I run afternoon programs for local kids and teach English and art. I am still good friends with Omoi Toyonaga Kawakami, Keiko Kimura, and Miho Aoki ’94. For Sarah McKinnon, Marshall Roderick writes: Sarah was diagnosed with Stage IV Melanoma in August 2011 and was told she had only a short time left to live. She bravely fought cancer during that time, surrounding herself with family, love, and adventure. Her legacy lives on in her son, Oliver, who is currently living in Austin, TX, and enjoying the second grade, soccer, fencing, and Cub Scouts. Oliver loves camping, role-playing games, and Minecraft. He wants to be a scientist one day like his mama.

1994

Class Agent: Amie Tessler Butman – amieb@cox.net

1995

Class Agent: Emily Clarke Whitney – ewhitney@ bement.org Caroline Enders Shibley writes: Hi Everyone! I feel like things haven't changed much since I wrote the last time. I am still teaching toddlers in a Montessori school. I changed schools and this is my second year at the new school. Chloe, who will be 3 in May, is in my class 3 days a week. It's actually been really great having her in my class! I was a bit worried, but I love seeing her socialize with her peers and grow! She is finally in underwear and that has been bittersweet, my baby is growing up way to fast! Noah is 7, and is thriving in second grade. He is still very active and doesn't stop talking from the moment he gets up to the moment he goes down at night. We just had a big family X-mas with my 89-year-old grandmother

2012

flying to the States for one last time! It's so hard to have your family spread out in the world; airfare is just getting too ridiculous. I am dying to go away somewhere warm, but it's hard to find the time and money to do so!

I hope everyone is doing well, and I would really like to make it to our 20th! Winfrey Amis Mandarino says: I’m living happily in Pittsburgh, PA, with my husband, Scott, and 2 children. Isa is 7; she is the perfect first grader. Isa enjoys sewing, clothes, and is dying for a loose tooth! Her brother, William, is 4. He adores his skateboard and makes me crazy riding his scooter around the house.

Unfortunately, my husband, Scott, has been and continues suffering from a concussion he got at work. Teachers rock! Poor guy! I love reading The Bulletin. Indeed, I've been feeling guilty about not checking in more often. I'm not a huge Facebook person, but enjoy seeing all my old buds! Let’s all try and check in and contribute class notes. I feel so proud of all my SBS friends. Speaking of which, Brook Reimer Dyer is wonderful as usual. She is an amazing mother to 3 beautiful children, and continues to be the kind, loving, outstanding woman she was years ago. I hope to read about everyone's lives soon. Reunion is going to rock! Orli Zuchovitsky shares: OK, Emily, you reeled me in with the sweatpants! Today marks my first full month in my new job. I had been working in Community Mental Health for 8 years and started a private practice (on the side) a year or so ago, but I just felt I needed a little change. So I have started a position as a clinical supervisor at the Key Program in Pittsfield, MA, which has really energized and inspired me. I manage the clinical components of a therapeutic group home and provide supervision and training to the direct care staff. It's great to be challenged and learn new things, as well as have such a significant impact in the lives of these kids.

The other big piece of news is that my fiancé, Sarah, and I got engaged this summer. We were initially planning on waiting until she finished grad school, but then some things aren’t worth waiting for. I am happier than I ever could have imagined with her by my side. Now, she was worth waiting for. So, I too, implore others to send in their notes.

Even though it lessens my chances for those coveted sweatpants, I am willing to take the risk. I'd love to hear how everyone is doing.

Tangerine Toi Curry-Dinnick says: It has

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Class Notes been so long since I have written anything for The Bulletin. Life hasn't changed that much since the last time I wrote. The one thing that has changed is that I am now a mother of 2, Thatcher, 4, and Meadow, 11 months. Meadow has been an amazing addition to our family. Thatcher is starting to play baseball and it has brought back some amazing memories of my days at SBS playing softball. It makes me want to play again!

At the end of 2012, our family bought a house and we love our new space. We still enjoy boating on the weekends and try to explore as many different islands and caves as we can. Well, I would love to hear what everyone else is up to. I am happy to see a lot of you on Facebook, but there are many I haven’t heard from in years. I hope everyone is well and maybe we can see each other really soon. I still have my SBS sweatshirt!

I would love a pair of pants to go with it.

I really miss the Smurf pants; they had to be the most comfortable things ever. Emily Clarke Whitney writes: John & I still live at The Bement School with our 3 boys. I have made the switch from living in a teenage girls’ dorm to living in a 4th–8th grade boys’ dorm. What a change! I am looking forward to seeing everyone at our next reunion! Please keep in touch!

1996

we graduated. Some days when I'm feeling nostalgic, I close my eyes and try to remember many things. What it felt like sledding down the hill behind the gym out onto the lacrosse field at night, the smell of the dance studio, the sounds of music blaring from people’s dorm rooms, the palpable excitement of getting ready for a dance at an all-boys school, house meetings, waiting to use the pay phones (wow!), venturing into Greenfield for a movie or dinner, the waffles and madeto-order omelets on Saturday mornings, 2:00 a.m. ramen noodles. I haven't been back to Massachusetts since we graduated, so I want to do everything I can to be there for our 15-year Reunion next year! As for an update, I still love life in Texas with my husband and daughters! Sonora starts Jr. High in the fall, and Betty will start kindergarten! I will be at home by myself for the first time since I was 19, and I am looking forward to it. The world will be my oyster! Or at least the Dallas area will be, anyway. Much love to you, and I hope to see many of you in 2014! Alexandria Slack Hindle writes: My husband, Rick, and I welcomed our son, Nathan Philip Hindle, on January 3, 2013.

2000

Class Agent: Caisey Jefferson Kakascik – cjeff2@ yahoo.com

Ann McCoppin Baldwin ’01 with her fiance, Iggy and children, Paisley 10, Brody 9, and Javier 2.

2001

Class Agents: Joyhdae Albert – simply.joyhdae@ gmail.com; Katelyn Morgan – kmorgan@hartford. edu Ann McCoppin Baldwin writes: My family has just purchased our first home in August, but (drum roll please!) I am also a mommy of a brand new baby boy! Maximilliano

Class Agents: Marguerite Barrett – margueriteb@ yahoo.com; Mary Ellen Hennessey Blake – mary_ellen_hennessey@hotmail.com

1997

Class Agents: Erin McDonald – emcdonald82@hotmail.com; Becky Plough – rtp9979@aol.com; Kilian Tracy – kiliantracy@yahoo.com

1998 - 15th Reunion!

Class Agents: Sara Brown Gibbons – littlespoon104@gmail.com; Melissa Hemming McWeeny – melissa5074@yahoo.com; Meg O’Brien – megoatc@hotmail.com

1999

Class Agent: Meg Towner Smith – 1237 Baptist Corner Road, Shelburne Falls, MA 01370, townermeg@gmail.com Cristen Cirrincione says: Hey ladies! Wow, I sure do miss all of you! I miss the times we had more and more with each passing year.

I really can’t believe it’s been 14 years since

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Ann McCoppin Baldwin’s ’01 son, Maximilliano Gabriel Plascencia was born on January 13, 2013.

the bulletin F A L L / W I N T E R

2012

Gabriel Plascencia was born on January 13, 2013 and joins his older siblings, Paisley, 10, Brody, 9, and Javier, 2. Even though I am a new mommy, I am also planning my wedding to the love of my life, Iggy, in July!

Dara Raskin and Niyati Mistry Parikh will be in attendance on my special day. I can't wait for our next reunion!

2002

Class Agents: Amanda Macchi – Macchi.amanda@gmail.com; Emily Gamelin – egamelin@gmail.com

2003 - 10th Reunion!

Class Agent: Jessica Fydenkevez – jess.fydenkevez@gmail.com

2004

Class Agent: Jessica Pleasant – jesipleasant@gmail.com Elise Brooks writes: I married my college sweetheart, Nick Perkins, on August 25, 2012 in Northampton, MA. We currently live in Silver Spring, MD. SBS alumnae in attendance included: Jessica Pleasant, Jennifer Hunt, Isabelle McKusic, Jessye Siciak Deane ’05, and Erika Lovley ’02.

2005

Class Agent: Erica Marback – Wedges9@aol.com Laura Eiselstein Alcarez says: My husband, 4-year-old daughter, and I are living in Santa Cruz, CA. Nahla is starting preschool in the fall. She started ballet, tap, and swim lessons recently. Our German Shepherd, Lucy, and our cats are very special to us. I have a valid California Pharmacy Technician License. We live by the beach. I love falling asleep to the sound of the ocean. Big parts of our lives are surfing, hiking, camping, fishing, and traveling. I am hoping to come for the 10-year Reunion and see some old friends! I haven't been the best at keeping up, but love seeing all the wonderful updates on Facebook of my friends from Stoneleigh-Burnham. Obehi Janice Utubor shares: I'm performing Fufu & Oreos in Chicago and Boston, February/March. I went to Amanda McLane Foster’s ’04 Vermont wedding in October. I got to see Paul Bassett, Emma Nolan-Thomas ’04, and Jessica Meese ’04 while there. I hung out with Elish Benthall ’01 in December in Boston. I also saw Damara Campbell ’05 in January! I'm now a member

Elise Brooks Perkins ’04 on her wedding day with husband, Nick Perkins, and SBS classmates (l to r) Jennifer Hunt ’04, Jessye Siciak Deane ’05, Jessica Pleasant ’04, and Isabelle McKusic ’04. of the Alumnae Board with Erica Marback ’05.

I hope to connect soon with young alumnae in Boston.

2006

Class Agent: Natalie Rosenstock – rosenstock_n@mitchell.edu; Marcy Segel – mwindy15@aol.com Erika Ahbel shares: I am excited to report that I’m engaged to my longtime girlfriend, Lucia, of almost 6 years. I have been working for the past 3 years as a paraprofessional with special needs students in Essex, VT. I am still living in Burlington and hoping to pursue a Master’s of Social Work soon. Marcy Segel writes: I have moved back to Massachusetts, after graduating from the University of Findlay and am now teaching horseback riding at Hillside Meadows Equestrian Center in Grafton, MA.

2007

Class Agents: Kirsten Porter McKenzie – kirstenemckenzie@gmail.com Kirsten McKenzie shares: I live in Providence, RI. I work for Nordstrom and am working towards entering a Master’s program for

School Psychology. Kelsi Watkins writes: I am living in Amherst with my boyfriend, Dan, and our dog and cat and finishing my Bachelor’s in animal science at UMass. I plan to apply to graduate programs in animal behavior. I travel around New England with my whippet, River, for dog shows and lure coursing trials. I hope to earn a title this summer. Tracy Ruttkamp says: I live in Connecticut with my husband, beautiful daughter Olivia, and I’m currently expecting a baby boy at the end of March! Katrina “Katie” Dempster writes: Hello! I am currently a first-year medical student at West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine. It’s a lot of work, but I’m loving it! I was lucky enough to receive an HPSP scholarship from the Army in August. This means that this summer I’ll be spending time in San Antonio, TX at officer training. Upon graduation in 2016, I will be a captain. I hope all is well with my former classmates!

2008 - 5th Reunion!

Class Agents: Martha Kingman – mekingman@gmail.com; Caroline Marsden – car.marsden@gmail.com

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2009

Class Agents: Audrey Lewis – alewis@sbschool.org; Chi-Hung Liao – xurucj@hotmail.com; Colleen Mangan – mangan.colleen@gmail.com

2010

Class Agent Chair: Ashley Daigle – Ashley. daigle@mail.goucher.edu; Class Agents: Dylan Tomalin – dylansierra13@yahoo.com; Kim Balk – kbalkyunxi@gmail.com Skyisha McCarter shares: I am a junior at Manhattanville College, majoring in psychology with a minor in sociology. I am going to the police academy next year to become a cop and/or study criminal psychology. Sophie Dorsch writes: I am working this year at a dog kennel and horse farm. I am going back to the University of Kentucky next semester to study psychology. I am having a great time with Marley and just rescued a new puppy named Kia. Leah Zraunig says: I'm still at Saint Anselm College in Manchester, NH, and I love it! I joined the club soccer team in the fall and had a lot of playing time. My classes for the spring semester are mostly criminal justice and sociology classes, which I am very excited about! I have been volunteering at a juvenile detention home twice a week in Manchester. I plan on playing club softball and soccer again, as well as intramural basketball! Emily Gray writes: I’m still going to Simmons and I’m an economics major. I love it. I have made lots of new great friends. I have a new apartment with my 3 best friends next year in Boston. I am still riding. I also work under a trainer for horses too. School and riding; it’s great. Ashley Daigle says: This past semester, I had the honor of studying abroad for 5 months in Taipei, Taiwan. It was the most amazing experience of my entire life.

I studied dance at Taipei National University of the Arts and got to work with some of the most amazing teachers and talented students in all of Asia. I got to take some traditional Chinese classes such as Chinese Opera and Kung Fu, along with my ballet, contemporary, pointe, and partnering courses. I also got to meet up with my first roommate from Stoneleigh-Burnham, Lisa Cheng, in Taipei for the first time since graduation. Overall, Taiwan was truly a life-changing and un-

34

forgettable experience, and I can’t wait to return again at some time in my life. Kim Balk writes: Right now, I am in China in a 9-month study abroad program. I will be here until June. Half of the program was in Beijing, and now I am headed to Harbin for the second part of the program, which is language intensive, so all my classes are in Chinese and will have a Chinese language pledge. I am having a lot of fun! This experience has really helped not only my Chinese, but also has helped me grow as an individual.

So, I changed my major a little bit, but not too much. I am majoring in East Asian Studies on the Chinese track, with a minor in International Business and another minor in Japanese. While here in Beijing, we had to volunteer somewhere in the community to help us learn more about Chinese culture and to talk more Chinese with native speakers.

So, I worked at a Bubble Tea Store called Citi Drink ( ). It was sooo much fun, and I love bubble tea, so I was able to have a few drinks. I can't believe senior year is coming up so soon! I am starting to try and figure out where and what I want to do after I graduate. Everything is still up in the air, but I might come back to China, or maybe head to South Korea and teach some English for a little bit. I still don't know for sure. Laura Newton says: This past year, I graduated from JWU with my Associate’s in Science in Baking and Pastry Arts. I have moved back to Greenfield, where I am currently working on my Bachelor’s in Hospitality and Tourism Management. I have also landed myself a wonderful job as a pastry chef at The Farm Table in Bernardston. I have made great new friends and I love going to work and learning new things every day. I wish nothing but the best of luck and happiness to my fellow SBS alumnae in 2013! Bryna Peebles writes: I am back at school after spending a great semester in Ecuador! During my time there, I was farming coffee near the border of Peru.

I lived in the southern city of Cuenca, where I interned at the Ministry of Agriculture for 2 months working on a rural grey water recycling project with local engineers. I also hiked through the Andes. I'm excited to be back at Brown where I hope to incorporate everything I learned in South America into my Environmental Studies major. Elisheba Odei

says: I am still at Williams College double majoring in Biology and Chinese. I recently participated in a Medical Apprenticeship, shadowing an OB/GYN in North Adams, MA. The experience was amazing! I had the opportunity to observe a vaginal delivery, C-section, and hysterectomy among other surgeries. I am hoping to spend some time abroad in China this summer.

2011

Class Agents: Charli Brown – Charlibrown35@hotmail.com; Tucker Dowrey – amiga_first@comcast.net; Theresa Oh – 502 Woo won Villa, Hyung Gok Dong, Kumi City, Kyung Buk

2012

Class Agents: Claire Callahan – ccallahan2012@gmail.com; Tess DrouinReed – pooh-bear-93@hotmail.com; Lizzy Galluzzo – galluzzoe@gmail.com We love your photos and we want to print them here! Some of the submissions we receive are too small to print. Please send highresolution (1 MB or higher) photographs to alumnae@sbschool.org. If you have questions about submitting photos, please email sthompson@sbschool.org. Thank you!

the bulletin S P R I N G

2013

In Memoriam

Not Pictured: Constance Davy

’33S Departed: 7/24/12

Stoneleigh Prospect Hill

Patricia Thompson Burke

’63B Departed: 10/5/12

Mary A. Burnham

Carmany Rulofson

’46S Departed: 1/22/13

Stoneleigh Prospect Hill

Janet Adaskin Walder

’50B Departed: 6/27/12

Mary A. Burnham

Helen Callahan Bousquet

’54B Departed: 1/9/13

Mary A. Burnham

Linda McAusland Council

’58B Departed: 3/16/13

Mary A. Burnham

Susan Gibb Tweh

’60S Departed: 7/17/09

Stoneleigh Prospect Hill

Leslie Coonley Butler

’65S Departed: 11/16/12

Stoneleigh Prospect Hill

Listed Left to Right, Top to Bottom:

Cornelia “Nina” Donohue Crawford ’78

Departed: 3/13/13

Stoneleigh-Burnham School

Heather Breshers O’Connor

Departed: 3/19/13

Stoneleigh-Burnham School

’94

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Reunion - Save the Date

MAKE A SPLASH...

Coda

In Our World

by Nafisatou Mounkaila ’13

D

AT

REUNION 2013 Friday, June 14th – Sunday, June 16th Register online at www.sbschool.org/reunion or call the Alumnae Office at 413-774-2711 x317

Already celebrated your 50th Reunion?

Return to Reunion as our Complimentary Guest!

See special registration page on website or call the Alumnae Office

36

uring the summer of 2012, I was able to finally realize my longest lifetime dream: Going to Africa. I went to Tanzania with the Experiment in International Living, and I was able to experience firsthand life in Africa. My favorite part of the trip was my time with the Masai. The Masai is an indigenous tribe located in parts of Tanzania and Kenya. While they are usually associated with their awesome jumping dances, and their close relationship with their cattle, I learned so much more about them when I lived with them. I learned how to catch and milk goats; shake the beans off an Acacia tree, and even how to build the exterior of a house out of cow dung and dirt. I left the village of Engikaret a very skilled woman. The Masai, and all of Africa for that matter, are usually seen as “uncivilized” cultures that have a lot to learn. Well, the media and everyone else who passes judgment on them have it all wrong. These people in fact taught me the vital foundation to a civilization: Essentially, I learned the meaning of humanity. The Masai’s uncompromised sense of brotherhood, unity, and overall love proved what humanity was all about.

the bulletin S P R I N G

When I came back to SBS one month later, I was very excited to be back in school for my final year.

However, I was not very excited about my college list. I truly felt like I was missing something from it.

cated and precise about my future Arabic program. I told Lauren about my initial doubts, and she insisted that I take a second look. And I did. And then it began.

I was certain that I wanted to go to this school. I had my past episodes with some other colleges, but NYUAD was much more. I would be able to study outside

One day, I was sitting in the Mac Lab searching the lovely Arabic programs that all my schools offered (My main criteria for a college was that it had to have extensive Arabic. No excuses), when Lauren Cunniffe, the greatest woman that has ever happened to college counseling, walked by.

I told her about my dilemma, and she asked me, “Are you considering schools outside of the country?”

It was a simple question, but I had to think about it for a moment. In that very moment, Tanzania flooded my mind. I thought of all the great times and life changing experiences I had there. I thought about how much I learned about the people of the world, the Earth, and even myself while I was there.

Finally, I replied, “At this point, anything is possible.”

So, Lauren introduced me to New York University Abu Dhabi. I had no idea New York University was not just in New York! I looked the school up, and searched for their Arabic program right off the bat. It did not have a standard “Arabic Program” so I immediately began to doubt it. Yes, I was that dedi-

Nafisatou Moukaila, a four-year senior, lives in Bronx, New York with her mother and three of her four brothers. She is this year’s Sweater Girl, captain of two varsity sports, Senior Class Vice-President, and participates in the Blue Key Society, Green Team, and SOC Affinity Group.

of the U.S, and believe me, Tanzania secured my desire to want to leave this country. The academics were great, the student profiles shared phenomenal stories about current students, but most of all I could learn Arabic with classmates that were fluent in Arabic, while living in an Arabic speaking country.

Sweet Lord, I would be a fool to not go for this.

Mama didn’t raise no fool, so I went for it. After working hard on the application’s short answers, finalizing my

2013

personal statement, and with the amazing help and support of Lauren and all the great teachers that wrote recommendations for me, I finally submitted my application.

About 2 weeks after submission, I got an email stating that I was invited to Candidate Weekend in Abu Dhabi. I would be flying across the Atlantic in order to preview NYUAD, and the potential students for the next freshman class. In addition, NYUAD would finally be meeting me. During the weekend, I met people from all over the world. From Croatia to Zimbabwe, from Libya to Chile, the diverse pool of students excited me. I was one of about 4 students that came from the U.S. The university itself was fantastic, with cutting edge research and passionate teachers. I even got to experience the city of Abu Dhabi. We visited the beautiful Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, took a trip to the desert, and ate delicious local food. Overall, my thoughts on NYUAD were finalized. I knew this was what I was looking for.

I returned from my trip on February 3rd, and I heard back about the school’s final decision on the 15th. After all the hard work and constant prayer, I was blessed and admitted to NYU Abu Dhabi. Looking back on this whole process, I cannot help but thank God for sending me to Tanzania. There, I learned that in order to be a part of this world, I had to be in the world. In order to help this world I had to disregard borders, and be a part of the people of the world: milk goats with them, fetch water with them, sit by a fire with them. I have to experience the beautiful differences of the human race first hand in order to even begin to be a part of it, and NYUAD is my next step in doing so.

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Non-Profit Organiztion US Postage PAID Mailrite 574 Bernardston Road Greenfield, Massachusetts 01301-1100 www.sbschool.org Parents: If this issue is addressed to your daughter who no longer maintains a permanent address at your home, please notify the Alumnae Office at alumnae@sbschool.org or 413.774.2711 x317.