Seven Hills School 2019 Fall Magazine

F A L L

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TH E

DOHERTY: OGLA OIN S C HA IN

SUST OF T R A D IT IO N

EXCELLENCE PAGE SEE INSIDE -

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Contents

02 04 14 26 32 42 57

Think Globally, Act Locally

By Head of School Christopher P. Garten

The Doherty School: Sustaining a Tradition of Excellence

By Karla Dejean

School News School News - Athletics School News - Arts Alumni News and Class Notes Upcoming Alumni Events Front cover photo: Head of Doherty Lower School Tracy Murch works with early care students in the Creation Studio.

Fall 2019

Special thanks to Keith Neu for his sports photography.

Seven Hills Magazine is a publication of The Seven Hills School.

Christopher P. Garten Head of School Margo Kirstein Director of Development

Chris Hedges Director of Marketing & Communications

Karla Dejean Writer & Project Manager, photographer

Sarah Ott Lautar ’05 Director of Alumni Engagement

Taylor Evans Communications Specialist, photographer Š 2020 The Seven Hills School

WHEN WE COME TOGETHER THE SEVEN HILLS ANNUAL FUND EMPOWERS EVERY STUDENT, EVERY DAY.

Annual Fund Goal $1,220,000

Your generosity makes possible the full richness of the Seven Hills

$1,200,000

experience—inspiring arts programs, full-participation athletics, life-changing service projects, and experiential learning.

$1,100,000

Simply put, the Seven Hills Annual Fund supports the thousands

$1,000,000

of experiences that give our students so many opportunities to explore and discover.

$900,000

THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROUS SUPPORT!

$800,000 $700,000

If you have not yet had a chance to make your gift, we ask you to

$600,000

join us this year!

We are truly grateful for your commitment to Seven Hills and the

$500,000

inspiration you provide our students and faculty every day.

$400,000 $300,000

$866,000 as of Jan. 15, 2020 When We Come Together, we can reach our goal!

FOR MORE INFORMATION, OR TO MAKE YOUR GIFT ONLINE, PLEASE VISIT 7HILLS.ORG/GIVING. QUESTIONS? Contact Vallie Freeman, Director of Annual Giving, at 513.728.2438.

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Christopher P. Garten HEAD OF SCHOOL

THINK GLOBALLY, ACT LOCALLY Experiential Learning at Seven Hills By Chris Garten This fall, our eighth-grade students have been engaged in an extended study of homelessness in downtown Cincinnati. The goal is to help students understand the impact, positive and negative, urban development can have on the lives of people in our community.

In October, students met with the civic engagement coordinators for the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, who described how libraries offer shelter in some urban areas. Members of Intercommunity Justice and Peace Center focused on immigration, helping students understand the challenges faced by refugees in the Cincinnati area.

Kurt Reiber, CEO of Freestore Foodbank, led discussions about how food insecurity afflicts certain segments of the Cincinnati community.

In November, students visited Over-the-Rhine (OTR) to meet with representatives from 3CDC, the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless, and Hamilton County Library system to hear

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multiple perspectives on how the redevelopment of OTR has impacted the community. In January, Dr. Tanya Froehlich, director of research for Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, will show students how homelessness affects the physical and mental health of children and their families. The unit will culminate in January, when students will work in project teams to engage in further research and create an advocacy campaign to educate the student body on these critical issues.

This new program, designed by the eighth-grade team, spearheaded by Ken Revell, and supported ably by Head of Middle School Bill Waskowitz, is part of a schoolwide effort to engage our students more fully in what educational researcher David Kolb has called “experiential learning.” Derived from the work of John Dewey, Kurt Lewin, and Jean Piaget, experiential learning seeks to move learning beyond the classroom and to engage students in inquiry, discovery, and active problem-solving. Susan Marrs, assistant head of school and director of studies, describes the approach this way. “As part of our commitment to producing engaged and informed graduates, we try, wherever possible, to immerse our students in the real

world, to give them age-appropriate opportunities to study the challenges that impact their own lives and the lives of other people, especially those here in our own community,” Susan said.

So, last spring, as part of Doherty’s new Studio Time program, students in grades four and five completed an extensive project called Global Problem Solving. Students conducted research to identify a significant global problem, read source material to trace its history and root causes, and studied recent efforts to address it.

The unit culminated in an exhibition of inventions that students designed to address the problem in a new, creative way. Though, in some cases, the scope of the problems identified fell beyond the range of Lower School students, Unit III teacher Dana Pease sees significant benefit in the “optimal discomfort” engendered by this more open-ended approach to learning. “The project fostered students’ intrinsic motivation,” she said. Dana added that students “really took ownership of the solutions they presented.” Her students were “deeply invested in understanding the impact these issues have on the lives of other people” and developed impressive “perseverance and creativity.”

“

We want to give this generation of young people the tools they will need to make a difference in the world.

-Head of Upper School Dr. Matt Bolton

A similar approach undergirds Lotspeich’s Project Math curriculum, overseen by Laura OGrady. In first grade, a yearlong study of plant growth exposes students to larger issues about nutrition. After a study of eating habits on our own campus, they conducted wider interviews about nutrition issues in Cincinnati. Their design challenge to assist families who live in food deserts is to “design a way for a busy family to water an indoor garden.” Similarly, Laura’s fourthgraders will become urban-plannersin-training as they investigate the needs in Oakley and study emerging technologies that might transform our neighborhoods. During the process,

students will connect with residents of the community and learn about issues that are important to stakeholders.

Using this information, students will design a “neighborhood of the future.” Laura’s fifth-graders pursue a yearlong investigation of water safety issues affecting the Ohio River. They have toured a water treatment plant, conducted water sampling with the Ohio River Foundation, and learned about algae blooms and invasive species. This spring, students will identify an Ohio River challenge that particularly resonates with them and work with partners—and with guidance from community experts—to design a solution.

The cornerstone of the schoolwide program in experiential learning will be the Upper School’s Civic Engagement Seminars, which will launch during the 2020-21 school year. In 2019, Seven Hills was one of just six schools in the nation selected to receive an Educational Leadership Grant from the Edward E. Ford Foundation. The grant will be used to develop the Civic Engagement Seminars, a new program to immerse Upper School students in an extended study of one of the complex and interconnected

challenges facing our world. Each year, every Upper School student will take a series of four annual seminars on such topics as environmental sustainability, economic inequality, government, public health, or equity and justice. Guest speakers will visit the campus. Students will visit local institutions, engage in service learning, and draw on area resources to better understand the local ramifications of a complex global issue. As they gain a better understanding of the issue they are studying, they will follow a design-thinking process to develop a tangible local solution. The goal is to help students think globally and act locally and to begin to see themselves as agents of change who can find in themselves what Stanford psychologist William Damon calls “a path to purpose.” As Head of Upper School Dr. Matt Bolton puts it, “We want to give this generation of young people the tools they will need to make a difference in the world.”

Seven Hills’ mission commits us all to engaging our students’ hearts and minds. I can think of no more fulfilling work than training young people to take an active interest in the world and encouraging them to devote their talents to improving the lives of others.

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THE

DOHERTY SCHOOL:

SUSTAINING A TRADITION OF

EXCELLENCE

IN AUGUST 2018, TRACY MURCH JOINED THE SEVEN HILLS COMMUNITY AS THE HEAD OF LOWER SCHOOL

WE CAUGHT UP WITH TRACY AND ASKED HER TO SHARE

ON THE DOHERT Y CAMPUS, REPL ACING PAT TI

SOME OF WHAT SHE AND HER DOHERT Y COLLEAGUES

GUETHLEIN, WHO RETIRED IN JUNE 2018, AFTER A

ARE DOING TO SUSTAIN DOHERT Y’S LONG TRADITION

REMARK ABLY PRODUCTIVE 35-YEAR TENURE.

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HALFWAY IN HER SECOND YEAR HERE AT SEVEN HILLS,

OF EXCELLENCE IN LOWER SCHOOL EDUCATION.

TRACY, WHO HAS LED SEVERAL EXEMPL ARY LOWER

AS ONE WOULD EXPECT, IT WAS A COMPELLING AND

SCHOOLS IN NEW HAMPSHIRE, LONDON,

WIDE-RANGING CONVERSATION, HIGHLIGHTING

AND MOST RECENTLY, DUBAI, BRINGS TO US A

SOME EXCITING NEW INITIATIVES NOT ONLY TO ENRICH

WEALTH OF EXPERIENCE IN EDUCATING LOWER

DOHERT Y’S ACADEMIC PROGRAM, BUT TO BUILD UPON

SCHOOL CHILDREN.

ITS WARM AND SUPPORTIVE SCHOOL CULTURE.

We are achingly close to realizing this, the latest iteration of our evolving dream of Seven Hills’ future...And when our work is done, we can all take pride in what we have built, not only for our current students, but for the generations

THE

DOHERTY SCHOOL: SUSTAINING A TRADITION OF

EXCELLENCE

Unit III teachers Bill Schmidt and Dana Pease sat in on a very important meeting on a mid-October morning.

It was the start of the day and plans had to be discussed.

Surrounding them were their students, who were driving the tone of that morning’s agenda.

The meeting began with a conversation about lunchtime logistics.

The student liked the idea.

“Could we put together a little skit?”

Pease continued.

More students responded they would enjoy that.

And in about five minutes, after a hearty exchange of ideas between students and teachers, a concernturned-student-driven quandary was handled efficiently, democratically, and creatively.

Other students in Unit III agreed.

“By putting the students in charge, they’ve shifted their focus from the back of the line to the front of the line,” said Schmidt. “The students feel validated to be part of affecting positive change because they own it.”

Pease asked, “What can be done?

Could we tell the younger students during an assembly?”

The exchange is based on a curricular model called positive discipline, a problem-solving method introduced

“Something that really bugs me a lot is that sometimes, when the younger students who eat in the cafeteria leave it messy, we don’t know where to sit.”

by Tracy Murch, who became Head of Doherty Lower School in the fall of 2018.

In some way or another, whether it is big or small, each person—from a 2-year-old student to the music teacher, from a second-grade parent to a fifth-grader—plays a part in the learning process on the Doherty Campus. It is an educational ethos that permeates the classrooms and the many lessons that go on inside them. It exists in Doherty’s Monday assemblies, in which the entire school comes together to practice the Seven Hills Values, share news and ideas, address concerns, and solve problems.

Monday assemblies often set the tone for discussion throughout the week during morning meetings that start off every day in unit groups.

The positive discipline process is a student-led, teacher-guided process.

While it is intentional, it Continued on page 8

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is also organic, in the way students feel naturally empowered, and in often unconventional outcomes and opportunities.

together, including a “Build a Gingerbread House” event and several weekend enrichment activities that brought parents together with their children.

It’s about familiarity, social-emotional growth, and agency, said Murch.

“Positive discipline is about engaging students in purposeful, meaningful discussions and thoughtful conversations that are not teacher directed, but kid directed,” said Murch, who most recently was Head of Teaching, Learning, and Innovation Pre-K-12 at GEMS Dubai American Academy and Elementary Principal

INQUIRY-BASED LEARNING IN

•

WE CREATE

•

PRE-KINDERGARTEN

at GEMS Nations Academy in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. “There is a powerful social-emotional component our students should live out every day, in everything they do. The idea is, we, as educators, are laying the foundation for students to develop skills to become resilient and able to solve problems for themselves.

This year, Doherty pre-kindergarten teachers implemented an inquiry-based program for pre-kindergarteners called, We Create.

Each teacher has adopted the unit of inquiry, examined it through a different lens, and uses it to guide instruction, said Assistant Head of Doherty Tracy Hickenlooper.

“Inquiry-based learning is an approach where both the teacher and the student share responsibility for learning,” said Hickenlooper.

“This dynamic learning model uses the students’ questions, ideas, and observations to be the driver of the learning experience, requires the students to be engaged, and encourages students to build their knowledge through experience and exploration.”

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“We are giving our students power and control to say, ‘we can fix this,’” Murch said. “Our students don’t have to wait for someone else to fix things for them.”

They are learning to do it themselves.”

With her signature focus on community, Murch has plans to extend her vision for Doherty throughout multiple levels of the campus experience.

Last year, the Parent Association, with the assistance of Murch, planned a number of events that brought parents and families

Murch also works to bring teachers together to learn from each other, as well as from college students in the community. For the first time in recent years, Doherty Campus

“Our students don’t have to wait for someone else to fix things for them.

They are learning to do it themselves.” ~ Tracy Murch

has three student teachers from the University of Cincinnati (UC) working alongside Doherty teachers in the classroom.

“I am very excited that we have been able to make connections through UC,” said Murch. “Our teachers learn so much from the UC students, who will be teachers themselves one day. Student teachers bring fresh ideas, research, and creativity to our classrooms. Our teachers are highly skilled and have much to offer these budding educators. It is such a partnership. You build a relationship and, as educators, it’s part of our job to give back.”

THE

DOHERTY SCHOOL: SUSTAINING A TRADITION OF

EXCELLENCE COMMITTED TO COMMUNITY

Late last school year, teachers on Doherty Campus challenged students to think about community involvement in new and different ways. “We asked students to think about what they could do to help a community in need. At first, ideas focused on fundraising and monetary donations,” said Murch. “But I wanted them to think more deeply about helping communities. I wanted them to think about what they could do to really help, something sustainable that would allow a community to help themselves.”

year progresses and students engage in more conversations about community service, Doherty students are learning to give of their time more than money.

“It is a more meaningful gift when we give of our time,” said Murch. “We want kids to be compassionate about what they do. We’re focusing on what kids can do on their own, without help from parents.”

As an example, Unit II students are working on connecting and showing appreciation to others, as part of their interpretation of the outreach.

Last fall, each Unit II student filled a baggie with LifeSaver candies and notes of gratitude for local first responders.

“We took a walking field trip to talk to the firefighters at Firehouse 23 to learn about their work,” said Unit II teacher Joan Claybourn.

“We don’t want the students to focus on simply raising funds for a cause,” said Murch. “I want them to conceptualize how they could empower someone else and help that person promote themselves and their community—financially and socially.”

We want these discussions to be natural and student-led, said Murch. As the

UP CLOSE AND

PERSONAL

Reading Instruction at Doherty Campus

New readers just see symbols. They see curvy lines, straight lines, and symbols that look like circles.

But when new readers begin to decode the symbols and recognize that each figure makes a separate sound, that they are called letters, and that a

certain order of letters form to make words, the experience is nothing short of magical.

That awe continues as words come together to form sentences, and those sentences begin to tell them things that make them laugh, or lean in to listen to a story.

Understanding the nuances of the reading process, from those who are beginning readers to those who are reading for deeper meaning and complexity, is a skill and pursuit that defines the work of teachers at Doherty Campus. As part of ongoing professional development for literacy teaching, Murch invited an internationally known educational consulting firm to help kindergarten

Continued on page 10

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THE

DOHERTY SCHOOL: SUSTAINING A TRADITION OF

EXCELLENCE

through fifth-grade teachers deepen their understanding of the skills and strategy work they should incorporate into their lessons with their students.

Professional learning is a never-ending process, and the Doherty teachers are true examples of lifelong learners.”

Murch said Doherty’s recent work with reading consultants this school year has focused on teachers first looking at individual students and asking, “What do I know about this reader and what kind of information will help me tune into their strengths and next step?”

Once teachers understand what each child is doing as a reader, they know how to tailor the students’ reading instruction to help the child reach the next level.

“We are helping each student to move forward with intention,” said Murch.

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Murch said teachers will also begin minimizing large group lessons and maximizing small group and individual instruction.

“Learning becomes much more individualized ensuring that we take students from where they are and move them forward,” she said. “Our teachers are looking at all of our students through a lens of who they are as readers, as opposed to, whether they can read the book.”

Murch said students need access to a large volume of books in order to accomplish more individualized instruction. Doherty has incorporated a new leveled library of more than 6,000 books designed to guide students from decoding, to comprehension, to character engagement, as their reading skills develop. Along with this comes a database that allows teachers to quickly find the appropriate reading tools for each student, as well as a systematic phonics program for students in kindergarten and first grade. This will

“Professional learning is a never-ending process, and the Doherty teachers are true examples of lifelong learners.” ~ Tracy Murch

allow for consistency in terminology, tools, and methods, which will be shared in ways that benefit both teachers and students, Murch said.

“I am excited about the work the teachers are engaging in, around literacy,” said Murch. “They have examined current research and pushed themselves to think about our students and what they need and how we might deliver it.”

AT DOHERTY, IT'S A THING

“WHAT IS IT ABOUT DOHERTY?” THIS IS WHAT PEOPLE FROM THE DOHERTY COMMUNITY SAID …

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Social-emotional health and well-being is just as important as academics.

There is just a feeling you get when you are here.

The campus is comfortable and cozy.

Students are given a lot of choices in what they do and how they do it.

Every teacher knows every student.

Doherty curriculum brings all kinds of perspectives to students.

As soon as you come onto campus, you see that our students are engaged.

It is centrally located.

Downtown and Kentucky are just minutes away.

The campus is tucked in a little nook that feels country-ish.

At the same time, we are right in the bustle of the city.

Continued on page 12

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LUNCH SHOULD BE A TREAT DOHERT Y’S NEW CHEF SERVES UP A MÉL ANGE OF TAST Y, HEALTHY OPTIONS

Dominick Harney, a celebrated chef in the East Walnut Hills area, has a philosophy around food that informs the delicious, house-made meals he prepares daily on the Doherty Campus.

“I have one rule,” said Harney. “If I wouldn’t eat it, I am not cooking it.”

Harney begins his day by warming up the ovens and engaging in any number of culinary activities, such as chopping up fresh fruit, baking potatoes, preparing Texas toast grilled cheese sandwiches, boiling macaroni, making soups from scratch, and building fresh turkey cobb salads.

WARM HANDS, WARM HEART A Doherty parent’s story

De’Yana Jackson said she will never forget a brutal winter morning last school year, not because of the dipping temperatures, but because of a kind gesture that literally warmed her heart.

“I am a firm believer in having an abundance of healthy food,” said Harney. “If you aren’t eating, something is wrong. I want to bring things kids want to eat and are happy to have.”

Gastronomy is not the only thing with which Harney concerns himself; he is also a consensus-builder. Once the food has been prepared, served, and consumed by dozens of young diners and teachers, Harney takes a stroll through the cafeteria, greets the children—those who buy lunch, as well as those who pack—and asks them about their meals.

“After the kids go through the lunch line, I make sure I go to the students and ask how their day is going and how they liked the food. I value their responses because I want them to feel free to choose a good variety of options,” said Harney. “I started baking potatoes because one of the students asked me to add that to my menu.”

Among some of his keenest findings, Harney has learned how important taste and variety are to Doherty students.

“Kids love to eat Caesar salad and avocados,” said Harney.

“They also like my ‘Brunch for Lunch’ because they get to have cheese omelets, strawberries and mangos, and fresh hash browns. And, they love the lasagna rolls.”

Assistant Lower School Head Tracy Hickenlooper said Chef Dominick has been a wonderful addition to the Doherty Cafeteria. “The menu and food choices are nutritious and delicious!

The biggest sign of this is the excitement students have about lunch,” said Hickenlooper. “Chef Dominick told me that it is important for him to know the students and he has learned a lot about them in just the first couple of months he has been here.”

In addition to preparing fresh entrées, Harney is also an award-winning chef and successful local caterer who received his associate of applied science in professional cooking, from Baltimore International College. With more than 20 years of professional cooking experience, Dominick has worked in several restaurants and schools throughout his career, including as sous chef at Maisonette/LaNormandie in Cincinnati. Built right into Harney’s philosophy of tasty food is also one of great care.

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“Overall, kids want adults thinking about them, and lunch should be a treat,” said Harney.

“The kids deserve that 30 minutes for lunch where they can relax and enjoy some good food. That way they are fueled up and ready to focus on their work a lot more.”

“It was one of the coldest days of the year and out there, all bundled up, was Tracy Murch on one side of carline and Tracy Hickenlooper on the other side, handing out coffee to parents who were driving through,” said Jackson, co-chair of Doherty Parent Community Council.

“For someone with the responsibilities of the head of a school, to think about your parents and your families and say, ‘this is one last thing you have to think about,’ that was so special. On that day, I happened to be rushing off to my next thing, straight from drop-off, and I thought, this is going to make my day a little better.”

Besides that particular random act of kindness, Jackson said she often sees Murch, Hickenlooper, and Head of School Chris Garten outside during regular morning drop-offs.

THE

DOHERTY SCHOOL: SUSTAINING A TRADITION OF

EXCELLENCE

“Our Lower School Head and Head of School are not sitting in their offices in the morning. Tracy Murch is greeting parents, and she knows each one.

And Chris, you see him come out and greet the kids and open car doors and help kids get their backpacks. Our administrators take the time to do that, and that means a lot to me.”

“When my kids go to school, they are not just attached to their peers but their teachers as well,” said Jackson. “I know our teachers are not only protecting our students physically, but emotionally. I am really excited about some of the new things Angie and Tracy Murch are doing to support kids this year, such as showing

School on the Hillsdale Campus, said her daughter often uses Doherty teacher Bill Schmidt as her academic compass.

“Sometimes when I work with my daughter, I ask her, ‘What would Mr. Schmidt do?’ That’s because when she

Jackson said that same sense of community and connection extends to student-teacher relationships.

“When we first came to Doherty, one of things that made a big impression on me was that it is a community school right in the middle of the neighborhood.

You know everybody and it felt safe and comfortable,” said Jackson. “Doherty really is a community. Even when we were a new family here, there were already relationships that had been built. It was like my oldest daughters had been here for years.

The teachers found my daughters’ strengths “Our Lower School Head and connected with and Head of School are not them.” sitting in their offices in

the documentary movie, “Angst,” through our Creating Conversations the morning. Tracy Murch That student/teacher parenting series, and is greeting parents, and she bond is valuable and through the positive knows each one.” sustainable. In organic discipline model. It is ~ De'Yana Jackson and intentional ways, really giving parents and programs led by Doherty teachers a way to help our counselor, Angie Bielecki, and children thrive.”

Murch’s positive discipline model provide And the influence of Doherty Campus parents and their children with support teachers continues beyond fifth grade. and smart ideas that promote Jackson, mother of a Doherty alumna, social-emotional health throughout the Erin Jackson, who attends Middle school year.

was in Unit III with Bill Schmidt, he often pushed her to do more because he knew she had the capacity to produce better writing, more extensive reports, to include more information,” said Jackson. “As a result, Erin has received very positive comments from her Middle School teachers about her writing. When that happens, I always say to myself, ‘Thank you, Mr. Schmidt.’”

Continued on page 14

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DOHERTY SCHOOL: SUSTAINING A TRADITION OF

EXCELLENCE

comfy bean bag chairs in the library for reading that we used to spend a lot of time sitting on. And Mrs. Wolfe used to send postcards with pictures we drew to us for years. She always reminded us how special we were to her.”

She also distinctly recalls Regina Daily's daily handshake with each student before leaving at the end of each day, as well as Daily’s world country project. “I had Burundi and still remember researching for it,” said Steinman.

Steinman fondly remembers a number of events, such as the Doherty song, Thanksgiving assemblies, soccer practice, and the fight song.

"DOHERTY WAS

MY S E C O N D H O M E "

An alumna reminisces

Whether it is about the physical space of the courtyard and all of the activities that took place therein, retired Doherty librarian Linda Wolfe’s animated lessons, or the scores of musical performances and recitals on the Doherty Campus, Kiki Steinman ’10, of Cincinnati, often thinks fondly of her Lower School alma mater.

“I remember so many things about Doherty,” said Steinman. “First grade was extremely memorable and I adored Mrs. (Linda) Wolfe. There were giant

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Most of all, however, Steinman remembers the way being a student on the Doherty Campus made her feel.

“At the time I attended Doherty, I was an only child. So Doherty was my experience with siblings,” said Steinman.

“It felt like a second home.”

“At the time I attended Doherty, I was an only child. So Doherty was my experience with siblings, It felt like a second home.” ~ Kiki Steinman

N FACT U F

HAVE A SEAT (OF YOUR CHOICE)!

Did you know students on the Doherty Campus have a choice of different classroom seating options?

“With great choice comes great responsibility.” It’s one of Murch’s favorite phrases said by Doherty teachers, that illustrates a sentiment to offer students options with guardrails. During the summer of 2019, Murch invited teachers to set up their classrooms to incorporate mixed seating, which includes traditional desks, work-style tables, couches, bean bags, and chairs that swivel.

Murch said teachers are also mindful of the level and tone of background sounds that might positively affect students’ learning.

“You don’t see adults sitting in the same position through hours-long meetings, so why would we think our students would want to do that?” said Murch. “Giving students seating options is helpful and supports their social-emotional health. Students’ capacity to learn increases when they feel like they are in a physical space that speaks to them.”

DEEPER LEARNING AND THE FUTURE OF

DOHERTY CAMPUS Having traveled extensively since childhood, Head of Lower School Tracy Murch brings firsthand knowledge of what it means to be a global citizen.

“Our students need to understand they are citizens of the world, not just the United States,” said Murch. “It is imperative that our students learn beyond the proverbial food, festivals, and flags, regarding exposure to multiculturalism. We need to go beyond

to talk about what makes us similar and what makes us different. Developing open-mindedness allows our students to understand that we don’t all have to believe the same things or even agree.

We do need to understand where each other is coming from to be able to successfully work together. Murch said, in order to do this, students should explore a spectrum of cultures in academic and noncognitive interactions, as well as in literature and reading experiences.

This year, Doherty’s immersive, yearlong Cultural Connection unit will focus

“Our students need to understand they are citizens of the world, not just the United States. ” ~ Tracy Murch

on Greece. As part of Doherty’s signature deep-dive, students—from 2-year-olds to fifth-graders—will experience the country in many ways, from the people, the culture and language, as well as ancient history and recognize how Greek culture may be the same and different from our own culture.

“As educators, we need to be thinking about the type of schools our students may need 15 years from now, not just three or five years ahead. We have to prepare ourselves to educate students for a world that does not even exist now,” said Murch. “To do this, we need to be constantly adapting and changing. Everything we do, every day, is about a quest to always be better.”

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SCHOOL NEWS

NEW FACES AT SEVEN HILLS We are pleased to welcome new Seven Hills faculty and staff!

Hughes Barber Middle School Physical Education Teacher

Hughes received his B.S. in physical education, with a math concentration, and his M.A.Ed. in physical education from East Carolina University. He most recently held the position of physical education teacher at Savannah Country Day School, teaching Lower and Middle School classes. At Savannah Country Day, he also served as the head boys basketball coach, head golf coach, and assistant football coach. Hughes also worked as a physical education teacher at schools around North Carolina, teaching elementary through high school classes. He has 15 years of teaching and coaching experience.

Sarah Campbell Lotspeich After the Bell Program Leader

Sarah received her Bachelor of Science in early childhood education from the University of Cincinnati. Sarah has worked with students at Maddux Elementary and Amelia High School, where she was a tutor.

Sarah has worked with children from various age groups. She most recently held the position of server at Cock and Bull Public House, where she gained experience in guest services.

Alexa Eynon Doherty After the Bell Program Leader Alexa received her bachelor’s degree in English from Northern Kentucky University. She most recently held the position

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of substitute teacher at Great Oaks School. Alexa has also worked as a school-age and preschool daycare teacher at Angels at Play in Amelia, where she worked with children, created lesson plans, supported children’s social and emotional development, and encouraged understanding of others and positive self-concepts.

Molly Franz Doherty Pre-Kindergarten for 2-year-olds Teacher Molly received her B.A. in sociology from Xavier University and is working to obtain her Master of Education in elementary education from Xavier University. She most recently held the position of office manager at a local dental office. From 2010 to 2013, she was a kindergarten teacher at Withamsville-Tobasco Elementary School, where she developed and implemented lesson plans and units for kindergarten students. Molly completed her student teaching at Loveland Early Childhood Center and was a practicum teacher at Indian Hill Primary School.

Jordan General Upper School Learning Support Teacher

Jordan received her B.A. in visual and media studies, with a minor in education, from Duke University, and her M.S. in childhood education from Ithaca College. She most recently held the position of fourth-grade social studies and science teacher at Westwood Elementary School, where she also supported language arts instruction and coached the after-school tennis program. She

student taught at schools in Ithaca, New York, completed a graduate assistantship at Ithaca College, and co-taught English as a new language at the Camford Royal School in Zhongsan, China.

Jeff Grimm Hillsdale Campus Weekend Maintenance Jeff studied business management and took part in the professional pilot and air traffic control program at Allegheny Community College in Pittsburgh. He currently holds the position of general manager at Jeff Grimm Enterprise LLC, where he manages and operates a cargo and courier delivery business that serves the Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky, and Indiana area. He has also held positions at HC Nutting Company Cincinnati, Exodus Investments LLC, ALT Witzeg Company, and Coca Cola.

Dominick Harney Doherty Chef

Dominick received his associate of applied science, professional cooking from Baltimore International College, as well as certificates in sanitation and nutrition. He is the chef and owner of Flavor Catering and Bar Service in Blue Ash. With more than 20 years of professional cooking experience, Dominick has worked in several restaurants and schools throughout his career, including as sous chef at Maisonette/ LaNormandie in Cincinnati, a line cook at Petite Garlic Restaurant in Hawaii, a child nutrition assistant at Sycamore Community School District in Cincinnati, and a childcare chef at Little Leprechaun Academy in Mason and West Chester.

SCHOOL NEWS

Abbey Johnson Lotspeich Pre-kindergarten Teacher

Abbey received her Bachelor of Science in education from the University of Cincinnati and her M.A. in mental health from Xavier University. She most recently held the position of intervention specialist at Lakota Public Schools, where she taught preschool-aged students in a collaborative learning environment. Abbey also worked as a preschool teacher at the University of Cincinnati Early Learning Center. She is a member of the National Association for the Education of Young Children.

Samantha Krukowski Part-time Upper School Art Teacher

Samantha received her B.A. in political science from Barnard College; her M.A. from Washington University in St. Louis; her Master of Architecture from University of Texas at Austin; and her Ph.D. in art history from University of Texas at Austin. She most recently held the position of associate professor and academic coordinator for Foundations at the University of Cincinnati’s College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning. She has exhibited her design and artwork around the United States and participated in several film festivals. She has received several grants and fellowships for her work. Samantha has taught courses in architecture, art and architecture history and theory, and video installation.

Kate LaBare ’97 Lotspeich Science Teacher

Kate received her Bachelor of Science in natural resources and environment from the University of Michigan and her Master of Education from Oregon State University. She most recently held the position of outdoor education manager at Pleasant Ridge Montessori, where she created multi-disciplinary curriculum for students in pre-kindergarten through sixth grade. Kate has also held the position of education manager at Gorman Heritage Farm in Cincinnati and completed her student teacher work at schools in Eugene, Oregon. She has participated in AmeriCorps, working as a garden assistant at an Oregon school and serving as an environmental education volunteer in New Hampshire.

Laura OGrady Lotspeich Project Math and Math Lab Teacher

Laura received her B.A. in political communications from George Washington University, her M.A. in teaching from Lindenwood University, and completed a post-master’s program in gifted education at Lindenwood University. She most recently held the position of fifth-grade teacher at West Hills Middle School in Michigan, where she developed and taught math and language arts curriculum and sponsored the school’s Coding Club for fourthto eighth-grade students. She has a background in project-based learning, student-led inquiry, and critical thinking strategies. Laura was also a presenter at the International Baccalaureate

Conference in 2017, speaking on the topic of “Using Technology to Help Students Build a Growth Mindset.”

Julie Reutener Middle School Administrative Assistant

Julie received her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the University of Cincinnati and her master’s degree in criminal justice from the University of Wisconsin. She most recently held the position of assistant to the athletic director at Cincinnati Christian Schools, where she completed tasks such as scheduling, maintaining facilities, and coordinating transportation. She also served as assistant to the school’s public relations director from 2012 to 2013. Julie has volunteered with international charity organizations Wipe Every Tear in the Philippines and Hands and Feet in Haiti.

She also served two terms on the Ohio Governor’s Council on Juvenile Justice.

Seraphine Schomber Lotspeich Counselor

Seraphine received her M.A. in mental health counseling from the University of Cincinnati and her B.A. in psychology from Anderson University.

She most recently held the position of school counselor at Saint Bernard Academy in Nashville, Tennessee, where she worked with more than 350 students in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade to provide services for social, emotional, and behavioral development. She has also worked as a senior family counselor in Nashville and was a mental health counseling intern at Cincinnati Children’s Medical Center and Oak Hills High School.

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SCHOOL NEWS

NEW FACES AT SEVEN HILLS Continued . . .

Ann Sebastian Part-time Hillsdale Campus Nurse Ann received her B.S. in nursing from Saint

Marcus received his Bachelor of Science in

Annie Worobetz Development Office Donor Relations and Stewardship Manager

Mary’s College. She most recently held the

education from

Annie received her B.S. in honors economics

position of substitute registered nurse at both

the University of

and a B.A. in secondary education (social

Seven Hills and Saint Ursula Academy. At Seven

Tennessee. He

studies) from Purdue University. She most

Hills, she was the substitute nurse for students

most recently held

recently held the position of writer, social media

on the Hillsdale Campus in kindergarten through

the position of

coordinator, and executive assistant to the

eighth grade. Ann

computer science

director of development at Sisters of Notre

has worked as a

and engineering

Dame de Namur, where she developed and

nurse at Riverside

faculty member at

composed

Methodist

Cincinnati Country

materials for

Hospital in

Day School, where he taught Upper School

electronic and

Columbus,

computer science courses, including AP classes,

print media,

University of

and started a makerspace program at the school.

provided

Michigan

Marcus also worked at Mother of Mercy High

support to the

Hospitals, and the

School as the chair of the business and technology

director of

Jewish Hospital in Cincinnati, working with

department. Marcus is a member of the board of

development,

pediatric and emergency patients. She has also

directors of the INTERalliance of Greater

volunteered her time teaching first aid and infant

Cincinnati, CET Educational Technology Planning

the organization’s social media presence. She

safety to new mothers.

Committee, and was the president of the Ohio

has also held positions as a microcomputer

Computer Science Teachers Association from

network coordinator, customer support

2016 to 2019.

representative and trainer, and high school

Jennifer Steller Lotspeich Fifth-grade Teacher education, mathematics and social studies, from

Carolyn Vincze Doherty School Nurse

the University of Cincinnati. She most recently

Carolyn received her B.S. in nursing and her B.S.

held the position of middle school multi-tiered

in biological sciences from Wright State

support systems math coordinator and educator

University. She

at North College Hill Middle School, where she

currently holds

served as lead math learning specialist for math

the position of

pull-out and push-in services, among other

registered nurse

Jennifer received her B.S. in middle childhood

duties. She also

in the outpatient

worked in the

urgent care unit

district as a

at Cincinnati

fifth-grade math

Children’s

and social studies

Hospital Medical

teacher for four

Center (CCHMC), where she treats patients

years. Jennifer is

and facilitates daily operations. Carolyn has an

a member of the

extensive background in nursing and health. She

University of

has worked as a nurse in the emergency

Cincinnati Math Equity Group, the Ohio Council

department at CCHMC. She has also worked in

of Teachers of Mathematics, the National

the Warren Country Combined Health District

Council of Teachers of Mathematics, and the

as an epidemiologist and disease investigator and

Southwest Ohio Council of Teachers of

a public health environmentalist.

Mathematics.

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Marcus Twyford Upper School Computer Science Teacher

and managed

teacher.

SCHOOL NEWS

from the

FAMILIAR FACES, NEW PLACES

University of

Angie Bielecki Lower School Learning Support Coordinator and School Counseling Department Chair

College of Law.

Angie received her B.A. in sociology, with a minor in education studies, from The Colorado College and an M. Ed. in school counseling from the University of Cincinnati. Angie joined Seven Hills in the 2016-17 school year as the Doherty school counselor. Angie is licensed as a professional school counselor in Ohio and Kentucky. She has presented her work at the National Evidence-

Cincinnati She recently

institutional management from The Pennsylvania State University and her master’s

Miami University.

Office as the

Before becoming Doherty Unit II teacher.

Cincinnati and Colorado.

She has also taught fifth grade at St. Andrew-

Julie Guminey Unit II Teacher

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic School and was a substitute teacher at Mason City Schools.

During her time at Seven Hills, Jo has

Julie received her B.A. in early childhood

also coached track and acted as coaches’

education from Wilmington College of Ohio and

support staff.

her associate’s degree in science

Cincinnati. She

restaurant, and

education from

Development

the Doherty Lower School librarian, she was a

Amy Francis Sharing position of Upper School Administrative Assistant with Barbara Hepp

and B.S. in hotel,

B.S. in elementary

Seven Hills

has experience working as an attorney in

from the

B.S. in nutrition

Jo received her

worked in the

donor relations and stewardship manager. Vallie

Based School Counseling Conference.

Amy received her

Jo Schnirring Doherty Lower School Librarian

University of

Amaris White Upper School History Teacher, Learning Specialist, and Diversity Initiatives Amaris received her B.A. in history from the

most recently

University of

worked at Seven

Florida and her

Hills as a Unit III

M.A. in history

teacher. In

from Michigan

addition to teaching at Seven Hills, Julie taught

State University.

third grade at the Orion Academy in Cincinnati.

She joined Seven

She also tutored students and worked for the

Hills in the

school’s summer school program.

2017-18 school

Courtney LeMay Doherty Pre-kindergarten for 2-year-olds Aide

year as a member of the learning support department. Amaris will continue her work in the learning support department and teaching classes in the Upper

Courtney received her bachelor’s degree in

School history department, as well as

organizational leadership from Northern Kentucky

spearheading diversity initiatives. She previously

University. She

held the position of adjunct faculty in social

joined Seven Hills

science at Western Governors University.

in the 2017-18

She also held various positions within Eureka

yoga instructor.

school year as a

Learners, an in-home tutoring company in

member of the

Vallie Freeman Director of Annual Giving

Georgia.

After the Bell

of education from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. At Seven Hills, Amy previously held the position of Lotspeich Lower School administrative assistant. Amy has experience working as a nutritionist, chef, and

Vallie received her B.A. in political science from University of Wisconsin-Madison and her J.D.

staff. She has experience as a cheerleading coach and teaching tumbling classes.

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SCHOOL NEWS

NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARS

Seven Hills Congratulates National Merit Achievers Seven Hills continues its tradition of excellence with several students receiving recognition from the National Merit Scholarship program. Ten students were named Semifinalists and eight were named Commended Students in the 2020 National Merit Program. Three students were named National Hispanic Scholars by the 2020 College Board.

National Merit Semifinalists Seven Hills National Merit Semifinalists are Kayzad Bharucha, Max Creech, Yash Gaitonde, Madeleine Magruder, Nina Martinez Diers, Rajiv Raman, Andrea Stancescu, Stephen Walsh, Kevin Wang, and Chase Young.

FROM L TO R: NINA MARTINEZ DIERS, MADELEINE MACGRUDER, CHASE YOUNG, STEPHEN WALSH, YASH GAITONDE, MAX CREECH, KEVIN WANG, KAYZAD BHARUCHA, RAJIV RAMAN, ANDREA STANCESCU

National Merit Commended National Merit Commended students are Jorge Amadeo-Muniz, Ajay Gupta, Krish Gupta, Maddy Kennebeck, Gabby Kominar, Megan McLennan, Sufwan Safdar, and Rhea Srivastava. Not pictured, Jorge Amadeo-Muniz.

National Hispanic Scholars

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National Hispanic Scholars are Jorge Amadeo-Muniz, Nina Martinez Diers, and Geereesh Shankar.

FROM L TO R: GABRIELLA KOMINAR, KRISH GUPTA, MADDY KENNEBECK, SUFWAN SAFDAR, AJAY GUPTA, RHEA SRIVASTAVA, MEGAN MCLENNAN

FROM L TO R: GEEREESH SHANKAR, NINA MARTINEZ DIERS, JORGE AMADEOMUNIZ

SCHOOL NEWS

AP SCHOLARS

98% of AP Exam scores qualify for advanced standing in college Of the 147 Seven Hills students who took 363 Advanced Placement exams in 16 subjects in May 2019, 98% qualified for advanced college standing by receiving a score of 3 or better on the 1-5 national scale on at least one exam.

Among those who qualified, 88 were named AP Scholars, based on scores received by Seven Hills in August 2019, by the College Board for their exceptional achievements of scoring 3 or higher on more than three exams. * Students whose names were inadvertently omitted from the AP Scholars article published in the fall 2019

Seven Hills magazine.

Receiving National AP Scholar Awards for average scores of at least 4 or higher on all AP Exams taken and scores of 4 or higher on eight or more are 2019 graduates Ariel Gleich, Greg Kalin, Felix Karthik, Aryan Katneni, Amisha Mittal, Christopher Nathan, and *Max Yuan.

Receiving AP Scholar with Distinction Awards for average scores of at least 3.5 on all AP exams taken and scores of at least 3 or higher on five or more are junior Junye Gai and seniors Jorge Amadeo-Muniz, Yash Gaitonde, Alexander Grass, Ajay Gupta, Avital Isakov, Madeleine Magruder, Megan McLennan, Anika Parameswaran, Suraj Parikh, Rohan Patil, Rajiv Raman, *Chase Young, Hannah Wang, and Kevin Wang. Class of 2019 graduates who received AP Scholar with Distinction Awards are Emaan Asghar, Andrew Brown, Dottie Callard, Brennan Callow, George Eng, Daniel Gleeson, Siddhant Gupta, Edward Hatfield, Patrick Kilcoyne, Max Lane, Abigail Markworth, Rachel Michelman, Michael Nordlund, Varshini Odayar, Stratton Papakirk, Rohan Sachdeva, Andrew Santamarina, Susanna Spooner, Neda Tehrani, Aishwarya Varma, Grant Veldhuis, Ian Venerable, *Belinda Wang, and *Michael Weirich.

Receiving AP Scholar with Honor Awards for average scores of at least 3.25 on all AP exams taken and scores of 3 or higher on four or more are seniors Annika Alper, Caroline Corbett, Krish Gupta, Madelyn Kennebeck, Sufwan Safdar, James Sammarco, Avani Seshiah, Linah Uchiyama, Matthew Wabler, and Stephen Walsh. Class of 2019 graduates who received AP Scholar with Honor Awards are Claire Harrison, Jamie Holcomb, Gengchen Liu, Maya Patel, Emma Shuppert, and Andrew Vecellio.

Receiving AP Scholar Awards for scoring 3 or higher on three or more exams are junior *Andrew Yang and seniors Kayzad Bharucha, Adam Chen, Ruolan Chen, Max Creech, Colin Curnow, Emma Dorsch, Santosh Hanumanthu, Hannah Levin, Qingyi Li, Ella Samaha, Benjamin Skibo, Jocelyn Spanbauer, Andrea Stancescu, and Michael Stein. Class of 2019 graduates who received AP Scholar Awards are Avery Dorsch, Michael Glum, Madeleine Jay, Jonas Keller, David Labrie, Aoru Li, Jessica Morse, Sydney Pelnick, Annabel Stanley, Alexander Stevens, and Fandi Sun.

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SCHOOL NEWS

HOMECOMING 2 0 1 9

Come for the Rumble‌Stay for the Sting! The Seven Hills School community came together for a high-spirited Homecoming 2019!

1. Serving up food, fresh off the grill 2. Spirit gear!

3. Celebrating the opening of the new Field House!

4. Volleyball clinic 5. Tennis clinic 6. Golf clinic 7. Enjoying snow cones after a game!

8. Glowsticks from Mr. Garten!

9. Fireworks end a great night 10. Photobooth fun 11. Shootout!

12. Cheering on the varsity soccer teams 13. Cheerleading clinic 14. Soccer clinic

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SCHOOL NEWS

ELISE EATON ALLEN FACULTY CHAIR AWARDED TO ROBIN WILSON in recognition of the excellence of her teaching. Wilson is in her 11th year of teaching Lotspeich Lower School music at Seven Hills.

The Elise Eaton Allen Faculty Chair is awarded every four years to a distinguished teacher of fine or performing arts.

The Seven Hills School has awarded one of its highest faculty honors, the Elise Eaton Allen Faculty Chair in Fine and Performing Arts, to Robin Wilson,

In his remarks upon honoring Wilson with the chair, Head of School Chris Garten told faculty and staff that when Wilson began teaching at Seven Hills, her ambitious plans for the Lower School’s music program were immediately clear.

“In a relatively short time, Robin had transformed every aspect of the program, working to provide a rich, multisensory experience, with training in vocal expression, rhythmic movement, Orff instruments, choral, instrumental, and theater performance,

and even composition,” Garten said.

He added, “Robin brings an astonishing level of energy to the classroom. Her students are engaged and fully invested, whether in classroom instruction or in preparing for a performance. Over the last several years, Robin has worked tirelessly with her Lotspeich colleagues to arrange that, each year, every grade produces a full-scale musical and/or theater performance. In addition, Robin arranges special recitals throughout the year for those students who study music outside of school. Both of these experiences highlight the achievements of our budding musicians and performers.”

CLASS OF 1956 FUND FOR EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING AWARDED TO BARBARA VANDERLAAN of 1956 Fund for Excellence in Teaching Award, recognizing Upper School math teacher Barbara VanderLaan as a “mainstay of the math department and of our school.”

The Hillsdale Class of 1956 Award is given to a member of Seven Hills’ Upper School faculty who fosters a love of, and excitement about, learning among Seven Hills students.

During a faculty and staff meeting last spring, Head of School Chris Garten announced the recipient of the Class 24

“Unflappable, steady, and utterly reliable, Barbara has time and again stepped forward to help her students, other teachers, and the school itself in times of need. Whether taking on a class that nobody else could teach or stepping into the department chair role, she has always risen to new challenges and has always stepped up to help make Seven Hills a better place.

“Barbara’s role as a teacher extends well beyond the classroom. She has taught all of us so much about generosity and about caring for the less fortunate. The monthly sandwichmaking events that Barbara organizes help to feed people around Cincinnati, while her leadership of the Service Club empowers students to create further opportunities for helping the less fortunate. Barbara has fostered in countless students the same kindness, generosity of spirit, and sense of responsibility that we so prize in her.”

SCHOOL NEWS

BRODIE GRANTS HONOR TEACHING EXCELLENCE Doherty Lower School Unit II teacher Julie Guminey and retired school counseling department chair Judy Arnold were recipients of Brodie Grants for Excellence in Teaching from the Brodie Family Faculty Betterment Fund. The Brodie Fund is an endowed trust that provides professional development opportunities for faculty and recognizes outstanding teachers at both early and later stages of their careers.

Julie Guminey

In her 12 years of teaching at Seven Hills, Julie Guminey has never lost her eagerness to continue to learn and grow. For example, in the 2018-19 school year, when Guminey was teaching Unit III, she helped implement a new robotics program on the Doherty Campus, teaching herself to code and program four different types of robots.

safe and supported. And she finds ways to make learning exciting and fun.

“Julie is genuine and caring, not only to her students, but to her colleagues.

She is always eager to collaborate, lend a hand, or simply listen. Her colleagues feel and value, beyond measure, her dedication and devotion to the Doherty community. It is a pleasure to recognize such an humble teacher who has made such a tremendous impact on those around her.”

Judy Arnold

When presenting the Brodie Junior award, Head of School Chris Garten said, “Julie not only challenges herself, but her students as well. She inspires students to question, think, and analyze. Each day, she brings to her classroom a rare combination of energy and patience, asking her students to rise to new challenges while providing the scaffolding to help them feel both

Before retiring from Seven Hills in June 2019, Judy Arnold wore many hats during her 43-year tenure at the school. She taught on the Doherty Campus and worked as a counselor both there and on the Hillsdale Campus, before becoming the Lotspeich school counselor and serving as the schoolwide counseling department chair. Whether as a teacher or school counselor, Judy took on each job with remarkable energy and skill.

When presenting Judy with the Brodie Senior award, Head of School Chris

Garten said, “In all of these roles, what has truly defined Judy’s contributions is the spirit of collaboration she seeks to build. Whether it be with students, parents, or colleagues, Judy’s warm, open manner encourages everyone who knows her to seek her out: for support, for guidance, for advice, or, many times, simply to share a burden.

“Whether it be in her scrupulously planned guidance classes, her surehanded leadership of the counseling department, or her daily consultation with colleagues or parents, everyone with whom she comes in contact treasures Judy’s knowledge, experience, expertise, and, above all else, her genuine interest in each and every one of us.”

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SCHOOL NEWS

HILLSDALE COMMONS AND CAFETERIA UPDATED TO FIT STUDENTS’ NEEDS

In the summer of 2019, the Hillsdale Commons and the Hillsdale Campus cafeteria underwent renovations to improve both spaces for student use. The renovations were part of a project which also included renovations of several classrooms in the Middle School and the Donovan Arts Center. Robert Horne, director of finance and operations, said the spaces in these buildings were updated because of the opening of The Schiff Center in May 2019.

“The Schiff Center created a domino effect,” he said. “The new classrooms in that building opened space in two 26

Hillsdale Campus buildings.”

Hillsdale Commons

The Hillsdale Commons is now a freshly designed space where Upper School students can study, do homework, eat lunch, and spend time between classes.

In addition to new flooring and a fresh coat of paint, the Commons features increased Wi-Fi connectivity and an assortment of

new furniture. Students can choose to sit in booths, armchairs, and at high top tables with outlets for charging their electronics.

Head of Upper School Matt Bolton said the Commons is a great facility “right at the heart of the Hillsdale Campus.”

“Like a neighborhood coffee house or a college student center, it’s a space for getting work done on your own or with friends,” said Bolton. “After school, it’s a great place to study or to do homework.”

The renovations also free up space in Founders Hall during lunchtime. Some Upper School students can enjoy their lunch in the Hillsdale Commons while Middle School students

SCHOOL NEWS

have more space in Founders Hall. The redone Commons also opens up more spots in the Young Family Library. Unlike in the library, students can eat snacks in the Commons while they study and finish assignments.

“I’m grateful to Mr. Horne for all of his work in getting the Commons renovated and furnished, as well as to last year’s Student Government, who gave invaluable feedback on the design of the space and on what students would find most beneficial,” Bolton said. Thank you, too, to the Upper School teachers who are staffing and overseeing the Commons during the school day.”

Horne called the space a “success.”

“I think the students really enjoy having another spot on campus, just for them,” he said.

Hillsdale Campus Cafeteria The Hillsdale Campus cafeteria serves students in kindergarten through 12th grade, every day. With such a wide range

of customers, the cafeteria staff needed more space. Horne said the changes were also in response to feedback from students and the need to shorten wait times.

The cafeteria is now larger, and there is new point-of-sale software and an additional cash register, which moves students through the lunch line faster.

The line also includes more cases for grab and go items. Horne said with the

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changes, the cafeteria can experiment with and offer a wider variety of products.

Jimmy Gherardi, master chef on the Hillsdale Campus, said cafeteria staff are constantly trying new ideas. This year, they implemented Meatless Mondays. On Mondays, students are offered a vegetarian meal option. In early October, students enjoyed National Taco Day. “Students have a lot of choices,” Gherardi said. “We’re such a diverse community. We try to make food that reflects our diversity.”

The cafeteria staff communicate with students to find out what they want and get their input on meals. Gherardi said it’s something the staff really enjoys. “Everybody in the cafeteria genuinely cares for our community,” he said.

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SCHOOL NEWS - SPORTS

FALL SPORTS HONORS Talented teams, competitive players, and great matchups.

There were several highlights of the Seven Hills fall sports season. School records were set, student athletes had great matchups, and talented teams advanced.

Congratulations to our athletes and coaches who made the fall 2019 sports season successful, and for receiving well-deserved recognition during the fall sports awards ceremony.

The varsity boys soccer team had a great fall season. The team was named the Miami Valley Conference (MVC) Champions, and in the postseason, earned the titles of Sectional Champions, District Champions, and Regional Finalists. The team ended its overall season 14-3-4. Seniors Kayzad Bharucha and Joshua Nelson and juniors Bart Cooper, William Hawgood, and Nolan Loring were named First Team, All League by the MVC. Junior Scott Williams was named Second Team, All League and sophomore Ahmed Abass and senior Jack Rauh received Honorable Mentions.

The girls varsity soccer team was led by seniors Erica Au, Grace Copfer, Linley Dawson, Annie Leeper, Megan McLennan, and Katie Remaklus. Their strong leadership was on display throughout the season. Coach Kristen Bowman was named the Girls Soccer MVC Coach of the Year and the recipient of the Ohio High School Athletic Association’s 2019 Soccer: Sportsmanship, Ethics, and Integrity Award.

Varsity girls tennis had a strong season with an overall record of 12-7. Coach Tim Drew was named the Girls Tennis MVC Coach of the Year. The doubles teams of junior Megan Tan and sophomore Shriya Sekar and seniors Avital Isakov and Anika Parameswaran and singles players senior Annika Alper and sophomore Gabriella Khaskelis made it all the way to Districts.

Luke Malloy received the Dick Snyder Sportsmanship Award, which is awarded to students who display integrity and general sportsmanship throughout the season.

Seven Hills had a total of 84 Scholar Athlete Award recipients this season.

To qualify, recipients must be a varsity athlete and have a minimum first quarter GPA of 3.495. To qualify, recipients must be a varsity athlete and have a minimum first quarter GPA of 3.495.

1. Boys soccer team 2. Volleyball team 3. Max Creech 4. Avani Seshiah 5. Cross country team

6. Luke Malloy 7. Girls soccer team 8. Girls tennis team 9. Golf team

The varsity volleyball team took home the title of Sectional Champions and District Finalists.

The team had an overall season record of 19-7. Two student athletes set school records.

Avani Seshiah made her 1,000th kill and set the Seven Hills spike record. Max Creech had more than 1,700 assists, setting a school record and leading the league in assists. Creech and Seshiah were both named First Team, All League by the MVC. The varsity golf team won the 2019 Southwest District III Sectional Championship. It was the second consecutive year the team earned the title of Sectional Champions. The team also competed in the district tournament. The golf team included senior Taylor Greenwald, juniors Andrew Yang and Matthew Weirich, and sophomores Collin Chen and Jacob Joffe. Joffe was named Second Team, All City.

The boys and girls varsity cross country team made it to the Regionals at Troy High School in October. The competition was the first time in Seven Hills history that the girls varsity team advanced to Regionals. During the season, the girls team had victories at the Seven Hills and Felicity-Franklin Invitationals. The boys team also won the Felicity-Franklin Invitational.

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SCHOOL NEWS

MIDDLE SCHOOL ADVISORY PROGRAM TEACHES NONCOGNITIVE SKILLS TO HELP STUDENTS THRIVE Seven Hills places thoughtful emphasis on the social-emotional health of students of all ages. In the Middle School, students are discovering new ways to develop relationships and thrive with skills like grit, growth mindset, self-efficacy, social awareness, and self-management. Spearheaded by Middle School counselor Taylor Markovits and Head of Middle School Bill Waskowitz, every week in their advisories, students participate in intentional exercises, which foster noncognitive skills necessary for lifelong success. Waskowitz said the essence of the advisory program is “helping kids understand themselves in relation to their peers.”

We talked to Markovits and Waskowitz about noncognitive learning and how this program prepares students to thrive.

positive school community.

Students feel cared about and actively convey care for others—including those who are different in background, beliefs, or in other ways. It’s essential to model and provide guidance to help students bridge the gap between empathy and action.

Q: What benefits do

noncognitive skills, such as empathy and team building, have for students, both in and outside the classroom?

A: Among the many benefits

of cultivating noncognitive skills are improved academic outcomes for students, including more productive academic behaviors, greater academic achievement, and positive feelings about school. We view these skills as nothing less than essential. An emphasis on these factors does not entail sacrificing academic rigor, but rather, these factors are a vital source of academic rigor itself. Outside the classroom, a focus on students’ noncognitive factors also promotes the development of skills and mindsets (e.g. problem-solving, decision-making, collaboration, and conflict resolution) that enrich students’ overall health and well-being outside the classroom.

Q: Can you give us an example of one of your many powerful advisory activities?

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Q: How has the

A: A favorite among seventh-grade

advisories is the Amusement Park Challenge. Students work in groups to design rides that make the people riding them feel a specific emotion, such as surprise, joy, boredom, fear, excitement, or wonder. Students creatively adapted this activity to address common adolescent experiences and fears.

Q: What is the importance of learning to be empathetic?

A: Empathy is a skill that allows

students to notice, understand, care about, and value the experiences and feelings of others. It is the lifeblood of a

advisory program evolved since it was introduced in the Middle School?

A: In its infancy, we discovered that

advisory programming, using a highly structured and lecture-based curriculum, was not effective. While we continue to use outside curriculum as an important resource, it represents a “tool in our toolkit” rather than the toolkit itself. I think of this toolkit as ever-evolving, driven by the input of grade-level team members and the voices and needs of our students. While advisory functions to develop students’ noncognitive skills, perhaps, more importantly, it also creates a sense of connectedness and belonging wherein each student is known and supported as a whole child.

SCHOOL NEWS

SEVEN HILLS CELEBRATES OPENING OF NEW FIELD HOUSE Seven Hills faculty, staff, and students came together to celebrate the opening of the Field House during the Homecoming 2019 festivities.

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t the celebration, Head of School Chris Garten gave remarks before the ribbon was cut. Garten said planning for the Field House began roughly five years ago when he was approached by former Athletic Director Brian Phelps about a need for more space for volleyball.

“The board took this project on and a lot of people gave a lot of time and a lot of effort and a lot of support to get it done,” Garten said. “I want to thank those people for their efforts. I know this will be something the community can enjoy for years to come.”

The ribbon was cut by Dan Schimberg ’80, Board of Trustees member and chair of the Facilities Committee.

“

The Field House is a game changer that significantly alleviates the high demand on our athletic facilities.

Celebrating its grand opening with the ribbon-cutting ceremony was a highlight of our fall season!

- Athletic Director Scott Willard

Garten said the school was blessed to have Schimberg’s building and planning expertise for the Field House.

The 31,000-square-foot Field House offers more practice and game spaces

for our student athletes. The building’s four hardwood courts are used for basketball and volleyball, as well as for physical education classes and practice space for winter sports. As many as seven teams can play or practice simultaneously. The building also features a multipurpose room and concession stand.

“The Field House is a game changer that significantly alleviates the high demand on our athletic facilities,” said Athletic Director Scott Willard. “Celebrating its grand opening with the ribbon-cutting ceremony was a highlight of our fall season!”

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SCHOOL NEWS

OPENING OF THE SCHIFF CENTER CREATES NEW OPPORTUNITIES

Exterior of The Schiff Center

When The Schiff Center opened in May 2019, Seven Hills’ leadership had a bold vision for a space that would bring together the entire Seven Hills community. The Schiff Center has played host to musicals, concerts, assemblies, and much more, bolstering the Seven Hills experience.

Tina Kuhlman, chair of the Fine and Performing Arts Department, said the opening of The Schiff Center has impacted the arts program in many positive ways, from the classroom space to the stage.

“Of course, first you think of the myriad possibilities for staging shows with the state-of-the-art equipment on The Schiff Center stage and in the tech booth,” Kuhlman said. “The theater, instrumental, and vocal classroom space in The Schiff Center allowed the visual arts to expand into the open classrooms in the Donovan Arts Center. This affects the visual arts curricular possibilities, and allows the Middle School theater program to thrive in the Black Box Theatre.”

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Kuhlman said the fine and performing arts faculty members were very involved in the design of their classrooms and the stage.

“We were able to help create spaces that are customized to our programs and allow for the expansion that is our vision of the future of the arts at Seven Hills,” she said.

The Schiff Center has also made an impact on Experiential Learning.

Nick Francis, director of Experiential Learning, said so far this school year, Upper School students have enjoyed performances from Chinese musicians and the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company. In October, students assembled in The Schiff Center to attend “The Defamation Experience,” an immersive, interactive play that examines race, religion, and bias.

likely to be engaged and derive maximum benefit from a program when they are comfortable, and can see and hear properly.”

Head of Middle School Bill Waskowitz said the Middle School uses The Schiff Center’s auditorium often, including for its weekly Middle community meeting.

Author Ibi Zoboi speaks to Upper School students

“This amazing space has allowed our community to hear from students, faculty, and guest presenters on a wide range of topics,” Waskowitz said. “The auditorium provides a comfortable

“The Schiff Center provides a space for guest speakers, performances, and events with excellent acoustics and seating, and a large stage,” Francis said. “The Schiff Center shows we take Experiential Learning seriously and it elevates the quality of events.

Students are more Middle School students stage the “Pirate Show” in The Schiff Center

SCHOOL NEWS

BOOKS FOR LUNCH 2020

seating arrangement that allows for a community-like atmosphere. Our actors have been able to use the main stage for more authentic rehearsals and performances.”

The 2020 Books for Lunch committee, co-chaired by Seven Hills

The Seven Hills community has much to look forward to in The Schiff Center’s future. Francis said the space will soon be home to the Civic Engagement Seminars. Developed with an Educational Leadership Grant from the E.E. Ford Foundation, the Civic Engagement Seminars are designed to immerse students in an extended study of some of the world’s most challenging issues, such as war, poverty, trade, migration, resource scarcity, climate change, disease, and sustainability. The seminars will include guest speakers, student presentations, and TED Talk-style events.

Kline has written essays, articles, and reviews for The New York

“None of this would have been possible without the addition of this building and the opportunities it creates,” Kuhlman said.

this year’s guest author, #1 New York Times best-selling author Christina Baker Kline. Kline is the award-winning author of several novels, including “Christina’s World” and “A Piece of the World.”

Times, The San Francisco Chronicle, and Psychology Today. This year, the committee held a special book club facilitated by the Upper School English teachers, discussing Kline’s book “Orphan Train.”

~

Photo by Karin Diana

In February, the Middle School Thespian Society will host the Ohio Junior Thespian State Conference.

And in spring of 2020, the Fine and Performing Arts Department will hold Seven Hills’ inaugural Arts Day on Saturday, April 4, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event features work from kindergarteners to seniors in all mediums, as well as arts activities and demonstrations from teachers.

parents Nupur Anand and Karen Wilger, is honored to present

“Kline is an immensely gifted author whose body of work ranges from historical fiction to novels about modern life. There is truly something for every reader,” Anand said. “Karen and I are excited to welcome Kline to the Seven Hills community and learn more about her work.”

In its 34th year, Books for Lunch invites noted authors to Seven Hills for a morning with students and a luncheon with students, parents, and the greater Cincinnati community.

PLEASE JOIN US

~

for an inspiring afternoon of musings and words from a talented, nationally recognized author. Save the date for the Feb. 7, 2020, luncheon at the Summit Hotel. Kline will be in conversation with author and class of 1993 alumna Curtis Sittenfeld.

Tickets are $60. Please visit 7hills. org/BooksForLunch to purchase tickets and learn more about Kline and her work.

S AV E THE DATE Feb. 7, 2020 Books For Lunch Summit Hotel

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SCHOOL NEWS - ARTS

“NOW THERE ARE NO LIMITS” Seven Hills’ Upper School Choral and Theater Teachers Reflect

theater teacher Marc Raia summed up the essence of the collaborative opportunities the new space provides when they shared a story about their work on a scene from the Upper School’s fall musical, “Hairspray,” in which the song “Run and Tell That,” is performed.

Fine and Performing Arts Department Chair Tina Kuhlman and Theater Teacher Marc Raia

Fall 2019 marked the beginning of something new for the Seven Hills’ fine and performing arts department. For the first time in the school’s history, student instrumentalists, actors, vocalists, and directors came together under one stunning, exhilarating roof. For the first time, students and faculty moved throughout The Schiff Center’s tan and soft blue interior, gazed at vaulted ceilings and got to know the space made for them. In mid-October, Seven Hills’ Fine and Performing Arts Department Chair Tina Kuhlman and Upper School

“Students didn’t understand that term, ‘run and tell that,’” said Kuhlman, who rehearsed daily with Raia as they produced the 1960s-era musical about black-white racial strife and acceptance. “We discussed that “run and tell that” was a colloquialism and that it has nothing to do with asking students to relay a message,” said Kuhlman. “We discussed that the phrase carried a spirit of strength and tenacity there, and attitude. One of the African-American characters was fed up with dealing with racial segregation and discrimination, day in and day out.”

After Kuhlman’s discussion with the chorus, she said the students took their

knowledge to Raia and used it to elevate their acting work.

“It was like an ‘aha!’ moment,” said Raia.

“Understanding the attitude behind that came out of Tina’s class. This is the type of collaborative work I truly enjoy and it will only increase now that we have tailor-made, state-of-the-art space in which to ideate, create, and work collaboratively, throughout The Schiff Center.”

We checked in with Kuhlman and Raia midway into production of “Hairspray,” which ran late November 2019. They shared a number of ways The Schiff Center has advanced the sophistication, capabilities, and scope of their work as arts educators. Take a look at some of their responses.

Q: From a performing arts teacher’s perspective, what do you like about the auditorium in The Schiff Center?

A: Raia: It feels intimate. No matter

where you are sitting, you aren’t too far back.

Kuhlman: It’s a friendly, inviting space that embraces the audience. No matter where you are sitting, you feel like you are part

visual art drama music visual art 34

SCHOOL NEWS - ARTS

of what’s going on. Before The Schiff Center, we were so limited with how we could block out scenes and choreograph; but now, there are no limits.”

Q: What words come to

mind when you think of the heart of Seven Hills’ arts program?

A: Raia: Values-based.

Teachers Tina Kuhlman and Marc Raia rehease with the Upper School cast of Hairspray in fall 2019.

Kuhlman: Collaborative. Inclusive. Open.

in themselves. For me, that’s so important.

And students with performing arts training learn to back each other up.

Risk-taking. Team-based.

Q: How does participating in the

Upper School performing arts program continue to enhance Seven Hills students’ lives after graduation?

A: Kuhlman: The communication skills

you acquire in performing arts are invaluable.

Our performing arts students are going to go on and be brave and direct and know they have something valid to say. Any time you can bring another facet of yourself to life and not narrow the definition of who you are, that is valuable. The arts change who our students are and how they look at the world.

Raia: Students with a performing arts background are not afraid to take risks. Job interviews are easier for them. They believe

Q: What are your hopes and dreams for the Fine and Performing Arts Department?

Raia: I would like to see the theater department diversify more in terms of the shows we choose and who they speak to. I would like to see the classes become more culturally diverse and see more boys get involved in the performing arts.

Kuhlman: It is really important that the fine and performing arts department continues to provide curriculum and experiences that help our students understand the importance of being involved in the arts. I want our performing arts students to know they are

valued and that The Schiff Center is an amazing place, just for them.

“

Before The Schiff Center, we were so limited with how we could block out scenes and choreograph; but now, there are no limits.

-Fine and Performing Arts Department Chair Tina Kuhlman

drama music visual art drama 35

SCHOOL NEWS

S A M P L E S

UNIT III VISITS GLEN HELEN

In the fall, Unit III took part in the Doherty tradition of a field trip to the Glen Helen Outdoor Education Center. For three days and two nights, students

participated in a variety of fun activities, including daily trail hikes led by Glen Helen’s naturalists. “Students learned firsthand about Ohio’s geology, investigated the pollution level of local streams, and applied their critical thinking skills toward environmental problemsolving,” said Unit III teacher Bill Schmidt.

“Other highlights included a night hike, navigating a cave, visiting the Glen Helen Raptor Center, and living communally with friends from school.” Schmidt said when they had some spare time, students constructed an elaborate fort using foraged materials. “The leadership, collaboration, engineering, and creativity they put forth for this task made for the perfect bonding experience to cap off a wonderful trip,” Schmidt said.

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FIRST-GRADE SPANISH CLASS AND THE DOHERTY LIBRARY PARTNER FOR GLOBAL READ ALOUD

As part of the Global Read Aloud 2019 program, John Krauss’ first-grade Spanish classes and the Doherty Library partnered to read books by MexicanAmerican author Yuyi Morales. Students read Morales’ book “Dreamers” during the fall semester. Krauss said, in addition to reading the book together, students learned Spanish vocabulary words. “A central theme of this book is the personal heritage created when we take ideas and things with us as we travel and learn,” Krauss said. “Students discussed their own heritage mochila (backpack) they carry with them and the regalos (gifts) they keep inside. Then we created art to

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represent the unique gifts that make us who we are no matter where we go.”

LOTSPEICH SECOND-GRADERS STUDY BRIDGES

In September, second-graders began their semester-long study of bridges by learning about the different types of bridges in Laura OGrady’s Project Math class. They learned about beam bridges and tested the strength of different types of bridges using wooden blocks, cardstock, and pennies.

Students folded the paper in several ways

then tested their strength by placing pennies on the paper. “The Bridges Unit is interdisciplinary and links directly to the classroom curriculum. In social studies, bridges are part of the geography and mapping unit,” OGrady said. “Exploring famous bridges in our community and around the world helps to connect ideas about cities, states, countries, and continents.” OGrady said throughout Project Math, students learn to solve and investigate problems collaboratively, as well as recording, sharing, and interpreting data.

“Students are also learning how to ask meaningful questions that drive their learning,” OGrady said.

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F R O M

EIGHTH-GRADERS AND FACULTY BOND ON ANNUAL ADVENTURE TREK TRIP

THIRD-GRADERS TAKE FIELD TRIP TO SUNWATCH VILLAGE

As part of their study of Native Americans of the Northwest coast, Kim Walden and Rebecca Harnage’s third-graders visited Sunwatch Village in the fall. The village is a reconstructed Fort Ancient Native American village located near the Great Miami River. It was discovered during archaeological excavations in the 1970s and is now operated through the Dayton Society of Natural History.

Harnage said third-graders study Native American populations across the country, moving from coast to coast. “This trip gave us a chance to have a closer look at the Native Americans who lived near Cincinnati,” Harnage said. “We enjoyed walking in their footsteps while observing the excavations and artifacts.”

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Eighth-graders and Middle School faculty traveled to Pisgah National Forest and Blue Ridge Mountains for the annual Adventure Trek trip at the beginning of the school year. Students hiked, camped, and enjoyed bonding in the outdoors for several days in early September. Head of Middle School Bill Waskowitz said the experience allows teachers to “do school” in a different, intentional manner. “Focusing exclusively on the exposure to and development of noncognitive skills (e.g. critical thinking, problem-solving, social skills, persistence, creativity, self-control, etc.) in a setting that is both beautiful and outside our classroom walls, allows us to approach real-world learning at this important stage in a Middle Schooler’s life,” Waskowitz said.

“Our students were able to push their own comfort levels in ways that will benefit them, both now and in the years to come. It is this type of learning that continues to define and distinguish our Middle School as a community of learners that understands the importance of cooperation, collaboration, and compassion.”

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MIDDLE SCHOOL REAL TALK SERIES KICKED OFF IN THE SCHIFF CENTER

The Middle School kicked off its Real Talk Series in late October. Students met in the new Schiff Center during their advisory time to hear from a panel of students and teachers who have learning differences.

Panelists answered questions submitted by students through a survey. The goal of the Real Talk Series, organized by seventhgrade science teacher Kristin Suer and Middle and Upper School French and Spanish teacher Jacky Kalubi, is to address

diversity, inclusion, justice, and equity by creating opportunities to hear from people of different backgrounds. “We hope these opportunities will give you all a chance to attain a certain level of understanding and acceptance of the diversity that exists in our community,” Suer told the Middle School audience. Kalubi explained what a panel discussion is. “Of its many rewards, the audience can increase their perspectives from learning about experiences different than from their own, draw comfort from 37

SCHOOL NEWS

S A M P L E S

those facing similar struggles, gain understanding, and develop empathy,” Kalubi said. Four panel sharing sessions will be held throughout the school year.

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American students decided to take roles to perform in the musical, and that the students’ involvement was not something they should have felt compelled to do based on their racial background and

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C O N T .

involved in putting together a diversely casted play in a more homogenous school population; and got closer to understanding some of the nuances involved in just one dynamic aspect of being an African-American student at Seven Hills.”

NATIONAL CHIME MUSIC ORCHESTRA OF HUBEI SONG AND DANCE THEATER OF CHINA PERFORMS IN THE SCHIFF CENTER

‘HAIRSPRAY’ CASTING SPURS JOURNALISTIC EVENT

A student’s Canvass article about the school musical turned into a panel interview during Upper School journalism class.

After learning that Upper School theatre teacher Marc Raia was looking for more African-American students to perform in the Civil Rights-depictive musical “Hairspray,” senior Olivia Bell reached out to Raia for a one-on-one interview. Raia liked the idea of sharing the story of the casting process for the musical. He suggested they do the interview along with Seven Hills student government president Rosalind Roland and Courtney Hammond, co-choreographers for “Hairspray.”

Journalism teacher Karla Dejean then asked Bell if she would be interested in hosting a panel interview during journalism class. During the interview, Bell learned that Raia brought “Hairspray” to Seven Hills because he was inspired by our Seven Values. Roland and Hammond said, they were heartened that more African38

ethnicities. “Olivia’s interview quickly became a journalistic endeavor that also served as a cultural competency experience for everyone in the room,” said Dejean. “We learned the original intentions of director John Waters, who wrote and directed the 1988 film the musical is based on; the huge undertaking

The Upper School attended an amazing musical performance by the National Chime Music Orchestra of Hubei Song and Dance Theater of China in late September. Upper and Middle School Chinese teacher Mia Wu helped bring the performers to The Schiff Center. Junior Craig Qi translated a portion of the presentation and seniors Erika Au and Nick Norton served as the program’s hosts. The performers played a variety of songs on many traditional instruments. Wu said the instruments are an important part of world archaeological history. “Students were very impressed with the music, and it was very successful,” Wu said.

6

Get a fresh start for today and dona the new year! Clean out closets te your items to the Resale Shop and cupboards . Happy New Ye ar!

SCHOOL NEWS

SEVEN HILLS HOSTS SPANISH STUDENTS Seven Hills Upper School Students hosted 30 students and two teachers from Spain last fall, as part of a cultural exchange partnership with IES Carlos III, a school located in Toledo, Spain.

From Sept. 13-27, our visitors from Spain joined the Seven Hills community, enjoying experiences both on and off campus. The exchange students engaged in the day-to-day routine of a Seven Hills Upper School experience in a variety of ways.

“

The Spanish students had a fantastic time here at Seven Hills. They were amazed by our school culture.

-Upper School Spanish teacher Teresa Bardon

On campus, students enjoyed Homecoming, physical education and theater classes, the Upper School’s Big Readers program, and practice, pizza,

and ice cream with the varsity girls soccer team. They also took field trips to local attractions like the American Sign Museum and Smale Park. Host families and their students visited several Cincinnati institutions, including the Cincinnati Zoo, a Reds game, and a Bengals game.

As part of the exchange, Seven Hills students will travel to Toledo from May 27-June 3 and stay with their Spanish friends, allowing students to learn more about and experience Spanish culture firsthand.

“The Spanish students had a fantastic time here at Seven Hills,” said Upper School Spanish teacher Teresa Bardon.

“They were amazed by our school culture.” Bardon said students noted the respect and trust between Upper Schoolers and teachers, as well as the overall friendliness and respect around campus.

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SCHOOL NEWS

PERSONAL CHALLENGE Six Stories of Discovery Living Sustainably Senior Annika Alper Project Description: Annika pushed herself to think more consciously about her impact on the environment and the people in the system. She made conscious, environmentally friendly choices.

worked on reducing my waste and impact in the past, these practices are another, and more difficult but necessary, step in living more consciously.”

Fun Fact: Annika extended her environmental efforts into the Seven Hills community. She worked to extend composting systems to clubs and increase awareness about an individual’s impact on the world.

Designing a Board game Senior May Chen

found inspiration in her childhood in Shanghai, China, a large industrial city that faces problems many cities face, like a large population and pollution. She was also influenced by the board game London, which requires players to rebuild the city after the Great Fire of London.

She read the book, “The Art of Game Design” by Jesse Schell, to learn the principles of creating a board game. She created several prototypes of Future City Project Alpha and designed the art for the game. The game includes a board, pieces, cards, and a rulebook.

Project Description: May designed and May: “(My Challenge Project) combines created a board game called Future City my interest in science and the arts.

Project Alpha. The two-player game immerses players in a futuristic world PERSONAL CHALLENGE IS A REQUIRED where they EXPERIENCE THAT SPURS SEVEN HILLS must earn gold STUDENTS TO EXPLORE A TALENT OR and manage the population INTEREST, IN-DEPTH. PERSONAL CHALLENGE of their cities.

Project Process: Annika said she began her project by researching the effect of her lifestyle on herself, others, and the environment. She completed an audit of her belongings, logged the responsible disposal and consolidation of her belongings, and consumed less in a more mindful way. She chose products not packaged in plastic and supported responsible clothing companies. She went zero-waste for a week, sending no waste to a landfill. She learned how to reduce her waste beyond that week.

Annika took a certified naturalist class at the Cincinnati Nature Center that allowed her to engage with other people and get them excited about nature and the environment.

Annika: “I naturally hold on to way too many belongings and create too much waste normally. This project was a challenge because, although I have 40

Project Process: May

EMBODIES THE SPIRIT OF SEVEN HILLS AND ITS DEDICATION TO EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING. STUDENTS MOVE OUTSIDE THEIR COMFORT I never thought I could put them together before.”

Fun Fact: May’s favorite board game is Apples to Apples, a game of words and comparisons. She said when she first came to the United States from China, it helped her build her English vocabulary.

Glass Working Senior Kristen Porter Project Description: Kristen learned how to create art with glass at a local glass working shop. Kristen designed and created about 12 pieces, including bowls, coasters, and a birdbath.

SCHOOL NEWS

PERSONAL CHALLENGE Six Stories of Discovery While traveling, glass blowing was one of my favorite arts to watch.”

Fun Fact: Kristen chose to study glass working instead of glass blowing because the former gave her more creative freedom.

Building a Star Wars Droid Senior Cameron Riley Project Description: Cameron built a fully-functional, remote-control operated droid modeled after characters in “Star Wars.”

Project Process: Cameron started off by drawing a life-size schematic of a mouse droid, based on the measurements in the movies. He then ZONES TO REACH NEW ACHIEVEMENTS, built a base robot DISCOVER THE THRILL to build the droid around, where he OF MASTERY, AND SATISFY THEIR NATURAL learned electronic CURIOSITIES. construction techniques. He IN SIX STORIES, WE SHARE A GLIMPSE OF later dealt with WHAT PERSONAL CHALLENGE HAS MEANT several problems FOR SIX UPPERCLASSMEN. with the robot’s programming and Project Process: Over the summer, Kristen took classes at Brazee Street Studios in Oakley. She learned how to cut sheets of glass into strips and shapes and create patterns with the pieces. Kristen then kilned her work.

After four classes, she felt comfortable with the tools and rules of glass working.

Kristen said her favorite pieces to create are bowls.

Kristen: “I chose this project because I have always loved glass art.

worked on the shell to go around the base robot. Finally, Cameron painted the mouse droid and added some finishing touches, clocking in at a total of nearly 46 hours of work.

Cameron: “I have always been fascinated by the Star Wars universe, particularly the droids. I believe this project challenged and enhanced my mechanical abilities, because I was not previously experienced in robotics work.”

Fun Fact: Cameron had to hand-mold many of the components of his droid in order to ensure accuracy. He built his droid from scratch, without using a kit.

Recycling Medical Equipment Senior James Sammarco Project Description: James deconstructed and sanitized a total of 52 external fixators, including 112 rings of external fixators, 24foot plates, and countless screws, plates, pins, bolts, and other high-grade medical titanium parts.

Project Process: James had a spark of an idea when his father started bringing home the medical supplies to show him.

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SCHOOL NEWS

PERSONAL CHALLENGE Six Stories of Discovery James began taking the supplies apart to see how they worked. Once James realized they were extremely expensive pieces of medical equipment that can seriously aid in all orthopedic issues, he thought it would be wasteful to throw away the supplies after a single use.

That prompted Sammarco to write letters to Dr. Mark Mayerson and Dr. Daniel Odjibi. Mayerson, of Baltimore, Maryland, is an orthopedist and founder of Steps 2 Walk, which organizes surgeries all over the world. Odjibi is a former orthopedic surgeon from Kenya who currently lives and works in Cincinnati. Both doctors specialize in foot and ankle surgeries. After learning how to sanitize and sterilize the pieces, he set up logistics for sending the parts to medical professionals in Africa, where they can immediately help orthopedic patients. James said these parts, which are usually single-use in the United States, can be used multiple times if they are properly cleaned.

James: “This project was a challenge because of how long it has taken me.

In total, I put in more than 57 hours of work. It makes my life crammed, but I also feel like it’s just something I need to do, in order to make an impact.”

Fun Fact: When James began this project, he had already put in dozens

of hours of work. He said he has no plans to stop. He will continue to sanitize and sterilize medical supplies so they can be used by those who do not otherwise have access.

Coaching Soccer for the Community Senior Peter Stein Project Description: Peter learned to coach, manage, and engage a soccer team of young athletes at Academy for World Languages.

Project Process: Peter said he first took a two-hour, online course provided by the U.S. Soccer Federation and interviewed experienced soccer coaches. He started out with two-drill sessions for 90 minutes each with kids at the Academy for World Languages from September to the end of October. Peter’s project culminated in his running a fall soccer program at the Academy for World Languages in the fall of 2018.

Peter: “For my entire life I have been surrounded by soccer, whether playing it from a young age or watching it as I got older. So it came as a surprise to me when I learned that many kids in America do not have access to the game. I wanted to provide kids with the opportunity to play soccer, so I reached out to the Academy of World Languages, talked to the administration and a few teachers, and in the fall of 2018 the team was founded. Now in our third season, the AWL soccer team is playing competitive games against other schools and has grown into something far beyond any of my wildest dreams.”

Fun Fact: Peter said he had never coached a sport, although he is a prolific player and spectator of the sport. He said it was a challenge to learn to coach, plan the drills, and manage the young athletes on his team.

PERSONAL CHALLENGE IS A REQUIRED EXPERIENCE THAT SPURS

SEVEN HILLS STUDENTS TO EXPLORE A TALENT OR INTEREST, IN-DEPTH. PERSONAL CHALLENGE EMBODIES THE SPIRIT OF SEVEN HILLS AND ITS DEDICATION TO EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING. STUDENTS MOVE OUTSIDE THEIR COMFORT ZONES TO REACH NEW ACHIEVEMENTS, DISCOVER THE THRILL OF MASTERY, AND SATISFY THEIR NATURAL CURIOSITIES.

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SCHOOL NEWS

SEVEN HILLS UPPER SCHOOL UNPACKS DEFAMATION DURING DAYLONG EVENT Upper School students, their teachers, and administrators came together this fall for a daylong intensive called “The Defamation Experience.”

gender in American life,” said Bolton.

Head of Upper School Matt Bolton recessed Seven Hills’ usual daily schedule in early October to place an emphasis on the importance of understanding the struggles others may face in discriminatory situations.

“The Defamation Experience” has been performed at hundreds of high schools and colleges over the past decade.

Bolton called the actors’ performance, “riveting.”

“Teachers and students alike were drawn into the courtroom drama and into the challenging, heart-wrenching issues it raised. They then broke the fourth wall, calling on the students themselves to serve as the jury and to render a verdict,” said

Bolton. “The students’ comments, questions, and observations during this portion of the performance were exceptional.”

“The Defamation Experience” was a powerful way of reflecting on the world around us and on how each of us can find ways to bridge divides in our country and in our world,” said Bolton.

“After the interactive play, the actors told me that our students were more engaged and thoughtful than most of the college audiences they perform for.

That is a great testament to all of the work of our teachers and student community.”

The day included a thoughtful mix of small-group advisory discussions and an interactive play that explored and fostered honest conversations among students, faculty, and administration.

The event was initiated by Head of School Chris Garten and carried out by Bolton, as well as English teachers Nate Gleiner and Marielle Newton.

“The Defamation Experience” was an engaging and important experience for our Upper School students, one that called on them to grapple with some of the complexities of race, class, and 43

ALUMNI NEWS

CATCHING UP WITH CARTER MACLEOD ’05 “ Seeing the ability of Seven Hills alums to thrive in every city, advance their education and career, and be all-around wonderful humans has pushed me to be a better person. I wish every student in the world could have access to a school like Seven Hills.”

Q: Please tell us about your education Q: In what way did your time at Seven and career path after graduating from Seven Hills.

Hills influence your choice of career or field of study?

to find my path. I started at Kenyon College,

Smythe and Mrs. [Susan] Marrs were the

A: After Seven Hills, it took me a while

A: Without question, Mrs. [Sandra]

then transferred to the University of

two teachers with the most influence on my

Michigan in search of a larger campus. At

writing. Mr. [David] Abineri also helped me

Michigan, I interned at Car and Driver

fall in love with physics and engineering,

magazine, which was my first taste of

despite my lackluster academic performance

automotive journalism.

at the time, which has helped me cover a

After graduating from Michigan, I moved

technical field. I can still remember when we

back to Cincinnati and worked at a web

took apart a car engine in class to study how

company. Unsatisfied, I decided to take a

it worked.

Carter MacLeod ’05

leap and move to Washington, D.C., where I

The friends I met at Seven Hills are still

had a number of friends and family.

among the best I have. Seeing the ability of

However, About three months after I

Seven Hills alums to thrive in every city,

Q: Please tell us about one of your

moved to Washington, my friend Zack Conyne ’05 told me about an opening for an education reporter at U.S. News & World Report. That wasn’t quite in my wheelhouse, but while I was looking at that position, I noticed they were also hiring an automotive reporter. My background writing for a web company and my time at Car and Driver were enough to get me an interview.

I’ve been at U.S. News for almost six years now, working my way up to senior automotive editor and managing a small team of employees and a larger team of freelancers. Working with that team is the best part of the job. Although, driving new

advance their education and career, and be all-around wonderful humans has pushed me to be a better person. I wish every student in the world could have access to a school like Seven Hills.

Q: If you could give your high school self one piece of advice, what would it be?

favorite memories from Seven Hills.

A: I had a project due for Mrs. [Carolyn] Fox’s American history class, and I had

forgotten my notecards at school. I called Mrs. Fox at her home, very upset with myself. She met me at school that Sunday to let me in, so I wouldn’t miss the Monday deadline. It was one of the nicest things anyone had ever done for me, and it taught

A: Think about what you want out of life,

me a powerful lesson about not

about how you can make a comfortable

and a half before I learned to stop

not what others want for you. Then, think

living doing it. Eighteen-year-old me could

inconveniencing others when I procrastinate. It would be another decade procrastinating outright.

have used a healthy boost of optimism, self-confidence, and practicality.

Also, stop being a wuss and ask her out.

cars is pretty cool, too.

44 OUR DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT, SARAH LAUTAR ’05, CAUGHT UP WITH SEVEN HILLS ALUMNI CARTER MACLEOD ’05

ALUMNI NEWS

CATCHING UP WITH SUNNY SAELINGER CPS ’61 “ CPS helped me to be flexible and to adjust quickly to change, and to have the self-assurance to do what I wanted, even if it required extra effort.”

Q: Please tell us about your

education and career path after graduating from CPS.

A: I attended Smith College, where I

majored in bacteriology. I elected to return to University of Cincinnati area (UC) for a Ph.D. in microbiology. For family reasons, I remained in the Cincinnati area after graduation and was appointed to the faculty in the department of molecular genetics at the UC College of Medicine, which was the department from which I received my degree. I remained at UC for nearly 40 years, teaching medical students and graduate students microbiology and cell biology, performing National Institute of Health-funded research on bacterial toxins, and serving on numerous college and university committees, many of which dealt with education and educational changes.

Four years ago, I retired and moved to the Washington, D.C. area to be near my children and grandchildren.

teaching a woman, blind from toddler age, to write her name so that she could sign checks.

By the end of a year, she was able to write anything she wanted. I am still trying to find my niche in the D.C. area, but have joined a local community group and do interviews for applicants to medical school at George Washington School of Medicine, building on years of interviewing at UC.

Sunny Saelinger CPS ’61

Q: In what way did your time at

CPS influence your choice of career or field of study?

A: I wish I could say that dissecting long green worms in Miss Arloine Neufeld’s

biology class piqued my interest in science, but it only made me not eat asparagus for several weeks. I entered Smith as a government major, planning on joining the

Q:. If you could give your high

school self one piece of advice, what would it be?

A: Be less serious. Open up. Share more of yourself. Give your best effort to whatever you do.

Q:. Please tell us about one of your favorite memories from CPS.

Q: How do you stay involved in

Peace Corps to save the world. After taking

A: I have long had an interest in

switched mid-second year—difficult to do

knew each other, but my best friends

because of differences in required courses.

worked with me on the school newspaper,

CPS helped me to be flexible and to adjust

the CornerStone. Several of them are still

quickly to change, and to have the self-

very good friends today—people to whom I

assurance to do what I wanted, even if it

can turn to share a smile or get

required extra effort.

encouragement as needed.

your community?

volunteer activities, beginning in high school. In the ’80s, I was working full time and raising two children, but making time to volunteer was still an important part of my life. One of my favorite experiences was

a course in bacteriology, I realized that was where my true interests lay, and so I

A: I remember the friends I made. The class of 1961 was small (28 girls) so we all

45 AND SUNNY SAELINGER CPS ’61 TO ASK ABOUT THEIR EXPERIENCES SINCE GRADUATING FROM SEVEN HILLS.

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• • • •

All events are free-of-charge, courtesy of your Alumni Association and the Alumni & Development Office.

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Please visit www.7hills.org/reunion for hotel information and the schedule of events.

The classes of 2005, 2010, and 2015 will celebrate their reunions on Saturday, Nov. 28, 2020.

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Class representatives are still needed to help make this a special weekend for your class. Please contact Director of Alumni Engagement Sarah Ott Lautar ’05 at sarah.lautar@7hills.org or 513.728.2432 to volunteer.

SEVEN HILLS classes of 1980, 1985, 1990, 1995, and 2000

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20 NI O N

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WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU THIS SPRING!

LOTSPEICH classes of 1944, 1949, 1954, 1959, 1964, 1969, and 1974

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April 17 & 18

CPS & HILLSDALE classes of 1945, 1950, 1955, 1960, 1965, and 1970

• • • • •

Reunion 2020

Spouses, guests, and families are welcome to all events except for the Classics Luncheon.

All information is available at 7hills.org/reunion.

CONGRATUL ATIONS TO THE CL ASS OF 1995 ON CELEBRATING YOUR 25TH REUNION

1995

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ALUMNI NEWS

Reunion Schedule Friday, April 17 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

CLASSICS LUNCHEON & STATE OF THE SCHOOL for CPS & Hillsdale classes of 1930-1970 and Lotspeich alumni from 1934-1964 Cincinnati Country Club 2348 Grandin Road, 45208

Saturday, April 18

Reserved for class-specific celebrations.

HILLSDALE 1970

1:30-2:30 p.m.

CPS TOUR OF DOHERTY CAMPUS with Head of Doherty Tracy Murch 2726 Johnstone Place, 45206 5-6 p.m.

TOUR OF HILLSDALE CAMPUS Meet in front of the Upper School 5400 Red Bank Road, 45227 6-7:30 p.m.

TASTE OF SEVEN HILLS & REUNION RECEPTION for all Reunion classes and local alumni Hillsdale Campus, 5400 Red Bank Road, 45227 Come check out offerings from alumni chefs and restaurant pros and to see friends in town for Reunion!

CONGRATUL ATIONS TO THE CL ASS OF 1970 ON CELEBRATING YOUR 50TH REUNION

CPS 1970

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ALUMNI NEWS

Alumni Sports Day 2019 On Saturday, Aug. 3, alumni returned to campus for friendly games against varsity team members in volleyball, tennis, women’s soccer, and men’s soccer. The annual event is sponsored by the Alumni Association and the Athletic Boosters. Thank you to all who braved the summer heat for a morning back on the court or field!

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ALUMNI NEWS

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ALUMNI NEWS

YOUNG ALUMNI AWARD INTERVIEW – LILY YAN In 2018, Seven Hills’ Alumni and Development Office initiated the new Young Alumni Award to highlight the achievements of the school’s younger alumni. The award will be given annually to an alumnus under the age of 40 years old who has achieved excellence in his or her chosen pursuits since graduating from Seven Hills. In the fall of 2018, a committee of Seven Hills faculty and administrators selected Lily Yan ’06 as the inaugural recipient.

Lily Yan ’06 graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Yale University. After college, she volunteered with AmeriCorps, and then went on to pursue an M.D. from Stanford University. Presently, Lily is a medical resident in internal medicine at Boston Medical Center and is earning a master’s degree in health systems research at Boston University.

We are honored to present this award to Lily.

Q: Please tell us about your

residency program and studies.

My program combines clinical medicine with public health. In the hospital, I care for the underserved, such as immigrants and people who have stigmatized conditions, like substance use disorder. My refugee patients hold a special place in my heart—they’re fleeing political persecution, LGBTQ-based violence, and tragic socio-political situations. But they are so resilient.

My master’s program focuses on

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My favorite display was the day she played “The Rainbow Connection,” sung by Kermit the Frog, and then successively lit seven different metals in petri dishes on fire, each one burning a color of the rainbow.

Mr. [Bob] Turansky’s history and political theory class taught me to look for the people who are missing, who are at the margins, and to always question existing power structures.

health systems. It’s a little odd to switch back and forth between the clinical setting where I’m the person with the authority as the physician, to the classroom where, as a student, I often know very little. But it keeps me on my toes!

Q: Which teachers, classes, or

activities at Seven Hills influenced you?

Mr. [David] Abineri’s calculus and physics classes taught me how to think for myself. He was so skilled in teaching us the framework, but then expected us to take the final leap.

And it was a gift, to let us have that “aha!” moment.

Mrs. [Linda] Ford’s chemistry class taught me curiosity and wonder.

Mr. [Nate] Gleiner’s English class taught me to be kinder to myself.

I was an angsty teenager, and he always took me seriously.

Q: Where do you see yourself

professionally in the next 10 years?

I plan on combining patient care with global health research. I want to improve health systems in low-middle income countries so that they take better care of people with chronic health problems. There’s been great progress for HIV/AIDS care and infectious diseases. As people live longer, there’s going to be a wave of folks who need regular medical visits and access to medications that aren’t quite set up yet.

To learn more about the new young alumni award, visit www.7hills.org/YoungAlumnusAward.

Download a QR code reader on your smartphone or tablet and scan the code to learn more about Lily Yan.

ALUMNI NEWS

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT: KAREN CALLARD ’80

Q:. In what ways have you given back to Seven Hills?

A: When my husband Paul ’81, and I

There are many ways to volunteer at Seven Hills, and even more reasons to do so! We asked alumna and former parent Karen Callard why she chooses to give back to Seven Hills.

Q: How did you first get involved with Seven Hills?

A: As both a Seven Hills alumna and the parent of two Seven Hills graduates, Lucy ’18 and Dottie ’19, I have been closely connected to Seven Hills for most of my life! A lot of that time has been spent as a volunteer, beginning soon after I graduated from the school and continuing even today.

Seven Hills gave me so much while I was a student, which is why I have always been more than happy to give back.

had school-age children, we knew they would attend Seven Hills. We just needed to decide between Doherty Lower School and Lotspeich Lower School. Both our girls started at Doherty, beginning in prekindergarten. Although Paul and I both worked full time, we felt it was important to volunteer—not only to support the school but also to meet other parents. Throughout the 15 years our kids attended Seven Hills, we volunteered in different ways, including serving as soccer and softball coaches, helping with the Doherty Carnival and Library Sale, lending a hand to the development office by helping with annual giving solicitations, assisting with class reunions, participating on Parent Council and Upper School parent association, and sitting on the Board of Trustees, to name a few.

Q:. Why do you continue to give of

We’re Thankful for Volunteer Support The Development Office is grateful for the support we get from our volunteers.

If you’d like to join our team of volunteers, we’d be very happy to have you!

HELPING HANDS

Join fellow alumni and friends of Seven Hills who assist with occasional development office mailings.

ANNUAL GIVING COMMIT TEES

Help support the Annual Fund by writing notes or making calls to encourage Seven Hills families and friends to make a gift.

C L A S S R E P R E S E N TAT I V E S

Help keep your classmates connected to each other and to the school with information about upcoming events, sharing classmates’ news, and encouraging Annual Fund support.

To volunteer, please contact the Development Office at 513.728.2430 or development@7hills.org.

your time to Seven Hills?

A: Seven Hills has played a special

role in our lives as well as in the lives of our children. We continue to be involved to do our part to support such a very special place.

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Seven Hills Roadshow: Chicago The Seven Hills Roadshow’s first stop this year was in Chicago, on Sept.

18, for a reception at Untitled Supper Club. Area alumni had a great time reconnecting with old friends, meeting new ones, and speaking with world language teacher and alumna Wynne McCarthy Curry H’71, who shared Seven Hills Upper School news. Director of Development Margo Kirstein shared an update on recent new construction and renovation projects on both Hillsdale and Doherty campuses, and plans for the next strategic planning process.

Many thanks to our Chicago event hosts Caroline Decker ’02, Peter Wojda ’06, and Chris Wyant ’01.

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ALUMNI NEWS

Seven Hills Roadshow: New York City On Oct. 1, the Seven Hills Roadshow was back in New York City, where alumni gathered at the Cosmopolitan Club, overlooking a beautiful view of the city. Head of Middle School Bill Waskowitz shared information about innovative Middle School programs and provided an overview of Seven Hills’ new strategic plan. Alumni shared news and updates about their careers and interests and special memories from their Seven Hills days.

Many thanks to the wonderful hosts of the event, including Peter Dumbadze ’06, Margaret Kent Edson ’04, Jan Fullgraf Golann H’67, Deeanne Schroder Huntstein H’57, Evan Joiner ’03, Bobby Marcus ’97, Suzy Marquard H’68, Walker Schiff ’10, Margot Taft Stever H’68, Sharon Worthing Vaino C’70, Liza Martindale Weiner ’99, and Mary Wulsin Zema ’05.

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ALUMNI NEWS

Seven Hills and Cincinnati Country Day come together for summer Alumni Happy Hour On Aug. 15, young alumni from both Seven Hills and Cincinnati Country Day School reconnected at Pins Mechanical Co. in Over-the-Rhine for an evening of fun, food, and socializing. Many thanks to Scott Stough ’06 for making the arrangements and serving as host. Thank you, also, to the other hosts, including Bryan Bibler ’04, Maddie Caldemeyer ’11, Allie Horwitz ’10, Max Schimberg ’09, Kiki Steinman ’10, and Abbey Wood ’08.

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ALUMNI NEWS

DOES THE SCHOOL STILL … ?

Alumni often ask us if the school maintains events and traditions that they remember fondly from their own years at the school. Many times, our answer is, “Yes, we still do that!”

ALUMNI INVITED TO SING DURING WINTER CHORUS CONCERT Alumni who enjoyed singing with the Upper School chorus have wondered if the tradition to invite alumni to join the chorus onstage for a song during the winter concert continues. It does!

Since the very early days of CPS and Hillsdale, the schools offered glee clubs and chorus for musically inclined students to share their love of singing. Like many schools, Seven Hills’ chorus traditionally holds a concert before winter break.

Chair of the Fine and Performing Arts Department and music and speech teacher Tina Kuhlman recalls that the tradition of inviting alumni to join the chorus for a song began the 1998-99 school year, when a number of alums were in the audience. Kuhlman explained how the invitation has become a tradition, saying, “Since that particular performance, we end every winter concert with the songs “Al Shlosha D’Varim/Night of Silence” and “Joy to the World.” Because they already know the songs, we always invite the alumni in the audience to join us on stage.”

The tradition is a favorite of alumna Shaina Rose Brock Horner ’01, herself a member of the Upper School chorus in her Seven

Hills days, when the group met in the old Upper School building. Shaina, in addition to being a Seven Hills alumni is also the parent of a Seven Hills ninth-grader, said, “This season, I’m looking forward to joining the Upper School chorus and my fellow

The long-held tradition will now take place in a new space. Last spring, chorus concerts and other performances were moved from Founders Hall to the stage of the beautiful new Schiff Center.

Alumni are welcome to visit The Schiff

alumni on stage for the final selections of the winter performance, to sing “Night of Silence” and “Joy to the World!””

Center for a winter chorus concert, and to join the Upper School singers on stage for a song!

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ALUMNI NEWS

CLASS NOTES News from our Alumni 1967 Congratulations to Barbara Fuller Cherry (Ashburn, Virginia) and her husband Russ, who welcomed a new grandson! Tyler Richard Cherry was born on March 20, 2019, to Barbara’s son Mark Cherry and daughter-in-law Christy. 1 1

for the channel this year. The Overall Excellence award is given to the television operation that exemplifies the best in broadcasting, from news coverage to promotions, community service, and other considerations.

College in the Quad City area of Illinois, he earned a masters degree from the University of Iowa. Manuel tells us he “now lives in the amazing city of Amsterdam, where I work as a psychiatric nurse.” 3

Riva Lehrer (Chicago, Illinois) wrote, “My book, “Golem Girl,” is set to come out September 2020 via Penguin Random House.”

1989 4

1981

Robin Smith Armstrong (Cincinnati), Barbara Fuller Cherry (Ashburn, Virginia), and Deanne “DeeDee” Dreisbach Thomson (Broomfield, Colorado) all enjoyed a trip to Europe this past summer.

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Brett Rubenstein (Colorado Springs, Colorado) shared that he recently reconnected with former Seven Hills science teachers Steve Kerchner and Anne Carson—who were later his colleagues at Fountain Valley School—in Boulder, Colorado. 4

1976

1992

Darla Davies (Keswick, Virginia) recently published a new book, “Who Said I’d Never Dance Again? A Journey from Hip Replacement Surgery to Athletic Victory.”

Congratulations to Tiernan Sittenfeld (Washington, D.C.) on being included in National Journal’s list of 50 People Changing the Game in Washington for her work as top lobbyist at the League of Conservation Voters.

Merry Ewing (Fort Wayne, Indiana) is station vice president and general manager of Fort Wayne’s NBC affiliate, which recently was presented with an Emmy Award for Overall Excellence by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences—Great Lakes Chapter, the top honor handed out at the group’s 50th anniversary gala. Merry accepted the award, which was one of two Emmy honors

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Susan Kaufmann Campbell (Davidson, North Carolina) shared a photo from the retirement celebration for Don Cameron, who taught at Seven Hills in the late 1970s and early 1980s. To help send Don off in style, Susan collected notes from Seven Hills alumni from Don’s years here to share with him upon his retirement from teaching. Pictured from left are Susan Cameron, Don Cameron, and Susan Campbell. 2

1986 Manuel Viana (Amsterdam, Netherlands) wrote to us that after attending Augustana

3

1998 Lauryn Mangat (Taos, New Mexico) wrote, “I’ve been settled in Taos, New Mexico, for almost three years with my boyfriend, Justin. I am the guest services manager at a high-end hotel called The Blake at the base of Taos Ski Valley. Justin and I are

In Memoriam

SHARE YOUR NEWS

New job? Recently married?

Written a book? If you have stories to share, please don’t hesitate! Go to www.7hills.org/alumniupdates.

Drop us a line and send high resolution photos (.jpeg format)

2004 Stefani Fishel Wolkoff (Cincinnati) wrote, “My husband Michael and I are thrilled to share that on April 5, 2019, we welcomed our son Blaine Ezra. Older brother Julian absolutely loves his baby brother!” 5

1941 Kathryn “Kay” Mitchell Pettengill (Cincinnati) passed away on Jan. 22, 2019.

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to sarah.lautar@7hills.org.

Mary Burton Stewart (Cincinnati) passed away on Oct. 5, 2019.

1945 Dorothy Meyer Krumme (Cincinnati) passed away on April 14, 2018.

getting ready to build a house on our 15 acres of mountain property. We’re super excited and life is good!”

Katherine Draznik Schell (Cincinnati) wrote, “Our family moved to Loveland in July. We are loving our new neighborhood!

Our kids, Abby (5) and Eli (2), are staying busy with soccer, tennis, and Girl Scouts (I somehow volunteered to be the troop leader—should be interesting!). I have also just completed getting my Ohio Real Estate License, and will be joining Sibcy Cline in their Montgomery Office. After 15 years in the culinary industry, I’m very excited about this new step in my career!”

Our condolences to the families and friends who have lost loved ones.

1949 Adelaide Bieser Ottenjohn (Cincinnati) passed away on March 30, 2019.

2005 Sarah Ott Lautar (Cincinnati) and her husband, Daniel, welcomed their son, James Warrington Lautar, on July 29, 2019. 6

1950 Lynne Hanselman Hopple (Cincinnati) passed away on Sept. 18, 2019.

1955 6

Mary Tallentire (Lawrenceburg, Indiana) passed away on May 10, 2019.

2002 Jill Donenfeld (New York, New York/Los Angeles, California) wrote that her NYC-based business, The Culinistas (theculinistas.com), an in-home private chef business, continues to thrive and grow.

Jill reports, “We have 12 employees, including a marketing director and a tech director, we’ve moved into a new, bigger office, and expanded our service into Los Angeles in September.”

2007 Congratulations to Emily Balskus (Cambridge, Massachusetts), who received the Blavatnik National Award for Young 57

ALUMNI NEWS

CLASS NOTES News from our Alumni Scientists, the largest unrestricted scientific prize offered to scientific researchers under the age of 42. Emily, a professor of chemistry and chemical biology, received the award for her work identifying never-before-seen chemistry of bacteria in the human gut. In addition to identifying its chemistry, Emily discovered how manipulations of the bacteria impact human health and disease. 7

INTERESTED IN BEING A REUNION REP FOR YOUR CL ASS?

Please Contact Sarah Ott Lautar ’05, Director of Alumni Engagement sarah.lautar@7hills.org 513.728.2432

Former Seven Hills Teacher Seven Hills alumnus Chris Rice ’88 wrote to tell us that his mother, former Doherty music teacher Patricia (Pat) Rice (Cincinnati), passed away on Sept. 1, 2019.

A much-loved teacher at Doherty for more than 20 years, alumni and former colleagues shared remembrances on social media of Pat’s great enjoyment of music and her ability to always see the bright side of things. She will be forever loved and missed by her family, many friends, and former students and colleagues. 9 9

2009

7

Best wishes to Katie Dinger Stith (Cincinnati) and her husband, Benjamin, on the birth of their daughter, Harper Charlotte, on July 9, 2018! 8

Julie Louise Koenig (New York, New York) graduated from Stanford University School of Medicine with her M.D. on June 15, 2019. Julie will complete a transitional year internship at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City. Next year she will begin a residency program in radiation oncology at Harvard University.

Julie deeply appreciates and is grateful for the wonderful education, teachers, friends and experiences she encountered at Seven Hills from kindergarten through 12th grade.

SHARE YOUR NEWS

Our condolences to family and New job? Recently married?

Written a book? If you have stories to share, please don’t hesitate! Go to www.7hills.org/alumniupdates.

Drop us a line and send high resolution photos (.jpeg format) to sarah.lautar@7hills.org.

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friends who lost loved ones as reported in this issue.

ALUMNI NEWS

Alumni Events 2020 Friday, Jan. 24, 2020 Seven Hills Roadshow Event in Naples, Florida Luncheon at the Naples Yacht Club 12 p.m.

700 14th Ave. South, Naples, Florida 34102 Wednesday, March 4, 2020 Next Chapter Event at Miller Gallery with Gallery Director Heather Zaring Vecellio ’92 6-8 p.m.

Join us for a gallery tour and to learn about art collecting.

Miller Gallery, 2715 Erie Ave., Cincinnati 45208

Taste of Seven Hills 6-7:30 p.m.

The Schiff Center, 5400 Red Bank Road, Cincinnati 45227 Saturday, April 18, 2020 Individual Class Reunion Celebrations Details to come from your Class Representatives.

Contact Sarah Lautar ’05 at sarah.lautar@7hills.org or 513.728.2432 to volunteer!

Friday, April 17, 2020 Reunion 2020 Classics Luncheon, Tours of Campuses, and Taste of Seven Hills See page 44 for details Classics Luncheon 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

Cincinnati Country Club 2348 Grandin Road, Cincinnati 45208

2019-20 Seven Hills Board of Trustees Photo on back cover

Bottom Row 1: Jen Stein, Karen Callard ’80, Jessica McLennan, Janet Allgaier Row 2: Christopher Garten, Jennifer Dauer, Dorothy Corbett ’84, Amy DeWitt, Karen Meyer Row 3: Tom Garber ’96, Andrew Quinn, Rob Anning ’86, Dobbs Ackermann, Jutta Lafley, Lair Kennedy, Lalitha Chunduri Top Row 4: Dan Schimberg ’80, Scott Carroll ’85, Nolan Bean, Steve Baggott, Jim Jurgensen, Theo Nelson, John Schneider Not pictured: Peter Cha, Ron DeLyons, Marc Fisher, Sashi Kilaru, Mike Nordlund, Ben Glassman, and Beth and Jim Schiff

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The Seven Hills School Hillsdale Campus 5400 Red Bank Road Cincinnati, Ohio 45227