The Seven Hills Spring Magazine 2021

SPRING SEMESTER 2021

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C E L E B R AT I N G E A C H O T H E R : S E V E N H I L L S TA P S I N T O T H E STRENGTH OF OUR FAMILIES

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A COMMUNITY WITHIN A C O M M U N I T Y: T H E S E V E N HILLS MIDDLE SCHOOL

Contents 3 4 6 8 10 14 24 28 30 32 34 36 39 40 42 46 48 54 58 60 63

Seven Hills Class of 2021 Matriculation Celebrating the Class of 2021 Column By Head of School Christopher P. Garten Keeping Traditions Alive Celebrating Each Other: Seven Hills Taps into the Strength of Our Families

By Karla Dejean & Taylor Evans

A Community Within a Community: The Seven Hills Middle School By Taylor Evans Upper School Personal Challenge Projects Civic Engagement Day Winter Sports Roundup Transforming Lower School Academics Through Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Fine and Performing Arts Roundup Buzz Sampler Retirements Stinger Madness and Day of Giving Alumni Profiles – Hannah Bloch and Toni Sciarra Poynter Alumni Panel Discussion Front cover photo:

Fall Alumni Reunion

Eighth graders in math teacher Kristina O'Connor's class made use of newfound space this year, writing out algebraic formulas that were front and center, and ready to be analyzed.

Spring Virtual Alumni Reunion 2021 Young Alumni Award – Rahawa Ghebre-Ab ’01 Alumni Class Notes

Spring 2021

Special thanks to Keith Neu for his sports photography.

Alumni Calendar

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 © 2021 The Seven Hills School

SEVEN HILLS CL ASS OF 2021 Our congratulations and very best wishes go with the members of the Class of 2021, who will be attending the following colleges and universities in the fall.

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graduates

C L A S S

Lilly Eijkenboom

Jon Allen

Kylee Ellis

Grace Arya

Hannah Elluru

Bobby Bao

Owen Foster

Tucker Bassett

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M A T R I C U L A T I O N

L I S T

Audrey Howard

Nandini Likki

Laxmi Namboodiri

Wesley Wang

John Humphrey

Nolan Loring

Reva Namboodiri

Matt Weirich

Annie Icenhower

Dhruv Mahajan

Anna Okum

Holly Weisfelder

Robert Jeon

Hana Mahmoud

Abbie Palmer

Scott Williams

Molly Francis

Elizabeth Johnston

Max Maislin

Mia Patel

Anna Wiot

Nick Butler

Alex Frohn

Summer Jones

Luke Malloy

Craig Qi

Charlie Wood

Griffin Callow

Jonathan Gai

Tim Kalin

Jake Mann

Charlie Ringel

Kevin Xiao

Avery Cercek

Wes Gardner

Shriya Kilaru

Christopher Maring

Caroline Routh

Andy Yang

Emma Cohen

Sahil Ghatora

David Kiley

Brooke Meador

Lilly Rubenstein

Meg Yuan

Bart Cooper

Daniel Goldfeder

Annabel

Anya Moeller

Uma Shenai

Aaron Ziegler

Matt Coulson

Faith Hagerty

Blake Morse

Elyse Stieby

Eli Dauer

George Hausberger

Catherine Kogan

Joe Moses

Megan Tan

Zachary Domet

Will Hawgood

Will Kohnen

Steven Mu

Christina Torlone

Kurt Drath

Abby Heck

Savoy Lackey

Harrison Mullin

Riyah Vaughn

Kleinwaechter

colleges Allegheny College American University Arizona State University Baldwin Wallace University Barnard College Baylor University Boston College, 2 Brandeis University Brown University Carleton College Case Western Reserve University Clark University Colby College, 2 Denison University Duke University Elon University

Emory University George Washington University, 2 Georgia Institute of Technology Harvard University Indiana University, 5 Johns Hopkins University, 2 Miami University, 2 New York University Ohio State University, 6 Purdue University, 3 Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Rhodes College

Rochester Institute of Technology San Diego State University Sewanee: The University of the South Texas Christian University The New School Trinity College Tulane University University of Arizona University of California/ Los Angeles University of California/ Santa Barbara University of Cambridge (England) University of Chicago

universities

Angus Ackermann

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University of Cincinnati, 4 University of Denver University of Kentucky, 2 University of Maryland, 2 University of North Carolina/Chapel Hill, 2 University of Rochester University of Toronto (Canada), 2 University of Virginia Vassar College Villanova University Virginia Polytechnic Institute Wake Forest University, 3 Wheaton College (MA)

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2021 Congratulations TH

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A Class of Re After a year of uncertainty, one thing remained consistent—the resilience of the Class of 2021. We celebrated this remarkable group of young people at Seven Hills’ 47th Commencement on June 4.

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“Now is your turn and time to lead.”

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The Class of 2021

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The Hon. Timothy S. Black delivering the commencement address

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Lotspeich Lower School students cheering on our seniors during a campus-wide parade on May 18

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Students wave to family and friends at the 47th Seven Hills Commencement

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Head of School Chris Garten

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Head of Upper School Matt Bolton

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Seven Hills celebrated seniors with a campuswide parade

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Seniors wore their college T-shirts for a group photo

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Student speaker David Kiley

The words of commencement speaker Hon. Timothy S. Black charged the Class of 2021 with the responsibility of encouraging and inspiring each other to draw from their resilience and to value their connections with others. The 79 graduates, clad in caps and gowns, came together to commemorate their myriad achievements and time at Seven Hills, and to hear speeches from several school community leaders, including Head of School Chris Garten, Head of Upper School Matt Bolton, and Board of Trustees Chair Stephen Baggott.

“You have lived through a historic moment in history and found ways to make the years not just manageable, but joyous,” Bolton told Seven Hills’ newest alumni.

Students also heard from classmate David Kiley, history teacher and college counselor Beth Driehaus, and parent Mandy Hayes ’91, who is also a Middle School English teacher at Seven Hills.

In addition to the commencement, several alumni received awards.

Peter Matthews ’91 and Elizabeth Lende Williams H’60, received the Goodall Distinguished Alumni Award. Rahwa Ghebre-Ab ’01 received the Young Alumni Award.

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Christopher P. Garten HEAD OF SCHOOL

Though 2020-21 has certainly been a challenging year, our faculty and staff, students and their families have shown remarkable resilience.

Blessed with two large, wellequipped campuses and ample resources to fund new safety protocols, we have been able to provide an in-person learning experience for the entire school year.

Approximately 10% of our students opted to learn remotely for at least one segment of the year, but even these students were able to attend their classes in real time, thanks to the motionactivated video cameras we installed in all classrooms. So, at a time when many schools across the country have struggled with significant "learning loss," we have been very fortunate to be able to sustain our rigorous and engaging academic program.

ACADEMIC RECOGNITION

For the second year in a row, Niche.com named Seven Hills one of the top two College Preparatory Schools in Ohio and, for the first time ever, the

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Business Courier recognized all three of our school divisions—Lower, Middle, and Upper—as the Best in Cincinnati.

Moreover, in one of the most challenging academic years in recent memory, our students have continued to distinguish themselves. Over 150 students took a total of 354 AP tests, with 92% achieving college credit-granting scores of three or above. In addition, 102 students were named Advanced Placement Scholars.

FACILITIES ENHANCEMENTS

The new Schiff Center and Field House, as well as the major renovations we have done, on the Doherty Campus, to Haile and Jones Halls and to the Brooks Hall cafeteria and gymnasium, and, on Hillsdale Campus, to the Founders Hall cafeteria, the Hillsdale Commons, and the Donovan Arts Center, have enabled us to provide robust learning experiences, even in this era of social distancing.

And the progress continues! Just last month, the Board of Trustees authorized a significant renovation and expansion of our Middle School academic building. The new facility, which will be completed by April 2022, will contain 19 classrooms and laboratories, each nearly double the size of the existing spaces, to support the hands-on,

inquiry-based, collaborative learning that truly distinguishes our Middle School program. Moreover, these new classrooms will be arranged in three grade-level communities, each with their own gathering areas, to support close relationships among students and teachers at each grade level.

STRATEGIC PROGRAM INITIATIVES

In spite of the challenges this year has brought, the administration, faculty, and staff have continued to work on many of the program initiatives enumerated in the Strategic Plan of 2019. In 2020-21, year two of our five-year plan, we have been working on:

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM)

Doherty’s Creation Studio and new Robotics and Engineering courses, Lotspeich’s Project Math program, the Middle School’s Innovation Lab and coding electives, and the Upper School’s vast array of elective courses in science, mathematics, computer science, and engineering.

Health and Wellness

Program enhancements in counseling, learning support, college counseling, and health

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I appreciate, more than I can adequately convey, the confidence so many of you have expressed in our leadership team, our faculty and staff, and in our students.

- Head of School, Chris Garten

education, and for 2021-22, a new relationship with MindPeace, to provide onsite access to licensed mental health providers.

Civic Engagement and Global Awareness

Curriculum grants to focus on contemporary and global topics in language arts and social studies, new elective courses in social studies, economics, and environmental studies, and a broader array of world language and travel programs.

Co-Curricular Programs

arts, enrichment clubs and activities, and the new Experiential Learning Program, including the May Terms, Concentrations, and the launch, in 2021-22, of the Civic Engagement Seminars.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The Board’s Strategic Plan of 2019 also called for “realizing fully our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion” as part of our continuing effort to prepare our students for an increasingly diverse, interconnected, and global community. This year, we have devoted significant time to fleshing out our plans through a series of focus groups and stakeholder surveys. While the plan is still being finalized, efforts are already underway in some of the following areas: 1. Continuing to build the diversity of our student population.

2. Recruiting and supporting a more diverse administration, faculty, and staff.

3. Providing ongoing faculty training to ensure that all teachers have the necessary skills to work comfortably and confidently with colleagues,

students, and families from a wide variety of backgrounds.

4. Enriching the curriculum to ensure that students at all levels have opportunities to explore the rich diversity of human experience and view the world from a variety of perspectives.

5. Designing mechanisms to engender greater student buy-in and empower students, in all four divisions, to take responsibility for sustaining an inclusive and equitable community.

In challenging times like this, I am especially grateful for this Seven Hills community. We are so fortunate to have the resources we have, not only material and technological resources, but the huge reserves of energy and expertise upon which we can draw. I appreciate, more than I can adequately convey, the confidence so many of you have expressed in our leadership team, our faculty and staff, and in our students. Working together, we have surmounted these unprecedented challenges and will, I have every confidence, emerge from them in an even stronger position.

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SCHOOL NEWS

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KE E PI NG TRAD ITIONS ALIVE Throughout the 2020-21 school year, the Seven Hills community found ways to come together and carry on our beloved traditions, which looked a little different thanks to masks and social distancing. Whether it was photos of the first day of school, our Lower School students walking in the Halloween parades, or Upper and Middle School students performing shows and concerts in The Schiff Center, we celebrated the traditions that make Seven Hills, Seven Hills.

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1. Students shared their first day of school photos 2. We celebrated an all-school Spirit Week in December 3. Doherty students enjoyed a Halloween car parade 4. Lotspeich students paraded around Hillsdale Campus track to celebrate Halloween 5. Middle School students enjoyed a modified Pumpkin Day 6. Doherty’s Unit III held its annual Tunnel Walk to commemorate Sept. 11 7. The Upper School instrumental groups performed a virtual concert 8. The Middle School staged a socially distanced, livestreamed production of “Shrek the Musical, Jr.” 9. Some students started the school year virtually 10. The Upper School chorus performed a virtual concert 11. Lotspeich and Upper School students separately danced the Turkey Tango 12. Lotspeich students completed a variety of projects to share with their special people for a virtual Grandperson’s Day

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Seven Hills Taps into the Strength of Our Families Right now, more than ever, we are mindful of what anchors us, propels us, and keeps us grounded— our families. And, as we take a look at our families, we are thrilled to hear their stories. As moms, dads, sisters and brothers, grandparents, and aunts and uncles come together to move our students forward, we embrace who they are and how they continue to shape and mold the futures of their children. Learn more about just a few Seven Hills families whose stories inspire us as a school community and as individuals.

When a Globally Minded School Counts:

The Samahas

“It was Jacky Kalubi,” said Samaha, who is Lebanese and mother of a Seven Hills seventh-grader and three Seven Hills alumni. “She called me before I even knew about it myself.”

The call prompted Samaha to check on several family members who live in Lebanon. While she was saddened by the tragedy, she felt relieved that her family was OK. Samaha was also touched by the fact that someone at her son’s school was so globally minded and aware of each one of her students, that she immediately thought of her and her family.

Shortly after the chemical blast

that shook Lebanon, taking the lives of 204 people and turning the country upside down in August 2020, Seven Hills parent Marielle Samaha received a call.

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It is personal touches and check-ins like these, between teachers and families, that serve as a common thread that pulls the many divisions together, said Samaha. And with that constancy has come peace of mind and a growing sense of connection.

“Our family lives around the world,” said Samaha. “My kids don’t have aunts and uncles who live

Karla Dejean & Taylor Evans

close to them, so Seven Hills has been a second family for my kids. I can say that all of my kids’ teachers really care about their students and their families.

And to tell you the truth, they know my children in ways that I don’t.”

Having had children at Seven Hills across a 15-year period, Samaha said she has always enjoyed the personal touch between her family and dozens of Seven Hills teachers, reaching back to her oldest son and his relationship with now-retired Lotspeich teacher Margaret Vitz.

“When my son, Patrick, was a young student and shy in class, Mrs. Vitz just gave him a hug and let him feel comfortable,” said Samaha. “Since that day with Mrs. Vitz, he would run straight to the class himself and when it was a no-school day, he would be upset. Seven Hills has always been this way. While other schools seem more focused on the parents’ happiness, Seven Hills is so close to the kids and they want the children to succeed.

Their priority is the kids.”

A Philosophy of Academic Endurance:

The Briquets

said her older children, Thibaut and Ariane, continue to be inspired by their learning experiences. “Chris Caldemeyer sets a relaxed stage and creates unique prompts that foster my children’s creativity in what they want to explore in their writing workshop,” she said.

Seven Hills mom and

alumna Lisa Binkley Briquet ’91 has a book’s worth of stories chronicling how each Seven Hills teacher has made an impact on her children’s learning experiences.

“The reason we chose Seven Hills is that sense of community—and it really is all about the teachers,” said Briquet. “They see my children on such a personal level.”

For example, when her youngest, Eulalie, was in pre-kindergarten, Briquet said she watched teacher Judy Shuppert respond to her students’ interest in using wooden blocks to build a community. “Judy stopped what she had planned and talked about what a community has to have,” said Briquet. “It became one of the most memorable learning units for my daughter that year.”

More recently, Briquet calls Doherty Unit I teacher Amy Kulhavik the “guide of guides” for many families at the rough start of the pandemic when there were so many unknowns on the cusp of remote learning in March of 2020. And she said Doherty Unit II teacher Julie Guminey worked to keep all of her students connected, no matter where they were. “It was really amazing,” she said. “Doherty is in our heart and soul.”

Now, with children at Doherty, Middle, and Upper School, Briquet

And in the Upper School, Briquet said Ariane’s teachers, such as Jason Knarr and Dan Polifka, go out of their way to support their students.

“I appreciate that Mr. Polifka is more concerned about students putting the puzzle pieces together.

If you focus too much on your own performance you aren’t going to see it,” said Briquet. “His philosophy is what Seven Hills is about as a school—academic endurance. All Seven Hills teachers want students to go out in the world as experienced learners.”

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A Sense of Community:

The Mingos

When looking for a school in 2015,

Seven Hills parents Chuck and Maria Mingo knew The Seven Hills School would offer their children a great education, but they had one question to answer before making their decision.

“We asked ourselves the question, ‘Do we feel like our family could be part of this place?’” said Chuck.

Today, the Mingos are very much a part of the Seven Hills community.

Their oldest child, Nathan, is a sixth-grader, and Samuel, a thirdgrader, and Isabel, a first-grader, attend Lotspeich Lower School.

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Chuck is a member of the Board of Trustees and has volunteered as a Lower School track and basketball coach. Maria has volunteered in several capacities, including in classrooms, at the Book Fair, on field trips, and for the Lotspeich yearbook.

Like many parents at Seven Hills, the Mingos share stories of family traditions and holidays in their children’s classrooms.

The Mingos enjoy Seven Hills’ community events and Lotspeich traditions. A particular highlight is the Thanksgiving Turkey Tango. “I love seeing the seniors with the secondgraders…I think it’s really special the way the school finds ways to bring (students) together,” Chuck said.

Maria added, “All these little events are what really bring parents together with their children in the school.”

Chuck and Maria said they believe Seven Hills’ strength as a community lies within the relationships between

faculty and staff, parents, and students. While Seven Hills parents are involved and engaged, teachers and administrators are invested in their children.

Maria shared just how invested teachers and administrators are. She explained their son, Samuel, is a little introverted. This year, he cherished his one-on-one time with Head of Lotspeich Carolyn Fox. “The time (Mrs. Fox) takes to know a child individually blows my mind,” Maria said. “She really knows our children.”

The Mingos also value Seven Hills’ commitment to being a community that continues to seek ways to improve. Chuck noted the school is “going in the right direction” with the hiring of a director of diversity, equity, and inclusion. In the winter, Chuck and Maria also spoke to the Lotspeich faculty via Zoom about the topic of race. The Mingos received a thank you card signed by everyone who participated. They felt that, as parents, their voices mattered.

“We’re very grateful we found Seven Hills and we’re grateful to be part of the community,” Chuck said.

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Modeling Our Values:

The Shahanis

In February, when the tri-state

area was coated in snow, Seven Hills parent Priya Shahani had some very disappointed children on her hands. Seven Hills was closed due to inclement weather, and Shahani’s children, Lotspeich kindergarteners Nikhil and Emerson and third-grader Lila, were bummed.

In the classroom, the teachers also serve as models for their students.

Shahani said they encourage behavior that follows the school’s values. Seven Hills teachers also give her children

“Every day, they’re so excited to go to school,” Shahani said.

Shahani said Nikhil, Emerson, and Lila have an enthusiasm for school and learning. With Seven Hills’ small class sizes, her children’s teachers can be hands-on and give them the individualized attention they need. “I believe the teachers expect the best for and from my children,” Shahani said. “They give them the tools to thrive and grow daily.”

the space to express themselves and discover their individuality.

“The children see the teachers and administrators as example setters,” Shahani said. “The teachers model

respect and resilience and how to work together.”

Shahani said the 2019-20 school year’s period of remote learning was a challenge, but Seven Hills was “incredible” at encouraging her children during a difficult time.

She felt that her children learned resilience because of it and the teachers, once again, showed their resiliency. Shahani said Emerson’s pre-kindergarten teacher, Kiki Schneider, adapted to remote learning by turning her backyard into a classroom students explored via Zoom.

“Mrs. Schneider taught the children all about her backyard chickens during the daily lessons,” Shahani said. “We also saw many of her plants begin to bloom and witnessed a family of birds hatch from eggs in a nest on her front porch. These were real life examples that followed the lesson plans the children were working on at the time.”

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By Taylor Evans

M I D DLE S C H O O L From curriculum that asks students to unpack the components of true friendship, to exploring the depths of systematic oppression throughout history and empathybased STEM projects, Seven Hills’ Middle School learning experiences embody academic engagement, respectful discourse, and, above all else, connection.

The Middle School is home to collaboration and trust-focused conversations that open new worlds of understanding for our adolescent learners. As our Middle School prepares to make a transition that will soon result in state-of-the-art, renovated spaces designed to maximize our students’ dynamic learning experiences, we take a look at a few programs that define the Middle School— regardless of the physical space that houses them. Seven Hills’ Middle School stands as an ever-changing, ever-growing supportive environment for our students and their teachers—whether it is the framework put in place for students to listen to each other and lend a helping hand, or curriculum built to support their innate interest to help those across the globe. Take a look as we share just a few ways our Middle School is truly a forum for all.

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T R U E , K I N D , A N D N E C E S S A RY:

Social-Emotional Programming in the Middle On an early March day, Middle School students are grouped in classrooms by advisory, seated at their desks, and

question, “When you speak, is what you’re going to say true, kind, and necessary?” The phrase is repeated and used often by Head of Middle School Bill Waskowitz.

“I strongly believe that simple things are the most powerful,” said Waskowitz. “True, kind, and necessary are guideposts that we, as humans, can live by.”

focused on a schoolwide Zoom assembly for the inaugural True, Kind, and Necessary Day. One student shares what makes her feel different. She admits that, sometimes, she doesn’t feel like she fits in. She shares her feelings openly, knowing she can speak freely with her peers.

In a culture defined by empathy and respect, Seven Hills Middle School students can engage in these trustbased conversations. The school is built on a unique foundation of safety, connection, and trust, driven by the

. . .“ There’s a shared, common language and value set in the Middle School. It ties back to Bill’s mantra of true, kind, and necessar y.”

The saying was the inspiration for True, Kind, and Necessary Day, a half day dedicated to empathy and embracing individuality and vulnerability. Via Zoom, alumnus Shane DiGiovanna ’17 spoke to students about his experiences with Epidermolysis Bullosa, a rare genetic condition, which makes his skin extremely fragile.

DiGiovanna discussed the importance of empathy and kindness.

True, Kind, and Necessary Day is linked to the Middle School’s signature commitment to social-emotional learning. In the Middle School, students participate in programs and curriculum throughout the year centered on learning these crucial developmental skills.

“Our social-emotional program is all about helping students feel comfortable with who they are.

Advice to Middle Schoolers from Alumnus Shane DiGiovanna ’17 Taken from DiGiovanna’s remarks on True, Kind, and Necessary Day in early March.

1. We’re all weird, and that should never be a bad thing.

2. Small actions have big consequences.

3. Stay true to who you are. Stand up for yourself and others.

4. Our differences are what make us special. Our differences are what make us human.

5. Be there for anyone who seems down.

Because of their biological and physical changes, along with their neurological development, Middle Schoolers feel the need to individuate,” Waskowitz said. “At the same time, they don’t want to stand out in a crowd. The ability for kids at this age to feel comfortable in their own skin, coupled with the need for seeing themselves as individuals, developing friendships that Co nt i n u e d o n p a g e 1 6 15

are important to them, and feeling comfortable in their communities, is important.”

Once a week during their advisory time, Middle Schoolers cultivate meaningful connections with their peers and advisers by completing lessons around social-emotional skills. Middle School counselor Taylor Markovits said themes range from feelings, to citizenship, to wellness, to developing good study habits.

“We spiral concepts by grade level, which means we continuously build on what students have learned as they move through sixth, seventh, and eighth grade. We’re hitting on key themes in developmentally appropriate ways as kids get older,” Markovits said. “Because of this programming, there’s a shared, common language and value set in the Middle School. It ties back to Bill’s mantra of true, kind, and necessary.”

Students also participate in Healthy Visions, a program focusing on empowering students to make healthy decisions regarding social, emotional, mental, intellectual, and physical health, and the substance abuse prevention program, Freedom from Chemical Dependency Week (FCD).

At the base of all these programs is the fostering of a sense of community in the Middle School. “Really, more than anything, is that sense of being cared about and being part of a community– that’s the foundation. That’s the bedrock,” said Markovits. “None of these programs are going to matter if kids don’t grow to feel that way.”

The sense of community will only grow stronger. In the renovated Middle School building, which will be completed in spring 2022, students will have their own spaces according to grade level, including classrooms and a dedicated meeting area. Waskowitz said the renovations will give the Middle School a new form.

“In many ways the way in which we function dictates form,” Waskowitz said. “Our function as a Middle School is to be a community within the community, which will be addressed by our new form.”

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Our Middle School teachers always go above and beyond! Here’s how they made the 2020-21 school year even more unique.

1. Middle School counselor Taylor Markovits has an open door policy for students. If she’s unable to meet with a student during that time, Markovits always follows up to reschedule.

2. Middle School teachers constantly bring in experts from a range of professional fields.

Seventh-graders had an opportunity to Zoom with Ken Freeman from the Cincinnati Reds and Sophia Herrmann, an aerospace engineer with NASA—all in the same day!

3. Theater teacher Jacob Hauser mounted a full-scale, socially distanced production of “Shrek The Musical, Jr.” Each performance had a limited-size live audience and the production was livestreamed to the Seven Hills community.

4. French teacher Jacky Kalubi asked her eighth-graders to come to school early one day for a special Zoom call with Middle School French students attending the Millennium School in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Kalubi’s class prepared for the call by researching Dubai and The Millennium School.

5. Sixth-graders in Emily Stettler’s English class reflected on the meaning of true friendship. Using their thoughts, they compiled a collaborative poem to present at a Middle School assembly.

6. The Middle School community came together as a school, in-person and virtually, for the Halloween tradition Pumpkin Day, a scavenger hunt before the winter break, and the inaugural True, Kind, and Necessary Day in early March.

A C C E S S I N G 21ST - C E N T U RY S K I L L S :

STEM Program Becomes a Middle School Signature Almost a decade ago, the Seven Hills Middle School STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) program was launched with just one course.

thinking,” said Glum, who is also the director of the Innovation Lab. “Their work in the Innovation Lab has always come back to design and how the user interacts with students’ creations.”

Science teacher Karen Glum designed Stanford University-inspired curriculum for the course and outfitted a fully equipped makerspace called the Innovation Lab, which will have more

Today, the Middle School offers three robust STEM courses, each focused on a specific skill set and infused with empathy-based instruction. Sixth-grade innovation lab basics is about learning how to use the tools in the classroom. In seventh grade, students further develop their skills with tools and empathetic thinking in exploring engineering and design. In eighth grade, students can opt to take exploring computer science.

Glum plans to restart the Middle School’s engineering club and create a virtual library of projects for students to access during lunch or in class.

one skill,” Waskowitz said.

“More than anything else it’s about discovery, it’s about challenging kids to try new things, to try something they never thought they would enjoy, and to plant potential seeds.”

Ultimately, Glum wants her students to feel prepared for our, technologydriven world.

“If we look at how technology is infused into our kids’ worlds in a way that has never happened before, it’s so important for them to have a sense of agency in that world,” Glum said.

“Our Innovation Lab courses are such

“We keep hearing about these 21st-century skills and they’re all here in these courses,” Glum said.

“The Innovation Lab is really about developing six types of thinking skills, which I frame using the acronym ACCESS–Analytical, Creative, Computational, Empathy-based, Spatial, and Systems.” room for exploration when the Middle School renovation and expansion is completed in spring 2022.

The first course, called design thinking, stressed the necessity of empathy in design. Students were asked to walk in another person’s shoes and design a prototype to meet a need.

“Middle School is the time in life when students begin to develop empathetic

Head of Middle School Bill Waskowitz said the STEM program goes handin-hand with the Middle School’s mission of discovering and exploring outside your comfort zone. Middle Schoolers, he said, need a safe space to take calculated risks and have new educational experiences.

confidence builders. Just putting a tool in a kid’s hand can change the way they think about themselves.”

“We don’t want our students to be professionals who’ve honed in on 17

SCHOOL NEWS

THANK YOU! The Development Office is grateful for the support of more than 130 volunteers this year who dedicated their time and energy to ensure The Seven Hills School is able to continue to provide the rich learning experiences and tight-knit community that defines a Seven Hills education. In spite of the unusual circumstances this past year presented by COVID-19, our volunteers really delivered. Thank you!

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D E V E L O P M E N T

Dobbs Ackermann Janet Allen-Reid ’76 Janet Allgaier Nupur Anand Karin Anderson Abrell ’88 Libby Andrews Sydney & Bob Anning Dulany Anning Angie Apple Pakeeza Asghar Steve Baggott Mindy Moser Barber ’05 Lisa Barrett ’98 Shelly & Nolan Bean Cynthia Kuhn Beischel C’66 Jack Binkley Rose Bitsoff Aideen Briggs Bruce Brown Elias Buttress ’23 Terri Cain Karen Bidlingmeyer Callard ’80 Lynne Alexander Calloway ’75 Scott Carroll ’85 Peter Cha Lalitha Chunduri Teresa Clayton Marilyn Collins Dorothy (Kim ’84) & Evan Corbett ’82 Wynne McCarthy Curry H’71 Jennifer Dauer Paige deBuys Ron DeLyons Amy DeWitt Lisa Diedrichs Priscilla Dunn

V O L U N T E E R S

Nancy Hogan Dutton H’56 Colleen Dwight Tara Eaton David Ellis Merry Ewing ’76 Andi Ferguson John Ficks ’89 Philip Ficks ’92 Ginny Fisher Evie Rusk Foulkes C’66 Jennifer Frey ’99 Vicki Gaffney Tom Garber ’96 Raji Ghosh Ben Glassman ’93 Sarah McDonough Goodacre ’04 Tammy Gravitt Linda Heldman Greenberg H’71 Brooke Guigui Tom Hayes Claudia & Danny Hayes Louise Atkins Head H’56 Henry Head ’13 Debbie Hill Miriam Lipson Hodesh ’00 Audrey Howard ’21 Brooke Howard ’07 Laurie Durbrow Hyndman H’70 Kay Ilg Clay Jamison ’06 Sarah Johnson Jim Jurgensen II Marielle KabboucheSamaha Jacky Kalubi Tshiunza Kalubi ’02 Amy Bulger Kattman ’89 Lair Kennedy

Sashi Kilaru Andrea Knarr Jennifer Kreines Samir Kulkarni Jutta Lafley John Larkin ’13 Laura Hoguet Leonard ’06 Sally Leyman Sharon Liao ’12 Rica Ligeralde Sylvia Lotspeich Greene L’55 Zola Makrauer Mike Marrero Josh Martin Nicki Martin ’09 Robert McCoy Tom McElhinney ’92 Diana & Henley McIntosh Katie McNamara ’11 Lois Mentrup Karen Meyer Robbie Michelman Chuck Mingo Charity Moeller Velma Morelli David Mou ’04 Gabriel Mudd ’02 Harrison Mullin Sybil Behrens Mullin ’83 Asia Reid Narayan ’05 Theo Nelson Mark Niehaus ’12 Stephanie Norton Maureen O'Driscoll Bess Okum Libby Warrington Ott ’78 Jim Papakirk Sarah Pearce Phipps ’96 Alana Pepper Dick Quimby Alex Quinn

Lisa Raimondo Jessalyn Reid ’08 Sunny Bowman Saelinger C’61 Laura Lindner Sankey ’82 Walker Schiff ’10 Beth & Jim Schiff John Schneider Dennis Shiels Mary Jo & Bill Simpson Tiernan Sittenfeld ’92 Erin Snelting Jennifer Stein Kelli Stein Sarah Steinman Elizabeth Stock

Jane Sutton Kim Takahashi Anna Topalidis Benjamin van der Horst ’05 Heather Zaring Vecellio ’92 Brian Wabler Sharonda Washington Joy Whinery Katherine Oechler Whitbeck H’67 Russell White Taylor White ’10 Robin Wilson Lisa Collins Winick ’85 Sharon Yosafat

OUR VOLUNTEERS ARE TH E B E ST !

If you’d like to join our 2021-22 team of volunteers, we’d be very happy to have you!

HELPING HANDS Join parents, alumni, and friends of Seven Hills who assist with occasional Development Office mailings.

ANNUAL GIVING COMMITEES Help support the Annual Fund by writing notes or making calls to Seven Hills families and friends, explaining the impact of the Annual Fund and encouraging them to make a gift.

CL ASS REPRESENTATIVES Help keep your classmates connected to each other and to the school by sharing information about upcoming events and classmates’ news, as well as encouraging Annual Fund support.

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

SCHOOL NEWS

BOOKS FOR LUNCH 2021 WELCOMED JENNIFER EGAN While her novels are varied and her topics, broad, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jennifer Egan said her impetus for landing plots for her nonfiction and fiction works is simple. “There is no particular subject,” said Egan in early February during her keynote address to a Seven Hills audience. “I write about what I am drawn to and can’t stop thinking about.”

morning classes. Students appreciated Egan’s originality and especially enjoyed her use of imagery. “In a sense, we are all fiction writers at night when we dream,” Egan told students.

Egan also encouraged students to read aloud to attend to the rhythm and sound of the language in their written work. “When you read aloud you can really feel if the material is working,” she said.

“

“In a sense, we are all fiction writers at night when we dream.”

Books for Lunch, chaired this year by Seven Hills parents Dorothy Corbett and Michelle Setzer, celebrated its 35th year. Corbett Jennifer Egan thanked Egan and Sittenfeld for the The following day at noon, Egan spoke candidly entertaining and thoughtful exchange. “Curtis’ and comically with dozens of Seven Hills insightful questions prompted wonderful and parents and students and other members of the candid responses and helped the audience community who understand the Zoomed in to the creative engine ticketed event, which that drives Ms. was moderated by Egan’s work,” said Seven Hills alumna and Corbett. “Our award-winning author sincere thanks Curtis Sittenfeld ‘93. goes to all of our event sponsors, Because her stories are to the faculty so varied, Egan said advisory team, to she has had to make Seven Hills’ sure her narrative marketing voices from one book Author Jennifer Egan speaks to the Seven Hills community via Zoom department and a don’t transfer to the special callout to next. She spoke of those narrative voices as if Director of Technology Scott Cagle and Upper they are forces in her work that often School parent, Chrissie Blatt.” transcend her awareness. Egan also said her journalism background continues to inform her ability to write fiction and nonfiction.

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Books for Lunch author Jennifer Egan photo credit – Pieter M. Van Hattem

Egan, author of 2011 Pulitzer Prize-winning “A Visit from the Goon Squad” and New York Times Bestseller “Manhattan Beach,” among other works, shared the origin of her musings and her writing process with Seven Hills during a two-day visit in early February as part of Seven Hills’ 2021 Books for Lunch. The virtual visit, necessitated by social distancing brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, marked an unusual point in the event’s rich, 35-year history. Speaking from her home office in Brooklyn, New York, Egan engaged with students, parents, and teachers, and then with parents and others via Zoom in a couple of virtual conversations spanning two days.

Egan’s virtual trip to Seven Hills began on Feb. 4, with a daylong discussion with Upper School students, talking about her love of journalistic and fiction writing during their

“Journalistic research is always a combination of interviewing people and doing archival research,” said Egan. “There is a kind of synthesis that begins to occur of momentary expertise where suddenly you can move around in this unknown material. For “Manhattan Beach,” for example, I had to learn about merchant sailing and deep-sea diving and it felt like there was so much I didn't know and nothing I did know. I had no island of knowledge I could stand on. I couldn’t have done that kind of research without my journalism experience.”

SCHOOL SCHOOLNEWS NEWS

SEVEN HILLS CONGRATULATES NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARS Seven Hills continues its tradition of excellence with several students receiving recognition from the National Merit Scholarship program.

Nine students were named Finalists and 10 were named Commended Students in the 2021 National Merit Program.

National Merit Scholarship Recipients Congratulations to seniors Meg Yuan and Andrew Yang, who were named recipients of the National Merit Scholarship this spring.

National Merit Scholarship winners are among a very select group of students with high PSAT scores and strong academic records. More than 1 million high school juniors across the country take the test and compete for these scholarships.

NATIONAL MERIT FINALISTS FROM L TO R: ANDREW YANG, CHARLIE RINGEL, DAVID KILEY, DHRUV MAHAJAN, JUNYE GAI, MEG YUAN, MEGAN TAN, OWEN FOSTER, WILLIAM HAWGOOD

National Merit Finalists

Nine Seven Hills seniors were named National Merit Finalists in 2021. The National Merit Scholarship Program honors talented U.S. high school students each year for academic excellence. The Seven Hills School congratulates the following National Merit Finalists: Owen Foster, Junye Gai, William Hawgood, David Kiley, Dhruv Mahajan, Charlie Ringel, Megan Tan, Andrew Yang, and Meg Yuan.

National Merit Commended Students

National Merit Commended students are: Kurt Drath, Annabel Kleinwaechter, Christina Torlone, Robert Jeon, Nandini Likki, Steven Mu, Laxmi Namboodiri, Holly Weisfelder, Charlie Wood, and Aaron Ziegler.

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NATIONAL MERIT COMMENDED FROM L TO R: AARON ZIEGLER, ANNABEL KLEINWAECHTER, CHARLIE WOOD, CHRISTINA TORLONE, HOLLY WEISFELDER, KURT DRATH, LAXMI NAMBOODIRI, NANDINI LIKKI, ROBERT JEON, STEVEN MU

SCHOOL NEWS

CONGRATULATIONS TO NEW MEMBERS OF CUM LAUDE SOCIETY The Upper School honored its 16 inductees into the Seven Hills chapter of the Cum Laude Society, a national honor society that recognizes academic excellence, during a prerecorded, virtual ceremony that took place in early April.

New members are juniors Sarah Croog, Kathryn Guo, Anke Liang, Jianyi Hou, Jenny Hu, Julia Moser, Alexandra Nathan, Dr. Amy Sherman '06 Ella Jo Piersma, and Manan Vij; and seniors Grace Arya, Hannah Elluru, Wesley Gardner, Annie Icenhower, Charles Ringel, Caroline Routh, and Holly Weisfelder. The event’s guest speaker was Seven Hills alumna, physician-scientist Dr. Amy Sherman ’06.

The 47th annual event also honored the members who were inducted last year as juniors: Kurt Drath, David Kiley, Catherine Kogan, Uma Shenai, Megan Tan, Christina Torlone, Andrew Hyang, and Meg Yuan.

Head of School Chris Garten shared with inductees that Cum Laude Society recognizes academic excellence in some of the country’s most prestigious high schools. Membership is strictly limited to schools with exemplary academic programs, and Seven Hills is one of just 21 in Ohio with a Cum Laude Society.

richer community,” Garten said, during a virtual prerecording.

“Your hard work and dedication have set a high bar for your peers to emulate, and your presence in our classrooms all over these campuses has made this school a

“Through your questions, thoughtful engagement, and hard work, you have elevated those around you and helped to create an impactful learning

Sherman, an infectious disease physician and scientist at Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts, congratulated the inductees for their profound curiosity and intellect.

environment,” said Sherman, adding, “Especially in this year of COVID, where a sense of normal has completely shifted, you have adapted and may have even been a part of creative new solutions.”

As part of the annual Cum Laude Society induction ceremony, it is tradition for the faculty members of the Cum Laude Committee to address each new member with remarks compiled from quotes from the students’ teachers.

Click here to view the remarks.

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SCHOOL NEWS

TEACHERS ARE THE DIFFERENCE Teachers control the climate of their classrooms. They shape what students learn, when they learn, and how they learn it. Together, we are celebrating our amazing teachers in this magazine installment, which features JULIE BRACKETT: A PHILOSOPHY OF LOVE AND CARE During a brisk, February walk with prekindergarten for 2-year-olds teacher Julie Brackett, everything became a lesson for some of Doherty’s youngest students. Brackett alerted students to the many sights and sounds around them—birds singing, deer tracks imprinted in the snow, pine cones scattered across the ground.

“In those nature moments, you can’t put a price on that,” Brackett said. “Being outside is what no one gets enough of anymore.”

Whether on a walk or during a classroom activity, Brackett lets her students guide lessons. She presents planned materials, but Brackett knows that when it comes to pre-kindergarteners, sometimes it’s best to let them take the lead and for her to observe.

“I think the kids are brilliant at this age because their brains are so ready for all this information.

They learn so fast when they’re this young,” Brackett said. “Their brains are so active that

3

THINGS I LEARNED FROM MY STUDENTS …

Pre-kindergarten for 2-year-olds teacher Julie Brackett

1. Play is where a child’s interest originates.

2. Play is vital to learning.

3. Every day is a new day and a good belly laugh goes a long way for the soul and heart. boundaries, but the boundaries become more flexible as the school year goes on.

Some children seek independence in the classroom from the start, and others need a little more time. Brackett gives each student the support they need to grow.

“At the beginning of the year, a lot of children have come in very new to the experience of being a student and having their own world and their own life at school,” Brackett said. “My philosophy has always been about love and caring. You want to build a foundation of love so children are enthusiastic about school. I believe that if they’re not walking into open arms, they’re not going to want to learn.”

sometimes it’s better not to interrupt their learning and their processing. It’s better to give them the freedom to have play-based and selfdriven engagements.”

22

As important as it is to be spontaneous, Brackett said pre-kindergarteners also need guidelines, routine, and structure. She sets

Brackett has designed a whole unit around “leaving the nest.” In the fall, once her students have been in school a few months, she reads Martin Waddell’s “Owl Babies,” a story about three baby owls who wake up to find their mother gone. Their mother returns and the babies learn she’ll always come back. “That’s a lot about what coming to a 2-year-old classroom feels like for them,” Brackett said. “Once they learn that they get picked up at the end of the day, it’s a good time to go into this unit.”

Brackett has developed a variety of lessons for each season—learning about color in the

winter, exploring gardens in the spring. She often incorporates singing, rhythm, and rhyme to help children make connections through music.

Seven Hills parent Olivia Swan calls Brackett “the toddler whisperer.” Her son, Barrett, was in Brackett’s class in the 2020-21 school year. Her daughter Lily also had Brackett when she was in pre-kindergarten for 2-year-olds.

Every day, Barrett came home and told his mom, “I had so much fun in school today!”

“Once you see Mrs. Brackett in action, you know your child is in the best hands possible. And when the school year is over, you're sad that you have to say goodbye to an amazing teacher who helped shape your toddler's earliest years—and is probably the reason why your toddler loves school,” Swan said. “She's as much a gift to us, the parents, as she is to our children.”

In addition to her pre-kindergarten for 2-yearold students, Brackett works with older prekindergarten students in the afternoon, advises the environmental club Green Team and Girls on the Run, works with Early Care and After the Bell students, and, during a typical school year, teaches 12-month-old Beginnings students.

Seventh-grader George Mullin, who is Brackett’s former student, volunteered on the Green Team. “I learned so much from Green Team, but especially how to properly take care of plants and compost,” Mullin said. “I would go to Mrs. Brackett’s class every single day because of After the Bell and she had a smile on her face and always greeted me politely when I came in.

She was always such an amazing teacher.”

Swan’s daughter, Lily, still saw Brackett during the school year when she worked in Lily’s classroom once a week. Brackett told Swan about what Lily’s been doing in the classroom and how she was an eager student.

“My favorite thing about Mrs. Brackett is knowing that she genuinely loves and cares for my kids,” Swan said. “From her actions to her words, you know how much she truly cares.”

SCHOOL NEWS

Doherty pre-kindergarten for 2-year-olds and Beginnings teacher Julie Brackett and Upper School history teacher Eric O’Connor. It’s easy to see why, at Seven Hills, #TeachersAreTheDifference.

ERIC O’CONNOR: OPENING A GLOBAL PORTAL TO HISTORY Upper School history teacher Eric O’Connor was listening to a podcast in late 2020, when he heard an experience that would quickly become a component of one of his favorite teaching tools.

“The host was talking about the history of Germany and recounting a virtual tour he took with an unemployed tour guide in Berlin,” said O’Connor during an interview at Hillsdale Commons in mid-February. “I thought, here we are in a pandemic. People can’t even go on vacation, so how cool would it be for my students to have a tour guide take us around interesting historical sites, in real time, with a camera?”

O’Connor’s idea turned into a poignant lesson for his Nazi Germany and the Holocaust class, as well as his Cold War classes. The experience reflected a common theme among some of O’Connor’s lessons—using a relevant, present connection to build a bridge to a historical focus.

During the real-time virtual tour, O’Connor’s students watched from their classrooms and home learning stations as German tour guide Martin walked through the streets of Berlin and past historical sites, sharing rich information about a number of sites and their intricate connections to history.

“Being able to participate in a virtual tour was like being able to open a portal into this immediate moment of time and space,” said O’Connor. “There is something about the students being able to see what was happening in this historical place in real time—with people living just like them, riding bikes by as Martin spoke to them, watching people walk by in the background—that I feel was really useful and essential.”

The creative learning experiences O’Connor presents in the classroom are often what pull students in when they need it the most, said Seven Hills parent Bess Okum, whose daughter, Anna, has taken all of O’Connor’s courses. “He is so inventive with how he

takes the most involved topics and makes them interesting, pertinent, and exciting,” said Okum.

“He is able to take academic substance and weave it with real-world application. His lessons reflect what is going on in our world, as well as what is going on in students’ lives, now, and in the future.”

During the early part of the 2020-21 school year, O’Connor worked with English teacher Caleb Paull to participate in a Zoom class with private school students in Denmark for a discussion about the presidential election.

Among his students, he is known for his love of meme culture and interweaving Eastern European films and fine arts into his lesson plans, just as much as he is for his mad skills on the basketball court.

“While I learn so much from his class, it does not feel like a traditional core academic class because it is so engaging and fun,” said

3

THINGS I LEARNED FROM MY STUDENTS …

Upper School history teacher Eric O’Connor

1. Students do their best work when they find the task meaningful and authentic.

2. My old history teacher jokes still hold up but my pop culture references do not.

3. Breaks are good.

sophomore Jack Ringel, who took O’Connor’s World History II class.

Senior Blake Morse said he appreciates O’Connor’s use of social media as teaching tools.

“Dr. O’Connor has the ability to teach history like it is a story. He is also very good at adapting to new situations and needs,” said Morse. “Recently, Dr. O’Connor has been using things like online tours, YouTube videos, and podcasts as a way to diversify his teaching style. For projects and in-class material, he had been using digital mediums like Google Slides, video creating/editing software, and websites like Canva. Even before COVID-19, Dr. O’Connor has been using hands on activities, like candy trading for economics class, to make class more interesting.”

O’Connor said the energy his students bring to class continues to fuel his pedagogical pursuits.

“I only have one task, and that’s to provide a good history learning experience. I’m not teaching to any set curriculum and I’m not force-feeding things that are not worthwhile.

I try to present historical points and connections that help students understand the world from more perspectives than their own,” said O’Connor. “And to that end, it’s a joy to teach at Seven Hills because, at the end of the day, what we really want to do is teach students how to think critically and empathize with others.”

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SCHOOL NEWS

PERSONAL CHALLENGE PROJECTS Six Stories of Discovery TEDx Youth at Seven Hills S U H A N I G U P TA

TEDx Talk. Suhani initiated a Seven Hills club that will arrange future annual TEDx

Building a Deck GEORGE HAUSBERGER

Project Description: Suhani planned a

Talks.

Project Description: With guidance from

schoolwide TEDx Talk around the theme,

Suhani: “I chose this as my Personal

his grandfather, George built a deck

Challenge project because I feel that this

that measured 21 ft. by 12 ft. The deck

event provided a platform for the Seven

extended past an existing concrete pad

Hills community to come together on

at his family’s home.

important topics that affect one and all.

Project Process: George researched the

Suhani Gupta

Through this event, I believe that the sense of community was evident through the ideas multiple speakers shared at the TEDx event.”

types of materials he would need to build the deck. He also reviewed sketches and blueprints. He documented the total cost, tools used, and hours spent building

Fun Fact: Suhani was inspired to host

the structure. He planned everything

a TEDx event at a very early age. She

from securing zoning permits to the

attended her first event at a local university when she was just 8 years old, and many years later, “Breaking Boundaries,” which featured multiple speakers from the Seven Hills community.

she is delighted she could bring a similar event to Seven Hills.

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

Project Process: TEDx is a deck’s design.

grassroots initiative, created in the spirit of TED’s (Technology, Entertainment, Design) overall mission to research and discover “ideas worth spreading.” TEDx brings TED to local communities around the world. Following TEDx guidelines, Suhani planned a one-day event consisting of speakers from the Seven Hills community, including alumni, parents, teachers, and students.

She reached out to local organizations to sponsor the

George Hausberger

George: “I enjoy working with my hands and wanted to tackle a project that would allow me to do this.

I will be attending the University of Cincinnati College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning this fall, where I will study industrial design.

A large project like this exposed me to the type of design that I had yet to experience.”

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SCHOOL NEWS

Fun Fact: George

Christopher Maring

Building a Seven Hills “Siri” ROBERT JEON

said the completed deck has been an important addition

Project Description: Robert implemented

to his family’s

the Alexa Voice Service onto a Raspberry

home during

Pi 4 that responds to voice commands.

the COVID-19

Project Process: Robert first built a

pandemic. It

Raspberry Pi, coded it to the Alexa

has allowed the

Voice Service, then implemented new

Hausbergers to safely

skills for the Alexa to learn.

spend time outdoors with extended family.

He noted that the

able to observe the balance and role

deck was, “truly a Personal Challenge project

that every creature in the tank has in

that aided in a challenging time."

maintaining a proper ecosystem.

ZONES TO REACH NEW ACHIEVEMENTS, DISCOVER THE THRILL OF MASTERY, AND SATISFY THEIR NATURAL CURIOSITIES. IN THESE STORIES OF DISCOVERY, WE SHARE A GLIMPSE OF WHAT PERSONAL CHALLENGE HAS MEANT FOR SIX UPPERCLASSMEN.

Charlie: “Once I set up everything with Alexa Voice Service (AVS), I implemented new skills for my personal Alexa to learn, which allowed it to

Christopher:

answer a range of questions about The

“I picked this

Seven Hills School.”

project because I am extremely passionate about aquariums, and

Fun Fact: Robert decided on this project after becoming interested in artificial intelligence a few years ago.

this tank will really challenge my skills.”

Robert Jeon

Fun Fact: Christopher

Setting Up a Reef Tank CHRISTOPHER MARING

was amazed at how corals, which

Project Description: Christopher set up a

organisms,” can be quite complex and

large reef aquarium filled with coral, fish, and

each have their own special needs and

other invertebrates.

behaviors. For the tank, he purchased

Project Process: Christopher built a custom wood stand for his aquarium. He also created a filtration and plumbing system.

He purchased an aquarium at a local store and installed it on the stand. Christopher did a lot of research to ensure he knew the proper chemistry of the water and how to

he said, “appear to be fairly simple

a rose bubble tip anemone, which is capable of moving around the tank to find its favorite spot. Christopher also has a cleaner shrimp in his tank, which cleans larger fish and his hand whenever he cleans the tank.

Continued on page 26

care for the animals in the tank. He was

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SCHOOL NEWS

PERSONAL CHALLENGE PROJECTS, Continued . . .

Six Stories of Discovery Converting an Ambulance into a Camper A U D R E Y H O WA R D Project Description: Audrey purchased a 1982 Ford ambulance and converted it into a camper.

Project Process: Audrey revamped the interior, added a kitchenette and pullout bed, and made a number of cosmetic upgrades. She also fixed up the exterior by covering rust spots and painting.

Audrey: “I have never done any major work on a vehicle, so this was very out of my wheelhouse, but it gave me a chance to learn. My father is teaching me about the mechanical side of the conversion. The renovations on the interior was a matter of applying what I’ve learned in other situations.

I also read a lot of articles, how-to

books, and stories about people converting vans.”

Fun Fact: Audrey has always loved the idea of mobile living, especially in a tiny home. She said she is enamored with the van life movement and wants to go on a road trip when her project is complete.

Building a Violin A L L I E N AT H A N Project Description: Allie is built a violin.

Project Process: After doing some research, Allie decided to order the pre-fabricated top and bottom pieces already cut for her violin project.

She found that, in order to build the violin from scratch, it would take too long and be too expensive for her project budget. She later purchased tools needed to build the violin and researched what goes into Audrey Howard the project.

She then varnished the wood with plans to donate the finished violin to a school in need of the instrument.

Allie: “Making a violin is very difficult because of the

26

Allie Nathan

amount of detail, precision, and patience needed to get the right widths, lengths, and positioning. A violin sounds better when it is well-made, so it will be a challenge to achieve that sound making it myself.”

Fun Fact: Allie plays the violin and has always wondered in awe how luthiers built such beautiful instruments. She wanted to learn about the detailed process and accomplish a difficult task that is connected to her hobbies and interests.

SCHOOL NEWS

StaySafe7Hills: Seven Hills Nurses and COVID Advisory Team Guide School

Community through Global Pandemic During this not-so-typical year, two extraordinary teams supported the Seven Hills community through an unprecedented pandemic. The Seven Hills nursing staff and the COVID Advisory Team guided us through the reopening of school and a successful, safe 2020-21 school year.

Led by Hillsdale Campus nurse Joy Copfer, the nurses and the COVID Advisory Team worked tirelessly to ensure the safety of The Seven Hills School. The team includes Seven Hills parents and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center doctors Samir Shah, Lara Danziger-Isakov, and Chris Peltier, and Head of School Chris Garten, Hillsdale Campus nurse Ann Sebastian, and Doherty Campus nurse Carolyn Vincze.

The Seven Hills Nursing Team Pictured from left: Doherty Campus nurse Carolyn Vincze, Hillsdale Campus nurse Ann Sebastian, Hillsdale Campus nurse Joy Copfer

“We are very, very lucky,” Copfer said. “Our doctors have been instrumental in advising us on a safety protocol and then continuing to advise Chris, Ann, Carolyn, and me all the way through the school year.”

In March 2020, days before the school’s spring break, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine announced the closure of all Ohio schools.

PS

The Seven Hills COVID Advisory Team Top: Hillsdale Campus nurse Joy Copfer, Doherty Campus nurse Carolyn Vincze, Dr. Chris Peltier Middle: Dr. Lara Isakov-Danziger, Dr. Samir Shah, Head of School Chris Garten Bottom: Hillsdale Campus nurse Ann Sebastian

Schools remained closed the remainder of the academic year and it was uncertain how, or even if, they would open safely in the fall.

The COVID Advisory Team held its first meeting in June and continued to meet throughout the summer. Using Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, the COVID Advisory Team began creating safety protocols, called StaySafe7Hills, for students, faculty, and staff to follow when school opened for the 2020-21 academic year in August. The team examined everything from ventilation, to hand sanitizer stations, mandatory mask wearing, Plexiglas in classrooms, and best social distancing practices.

Copfer, Vincze, and Sebastian enforced the protocol throughout the 2020-21 school year. The nurses were frequently in contact with the Cincinnati Health Department and health officials, oversaw quarantines, conducted contact tracing, and arranged for Seven Hills faculty and staff to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

Copfer said her team worked diligently to follow the protocol and went above and beyond. “I have been very humbled to work

with Carolyn and Ann,” Copfer said. “The three of us make a well-oiled machine.”

During an all-faculty and staff meeting in February, Garten presented the nursing staff with the inaugural Special Service Award. Garten said even during a normal school year, the work of the school nurses is “extraordinarily demanding.”

“All of this has, of course, grown exponentially this past year,” Garten said.

“From the onset of the pandemic, Joy and her team have been critical partners in every decision we have made.

“I know from personal experience that their duties have engaged their attention from early in the morning until well into the night; on weekends and vacation days, they have provided guidance and support, helping families to make sound decisions about their children's health and safety.

“We have all been incredibly blessed this year to have such a strong team working on our behalf. It is a privilege to recognize our nursing team with Special Service Awards for the 2020-21 school year. We are very, very grateful!”

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SCHOOL NEWS

CIVIC ENGAGEMENT DAY: Upper School Faculty Design Creative, Engaging Curriculum Centered on Current Events

Less than a week before the 2020 presidential election, Upper School students participated in the inaugural Civic Engagement Day. The robust seminar gave students the opportunity to spend half of a school day taking a detailed dive into the election process through the lenses of math, science, history, and English.

Grouped by grade level, students attended four cross-curricular lessons.

In history, they learned about the Electoral College. Students attended a science lesson focused on major election issues. Math teachers taught the Upper Schoolers about the

different ways to vote and the systems

Director of Experiential Learning

for counting votes. In English,

Nick Francis said the idea for the

they focused on rhetoric and debate

Civic Engagement Day was sparked

on both the national and local stage.

by the historic nature of the 2020

At the end of the day, students

election and the issues surrounding it.

participated in a mock election and voted on general election presidential candidates.

“The Upper School faculty and administration felt like we needed to devote time and energy to making sure all of the students had knowledge of what was going on and how the electoral system works,” Francis said.

Francis first approached Head of Upper School Matt Bolton and History Department Chair Dan Polifka about organizing the event. Ultimately, all teachers were involved in some aspect of the day, whether it was planning the curriculum, teaching, or both.

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SCHOOL NEWS

“The Upper School faculty and administration felt we needed to devote time and energy to making sure all of the students had knowledge of what was going on and how the electoral system works."

- Director of Experiential Learning Nick Francis

something,” Francis said. “We want

this question of what is the future

them to understand they can take some

of race relations in America, how do

responsibility for what’s going on. They

the demonstrations this summer,

can become engaged citizens and we

how do the issues raised by the Black

want to give them some ideas on how to

Lives Matter movement, and other

do that and what that means.”

intersecting issues point a way forward

Following the event, Bolton was

into the future for us?” Bolton said.

approached by students interested in

In the 2021-22 school year, the

organizing a Civic Engagement Day

Upper School will expand the Civic

focused on topics related to diversity,

Engagement Days to four seminars

equity, and inclusion. Students were

held throughout the course of the

again grouped by grade levels and

school year. The quarterly seminars

Bolton said dedicating half of a day

were supposed to begin this year,

to this in-depth examination into the

but were placed on hold due to

election from several angles enabled

COVID-19. Topics covered in future

students to more fully understand an

seminars will range from public health;

important democratic experience.

to the environment; to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Students will

“The biggest currency in a school

come together to hear guest speakers

is time,” Bolton said. “How we as a

and partake in off-campus learning

school use our time sends a message

opportunities.

about what we think is important and valuable. We hope that by setting a day

Bolton thanked many people for

aside, the message we’re sending is that

making the Civic Engagement

it’s important that you be part of the

program possible, including the

democracy you live in.”

E.E. Ford Foundation. In 2019, the foundation awarded the Upper School

Civic Engagement Days supplement

a $250,000 matching grant to

students’ regularly scheduled courses and allow teachers to explore a topic

attended lessons throughout the day

in depth, according to Francis. As

and heard from guest speakers.

educators, teachers need to encourage their students to understand what’s going on in the world.

Bolton said the Upper School students and faculty wanted to have a conversation about race in America

“If they go out into this world with a

similar to the conversation about the

great education and we’ve not helped

election.

them understand the society they’re going to be living in, I think we’ve missed

develop Civic Engagement seminars.

“I want to thank the E.E. Ford Foundation for funding this, and thanks to all of the faculty for the work they’ve done, and to the students for the energy and the passion and the buyin they’ve shown from the get-go,” Bolton said.

“It’s the other historical inflection point upon which we’re currently balanced— 29

SCHOOL NEWS - SPORTS

WINTER SPORTS HONORS

State competitions, Miami Valley Conference recognition, and talented teams The Seven Hills swim teams ended spectacular seasons by traveling to the state championship in Canton. The girls swim team, which included juniors Ella Jo Piersma and Corinne Kieser, and sophomores Carolyn Wolujewicz and Josie Domet, placed fourth overall at state. The team placed fifth in the 200 freestyle and third in the 400 freestyle relay. Piersma was named the State Champion in the 100 free and the 200 free. Kieser placed third in the 100 free and sixth in the 200 free.

The boys swim team placed 15th overall at the state tournament. The team included seniors Tim Kalin, Christopher Maring, Matthew Coulson, Zachary Domet, and George Hausberger, and sophomore Sam Adams.

Kalin was named the state champion in the 100 backstroke and the state runner-up in the 50 freestyle.

Two members of the indoor track team competed at the state tournament in Geneva, Ohio. Junior Mackenzie Hartman and senior Abby Heck had a great showing at the tournament. Hartman placed first in the 60 meter hurdles, as well as third in the 200 meter dash and 60 meter dash. Heck placed second in the 400 meter dash and 20th in the 200 meter dash.

The girls basketball team shared the Miami Valley Conference (MVC) Championship title with Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy and ended the season with a conference record of 5-1. The team was led by senior captains Emma Cohen, Shriya Kilaru, Brooklyn Meador, and Caroline Routh.

The boys basketball team worked as a cohesive unit and learned many new skills throughout the winter season. The team was led by senior captains Eli Dauer, Nolan Loring, and Joe Moses.

The boys bowling team traveled to districts, ending a strong season with a record of 10-0 in the league and 10-1 overall. The team also earned the title of Miami Valley Conference Champions for the second year in a row. Junior 30

Curtis Harrison ’20

Noah Kocher was also named the MVC Player of the Year in bowling. Coach Randy Willson was also named the MVC Boys Bowling Coach of the Year.

The girls bowling team competed in the Miami Valley Conference tournament and the district tournament. The team finished 5-3 in the MVC and 6-3 overall.

The gymnastics team had a member travel to the district championship. Junior Emma Schlueter placed 22nd in the vault, 50th in the bars, and 63rd in floor.

Senior Matthew Coulson

The cheerleading team had a great season.

They lit up the sidelines and cheered on our boys and girls basketball teams—at a distance.

The team was led by senior Riyah Vaughn.

Junior Thomas Murphy, a member of the boys bowling team, received the Dick Snyder Sportsmanship Award for displaying integrity and good sportsmanship throughout the season.

Senior Christopher Maring

On April 14, Seven Hills virtually celebrated National Signing Day. Seven seniors and an alumnus committed to compete at the university level in fall 2021.

Abby Heck – Cross country and track at Tulane University Dhruv Mahajan – Cross country and track at Johns Hopkins University

Scott Williams – Soccer at University of Virginia

Emma Cohen – Soccer at University of Rochester

Senior Tim Kalin

Matthew Coulson – Swimming at Rhodes College Christopher Maring – Swimming at Carleton College Tim Kalin – Swimming at The Ohio State University Curtis Harrison ’20 – Basketball at Miami University Senior Abby Heck

Senior Dhruv Mahajan

Members of the Boys Swim Team at the state swimming tournament

Members of the Girls Swim Team at the state swimming tournament

Senior Abby Heck and junior Mackenzie Hartman at the state indoor track and field tournament

Boys Basketball

Girls Basketball

Boys Bowling

Senior Scott Williams

Senior Emma Cohen

Girls Bowling

Cheerleading

Junior Emma Schlueter at the district championship

31

SCHOOL NEWS

ENRICHING LOWER SCHOOL LEARNING THROUGH DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

mer rian Lori Suffield used a sum ator Abbey Sir Louis and libra the Lower School out Lotspeich diversity coordin ugh thro ves iati init launch diversity grant to build a website and

Building Upon Shared Experiences at Lotspeich

Seven Hills’ Lower School teachers have initiated and launched a number of lessons and activities geared toward the work of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) throughout the 2020-21 school year. The purposeful focus folds into Seven Hills’ five-year Strategic Plan put forth by the Board of Trustees in 2019.

Lotspeich diversity coordinator and Lower School physical education teacher Abbey Sir Louis and Lotspeich librarian Lori Suffield recently used a Seven Hills Summer Grant to design DEI curriculum, which is now being used throughout lessons and activities delivered in the classroom and during Lotspeich morning assemblies.

32

Sir Louis said she moved into her new role under the national backdrop of civil unrest and injustice, spurred by the death of George Floyd in the summer of 2020.

“We were talking about everything going on in the news,” said Sir Louis. “After

George Floyd and the resurgence of the Black Lives Matter movement, we felt we could do more with a grant.”

With support from their grant, Sir Louis and Suffield built a website for teachers that presents a digital forum of DEI resources, including webinars, book lists, lesson plans, and article links to aid Lower School discussions. The focus of DEI work at Lotspeich centers around anti-racist curriculum, culture, race, religion, ethnicity, and gender.

The two teachers’ efforts quickly evolved into a number of intensive, ongoing initiatives among students and several Lotspeich faculty members. Two Mondays a month, the school holds morning assemblies related to diversity with a discussion following in homerooms. On the classroom level, Suffield and Sir Louis also provide a book titles each month that focus on DEI, inviting teachers— from pre-kindergarten through fifth grade—to incorporate those books into classroom discussions and activities.

“We know that anti-racism can be directly addressed in a developmentally appropriate

way for the students in our division, and we want to bring the information and resources to the faculty so that we may all contribute to anti-racist work at Lotspeich,” said Suffield. “The concept of anti-racist teaching is not a one-and-done topic. We want to provide a continuum of lessons and resources for our youngest students through fifth grade so that teachers feel they have the resources and information necessary to deliver appropriate anti-racist instruction.”

In addition to that work, Lotspeich teachers also participate in a monthly book discussion about works that focus on some aspect of DEI. They are currently reading “Unpack your Impact,” by teachers Lanesha Tabb and Naomi O'Brien.

Lotspeich second-graders in Danielle Necessary’s class studied African-American changemakers

Head of Lotspeich Carolyn Fox said Lotspeich students and faculty are responding enthusiastically about gaining new knowledge in the area of DEI.

“You can see the brightness in the student's faces as they relate to the characters in the story, perhaps describing a cultural or religious tradition or identifying on a more personal level with a character of color or difference,” said Fox. “One of our students was motivated to share her hijab and prayer shawl as she referenced why this is part of her family tradition. I asked another student to share his experience living in Japan for one year with his grandparents. He eagerly prepared a presentation for us. The interest is high for all the children as they have such a zest for learning and they are empowered to share, lead, and discuss more openly,

individuals who effected positive change and broke through cultural and racial barriers to improve the lives of others.

Linville and Guminey launched the four-week long unit after working with Doherty parents who shared an interest in purchasing multicultural books for Unit II classrooms. In the process, the students began reading “The Snowy Day,” by Ezra Jack Keats, and Linville discussed with students that the book was the first Caldecott Medal winner to feature an African-American protagonist.

“Reading and discussing that book led to asking the students to answer the question, ‘What is change?’ and we went from that angle,” said Linville. “We then watched a current video about Black people who changed the world—such as politicians, actors, athletes, Lotspeich fourth- and fifth-graders designed a paper quilt featuring book covers by civil rights African-American authors leaders, and poets—which led us to talk about National through the universal love of reading.”

Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman.”

Suffield said Lotspeich’s DEI focus has connected teachers and students in a new Linville said students began to make connections to certain Black and meaningful way, with a sense of figures whose stories defined purpose and community. “We want all change in different ways students to feel we see who they are and throughout history. that they are respected,” said Suffield.

“For faculty, we want all teachers to take leadership and ownership in their initiatives. Our grant was written by two people, but it is for everyone.”

Changemakers at Doherty

On the Doherty Campus, Unit II teachers Sherri Linville and Julie Guminey designed curriculum titled Changemakers, which incorporates a multi-tiered research project about

“The students researched their selected leaders and built timelines and posters that illustrated their subject’s lifespan, challenges, and achievements,” said Linville. “The changemaker project, which culminated just before spring break, was successful and inspiring because it truly developed and took shape based on

Doherty Unit II students completed timelines and designed posters featuring African-American changemakers

student interest. The students wrapped up the unit by presenting their work to their classmates.”

Head of Doherty Tracy Murch said students and faculty are in a learning phase as everyone embraces the work around diversity, equity, and inclusion.

“For the faculty it means taking a hard look at what we are teaching and ensuring we are providing accurate information to our students,” said Murch. “It has also encouraged us to question why we teach what we do and if it is still relevant and appropriate. From the student perspective, we are working to ensure they are given lessons that include many different perspectives. The benefit to this work is knowing that this exposure will help our students to become open-minded, compassionate, and understanding adults.”

Doherty Unit II students worked with their teachers Sherri Linville and Julie Guminey on a four-week changemaker project

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SCHOOL NEWS - ARTS

INTRODUCING NEW LOW-TECH AND HIGH-TECH ART THROUGH OBSERVATION: Upper School Art Teachers Shift Lesson Plans to Respond to the Needs of Their Students

While the 2020-21 school year has brought a sea of changes to the school’s protocol and curriculum, it has also created opportunities for uncharted ideas and unique lesson plans.

were interested in more kinetic, shortterm work, so he adjusted his lesson plans to accommodate their needs.

One such example of these thoughtful enrichments is taking place in the Donovan Arts Center (DAC), where Upper School art teachers Jason Knarr and Daniel Vance have made considerable observations, planned new lessons and modalities, and executed projects to respond to the new needs of students whose levels of attention, interest, and focus have shifted throughout the pandemic.

“Throughout the quarantine stages of remote and blended learning, some of my students were not able to engage like they had before the pandemic,” said Vance. “I believe students can continue to enjoy art throughout these changes, but I felt that I needed to make a shift to meet them where they are. I wanted the students to be able to connect with their art on a meaningful level.”

Art teacher Daniel Vance said he noticed that his drawing and sculpture students

Vance said he spent time studying a number of art techniques he believed would allow students to engage. The result was a focus on plaster and foam carving—something Vance had not introduced to his students previously. He noticed they quickly

became interested in the work, which requires focus and physical and mental energy. Some students leaned into their work by sitting on the floor and using tools to craft figures out of the plaster, while others stood in stationed areas to bring shape and form to their art.

In order to manipulate the rigid plaster, resistance must be used to cut, carve, and mold it. The foam created a different type of sensory experience that also required an amount of focused skill.

Vance said he also noticed the work that incorporated some resistance became therapeutic for many students who appeared to harbor frustrations from dealing with not being able to engage in pre-COVID-19 activities.

visual art drama music visual art 34

SCHOOL NEWS - ARTS

“

“Having a cyclorama and the collective equipment we are fortunate enough to have purchased and acquired is a serious game-changer for our students interested in this cutting-edge artform.”

-Upper School art teacher Jason Knarr

provides another level of participation in a high-tech format.

For months, Knarr worked on a structure in his graphics classroom in the DAC called a cyclorama.

Knarr, along with a contractor, completed the unique backdrop,

“I feel like, as teachers, we are

which resembles a

responding to the emotional state of

cross between a

our students through our curriculum,”

photography studio and the corner-less

said Vance. “While my students

sweep of a skateboarding bowl. Knarr,

appreciate drawing, right now working

who used Annual Fund dollars

with 3-D materials and working with

specifically designated for the art

their hands is so much more rewarding

department, painted the cyclorama for

and helpful for them.”

green screen technology, allowing

While Vance’s new low-tech art classes

students to use it for film and animation

are helping to sustain the needs of some

projects throughout fourth quarter.

eventually provide a seamless green screen and allow students to shoot two to three action shots at one time.”

Knarr said the new structure allows his students to produce professional-level films and animation projects. He said students in Seven Hills’ physics classes will also be able to use it as a learning tool for experimentation with the properties of slow motion.

Knarr said he is thrilled to have the new space, which will open up new curriculum and projects for his students, as well as give them opportunities to literally move into another dimension with their oncampus digital artwork.

“I have waited a long time for this,” said Knarr. “Having a cyclorama and the collective equipment we are fortunate enough to have purchased and acquired is a serious game-changer for our

of his students, a new tool in Jason

“The cyclorama reflects light

Knarr’s film and animation classroom

beautifully,” said Knarr. “It will

students interested in this cuttingedge artform.”

drama music visual art drama 35

SCHOOL NEWS

S A M P L E S

FIFTH-GRADERS ANALYZE POPULATION, LEGISLATURE DEMOGRAPHICS IN THE U.S. In a winter lesson, Lotspeich fifth-graders in Jennifer Steller’s class analyzed population and legislature demographics across the United States. Each student chose a state and, using population and legislature demographic totals for the state, calculated, analyzed, and compared population and legislative percentages for five sub-group categories. “Students noticed that the population percentages did not always reflect the legislature percentages for those demographics,” Steller said. “Students then researched and proposed solutions for the state to help rethink the legislative percentages to

reflect the population living in the state.”

Students had a range of ideas, including voter registration campaigns and companies creating boards to support diversity. “We then discussed that all people within the same demographics do not have the same opinions about for whom to vote, but it is important to have equal representation to ensure that all people of the state have a voice in the legislature,” Steller said. “My favorite 36

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phrase is: ‘If you see them, you can be them.’

When everyone has access to opportunities, more people believe they can achieve their goals and dreams.”

SECOND-GRADERS STUDY SCIENTIST CHARLES HENRY TURNER In honor of Black History Month, Lotspeich students learned about Black changemakers throughout history each school day in February. Science teacher Kate LaBare taught second-graders about Charles Henry Turner, a Cincinnati-born entomologist and naturalist. LaBare first read students the book, “Buzzing with Questions: The Inquisitive Mind of Charles Henry Turner” by Janice N. Harrington, and students learned about Turner’s passion for asking questions, hard work, science, and insects. LaBare then asked students to “observe like Charles,” where each student chose a handful of realistic plastic models of invertebrates. “The students honed their observation skills by seeing how the examples were the same and different,” LaBare said. They also brainstormed new questions that they wondered about, such as, “why do spiders have eight legs but insects have six” and “do all lady bugs have seven spots?”

OUT-OF-THIS-WORLD WRITING IN PRE-KINDERGARTEN Doherty pre-kindergarteners in Karen Lawrence’s class took their knowledge of language arts, math, and science to infinity and beyond this year! The students wrote a multi-faceted space book. “Each page is an

area of focus, whether it be a particular planet or the Earth’s moon,” said Lawrence.

“We answered the questions, ‘Why do we have days and how does that happen? How long is a year and why does that happen?’”

Lawrence said her students used writing skills, letter recognition, and word formation, as well as an illustration, which taps into their creativity and how to relate what they picture in their minds with how they want to show it to people. Lawrence said the project also incorporated math as the students learned to use different sizing techniques to relate the size of each planet and the distances between the planets.

S A M P L E S

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Lawrence said the rich unit allowed her students to apply deep knowledge while taking steps into lesser-known skills. “We counted all the moons that the outer planets have in order to understand just how amazing this planet is with its atmosphere, gravity, water, good distance from the sun, and particular rotation and revolution schedule,” she said.

CELEBRATING CHANGEMAKERS IN UNIT II As part of an intensive Black History Month study, Doherty students in Unit II engaged in an interdisciplinary study of Black changemakers. “The students

researched a number of people, including mathematician Katherine Johnson of ‘Hidden Figures’ fame, Super Soaker inventor Lonnie Johnson, iconic heavyweight boxer Muhammad Ali, Saratoga Chip creator George Crum and so many more,” said Unit II teacher Sherri Linville. “They created a timeline of things that happened in the lives of the people

they are studying, and they researched their life’s work.” Linville said students’ work culminated into a presentation and facts from the students’ research were used in a Kahoot trivia game just before spring break.

EIGHTH-GRADE HISTORY STUDENTS STUDY THE RISE OF MUSSOLINI Eighth-graders in Judith Neidlein-Dial’s class studied Italy during the period between World War I and World War II, with a focus on Benito Mussolini’s fascist regime. In January, students presented on Mussolini and the rise of fascism in the country.

Neidlein-Dial asked students to think about several ideas, including what about fascism appealed to people at that time and what fascist leaders promised, as well as how Mussolini turned Italy from a constitutional monarchy into a dictatorship. “The goal of this lesson is for students to see patterns in history. We turned to the rise of fascism in the rest of Europe after studying Italy,” NeidleinDial said.

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SEVENTH-GRADERS CONSTRUCT EARTHQUAKERESISTANT TOWERS As part of their earth history unit, seventhgraders in Kristin Suer’s science class constructed earthquakeresistant towers and put them to the test. After an engineering lesson and reading about seismic waves, students were given a scenario in which they had to build a new university art building located along the San Andreas Fault. The tower’s materials included straws and dowels, serving as beams, and cardboard and lasagna, which represented flooring.

Students had to keep the towers’ costs within a budget. “After strapping the live loads (represented by beanbag animals) to their two-story towers, their towers experienced all the waves of an earthquake on the shake table,” Suer said. “Students

ultimately had to decide whether a cheaper tower with less weight would be more Continued on page 38 37

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successful than a more expensive tower with heavier reinforcements.” Seventhgraders recorded a video of their towers on the shake table and wrote down their reflections about their projects.

UNDERSTANDING THE PROCESS OF TITRATION IN CHEMISTRY After completing acid-base titrations, AP Chemistry students in Jen Torline’s class expanded their learning to include a different type of titration, determining the concentration of an ion in a solution if the substance is easily oxidized or reduced. “This process is called oxidation-reduction or a redox titration,” said Torline. “My students determined the unknown concentration of the yellow iron sulfate solution by titrating it with standardized potassium permanganate until a faint purple color was obtained at the equivalence point.” Torline said understanding the process of acid-base titrations is an important lab technique to master because it is used in many instances, including pharmaceutical applications, testing of environmental samples, analyzing blood for various levels of substances, food analysis, and many more.

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"A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM"— ZOOM STYLE Earlier this year, ninth-graders in Meredith Brown’s English class performed an abridged version of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” via Zoom. After two workshops with actors at Cincinnati Shakespeare Company in early February, Brown’s students developed their characters through several in-class rehearsals. During the two-day performance, students used virtual backgrounds of enchanted forests and cozy indoor spaces to set the scene for their characters and performed their lines while wearing costumes and props to depict Puck, Hermia, Nick Bottom, and

others. Brown noted, “Plays are written to be performed. Although our class is not an acting class and the students are not graded based on their skill as performers, the experience of thinking like a performer greatly enriches their understanding. They know the story much better now than they did when they initially encountered it simply as readers.” The choice of Zoom was also intentional, said Brown. “Our classes have a few students who have been learning by remote throughout the year and others who are occasionally remote due to COVID safety measures, so it made sense to plan for a Zoom-based performance that could accommodate all students equally, regardless of circumstances,” Brown said.

“Shakespeare’s works live on, centuries after his lifetime, because performers and audiences continue to see their own lives mirrored in Shakespeare’s treatment of timeless themes. In the last year, theater companies at every level, from school troupes to professional companies, have adapted to the challenges of our day by adapting their performances to Zoom, YouTube, and similar platforms. We simply did the same!”

40 YEARS OF SERVICE

When Head of Lotspeich Carolyn Fox announced at a Monday morning assembly that she would be retiring from Seven Hills at the end of the 2020-21 school year, one student’s reaction was especially memorable.

“One little boy came to me and said, ‘You’re retiring and I wanted to ask you if you would go fishing with me someday, maybe after you’re retired.’” Fox said.

“That touched me a lot.”

After 40 years at Seven Hills, Fox has made an indelible impact on The Seven Hills School, where she served as head of the Lotspeich Lower School for 19 years. Members of the Seven Hills community easily conjure up kind words and fond memories about Fox. Lotspeich second-grade teacher Danielle Necessary has worked with Fox for more than a decade. She has numerous memories illustrating Fox’s love and respect for her students and faculty.

“When you speak with her, she communicates a feeling that you are her only priority. Everything else can wait,” Necessary said. “Watching her exhibit this with children has been a privilege.

The patience and attention she eagerly gives individual students shows her belief and commitment to meeting kids where they are.”

Fox began her career at Seven Hills as a third-grade teacher. When she first visited Lotspeich, she immediately felt a connection to the school. “At the end of the day, I was so taken by the place and the way everything felt, including the way teachers treated children and the approach to working with children,” Fox said.

Fox took time off to raise her son and returned to Seven Hills to teach part time in the Middle School language lab.

She worked in the Middle School for 18 years in a variety of capacities, including

as a school counselor and teacher, before becoming the head of Lotspeich.

Lotspeich fourth-grade teacher Sara Snyder said Fox has been an amazing head who has guided the school with the students at the forefront of her mind.

“Children love seeing her in assemblies, in the hallway, and during her weekly reading times in classrooms,” Snyder said.

“Her kind heart, thoughtful words, and dedication to education is unmatched.

She will be sorely missed.”

Meredith Ficks’ ’98 children, George, Oliver, and Sam, currently attend Lotspeich. Fox was also Ficks’ seventh-

“

“Carolyn is thoughtful, considerate, and intentional in her interactions. Knowing that she values and supports not only the academic, but also the social-emotional needs of each child has always been a comfort to me as a parent. My family has so enjoyed our time at Seven Hills with Carolyn, and we wish her all the best in this new chapter!”

-Seven Hills parent Sara Ramprasad

grade English teacher. Ficks serves as the Lotspeich Parent Community’s representative. She recalls Fox leading the Halloween parade in Fox’s homemade costumes and her children’s excitement when Fox read to their classes.

“Carolyn embraces every student and parent. Her warm, patient, and inclusive approach makes everyone feel like a treasured member of the community,”

retirements

CAROLYN FOX Head of Lotspeich—19 years

Ficks said. “Her strong connection to the classroom makes her a wonderful administrator. Carolyn’s roots as a teacher provide intimate knowledge of the rhythms of the classroom and allow her to advocate for teachers and students alike.”

Fox said she has learned something from everyone with whom she’s worked, and her career began and ended with the students at the center of her focus.

“My heart is here,” she said. “It’s always been a joy to be at Seven Hills.”

“

“Carolyn has the wonderful and unique gift of being able to see beyond an individual’s persona in order to unlock their truer self and their potential. This happens in her interactions with adults, but it is especially true with children.

She is the most ardent advocate for children that I have ever known. Colleagues and students alike have been blessed by her patience, grace, and discernment. It is truly because of this grace and insight that I had the privilege of joining the Seven Hills family many years ago. For that, I will forever be grateful.”

- Lotspeich third-grade teacher Kim Walden

Continued on page 40

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World Languages Department Chair and Upper School World Language Teacher 21 YEARS OF SERVICE

At the Seven Hills faculty and staff closing meeting in early June, Seven Hills celebrated retiring French teacher and World Languages Department Chair Ann Griep. Upper and Middle School French and Spanish teacher Jacky Kalubi, Upper and Middle School Latin and history teacher Katie Swinford, and Upper School Spanish teacher Teresa Bardon shared kind words and memories about their colleague.

They remarked on her talents as a polyglot, her care for others, and most importantly, her love for learning. “Ann’s constantly teaching us to keep learning, stay relevant, and do what makes us happy,” Kalubi said. “She is always generous with her praise and forthcoming with her suggestions…Ann always offers creative and compassionate advice and supports us.”

retirements

ANN GRIEP

Continued . . .

SCHOOL NEWS

STINGER MADNESS and Seven Hills Day of Giving The first week of March, the Seven Hills campuses were abuzz with two important yearly events that support The Seven Hills Annual Fund—the weeklong Stinger Madness, which ran March 1 to March 5, and Day of Giving, which ran for 24 hours on March 4. In the bustle of this busy week, emails, letters, and videos flowed out of the Development Office and from our volunteers, and gifts from across town and around the world flowed in.

Stinger Madness Our weeklong Stinger Madness brought together families of current Seven Hills students for a friendly competition to see which of the three divisional teams (Team Fox/Murch for the Lower School divisions, Team Waskowitz for the Middle School division, and Team Bolton for the Upper School division) could achieve the highest parent participation percentage in the Annual Fund by the end of the week.

Team Fox/Murch was able to pull off a win by coming out ahead by a slim margin. Congratulations to our Lower Schools for taking home the Stinger Madness trophy for 2021!

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Reminder: If you haven’t had the opportunity to make your Annual Fund gift for the 2020-2021 school year, there’s

still time as our fiscal year runs through June 30. Please visit www.7hills.org/AnnualFund to make your gift today.

SCHOOL NEWS

Seven Hills DAY OF GIVING During our 24-hour Day of Giving, friends of the school—alumni, grandparents, parents of alumni, and many others—showed tremendous support as they made their gifts to the Annual Fund. As always, it was a great pleasure to hear from so many friends of Seven Hills!

Stinger Bees Filled the Hills As Stinger Madness and Day of Giving gifts were pouring in, our Development team was out on our two campuses Filling the Hills with Stinger bees. Each bee had a sticker bearing the name of those who made the gift.

Thank YOU for Filling the Hills Our grateful thanks to our donors and our Annual Fund volunteers, whose encouragement helped us Fill the Hills during Stinger Madness and Day of Giving! A grand total of 271 friends and families of Seven Hills made Annual Fund gifts during these events, joining the more than 1,100 donors who already supported the 2020-21 Seven Hills Annual Fund.

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ALUMNI NEWS

CATCHING UP WITH HANNAH BLOCH ’80 “I was always very curious and asked a ton of questions. Seven Hills was a key part in all of that . . . Seven Hills gave me the sense that anything was possible, that I could do anything.”

Hannah Bloch ’80 has never liked the feeling of something being hidden from her. She has always been determined to get to the bottom of it. This driving combination of determination and curiosity has fueled an award-winning career in journalism, including her current role as lead digital editor on NPR’s international desk.

“Seven Hills left me with this sense of possibility, believing that I could achieve anything, that it was important to have an interesting and meaningful life,” she said.

“I felt very strongly, after all my years there, that it was important to give back.

Having a Seven Hills education is such a privilege. I felt the school sent me out into the world understanding that, and with the knowledge that I’d be doing something to help the world.”

Bloch attended the University of Pennsylvania. After graduation, she worked in a senator’s press office.

Answering questions from reporters as part of her role, she realized, “I wanted to be on the other side of the news–I needed to be a journalist.” She returned to school at Columbia University, where she earned a master’s degree in journalism and, subsequently, a master’s degree in international affairs. An interest in South Asia culminated in Bloch spending a year in Lahore, Pakistan, where she lived with a family and learned Urdu as part of an intensive 42

language program at University of California, Berkeley.

Upon her return, Bloch took a job as a science reporter with Time magazine. Her curiosity and determination paid off five years later.

“Everyone at Time knew I spoke Urdu, so I was offered the job as Time’s first Islamabad correspondent,” Bloch says.

“It had been six years since I’d come back, but suddenly my dream job fell into my lap.”

In 2002, Bloch left Pakistan after six years, then worked as an editor at National Geographic, a columnist at the Wall Street Journal, and now at NPR, where she works with the international correspondents and edits long form feature stories for NPR’s digital platforms. Whether writing or editing, “the goal is always the same—to get the best work out, inform the public, and make the work shine.”

“I was always very curious and asked a ton of questions,” said Bloch. “Seven Hills was a key part in all of that.”

That sense of curiosity about the world and a dedication to reading and writing were encouraged by retired Lotspeich teacher John Domoe, retired Middle School teacher Patricia Howard, and Assistant Head of School and former Upper School English teacher Susan Marrs. Bloch also credits late French

Bloch reporting in November 2012 for National Geographic in Afghanistan’s Logar province on archaeology at the ancient Buddhist site of Mes Aynak.

teacher Renee Lowther and former history teacher Dennis Reichelderfer for widening her perspective of the world and the U.S.’s role in it. The seeds of Bloch’s latent interest in journalism may have been sown in Upper School, where she also served as editor of Common Canvass, the Upper School newspaper now known as Canvass.

“When I think back on it, some of what I did must have given Head of School Peter Briggs heartburn,” said Bloch. “I was putting out polls on things like students’ smoking habits. I was given that freedom, and it is so extraordinary to me in retrospect.”

ALUMNI NEWS

CATCHING UP WITH TONI SCIARRA POYNTER ’77 “The knowledge that you can fail, that you will not be abandoned, and this person believes in you—these intangibles stick with you. They help you build the will to get through challenges.”

Through her wide-ranging experience as an editor of practical nonfiction, alumna Toni Sciarra Poynter’s '77 work allows her to voyage through a world of topics, ranging from psychology and business to health and women’s issues.

“Practical nonfiction is meaningful nonfiction that often goes out on a limb.

It’s something I feel is important to publish,” said Poynter.

Poynter, who has spent more than two decades with major publishers and who, for the past 13 years, has owned her own business as an independent editor and collaborating writer working with subject matter experts in many different fields, said she enjoys editing practical nonfiction because the books often center around turning ideas into actions, personal development, and self-help.

Poynter said she entered the editing and publishing world because of her innate curiosity mixed with a dose of tenacity cultivated at Seven Hills. After graduating from Vassar College, she spent a summer at the Denver Publishing Institute, and subsequently landed a job in New York

City. Over the years and positions that followed, she learned the craft of editing and the business of publishing, where she has worked with authors who are FBI agents, union organizers, and neuroscientists, to name just a few.

“What I like about my work is that I don’t have enough lifetimes to be all the people I’m interested in, but I get to work with them,” Poynter said. “I’ll never get to be an FBI agent, but I get to ask all the questions. How does it work? How can we make that accessible to people?”

Poynter said she sees publishers as curators, providing ideas and information to a broad readership who wants to connect with the world by learning more about it.

“People look to be engaged, whether it’s to learn something they didn’t know before or to feel not so alone, to feel a part of a community,” she said. “The best books do that and sustain it through the entire book.”

Poynter said she fondly remembers the Seven Hills teachers who inspired her to be persistent in her work and to always maintain a sense of adventure. She said Assistant Head of School Susan Marrs and retired English teacher OUR DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT, SARAH Sandra LAUTAR ’05, CAUGHT UP WITH SEVEN HILLS ALUMNI Smythe HANNAH BLOCH ’80 AND TONI SCIARRA POYNTER imparted a ’77 TO ASK THEM ABOUT THEIR EXPERIENCES SINCE great sense of GRADUATING FROM SEVEN HILLS.

Toni Sciarra Poynter '77

immediacy in literature. “Their joy, their excitement, and their love for literature shone through. That sense of 'what’s going to happen next" with Hester Prynne and Arthur Dimmesdale in “The Scarlet Letter,” ” she said. “I absorbed that from both of them.”

And, as for the persistence that shines through in her work, Poynter credits her former Latin teacher Donald Bober, former chemistry teacher Robert Carter, and, in particular, late math teacher George Luthringer. “The knowledge that you can fail, that you will not be abandoned, and this person believes in you—these intangibles stick with you,” she said. “They help you build the will to get through challenges.”

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2022 April 22 & 23 We look forward to welcoming you back to campus for an in-person Reunion in 2022!

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CPS & HILLSDALE classes of 1947, 1952, 1957, 1962, 1967, and 1972 LOTSPEICH classes of 1946, 1951, 1956, 1961, 1966, and 1971 SEVEN HILLS classes of 1977, 1982, 1987, 1992, 1997, and 2002 The classes of 2007, 2012, and 2017 will celebrate their reunions on Saturday, Nov. 26, 2022.

For classes who were unable to celebrate their reunions in person in 2020 and 2021, you are welcome at all of the events.

More information to come on specific events!

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

Spouses, guests, and families are welcome.

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

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ALUMNI NEWS

REUNION REPRESENTATIVES: Reunion reps are needed to help make this a special weekend for your class. While the school-sponsored reunion events are for everyone to enjoy, each class organizes its own class-specific events. Please volunteer to help plan an event for your class, and gather some friends to join you in planning. The more, the merrier!

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Reunion reps are still needed for the following classes: CPS 1947, 1952, and 1957 HLS 1947 and 1952 Seven Hills 1977, 1987, and 1997

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ALUMNI NEWS

UPPER STUDENTS WELCOME ALUMNI CAREER PANELS

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ith on-campus speakers limited due to the COVID-19 safety measures, the Development Office took the opportunity to bring alumni speakers directly to students’ iPads with pre-recorded panel discussions that were watched

by Upper School students during advisory periods.

Director of Alumni Engagement Sarah Ott Lautar ’05 hosted a discussion with alumni John Ficks ’89, Jennifer Frey ’99, and Miriam Lipson Hodesh ’00 in mid-March.

A second discussion followed in April, during which Lautar moderated a talk between alumni Mindy Moser Barber ’05 and Lisa Barrett ’98. Questions during both panels included queries submitted ahead of time by students.

Speakers brought up similar themes and pieces of advice.

In particular, they encouraged students to remain openminded about career paths and areas of interests. “I think that trial and error is key,” Hodesh said. “It’s going to be

Clockwise from top left: Mindy Moser Barber, '05 Sarah Lautar '05, and Lisa Barrett, '98

The speakers emphasized the importance of showing respect for others and striving for strong communication with colleagues. Barber said, “You have to be personable and you have to be respectful. Creating those personal relationships helps you understand how people work, what drives them, and it makes the work environment work more fun.”

Ficks offered advice about wit and humility. “Have a sense of humor and joke,” Ficks said, “That will get you so far.

And admit what you don’t know—don’t pretend to be what you aren’t.” Frey added, “Smiles go a really long way.”

Thank you to our wonderful panelists for taking time from their busy schedules to share their sage advice!

• Mindy Moser Barber ’05 – Structural engineer and project manager at THP, Ltd.

Clockwise from top left: Jennifer Frey '99, Sarah Lautar '05, John Ficks '89, and Miriam Lipson Hodesh '00

messy. It’s going to be weird. Don’t worry about your resume. Get in there, get dirty, and just try stuff. Twenty, 30 years from now, when you’re sitting on this panel, you’ll be able to connect the dots.”

Barrett echoed the sentiment. “I don’t think you can perfectly predict exactly how your career is going to go,” Barrett said. If you don’t know what you want to do, it’s fine. For me, I’ve just found something I really love each step, and I’ve gotten invested that way.”

• Lisa Barrett ’98 – Vice president of learning, innovation, and operations at Multiverse • John Ficks ’89 – Global sales & marketing manager at Robbins Sports Surfaces • Jennifer Frey ’99 – President of every child succeeds and professor at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and University of Cincinnati College of Medicine • Miriam Lipson Hodesh ’00 – Owner and co-founder of The Columns

“I don’t think you can perfectly predict exactly how your career is going to go.

If you don’t know what you want to do, it’s fine. For me, I’ve just found something I really love each step, and I’ve gotten invested that way.” - Lisa Barrett ’98 46

ALUMNI NEWS

DOES THE SCHOOL STILL … ?

Alumni often ask us if Seven Hills maintains events and traditions, or still has items they remember fondly from their own years at the school.

Many times, our answer is,“Yes we still do that!”

DOES LOTSPEICH STILL HAVE ITS PHOENIX WEATHER VANE? The bronze and copper phoenix that hangs above the front door of Lotspeich Lower School on Hillsdale Campus has a storied beginning and a fiery history.

Lotspeich alumni and former parents may remember the weather vane in the image of the mythological bird, which sat atop the cupola of the Lotspeich building for many years before moving to its current location above the entrance to the Lower School, where it now welcomes students and families.

Phoenix are known to rise from the ashes of a predecessor. They are a symbol of rebirth, renewal, and hope, something the

the Briggs Administration Building, the fine arts building now known as The Ingeborg R. Meckel Center for Language and Fine Arts, and a series of trailers connected with wooden boardwalks.

Upper School’s dean of students and math teacher David Brott was a rising sixth-grader at Lotspeich during the summer of the fire. Brott said he recalls with clarity then-Head of Lotspeich Eileen Driscoll’s speech to students at the opening of the school year. During her address, she told the story of visiting what remained of her office after the fire, where, among burned books and paintings, she found an unharmed teddy bear, which she portrayed as a symbol of resilience.

“I remember very vividly staying up to watch the story about the fire on the news and driving out to campus the next day,” said Brott.

fixture represented shortly after a fire destroyed Lotspeich 34 years ago.

The powerful myth of the phoenix and its renewal was on Driscoll’s mind when she asked art teacher Jody Knoop to design a weather vane for the new building shortly after the fire.

On July 6, 1987, a lightning strike ignited a devastating fire in the Lotspeich building, destroying nearly the entire building.

During the 1987-88 school year, Lotspeich students and teachers attended school in scattered classrooms throughout

“As finishing touches were added to the new Lotspeich building, Eileen Driscoll felt that the crowning piece should be a weather vane that would sit on a cupola and symbolize the rebirth of our school,” said Knoop, who still teaches art at

Lotspeich. “I drew the phoenix with its eyes looking skyward, chest out, wings spread as the flames flickered around it.”

“It was breathtaking!” Knoop said of the finished weather vane. “The artisans did a beautiful job bringing my drawing to life.”

The phoenix lived on top of the Lotspeich cupola until just a few years ago, when it was discovered that the cupola could no longer support it. Now relocated to a perch above the front door, the phoenix is an artifact that is still very much part of the Seven Hills community and history. It continues to serve as a symbol of the school’s brilliant connections and resilient spirit.

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ALUMNI NEWS

Fall Reunion for the Class of 2005 In December 2020, the Class of 2005 got together to compare notes on life over the past five years, with the usual catching up about jobs changed, degrees obtained, nuptials celebrated, and children born. The venue

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was less usual, with the event kicking off the school’s first-ever virtual reunion celebration, with classmates logging on from their couches and kitchen tables to toast to 15 years since graduating.

Friends joined from coast to

coast, and one classmate even attended from Germany.

Spark Tabor put his professional comedian skills to use as emcee of the event.

He kept the conversation flowing and hosted a trivia

game based around music from the class’ high school years. Breakout rooms gave everyone an opportunity to chat with friends, some for the first time since the last reunion.

Mr. Brott Hosts Zoom Trivia for the Young Alumni Holiday Party Many thanks to the planners Ashley Ackerman, Asia Reid Narayan, Tabor, and Benjamin van der Horst for their hard work and creativity in gathering classmates from afar.

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December 22, 2020 saw a new iteration of the annual Young Alumni Holiday Party.

With COVID-19 safety restrictions ruling out an in-person gathering, young alums brought the celebration to Zoom for a virtual trivia night! Upper School math teacher David Brott reprised his role from last year’s party and seamlessly transitioned the game to the virtual format. With questions covering everything from Seven Hills history to Harry Potter to math to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the players were challenged.

The Bain siblings came out victorious in a well-played game.

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ALUMNI NEWS

IN MEMORIAM: Paul Sittenfeld Seven Hills lost one of its most enthusiastic cheerleaders, a steadfast pillar of leadership and a true friend upon the death of Paul Sittenfeld on March 17, 2021. Paul’s time as a Seven Hills parent spanned four children and 23 years. In addition to being the proud father of Tiernan ’92, Curtis ’93, Josephine ’98, and P.G. ’03, he was the supportive spouse of retired Seven Hills librarian and art history teacher Betsy Sittenfeld. Paul was a devoted volunteer at the school, serving as a trustee from 1979 to 1994, including time as board chair from 1986 to 1992. More recently, he served on the Build.Connect.Inspire. capital campaign steering committee.

Though a transplant from Kansas City, Missouri, by way of Princeton University, Paul cultivated a vast network of friends and family in the Cincinnati area, and at Seven Hills in particular. Assistant Head of School and longtime friend Susan Marrs encapsulated Paul’s deep roots at the school, saying, “As a parent, as a faculty spouse, as a donor and fund raiser, as both a member of the board and its chair, Paul was the ultimate Seven Hills fan. Because he loved a good story, he was fascinated by the everyday happenings in our classrooms, and because he believed with his whole heart in the importance of education, he was strategic and wise about how we employ our resources and strive to fulfill our mission.”

Paul was generous in sharing his wisdom and time with the school.

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“Every meeting I attended with Paul, you could always count on him to bring clarity and perspective to the institution or cause,” former Board Chair Beth Schiff remembered. “He never stopped giving to or caring about Seven Hills, even when he was no longer a trustee, board chair, or parent. Paul was my mentor and inspiration—he guided me when I was board chair and helped in any way possible. Even the last week before he passed away, Paul participated in the Seven Hills past presidents meeting by Zoom. Seven Hills was a very special place to him, and all of the Sittenfeld family, and you always knew without a doubt how much he cared for the institution and all the people who were a part of it.”

Marrs speaks for all of Seven Hills when she said, “We are a strong, better place because of his influence, and we will miss him more than any of us can adequately express.”

The following are excerpts from a tribute written by Tiernan Sittenfeld ’92, Curtis Sittenfeld ’93, Josephine Sittenfeld ’98, and P.G. Sittenfeld ’03.

As those who knew our father know he was a man of countless interests and appetites, countless opinions, and countless friendships. There are so many he loved and was loved by, so many friends from his 1950s childhood in Kansas City, Missouri, from Princeton University (Class of 1969), and from every walk of life in Cincinnati and beyond.

By profession, he started in the nonprofit world and later thrived as an investment adviser. Meanwhile, he volunteered on so many boards— including some that focused on social equity, education, and the arts—that we literally have never been able to tally them.

We feel profoundly lucky to be his children and profoundly sad that he is gone, though, of course, we will carry his love, humor, and random song lyrics inside us forever. He touched so many people’s lives in so many wonderful ways—and certainly none more than ours.

ALUMNI NEWS

# THROWBACK

The Case of the Missing Doherty Time Capsule

In 1976, Doherty students and their teachers buried a time capsule containing a number of humorous items in an unmarked location behind Brooks Hall. Decades later, the whereabouts of the capsule still confound an alumnus determined to unearth the 45-year-old artifact.

In autumn of 1976, first-year Doherty teacher Judy Arnold had an idea to bury a time capsule filled with items chosen by her students.

“As part of our social studies unit, we were learning about archaeology and ancient peoples and artifacts,” said Arnold, a retired Seven Hills counselor.

The entire school attended the burial of the time capsule, along with a reporter from the Cincinnati Enquirer, which ran a story and photo about the occasion.

That article lists some of the artifacts chosen by students,

“

“It would always come up at reunions with other alums who attended Doherty in the 1970s.

After a reunion party about 15 years ago, I went back behind Brooks Hall with five other classmates to go search for it.”

- Fritz Wilger ’83

described as “significant items of culture,” including bell-bottom jeans, a phone book, cigarettes, toilet paper, and a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. The vault also included a letter to future finders, signed by all of the Unit III students, with their fingerprints next to their names, according to the Enquirer.

With all of the fun and frenzy, however, one aspect of the time capsule event changed the future of the find. Today, the capsule cannot be located. Arnold said she remembers talk of a concrete plaque to mark the time capsule’s location, but the plaque was never placed, sparking the ongoing mystery of its location.

Alumnus and parent Fritz Wilger ’83 still thinks about the capsule to this day.

in the 1970s,” said Wilger. “After a reunion party about 15 years ago, I went back behind Brooks Hall with five other classmates to go search for it.”

Wilger said he is confident he recalls the rough location of the capsule and that it could be located with some basic archaeology. He even suggested that perhaps an enterprising science class or club could devise a way to find its location.

With all of the intrigue, Wilger isn’t the only curious soul with a penchant for uncovering the mystery.

“Judy and I were determined to find it before we retired,” retired Head of Doherty Patti Guethlein said. It was not for lack of trying–both Guethlein and Arnold remember Doherty maintenance worker John Drew and retired Doherty maintenance worker Rick Questa searching fruitlessly for the time capsule over the years by sticking metal probes in the ground after rainy days.

“They’ll find it one day if they ever tear down Brooks Hall,” Guethlein predicted.

“They’ll find a concrete vault buried there, with bell-bottoms and cigarettes and a phone book in it.”

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ALUMNI NEWS

NEXT CHAPTER: ALUMNI DISCUSS BOOKS FOR LUNCH AUTHOR JENNIFER EGAN’S “MANHATTAN BEACH”

Our Next Chapter event series continued with another popular book club evening in January. Head of Upper School Matt Bolton led a lively discussion of Jennifer Egan’s novel "Manhattan Beach" a week ahead of the author’s virtual Books for Lunch talk.

Comments from the attendees covered the novel’s impressively researched historical setting, Egan’s ability to craft suspense and atmosphere, and themes of family, courage, and identity. Many of the readers commented on Egan’s ability to create realistic and captivating characters. Lisa Barrett ’98 observed, “I loved that there wasn’t a need to tie it all up and make it perfect. It was just the messiness of being human. With some of the relationships, she didn’t feel a need to resolve it, and that’s just being human. You’re not a steady state—you go back and forth.”

Bolton shared a presentation with photos of the Manhattan Beach Naval Yard, the underwater diving suit used by some of the characters, and naval formations described in the novel. The photographs further proved Egan’s facility with weaving historical research into the story.

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Keep an eye out for future

Next Chapter events,

Books for Lunch 2021: Pandemic Edition

including the popular alumni book discussions!

ALUMNI NEWS

NEXT CHAPTER: ALUMNI TAKE A BITE OUT OF COOKIE DECORATING

What can make a lesson in cookie decorating from bakery owner Glenda Jones with Seven Hills alumni even better? A kit of freshly-baked cookies and lots of icing!

On Feb. 24, Glenda Jones, owner of Cocoa Bites bakery in Loveland, mixed things up for our Next Chapter series by offering a lesson in baking and decorating her famous cookies.

The new Alumni Next Chapter series offers classes, speakers, and events that bring alumni together for fun, educational programs. We hope you’ll join us for a future Alumni Next Chapter event!

After picking up kits with cookies and all the ingredients for decorating them at home, alumni–and many eager children– logged onto Zoom. Jones led the crowd through her recipes for sugar cookies and icing, adding in dollops of baking wisdom and answering questions along the way.

By the end of the hour, everyone had followed Jones’ expert teaching about how to decorate cut-out cookies. As one of the participants noted, it’s rare to find cookies that both look beautiful and taste delicious, but these treats fit the bill. Miraculously, many alumni shared photos of their masterpieces before eating all of the supplies.

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CELEBRATING REUNION WITH A TOAST OVER ZOOM

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AS THEY GREETED OLD FRIENDS MARKED THE BEGINNING OF THE SCHOOL’S VIRTUAL REUNION, CELEBRATED OVER ZOOM ON FRIDAY, APRIL 16, 2021.

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The program was kicked off by Director of Development Margo Kirstein, who welcomed guests and led everyone in a toast. Head of School Chris Garten then delivered an update on the state of the school, including a brief video that provided aerial glimpses of new buildings and old favorites on both the Hillsdale and Doherty campuses.

The fun continued with a surprise appearance by Assistant Head of School Susan Marrs, to the delight of all.

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In advance of the event, participants received mailed party packages full of hometown snacks, Seven Hills swag, and some sparkling beverages to toast their milestone reunions. COVID-19 considerations last spring caused the Development Office to postpone the annual reunion, so this year’s reunion celebrated the CPS and Hillsdale classes of 1970 and 1971 on their 50th reunions and the Seven Hills classes of 1995 and 1996 on their 25th reunions, in a combined reunion event.

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s alumni logged on, they exchanged greetings with classmates and friends while a slideshow of yearbook photos and popular songs from their school days played in the background.

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CELEBRATING REUNION , Continued . . .

The highlight of the evening was a series of vocal performances by current students and alumni. Sophomore Elias Buttress performed “They Call the Wind Maria,” accompanied by Lynne Miller on piano, and senior Audrey Howard sang “Dream a Little Dream of Me.” Following the students, Gabriel Mudd ’02 performed an original song, “Starting to Get to Me,” and Brooke Howard ’07 sang an original single, “Magic,” accompanied by Lyell Evans Roeder on guitar. The performances brought the virtual house down, with applause and bravos shared in the chat.

Both Mudd and Brooke Howard’s songs can be streamed on Spotify.

The evening concluded with remarks from Director of Alumni Engagement Sarah Ott Lautar ’05. Many alumni stayed on the Zoom, using breakout rooms to connect with old friends and classmates.

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We are very grateful to the many alumni who attended this very memorable virtual reunion!

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CONGRATULATIONS TO THE FOLLOWING CLASSES ON THEIR REUNION YEAR

CPS & HILLSDALE CLASSES OF 1940, 1941, 1945, 1946, 1950, 1951, 1955, 1956, 1960, 1961, 1965, 1966, 1970, & 1971 LOTSPEICH CLASSES OF 1944, 1945, 1949, 1950, 1954, 1955, 1959, 1960, 1964, 1965, 1969, 1970, 1974, & 1975 SEVEN HILLS CLASSES OF 1975, 1976, 1980, 1981, 1985, 1986, 1990, 1991, 1995, 1996, 2000, & 2001

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YOUNG ALUMNI AWARD WINNER RAHWA GHEBRE-AB ’01

Established in 2018, the Young Alumni Award is given annually to an alumna or alumnus under the age of 40 who has made outstanding contributions in his or her area of endeavor or community, exemplified the Seven Hills values in a well-rounded life, demonstrated the value of a Seven Hills education, and shown leadership among peers.

“Graduating into the Great Recession job market was my first exposure to the feeling that you can do everything “right,” study for all the tests, and follow all the steps your parents and teachers tell you to follow. But once you’re out in the world, there are things you can’t control.”

-Rahwa Ghebre-Ab ’01

Rahwa Ghebre-Ab is, in a word, dynamic.

Over the past five years, Ghebre-Ab’s resume bears capstones many would consider defining moments in a legal career. When Lionsgate acquired Starz in a major deal in 2016, Ghebre-Ab worked to integrate employment practices at the premium cable channel. In 2017, Ghebre-Ab’s legal work addressed sexual harassment and discrimination in the wake of Hollywood’s Me Too movement.

And most recently, her work has found her creating and implementing safety standards on sets and in offices in response to COVID-19.

“It is incredibly wild to be at the center of what feels like monumental back-to-back waves of change in the employment space, particularly in the entertainment industry,” said Ghebre-Ab.

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Ghebre-Ab’s success and insights come as a result of a long academic and entrepreneurial journey, and lessons learned along the way.

After graduating from law school at University of Chicago into a dismal economy in 2009, Ghebre-Ab left a prestigious law firm position and moved to Los Angeles without a job. She eventually landed a position at Lionsgate and hasn’t looked back. In addition to her policy work, she advises and counsels on employment matters affecting all areas of the company—including mergers and acquisitions, litigation, TV/film production, and more for the studio. GhebreAb said she believes that her work and that of her employment law colleagues across

the entertainment industry will affect best practices at companies across the state of California.

“Graduating into the Great Recession job market was my first exposure to the feeling that you can do everything “right,” study for all the tests, and follow all the steps your parents and teachers tell you to follow. But once you’re out in the world, there are things you can’t control,” she said.

Ghebre-Ab credits her time at Seven Hills with her enthusiasm for new opportunities. “I just got involved in everything,” she said. “I was in science club, chess club, elected copresident of my class. I had the best time.”

Ghebre-Ab said her openness to new experiences informs the advice she’d offer Upper Schoolers today.“It’s okay to be that person trying to figure it out,” she said.

“It’s fun to allow yourself to fall in step with the journey.”

ALUMNI NEWS

IN MEMORIAM:

Virginia “Ginny” Wilkinson Brooks H’43 Seven Hills lost a stalwart alumna, and the Cincinnati community lost an artist and friend to animals with the passing of Virginia “Ginny” Wilkinson Brooks on Dec. 25, 2020. A loyal and grateful alumna, Mrs. Brooks supported the school throughout her lifetime and, through a generous bequest, established The Ginny Brooks Endowment for Operations. This permanent endowment will support excellence in all areas of school operations.

Born in Cincinnati in 1925 to Louise Barry Wilkinson and E. Eugene Wilkinson, Mrs. Brooks graduated with the Hillsdale Class of 1943 as a member of Cum Laude. She also attended CPS. She continued her education at Wellesley College, University of California, Los Angeles, the Cincinnati Art Academy, and Miami University, from which she earned a Bachelor of Science in art education. Hillsdale and Seven Hills remained close to her heart, and Mrs. Brooks was proud of the school. She never missed an opportunity to attend school events, and she was a welcome presence at reunions and the annual Classics Luncheon.

As described by her late husband’s nephew John Brooks L’57, she was positive, cheerful, athletic, and independent. She dedicated herself to her work as a watercolorist, the local art community, golf, and animal welfare causes. She was a member of the American Watercolor Society, the Cincinnati Women’s Art Club, and the

Midwest Watercolor Society.

An avid golfer, she could often be found on the course at the Camargo Club, playing golf and walking her beloved dogs.

Mrs. Brooks supported animal welfare organizations and the wildlife near her home in Indian Hill, where she fed local populations of deer, racoons, turkeys, and birds in her backyard.

Mrs. Brooks was a member of Seven Hills’ Legacy Society, a group of alumni and friends of the school who have committed to support Seven Hills through a bequest. For more information about the Legacy Society and the benefits of planned giving, please contact Director of Development Margo Kirstein at 513.728.2437 or margo.kirstein@7hills.org.

Mrs. Brooks was predeceased by her sister Louise Wilkinson and husband Sanford “Samp” M. Brooks.

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ALUMNI NEWS

CLASS NOTES News from Our Alumni 1959 Peter Breidenbach (L)(Los Angeles) recently released an audiobook that he edited, produced, and narrated, entitled “My Overdue Book: Too Many Stories Not to Tell.” Breidenbach, who goes by Peter Bright professionally, shares stories of his time as a combat infantry veteran of the Vietnam War and his decades-long career in radio, voicework, and production. 1

together and, 18 months later, we are still connecting weekly,” said Macht.

“We’re looking forward to a postpandemic reunion!”

1975 Karen Koetzle (Cincinnati) shared that she has now lived in Mariemont for 34 years.

She evaluates people for medical equipment for use in homes and nursing homes. On top of that, she shows rental properties for 16 different owners and owns four rental townhouses in Mariemont, for which there is always gardening and landscaping to do.

She is also health coaching on the side!

1985

1

1970

Elliott Anderson (South Elgin, Illinois) recently published a book, “Simon Says: Principles and Perspectives from Dr. Simon V. Anderson.” The book looks at 10 sayings Anderson’s father would often say to overcome the difficult childhoods he and his wife experienced. Dr. Simon Anderson was an award-winning music professor at University of Cincinnati for 41 years, and Nancy Anderson worked at Doherty for more than 30 years. 2

Kalpana Kotagal (Washington, D.C.) was quoted in the New York Times on Feb. 10, 2021, in an article about four Harvard Law School graduates who founded the People’s Parity Project with the mission to end harassment and discrimination in the legal profession. “I think their work has the power to transform the profession,” Kotagal said of the group, of which she is a member of the board of advisors.

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) to sarah.lautar@7hills.org.

1998 Ioanna Paraskevopoulos (Cincinnati) shared that she recently founded a nonprofit called Action Tank and serves as its executive director. Action Tank is a think tank that partners with artists to research and promote new public policy solutions at the local government level. Paraskevopoulos recently spoke on a panel of nonprofit leaders hosted by her alma mater, Columbia University.

Anni Macht (C)(Cincinnati) shared a class update, saying, “COVID-19 dashed CPS Class of 1970’s plans for our 50th Reunion get together, but all was not lost, as the planning process reconnected everyone!” A group of 23 classmates planned to attend the reunion, including Janet Byron Campbell, Carol Crutchfield Wiggers, Bronwyn Park, Linda Erb Martz, Ann Findlater Meredith, Carolyn Jordan-White, Deb Muntz Krehbiel, Karen Busch Osborne, Elissa Pogue, Marilyn Scripps, Cita Straus, Debbie Whitehurst Cundall, and Sharon Worthing Vaino, and Macht. “The planning process brought 10 alumnae 2

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1995

ALUMNI NEWS

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

“Arty” Wiley Abineri-Elliott into the world on Feb. 15, 2020. Congratulations to Gillian! 4 Shaina Rose Brock Horner (Cincinnati) shared an update on her recent work with the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine trial at the University of Cincinnati. Horner is a clinical research professional in the Division of Infectious Diseases at the University of Cincinnati’s College of Medicine. In particular, she played a big role in reaching out to the local Latinx community in Greater Cincinnati with education and information about the vaccine trial. Horner has been working for more than a decade to build relationships with the Latinx community—an effort that grew out of an interest in Spanish and service that she credited to former Spanish teacher Teresa Tolentino. 5

1935

A. Pierce Matthews (L)(Cincinnati) passed away on Oct. 18, 2020.

1943

Virginia “Ginny” Wilkinson Brooks (H) (Cincinnati) passed away on Dec. 25, 2020.

1953

Katherine “Kitty” Crone Cline (H)(New York) passed away on Dec. 21, 2020.

1956

Judith Allen Thompson (C)(Covington) passed away on Dec. 20, 2020.

Friends of the School

3

Joe Curry (Cincinnati), husband of retired French teacher Wynne McCarthy Curry H’71, and former Trustee, passed away on May 1, 2021.

2000 Ben Balskus (Chicago) and his wife, Madeleine, welcomed son Silas William Balskus in June 2020! 3

Lilaemae Mueller (Cincinnati), former teacher (1970-97) and parent of alumni, passed away on June 12, 2021.

2001 Gillian Abineri (Savannah, Georgia) shared the good news that she and her husband, David Elliott, welcomed their son Artemus

Tasha Porter (Cincinnati), mother of Joshua ’22 and Kristen ’20, passed away on March 14, 202 1.

Grandparent Dorothy Rigney (Cincinnati) passed away on March 7, 2021.

5

4

Former board chair, parent of alumni, and faculty spouse Paul G. Sittenfeld (Cincinnati) passed away on March 17, 2021.

Continued on page 62 61

2007

2006 Amy Sherman (Cambridge, Massachusetts) is an instructor in medicine at Harvard Medical School and an associate physician in the Division of Infectious Diseases at Brigham and Williams Hospital, and a clinician-scientist with the Precision Vaccines Program. Her recent work has included COVID-19 vaccine trial research.

She finished her medical residency and an infectious disease fellowship at Emory University in May 2020.

2005 Drew Gibson (Washington, D.C.) is in his fifth year of working at AIDS United. His current role is policy manager for HIV and drug user health. He developed his interest in serving the HIV/AIDS community in his first year in a masters of social work program at the University of Maryland when serendipitously assigned to a yearlong internship program at the university’s medical school.

INTERESTED IN BEING A REUNION REP FOR YOUR CL ASS?

Please Contact Sarah Ott Lautar ’05,

Emily Balskus (Cambridge, Massachusetts), a professor of chemistry and chemical biology at Harvard University, received the Alan T. Waterman Award. It is the National Science Foundation’s most prestigious prize for scientists under 40 in the United States.

Balskus received a medal and $1 million in research funding over five years. Balskus is the sixth Harvard scientist and first woman to have received the award.

Sarah-Margaret Gibson (Glasgow, Scotland) continues to thrive on the west coast of Scotland. She founded an atelier, The Glasgow Academy of Fine Art, with her husband, artist Lee Craigmile.

2013 Emily Lambert (Chicago) is a child, adolescent, and adult psychotherapist at Light on Anxiety CBT Treatment Center in Chicago. She recently co-authored the book, “Break Free From Intrusive Thoughts: An Evidence-Based Guide for Managing Fear and Finding Peace.” 6

2015 Nicole Malofsky (Bethlehem, Pennsylvania) has been awarded a National Science Foundation research fellowship. She is a graduate research assistant studying bioengineering at Lehigh University.

Director of Alumni Engagement, at sarah.lautar@7hills.org

513.728.2432

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7

6

2016 Matthew Marquardt (Princeton, New Jersey) biked across the United State this winter to raise money for St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and its mission to treat and end childhood cancer. Marquardt began by dipping his bike wheel in the Pacific Ocean in San Diego, California, on Dec. 30, 2020, and ended his journey on Jan. 18, 2021, in Jacksonville, Florida. Marquardt, who decided to fulfill his dream of biking across America when his senior swim season was canceled due to COVID-19, raised over $15,000 on his journey! 7

ALUMNI NEWS

Alumni Calendar 2021-22

September 2021 Fall Floral Design Class with Timothy Lieber, AIFD, Owner of LunaFlora Creative

Saturday, Nov. 27, 2021 Alumni Basketball Games

6 p.m. in-person and virtual

Women’s: 10 a.m.

Men’s: 12 p.m.

Date and location: TBA

Field House, Hillsdale Campus

Learn the art of floral design and create a fall floral arrangement from local floral designer Timothy Lieber.

5th Reunion – Class of 2016 Location TBD

October 2021 Alumni Book Club: “Fresh” by Margot Wood ’04 6 p.m. in-person and virtual Date and location: TBA Join us for a book discussion of Margot Wood ’04’s debut novel “Fresh”, a comingof-age story about a college freshman.

November 2021 Drawing Class with Lotspeich art teacher Jody Knoop 6 p.m. in-person and virtual Date and location: TBA Join Jody Knoop, art teacher at Lotspeich Lower School for 34 years, for an hour of fun and relaxing drawing.

10th Reunion – Class of 2011 Location TBD 15th Reunion – Class of 2006 Location TBD Thursday, Dec. 23, 2021 Young Alumni Holiday Party 7 p.m.

Location TBD

save the date

We look forward to welcoming alumni back to in-person events this fall! Based on the positive response over the past year, we will also host some virtual events. Our plans are subject to change based on public health recommendations related to COVID-19.

Friday, April 22 & Saturday April 23, 2022: Classics Luncheon, tours of campuses, and Taste of Seven Hills.

More details to come!

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 63

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

Class of 2021 C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S !