Seven Hills Magazine - Spring 2017

S P R I N G

2 0 1 7

TH E M I N DSET THAT I NFORM S THE SEVEN H I LLS VALUES AT OUR LOWER SCHOOLS

THE

SEVEN

HILLS SCHOOL

7hills.org

Development Office 513.728.2430 development@7hills.org

Front cover photo: Sisters Laura and Rebecca Jacobs give eachother a squeeze before class on the Doherty Campus.

04 06 17 44 78

Contents Fostering the Seven Hills Values in our Lower School Program By Head of School Christopher P. Garten Caretakers of the World The Mindset that Informs Our Seven Hills Values

By Karla Dejean

School News Alumni News and Class Notes Upcoming Alumni Events

Above photo: Six Seven Hills seniors signed, in April 2017, to participate in college athletics for their respective schools: Tim Hagemeister, Men’s Swimming for Kenyon College; Reed Russell, Men’s Lacrosse for Kenyon College; Lukas Geiger, Men’s Rowing for Columbia University; Henry Marquardt, Men’s Swimming for Williams College; and Chase Gardner, Men’s Cross Country for the University of Chicago. Not pictured is Ben Farber, Men’s Rowing & Crew for Washington College.

Spring 2017 A special thanks to Keith Neu for his sports photography.

Seven Hills Magazine is a publication of The Seven Hills School. © 2017 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

Thank you 2 0 1 6 - 2 0 1 7

D E V E L O P M E N T

Dobbs Ackermann Judy Hauser Adams H’57 Louise Knauft Allen H’54 Tyler Allen ’16 Janet Allen-Reid ’76 Janet Allgaier Nupur Anand Lynette Andersen Karin Anderson Abrell ’88 Libby Andrews Sydney & Bob Anning Dulany & Rob Anning ’86 Kerrin Antonsson Fatima Anwar ’16 Beth Archibald Jo Arnold Steve Baggott Catherine Bain ’16 Gay Seybolt Bain H’51 Barbara Beaver Andrew Berliant ’13 Sally Bidlingmeyer ’84 Jack Binkley Rose Bitsoff Helen Chatfield Black H’41 Josh Blatt Maria Bobbitt Chertock ’16 Jane Bohinski Abbie Brant Suzi Brant Marney Briggs ’16 Aideen & Payson Briggs ’87 Sarah Pancoast Broad ’94 Kenya Brock ’98 Bruce Brown Cathy Smale Caldemeyer H’72 Madeleine Caldemeyer ’11 Karen Bidlingmeyer Callard ’80 Bret Caller Scott Carroll ’85 Alice Rudig Chapman C’72

The Seven Hills Development Office gratefully acknowledges and thanks the more than 230 volunteers who dedicate their time and energy ensuring that The Seven Hills School continues to provide the rich learning experience and tight-knit community defined by a Seven Hills education.

V O L U N T E E R S

Lalitha & Jaideep Chunduri Terry Clayton Carly Cohen ’16 Elizabeth Coley Kate Coley ’16 Rebecca Lindy Coll ’83 Mike Collette Marilyn Collins Preston Comey ’03 Ellen Coombe ’13 Michael Coombe L’72 Dorothy (Kim ’84) & Evan Corbett ’82 Theresa Curnow Jennifer Dauer Caroline Decker ’02 Ron DeLyons Andrew DeWitt ’89 Jeannie Zimmerman Donaldson H’60 Kathy Donohoo Priscilla Dunn Anne Scherz Durket H’72 Colleen Dwight Tara Eaton David Ellis Lisa Eng Merry Ewing ’76 Phyllis Ewing Meredith (Edwards ’98) & John Ficks ’89 John Findlay ’03 Marsha Firestein Ginny Fisher Marc Fisher Linda Ford Rachel Foster Renee Frankel Nancy Gall ’77 Tom Garber ’96 Deborah Koons Garcia H’67 Ingrid Handl & Walter Geiger

Raji Ghosh Elizabeth Gilman ’01 Ben Glassman ’93 Jan Fullgraf Golann H’67 Margot Good Abram Gordon Mary & John Graber Anne & Taylor Greenwald III Brooke Guigui Hasani Harrigan ’16 Ed Hatfield Ellen Haude ’88 Michael Heldman ’16 Lisa Richardson Henske ’83 John Hepp ’98 Debbie Hill Grace Allen Hill ’80 Wendy Hill Brian Hills ’16 Melissa Holsinger Maureen & Frank Howard Ed Howe ’84 Joan Fankhauser Ireton C’51 Judy Jackson Clay Jamison ’06 Pattie Scifres Jamison H’68 Mar Robertson Jennings H’50 Rose Johnson Linda Jones Jim Jurgensen II Chip Kalnow ’04 Jacky Kalubi Elida Kamine ’99 Jessie Karthik Amy Bulger Kattman ’89 Jan-Michele Kearney Susie Keller ’04 Lair Kennedy Jan & Tom Kiefhaber Sashi Kilaru Peter Koenig

Joe Kraeutler ’96 Justin Kreindler ’98 Libby Landen Krone ’77 Palmer Kruzner ’16 Susan Steman Laffoon H’57 Barbara Anderson Landen H’62 Margaret Avril Lawson ’75 Andy Lenobel ’01 Laura Hoguet Leonard ’06 Peter Levin David Levy ’99 Sally Leyman Rica Ligeralde Laura Lindner-Sankey ’82 Sylvia Lotspeich Greene L’55 Jackie Mack Zola Makrauer Nicole Malofsky ’15 Anne Mapes ’11 Bobby Marcus ’97 Suzy Marquard H’68 Debbie Marquardt Mike Marrero Robert McCoy Veronica McCreary-Hall Trish McDonald Tom McElhinney ’92 Jennifer McGrath Katie McNamara ’11 Annette Meader Lois & Cliff Mentrup Karen Meyer Robbie Michelman Ken Mims ’81 Velma Morelli Lilamae Mueller Harrison Mullin Sybil Behrens Mullin ’83 Mike Nazzaro ’16 Meg Nelson Marti Newland ’98

Steve Newman ’02 Chip Niehoff ’88 Michael Nordlund Missy Kinne Norton H’66 Eric O’Driscoll Susan & Dennis Okin Libby Warrington Ott ’78 Nia Page ’16 Jim Papakirk Lalitha Parameswaran Sawyer Pardo ’16 Kyle Patel ’13 Yvonne Phillips Alex & Andrew Quinn Lisa Raimondo Asia Reid ’05 Jessalyn Reid ’08 Kenneth Remaklus ’16 Megan Rockwell ’03 Judy Lane Rogers C’72 Lynette Rosati Shim Connor Rouan ’14 Mollie Rouan ’15 Alex Rush ’03 Sunny Bowman Saelinger C’61 Marielle Samaha Andrei Savu ’16 Susan Schaefer Beth Schiff Walker Schiff ’10 Jayna (Schlegel ’90) & Dan Schimberg ’80 Allison Schneider John Schneider Dotty Shaffer ’83 Jim Shanahan Dennis Shiels Sarah Shim ’14 Marc Shotten ’92 Mary Jo & Bill Simpson Jo Sittenfeld ’98

Paul Sittenfeld Tiernan Sittenfeld ’92 Sandra Small Missy Wyant Smit ’94 Christie Barnard Smith H’56 Jennifer Stein Sarah Steinman Claire Stewart ’16 Jane & John Sutton Kim Takahashi Anne Drackett Thomas H’66 Mandee Thompson Nicole Tiao ’16 Lessa Trindle Benjamin van der Horst ’05 Aaron VanderLaan ’91 Anne Sheffield Vanoy C’73 Heather Zaring Vecellio ’92 Joe Waterman ’92 Liza Martindale Weiner ’99 Barry Weinstein Jeff Welch ’16 Katherine Oechler Whitbeck H’67 Russell White Judy Wiesemann Jim Wiesmann Lee Wilger ’16 Susan Elliott Wilkening C’60 Marsha Williams ’77 Ellie Wilson ’14 Laura Welles Wilson ’84 Winsome Wilson Lisa Collins Winick ’85 Doug Wulsin ’09 Luke Wulsin ’10 Juliana Yip-Ono ’16 Sharon Yosafat Mary Wulsin Zema ’05

3

F O S T E R I N G T H E S E V E N H I L L S VA L U E S I N O U R L O W E R S C H O O L P RO G R A M

by Head of School Christopher P. Garten

One of the hot topics in American education is the role of “non-cognitive skills” in students’ success. There is a growing consensus that habits of mind like resilience, conscientiousness, optimism, self-control, and grit have at least as much to do with success as does raw cognitive ability. Recent research has confirmed what generations of parents and teachers have known for a long time, that in school, as in life, “character matters.”

However, there is much less agreement on how these skills can be developed.

Over the last decade, Boards of Education around the country have devoted considerable resources to developing systematic approaches to identify, assess, and teach noncognitive skills. Sadly, according to Camille Farrington of the University of Chicago’s Consortium on School Research: “There is little evidence that working directly on changing students’ grade perseverance would be an effective lever for improving their academic performance.”

In a new book, Helping Children Succeed: What Works and Why, Paul Tough describes the challenges involved. Noting that, in 2013, for the first time ever, a majority of the students in our public schools fell below the federal poverty line, Tough underscores the deleterious impact of the “toxic stress” experienced, especially, by children raised in poverty, which can “make it difficult for children to moderate their responses to disappointments and provocations.”

4

By contrast, for children who grow up without significant experience of adversity, Tough writes, “Calm, consistent, responsive interactions and intimacy with parents and other caregivers…lay the foundation for a healthy array of attention and concentration skills…and trigger adaptations in children’s brains that allow them to consider problems and decisions more carefully, to focus their attention for longer periods of time, and to more willingly trade immediate gratification for long-term benefits.”

Tough asserts that “one of the chief insights of recent neurobiological research” is that “young people who have experienced significant adversity” are often “guided by emotional, psychological, and hormonal forces” that are “far from rational,” a phenomenon that, according to Tough, explains “why harsh punishments,” such as the “zero tolerance” policies, “so often prove ineffective in motivating troubled young people to succeed.”

Noting the failure of behaviorist approaches, Tough cites the work of Edward Deci and Richard Ryan, two University of Rochester researchers, whose selfdetermination theory posits that, as human beings, “we are mostly motivated not by the material consequences of our actions but by the inherent enjoyment and meaning that those actions bring us.” Deci and Ryan identify three key human needs: our need for competence, our need for autonomy, and our need for personal connection.

Deci and Ryan’s research suggests that students will be more likely to display positive academic habits when they are educated in school environments where they feel “a sense of belonging, independence, and growth.”

cultivate “a sense of belonging.” Second, students spend the bulk of academic time on rigorous, demanding, long-term projects, doing extensive revisions based on critiques from teachers and peers.

In other words, as Dr. Farrington found, “academic perseverance is highly dependent on context.” Tough puts it this way:

The central premise of the EL schools is that noncognitive skills are built, not through lectures or direct instruction, but through the experience of persevering on authentic learning tasks. In others words, the hallmarks of these highly successful schools is building a culture of inclusion, based on close, collaborative relationships, and a culture of achievement, based on the successful completion of meaningful, extended projects.

“If you are a teacher, you may never be able to get your students to be gritty, in the sense that they’re developing some essential character trait called grit. But you can probably make them act gritty, to behave in gritty ways in your classroom.”

Some of the best work in this field has been done by Carol Dweck, a Stanford psychologist who has shown the profound impact that individual teachers (and parents) can have on a child’s “growth mindset.” Effective teachers can engender four core beliefs that define the growth mindset: 1. I belong in this academic community.

2. My ability and confidence grow with my effort.

3. I can succeed at this.

4. This work has value for me.

At Seven Hills, we are fortunate to work with students whose lives, for the most part, have been insulated from the “toxic stress” Tough describes. We are fortunate, too, to work with families who have the resources to provide their children with the “calm, consistent interactions” that foster the emotional stability conducive to learning. But as this new research makes clear, a great deal depends on the dedication and commitment of skilled teachers who, through their countless daily interactions with their students, help foster, in each student, the courage and the confidence to tackle life’s challenges.

For Tough, the bottom line is this: “Certain educators [are] able to create such an environment in their own classroom regardless of the climate in the school as a whole.”

In the article that follows, we offer a glimpse of how, in our Lower School program especially, the school seeks to foster the noncognitive skills we call The Seven Hills Values. Like everything worth doing, it is a complex and painstaking process that is a part of our mission to which we are deeply committed.

He praises the work of a nonprofit called EL Education, which runs 150 schools around the country. These schools use two interrelated strategies to foster academic resilience, strategies which should be very familiar to students at strong independent schools like Seven Hills. First, at EL schools, students work, throughout the year, in “crews,” to build close, collaborative relationships with fellow students and their teachers, a variation on our advisory groups that

Chris Garten

5

Caretakers of the World THE M I NDSET THAT I NFORMS S EV E N H I LLS’ VA LU E S AT O U R LOWER SCHOOLS

BY 6

KARLA

DEJEAN

“Seven Hills is a school culture in which our teachers care deeply, not only about the skills our students are acquiring, but also about who they are as citizens of this school, this nation, this planet.” - Head of School Chris Garten LEARNING TO BE YOUR BEST TAKES TIM E. It also takes intentional guidance and instruction. The Seven Hills School is built upon Seven Values that pour into our students’ daily lives. These foundational words, visible on the walls and in written materials across our campuses, appear timeless and ubiquitous. The concise descriptors, however, were once a jumble of thoughts, sparks of an idea, scribbles on sticky notes.

Nothing has changed.

“As proud as I am of our innovative and responsive academic curriculum, I take still greater pride in the efforts our teachers make, in partnership with our families, to create a values-

“We wanted to create a formal articulation of what was already happening, to help reflect the school’s place and the students’ place in a larger society. In essence, we wanted the words to describe the soul of the school.”

based learning environment here at Seven Hills,”

If our Seven Values embody the soul of Seven

said Head of School Chris Garten during an

Hills, our students and teachers are the lifeblood,

interview in March 2017. “Our commitment to

constantly carrying their interpretations into

fostering values in our students is the logical

tangible, real-life interactions with each other and

corollary to our school mission. Seven Hills is a

within our communities.

On a spring evening in 1999, the Board of

school culture in which our teachers care deeply,

Trustees formed a Values committee, who

not only about the skills our students are

In the next few pages, we share snapshots of how

compiled notes and looked at where they

acquiring, but also about who they are as citizens

Seven Hills Values continue to inform the learning

overlapped. The result was the concisely penned

of this school, this nation, this planet. In their

experiences of our Lower School students, in

Seven Hills’ Values Statement, laid out like

daily interactions with their students, our

and beyond the classroom. We will see how

this—pursuit of excellence; respect for others and

teachers look for ways to encourage students to

third-graders are on the verge of recognizing the

appreciation of diversity; kindness, caring, and

conduct themselves in accordance with the

importance of social justice, how first-graders

compassion; honesty and integrity; fairness and

values we all share.”

are holding each other accountable, how fifth-

justice; personal responsibility and accountability; and commitment to community.

More poignant than the fact that it exists, is the spirit in which Seven Hills’ Values came to be—

Eighteen years ago, the carefully selected words

as a result of thoughtful collaboration,

and phrases spoke to our academic and cultural

conversations, and appreciation for something

integrity, and a shared belief that how Seven

that was already happening.

Hills students understood the world around them, practiced integrity, and responded to the needs of others, is as important, if not more so, as GPAs, test scores, and trophies.

“The thing about it was, we weren’t writing up

graders are determined to connect with students on the West Coast, and how kindergarteners spurred an impromptu study of invertebrates, after independently taking on a charge to care for displaced earthworms during recess.

Soulful, indeed.

something because we had an issue we needed to address,” said Joe Curry, a former board member who sat on the Values committee 18 years ago.

7

Caretakers of the World LEARNING WE HAVE A PLACE IN THE WORLD The third-graders sat in the quiet room, one

9-year-olds just beginning to grasp the idea that

cultures of five regions within the United States.

early February morning, canopied by a

the world is not perfect—would not soon forget.

In the final region, the study examines the

frescoed ceiling that seemed miles above.

“Who is the most important person in this room?”

The field trip through the

Cherokee and the Trail of Tears.

124-year-old urban

“It’s a very sad story about the

colossus marked the

Cherokee people. We talk about how

launch of what would be

the U.S. government pressed ahead

After a few answers—“The mayor? City

the third-graders’

with its agenda to uproot Native

manager?”—the students looked around at the

extensive study of

Americans from their land,” said

grand chamber in which

Cincinnati history. But

Niehaus. “The kids were astounded to

they sat for a guided tour

the 90-minute civics

hear this sort of injustice happened

of Cincinnati City Hall.

lesson that led the

in our country.”

docent and retired City Hall employee Connie Roesch asked the students.

students up marble Sensing they were being

stairways, past towering stained-glass panes, and

asked to think harder and

into impromptu visits with city officials was

more deeply, the flow of

merely a tangible reference for responsibility,

answers came to a stop.

accountability, justice, and community.

Then a few more raised their hands.

“Us?” one student asked.

“Yes,” said Roesch.

laid plans for more. Just as math and reading are introduced to young minds in steps, starting with the basic units of each, Seven Hills Lower School

“The most important people here are you, the

teachers explain the concept of social justice in

public. Without the people, we would not have a

small, formative bites, starting out with ideals

democratic system.” Roesch then pointed to a dais

and basic human needs.

positioned in the center of the chamber and explained that the public sit there while they address the Council.

8

Niehaus and Walden’s multi-layered curriculum

In order to prepare the students to understand the privilege of the democracy in action they witnessed at City Hall, Niehaus and Walden

Third-grade teachers Lynn Niehaus and Kim Walden

started the school year with a study of Native

hoped it would be a moment their students—8- and

Americans, focusing on shelters, resources, and

Then the growing—the appreciation for inalienable rights, for what local government stands for—begins.

Once the connections are made, the learning moments carry a heavier meaning for the young

THE M I NDSET THAT I NFORMS SEVEN H I LLS’ VALUES AT OUR LOWER SCHOOLS students, said Walden. “The values are constant.

through Battery Tunnel to save lives during the

“It is my hope that the students develop habits of

It’s not something that is just up on the wall,” she

Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in New York City,

kindness and compassion through real-life

said. “It is a living thing. It is part of our daily lives.”

she shared the story with her students. Then she

connections,” said Dawson. “They travel outside

asked them to stage a memorial patterned after

themselves through projects

An example takes us back to the City Council

the fallen firefighter’s last heroic effort. That

and reading to build these

chamber.

exercise, and the spirit behind it, has evolved into

qualities in themselves.”

Shortly after the docent pointed out the utility of the lower dais, a student approached Niehaus.

“He whispered to me, ‘Do you mean those chairs are for people like me, too? Little people? Kids?’

And I told him, ‘Yes, if there was something you

an annual event, Tunnel Walk. Fourth- and fifth-graders on the Doherty Campus walk a mile to commemorate the heroes of Sept. 11.

Noltner’s photography-inspired movement, a peace

signs that students are serving others and holding themselves to higher standards are visible in

knew, ‘I have a voice here.’ ”

many aspects of students’

The connections that prepare Seven Hills

school lives, every day.

students for a life of meaning and purpose

“It’s when you see a busy hallway of children trying

happen subtly, in individual ways,

to get from one place to another and someone drops

intentionally, through layered curriculum, and

their pencil box and things go flying and five don’t

for some, they appear in a deluge of ideas that

walk by. They stop,” said

are powerful and consuming. For Unit III

Head of Doherty Patti

teacher Patty Dawson, the latter is true.

she thinks—in imaginative, colorful bursts of deep meaning coupled with poignant thoughts and well-planned, interconnected subject matter. Her lessons always come from the heart. When Dawson, a runner, learned that off-duty firefighter and avid runner Stephen Siller ran two miles

bettering the lives of those around them, the constant

said Niehaus. “He made a connection. He

The way Patty Dawson teaches values is the way

and project geared toward

When Dawson learned about peace activist John

wanted to address, that would mean you, too,’ ”

Teaching peace

For every intentional lesson

of my mind, she designed a similar project geared toward peace education. And when Dawson noticed her class enjoyed an earlier pen pal-ship with students at Toluca Elementary in North Hollywood, California, she came up with a way to continue the relationship. Each of her students mailed original poems to Toluca with hope of hearing back.

Guethlein. “It’s in the moments you don’t predict.

It’s the small things that are big. It’s in the way we take care of each other. And these children are the people who are going to take care of a world we don’t even understand yet.”

9

Caretakers of the World CARE IN THE SMALLEST HANDS More than 100 of Seven Hills’ Lower School students are under the age of 5. And at any given moment, this busy community of pre-

our values: •

•

pursuit of

excellence

respect appreciation of

•

•

•

•

•

for others and

diversity

kindness, caring, and compassion honesty and

kindergarteners has a wealth of opportunities to practice values in action. Kara Meador, early childhood director on the Hillsdale Campus, said she sees vivid examples of our youngest students engaging in caring behavior at every turn.

“Our small class sizes truly reflect little families,” said Meador, who was particularly touched when entering the classroom, two students walked right

integrity

up and invited the new student to come and play with them. A few minutes later, the three children walked to dramatic play, hand in hand.”

fairness and justice

WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD

personal responsibility and accountability

commitment to

community

I see trees of green, red roses too. I see them bloom for me and you. And I think to myself, what a wonderful world.

The lyrics to the iconic 1950s ballad of hope and love originally sung by trumpeter and crooner watching the path of a student who started

Louis Armstrong is the subject of study for Ginger

his first day of school a few months into the

Rubin’s pre-kindergarten class, and one of the

academic year.

projects most Doherty parents never forget. For

“This can be a very hard day for a young child,” said Meador. “However, immediately upon

10

years, Rubin has taught her students about the importance and necessity of diversity. In a heart-tugging puppet show, the students create

THE M I NDSET THAT I NFORMS SEVEN H I LLS’ VALUES AT OUR LOWER SCHOOLS puppets and act out the book, What a Wonderful World, which depicts the original lyrics by George David Weiss and Bob Thiele.

THE PROMISE At the start of the school year, first-graders in Amy Kulhavik’s class sign a contract that

“Children as young as 3 are just beginning to see

Kulhavik calls a “promise.” It’s a serious

beyond themselves,” said Rubin. “One of the

moment.

most important lessons we are learning is how to listen to others and understand our similarities and our differences, something that is becoming increasingly harder in our world.”

Rubin said the What a Wonderful World unit allows students to work on a project independently and present the show in pairs in front of their parents and teachers.

“This project requires a lot of collaboration,” said Rubin. “I love this unit because it is so layered and such a message of hope and friendship for our pre-kindergarteners.”

“It says, I am holding you accountable to help me, but I am also holding myself accountable to help you,” said Kulhavik. “Learning to embrace this type of mindset today will help them alleviate stress and anxiety later in life.”

They know it’s serious because of what the promise states: “I will strive every day, for the whole year, to be a good friend, to support others, and follow the Seven Hills Values. I will be the best Doherty citizen I know I can be!” Kulhavik said she starts off the year with a focus on the Seven Hills Values because she believes her students’ learning experience will be more meaningful if they feel comfortable, safe, and confident.

“I think a lot about, as they get older, how they will deal with the pressures of getting into a certain college or geting a certain job,” said Kulhavik. “There are things they can learn at this age, in first grade, that will help them deal with stress later on in life.”

Kulhavik said she encourages peer learning and collaborative problem-solving so her students can hear the answers, mistakes, and achievements of their classmates, and have a more realistic sense of the learning process. It also teaches her students accountability.

11

Caretakers of the World THE SCIENCE OF KINDNESS Kindergarten teachers Lindsay Pietroski and Cyndi Kenyon were wondering what all the excitement was about in the corner of the playground one unusually warm February afternoon. Most of their students were either huddled over what seemed to be a mound of dirt or busy cradling small things in their muddied palms.

“They were building a worm hospital,” said Pietroski. “They found a bunch of worms that had

“They started bringing

Good Apples, fourth-grade Book Buddies, and the

us grubs and other

second-grade bake sale, to name a few,” said

worm-like creatures,”

project math teacher Liz Lorenz. “We felt it was

said Kenyon. “Their

important to help students understand that some

interests were so

people’s needs can’t be seen, because they may

focused, so strong, we

be struggling with their feelings and emotions.”

decided to teach a unit on invertebrates.”

Williams, Spanish teacher Megan Hayes,

grant during the summer of 2016 to write

second-grade teacher Danielle Necessary, and

curriculum for an outdoor educational program,

School Counseling Department Chair Judy Arnold

were delighted and humbled to see how their

outfitted the bulletin board with sticky notes,

students’ curiosities, concern, and sense of

pencils, and the note, “Take what you need, leave

responsibility for living things translated into a

what you can.” Before long, the board, chock full

formal focus of study.

of positive messages, had become the popular

“As much as they drew from their knowledge gained from our outdoor classroom time, they also applied their hearts to try to improve the circumstances of living things,” said Pietroski.

“It’s a great insight into how children learn best.”

Take What You Need While charitable giving often manifests in terms of

12

Lorenz, Lotspeich science teacher Natalie

Kenyon and Pietroski, who used a professional

spot in Lotspeich, swarmed with lenders and takers. Lorenz said activity around the kindness board spurred two fifth-graders to start a monthly initiative that invites Lower School students to help the community in different ways.

been displaced by the rain and they were trying to

tangible donations, two teachers on at Lotspeich

save them, so they all got together and created a

used a bulletin board to expand their students’

system.”

scope of kindness and giving.

The students gently cared for their little corner of

“Our students participate in a variety of

sectional

the playground. Then they started digging.

community service projects throughout the year,

tournament

such as Trick-or-Treating for Unicef, fifth-grade

game of the

The club’s first activity involved cheering on a

THE M I NDSET THAT I NFORMS SEVEN H I LLS’ VALUES AT OUR LOWER SCHOOLS Special Olympics basketball team, which played in Kalnow Gym on the Hillsdale Campus.

The efforts continue to inspire the school community. Williams, who will continue to work with Lorenz to bring meaningful kindness projects to the Lower School, will soon launch a new curriculum focus inspired by the Seven Values. During the 2017-18

SMART HEARTS, KIND MIND - Q & A School Counseling Department Chair Judy Arnold calls the Seven Hills Values and social emotional learning “interdependent,” adding that a mindfulness practice is a foundation for empathy, in which students attend to their own thoughts and feelings, without judgment, so they will then be able to listen and understand the perspectives of others.

We asked Lotspeich second-grade teacher and mindfulness educator Danielle Necessary about her new program that encourages students to find ways to make mindfulness relevant for them.

school year, Williams, along with Lorenz and fifth-grade teacher Karla Balskus, will introduce an ongoing, interdisciplinary focus

Q: How would you describe

of study based on the book A Long Walk to Water,

mindfulness?

by Linda Sue Park, a partly fictional tale based on

different cultures, to explain that basic needs are

A: Mindfulness is a life skill, not a behavior management tool or intervention. Mindfulness creates space so you can pause, notice, and choose a response rather than react impulsively. I’m passionate about this practice because it empowers my students to live their lives better.

not a given, and to promote design thinking as a tool

Q: How can Lower School students use

A: Simple, short, and repetitive

to address such global social issues, said Williams.

mindfulness to help themselves?

mindfulness practices work best with younger children. Take three mindful breaths or listen to the sound of a bell or chime slowly dissipate. These

the true experiences of children who must walk for hours a day to fetch water for their families.

The idea is to introduce Lower School students to the disparities in and absence of privilege among

“Science is all about working with different groups of people,” said Williams. “Our students are very

A: Students can begin to make the practice their own, to help them sleep, lessen anxiety, or improve their ability

socially and environmentally conscious because we expose them at a very early age to different needs

• • • • • • • • • • • •

to focus. A fifth-grader shared with me how the mindfulness techniques we’ve practiced help her at bedtime, a time that is typically full of anxiety and worry for her. Another said it helps him to practice mindful breathing whenever he’s taking a test.

Q: Once a young child has expressed an interest in mindful practice, how should it be introduced?

M I N D F U LN E S S •

techniques help children connect to themselves and the present moment.

Q: What is one of your favorite mindful moments in nature?

A: I was walking with my class to the Red Barn after school and I stopped in front of this tree. I asked the students why they thought I stopped. One student pointed out that most of the trees were bare, but one tree was still full of bright red leaves. I told them I was grateful to stand with them to gaze upon this beautiful tree. Finding small moments of gratitude in places we may take for granted is another way we practice mindfulness.

• • • • • • • • • • •

of the community and the environment.”

13

Caretakers of the World RESPECT, IN LIVING COLOR

THE POWER OF ASSEMBLIES Every Monday morning, Lotspeich students in

If you are 7 years old and someone asks you how you are feeling, you might pick a word from a short list that sounds something like “ fine,” “happy,” “OK.”

first through fifth grade meet for a school assembly in the library. The students learn respectful listening as teachers share exciting events that will occur throughout the week, students present classroom projects, and Head of Lotspeich Carolyn Fox shares thoughts about community accomplishments or, perhaps, addresses situations that may require the attention of everyone to enhance working together.

But if someone asks you to draw a sea creature—any kind of creature—that swims in the ocean, a creature that looks the way you feel, has expressions like yours, and lives in a place that describes your feelings, whether it has a big mouth, little pebbly teeth, big fins, scary eyes, or a polka-dotted, spiky body?

Well, that’s a different story, altogether.

Mimi Stricker’s fish feelings art project was inspired by children’s author Mies Van Hout’s popular book, Happy, which takes the reader through an underwater spectra of emotions.

14

Stricker’s goal was to teach respect, she said, because she wanted to give her students an outlet to just be.

“While the students are reflecting on what colors represent nervousness, sadness, astonishment, and silliness, they are picking one they’re feeling on a given day and uniting it to who they are,” said Stricker, who assigns the project to all Doherty second-graders in late winter. “We respect people when we understand where they are coming from, and if we understand better who we are, we are more likely to respect who someone else is.”

It’s a warm tradition, established decades ago when then-principal Ted Wuerfel led the assemblies in the 1950s through the ‘70s. It’s also a practice similar to a family meeting, with everyone engaged, sharing common values and coming away with clearer expectations for the week ahead.

Fox said she was heartened by a recent initiative by fifth-graders for their first-grade buddies.

“Our first-graders were having trouble staying quiet and attentive during a presentation,” said Fox. “So, the teachers and fifth-graders decided to hold a follow-up meeting together. The fifth-graders met with their first-grade buddies to explain the importance of being respectful during

Fox said the Seven Values guide the agenda and

assembly and modeled behavior for them. A week

focus for assemblies.

later at the Monday assembly, the fifth-graders sat with their buddies during the presentations. The

“It’s an opportunity for the community to come

first-graders felt supported by their buddies and

together, to reinforce an all-school effort,” said Fox.

emulated their more mature behavior. It was an

“The multi-age experience provides a developmental

example of how our teachers, students and the

perspective for students with the older students

counselor came together to address the importance

modeling expectations for younger friends.”

of respect, a top priority Seven Hills Value.”

THE M I NDSET THAT I NFORMS SEVEN H I LLS’ VALUES AT OUR LOWER SCHOOLS TEACHING VALUES THROUGH APPRECIATION Doherty Campus After the Bell teacher and former Army Reserve petroleum laboratory specialist Shayla Myles-Aaron teaches a lesson on Revolutionary War drills during social studies week at the beginning of every school year. Myles-Aaron said she encourages students to gain a deeper appreciation for those who shaped American history. “These soldiers were holding 10-pound muskets in tight quarters for weeks, with no food, little water, and no sense of time,” said Myles-Aaron. “It gives us all an appreciation for those who came before us, and for life.”

BOOKS OF VALUE Lower School students at Seven Hills listen to and read books that speak not only to the values infused in our school’s culture, but also to the frailty, failings, and triumphs of human nature. Here is a sampling of the books our teachers and counselors share with students throughout the school year: Early Childhood (age 2 – grade 2) • How Kind! by Mary Murphy • The Family Book by Todd Parr • Your Fantastic Elastic Brain by JoAnn Deak Grades 1 – 2 • My Best Friend by Mary Ann Rodman • Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson • One Smile by Cindy McKinley Grades 3 – 4 • The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig • Freedom on the Menu by Carole Boston • One Green Apple by Eve Bunting Grades 4 – 5 • The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo • Okay for Now by Gary D. Schmidt • I Am Malala (young reader’s edition) by Malala Yousafzai

15

Caretakers of t he World BIG FUTURE FOR SEVEN HILLS’ LOWER SCHOOL ATHLETICS PROGRAM

WHAT YOUR SCHOOL COUNSELORS • • • • • AR E TH I N K I N G • • • • • We asked Seven Hills counselors to share some of their favorite thoughts for students and families. This is what they said: Be responsible for the energy you bring into the room.

– Middle School Counselor Samantha Laffoon

Over the past 10 years, Seven Hills’ Lower School athletics program has expanded its sports offerings and maintained a four percent increase in student participation. Throughout the 2015-16 school year, 580 participants in first through sixth grade engaged in a sport, which includes students who played more than one sport. And it is no

Making mistakes and experiencing

wonder Seven Hills’ Lower School athletics

disappointment are necessary for

program, which includes 13 offerings of soccer,

brain development and resiliency.

track, softball, basketball, and baseball in grades

Giving children the time to problem-

one through five, lacrosse starting in third grade,

future. Athletic Director Brian Phelps said Seven

solve is crucial for building

and volleyball for fifth-graders, continues to be so

Hills is known to have one of the most prolific,

confidence. Our job is not to take

successful. The program is coordinated by two

school-based athletics programs in the Cincinnati

the bumps out of the road, but to

people our students see every day—Marty

area. It may soon be at a crossroads that all

equip our children with shock

Gerhardt on the Doherty Campus, Rob Starkey on

growing programs face, however, when the number

absorbers.

the Hillsdale Campus—and a tireless network of

of participants exceeds the time and space

– Counseling Department Head and

parent coaches.

available for games and practices.

Driven by the school community’s passion for

“I am looking forward to a time when a third-

When you sit down and take a breath, it refocuses the energy of

sports, the athletics program has increased the

grade boy or fourth-grade girl can get to practice

the group. – Doherty Counselor Angie Bielecki

sports offered to young students. The past decade

and be home by dinner or before the late evening

has seen the addition of youth lacrosse, youth

hours. That isn’t the case right now because we

One of my favorite sayings is, “The Golden Rule is, ‘Treat others

volleyball, and the popular first- and second-grade

have very limited facilities, such as three indoor

the way you want to be treated.’ But the Platinum Rule is, ‘Treat

basketball clinics, which are run by Upper School

courts for six or seven teams at any given time,”

others the way they want to be treated.’” – Upper School

athletes and varsity coaches.

said Phelps. “We want our students to be able to

Lotspeich Counselor Judy Arnold

finish off their night where they should be—doing

Counselor Vicky Hausberger

16

The hard work of our youngest student athletes is

homework, settling in, and having dinner with

a true testament to a strong program with a big

their families.”

School News T

A

S

T

E

O

F

S

E

V

E

N

H

I

L

L

S

Taste of Seven Hills Taste of Seven Hills, the annual schoolwide event celebrating the many cultures in our community, was a great success again this year! The early March event included attractions from around the • world, which were on display during a student recital. Students entertained the audience with an array of cultural displays, including intricate Irish and Indian dancing and songs in Spanish.

• Booths throughout Founders Hall featured origami, crêpe making, and more.

Congratulations to Nate Gleiner, English teacher and equity and justice coordinator, and parent Rica Ligeralde, chair of the planning committee, who organized the event, including the performances and activities!

•

•

17

School News 2 0 1 7

M A T R I C

L I S T

Seven Hills Class of 2017 Matriculation List

Congratulations!

Our Congratulations and very best wishes go with the Class of 2017, who will be attending the following colleges and universities in the fall:

18

American University

DePaul University

A&S - 6

University of Illinois

Babson College

Haverford College

Engineering - 4

University of Michigan

Beloit College

Indiana University

Purdue University - 3

University of Notre Dame

Boston College

Johns Hopkins University - 2

Rice University

University of South Carolina

Boston University - 2

Kenyon College - 3

Skidmore College

University of Toledo

Bryn Mawr College

Lafayette College

Tufts University

Vanderbilt University

California Institute of Technology

Loyola University/Chicago

University of Akron

Wake Forest University

Case Western Reserve University

Lynn University

University of Chicago - 2

Washington College

Colby College

Miami University - 3

University of Cincinnati - 10

Washington University in

College of Wooster

Michigan Technological University

A&S - 3

Colorado College

New York University

Business - 3

Wellesley College

Colorado State University

Northern Kentucky University

CCM - 1

Williams College

Columbia University

Northwestern University - 2

DAAP - 2

Yale University

Cornell University

Ohio Northern University

Education - 1

Davidson College

Ohio State University - 10

University of Dayton - 2

St. Louis - 3

School News N A T I O N A L

M E R I T

&

P R E S I D E N T I A L

Seven Hills Congratulates National Merit Scholars

Top row: Nina Fatuzzo*, Samuel Stevens*, Daniel Grass*, Chase Gardner*, Calvin Arbenz*, Jack Lane*, Jason Guo* Shane DiGiovanna* Bottom row: Rosie Kilcoyne, Samantha Chun*, Katie Loeffler, Samantha Eng, and Emily McLennan*

Scott Arnold, Chase Byington, Jake Moses, Henry Marquardt, Katie Corbett, Devi Namboodiri, and Andres Antonsson

National Merit Finalists

Ten Seven Hills seniors and one 2016 graduate were named National Merit Finalists in 2017. 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: Calvin Arbenz, Samantha Chun, Shane DiGiovanna, Nina Fatuzzo, Chase Gardner, Daniel Grass, Jason Guo, Jackson Lane, Emily McLennan, Samuel Stevens, and Matisse Peppet, who graduated in 2016, after her junior year. Historically, more than 90 percent of Seven Hills students who earn National Merit Semifinalist recognition also qualify as Finalists. To be considered for a Merit Scholarship award, Semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the Finalist level of the competition.

National Merit Semifinalists

Three students were named National Merit Semifinalists. They are Katie Loeffler, Rosie Kilcoyne, and Samantha Eng.

S C H O L A R S

Four Seven Hills Seniors Named 2017 U.S. Presidential Scholar Candidates The U.S. Presidential Scholar Program recently named three Seven Hills seniors and one graduate 2017 U.S. Presidential Scholar Candidates. Congratulations to Calvin Arbenz, Chase Gardner, Jack Lane, and 2016 graduate Matisse Peppet. Peppet graduated in 2016, after her junior year at Seven Hills. “It’s amazing to have even one student nominated for this national award that focuses on outstanding academic achievement and high test scores,” said Seven Hills Assistant Head of School and Director of College Counseling Susan Marrs. “To have four is unprecedented for us, and just speaks to the amazing power of this class!” Presidential Scholars are selected on the basis of academic achievement, personal characteristics, leadership, and service activities. The Presidential Scholars Program is one of the nation’s highest honors for high school seniors.

Matisse Peppet, 2016 graduate

National Merit Commended Students

The Seven Hills School continues its tradition of excellence with seven seniors, who were named Commended Students in the 2017 National Merit Program. The Seven Hills School congratulates the following National Merit Commended Students: seniors Scott Arnold, Chase Byington, Jake Moses, Henry Marquardt, Katie Corbett, Devi Namboodiri, and Andres Antonsson. Our National Commended students qualified for recognition in the National Merit programs with their scores on the PSAT. Congratulations to all of our National Merit scholars! *National Merit Finalists Chase Gardner, Jack Lane, Calvin Arbenz

19

H A U C K

scholarships

2017 Frederick A. Hauck Scholarship Winners

20

The Seven Hills School has awarded the 2017 Frederick A. Hauck Scholarships in Math and Science to sixth-grader Savi Thompson; seventh-graders Jenny Hu, Aditi Sinha, and Tessa Belluso; sophomores Greg Kalin and Felix Karthik; and juniors Michael Barresi and Louann Kovach.

World-renowned nuclear scientist and philanthropist US Hauck Winners – Greg Kalin, Felix Karthik, Frederick A. Hauck Louann Kovach, Michael Barresi established Seven Hills’ Hauck Scholarships in 1983 to recognize students who demonstrate outstanding achievement and commitment in MS Hauck Winners – Savi Thompson, Jenny Hu, math and/or science. Aditi Sinha, Tessa Belluso Winning students entering grades seven and eight receive a grant of $250 to be applied to tuition for an approved summer enrichment program. Winning students entering grades nine through 12 receive a one-year scholarship of $1,000 to be applied to their 2017-18 tuition at Seven Hills’ Upper School.

School News S C H O L A R S H I P

/

C U M

L A U D E

S O C I E T Y

Congratulations to new members of Cum Laude Society The Upper School honored its 18 new inductees into the Seven Hills chapter of the Cum Laude Society, a national honor society that recognizes academic excellence, at the Cum Laude Dinner on April 12.

New members are juniors: Michael Barresi, Lucy Callard, Natalie Choo, Alex Kreines, Nick Purple, Mary Grace Ramsay, Curtis Sun, and Yuou Wang; and seniors: Calvin Arbenz, Shelby Davis, Shane DiGiovanna, Charlie Goldsmith, Rosie Kilcoyne, Jack Lane, Emily McLennan, Devi Namboodiri, Sam Stevens, and Jacob Weinstein. The event also honored the members who were inducted last year as juniors: Samantha Chun, Nina Fatuzzo, Chase Gardner, Daniel Grass, Esther Kim, Jake Moses, and Piper Spooner. The event’s guest speaker was Seven Hills alumni parent Mike Collette.

Bottom two rows (clockwise): Shelby Davis, Natalie Choo, Mary Grace Ramsay, Emily McLennan, Jacob Weinstein, Devi Namboodiri, Rosie Kilcoyne Top two rows: Michael Barresi, Curtis Sun, Nicholas Purple, Alexander Kreines, Lucy Callard, Samuel Stevens, Yuou Wang, Charles Goldsmith Standing: Jack Lane and Calvin Arbenz *Not pictured: Shane DiGiovanna

Head of School Chris Garten said, “Seven Hills is one of fewer than 400 high schools in the country—only 23 in the state of Ohio—who have been granted a Cum Laude Society chapter, an academic honor society, modeled on Phi Beta Kappa. Each year we recognize students whose academic performance and habits of mind meet the highest possible standards for scholarship and good character.”

Bottom row: Nate Gleiner, Lenore Horner, Wynne Curry, Linda Ford Top row: Lowell Wenger, Katie Swinford, Anna Works-McKinney

Collette asked the inductees to mull a number of bold concepts, as he delivered a message of today’s positive disruption and mold breaking. Collette, founder and CEO of Patient Point and an Executive in Residence at CincyTech, challenged the students to share their unconventional ideas publicly and take ownership of their mistakes. “The world doesn’t just care about what you know. It cares what you can do,” said Collette.

“Be willing to take risks and put it out there publicly. Have the courage to convince others to buy into your vision.”

As part of the annual Cum Laude Society induction ceremony, it is tradition for faculty members of the Cum Laude Committee to address each new member with remarks compiled from quotes from the students’ teachers. For a direct link to the remarks, download a QR Code app to your smartphone and scan the code on this page.

School News C O O P E R A T I V E

F O R

E D U C A T I O N

Lower Schools Raise Money for Cooperative for Education In early March, students, families, and faculty on the Hillsdale and Doherty campuses held their annual community events supporting Cooperative for Education, a local nonprofit that creates sustainable programs aimed at ending illiteracy and alleviating poverty in rural Guatemala. Lotspeich’s Día de Guatemala featured crafts, activities, food, and fun! Students and their families enjoyed tacos from Mazunte, a local Mexican restaurant, while creating a number of crafts such as paper beads and flower bombs. At the Doherty Pancake Breakfast and Art Auction, faculty cooked up pancakes for guests to enjoy while browsing exhibits of students’ insect-themed art, which was up for bid. The paintings were an effort by all Doherty students, from the youngest in the Beginnings Parent and Toddler Enrichment Program to the fifth-graders.

21

School News B O O K S

F O R

L U N C H

Books for Lunch 2017 Welcomed Thrity Umrigar

Books for Lunch best-selling author Thrity Umrigar’s stories were compelling, and her advice measured and profound during her remarks to students, parents, and community members who attended a number of Books for Lunch events in early February. Umrigar, whose latest novel is The Story Hour, shared insights on the writing process, her favorite stories, and how she pours empathy into her writing.

Head of School Chris Garten, Books for Lunch co-chair Ingrid Handl-Geiger, Christine Garten, author Thrity Umrigar, Books for Lunch co-chair Maria Kalomenidou

In addition to authoring six critically acclaimed books,

We are grateful

Umrigar, a former journalist, is currently a professor

to the 2017

of English at Case Western Reserve University. The

Books for Lunch

author said she views her writing career as a job and

committee, and

seldom gets lost or stumped throughout her writing

co-chairs Maria

process. In a world where experienced writers coach

Kalomenidou

burgeoning authors to “write about what you know,”

and Ingrid

Umrigar encouraged Seven Hills’ students to stretch

Handl-Geiger,

beyond that and write about someone who lives in a

who made this year’s event such a wonderful success.

world they may have never encountered. To illustrate her advice, Umrigar shared a story that inspired her latest book. “I met a woman in a traditional Indian market who looked sad and simple and quiet,” she said. “We had nothing in common and I forgot about her. But several years later, she came back into my mind and I started writing a character based on her.”

The Elsa M. Heisel Sule Charitable Trust and the Robert and Adele Schiff Family Foundation, Best Sellers sponsors Alison and Bret Caller, Maria Dr. Robert Bohin ski, Jane Bohinski , author Thrity Umrigar

Kalomenidou and Yannis Skoufalos.

The Books for Lunch program has been bringing major authors to The Seven Hills School and the Cincinnati community for more than 30 years. Past authors have included Alexander Fuller, Colum McCann, Curtis Sittenfeld, and Robert Edsel. In addition to the lecture luncheon and author dinner, the guest speaker spends time with Upper School students discussing his or her works

To the budding writers in the room, Umrigar offered

and writing process. This year, Books for Lunch was made

this advice—”Write a lot, read a lot, live a lot.”

possible by the generous support of Presenting Sponsors, Umrigar speaks to Upper School students during a visit to the Young Family Library.

22

School News G L O B A L

E D U C A T I O N

D A Y

Global Education Day Takes Middle School Around the World In early March, Seven Hills’ Middle School students

“We want the kids to see connections between

In addition to fostering these disciplines,

ran with the bulls of Pamplona, Spain, crossed the

what is discussed during these sessions and

Licata said, as the world gets smaller

Amazon River, and danced an

we want it to be fun,” she said. “The wider

and it is easier than ever before to make

Irish jig—all without leaving

the variety of session offerings, the more

connections, it’s necessary for students to

the Hillsdale Campus. The

opportunities for each student to find something

understand the importance of living in a truly

international itinerary was

in which he or she is interested.”

connected world.

The day ended with the Amazing Race, an

“Just the way the world functions, there isn’t

interactive experience based on the television

really any country that exists that doesn’t

show of the same name. Students broke into

make a major impact on other countries

part of Global Education Day, an annual Middle School event that features speakers, activities, and games covering

in so many different ways,” she said. “The

a range of topics from around

more we can help our Middle Schoolers

the world.

understand aspects of business, the economy,

“We want the kids to understand that it’s not only

and the environment across the world, and

about our academic classes. Learning can take

how culturally interconnected all countries are,

place outside the classroom,” science teacher and

the better prepared, and, hopefully, the more

Global Ed Day organizer, Licata said. “Letting them

compassionate they’ll be.”

run around campus, participating in challenges with

Licata said that each year student and

kids from other grades, and learning how to work

faculty feedback related to the day is

together is important, even if it isn’t in a classic

consistently positive. Although Global

academic setting.”

Global Education Day features several diverse and exciting activities, and opens with a guest speaker.

This spring, the speaker was primatologist Corrin LaCombe, who has worked with threatened African animal populations. Students then divided into breakout sessions, hosted by speakers from around Cincinnati and the Seven Hills community. Students attended a variety of presentations, including lessons about 3-D printing aircraft engine parts, learning proper tea etiquette, and yoga. Licata said hosting different activities is important.

MSGs, or mixed student groups, made up of sixth- through eighth-graders, and worked through a variety of challenges, earning points along the way. Students completed 12 stations with different themes based on a global world. While running with the bulls or building pyramids in the Amazing Race, students exercised leadership, communication, and collaboration skills.

Education Day requires a lot of hard work, the Middle School’s signature event is always a day filled with learning and excitement.

“I think days like this are what make Seven Hills’ Middle School special,” Licata said.

“It’s an exhausting day for the faculty, but it’s worth it. We see a different side of kids, and they experience and learn new things in an interesting way.”

23

School News

F U N U A R Y

B U I L D S

S C H O O L

S P I R I T

A T

T H E

U P P E R

S C H O O L

funuary

Funuary Builds School Spirit at the Upper School Throughout February, the halls of Seven Hills’ Upper School came to life with a menagerie of Disney-centric creations. One hallway greeted students and faculty with an ocean view pulled straight from Finding Nemo. Another made anyone who entered walk the plank on a Pirates of the Caribbean-style ship.

The lively hallways were part of Funuary, an effort by the Student Senate, as well as Spanish teacher Phil Thornberry and history teacher Dan Polifka, to rally Upper students and faculty to have fun and instill school spirit throughout the month of February.

“Despite being 28 days, February can feel a lot longer,” Polifka said. “The holidays are over, and it’s the middle of winter.

So we decided to turn February into Funuary.”

Thornberry added, “Funuary is just a way to blow off steam and give students the opportunity to work together.”

24

Students also took part in the “Flat StanBee” competition, a spinoff of a popular children’s book Flat Stanley by Jeff Brown.

Neighborhoods submitted photos of students and faculty holding a cutout of the Seven Hills’ mascot. The photos received points for winning different categories.

During Funuary, Upper School students were grouped into “neighborhoods.” Each neighborhood, made up of four advisories, was assigned a Disney movie to serve as inspiration, including Monsters, Inc., Toy Story, and The Lion King. The neighborhoods worked together to earn points by participating in different activities. The events, which took place during advisory time at the end of the day, involved competitions like the Penny War, trivia, hall decorating, and a costume contest.

Participation in each event was exceptional, with the Penny Wars raising a jaw-dropping $2,328.45 for UpSpring, an organization that serves homeless children and youth. The colorful costume contest had students and teachers alike exercising their creativity, and the Finding Nemo and Toy Story neighborhoods swept several costume categories. The overall champions of Funuary were the Finding Nemo neighborhood in first place, Toy Story in second, and Pirates of the Caribbean in third. “We were really pleased with the enthusiasm, participation, and collaboration,” Polifka said. “That was the point and it’s great when it works like that.”

Polifka and Thornberry noted Student Senate, which plans activities for Upper School students, took a very hands-on approach to Funuary.

Student senator and junior Shelby Green said

School News

F U N U A R Y

everyone working together was key to the success of the month. She said a highlight for her was seeing her peers decorate their hallways and dive into the competition.

throughout the 2016-17 school year. In fall 2016, they launched Spooktoberfest, a Halloween celebration and costume-themed, end-of-the-day hangout on the quad. They have also been hosting game show competitions.

Polifka said the pair had events like these in mind for some time. “When we took over the Senate this year, one of the things we’d been talking about was trying to do more of this community, lighthearted fun stuff,” Polifka said.

B U I L D S

S C H O O L

S P I R I T

A T

T H E

S C H O O L

students to set an example for their younger peers. “Seven Hills students are pretty good about being willing to recognize and find things for different people to do,” Polifka said. “They

Going into Funuary, Polifka said he wanted

“Collaboration was extremely important between advisories, advisers, students, and the neighborhoods as a whole,” Green said. “Since multiple advisories were placed in the same neighborhoods, communication between them was vital for success in any of the four competitions.”

value each other in that way. They try to find ways to pull each other in.”

Polifka and Thornberry also cited the faculty’s enthusiasm. When Student Senate presented the idea of Funuary at a faculty meeting, teachers were eager to participate.

Polifka and Thornberry said there is another takeaway from Funuary. “It’s OK for these students to be somewhat spontaneous,” Polifika said.

Thornberry added, “And make their own fun.”

Funuary is just part of a string of Upper School activities planned by Polifka and Thornberry

U P P E R

students to realize it’s OK to put yourself out there and try new things. The event also allowed Upper Schoolers across all grade levels to work together, serving was an opportunity for older

25

School News T H E

H I L L S

A N N U A L

F U N D

Because of you… more is possible

The Annual Fund

“We owe Seven Hills in so many ways, and the Annual Fund is the best way to say thank you! Our family association with the school began in 1985, when our older son enrolled in kindergarten, followed by his brother in 1992, followed by my joining the ranks of the Doherty staff in 1993. The Seven Hills experience has been life changing for our sons, who credit their time spent at Lotspeich, Middle, and Upper School for who they are today; knowledge begets character. Thank you, Seven Hills.”

Goal = $1,325,000

Questions To make your tax-deductible gift today, please visit www.7hills.org/annualfund or call the Development Office at 513.728.2430.

Questions? Please contact Andi Fischer Simon ’98, Director of Annual Giving, at 513.728.2436 or via email at andi.simon@7hills.org.

Thank you!

$150,000 to go

{

$1,175,000 raised $1,100,000

Y O U !

Join Us!

T H A N K

- Barbara Hepp, Seven Hills employee since 1993, parent of John Hepp ’98 and Brian Hepp ’05

26

S E V E N

$1,000,000 $900,000 $800,000 $700,000 $600,000 $500,000 $400,000 $300,000

EVERY GIFT MAKES A DIFFERENCE

School News W I N T E R

Seven Hills cheerleader and senior Harper Duncan was named to the MVC First Team for cheerleading.

Boys swim coach Brandon Williams was named Miami Valley Conference Coach of the Year.

Freshman Annie Leeper, a member of the girls varsity basketball team, received the MVC Dick Snyder Sportsmanship Award for displaying integrity and good sportsmanship throughout the season.

Seven Hills had an impressive number of student athletes receive the Scholar Athlete award. Sixtyfour Seven Hills students qualified for the award, which is given to varsity athletes with a minimum GPA of 3.495.

Photos by Keith Neu

Girls Swim Team Girls Basketball - Maggie Kersting

competed with sportsmanship and dedication, and will come back stronger and better in the 2018 winter sports season.

Boys Basketball - Brice Hill

Varsity girls gymnastics was led by two juniors, three sophomores, and nine freshmen. The young team

Varsity girls gymnastics

Seven Hills boys bowling team members senior Scott Arnold and junior John Stewart also advanced to districts.

The girls varsity basketball team finished second in the Miami Valley Conference. The young team worked hard in every game they played, securing another great season in the year to come. Congratulations to our MVC All League players juniors Maggie Kersting (1st team) and Jessica Nordlund (2nd team), and sophomore Tessa Robinson (second team). Honorable mentions include junior Ryann Pedoto and sophomore Ava Romerill.

Boys varsity basketball is an up-and-coming team with a bright future. The young players gained experience throughout the season, playing with determination.

Congratulations to MVC All League player sophomore Brice Hill (2nd team) and honorable mentions junior Charlie Dwight and freshman Curtis Harrison.

Harper Duncan

The Seven Hills boys swim team was named state runner-up, capping off an impressive season with a great finish at state. The Medley Relay of junior Nick

The Seven Hills girls bowling team advanced to districts.

Junior Audrey Wilson earned a top spot on the tournament team and bowled at state, where she claimed Division II state runner-up. She bowled 641 in a three-game series.

This marked Wilson’s third straight appearance at a state tournament.

John Stewart

spot. Callard also took fourth place in the 200 Free.

Sophomore Emma Shuppert took third place in the 100 Back. She also finished eighth in the 200 IM. Overall, the team came in sixth place at the state championship in Canton. The ranking is the highest in the team’s history. The team also broke several school records at state. Sophomore Dottie Callard and Shuppert, junior Jasmyne Lindsey-Lail, and Lucy Callard broke the 400 Free Relay with a time of 3:39.55. Shuppert, Dottie and Lucy Callard, and Lindsey-Lail swam strong to shatter the 200 Medley Relay record with a time of 1:49.18. Lindsey-Lail broke the 50 Free record with a time of 25.72, and Shuppert beat the school’s previous top time in the 100 Back with a time of 56.17. The team also included sophomore Claire Harrison. Lucy Callard was named Miami Valley Conference (MVC) Swimmer of the Year.

Boys Swim Team

For detailed sports news, visit www.7hills.org/buzz.

Lucy Callard

Purple (Back), sophomore George Eng (Breast), and seniors Jason Guo (Butterfly) and Sam Stevens (Free) cut .33 seconds to post 10th place. Junior Tindar Cyr and senior Henry Marquardt also came back to help the 200 and 400 Free Relays. In the 400 Free Relay, they were joined by sophomore Greg Kalin and Purple.

Kalin and Cyr swam three of the last four events of the meet for the second night in a row. Marquardt broke the school record in the 200 Free, with a time of 1:41.36.

Kalin also broke a record, netting a time of 21.26 in the 50 Free. Cyr, Kalin, Marquardt, and Stevens dominated in the 200 Free Relay, breaking the previous record with a time of 1:27.02. Junior Matthew Maring also competed. Cyr, Kalin, and Marquardt were named MVC Conference Swimmers of the Year.

Audrey Wilson

The Seven Hills girls swim team had an incredible season, with swimmers working together to place in the top 10 at the state championship and break records.

Junior Lucy Callard repeated as state champion in the 500 Free, marking 2017 as her second year in the top

Scott Arnold

Winter Sports Honors

S P O R T S

21 27

School News M I R I A M

T I T C O M B

M E M O R I A L

F U N D

titcomb

Miriam Titcomb Memorial Fund grants for enrichment Since 1978, the Miriam Titcomb Fund, an endowed enrichment fund established by alumnae, has made it possible for more than 100 Seven Hills faculty and staff to have meaningful travel and study experiences. These adventures are personally and professionally inspiring for our faculty and staff, and their increased scholarship and enthusiasm enriches the entire school community. The recipients for the 2016 Titcomb awards were Teresa Bardon, David Brott, Judith Neidlein-Dial, Lynn Niehaus, and Linda Wolfe.

UPPER SCHO OL SPANISH TEACHER TERESA BARDON Teresa Bardon was awarded a Titcomb grant to share “The Superpower of Bilingualism” with her three children firsthand during a trip to Spain. Teresa, a native Spanish speaker, uses the language in her home.

As her three children got older and shied 28

part of something bigger than our family, our school, and community. They realized that being part of a culture meant connecting to food, history, places, and language. All of these connections are part of who we are, intrinsically; we are all different yet lovely.”

away from speaking Spanish, Teresa wanted them to understand the importance of being bilingual, and how it is truly a “superpower” of which they should be proud. The experience immersed the Bardons in the language and culture of Spain.

They traveled to Teresa’s home cities of Madrid and Seville, visiting different towns, parks, food markets, and more.

“Throughout my trip I experienced so many moments that I will cherish forever. The feelings I encountered showing my children different aspects of our culture were inspiring,” Teresa said. “My little ones realized they were

UPPER SCHOOL DEAN OF S T U D E N T S A N D M AT H T E A C H E R D AV I D B R O T T David Brott was awarded a Titcomb grant for his experience, “Hiking the West Highland Way in Scotland.” Last summer David hiked with a friend through Scotland, fulfilling a lifelong dream. He hiked 100 miles from Milngavie to Fort William over an eight-day period.

School News M I R I A M

“The opportunity to hike the West Highland Way in Scotland is one I’ll always be grateful for,” said David. “I traveled with my friend Mel, and along the trail we befriended hikers from Scotland, England, France, Germany, the Netherlands, and the U.S. I learned that when the Scots say, ‘It’s not going to rain tomorrow,’ what they really mean is ‘It’s not going rain much tomorrow.’ ” Among the highlights of his trip was a particularly rainy evening, during which David, soaked and exhausted, entered a warm pub with friends. “Knowing I would stop, they had saved me a seat by the fire. A great trip is only as great as the people you travel with, and I was fortunate enough to travel with the best.”

T I T C O M B

M I D D L E S CH O O L H I STO RY T E A CH E R J U D I T H N E I D L E I N -D I A L Judith Neidlein-Dial was awarded a Titcomb grant for her experience, “Exploring the Past—A Family Journey into Europe’s History.”

Justin Trudeau—to a highway in Ukraine, where cows roamed freely and potholes superseded the pavement, my experiences have truly been remarkable.”

As part of what Neidlein-Dial called a “once-ina-lifetime opportunity,” she said, “there were so many indelible impressions that it is hard to choose just one aspect. From a haunting, early Sunday morning visit to Auschwitz—including

Neidlein-Dial called her journey both “humbling and intimidating.”

a random breathalyzer test on the way at 7:30 a.m. and a sighting of Canadian Prime Minister

M E M O R I A L

F U N D

“The impetus for my trip was also its most memorable moment—being able to take my mother, who never met her father, to the place where his remains rested,” she said. “A plot of land in a tiny Ukrainian village, grassy terraces and granite memorial markers, peacefully strolling chickens and a view of the cabbages in the garden next door, became the backdrop to a slightly surreal family reunion and our personal journey into European history.”

29

School News titcomb

M I R I A M

30

T I T C O M B

M E M O R I A L

F U N D

Miriam Titcomb Memorial Fund grants for enrichment, continued LOTSPEICH THIRD-GRADE T E A C H E R LY N N N I E H A U S Lynn Niehaus received a Titcomb grant to continue her project, “The Neighborhood Bookstore and the Art of Reading.” Lynn spent five days in Paris, France, exploring bookstores in the City of Lights. Lynn shared the following essay with us about her deeply personal trip.

“My painting series began three years ago when a number of independent bookshops were shuttered in North America due to a variety of market driven factors, and how people were choosing to read and purchase books. The story

was compelling and motivated me to take on a personal challenge to create a series of narrative paintings that told the story of five Cincinnati independent bookstores.

“Last year, to further this challenge, I submitted my grant proposal with passionate purpose, and requested an opportunity to visit Paris to extend my narrative painting series on the independent bookstore and its important place in every neighborhood. In Paris, I discovered a different story. The independent bookstores were thriving due to an existing government system that supports them, ensuring that they will stay economically and structurally in place.

Indeed, hundreds of bookstores greeted us as we began my quest to track down my chosen Paris five. Each day my husband and I set out on foot from our little Paris apartment in the Latin

Quarter, on the Place de la Contrescarpe, just steps away from Ernest Hemingway’s first flat and Sylvia Beach’s original Shakespeare and Company Bookstore. We walked along the small streets, where 12th century scribes and parchment sellers once found their home, in search of our 21st century bookstores —every shop a unique treasure box. I spent my days walking, photographing, sketching, and researching for my Paris paintings. From Shakespeare and Company in the Latin Quarter, to the historic row of Bouquinistes along the Seine, through the Jardin de Tuileries to Librarie

School News M I R I A M

Galignani, and back across to the Marais, the discoveries were enlightening and often unexpected, revealing hidden histories and stories. With the first canvas complete and a second underway, the Paris series continues. I am forever grateful for the acknowledgement of the Titcomb Committee, and the Titcomb grant.

The short week spent in Paris will provide a lifetime of inspiration.”

D O H E RT Y L I B R A R I A N LINDA WOLFE

T I T C O M B

M E M O R I A L

F U N D

last stop was probably the best—a visit with Winter, a dolphin with a prosthetic tale who is the subject of the book and film, Dolphin Tale.

Linda Wolfe was awarded a Titcomb grant for her “Self-Guided Children’s Literature Experience.” Linda traveled to Memphis, Tennessee and Florida to experience places pulled from the pages of children’s literature. In Memphis, she stayed at the historic Peabody Inn to see the famous duck parade, which inspired the book John Philip Duck.

Linda was delighted to witness the waterfowl leave their Duck Palace, travel down the elevator, and march to the lobby fountain. Her next stop was the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Florida. She learned spells and explored magical locales like Hogwarts and Diagon Alley. Linda’s

Linda’s experience was one she won’t soon forget. “I try to inspire students to visit the settings of favorite books.

They have come back full of wonder and excitement, and I would sigh with happiness and wistfulness,” she said. “This past summer, it was I who returned brimming with wonder, after stepping into three wonderful book experiences.”

31

School News C R E A T I N G

C O N V E R S A T I O N S

Creating Conversations speaker series The Seven Hills School’s Creating Conversations is a speaker series designed to engage as a community, with each other and with the help of experts in their fields, about raising bright, healthy, happy children.

C R E AT I N G C O N V E R S AT I O N S : SEVEN HILLS COUNSELING D E PA RT M E N T O F F E R S T H O U G H T S O N D I G I TA L L I F E

Relinquish control, but not influence. That powerful statement underscored the tone of the counseling department’s final Creating Conversations parenting speaker series of the 2016-17 school year. Seven Hills parents and families came away from the session, “Managing Social Media and Understanding Your Child’s Digital Life,” with new ideas, a better understanding of the repercussions of the digital footprint, and an overall sense of how to address the idea of too much screen time in the digital age.

32

More than 50 parents met in a group with Counseling Department Chair Judy Arnold, and counselors Vicky Hausberger, Samantha Laffoon, and Angie Bielecki, for a handson session. Attendees were divided into two groups—one for Middle and Upper parents, and one for Lower School parents.

For parents who want to learn more about how to help their children manage digital life, Arnold recommends the website CommonSenseMedia.com.

The Seven Hills School Speaker Series

School News S C H O L A S T I C

A W A R D S

Scholastic Recognizes Seven Hills Writers, Filmmakers, Visual Artists In an extraordinary and unprecedented achievement, seven Upper School students received recognition from the prestigious 2016 Scholastic Writing Awards. The Scholastic Art and Writing Awards recipients of the highest level include authors Truman Capote, Sylvia Plath, Stephen King, Myla Goldberg, and television writer and author Lena Dunham. The competition is divided into regions. Seven Hills students compete in the Midwest Region, which includes Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, and Ohio.

Seven Hills students who received recognition in the personal narrative competition were: Micah Bachrach won a Regional Silver Key for Car Rides to the Field Sam Stevens won a Regional Silver Key for So Where Are You From?

Grace McVey won a Regional Honorable Mention for Sandbox: My Childhood

In the critical essay competition, the following students received recognition: Sydney Pelnick won a Regional Silver Key for Feminist and Antifeminist Roles in The Canterbury Tales Avery Dorsch won a Regional Honorable Mention for Why we NEED to Catch Them All: How Beowulf and Pokémon managed to capture our fascination

courage and a belief in the work you’re doing. I’m proud of all students who went through that process,” said Beyreis. “It’s also a testament to what we do here at Seven Hills. The students deserve all the credit, but I like to think this good news speaks to the kind of opportunity we give students to develop as thinkers, writers and artists.”

In the scriptwriting competition, one student received recognition: Seth Friedman won a Silver Key for his script All That You Love Will Be Carried Away In the Scholastic Award category for visual art: Yuou Wang won a prestigious Regional Gold Key for painting. Regional Gold Key winners automatically advance to compete nationally.

English teacher Mark Beyreis called the recognition a “significant accomplishment.”

“It’s wonderful that these students, and others who entered, had the educational experience of publishing their work. They put it out there for others to judge. That takes intellectual

Yuou Wang- Regional Gold Key

33

School News P E R S O N A L

C H A L L E N G E

H I G H L I G H T

personal challenge

A Mechanical Step into the Past

34

Personal Challenge is a required project that offers students the opportunity to explore something of interest at a deep and meaning ful level while experiencing the excitement of learning. As part of the venture, which is typically completed by students in their junior or senior year, Seven Hills students engage in activities that help them further explore their interests or stretch beyond their comfort zones. Students share their Personal Challenge projects with the school community, at one of two events during the school year.

There’s just something about the Pre-Industrial era that fascinates Seven Hills senior Scott Arnold. The span of time between 1750 and 1850 was a time of simplicity, when very little was known about the way things move, and, when making things go required a great deal of hard work, sweat, danger, and grit. For a student who feels at home in his computer science class, Arnold’s appreciation for the steam era has a lot to do with the fact that it is the un-now.

“I’ve always liked the steam era,” said Arnold.

“I like the idea of simple machines, and a time when no one knew a whole lot about powering engines and vehicles. It was the time before everything we know today.”

Arnold’s interests fueled his desire to build a mechanical spider out of vintage Erector Set materials. An avid strategic gamer, Arnold said he enjoyed making something that required no electricity, no Arduinos, no motherboards.

During his Personal Challenge project in mid-January, Arnold explained from start to finish, the concept, research, and process involved in bringing his half-arachnoid, half-vehicular creature to life. At an outdoor location on the school campus, Arnold lit fuel in a matchbox-size coal chamber in the belly

“I like the idea of simple machines, and a time when no one knew a whole lot about powering engines and vehicles. It was the time before everything we know today.”

of the steam-powered engine while his peers and teachers watched the machine go. The mechanical beast took timid steps, with the inside four limbs creeping forward, followed by the outside set.

“Scott learned a lot about the design process and he encountered a variety of issues that he did not anticipate and had to troubleshoot in order for his Steam Spider to function properly,” said Personal Challenge advisor and math teacher Anne Ramsay. She added that the Personal Challenge invites Seven Hills upperclassmen to explore something of interest at a deep and meaningful level. “His steam spider project served as a fantastic problem-solving opportunity.”

Arnold’s passion for the stuff of bygone eras flows into his musical talents as well. An accomplished violinist in Seven Hills symphonic ensemble, he is also a top-notch fiddler with the Riley School of Music, a local cultural organization that preserves and showcases traditional Irish music.

Arnold plans to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering next fall.

School News S E V E N

F A N TA S T I C M AT H S K I L L S W I T H F A N TA S Y B A S K E T B A L L Say Houston’s James Harden scores 35 points on your winning fantasy basketball team. If you are a Unit III student on the Doherty Campus, you get to show off more than your hoop skills. As part of a unique math

lesson in mid-January, students in math teacher Joshua Betustak’s class formed basketball teams, applied the rules of engagement, and focused on the math principles required in order to maintain their score sheets. Betustak, who taught the course with Unit III teacher Patty Dawson, launched the students’ fantasy sports season by explaining the game and handing out conversion charts. For example, under the assumption that Harden brought in 35 points, the students calculated that, at 0.1 points, Harden earned 3.5

H I L L S

H I G H L I G H T S

fantasy points. Students were asked to assemble a team while they managed a salary cap when selecting players, follow specific instructions to find their players’ weekly statistics, correctly add and multiply decimals, and analyze their players’ performance data.

Betustak said the fantasy sport activity allowed the students the opportunity to learn, in a constant mode of discovery and calculation, something that goes right along with inquiry-based learning.

E VERYB ODY CO UN TS As part of Everybody Counts week, the Doherty Campus participated in activities that taught students about the importance of understanding the lives of people with physical and mental differences. In late February, Unit I met Jan Danner and her guide dog Ivana. Danner, who is blind, told students about her day-to-day life and how she met Ivana, who was raised and trained at Seeing Eye, Inc. in New Jersey. Unit III participated in different classes with students from the Starfire Council of Greater Cincinnati, an organization that takes adults and teens with disabilities on outings around the area. With the Starfire students, Unit III completed crafts, wrote poetry, and learned exercises. Dr. Eric Ornella, a local orthodontist, visited Unit II. Ornella, who lost his ability to walk in a car accident that occurred when he was younger, explained to students that although he uses a wheelchair, he is

very active. He told stories about his experiences bungee jumping visiting Hawaii. Everybody Counts week wrapped up with a visit from Donna McCartney, a social worker with Shriners Hospital for Children.

McCartney talked about her work and about the experiences of the young patients, many of whom spend a significant amount time in the hospital for medical treatments. McCartney emphasized that even though the children are sick, they have full lives in the hospital, go to classes, and work hard to get better.

Seven Hills students learned important lessons and each speaker highlighted an important lesson, which is— everybody counts!

F O U RT H - G R A D E R S P I TC H P L A N S , S H A R K TA N K - S T Y L E Fourth-graders in Liz Lorenz’s Project Math class continued a yearlong project in mid-January, with a 35

School News S E V E N

news

hands-on lesson with local entrepreneurs. Modeling their presentations after popular ABC show, Shark Tank, the Lotspeich students pitched ideas on

36

developing the four-block region above Fort Washington Way. “Our visitors listened to each group’s presentation and provided helpful feedback and considerations to help guide the students with their projects, ” said Lorenz. The special guests included senior director of capital markets at Cushman Wakefield Hank Davis, and financial analyst of capital markets at Cushman Wakefield Matt Jacob. Following their presentations, students modified their development plans based on the feedback from Davis and Jacob.

P E N G U I N S O N PA R A D E O N PA R E N T D AY !

In early February, kindergarteners applied their extensive study of penguins to a detailed presentation about the flightless birds. Lotspeich kindergarten teachers Theresa Cohen and Diane Schulteis hosted the student presentations, which served as the culmination of the students’ studies. Following the event, parents visited the kindergarten classrooms to participate in penguin math and crafts, and read the aquarium journals students wrote after their visit to the Newport Aquarium. Students gathered near the Early Childhood Center stage to perform a fun and factual presentation, as well. Wearing penguin hats, students stood up one-by-one to share a penguin

H I L L S

H I G H L I G H T S

fact. They then sang songs about the animals, including a new take on a classic children’s tune, I’m a Little Teapot, with I’m a Little Penguin.

BR E A KIN G D OWN THE DIFFER EN CE S BET WEEN CHE M IC A L B ONDS Salt and sugar couldn’t be more different, right down to their chemical bonds. Eighth-graders tested these distinctions in Ken Revell’s introduction to physics and chemistry class, tying into a larger lesson. For their first experiment, conducted in mid-January, students dissolved in separate containers, sugar in water and salt in water. They then crafted a conductivity tester to see which substance, sugar water or salt water, conducted electricity. Students found that salt conducts electricity, sugar does not. In their second experiment, students put sugar and salt on a hot plate to see which one would melt. In the spring, students revisited the concept of chemical bonds from a different standpoint.

School News S T U D E N T S PA RT I C I PAT E I N T H E S TO C K M A R K E T G A M E Seventh-graders joined students across the country in learning the ups and downs of the stock market. As part of a 10-week intensive activity launched in late February, students combined history and math, using virtual money, to invest in stocks. Math teacher Carri Haskins and social studies teacher Doug Huff put their heads together to lead the initiative, called the Stock Market Game, as co-teachers. A total of 22 Seven Hills teams participated in the nationwide project. “The Stock Market Game is an engaging, interdisciplinary, hands-on activity that employs many of the content skills taught in the classroom,” Huff said. “The students learned to work cooperatively with each other and practice decision-making skills.” Haskins noted that students expanded their financial knowledge beyond the stock market, including Dow Jones and Standard & Poor’s 500 Index, and how to invest wisely. The students prepped for the game by writing questions about the stock market.

Haskins and Huff also discussed terms like profit, loss, and stocks, and used real-world examples to further illustrate the principles.

S TA N D I N G O N T H E P R I N C I P L E S OF PHYSICS Upper School’s Tim Drew took teaching the laws of physics into his own hands during a rather animated

H I L L S

spin the tire and hold it with both hands like a steering wheel, while standing on a movable platform. When the students steered to the right, they began moving in the opposite direction on the disk, even though they were not intentionally moving. The activity was a spectacular demonstration of angular momentum and torque.

February lesson that had the students’ heads—and feet—spinning. It all started when Drew laid a 2-by-12 foot plank on his desk. With a small portion of the plank jutting from the edge of the desk, Drew mounted the desk and stood firmly on the overhang.

While a few students gasped, pleading with him to be careful and worried the plank would tip, Drew assured them that the plank—a cantilever—would remain flat on the desk, even under his standing weight. He explained that the center of gravity of the board remaining on the desk created a huge lever arm, prohibiting the board from rotating or tipping over.

Drew’s students took a step further into their physics lesson when they studied rotational force. To demonstrate, Drew spun a bike tire suspended by a piece of twine. When he held the twine, instead of flopping to a horizontal position, the tire continued to spin in a vertical position. Drew invited students to

C U LT U R A L CO M P ET E N C Y S P E A K E R V I S I TS U P P E R S C H O O L Upper School students and faculty were treated to a presentation by Derrick Gay in mid-March. Gay is an internationally recognized consultant to educational, artistic, and philanthropic organizations around the world, consulting on diversity, inclusion, and global citizenship. Gay hosted a leadership workshop for 50 students, an opportunity organized by Nate Gleiner, English teacher and chair of the Equity & Justice Team.

According to Gleiner, the workshops helped students learn more about themselves, social constructs, and strategies to support inclusion in our school community and the larger world. Later in the day, Gay spoke to all Upper School students, giving an interactive lecture titled, “Will you be ready for success in a 21st century global society?” Gay touched on the importance of diversity, globalization, communicating with respect, identity, and more.

H I G H L I G H T S

highlights

S E V E N

37

School News I N T E R N A T I O N A L

T H E S P I A N

S O C I E T Y

Seven Hills Takes Center Stage with International Thespian Society Seven Hills Middle and Upper School theater

Later in February, Hauser led a group of 23 students

provide a safe, creative space for students

students are elevating the school’s place in the

to the Ohio Junior Thespian Conference in Akron.

interested in all aspects of theater, where they can

performing arts education

The event began with an improvisation competition,

be themselves, and grow in their craft. Upper

community to an international

and eighth-graders Eli Dauer, Jack Homer, and

School theater teacher Stephanie Park said one of

level with recent

Trip Wright were members of the winning team.

the goals of the theater department is to have more

accomplishments across

Many students took part in the Ohio Individual

continuity between the Middle and Upper schools.

divisions.

Event competition. Six groups received Superior

“In January, our Upper School Thespian troupe

Nine Middle School theater

ratings for their performances, including two perfect

students won a national award at the inaugural Junior Theater

arts

performing

Festival West in Sacramento,

38

scores by sixth-graders Isabel Ginns and Ashley McLennan, and eighth-graders Grace Arya and Caroline Routh. Arya and Routh performed their

hosted the Theatrepalooza, a mixer event in which Upper School students led workshops for Middle School students,” said Park. “The workshops included set design, stage combat, makeup application,

California, in mid-February. The

scene in the “Best Of” Showcase.

students who competed at the

The International Thespian Society and Junior

was a big success and a lot of fun.”

festival include sixth-grader

Thespian Society are dedicated to honoring the

Isabel Ginns, and eighth-

achievements of theater students. Hauser founded

Both Park and Hauser said, through the dedication

graders Caroline Chalmers,

the Seven Hills Junior Thespian troupe last year to

Sydney Chun, Audrey Howard,

build the theater community and provide additional

Max Maislin, Charlotte

opportunities for student recognition and

acting, improvisation, and musical theatre. The event

and efforts of student performers and technicians,

McNair, Kate Neyer, Eli Perlin, and Libby Schaefer.

development. The troupe has seen tremendous

As a group, the students won a Freddie G.

success and growth. “Last year we traveled to the

Excellence in Acting award.

Ohio Conference with just six students,” said

Several of the students also performed solo and duet

Hauser. “This year the number nearly quadrupled.”

acting and singing pieces in the Junior National

On the Upper School level, sophomore Hope

Individual Events competition, receiving many

Neyer and junior Brett Miller revived an Upper

Excellent ratings for their performances. Howard

School troupe of the International Thespian Society

earned a Superior rating on her solo, as did Perlin

this year. The students set in motion opportunities

and Chun on their duet-acting scene. Middle School

for Upper School students to have more exposure

Theater teacher Jacob Hauser said the students’

to the theater community throughout the Cincinnati

Seven Hills’ performing arts program has earned

acting, energy, and hard work was exemplary.

area and beyond. Neyer and Miller said their

increased visibility within the school community, and

priority for establishing the thespian society is to

beyond.

Summer at Seven Hills Make it an unforgettable summer!

Transform your child’s summer from uninspiring to UNFORGETTABLE! Choose from more than 100 programs for children ages 3-16.

To learn more plea

se visit 7hills.org/Sum merProgram or call 513.7 28.2380

Weekly Summer Programs are open to all Greater Cincinnati children, with more than 100 half-day and full-day programs available! To learn more, visit 7hills.org/SummerProgram or call 513.728.2380.

Register for one week ‌ or all eight! (Weekly programs available starting June 19) Early Care and After Care available.

39

School News S T U D E N T

I N T E R N A T I O N A L

T R A V E L

Seven Hills Students Travel to France French high school. Students spent the weekend Twenty-one Upper School students spent March 16-29studywith their host families, reconnecting with the Middle School students traveling parts ofin France, marine biology Florida Keys experiencing local culture and food, visiting landmarks, attending classes, and making memories with their host families and classmates.

Castle of the Counts in Ghent, Belgium

40

Students, along with Upper School language teachers Ann Griep and Jacky Kalubi, landed in Paris, France, on March 17.

They immediately boarded a motor coach and traveled to Bondues, located two hours north of Paris, to meet their host students at LycĂŠe de la Croix Blanche, a

Sophie Janidlo, left, and Shelby Davis, right, enjoy waffles in Belgium

students who visited Seven Hills in October 2016. Over the weekend, some students explored Bondues, while others visited Disneyland Paris and Bruges, Belgium.

The Seven Hills group was truly immersed in French culture. They attended school with their hosts, where

they learned about the typical day of a French student. The group did exciting, interactive activities while in Bondues. Griep and Kalubi helped students prepare for a visit to the Museum of Resistance, located in the historic Fort Bondues. Students completed research related to the museum’s exhibit halls and gave oral presentations. They then visited the museum and enjoyed a two-hour tour, complete with plenty of questions.

Students briefly left France to spend a day in Ghent, Belgium. After enjoying coffee, tea, and waffles, they embarked on a three-hour Seven Hills at the Louvre Museum

School News S T U D E N T

Seven Hills students with their French hosts

walking tour of the city, where they explored the 12th century Castle of the Counts, Saint Michael’s Cathedral, and St. Bavo’s Cathedral.

They saw famous paintings from Baroque and modern artists alike. They had the opportunity to divide into groups and explore the city on their own. On their final evening in Bondues, students and their hosts enjoyed a group dinner at a local restaurant.

At the end of their stay, Seven Hills students bid a bittersweet au revoir to Bondues and

began their journey to Paris. Their almost three days of sightseeing included many famous locations, such as the Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower, and the Louvre Museum.

Students also spent the day at Versailles, the elaborately adorned palace of Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette, and visited the bohemian neighborhood of Montmartre.

The trip was a remarkable experience, and one our Upper School students won’t soon forget!

I N T E R N A T I O N A L

T R A V E L

A river cruise on the Seine in Paris

From left, Emily Jonas, Rosie DeWitt, Rohan Sachdeva, and Irini Skoufalos stand on the top of the Arc de Triomphe with the Eiffel Tower in the background

41

School News S T I N G E R

M A D N E S S

Stinger Madness and Seven Hills Day of Giving school—alumni, grandparents, parents of alumni, and many others—made their gifts to the Annual Fund!

For a week in March, Seven Hills was abuzz with two important events—Stinger Madness and Seven Hills Day of Giving—supporting The Seven Hills Annual Fund! The theme for both events was Show Your Stinger Pride!

Because of the encouragement of our Annual Fund teams, we heard from many of you! In fact, 190 friends and families of Seven Hills showed support, adding $55,000 to the 2016-17 Annual Fund over the course of the very busy week.

The race drew to a highly competitive close, with Team Waskowitz winning the Stinger Madness trophy for 2017!

Seven Hills Day of Giving Stinger Madness Stinger Madness brought together Seven Hills families for a friendly competition to determine which of the three divisional teams (Team Guethlein/Fox for the Lower School, Team Waskowitz for the Middle School, and Team Bolton for the Upper School) could achieve the highest percentage of parent participation in the Annual Fund by the end of the week.

42

During our third annual 24-hour Seven Hills Day of Giving, which took place in early March, friends of the

School News S E V E N

H I L L S

D A Y

O F

G I V I N G

A big thank you to everyone who has supported The Seven Hills Annual Fund this year.

Your gifts make possible the full richness of a Seven Hills education. Your gift helps us, every day, to make learning come alive!

Show your Stinger Pride!

Reminder: If you haven’t had the opportunity to make your Annual Fund gift for the 2016-17 school year, there is still plenty of time to make a difference as our fiscal year runs through June 30. Please visit www.7hills.org/annualfund to make your gift.

43

In memoriam I N

M E M O R Y

O F

J E N N Y

C A R R

In Memory of Jenny Carr The Seven Hills community reflects on the ebullient life and beloved legacy of friend, mother, grandmother, and Doherty kindergarten teacher Jenny Carr, who passed away in February 2017.

During a memorial service held on March 4, Mrs. Carr’s family and friends gathered to celebrate her life, share stories about her love for teaching and lifelong learning, and of her devotion to her family and her students. As one who saw the glass not only half-full, but overflowing, Mrs. Carr is remembered as a teacher who experienced life with her students, and who taught them every day, the importance of kindness and a smile. One of Mrs. Carr’s sons, Peter, said his mother found joy and love in everyday moments.

“She was incredibly patient and was always more focused on others,” said Peter Carr. “She believed in all of us and she always believed

44

in the impossible. She saw the best in every person, and in every situation.”

Throughout her more than 30 years as a prekindergarten and kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Carr, an avid traveler, was known for bringing the world to her students. She nurtured their curiosities and valued their inquisitive natures and unconditional love. Her students will always remember hatching chicks, observing the metamorphosis of butterflies, decorating gingerbread houses, teddy bear picnics, and even hunting runaway gingerbread men around the entire Doherty Campus.

Mrs. Carr’s legacy was one of kindness and curiosity, in which she discovered many of the important things of life together with her students. Head of Doherty Patti Guethlein said Mrs. Carr could light up a room with her smile, her spirit, and her love of life.

“That light, understanding, and passion enriched the lives of hundreds of children and dozens of colleagues. Jenny was a guide and Doherty will miss her wisdom and her heart,” said Guethlein. “She was an inspiration to all of Doherty and she brought out the best in us. She reminded us to keep learning, keep growing, and always keep dreaming.”

In memoriam I N

M E M O R Y

O F

W A L T E R

W H I T E

In Memory of Former Board Chair Walter White The Seven Hills community lost a former Board President and Trustee, parent, grandparent, and longtime friend when Walter White passed away on March 30, 2017, at the age of 84.

Walter was born in Cambridge, Iowa, and attended college at Drake University, where he met his wife Donna, whom he married in 1954. After serving in the United States Air Force, he earned a master’s degree in retailing from New York University. Walter enjoyed a long career at the Kroger Company, where he eventually served as vice president of Internal Audit.

Upon retiring from Kroger, Walter continued to work as a consultant working with familyowned businesses.

Both Walter and Donna White were cheerleaders of their adopted hometown of Cincinnati, giving their time and expertise to organizations close to their hearts. Most

of all, the Whites were loyal and generous supporters of Seven Hills. Walter served as a Trustee of the school from 1977 to 1983, during which he was Chairman of the Board from 1979 to 1982. Walter’s steadfast leadership helped to steer the school during the post-merger years. Paul Sittenfeld, also a former Board Chair, said of Walter, “Walter White was the quintessential gentleman— focused, organized and, for Seven Hills, a quiet and effective Board President. During challenging years for the school, his clarity of thought engendered careful deliberation and wise decisions. The present day strength of Seven Hills is an eloquent tribute to the caring and sharing of men and women like Walter White.”

Donna White, who passed away in 2009, also gave her time generously to the school, serving as President of the Parent Teacher Association for 20 years. In 2008, Walter and Donna’s daughters endowed The Walter W. and Donna C. White Leadership Fund at the school in honor of their parents. In the years since, the fund has provided financial assistance to support students with strong leadership skills through Upper School.

Walter is survived by daughters Dr. Jocelyn White ’79 and her spouse Lynn Nakamoto and Paula White Wharton ’83 and her husband Bernard Wharton, and granddaughters Eleanor Nakamoto-White, Bailey Wharton ’15, and Grace Wharton ’19. The Seven Hills School is grateful to Walter White for all he did for the school as a leader, volunteer, parent, grandparent, and supporter. Seven Hills is far better for his guidance and support.

45

L

U

M

N

U

S

P

R

O

F

I

L

E

Catching up with Stephen Zoepf ’97 In a single year, Mr. Abineri’s physics classes transformed the world into a place I could describe in mathematical terms. Ms. Smythe showed us the power of the written word and the intense demands inherent in cranking out intellectual content on a schedule, when I worked on the school newspaper.

–

S T E P H E N

Z O E P F

’ 9 7

Q&A

A

Alumni News Stephen Zoepf

Please tell us about your education and career path after graduating from Seven Hills.

the Center for Automotive Research studies

single year, Mr. Abineri’s physics

ways in which transportation can be truly

classes transformed the world into a

sustainable by helping to ensure social equity,

place I could describe in mathematical

Stephen: After Seven Hills, I attended the

and by being environmentally sound and

terms. Ms. Smythe showed us the power of

economically viable. We strive to use the

the written word and the intense demands

results of our research to inform national- and

inherent in cranking out intellectual content

state-level policies, such as the new Federal

on a schedule, when I worked on the

Automated Vehicle policy.

school newspaper.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) for a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering and computer science. I worked in the automotive industry for eight years, and then returned to grad school at MIT for

In an academic career, service to one’s

master’s and doctorate degrees. I worked

community is a key responsibility. We host

at the U.S. Department of Transportation

numerous student groups looking to further

on vehicle energy regulations for six years

STEM education or who are looking for help

during graduate school, and then I joined the

in the college application process, and we fre-

Stephen: Have the confidence to voice your

Center for Automotive Research at Stanford

quently serve on volunteer review boards, edit

opinions as early as you can, but try to do so

last year.

papers, and organize research-focused events.

in a constructive way.

How do you stay involved in your community today?

Stephen: Transportation is an inherently

46

In what way did your time at Seven Hills influence your career path?

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

What are some of your favorite memories from Seven Hills?

Stephen: Our class was privileged to be

social enterprise. It provides access to

Stephen: The two most influential figures in

one of the first in the brand new Lotspeich

employment, opportunity, and family and

my time at Seven Hills were Upper School

building (after the tragic fire) and the brand

social engagement. The work we do at

teachers Mr. Abineri and Ms. Smythe. In a

new Middle School building. At Lotspeich,

I loved playing under the pavilion at recess and sledding down the enormous hill on snowy winter days. I remember Mrs. Driscoll reading to our classes during the day, Mr. Briggs’ interminable speeches at holiday assemblies, and our inevitable glee when we would run out afterward. I loved exchanging mix tapes with classmates in Middle School. Some of my favorite songs today are from bands I learned about in sixth or seventh grade. I used to look forward every year to the Harvest Fair, and how our class bonded when it was finally our turn to run the event. In Upper School, I loved the late nights laying out and printing Common Canvass, the bedlam of the senior lounge, and the never-ending patience and support of the faculty.

Alumni News B E N

G L A S S M A N

‘ 9 3

Alumni Association News

By Ben Glassman ’93, Seven Hills Alumni Association Board Chair As I begin my term as the Alumni Association Board Chair, I first would like to welcome the Class of 2017 into the alumni community! I look forward to seeing you all at future alumni events.

is happy to connect you with alumni working in your field or to help with job searching.

To help welcome our newest alumni, I put together a list of the top seven ways the Development office connects and serves alumni:

4. Keeping up with favorite teachers Interested in contacting a favorite mentor, teacher, or coach? Director of Alumni Engagement Sarah Ott Lautar”05 can help put you in touch.

1. Reunion celebrations Every year, Seven Hills welcomes back graduates for reunion celebrations on campus and for individual class events. Reunion is a great way to reconnect with the school, favorite teachers, and classmates.

5. Alumni events The school holds alumni events year-round, both in Cincinnati and in other cities. Make sure the Development Office has your most up-to-date contact info to receive invitations to Seven Hills gatherings near you!

2. Roadshows The Alumni and Development team arranges and travels to alumni receptions in cities like New York, Washington, D.C., Boston, Chicago, and San Francisco. Keep the school updated when you move so you can hear about these events!

6. Alumni news Did a friend just move to your city or publish a new book? Find out by following the Seven Hills alumni social media feeds. And don’t forget to let the school know when you have good news to share.

3. Job networking Seven Hills has an extensive network of alumni working in practically every type of career you can imagine. The Alumni/Development Office

7. Hearing about Seven Hills today I encourage you to check out Seven Hills’ magazine and social media — you will be amazed to see that Seven Hills remains as

vibrant and dynamic as ever. Keep up with alumni news. Follow us on Instagram at SevenHillsAlumni or Like us on Facebook at the Seven Hills Alumni Page!

The mission of the Development Office is to maintain our tight-knit alumni community and the ties between alumni and the school. Director of Alumni Engagement Sarah Ott Lautar ’05 always welcomes ideas and thoughts from alumni, and she would love to hear from you. I encourage you to reach out and take advantage of what the school can offer you as a Seven Hills alum!

Ben Glassman graduated with the Class of 1993. He is the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio.

Ben, his wife Jennifer Morales, and their twins, Sam and Rosie, live in Cincinnati.

S TAY C O N N E C T E D !

Like • • • Seven Hills School Alumni Page on Facebook Join • • • Seven Hills School Alumni group on LinkedIn Follow • • • Seven Hills on Instagram @sevenhillsalumni

47

S A V E

Alumni Holiday Party

T H E

YOUNG

I

AY, D E C

tion: T B D .m. Loca 1 7 p 7 . .m 0 5p 2 0 0 7 -2

Holiday Party

48

A LU M N

o l i d ay A n n u a lhH g G at e r i. n21, 2017 THURSD

On Thursday, Dec. 22, alumni from the classes of 2006-2016 gathered at Keystone Bar & Grill in Hyde Park for the annual Young Alumni Holiday Party, to catch up over drinks and appetizers.

D A T E

CLASSE

S

Alumni News Y O U N G

A L U M N I

H O L I D A Y

P A R T Y

Holiday Party

49

Classes of 2006 and 2011 celebrated reunions! (photo at right)

TheClass of 2006 celebrated their 10-year reunion at Myrtle’s Punch House in Cincinnati November 26, 2016. Thank Franceson Stilwell Elinor Adick Kline you to Laura Hoguet Leonard for organizing and planning the reunion!

Reunion 2006

Class of 50

2006

Alumni News R E U N I O N

E V E N T S

(photo at right)

The Class of 2011 gathered at Igby’s in downtown Cincinnati to celebrate their five-year reunion.

Frances Stilwell Class representatives Maddie Elinor Adick Kline Caldemeyer, Anne Mapes, and Katie McNamara had a custom Snapchat filter created for the occasion. Thanks to Maddie, Anne, and Katie for their work planning a successful reunion!

Reunion 2011

Class of

2011 51

Alumni News S E V E N

H I L L S

A L U M N I

seven

hills

From the School Bell to Wedding Bells

52

It is often said that Seven Hills fosters connections to last a lifetime. While that phrase usually applies to the lifelong friendships that begin and strengthen in the school hallways, many alumni have forged another lifelong bond within the school community by marrying fellow graduates of the school.

Emily Hastie ’05 and Dan Schultz ’05 are high school sweethearts who began dating their junior year of high school. Said Emily, “Dan transferred to Seven Hills our junior year and stood out as the new guy in a tight-knit class. We became friends until he asked me on our first date to see Lord of the Rings. I suppose it would be appropriate to say the rest is history!”

Emily and Dan

the year.” These study sessions helped pave the way for a strong friendship during college and a relationship that began over a summer when both were 25. Laura and Jeff now live in Denver where they regularly see other Seven Hills alumni friends.

went on to attend Boston University together and currently live in Boston.

Laura Hoguet Leonard ’06 and Jeff Leonard ’06 bonded over beloved teachers (and notoriously challenging classes), building a foundation in friendship. As Laura tells it, “Jeff and I met in sixth grade, but our friendship really began in high school when we were in math classes together and AP European History class. We spent a lot of free periods meeting with Mr. [Bob] Turansky so that we could make it through

In a common thread, many of these couples met or reconnected at parties or celebrations thrown by mutual Seven Hills friends. Though each has deep ties to the school, Janet Keys Simpkinson H’58 and John Simpkinson L’49 met only after graduating. Janet’s mother went to Hillsdale and her father attended Lotspeich, and John’s mother

Alumni News S E V E N

taught at Lotspeich. As Janet relays, “We actually met long after John was in Lotspeich and I was in Hillsdale. We met at a party given by mutual friends who were graduates of the school, and we were introduced to each other by a Lotspeich graduate.” Continuing in the family footsteps, the Simpkinsons’ children, Drewry Simpkinson Wolf ’87 and Peter Simpkinson ’89, are also graduates.

Ellie Fabe ’78 and Frank Russell L’72 attended Lotspeich at the same time and remember each other from the seventh grade. “We had a lot of the same friends all throughout high school, but really got together after college at a Christmas party at the home of the Casey family,” Ellie remembers. Ellie and Frank still revisit campus frequently as parents of George Russell ’13 and Reed Russell ’17.

Dorothy Kim Corbett ’84 and Evan Corbett ’82, parents of Katie Corbett ’17, Caroline Corbett ’20, and John Corbett ’24, also found themselves brought together by Seven Hills friends years after knowing each other as students.

Dorothy recollected, “We first met as students (we think the initial encounter may have been the holding of an ‘E-Wing’ door), both at the Upper School in the early ’80’s, but in different classes.

We didn’t have common social groups or activities. But, we had common friends, who were brother and sister, and we ‘re-met’ at a wedding in that family many years later, seated

H I L L S

A L U M N I

next to each other at the reception, which started a new friendship. I don’t think either of us would ever have guessed that in high school!”

Seven Hills plays a pivotal role in many lives, but it is heartwarming to learn how significant the school and the relationships formed here have been to these families and the other married alumni out there.

53

Alumni News N Y C

New York City Alumni Gathering On Wednesday, March 1, alumni from the New York City area gathered at the Doubles Club at the Sherry Netherland Hotel for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. Everyone enjoyed hearing from Wynne McCarthy Curry H’71, Bobby Marcus ’97, and Katherine Zoepf ’96 about how they maintain their connection to Seven Hills as alumni. Thank you to Jan Fullgraf Golann H’67, Joe Krauetler ’96, Bobby Marcus ’97, Suzy Marquard H’68, Marti Newland ’98, Megan Rockwell ’03, Liza Martindale Weiner ’99, and Mary Wulsin Zema ’05 for hosting the event.

54 42

R O A D

S H O W

Alumni News N Y C

R O A D

S H O W

55

Alumni News alumni

# T H R O W B A C K

56

Notes from the Field: Peter Briggs Caught Up with David Robinson ’84 Former Seven Hills Head of School Peter Briggs (1975-1995) recently caught up with alumnus David Robinson ’84 over lunch, and he kindly sent us the following update on David.

David Robinson is part of that tradition fondly called “lifers,” having spent 13 years as a student on both campuses of Seven Hills. After graduating, he went on to earn a degree in finance at Xavier University. He has successfully turned that experience into his profession as chief financial officer of the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Ohio. As part of his work, David is breathing new life into an important Stewardship Committee “focused on educating parishes about the importance of committing themselves to estate planning, David Robinson ’84 influenced by the examples of numerous local nonprofits such as schools, colleges, and arts and other cultural organizations.” Just last year, David won a scholarship competition, enabling 40 recipients from 20 countries to attend a program at the Wharton School at University of Pennsylvania called CFOs: Strategic Learning and Partnering. He also serves on the board of St. Augustine’s University, a college located in Raleigh, North Carolina. Over our lunch, he told me how much his intellectual horizons continue to broaden in a multitude of directions— something I believe to be a fundamental value at Seven Hills.

David and his wife, Amy, a second-grade teacher in the Princeton school district, have three daughters. The eldest, Madison, studies and plays basketball at Capital University in Columbus. Younger sisters Kennedy and Raejean are also good students and athletes, and David thrilled me when he shared that all three girls are passionate readers, inspired by their mother.

#Throwback

Peter Briggs

Students in hard hats take a tour of the new Upper School building during construction in 2002. For the 2001-02 school year, Upper School students attended class in the Seven Hills Academic Center (SHAC) trailers.

Alumni News News Alumni L

E

G

A

C

Y

S

O

C

I

E

T

Y

Alumna Susan Finke (L’36 H’42) Generously Gives Back to Seven Hills Through our Legacy Society After over 30 years of giving to the Seven Hills Annual Fund, Susan Finke’s (L’36 H’42) passion for Lotspeich and Hillsdale and her connection to

child’s development, promoting mental alertness and building independence and self-esteem. As Susan remembers, “The windows were always open, even in the dead of winter! It was always incredibly cold. However, this did not distract from the superb education.”

legacy

While Susan remembers her teacher, Mrs. Helen Lotspeich, as a strict disciplinarian, the students were respectful and mindful of her instructional approach. Susan recounted a delightful story that occurred in her second year, when a classmate jumped out of one of the open first floor windows to avoid being disciplined by Mrs. Lotspeich.

The Seven Hills School led her to make a planned gift and become a member of our Legacy Society.

During a recent interview, Susan shared some amazing and funny stories from her time at Lotspeich and Hillsdale. She was in the very first class of first-graders at Lotspeich, after the school moved from Clifton to the Red Bank Road location. Susan discussed how different the school was then, as it was an open-air school at that time.

Open-air schools, which featured large windows that stood wide open year round, were being built starting in the early 1900s, and arose from a belief that fresh air and exercise were integral to a

Following Lotspeich, Susan continued her education at Hillsdale. After graduating in the spring of 1942, she attended Wellesley College where she earned a degree in zoology. She went on to have a career as an intelligence analyst with the CIA. Even after being away from Seven Hills for so many years, she is very proud and grateful for the education she received and has not forgotten what she learned during her time at the school. Susan’s affinity for Seven Hills led her to establish a legacy gift in her estate plans as a way to continue her support. “It is important to me to give back to the school in a way that will have a lasting benefit for years to come, and I encourage others to do the same,” she said.

Susan currently resides in Leland, Michigan, where she enjoyed spending her childhood summers. We deeply appreciate Susan’s investment in Seven Hills, and we thank her for making a difference as part of the Legacy Society.

For information about becoming a member of The Seven Hills School Legacy Society, please contact Holly Kohls, Major Gifts Officer, at 513.728.2431 or Holly.Kohls@7hills.org.

We are pleased to honor our family of CPS, Lotspeich, Hillsdale, and Seven Hills alumni and friends who remembered the school in their estate plans. The Seven Hills School has a rich history, that combined the traditions and standards of educational excellence of three well-known Cincinnati schools— Miss Doherty’s College Preparatory School for Girls (CPS), the Lotspeich School, and the Hillsdale School.

Including The Seven Hills School in your estate plans makes possible the full richness of the Seven Hills experience. Learn more about the Legacy Society at 7hills.org/giving/plannedgiving

57

Alumni News R

reunion 2018 april 13 & 14

E

U

N

I

O

N

2

58

T H E

8

Lotspeich classes of 1942, 1947, 1952, 1957, 1962, 1967, and 1972 Seven Hills classes of 1978, 1983, 1988, 1993, and 1998 The classes of 2003, 2008, and 2013 will celebrate their reunions on Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018.

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

Reunion reps are needed to help make this a special weekend for your class. Please contact Sarah Ott Lautar ’05 at sarah.lautar@7hills.org or 513.728.2432 if you are interested in helping.

T O

1

CPS & Hillsdale classes of 1943, 1948, 1953, 1958, 1963, 1968, and 1973

WE LOOK FOR WARD TO WELCOMING YOU BACK TO CAMPUS!

C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S

0

C L A S S

O F

1 9 9 3

O N

Y O U R

2 5 T H

R E U N I O N

Alumni News R

C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S

T O

T H E

C L A S S

O F

1 9 6 8

O N

C E L E B R A T I N G

Y O U R

Reunion Representatives: Reunion reps are needed to help make this a special weekend for your class. While the schoolsponsored 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. The more people from your class who are able to attend, the better your reunion will be.

E

U

N

5 0 T H

I

O

N

2

0

1

8

R E U N I O N

INTERE STED I N BEIN A REUN G ION RE P FOR YOUR CLASS ?

Please co ntact Sara h Ott Lauta r ’05, Dir ector of Alumni E ngageme nt Sarah.la utar@7h ills.org 513.728 .2432

59

Alumni News A L U M N I

Reunion Events 2017

Alumni gathered on Friday, April 7, to reconnect and celebrate Reunion 2017. As the day became warmer and sunnier, alumni enjoyed catching up and seeing one another at both on campus and elsewhere in Cincinnati.

Alumni started the day with a welcome breakfast and the State of the School presentation from Head of School Christopher Garten, Assistant Head of School Susan

54 60 42

Marrs, and Director of Experiential Learning Nick Francis.

Alumni from the CPS and Hillsdale classes of 1967 and above enjoyed lunch at Cincinnati Country Club, followed by tours of the Doherty Campus with Head of Doherty Patti Guethlein, and of the Upper School and new Nellie Leaman Taft Early Childhood Center with Director of Finance & Operations Robert Horne and Head of Lotspeich Carolyn Fox.

R E U N I O N

E V E N T S

2 0 1 7

Alumni capped off the school reunion celebrations with a cocktail reception in Hillsdale Commons, where they enjoyed hearing from student performers Meg Yuan ’21 and Shelby Davis ’17. Most of the classes celebrating Reunion gathered for events Saturday night, and some classes planned the weekend around dinners, tours of Cincinnati, and brunches!

Alumni News A L U M N I

R E U N I O N

E V E N T S

2 0 1 7

61

Reunion 2017 Classics Luncheon

April 7, 2017

Judy Hauser Adams H’57, Ann Wentworth Greear H’57, Nancy Donaldson Kollin H’59

Sudie Ernst Geier H’41, Director of Development Margo Kirstein, Head of School Chris Garten

Deborah Iannitto H’67, Jeannie Zimmerman Donaldson H’60, Sue Skilken Magnan C’67

Jane Haas Friedman L’46, Francie Garber Pepper H’58, Barbara Simpson Garner H’61, Sarah Shepard Cohen H’67, Helen Garber H’67 62

Sladie Martin Morrison H’57, Janet Fast Andress H’46

Alumni News

R E U N I O N

2 0 1 7

C L A S S I C S

L U N C H E O N

Georgia Peck Rivers H’67, Janet Fast Andress H’46, Nancy Pechstein Aubke H’67

Photo on left: Lee Adair Adams H’58, Sarah Shepard Cohen H’67 Photo on right: .Judy Allen Thompson C’56, Joan Fankhauser Ireton C’51

63

Reunion 2017 Classics Luncheon

Sam Bassett ’17, Emily Gest Todd C’46, Marilyn Miller Logan H’44, Marjorie Pease Applegate H’44, Janet Fast Andress H’46, Jane Haas Friedman L’46, Emily Rauh ’17, Nina Dizenhuz ’18

April 7, 2017

Ninna Svensson Tollen C’67, Peggy Harrell McCarthy C’67, Cathy Schloss C’67

Sue Skilken Magnan C’67, Ellen Evans Weber C’67, Sarah Rooch Roberts C’67 Sarah Shepard Cohen H’67, Judy Robinson Williams H’67, Head of School Chris Garten, Helen Garber H’67, Georgia Peck Rivers H’67, Nancy Pechstein Aubke H’67 64

Alumni News

R E U N I O N

2 0 1 7

C L A S S I C S

L U N C H E O N

Sam Bassett ’17, Emily Gest Todd C’46, Marilyn Miller Logan H’44

Shannon Kelly Carter H’67, Deborah Koons Garcia H’67, Delle Christensen Jones H’67, Jane Pape C’67, Deborah Iannitto H’67

Barbara Anderson Landen H’62, Everett Landen, Pat Landen H’50

Judy Hauser Adams H’57, Sudie Ernst Geier H’41, Susan Steman Laffoon H’57, Ann Wentworth Greear H’57

Judy Allen Thompson C’56, Missy Richards Holzman H’59, Joan Fankhauser Ireton C’51

65

Reunion 2017 Classics Luncheon

April 7, 2017

Lawsie Pennington Coler C’65, Randol Foote Haffner C’60, Barbara Huenefeld LeBlond C’62

Barbara Simpson Garner H’61, Karen Euskirchen H’62, Sally Swigert Hamilton H’62 66

Alumni News

R E U N I O N

2 0 1 7

C L A S S I C S

L U N C H E O N

Congratulations on your 50th Reunion, Class of 1967!

Left: Andres Antonsson ’17, Tory Woodhull Parlin H’63, Carol Iannitto Euskirchen H’61, Jeannie Zimmerman Donaldson H’60

Carolyn Huwe Ludwig H’56, Nancy Donaldson Kollin H’59, Frank Huss L’45

Emily Rauh ’17, Sam Bassett ’17, Andres Antonsson ’17

67

Alumni News R E U N I O N

Reunion Cocktail Reception 2017

42 68

C O C K T A I L

R E C E P T I O N

Alumni News R E U N I O N

C O C K T A I L

R E C E P T I O N

THANK YOU TO OUR CLASS REPS FOR HELPING TO MAKE REUNION 2017 A SUCCESS!

CPS

Hillsdale

Peggy Harrell McCarthy

Judy Hauser Adams Susan Steman Laffoon

1967

1972

Alice Rudig Chapman Judy Lane Rogers

1957

1962

Barbara Anderson Landen

1967

Judy Robinson Williams

1972

Cathy Smale Caldemeyer Kathleen Stewart Maynard

Seven Hills 1977

Nancy Gall Mike Cromer Patti Gibbs Jackson Lori Hirshberg Levi

Julie Ziegler Perry Megan Sikes Rachford Nancy Todd Vandenberg Marsha Williams

1992

Tom McElhinney Marc Shotten 69

Reunion 2017

Individual Class Events H illsdale 1957 (photo at right) Left to right: Sladie Martin Morrison, Ann Wentworth Greear, Naomi Tucker Gerwin

HILLSDALE

1957

Hillsdale 1962 (photo below) Left to right: Patti Gross Lindeman, Diana Motch Dwight, Sally Swigert Hamilton

H illsdale 1957 (photo at right) Margaret Parlin O’Malley, Debbi Gale Not pictured: Susan Steman Laffoon, Judy Hauser Adams

HILLSDALE

HILLSDALE

1962

Hillsdale 1962 (photo at right) Left to right: Ann Blackburn Bjornson, Karen Euskirchen, Barbara Anderson Landen

CPS 1967 (photo at far right) Left to right: Ninna Svensson Tollen, Peggy Harrell McCarthy, Cathy Schloss

70

1957 HILLSDALE

1962

CPS

1967

Alumni News I

N

D

I

V

I

D

U

A

L

C

L

A

S

S

E

V

E

N

T

S

Hillsdale 1967 (photo at right) Front row: Leezie Walker Borden, Deborah Koons Garcia, Beth Johnson Fotheringill, Jane Tomlin Westendorf, Sarah Shepard Cohen, Debbie Iannitto Second row: Robin Smith Armstrong, Jan Fulgraf Golann, Jenny Lamson Magro, Helen Garber, Barb Fuller Cherry, Rhoda Allen Brooks Third row: Sissy Lambert Stearns, Sissy Jones, Nancy Pechstein Aubke, Kathy Oechler Whitbeck, Shannon Kelly Carter, Judy Robinson Williams Back row: Georgia Peck Rivers, Susan McCaslin, Hathaway Gamble Barry, Delle Christensen Jones, Poppy Yeiser Hawkins Not pictured: Roger Loud, Catherine Hilker H’49, Kathy Richardson, Renee Lowther, Woody Woodward, Carol Iannitto Euskirchen H’61

HILLSDALE

1967 C P S 1972 (photo at left) Left to right: Marsha Hoffman Gerdes, Ginger Hill, Alice Rudig Chapman, Judy Lane Rogers, Ginger Carson Rubin, April Laskey

CPS

1972

71

Reunion 2017

Individual Class Events

Reunions

C P S 1972 (photo at right) Left to right: Ginger Carson Rubin, Alice Rudig Chapman, Ginger Hill, April Laskey, Judy Lane Rogers, Marsha Hoffman Gerdes

CPS

1972

1977 (photo at right)

Front row: Dean Bostock, Lynn Merritt, David Rich, Sally Payler-Tamborski, Frani Kuhr Jones, Julie Ziegler Perry, Mark Sedacca, Sara Barnes Osborn, Patty Gibbs Jackson, Megan Sikes Rachford, Claire Gerhard, Mike Cromer

72

Back row: Chip Wood, Sarah Allyn Bahlman, Nancy Todd VandenBerg, Nancy Gall, Todd Young

1977

Alumni News I

N

D

I

V

I

D

U

A

L

C

L

A

S

S

E

V

E

N

T

S

1977 (photo at left)

Front row: Mary Ida Sloneker Compton, Connie Burton, Lori Hirshberg Levy, Sally PaylerTamborski, Sarah Allyn Bahlman, Claire Gerhard, Julie Ziegler Perry, Libby Landen Krone Hillsdale 1957 & 1982 (photo below) Gay Reidinger Bullock ’82 and her mother Debbi Gale H’57 had a wonderful visit on their overlapping Reunion weekend! Debbie celebrated her 60th reunion and Gay celebrated her class’s 35th. Gay shared this photo of the two of them on a whale-watching trip in the Sea of Cortez.

1977

1957 & 1982

Back row: David Roth, Todd Young, David Rich, Megan Sikes Rachford, Mike Cromer, Dean Bostock, Drake Jackson, Patty Gibbs Jackson, Nancy Gall, Sara Barnes Osborn, Nancy Todd VandenBerg, Chip Wood

1992 (photo at left)

Left to right: Heather Zaring Vecellio, Jay Vollmer, Carrie Rowitz Herring, Greg Schoeny, Jennifer Spaccarelli, Emily Story, Marc Shotten, J.J. McHenry, Christina McIntosh Whitehead ’94, Uyon Barnes Johnson, Tom McElhinney, Kim Raymond Wolke, Marvin Shelton, Steve Kosman, Tiernan Sittenfeld Not pictured: Alina Schneider, Craig Jones, David Kern

1992

73

Alumni Class Notes 1930

1944

1934

1945

1935

1946

1937

1950

1939

1951

Monte Richardson (C)(Asheville, NC) passed away on Feb. 20, 2017.

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.

Carol Skinner Lawson (L)(Dillwyn, VA) passed away on Nov. 17, 2016.

Virginia “Jimmie” Coke Robinson (H)(Santa Barbara, CA) passed away on March 5, 2016.

Carolyn Eberle Caldwell (H)(Cincinnati) passed away on Dec. 29, 2016.

Our condolences to family and friends who lost loved ones as reported in this issue.

Brooks Johnstone Saltsman (C)(Bethesda, MD) passed away on March 18, 2016.

1940

Phyllis Siebenthaler Hopple (H)(Cincinnati) passed away on Dec. 31, 2016.

1943

Mary Childress “Chile” Rodgers (H)(Cincinnati) passed away on May 20, 2016.

Margaret Kite “Marke” Yeiser (H)(Cincinnati) passed away on Jan. 27, 2016.

74

Ellen Langtree Gordon Roberts (H)(Moorhead, MN) passed away on April 9, 2015.

Sarah Jane Becker (C)(Alexandria, VA) passed away on Nov. 20, 2016.

Ann Vail Roberts (C)(Lake Forest, IL) passed away on Nov. 22, 2016.

Greta Groenke Nelson (C)(Cincinnati) passed away on Nov. 9, 2016.

Susan Sidell Castleberry (H)(Cincinnati) passed away on March 16, 2017.

Jean Zeigler Fischer (C)(Covington, LA) passed away on July 4, 2016.

1960

Elana Rhodes Byrd-Kehler (C)(Annapolis, MD) wrote to tell us that she was married Dec. 23, 2016, to Dr. James Stewart Kehler: “Jim and I first met in Cincinnati in the late 1950s when I was dating his younger brother, John Kehler, and I was a high school student at CPS. Jim and I both migrated to Annapolis, Maryland, where our children became acquainted and attended the Key School, under the leadership of former Seven Hills Head of

School Rodney V. Beach. Small world! We began dating after my husband, Joe Byrd, passed away in 2012 and Jim’s wife, Joan Odgen Kehler (H’46), passed away in 2013. Jim and I are still practicing psychiatry and law, respectively, and doing a lot of traveling as well. Come visit us and go sailing on the Chesapeake!”

1963

Barbara “Babs” Kinne Ellwood (H)(Winnetka, IL) passed away on Dec. 11, 2016.

Nan Herrmann Pinyard (C)(Plano, TX) passed away on April 19, 2016.

1964

John Fox (L)(Cincinnati) passed away on Nov. 11, 2016.

1967

Peggy Harrell McCarthy (C)(Arvada, CO) wrote, “It is a small world. In January, Peggy Harrell

McCarthy (on right in photo) met Alison Beall (C’64) (on left in photo) on a Road Scholar trip to Cuba. Here we are at the Jose Fuster home made of his famous tilework.”

faculty members Ann Carson and Steve Kerchner in Boulder, CO. He wrote, “We all worked together for a number of years at Fountain Valley School of Colorado in Colorado Springs, and Ann and Steve are now at Alexander Dawson School in Boulder.”

1998

Lisa Barrett (London, England) tells us she recently started a new job at the ministry of justice focusing on how to better use data to make decisions across the entire justice system, noting, “I am grateful for Seven Hills all the time. We are so lucky.”

Lauryn Mangat (Taos, NM) wrote, “After 14 glorious years in Denver, my boyfriend, Justin, and I have moved to Taos, New Mexico. My awesome mom lives here and we are thrilled to be out of the city and enjoying the mountain lifestyle. We are both working at Taos Ski Valley and life is sweet.”

1987

Mark Stearns (Trotwood, OH) shares, “We’ve sold our Breckenridge properties, retired, and have moved permanently onto Unomas (our catamaran sailboat) and have started our global circumnavigation. Follow us at www.sailingunomas.com.”

1989

Brett Rubenstein (Colorado Springs, CO) and his wife Carolyn caught up with former Seven Hills

Ioanna Paraskevopoulos (Cincinnati) shared, “I moved back to Cincinnati after seven years in Washington, D.C., had a baby (Hugo), and am working for the vice mayor as chief of staff.”

Erin Elizabeth Engemen Wells (Salem, MA) shared, “I’ve been running my own businesses since 2003, and last year finally decided to sell my professional organizing company, Living Peace, to a dear friend and colleague. Now I’m focused full-time on my five-year-old company, Chosen Course, LLC, where I offer productivity and business systems consulting services for entrepreneurs. I completed my MDiv from Harvard Divinity School in 2005, and I continue to use that ministerial training in subtle ways to help my clients clarify their direction and life’s work. In January 2016, I published my first book, Inspired Action: Creating More Purpose,

Productivity, and Peace in Your Life. On the personal side: in 2013, I married Brian Weiss, who’s a techie marketing guy who works for Hubspot. We’ve been having a wonderful life together since 2010, and we are delighted to share that we’re expecting our first child in June.”

2000

Congratulations to N. Isabelle Kalubi (Cincinnati) and her husband Alex Harper on the recent birth of their son! Isabelle wrote to us, “My husband Alex and I welcomed our son, Calvin Alexander Nkashama ‘Trey’ Harper, on Nov. 12, 2016. Grandma Jacky Kalubi and uncles Daniel Kalubi ’02 and Gabriel Kalubi ’06 are so excited about our newest addition.

We are especially thankful for Seven Hills parents Dr. Lautman and Dr. Firestein for their excellent care during and after the delivery of our baby boy.”

INTERESTED IN BEING A REUNION REP FOR YOUR CLASS?

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

2002

Congratulations to Grace Rooney (Seattle, WA) and her husband Bill Haughney on the birth of their son Thomas Rohn Haughney!

2004

Bryan Bibler (New York, NY) runs an online tutoring company. He just celebrated the five-year anniversary of his business, and he now has eight employees. His wife, Sarah, continues to practice veterinary medicine in the West Village.

Jenna Harris (Denver, CO) wrote, “I recently graduated from the University of Virginia School of Architecture with my Master of Landscape Architecture. I am currently living in Denver, Colorado, and working for an international landscape architecture, urban design and planning firm – Design Workshop. I am engaged to a fellow Cincinnatian and we will be getting married in 2017 in Cincinnati.”

Thomas Rohn Haughney

75

Congratulations to Chip Kalnow (Chicago, IL) on his recent marriage to his wife, Elisabeth, on April 23, 2016!

Thanks to 2004’s Class Representative Susie Keller (Newport, RI) for organizing a gathering over the winter holidays! Vitaly Goldfeder, Lena Eastin, Jessica Moss Gagin, Brooke Richart,

Joseph, in April 2016! Sofie recently graduated from her residency at Michigan State University and moved back to Cincinnati, where she is the newest OBGYN physician with Seven Hills Women’s Health Centers in Anderson.

old son, Julian. My husband, Michael, is a supplemental insurance broker and I am a licensed optician at an independent local store in Montgomery.”

2005

Congratulations to Keri Betts Rizkallah (Cincinnati) and her husband, Matt, on the birth of their daughter, Maggie Grace, on April 4, 2016!

2007

Liza Newman, and Ashlee Jackson got together at Sundry & Vice in Over-the-Rhine to catch up.

Congratulations to Damon Jason (Cincinnati) on his engagement to Sarah McIver!

Olga Krayterman (Rochester, NY) tells us that she recently completed a Doctor of Music Arts Program at the Eastman School of Music at the University of Rochester. She currently works as the director of graduate advising and services at the Eastman School of Music and piano faculty at the Eastman Community Music School. She is engaged to be married to Owen Hartford Belcher, a PhD candidate in Music Theory at the Eastman School of Music. Congratulations, Olga!

76

Congratulations to Sofie Mirkopoulos (Cincinnati) on the birth of her son,

Congratulations to Lauren Weber (Seattle, WA) on her recent wedding. Lauren wrote, “I live in Seattle with my husband, Jay Wyatt. We got married in August in a small mountain town outside the city. A number of Seven Hills friends made the journey out to celebrate. We traveled to the country of Colombia for three weeks after our wedding to relax, sail, and drink excessive amounts of coffee.

I am the director of a nonprofit called The Pure Food Kids Foundation. We offer free nutrition and cooking programming to about 20,000 kids around the Puget Sound area every year. I absolutely love it.”

Congratulations to Stefanie Fishel Wolkoff (Cincinnati) on the birth of her son, Julian Alexander Wolkoff, on June 3, 2016. Stefanie tells us, “My husband and I live in Deerfield Township/ Mason area with our dog, Sheldon, and 6-month-

Will Chatfield (Traverse City, MI) wrote to us about his custom apparel printing company, Floodwell Print Studio. Based in Traverse City, Floodwell Print Studio specializes in screen printing and vinyl decal designs with a “goal to restore the artistic side of screen printing.”

Alumni Class Notes 2016

Devlin Cole (Honolulu, HI) recently graduated from Case Western Reserve University’s medical school and received the Neuroscience Award from the Cleveland Clinic. She recently began a residency in pediatrics in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Congratulations, Devlin!

Tigar Cyr (Princeton, NJ), Pearce Kieser (New York, NY), and Matthew Marquardt (Princeton, NJ) had a chance to see one another at a swim meet at Brown University in November 2016!

2009

Grace Myers (Cincinnati) and Scott Stough ’06 are engaged. Both Grace and Scott attended Seven Hills from kindergarten through 12th grade and had Mrs. Carr for kindergarten! A graduate of The Christ College of Nursing, Grace is a cardiovascular nurse at Christ Hospital. Scott, a graduate of the University of Cincinnati, is the vice president of the Stough Group. A September wedding is planned in Cincinnati.

INTERESTED IN BEING A REUNION REP FOR YOUR CLASS?

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

2010

Alexander Hill (Los Angeles, CA) appears in this Halloween photo along with brother Miles Hill ’11 and friends Ian McNamara ’11, John Lewis ’11, T.J. Nelson ’11, Gilbert Richards ’11, Jake Davis ’10, Max Davis ’11, and Alex Fine. Alexander and Miles’ mother, Janet Hill, tells us the guys got together in Los Angeles for Halloween, when they dressed as Vince Vaughn and Ben Stiller’s characters’ teams from the movie Dodgeball.

Friends of Seven Hills:

Longtime former teacher Lucille Blocksom passed away Dec. 2, 2016, at the age of 88.

and friends who lost loved

Written a book? If you have stories to share, please don’t

Jenny Carr, who taught pre-kindergarten and kindergarten at Doherty for more than 30 years, passed away on Feb. 25, 2017.

Our condolences to family

New job? Recently married?

hesitate! Go to www.7hills.org/alumniupdates.

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

sarah.lautar@7hills.org.

ones as reported in this issue.

77

Alumni Events S A V E

T H E

E PLEAS

JOIN

D A T E US!

save the date

our Happy H ti Alumni

a for Cincinn

017 July 13, 2 Thursday, ppy Hour Alumni Ha ti a n in c in C p.m.

5:30-7:30 rewer y MadTree B 209 on Rd., 45 is d a M 1 0 33

2 017

T H E

D A T E

Young Alumni Annual Holiday Gathering C L A S S E S 2 0 0 7 - 2 017 Thursday, Dec. 21, 2017 5 p.m.- 7 p.m. Location: TBD

2017

it e s n d L it e B a s il ta k c Co

, J U LY S D AY T H U R

S A V E

017 13 , 2

T H U R S D A Y , D E C. 2 1, 2 0 1 7

Please Join Us for

Alumni Basketball Games Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017 Kalnow Gym, Hillsdale Campus Women’s game: 2 p.m.

Men’s game: 4 p.m.

78

S A V E

T H E

D A T E

Alumni Events A U G U S T

AY, S AT U R D

5 ,

D THE AT I O N A N I ASSOCI N M U L T A N E E TH S PRES BOOSTER AT H L E T I C

ts Day r o p S s l l i H n e v Se ams i and Varsit y Te for A lumn

ad, 45227 Red Bank Ro 0 0 4 5 , us p m H il ls d a le C a is:

Volleyball: Soccer: 3p.m.

4 p.m. ow Gym ln Ka ll wn the hi per School Lower fields, do Up Behind ch behind Lotspei

Tenn 3p.m.

Courts Carol Brestel trance en ol First scho Road off of Red Bank

nge r game to arra es before thei ut in m s.

30 er e l play ould arriv ovided for al All players sh irts will be pr positions. T-sh Questions? r Brian Phelps athletic Directo . t ac nt co e as Ple 513.728.2441 7hills.org or @ ps el ph n. at bria

S O C C E R

•

B A L L V O L L E Y

Alumni Calendar

2 0 1 7

•

T E N N I S

2 0 17 2 0 18

Thursday . . . Cincinnati Alumni Happy Hour July 13, 2017 5:30-7:30 p.m. , MadTree Brewery 3301 Madison Road, 45209 Saturday . . . Alumni Sports Day Aug. 5, 2017 Soccer: 4 p.m.

Tennis: 3 p.m.

Volleyball: 3 p.m.

Hillsdale Campus 5400 Red Bank Road, 45227 Friday . . . Homecoming Sept. 22, 2017 Family picnic and clinics: 5 p.m.

Hillsdale Campus 5400 Red Bank Road, 45227 Saturday . . . Homecoming Sept. 23, 2017 Varsity girls soccer: 1 p.m.

Varsity boys soccer 3 p.m.

Hillsdale Campus 5400 Red Bank Road, 45227 Thursday . . . Annual Alumni Recption Oct. 12, 2017 6 - 8 p.m. , Peterloon 8605 Hopewell Rd. 45202 Saturday . . . 5th, 10th, and 15th Year Reunions Nov. 25, 2017 For classes of 2002, 2007, and 2012 Volunteers needed! Please email sarah.lautar@7hills.org Sunday . . . Alumni Basketball Games Dec. 17, 2017 Girls 2 p.m., boys 4 p.m.

Kalnow Gym, Hillsdale Campus Thursday . . . Young Alumni Holiday Party Dec. 21, 2017 5 - 7 p.m. Location: TBD Friday & Saturday . . . Reunion 2018 April 13 & 14, 2018 CPS, Hillsdale, and Seven Hills classes of ’48, ’53, ’58, ’63, ’68, ’73, ’78, ’83, ’88, ’93, ’98.

Lotspeich classes of ’ 42, ’47, ’52, ’57, ’62, ’67, ’72.

79

Hillsdale Campus 5400 Red Bank Road Cincinnati, Ohio 45227 Intellectually vibrant, individually attuned, future-ready learning for students 2 years through grade 12.