Through the Arch Magazine - Winter/Spring 2023

Through the Arch MAGAZINE

we are a global Learning Comunity

An Impactful Day with Uyi Omorogbe ’15

On Wednesday, March 29th, alum and Forbes 30-under-30 Honoree Uyi Omorogbe ’15 returned to campus to help lead students through a series of activities are part of the newly-formed Impact Wednesday series. Impact Wednesdays were implemented this year to help students build community, explore what it means to be a citizen of integrity, and engage in learning outside of the classroom. Throughout this year, Impact Wednesday themes have centered on connecting to our community, service learning in action, and taking initiative to pursue individual passions, which Uyi focused on.

Uyi, who was on campus in December 2018 for a Deep Dive and Dessert presentation, has grown his brand even more since his last visit. NASO, which he founded in 2019, has evolved into an experiential commerce platform redefining how consumers experience and shop the brands that they love. Additionally, you can find him making videos for nearly 4.6 million followers on TikTok (@youngyosa).

(L-R) Stella Kuhlman ’23, Katie Lustig ’23, Clay Cui ’23, Josiah Odhiambo ’23, and Tiffany Ogunsemi ’23 look on as Uyi Omorogbe ’15 demonstrates how his experiential commerce platform works.

Through the Arch MAGAZINE

PUBLISHED BY

SSM Communications

Shattuck-St. Mary’s School

1000 Shumway Avenue Faribault, MN 55021 | 507.333.1599

www.s-sm.org

EDITORIAL TEAM

Editors

Alyssa Christian

Megan Maschoff

Contributing Writers

Matt Cavellier

Alyssa Christian

Megan Maschoff

Ellie Ray ’14

Laurel Simer ’07

DESIGN TEAM

Layout and Design

Alyssa Christian

Contributing Photographers

Matt Addington

Maggie Osterbauer Lee ’03

Stella Kuhlman ’23

Megan Maschoff

Ashley Russo

Laurel Simer ’07

SUPPORT TEAM

Kim Bakken

Fr. Henry Doyle

Maria Hanson

Maggie Osterbauer Lee ’03

OUR SCHOOL MISSION

We are a global learning community that honors tradition while embracing innovation. By cultivating creative, independent thinking, we foster the transformation of our students to become citizens of integrity for an ever-changing world.

Shattuck-St. Mary’s School community, with its strong commitment to protecting human rights and dignity, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, sexual orientation, religion, national or ethnic origin in its admissions and scholarship programs, the administration of its educational, athletic, or other school programs, or its employment practices.

FATHER DOYLE’S WORLDWIDE REACH

How one man has helped forge SSM connections all over the world for more than three decades.

WE

Celebrate 20 years of International Day with a look at how the special event came to

and an insightful Q&A with a group of our current international students.

35

SABRES CLAIM VICTORY

Four SSM hockey teams ended their seasons on a high note with national championship wins.

ON THE COVER: Eight SSM international students proudly show off their countries’ flags and apparel. Turn to page 17 to learn more about their individual experiences, favorite foods and customs, and what they’ve found most interesting about living in the U.S.

PHOTO: MATT ADDINGTON

CORRECTIONS:

We apologize for the following errors that appeared within the Reunion feature of the Summer/Fall 2022 edition:

Danelle Fillipi Thomas was misidentified as Nicole Glover Stroud.

Rachel Bixler Cunningham was incompletely identified as Rachel Bixler. We encourage you to email us at communications@s-sm.org with story ideas, letters to the editor, corrections, and class note submissions.

Matt cavellier | head of school

In1867, the Reverend James Dobbin made a bold statement for the future of Shattuck School: “Our plans are not limited to holding today’s vantage ground; they contemplate continued growth and improvement, and, in their implementation, we have no fears of being counted visionary.” These words were shared not long after St. Mary’s Hall opened its doors to the first group of young girls whose families trusted the promise of a stronger education and increased opportunities for their daughters. As the two schools grew up together in the late 1900s, they did indeed continue to grow and improve, and the visionary spirit espoused by Rev. Dobbin guided the way.

Over the next 150 years, as one would expect, there were eras when the schools experienced profound leaps, and, as one would also expect, there were eras when the challenges of the day demanded the schools look inward and reassess their place in the independent school landscape. In each of those moments in time, it took tireless leadership from the Board of Trustees and the schools’ leaders to course correct and move us into a better version of Shattuck and St. Mary’s Schools.

At times, those adjustments were minor tweaks and at other times they brought about a sea change, but each step brought us to the Shattuck-St. Mary’s School we have today. And each step required the community of SSM employee, student, parent, and alumni bodies to not only align with the vision of the future but also be a part of its implementation. There is nothing more important to a vision than the commitment of people to see it through.

While the history of Shattuck-St. Mary’s has always included contributions from individuals from around the world, the

last twenty years have catapulted SSM onto the international stage, in large part because of the vision of former Head of School and President Nick Stoneman and the Board of Trustees during his tenure. Their leadership helped quite literally bring the world to Faribault, Minnesota, and, as students graduated from SSM and went on to enjoy great college experiences and begin successful careers, those alums have helped bring Faribault, Minnesota back to their homes and communities. Nick and the Board had the vision, and our community threw its support behind their vision. Without that support, SSM would not be what it is today.

So what is SSM today? In 2023, Shattuck-St. Mary’s is truly a global learning community committed to the transformation of its students into citizens of integrity in preparation for life in an everchanging world. This edition of Through the Arch is dedicated to sharing with you the people, programs, and vision that bring us to this point in our history. As you will read in our Strategic Plan (page 9), our plans, like those of the School’s leaders in Dobbin’s day, are

Shattuck-St. Mary’s is truly a global learning community committed to the transformation of its students into citizens of integrity in preparation for life in an everchanging world.

not limited to resting on our laurels and maintaining status quo. And, as presented in our Shattuck-St. Mary’s Educational Services (SSMES) update on page 8, just like Reverend Dobbin, we continue to have no fears of being counted visionary.

Shattuck-St. Mary’s is committed to continue the tradition of growth and improvement—hallmarks of our School from the outset. We look forward to your continued support as we seek an ever-higher vantage ground.

In partnership,

Matt Cavellier SSM Head of School

2022-2023 OFFICERS, TRUSTEES, AND ADMINISTRATION

Officers

Matthew Cavellier Head of School

The Rt. Rev. Craig Loya Honorary Chair

Kristi Klungness ’84 Chair

Tamara Kloeckl Nelsen ’80 Vice Chair

Megan Trout ’04 Secretary-Treasurer

TrusTees

Lev Alcott ’65 Parker, Colorado

Brant Barr ’73 Minneapolis, Minnesota

Nora Brown ’96 Washington, D.C.

Ed Carpenter ’60

Rio Verde, Arizona

David Duncombe ’79 Appleton, Wisconsin

Jonathan Hancock Fort Wayne, Indiana

Paul Jeremiassen ’62 Olney, Montana

Michael Johnson ’94 Edina, Minnesota

Kristi Klungness ’84 Bloomfield, Michigan

Joel MacIntosh ’86 Wayzata, Minnesota

Tamara Kloeckl Nelsen ’80 Woodbury, Minnesota

David Nicol ’75 Urbana, Illinois

Jonathan Smith ’96 West Hartford, Connecticut

Ruthie Sudderth ’02 Lansing, Michigan

Megan Trout ’04 Chicago, Illinois

Ruth Schenck Wiegand ’97 Lakeville, Minnesota

Kristen Van Slyke Sagaert ’04 Bend, Oregon

ex OfficiO

Kim Bakken

Office Manager

Donna Burch-Brown ’86 Alumni Association Board

President

Paula McCrea

Parents' Association President

The Rt. Rev. Craig Loya

X Bishop of the Episcopal Church in Minnesota

TrusTee emeriTi

Sharon Hoffman Avent ’64

Ed Carpenter ’60

Linda Stone Dasher ’56

Dan Gislason ’62

Abby Carlstrom Humphrey ’62

Fred C. Krahmer ’60

Hugh Wooldridge ’55

AdminisTrATiOn

John Blackmer

Director of Community Life & Campus Security

Tristen Brown

Director of Health Services

Courtney Cavellier

Associate Head of School & Interim Middle School Director

Matthew Cavellier

Head of School

Michele Cornish

Director of Athletics

Amy Horstman Cox ’94

Director of Auxiliary Programs

Sarah Flagstad

Director of Residential Life

Andrew Garlinski ’98

Director of Admissions

Robert Gutwein ’95

Director of Counseling

Maggie Osterbauer Lee ’03

Director of Institutional Advancement

Rev. Colin Maltbie School Chaplain

Megan Maschoff

Director of Communications

Mark Olson

Director of Technology

Integration and Safety

Daniel Ray Academic Dean

Scott Ryberg

Chief Financial Officer

Patrick Schaefer

Director of the Upper School

Erin Sellner

Director of Human Resources

Stephanie Vagle

Director of Innovative Academics

Matt Wolfgram

Director of Online Division

Alumni AssOciATiOn BOArd Officers

Donna Burch-Brown ’86

President

Laurel Simer ’07

Vice President

Karen Ronningen Jones ’95

Secretary

Alumni AssOciATiOn

BOArd memBers

Matthew Andrew ’92

Kyle Armstrong ’97

Claire Benton ’95

Sam Carrol ’94

Wade Fenn ’76

John Goldfine ’73

Grace Hayden ’86

Roger Paquin ’95

Rande Paquin-Stanton ’93

Emily Petraglia ’04

Linda Cayce Rachels ’66

Kurt Simer ’99

Rebecca Stapleton Smart ’85

Jesse Wadhams ’92

Mihoko Fujita Ward ’98

Tapping Into a Campus Treat

Trust us, there is no sweeter treat than some local Shattuck-St. Mary’s pure maple syrup.

Led by Director of Residential Life and Campus Naturalist John Blackmer, the maple trees behind the Dane Family Fieldhouse were transformed into sap-making-machines this spring. With the help of Mr. Blackmer’s ecology class and about a dozen adult volunteers, nearly 1,000 gallons of sap was collected from about 60 trees, to be turned into the sugary sweet condiment we know and love.

“From the first stages of tapping trees, to lugging buckets of sap through the woods, keeping the fire HOT in the evaporator for hours and hours, to the final boiling and bottling process in the servery, the entire process is very involved,” exclaimed staff

volunteer Amy Cox ’94. “It is a busy few weeks, at complete mercy of Mother Nature, added to already full ‘boarding school life’ plates. But as the famous Midwesterner Laura Ingalls Wilder once said, “It’s the sweet, simple things of life which are the real ones after all”.

In the end, a dozen gallons of maple syrup were produced, ready to be bottled and enjoyed by the School community over pancakes, waffles, and even ice cream.

The Major Takes a Bite Out of the Big Apple

In April, members of The Major Center of Excellence shifted their classroom in lower Shumway to somewhere with more of an “Empire State of Mind”-to New York City that is.

As the locale of choice for their annual offcampus trip, students along with The Major Director Craig Peck and faculty chaperone Carrie Homuth spent a handful of days exploring the Big Apple, packing in both entertainment and education. They visited The Museum of Modern Art, The Museum of Natural History, the 9/11 Memorial Museum, and the Hayden Planetarium.

Additionally, they were able to tour the United Nations and meet with several executives at Morgan Stanley, who shared insight into the global economic system.

“We try to find a balance between fun and learning,” stated Craig. “Every year, I ask the students to schedule the main aspects of the trip and this gives them a sense of ownership. I also think it is important to actually see these places in person. The world becomes more real and less abstract.”

Maddy Katz ’23 agrees. “The best part about The Major is that we are able to

choose to do whatever interests us most, and that definitely showed in our trip to NYC,” she shared. “Besides being able to do what I wanted to do most-a tour of the United Nations Headquarters-we were able to get to know more about each other by experiencing what others wanted to do, such as the three boys from Korea taking our group to eat authentic Korean food. Because of this, we all gained new perspectives and got to know each other in ways we can’t inside a classroom, and that was a really important part of what made this trip so memorable.”

Global Learning: SSMES Sets Students up for Success Internationally

Shattuck-St. Mary’s Educational Services (SSMES) was founded in 2013 with the vision of offering international schools with dynamic and rigorous learning environments modeled after our flagship location in Faribault. Ten years later, SSMES continues to make strides in doing just that.

Shattuck-St. Mary’s-Forest City International School (SSM-FC) is now in its fifth year of operation, with 15 seniors graduating this June. Overall, there are 170 students at the Pre-K-12 school, which just received its accreditation from NEASC (New England Association of Schools and Colleges) in January.

This coming school year, SSM-FC and SSM look to launch the first exchange program between the schools, creating one-of-a-kind international opportunities for students and faculty alike.

“We are currently working on establishing more formal and regular exchange programs,” stated SSM-FC Head of School, Gregg Maloberti. “Our first effort will create an opportunity for members of the Golf COEs from both campuses to visit one another. SSM-FC will send a group of golfers in the fall and SSM will send their golfers in late winter or early spring.”

Additionally, our dual-degree program with Tianyi Jiangsu High School in Wuxi, China is in its second year. Students at Tianyi Jiangsu High School take compulsory Chinese curriculum through the end of ninth grade. Our dual-degree program has select 10-12th graders who opt into a parallel academic program to complete SSM graduation requirements. Next year will be the first year with students in 10th, 11th, and 12th grade, and will produce the first graduating class to receive an SSM-Tianyi diploma.

As part of the dual-degree program, the sixty rising juniors from Tianyi Jiangsu will come to Faribault for the month of July for an innovative, academic summer session, which will include five classes a day in the subjects of engineering, bioscience, creative writing, and more.

“We are excited for our SSM-Tianyi students to spend time with us in Faribault,” said Head of School, Matt Cavellier. “I had the opportunity to meet many of these students in April, and they are definitely looking forward to working with our teachers and spending time on our campus.”

History Day Marks Another Successful Year

History Department Chair Kelly Garlinski brought History Day to the Middle School in the 2014-2015 school year. The event has grown to be a muchanticipated staple for our sixth- and seventh-graders each year.

The day ties into National History Day (NHD), a nonprofit education organization aimed at improving the teaching and learning of history. At its core is a competition for students in grades 6-12 to dive into the past through a research project on a topic of their choice. They present their findings through papers, performances, exhibits, or websites.

This year’s theme, chosen by NHD, was “Frontiers in History: People, Places, Ideas”. A wide variety of topics were presented

by the SSM Middle Schoolers, with the following students advancing to the regional and state levels:

Ruby Garlinski ’28: Website - Dian Fossey: Woman in the Mountains

Ian Schleif ’23: Documentary - The Invention of the Polio Vaccine

Elizabeth Matsuura ’28: Essay - Elizabeth Blackwell: Pioneering an Uncharted Frontier for Women in Medicine

“Participation in National History Day is not just a chance for students to learn about the past, but to become active historians through the process of choosing a topic that aligns with the theme, researching, analyzing, and presenting to judges,” stated Kelly. “They have not only expanded their knowledge of history, but also developed critical thinking, communication, and collaboration skills that will serve them well in their future endeavors. I am incredibly proud of their accomplishments.”

Members of SSM-FC’s Golf Center of Excellence

In the 2022-2023 school year, Shattuck-St. Mary’s embarked on a multi-faceted journey to develop its three-year strategic plan. Below, Head of School Matt Cavellier shares more about the plan, how it was developed, and how it will help shape the future of SSM.

STRATEGIC PLAN

2022-2025

Over the last several months, a group of dedicated Shattuck-St. Mary’s School community members worked through a strategic planning process to create a guiding document for us to use over the next three years. These board members, parents, and faculty representatives distilled our work into three strategic goals: Organizational Excellence, Programmatic Excellence, and Financial Excellence. All strategies to meet the School’s organizational, programmatic, and financial goals and objectives are designed to be carefully coordinated to ensure an overall plan that is both cohesive and effective.

As with any strategic work, the goal of our current plan is to build upon the success of our School programs and determine the elements needed to sustain SSM for another 165 years. It is time, then, for us to execute the plan as outlined, and some of this work is already underway. If you have interest and/or expertise in a particular area as outlined here, please consider this an invitation for your support.

Sincerely,

Matt Cavellier Shattuck-St. Mary’s Head of School

GOAL:

Shattuck-St. Mary’s structure, composition, and staffing will effectively support the School’s mission, community, and programs.

OBJECTIVE:

Develop and implement a plan to establish the most effective organizational model for the School, both in operations and in governance.

GOAL:

All Shattuck-St. Mary’s programs will be mission-aligned, excellent, sustainable, and relevant.

OBJECTIVE:

Evaluate all School programs on an ongoing basis using a consistent framework for assessment and decision-making.

EXCELLENCE ORGANIZATIONAL

STRATEGIES:

• Review the current needs and demands of multiple boards and recommend any appropriate changes.

• Evaluate the effectiveness of the current Board of Trustees’ committee structure for increased board engagement.

• Evaluate staffing levels and expectations in all areas of School life, in order to inform hiring decisions, and facilitate recruitment and retention.

• Address the need for and benefit of diversity as positions become open at all levels of the organization.

EXCELLENCE PROGRAMMATIC

STRATEGIES:

• Develop a framework, with key stakeholders, to assess the excellence and sustainability of each program on a three-year schedule, and make appropriate changes based on whole-School vision, resources, and facility needs.

• Respond to critically under-enrolled programs by making temporary changes, and creating a twoyear plan for rebuilding or redesigning.

• Confirm Shattuck-St. Mary’s desired Portrait of a Graduate to inform and help prioritize programming decisions.

• Articulate and address the real and perceived tensions inherent in the Center of Excellence model.

• Conduct a market and brand analysis to determine the viability and appeal of our current educational model.

EXCELLENCE FINANCIAL

GOAL:

Shattuck-St. Mary’s will be a financially healthy School, sustainable both in the short-term and long-term future.

OBJECTIVE:

Create a rolling three-year financial plan that achieves balanced operating budgets and addresses physical plant needs.

STRATEGIES:

• Establish targets for enrollment size and composition, tuition levels, financial aid, fundraising, endowment contributions, and supplementary income that support rolling three-year balanced operating budgets.

• Assess the financial viability of all programs through a systematic review process.

• Evaluate monetizing current assets and explore additional supplemental sources of income opportunities.

• Formulate a plan for funding ongoing and deferred maintenance expenditures.

• Update the School’s Master Campus Plan based on current and projected institutional priorities.

There’s no “hiding” the fact that Shattuck-St. Mary’s Faribault Community Egg Hunt has become a beloved tradition for both members of the SSM community and area residents alike. This year’s event was “eggs-tra” special, as it celebrated its 20th anniversary!

The annual holiday hunt, which takes place the Saturday before Easter Sunday, commenced when former SSM Head of School Nick Stoneman answered a call from the Faribault Chamber of Commerce asking for someone to take over the egg hunt they had run in Central Park. His wife, Vicky Stoneman, along with now-retired SSM staff members

“The first hunt we were given 2,000 eggs from the Chamber, but decided we needed many more, as we had aspirations of having several hundred kids and wanted at least 15-20 eggs per kid,” noted Vicky Stoneman as she reflected on that very first egg hunt. “We also decided we needed a village-or a school in this case- to stuff the eggs, as there was no way a small crew was going to be able to fill thousands of eggs.”

Since that inaugural year, a large group of volunteers (mainly students) has helped stuff and hide over 13,000 eggs yearly,

Lonnie Schroeder and Amy Wolf, took over the planning and execution of the event.

which are collected throughout campus by community children ages 1-11 in mere minutes. In an effort to even the “hunting” field, the committee decided to expand the hunt beyond the Parade Field to the nearby Chapel lawns and the areas in front of the academic buildings, creating designated hunting grounds for specific age groups.

In 2019, the organization of the treasured event was handed over to Amy Cox ’94 (Director of Auxilary Programs), Stephanie Vagle (Director of Innovative Academics & weCreate®), and Megan Maschoff (Director of Communications).

“I am truly honored to carry on the legacy of the Faribault Community Egg Hunt,” stated Stephanie. “Lonnie Schroeder, Vicky Stoneman, and Amy Wolf created a wonderful tradition beloved by many people. There are now generations of families that come to the SSM campus for the Egg Hunt; arriving first as young people or young parents, and now with their own children or grandchildren. The Egg Hunt is a delightful poof of colorful, childlike magic that also benefits the Community Action Center of Faribault. It is a meaningful and welcoming event for our whole community.”

And Vicky couldn’t agree more. “The hunt was, and still is to this day, great fun and a wonderful way to invite and host the Faribault community on campus. It is a joyful event that all parts of the School rally to make happen, a model of what one community can bring to another community.”

We hope you will join us for the 21st Shattuck-St. Mary’s Faribault Community Egg Hunt next year on Saturday, March 30.

The Egg Hunt leadership team and volunteer Easter Bunnies celebrate a successful 20th anniversary event.

A Day in the Life: Women’s

Leadership Summit in Hawaii

For the first time since 2020, Shattuck-St. Mary’s was able to send a group of Upper School girls to the Women’s Next Generation Leadership Summit in Hawaii. SSM’s participation in the summit began in 2018, thanks to generous funding support from Rex Bates ’70. The summit is designed to empower young women to explore different career fields, define their personal ambitions, and learn what it will take to achieve them.

“This trip was truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I enjoyed learning about the pillars to becoming a female leader. I was enlightened each day by the girls around me, and was able to build stronger relationships with my own classmates.” − Katie Lustig ‘23

YOUR FUTURE LEADERS AN SSM CONNECTION

On January 21, seniors Lucia Engelhardt, Katie Lustig, Chloe Bednar, Vivian Vu, Tiffany Ogunsemi, Teresa Salazar, and Maddie Knight, accompanied by chaperone and band & orchestra instructor Lauren Williams, woke up bright and early to head to Kohala, Hawaii to begin their week-long leadership summit. All were chosen to attend the summit after submitting essays in which they had to answer the questions “How do you view yourself now as a leader within the SSM community?” and “Why are you interested in becoming a stronger leader both at SSM and after you leave our community?”

The summit, which is in its fifth year, was conceived and developed by a faculty member from the University of Washington, Rex Bates ’70 (pictured above, with the SSM students), who also happens to be a Shattuck School graduate and former SSM faculty and Trustee. Held in Hawaii, as the Hawaiian culture is used as a way of framing the challenges faced by young women leaders, the summit is exclusively for girls from SSM and Annie Wright Schools (where Rex serves as the Director of Business Development).

INSPIRING A VISION THE FINAL DAYS

The curriculum that was covered over the five days was based on Kouzes and Posner’s Leadership Challenge and each day of the seminar focuses on one of the five practices of exemplary leadership: Model the Way; Inspire a Shared Vision; Challenge the Process; Enable Others to Act; and, Encourage the Heart. This included many different activities that helped the students explore their leadership qualities, strengths, and challenges. One of the highlights for many of the SSM students was when they went to a retreat center high in the mountains run by Joel and Michelle Levy, founders of Wisdom at Work. There they learned how to use mindfulness to find, fuel, and pursue leadership passions. They also got to make leis from the ‘āina (land and sea).

Before the group returned home to Faribault, they were able to spend two days in the city exploring the island, soaking up more of the sunshine, and swimming with turtles. A whale sighting even occurred when they were out to lunch! They ended the trip with a bit of shopping and a farewell dinner with other summit attendees, as well as Rex Bates ’70.

Father Doyle's Worldwide Reach

Strengthening SSM's global community and alumni connections for over three decades

Chances are, if you’ve spent any time on the SSM campus, you’ve received a birthday card from Father Henry Doyle. Or perhaps you’ve received a thank you card, a holiday card, an anniversary card, or all of the above. And you probably don't even remember mentioning the occasion for which you received the heartfelt gesture.

Father Doyle’s cards, like the man himself, are a gift to each member of the Shattuck-St. Mary's community, near and far, to let them know that they are special and loved. He sends over 9,000 birthday cards every year across the world, and each one never fails to bring a smile to the face of the recipient. That’s an average of 24 cards a day—and that’s just birthday cards! He sends another 2,000 around the holidays, not to mention weddings, anniversaries, graduations and other well-wishes to let people know that someone is thinking of them. Father Doyle began this practice as a way to connect with others and stay connected, as he feels strongly that our lives are about the relationships we make with other people.

Father Doyle moved to Faribault in 1989 to take over the chaplain position at SSM. Originally, he had planned to stay for only two or three years, because that’s how long he had been told most chaplains stayed at their first job after seminary. Fortunately for the SSM community, he ended up staying a bit longer than that.

When he stepped down as Head Chaplain in 2009, Father Doyle continued his steadfast work of fortifying connections within the SSM community in his new role of Alumni Relations and Advancement Outreach. Each year, he officates at numerous SSM alumni weddings, baptisms, and funerals, sometimes traveling across country or abroad to do so.

Father Doyle has not only become integral to ShattuckSt. Mary's, but to the wider Faribault community as well. In 2014, he was chosen as Faribault’s “Citizen of the Year” for his service to the community and for his work in connecting SSM students with the town, through events such as the Community Easter Egg Hunt and Hands Across Faribault. In 2017, Faribault chose him as Grand Marshal for the annual Heritage Days festival, a time to celebrate Faribault’s history and legacy.

Throughout his career, he’s served in local ministry and prison ministry associations, served on the boards of the Red Cross, the Faribault Area Food Shelf, and Big Brothers Big Sisters, delivered Meals on Wheels to many of Faribault’s elderly residents for over a decade, and even performed on stage at the Paradise Center for the Arts downtown. Father Doyle does everything with his trademark energy and blessings, little pieces of which he sends all over the world in his cards.

Shattuck-St. Mary's may be just a small piece of a small town, but there’s no question that Father Doyle’s fierce love for his community has had an international impact. His influence will endure long after he retires, which he plans to do at the end of the next school year, in the spring of 2024.

Help us celebrate the final year of his career at SSM by sending us your favorite Father Doyle memories, stories, and photos!

Fr. Henry Doyle 1000 Shumway Ave. Faribault, Minnesota 55021

13,321 CARDS MAILED IN 2022

45 3 TO

50 states countries U.S. territories & districts

9,000+ BIRTHDAY CARDS A YEAR

PLUS 1,400+ 250+

1,500+ Christmas cards Anniversary cards Easter Cards

EACH YEAR FEATURES | INSIDE SSM

WE ARE A GLOBAL LEARNING COMMUNITY THAT HONORS TRADITION WHILE EMBRACING INNOVATION. BY CULTIVATING CREATIVE, INDEPENDENT THINKING, WE FOSTER THE TRANSFORMATION OF OUR STUDENTS TO BECOME CITIZENS OF INTEGRITY FOR AN EVER-CHANGING WORLD. WE ARE A GLOBAL LEARNING COMMUNITY THAT HONORS TRADITION WHILE EMBRACING INNOVATION. BY CULTIVATING CREATIVE, INDEPENDENT THINKING, WE FOSTER THE TRANSFORMATION OF OUR STUDENTS TO BECOME CITIZENS OF INTEGRITY FOR AN EVER-CHANGING WORLD. WE ARE A GLOBAL LEARNING COMMUNITY THAT HONORS TRADITION WHILE EMBRACING INNOVATION. BY CULTIVATING CREATIVE, INDEPENDENT THINKING, WE FOSTER THE TRANSFORMATION OF OUR STUDENTS TO BECOME CITIZENS OF INTEGRITY FOR AN EVER-CHANGING WORLD. WE ARE A GLOBAL LEARNING COMMUNITY THAT HONORS TRADITION WHILE EMBRACING INNOVATION. BY CULTIVATING CREATIVE, INDEPENDENT THINKING, WE FOSTER THE TRANSFORMATION OF OUR STUDENTS TO BECOME CITIZENS OF INTEGRITY FOR AN EVER-CHANGING WORLD. WE ARE A GLOBAL LEARNING COMMUNITY THAT HONORS TRADITION WHILE EMBRACING INNOVATION. BY CULTIVATING CREATIVE, INDEPENDENT THINKING, WE FOSTER THE TRANSFORMATION OF OUR STUDENTS TO BECOME CITIZENS OF INTEGRITY FOR AN EVER-CHANGING WORLD. WE ARE A GLOBAL LEARNING COMMUNITY THAT HONORS TRADITION WHILE EMBRACING INNOVATION. BY CULTIVATING CREATIVE, INDEPENDENT THINKING, WE FOSTER THE TRANSFORMATION OF OUR STUDENTS TO BECOME CITIZENS OF INTEGRITY FOR AN EVER-CHANGING WORLD. WE ARE A GLOBAL LEARNING COMMUNITY THAT HONORS TRADITION WHILE EMBRACING INNOVATION. BY CULTIVATING CREATIVE, INDEPENDENT THINKING, WE FOSTER THE TRANSFORMATION OF OUR STUDENTS TO BECOME CITIZENS OF INTEGRITY FOR AN EVER-CHANGING WORLD. WE ARE A GLOBAL LEARNING COMMUNITY THAT HONORS TRADITION WHILE EMBRACING INNOVATION. BY CULTIVATING CREATIVE, INDEPENDENT THINKING, WE FOSTER THE TRANSFORMATION OF OUR STUDENTS TO BECOME CITIZENS OF INTEGRITY FOR AN EVER-CHANGING WORLD. WE ARE A GLOBAL LEARNING COMMUNITY THAT HONORS TRADITION WHILE EMBRACING INNOVATION. BY CULTIVATING CREATIVE, INDEPENDENT THINKING, WE FOSTER THE TRANSFORMATION OF OUR STUDENTS TO BECOME CITIZENS OF INTEGRITY FOR AN EVER-CHANGING WORLD. WE ARE A GLOBAL LEARNING COMMUNITY THAT HONORS TRADITION WHILE EMBRACING INNOVATION. BY CULTIVATING CREATIVE, INDEPENDENT THINKING, WE FOSTER THE TRANSFORMATION OF OUR STUDENTS TO BECOME CITIZENS OF INTEGRITY FOR AN EVER-CHANGING WORLD.

WE ARE A GLOBAL LEARNING COMMUNITY

20 Years of

International Day at SSM: Honoring Cultures Across the Globe

By: Ellie Ray '14

Commonly known as “the best day of the school year,” Shattuck-St. Mary’s annual International Day provides the opportunity to celebrate and honor the global diversity that makes our School so special. In February, the entire SSM community gathered in Johnson Gymnasium to watch students, faculty, and staff proudly represent their home countries. With flags held high, they processed into the gym accompanied by their national anthems, played by Pre-Conservatory Director Dr. Ben Downs, and a few even took to the microphone and raised their voices in patriotic song. The 34 countries represented this year were Australia, Austia, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Guatemala, India, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Mexico, New Zealand, Nigeria, Poland, South Africa, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, Venezuela, Vietnam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the United States. A delightful day of food, music, and activity followed as our international students set up stations around the School for their classmates to enjoy.

The first International Day, which began as the Parade of Nations, took place in the 2002-2003 school year, during which international students crossed the stage in Newhall Auditorium donning traditional apparel from their respective countries. In the decades to follow, the annual celebration quickly became one of the School’s most treasured traditions, and has evolved in

multiple ways throughout the years. A lot of work has gone into growing International Day into the beloved experience it is today.

English/ESL Department Chair Jan Gould-Martin ’75 joined the SSM faculty in 2005 and decided the event could be even bigger and better. With the help of students, she expanded the assembly into a full day of celebration to better incorporate our global community into SSM student life.

When Director of Admissions Andrew Garlinski ’98 began working at SSM in 2006, first as a 9th grade English and History teacher and later as an ESL instuctor, he heartily joined the crew determined to make International Day the best day of the year. He continues to be actively involved in the preparations for the day. “International Day is one of the most unique and important days on our campus because it lets our diverse community show off their cultures and backgrounds,” shares Andrew. “A lot of amazing cultural exchange happens throughout the school year, but International Day places a bright spotlight on our community’s varied roots.”

In the early years of International Day, when the student body was a bit smaller, faculty and staff read fun facts about each country as the students processed across the gym, and students were able to submit cultural recipes to Food Services for consideration for lunch that day. Eventually, the tradition

of the international student stations following the flag ceremony was added to the day’s schedule. The students from each country are in charge of setting up and manning their own stations. While samples of their country’s cuisine is always a big hit, throughout the years these stations have included a wide range of cultural offerings. “We’ve had Mexican hat dancing, Chinese calligraphy, Belarussian history, language lessons, chopstick lessons, and more,” recounts Jan.

The day is designed to bring together the diverse student body in a fun and positive way, while encouraging them to explore and appreciate each other’s ideas, histories, and languages. “The intent of International Day is meant to build community,” Jan GouldMartin declares, “but also to foster awareness and enjoyment of a culture outside our own. It’s a day of learning and celebration, a day of sharing. I love it so much!”

Jan’s love for the celebration is shared by the entire Shattuck-St. Mary’s community, but it is especially meaningful for the international students involved each year, who feel supported by the day's focus on promoting cultural understanding. “International Day is not only a day for me to learn about other countries’ cultures and taste their food, but also a day for me to show the culture of my motherland to my classmates and teachers, which lets them have a better understanding of my country,” shares Jeff Zhang ’24, from China.

Alice Rivetta ’24 spoke about the importance of the day and being able to share customs from her home country of Italy. “International Day means a lot to me. Having the opportunity to represent my country is something that makes me really proud of where I come from, and of my traditions and roots. Additionally, it was so fun! The best school day of the year!”

As SSM continues to build bridges across the globe and to expand our international community, the hope is that International Day will also continue to grow and evolve. “Truly, I think International Day could expand!” exclaims Andrew. “I would love to see international movies, music, or sporting events happening to help all of our students have a better understanding of the world.”

No matter what changes to International Day the next twenty years may bring, the values at its core will remain the same. “International Day is meant to bring outside experiences in through the Arch,” affirms Jan. “It is beautiful, and the way that we do this-asking others to gift us with their cultures and customs-is affirming and enriching.”

FRANCE: Jonathan Brown '25, Violette Metro '27, Ines Lemoine (PG), Julie Verral (PG)

MEXICO: Ismael Reyes '24, Admissions Associate Tanzi Salazar, Jay Knox '25, Alejandro Alamillo '25

CANADA: Katie Lustig '23 led her fellow Canadian classmates in singing their national anthem, O Canada.

JAMAICA: Max Robinson '27, Lloyd Robinson '25, Chase Rutty '23, College Counselor Matthew Dilworth

UKRAINE: Paige Ostroushko '24

GERMANY: Nele Pauli '24

REPUBLIC OF KOREA: Seungwoo (John) Koh '23, Yoonjami (James) Song '26

Global Perspectives: The Shattuck-St. Mary's International Student Experience

Shattuck-St. Mary’s is immensely proud of our diverse community of talented and dedicated learners, and the way in which our global learning environment enables students to gain awareness, perspective, and understanding of different cultures and global issues. The following students share a little bit about their unique experiences as international students and the value that the SSM global community has in preparing them for life beyond the Arch.

Why did you choose to attend SSM?

DANIEL: Attending high school in Korea as an aspiring student-athlete, I found it difficult to find opportunities to speak to coaches and attend showcases for visibility due to the physical distance. This was further exacerbated by COVID-19, due to the cancellation of many of these events and the strict travel restrictions in Korea. Furthermore, my sophomore and junior seasons on the varsity team were canceled. For these reasons, and my dreams of being a collegiate athlete, my parents and I decided that it was best for me to pursue a post-grad year in the U.S. After a long period of research, I learned about SSM’s unique program, which I figured would be the perfect place to continue my passion for soccer as a student-athlete. After my call with Coach Bushey, I was even more convinced to challenge myself by joining the SSM Soccer Center of Excellence.

How are classes/education different here than in your home country?

Daniel Kim

From: Seoul, Republic of Korea

Current Grade: PG

Entered SSM: PG

DANIEL: Prior to SSM, I attended a school in South Korea that structured the school curriculum based on the International Baccalaureate (IB) system. The school ran an eight-day school cycle where our class schedule would change each day for one cycle. This is very different from Shattuck-St. Mary's because here I sit in the same class at the same time every day for each term, which I find more convenient. Another difference is that, in my school in South Korea, students are always grouped in classrooms by grade levels. On the other hand, at SSM, I have always been in the classroom with students of different grade levels.

What has been your favorite class at SSM?

DANIEL: My favorite class at SSM so far has been Human Anatomy & Physiology. Due to my interests in a career in medicine and my passion for sports, I have found myself enjoying learning about the functions of structures of the body and how the different systems in our body help shape our living today. For example, through our digestive system unit, I have learned how to better balance my diet.

What foods do you miss from home?

DANIEL: My favorite food from South Korea is tteokbokki (spicy rice cake). As it is hard to find places here that serve this food, I miss this one the most.

What is your favorite American food?

DANIEL: My favorite American food is a burger. The In-and-Out burgers have been the best so far.

What is the most surprising/weirdest/ interesting thing about living in the U.S.?

DANIEL: Coming from Seoul, a very compact and dynamic city, I was very used to dealing with traffic every day and many people transporting by bus or subway. Through my experience in the U.S, I have found it interesting to see how many people simply drive cars without much traffic because the land is much larger.

What are some of your favorite traditions/customs from your culture?

DANIEL: I would say New Year's Day (Seollal in Korean). In South Korea, on New Year's Day or Lunar New Year most Koreans celebrate the new year by gathering with their family members to “greet” each other and to eat the traditional tteokguk (rice cake soup). Spending time with my family like this, at the start of each year, has always given me a huge boost of excitement going into the new year.

What has been the hardest adjustment you've had to make?

DANIEL: I would say the hardest adjustment was adapting to the culture here. After living in South Korea almost my entire life, I found many differences in one’s lifestyle and the way of communication. Though, through this experience, I believe I was able to meet new people and learn from their cultures.

What has been your favorite thing about your experience as an international student?

DANIEL: Getting the opportunity to explore and meet new people from different countries all over the world. The diversity here is something that I haven’t experienced in South Korea, and I have enjoyed getting to know people from different backgrounds.

What advice would you give to future international students at SSM?

DANIEL: Be confident. Be yourself. And enjoy. At first, you may feel different from others, but, after getting to know people here, you will figure we are all very similar in many ways. It may be difficult to adjust to a new country, but it is important to find something that will make you happy.

How did you end up attending SSM?

ALICE: SSM was assigned to me by the agency that organized my exchange year.

What has been your favorite class at SSM?

ALICE: Pottery and Pre-Calculus for sure!

How are classes/education different here than in your home country?

ALICE: Classes are easier here, in a positive way. Teachers are more available for extra help, and they understand that everybody has their own timing and talents. School days are longer here, but I have the opportunity to take classes like pottery or sculpture!

Rivetta '24 Alice

From: Malonno, Italy

Current Grade: 11

Entered SSM: Grade 11

What are some of your favorite traditions/customs from your culture

ALICE: Eating together and spending time talking, not being in a rush while we eat.

What foods do you miss from home?

ALICE: Burrata on pizza!

What is your favorite American food?

ALICE: Probably Ben and Jerry's ice cream.

What is the most surprising/weirdest/interesting thing about living in the U.S.?

ALICE: Most surprising: U.S. history classes can actually be fun and interesting! Weirdest: Americans always drink water with ice. Most interesting: how many beautiful and different places/variety of weather there is in the same country.

What has been your favorite thing about your experience as an international student?

ALICE: My favorite experience was being able to represent my country during International Day and seeing how many people are interested in Italy and my culture. I’m glad I ended up at SSM! As a non-COE student I felt disoriented at first, and I didn't know how to make friends. I wish there was more of a variety of afterschool activities offered, especially during the winter— cooking, baking, hiking, badminton, handball, or karate—but I’m having a great time here!

What has been the hardest adjustment you've had to make?

ALICE: Not being able to cook my own food.

What advice would you give to future international students at SSM?

ALICE: Don't try to change or to adapt to this different environment or people, just be yourself! In this way you're going to have the best experience and find people who are going to love you.

Why did you choose to attend SSM?

TIFFANY: My older brother, who graduated 2021, came to SSM as a freshman. On registration day I was astounded by the variety of people and Centers of Excellence present. When I stepped through the Arch, I became eager to access the opportunities that SSM could provide me.

How are classes/education different here than in your home country?

TIFFANY: Classes here are dramatically different from back home. In the Nigerian curriculum, we do not have the same set of classes daily. Instead we have a schedule and priority classes have more time dedicated to them. There are also no COEs back home. If you were interested in something you’d hope for a club.

What has been your favorite class at SSM?

TIFFANY: Advanced Music Theory II. At first the class stressed me out and was confusing, but after establishing healthy communication and connections, I find myself never wanting to leave the class. My classmates and teacher, Dr. Downs, are a joy to have and converse with, and I have formed life-long relationships with them.

What is the most surprising/weirdest/ interesting thing about living in the U.S.?

TIFFANY: The weirdest thing about the living in the U.S. is how the states are like nationalities. When I introduce myself, I say I am from Lagos, Nigeria, but some people simply mention the state they’re from without specifying that they are from the country of the United States.

Ogunsemi '23 Tiffany

From: Lagos, Nigeria

Current Grade: 12

Entered SSM: Grade 9

What are some of your favorite traditions/ customs from your culture?

TIFFANY: Some of my favorite parts of my culture would be the appreciation of music and dance. Whether you are in school, or walking on the streets, you are bound to find people having a good time with simply a song playing. Back home, there is also a holiday called Children’s Day, where even kiddos are appreciated. Also, I cannot think of home without thinking of all the good food.

What foods do you miss from home?

TIFFANY: Probably pounded yam and egusi soup. That meal, despite it’s heaviness, is an absolute comfort meal.

What is your favorite American food?

TIFFANY: Chicken Alfredo.

What has been the hardest adjustment you've had to make?

TIFFANY: Being away from my family. Over the past years at SSM I have grown to miss my family much more. These are crucial years that I’m not spending with them, and I always get a little homesick without realizing it.

What has been your favorite thing about your experience as an international student?

TIFFANY: The curiosity of others about my home country. When people want to know more about my home, it makes me feel proud to represent Nigeria, and educate others.

What advice would you give to future international students at our School?

TIFFANY: Don’t be shy to learn about other cultures and try new things. But at the same time, never lose your identity of your home and stay true to who you want to be. And have fun!

Why did you choose to attend SSM?

JEFF: I chose to attend SSM because I learned that it is a fantastic global study community from my mom's friend.

How are classes/education different here than in your home country?

JEFF: Shattuck-St. Mary's has a more free learning environment, which allows students to choose the courses they need and want, and helps deeply develop students' interests.

What has been your favorite class at SSM?

Zhang '24 Jizhen (Jeff)

From:

Chongqing, China

Current Grade: 11

Entered SSM: Grade 8

JEFF: My favorite class at SSM is band, because I can play my favorite instrument, the clarinet, in this class.

What foods do you miss from home?

JEFF: Maybe some traditional Chinese snacks, such as chili oil wonton.

What is your favorite American food?

JEFF: My favorite American food is smoked BBQ beef.

What is the most surprising/weirdest/interesting thing about living in the U.S.?

JEFF: I think the most interesting thing about living in the United States is that many restaurants have soda that you can refill as much as you want, making me delight as a Coca-Cola addict.

What are some of your favorite traditions/customs from your culture?

JEFF: My favorite Chinese tradition is the Spring Festival. Usually we get together with our families at this time.

What has been the hardest adjustment you've had to make?

JEFF: It's been hard to overcome bad habits such as being lazy, or lacking self control, because my parents are not here at SSM. I need to make myself conscious.

What has been your favorite thing about your experience as an international student?

JEFF: My favorite thing about being an international student is that I can share my culture proudly with my classmates and friends from other countries.

What advice would you give to future international students at our School?

JEFF: Learn English well!

Vu '23 Quynh (Vivian)

From: Ha Noi, Vietnam

Current Grade: 12

Entered SSM: Grade 9

Why did you choose to attend SSM?

VIVIAN: I came to a family friend's graduation here in 2018 and I remember thinking, "This place is beautiful. I want to go to school here." A year later, I was sitting in the Middle School gym attending Freshman Orientation!

How are classes/education different here than in your home country?

VIVIAN: The U.S. definitely gives me more choices in courses. I'm able to choose which subject I'm interested in and the level of advancement, while in Vietnam, I don't get a say. Back in my country, everyone in the same homeroom gets the exact same schedule, while at SSM, there's a variety of scheduling.

What has been your favorite class at SSM?

VIVIAN: My favorite classes are surprisingly some of my hardest classes. I love AP Chemistry with Mr. Bittenbender and Advanced Music Theory II with Dr. Downs! They are challenging for sure but it's the people that make them fun.

What is the most surprising/weirdest/ interesting thing about living in the U.S.?

VIVIAN: I find it interesting how sports play a very important role in almost everyone's life.

What are some of your favorite traditions/ customs from your culture?

VIVIAN: My favorite tradition has to be receiving red pocket money on Lunar New Year!

What has been the hardest adjustment you've had to make?

VIVIAN: Definitely being away from family and friends! The experience of a boarding environment makes up for it though!

What foods do you miss from home?

VIVIAN: I really miss bún chả, a Vietnamese dish of grilled pork and noodles, my favorite dish in the entire world. The dining hall actually had it last year during International Day!

What is your favorite American food?

VIVIAN: I love tater tots!

What has been your favorite thing about your experience as an international student?

VIVIAN: I love making friends around the globe. I find it very cool that I have people I know in countries I've visited or am planning on visiting.

What advice would you give to future international students at our School?

VIVIAN: It might be hard to fit in at first, but soon you will find your circle and your people. I recommend making friends in different COEs!

Why did you choose to attend SSM?

ADELINA: It was one of the schools with a vocal program, and I found it very interesting.

Mukhametzhanova '26 Adelina

From: Almaty, Kazakhstan

Current Grade: 9

Entered SSM: Grade 9

How are classes/education different here than in your home country?

ADELINA: The education here is more modern than in Kazakhstan. For example, there we do not really use computers. And we do not use pencils, we use pens. It was very interesting when I came here to use pencils! In Kazakhstan, our schedule changes every day, and we don't have as many school events, maybe only three or four per year. But I like it in both places!

What has been your favorite class at SSM?

ADELINA: My favorite is choir and vocal practice, but academically, it’s geometry.

What is the most surprising/weirdest/interesting thing about living in the U.S.?

ADELINA: That all products are very big—not just big, enormous! A package of chips only comes in a large size, I can never find a small one.

What are some favorite traditions/customs from your culture?

ADELINA: We have many traditions for many situations in life. For example, I really miss our celebration of Nauriz in March. It’s a celebration of spring and a new year. We always have many activities, visit our family members, make traditional food, and play games!

What foods do you miss from home?

ADELINA: I very much miss our traditional meat dish called Beshparmak! We eat it at celebrations.

What is your favorite American food?

ADELINA: French fries.

What has been the hardest adjustment you've had to make?

ADELINA: Making friends was hard at first, because you don’t have many classes with new people.

What has been your favorite thing about your experience as an international student?

ADELINA: It’s really interesting how I've started thinking and speaking in English.

What advice would you give to future international students at our School?

ADELINA: Don’t be shy and scared, you need to show yourself really fast and then you will find many friends and people who have same topics with you! And visit Kazakhstan!

Hagberg '24 Emma

From: Norrkoeping, Sweden

Current Grade: 11

Entered SSM: Grade 11

How did you end up attending SSM?

EMMA: I was supposed to be an exchange student at a public high school, but my organization gave me the opportunity to attend a boarding school which happened to be Shattuck-St. Mary's.

How are classes/education different here than in your home country?

EMMA: In my school back in Sweden, every day is different. For example, one day I have Swedish math and history and another day I'll have psychology and philosophy. Every day we would have the same people in every class, which helps you get closer to people. However, you kind of always stay with the same people and are never with anyone outside of the class. And in Sweden, the periods are longer. A normal period is at least an hour and the longest I used to have was two hours and 30 minutes. When we start high school we decide what we want to major in, which could either be study preparation (for college) or work preparation, where we can start to work right after high school with no college degree.

What has been your favorite class at SSM?

EMMA: Ethics, the class is very interesting and it really challenges you a lot. Also, AP Psychology because the teacher is very nice, really funny, and part Swedish.

What is the most surprising/weirdest/ interesting thing about living in the U.S.?

EMMA: Just the culture in general. People are different and everything is bigger, like buildings and cars. Also there is a lot more sun during the winter, we're lucky if we even see it during the winter months.

What are some of your favorite traditions/ customs from your culture?

EMMA: Midsummer, because we all get together, eat good food and just hang out with the people we love and care about.

What foods do you miss from home?

EMMA: Anything my grandma makes, and good coffee.

What is your favorite American food?

EMMA: Ms. Weaver's coffee and Ms. Jandro's cookies.

What has been the hardest adjustment you've had to make?

EMMA: The food, and how homework and school in general is very different. Also, living on my own and having people around constantly is a big difference, which can be both positive and negative.

What has been your favorite thing about your experience as an international student?

EMMA: Meeting all the other international students and traveling to different parts of the U.S.

What advice would you give to future international students at our School?

EMMA: Hang out in the library and get to know the librarian, she is pretty awesome.

Why did you choose to attend SSM?

ANGELA: I chose to attend SSM because my sister attended before me, and because I wanted to become a part of the Pre-Conservatory Center of Excellence so I could further work on my craft, the violin.

How are classes/education different here than in your home country?

ANGELA: Classes are very different here because you get to work more closely with your teachers. At home there are so many kids per class that teachers sometimes have to teach more than two subjects at a time. Also, the school day here is much longer, whereas at home we would end school at noon.

What has been your favorite class at SSM?

ANGELA: Music Theory. I love that we get to look closely at how music is made and how we can experiment with the resources the School offers us, such as the music studio.

What are some of your favorite traditions/ customs from your culture?

ANGELA: One of my favorite traditions at home is Semana Santa which translates to Holy Week, the week before Easter. The state where I'm from has a famous church called El Nazareno de Achaguas where a statue of Jesus carrying the cross can be seen. It is said that this statue has brought miracles to families in need and is a common place where children are baptized. I love this time because I get to be with my family and go to church with them.

What is the most surprising/weirdest/ interesting thing about living in the U.S.?

ANGELA: One surprising thing here is how convenient most things are, to the point where it is quite excessive, such as there being gadgets for anything you can imagine.

What foods do you miss from home?

ANGELA: I miss “Cachapas” with “queso de mano” the most. It was a food that I grew up eating in the state where I'm from, Apure. It's usually made fresh when the corn is seasonal, and is typically accompanied by fried pork.

What is your favorite American food?

ANGELA: Mac and cheese because of just how good it is! When I first came to America I actually did not like it, but the more I had it, the more I fell in love with the creamy cheese pasta.

Dinis Perez '23 Angela

From: Caracas Dist.

What has been the hardest adjustment you've had to make?

Federal, Venezuela

Current Grade: 12

Entered SSM: Grade 7

ANGELA: Learning a new language is not easy and coming here at age 11 was a real challenge because of how young I was. I miss my family very much and due to the political turmoil happening back home I don't get to see them often.

What has been your favorite thing about your experience as an international student?

ANGELA: Meeting other international students because I get to learn about different world views and educate myself on subjects I might have not known otherwise. Also, I love sharing my culture with others and I find it amazing that there are so many people out there who respect it and appreciate it!

What advice would you give to future international students at our School?

ANGELA: There will be times when you will think it is not worth it, times when you will want to give up, times when you will feel lonely. But always remember that the lessons and values you are learning at Shattuck-St. Mary's will always stay with you in your life journey.

We want to thank these students for their insightful contributions to this story, and to all of Shattuck-St. Mary's international students for their continued commitment to making International Day the best day of the school year!

A Grand Finale

On April 18, Dina Duatova ’23 performed her senior piano recital in front of her SSM family at Sundin Hall on the Hamline University campus. Her recital was the culmination of her senior initiative ScholarShift® project, in which she performed concerts to help raise money for various organizations that were important to her. And when she wasn’t busy with that, she competed in a variety of competitions throughout the year, including the Schubert Club Bruce Carlson Scholarship Competition, in which she was a finalist.

Classical music is an exceptionally beautiful art form that has been around for centuries, yet its remarkable value is often undermined by the popular music of today, a sentiment Dina knows all too well. “People value three-chord pop songs much more than complex classical masterpieces,” she says, comparing the likeness of being a classical musician in this day and age to what it would have been like for Taylor Swift in the 1700s. “However, the amount of work required for a classical musician to reach the level of a solo recital is pretty impressive—10 to 20 years of commitment, discipline, and training. I’m in my 15th year of playing professional piano and haven’t quit ... I must either like it that much or feel too ashamed to quit that far in my journey,” she said with a laugh.

We greatly admire and acknowledge Dina and our Pre-Conservatory students for all of the hard work and dedication that goes into their daily training and are grateful to them for bringing the profound influence of classical music to the Shattuck-St. Mary’s community and beyond.

VPP Member Adelina Mukhametzhanova ’26 Takes Third Place at Nationals

Shattuck- St. Mary’s Vocal Performance Center of Excellence student Adelina Mukhametzhanova ’26 added another honor to her increasing list of accolades as she recently placed third in the Music Teachers National Association Senior Performance National Competition in Reno, Nevada.

As the West Central Division champion, Adelina was one of just six finalists, out of thousands of entrants, to make it to the national competition. The MTNA National Conference is the premier music competition in the country. It features events in the categories of brass, piano, piano duet, string, voice, and woodwind.

SSM Vocal Performance Program director Peter Schleif lauded his pupil. “Adelina’s third place finish at the MTNA National Competition is truly remarkable,” said Peter. “Thousands of student musicians enter this competition at the state level, so by the time you get to nationals, the cream has truly risen to the top. I believe that Adelina’s hard work and incredible attitude are

what will help her continue to succeed. She embodies the SSM vision of being committed to excellence, integrity, and innovation.”

Adelina’s third place performance is just the latest in a whole slew of honors and awards for the young artist. Apart from her regional MTNA victory, she also won the Minnesota NATS (National Association of Teachers of Singing) vocal competition this fall.

David and Lisa and The Fantastiks Graced the Newhall Stage

Director Anna Smith, Ellen Smith ’24, Angela Dinis Perez ’23, Ella Krahmer ’26, Dominique White ’23, Lucas Xiang ’25, Socks Smith ’23, My Vo ’23, Alice Rivetta ’24, Shelley He ’25, Ellie Girard ’28

Back row, L-R: Nora Hanson ’27, Tiffany Ogunsemi ’23, Abby Ma ’23, Shelley He ’25

The Performing and Visual Arts Department put on two spectacular productions in 2023. In February, the cast and crew of David and Lisa offered audiences a sensitive, thought-provoking, and awareness-building performance focused on a pair of adolescents who form a delicate friendship. This year’s Spring Musical was The Fantastiks, the world’s longest running musical. The tender, sweet, and nutty love story premiered off-Broadway in 1960 and ran for 53 non-consecutive years, and has been performed in 67 countries. We commend all of those involved in making these shows memorable additions to the Shattuck-St. Mary’s theatre catalog!

Front row, L-R: Penelope Parrish ’24, Adelina Mukhametzha ’26, Henrik Maltbie ’29, Max Krahmer ’28, Kaitlin Bailey ’28, Zadie Abel ’26, Teresa Salazar ’23, Nora Hanson ’27, Elise Hanson ’29

Back row, L-R:

Adelina Mukhametzhanova ’26 (left), with her voice teacher, Dr. Melissa Holm-Johansen

Cast of David and Lisa

Front row, L-R: Tina Tian ’23, Adelina Mukhametzha ’26, Lucas Xiang ’25, Vivian Vu ’23, Lucia Engelhardt ’23

Cast of The Fantastiks

John Agbaje ’05 Wins Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film

John Agbaje ’05 created his first comic book in AP Studio Art while a student at ShattuckSt. Mary’s. This past March, he won the Oscar for Best Animated Short Film for the film adaptation of The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse. Originally a beloved book by Charlie Mackesy, the short film was created by Bad Robot Productions, where John works as Senior Vice President of Animation.

“It was an incredibly humbling experience to be part of this team, especially for my first project as a producer,” John shared. The story follows a Boy as he searches for a home, since he has never had one before. Along the way, he meets the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse, and throughout their adventures together, they discover that home is where their friendship is. “The original book has resonated so deeply with readers the world over with its beautiful images and elegant messages about kindness, vulnerability, and friendship,” he continued. “The film was an honor to work on and I’m glad that we were able to do the book justice.”

John was able to attend the Oscars Ceremony in person, along with the film’s co-director Peter Baynton and producers Cara Speller of Nonemore and Hannah Minghella of Bad Robot. “It was an electric moment,” said John. “Later on that night, it was a bit surreal to hold the statue, but it was an experience I will not soon forget.”

When John joined Bad Robot Productions as a creative producer, the company had just received the first draft of The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse script. “From then on, we were involved in every aspect of the film’s creative development,” said John, citing script changes, casting, and virtual recording sessions with the stars of the film, including Idris Elba. “We also gave creative notes on the animatic, a rough video assembly of storyboards that allows us to ‘see’ the film before it’s animated.”

An entirely new animation studio was created in the U.K. to produce this film, including more than 120 artists around the world working together to make sure that the artwork from the book could be translated into animation that looked authentic to the original story. Additionally, lockdowns due to the pandemic presented extra challenges for everyone involved. “It was important to keep in mind the deeper purpose behind the project,” said John. “Simply to make people feel better. We hope that the Oscar win will expose these characters to more people and that they’ll find some comfort in them.”

After such a wonderful success, it’s impossible not to wonder what John and the rest of the studio at Bad Robot will be working on next. “Bad Robot is a famously secretive company, so many of the original projects that I’m most excited about I can’t talk about yet,” he shared. “But with all of them we’re eager to push animation forward as a storytelling medium into new genres, tones, and styles.” Among Bad Robot’s upcoming projects are Batman: Caped Crusader, an animated television show for Amazon, and a musical adaptation of Dr. Seuss’s Oh, the Places You’ll Go

For those who haven’t seen The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse, it’s definitely worth the watch. The tender, heartwarming film came to the screen at a moment when the world needed more stories exactly like it. “I’ll always value the in-depth, thoughtful conversations I was able to have with members of the team at every stage of development about what we were saying with the project and why we were making it,” said John.

Congratulations to John on this incredible achievement-the SSM community is thrilled to see what’s next for him!

James Zabawa-Martinez ’09 won the position of violinist in both the Cincinnati Symphony and New World Symphony.

Sedra Bistodeau ’13 is currently touring with up-and-coming country singer, Hailey Whitters, which has included recent performances on the TODAY Show and The Kelly Clarkson Show.

Osip Nikoforov ’13 is currently touring the United States with a solo all-Rachmaninoff program, which will include two performances in MN.

Ines Guanchez Mercado ’14 was hired by Minnesota Public Radio as a producer and recently produced her own show, which was titled La Mujer en la Musica: How Latin American Women Have Shaped Classical Music.

Juna Shai ’14 starred in Galaxy Train in London, a new musical based on the Japanese novel Night on the Galactic Railroad by Kenji Miyazawa.

Magdiell Antequera ’15 won the position of violinist with the Naples Philharmonic.

Sara Aldana ’16 won the position of Assistant Conductor of Reno Chamber Orchestra, which was sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts.

Jonathan Rhodes ’16 just finished up his role in The Kennedy Center’s sold-out production of The Ice Cream Truck is Broken.

Dominique White ’23 took 3rd place at the state level in the Music Teacher’s National Association Competition in the Composition category.

John Agbaje ‘05 (second from right) and his colleagues after their Academy Award win.

Girls U19 Reaches Pinnacle in Second Season

On Monday, March 27, the Girls U19 team cruised to its first ever High School National Championship in just the second year of the team's existence at Shattuck-St. Mary’s as they defeated Anchorage 2-0. The Sabres dominated the tournament, winning all six games and not relinquishing a single goal.

Head Coach Mitch Baker lauded his team’s ability to raise the bar each game. “We took the approach that we needed to play our game every shift and commit to our habits. I was really proud of the consistency our players showed as the tournament progressed. We didn’t take shortcuts. We played together. Winning the national championship showcased the work our players and staff put in from the first days of the season. We didn’t take anything for granted and our players earned it.”

FOUR MORE: Sabres Reign

For just the second time in program history, the ShattuckSt. Mary’s Hockey Center of Excellence finished with four USA Hockey National Championships in a single season as four teams capped off the year with a national title.

The Boys and Girls Prep teams won the Tier I 18U Boys and Tier I 19U Girls championships, respectively. Additionally, SSM had a lock on the High School National Championships with the Boys AAA team winning the prep division and the Girls U19 team running away with the girls division trophy. The winning spree kicked off on Monday, March 27 in Plymouth, Minnesota as the Sabres claimed their first two titles with Boys AAA and Girls U19 winning their respective divisions. Boys AAA got things rolling with a dominant 10-0 victory over New Trier Green in the championship game.

In the tournament, SSM outscored its opponents 26-2 and did not allow an even-strength goal in the tournament. This was also the second year in a row that the team finished on top as it won the High School Division I title last season.

Following up on the morning’s excitement, the Girls U19 team earned its first ever national title in thrilling fashion, defeating Anchorage 2-0. Payton Holloway’s (PG) first period goal was the difference-maker and Hailey Anderson ’23 capped things off with an empty netter with 15 seconds remaining to start the celebration for the Shattuck-St. Mary's faithful.

One week later, the Sabre domination continued as the Girls Prep team captured its ninth national championship in team history in Dallas, Texas. The team had an impressive run to the title as they went undefeated in six games and

Girls Prep Boys Prep (photo credit: USA Hockey)

Supreme at USA Hockey Nationals

outscored opponents 30-6 along the way. SSM capped off the tournament with a 4-1 win over the Philadelphia Jr. Flyers to come away with the crown.

Just 30 minutes later and 1,600 miles away in San Jose, California, the Boys Prep team was gearing up for its championship tilt. SSM jumped out to a quick lead and never looked back as it cruised to a 10-2 victory over the Buffalo Regals to claim the 10th title in team history, and ninth under head coach Tom Ward. Eight different players scored in the win, while goalie Liam Beerman ’23 stopped 49 of the 51 shots he faced.

In all, 12 Sabres were named to the All-Tournament team in their respective divisions. SSM also boasted the leading scorer in each of the divisions.

Director of Hockey Ben Umhoefer ’05 summed up what the wins meant for the Hockey COE. “As a program, we lean heavily on the leadership from our senior class. To have every senior win a national championship this season is not only the perfect way for them to go out, but more importantly, further validates the enormous impact they’ve made on our program. This was a special season for us. Four national championships was an amazing way to cap it off. We are really proud of this group of players.”

SSM has now won 32 national championships in the last 24 years, cementing itself as one of the top hockey programs in the nation.

Girls U19 Boys AAA

Sabre Quintet Takes Gold at Women’s Worlds

Six graduates of the SSM Hockey Center of Excellence represented their countries at the 2023 IIHF Women’s World Championship in Brampton, Canada, April 5-16. Blayre Turnbull ’11 served as an assistant captain for Canada, while the American squad was led by Amanda Kessel ’10, Aerin Frankel ’17, Abbey Levy ’18, Hannah Bilka ’19, and Lacey Eden ’20.

Despite Canada entering the tournament as the two-time defending champion, it was Team USA and the SSM contingent that came out on top, defeating the host country 6-3 in the championship game. Kessel had two assists in the title game and finished with nine points overall. Bilka meanwhile netted four goals and added three assists in seven games. Frankel had a breakout performance as she ranked second among all goaltenders with a 93.18 save percentage and 1.48 goals against average in six games.

Girls Hockey Alums Win NCAA Title

When the final buzzer sounded on the 2023 NCAA Division I Women’s National Championship and the Wisconsin Badgers celebrated their title, three members of the championship squad were familiar faces within the Shattuck-St. Mary’s community.

Natalie Buchbinder ’17, Lacey Eden ’20, and Casey O’Brien ’20 are all alumni of the Girls Hockey Center of Excellence and honed their skills at SSM. This was not the first championship for any of the trio, as they also helped Wisconsin claim the crown in 2021. O’Brien led the Badgers with 48 points in 41 games this season, while Eden was third on the team with 40 points in 40 games. The Badgers defeated Ohio State 1-0 to capture their seventh national title in program history. This marks the third straight year that the winning team has had multiple SSM alumni on it. In total, eight former Sabres suited up in the national championship game as five alums play for the Buckeyes.

Photo credit: USAHockey.com

Photo credit: UWBadgers.com

Lonan Bulger ’19 Captures NCAA Crown

In late March, Lonan Bulger ’19 and the Hobart Statesmen won the 2023 NCAA Division III Men’s Ice Hockey National Championship as they defeated Adrian College 3-2 in overtime. Bulger suited up in 19 games and registered two assists as a defenseman for Hobart. He helped the team’s defensive unit lead the nation, allowing just 1.19 goals per game on the season.

Golf COE Caps off Impressive Year

The Shattuck-St. Mary’s Golf Center of Excellence had many highlights to celebrate during the 2022-2023 season. In total, SSM golfers medaled 13 times throughout the year. Arguably the program’s best performance came at the Hurricane Junior Golf Tour Chicago Fall Junior Open on October 15 and 16. Paige Mier ’23 and Reese Keating (PG) secured a one-two finish in the Girls 14-18 age group. Stella Lehtinen ’28 won the Girls Under-13 division, and Forrest Benson ’26 placed second in the Boys 14-15 age group. Benson and Will Hacker ’28 led the way on the season with four top-3 finishes. Brayden Larson ’24 had two top-3 finishes, including a championship performance at the Hurricane Junior Golf Tour Nashville Spring Junior Open April 22 and 23.

Former SSM Boys Soccer Players Continue to Make Waves

Two former Shattuck-St. Mary’s Boys Soccer Center of Excellence players have taken the next step in their careers. In January, Danny Flores signed a professional contract with Sporting Kansas City of Major League Soccer, while Michael Vang ’18 made his international debut this spring as he suited up for the Laos national team in a pair of international friendlies. Flores spent the previous two seasons at Virginia Tech where he played in 33 games and was named to the ACC All-Freshman team in 2021. He totaled five goals and five assists in his career as a defending midfielder for the Hokies. Vang and Laos fell to Nepal 2-0 in the opener but rebounded to defeat Bhutan 2-1. Vang, who won an MLS Next Pro Championship last season with the Columbus Crew 2, is currently signed with the Portland Timbers.

Danny Flores

(Photo credit: Aidan Martin / Collegiate Times)

Michael Vang ’18

(Photo credit: Facebook @miachaelvang.8)

Photo credit: Kevin Colton, HWS Chief Photographer

Brayden Larson ’24

Paige Mier ’23

ALUMNI GATHERINGS

All photos captions read left-right.

Chicago Alumni Cocktail Party

In November, alumni from the Chicago area joined Maggie Osterbauer Lee ’03, Director of Advancement, Ben Umhoefer ’05, Director of Hockey, and Tyler Ruegsegger ’06, Hockey Advancement Coordinator and Co-Head Coach Boys 15O, for a cocktail party at The Chicago Club.

Left photo:

Tyler Ruegsegger ’06, Ben Umhoefer ’05, Megan Trout ’04, Maggie Osterbauer Lee ’03, Zach Harbour ’03, Lori Eich ’99, Patrick Harbour ’00, Emily Petraglia ’04, AJ Walker ’99

Middle Photo: AJ Walker ’99, Tyler Ruegsegger ’06, Patrick Harbour ’00

Right Photo: Lynn Larson Pappadimas ’04, Megan Trout ’04, Emily Petraglia ’04, Lori Eich ’99

Denver Alumni Gathering

An alumni gathering was held on Februrary 22 at the Milwauke Street Tavern in Denver, a charming sports bar and tavern part-owned by Corky Douglass ’66 and Chris Walker ’88.

Left photo: Cynthia Leslie Johnson ’72, Abby Carlstrom Humphrey ’62, Maggie Osterbauer Lee ’03

Front Row: Bill Bevan ’62, Martha Bevan, Scott Johnson ’72, Cynthia Leslie Johnson ’72

Second Row: Bill Brewster ’85, Greg Noonan ’87, Lenny Kusina ’12, Matt Cavellier, Anne Stark Cosgriff ’87, Shawn Young, Brian Cashin ’04, Kristin Dahl, Maggie Osterbauer Lee ’03, Kelly Douglass

Back Row: Lev Alcott ’65, Corky Douglass ’66, Abby Carlstrom Humphrey ’62, Tyler Ruegsegger ’06

Right Photo:

holiday party

The 2022 SSM Holiday Party reception was held at The Inn at ShattuckSt. Mary’s. The event coincided with the annual Campus Christmas Walk earlier in the day, which provided sleigh rides, a figure skating ice show, and student musical performances.

Middle left photo: Shae Desotell McKibbon ’02, Ruthie Sudderth ’02

Top photo: Darian Powell ’12, Ellie Willliams Doherty ’11, Lonnie Schroeder, Laurel Simer ’07, Brianna Decker ’09

Middle right photo: Joe Shannon ’02, Mario Mjelleli ’05

Bottom photo: Fred Krahmer ’88, Hugh Wooldridge ’55, Shelly Krahmer

A FINAL REST AT A

The Founders Society was established by the Board of Trustees in 1993 to recognize individuals and families who notify the School that they have designated Shattuck-St. Mary’s School as a beneficiary of their will, trust, or life insurance policy.

Through this listing, the School recognizes those visionaries who value the education of future generations and honor the ideals of Shattuck-St. Mary’s by making deferred gifts.

You have saved—now let us help you discover ways you can use your individual retirement account (IRA) to make an impact on our work and create your lasting legacy!

The IRA charitable rollover allows you to use your savings in a way that means the most to you.If you are over 70½ or older, you now have reached that milestone where you have to take a required minimum distribution from your retirement account. Making an IRA charitable rollover gift to us may lower the income and taxes from your IRA required minimum distributions— benefitting both you and our mission!

AS TIME COUNTS DOWN

Our fiscal year ends on June 30, 2023, and we want to count YOU among our supporters this year!

Your gift of any size enhances the value of a Shattuck-St. Mary’s education through financial assistance, student opportunities and activities, campus improvements, and so much more.

HOCKEY GALA

The second annual Shattuck-St. Mary’s Hockey Gala was held in February at Interlachen Country Club in Edina, Minnesota. This year’s special event celebrated SSM hockey’s Legendary Leaders—Craig Norwich, J.P. Parisé, Tom Ward, and Gordie Stafford—who collectively, and with the help of many others, have been the architects of a program with an unparalleled history, tradition, culture, and success. Many alumni, coaches, parents, and friends were in attendance to help honor them and show their support for the future of Shattuck-St. Mary’s hockey.

01 Ryan Duncan ’04 and Kelsey Duncan

CLASS NOTES

1952

David Cline writes, “It’s been 75 years since I attended summer school at Shattuck Military Academy and took a year of Latin. That experience changed my life.”

1959

Scott Berry shared these photos from the Shads' Tonto Golf Tournament that took place in February in Tonto Verde, Arizona. He says, “It was a wonderful time at hosts Ed Carpenter’s and John Baer’s homes full of great golf, food, drink and Shattuck camaraderie.”

1961

Karen Foster Fitzgerald shares she and her husband John are happily married and enjoying retirement.

1966

Marshal Kyger is working as Executive Director of the Hancock County food pantry in Mississippi.

Rev. Jim Newman writes, “I led a group on tour from Warsaw, Poland to Krakow and made a solemn visit to Auschwitz. From there to Budapest, Bratislava, Munich, and finally the experience of the Passion Play in Oberammergau, Germany.” After the tour Jim and his spouse, Mike Mullins, visited Slovenia, Croatia, Salzburg, and Munich.

1967

1969 Morris Goodwin, Jr. left American Public Media Group, Minnesota Public Radio’s parent company, after eight years as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer to take a new role as Managing Director of Forge North, a strategic platform for investment support of BIPOG startup companies.

1970

Barbara CrossMiller had lunch and a nice catch-up session with former SSM faculty member Bob Schissel (right) and her brother Jim Cross (left) in Florida. She shared, “It was nice to travel out of Grand Cayman!”

1972 Scott Johnson (middle) celebrated his 70th birthday with brunch with his wife, Cynthia Leslie Johnson (third from right), and family at Topgolf in Colorado. Scott shares that he’s “working at keeping up with these grandkids and their Mom & Dad!!!”

Around the table, from the left: Paul Jeremiassen ’62, Head of School Matt Cavellier, former Head of School Nick Stoneman, Scott Berry ’59, Hugh Wooldridge ’55, Perry Mead ’66, Derek Nelson ’62, Dan Gislason ’62, Ed Carpenter ’60

Around the table, from the left: Ed Carpenter ’60, Derek Nelson ’62, Head of School Matt Cavellier, Perry Mead ’66, Scott Berry ’59, John Baer ’62, Dan Gislason ’62, Hugh Wooldridge ’55, former Head of School Nick Stoneman, Paul Jeremiassen ’62

Photos were taken near Neuschwanstein and at Oktoberfest in Munich

1974

Steve Kaldahl married Marilyn Boe on May 7, 2022. He shares that he’s semi-retired, but still works at Five Lakes and Fair Hills Resorts in the Detroit Lakes, Minnesota area.

1977 Katherine Boentje Frisch is retired and living the dream. She and her husband Doug have been married for 41 years. Their time is split between Wisconsin and Lake Havasu City, Arizona. She says, “Come visit!”

IN MEMORIAM

We honor and remember our alumni, faculty, staff, and SSM friends who have passed away.

Jane Clapp Towne ’44

September 25, 2022

1978

Terrance Kloeckl (left), Tamara Kloeckl Nelsen ’80 (second from left) and Tracey KloecklJimenez ’83 (right) met up with former SSM faculty member Julie (Bartz) Maxwell (second from right) at their dad Tony Kloeckl’s 90th birthday celebration. Also in attendance, but not pictured, was family friend and former classmate Keith Flakne ’80.

1983 Tracey Kloeckl-Jimenez was named the 2022-2023 Central Lakes College Board of Trustees Outstanding Educator in October. Tracey teaches German and Spanish at CLC. This honor includes nominations by students and peers, as well as a recommendation from a committee of CLC employees.

Jean McDonald Eastman ’45

May 30, 2021

Susan Mellen Sabin ’46

August 8, 2022

Cornelius Hook, Jr. ’47

June 25, 2022

Mary “Terry” Balch Sears ’47

January 5, 2023

Willard Huyck ’49

November 16, 2022

Anthea Kruse Mitkus ’49

November 20, 2022

Barry Bonoff ’50

1994

Sam Carroll is enjoying life in New York City, where he is building a management consulting business, Bastion Strategies. He has recently joined the SSM Alumni Association Board and has already been busy growing the board membership and working to bring the alumni community together. On that note, he hopes to see YOU at reunion in June!

December 25, 2022

C. Dennis Wohlford ’57

January 24, 2023

Marcia Laing Golden ’60

January 29, 2023

John Hilton ’61

March 6, 2023

Barbara Bonnet Bernardi ’71

November 18, 2022

Robert VonTour ’71

1995 Karen Ronnigen Jones shared this photo of some “Class of ’95 girls” who met up in Red Wing, Minnesota in October.

June 7, 2022

Douglas Irvine ’72

November 28, 2022

Daniel Guerard ’77

Left

Eliza Schell Reuter, Elsa Raaen Bullard, Emmy Storch Alvig, and Karen Ronningen Jones

January 24, 2023

to right:

Sam (middle) with his parents Anne and Jim Carroll ’61 at Christmas 2022. The paper crowns are from Christmas crackers, an old English tradition.

BIRTHS

Congratulations on the new additions to your familes!

Christina Mladenoff and Evan Philip “Chip” Mladenoff ’04, a girl, Stevie Grace Mladenoff, September 9, 2022

Addie Caple and Stephen “Steve” Caple ’05, a boy, Arlo James Caple, September 30, 2022

Alexandria “Alex” Zirbel Jennings ’05 and Bryce Jennings, a girl, Savannah Catherine Jennings, December 16, 2022

Madison Alger Fritz ’06 and Todd Fritz, a boy, Samuel Eugene Fritz, January 1, 2023

Kiva Lindaman and Grant Lindaman ’06, a boy, James Dillon Lindaman, March 16, 2023

Kacie Pettipiece Brown ’08 and Zachary “Zach” Brown, a girl, Remi Ann Brown, December 8, 2022

Jocelyne Lamoureux Davidson ’08 and Brent Davidson, a boy, Owen Gordie Davidson, September 24, 2022

Monique Lamoureux Morando ’08 and Anthony Morando, a girl, Edi Jean Morando, May 14, 2022

Michelle Martin and Eric Martin ’09, a girl, Lucia Fay Martin, January 8, 2023

Alyssa Ables Minnick ’09 and Brad Minnick, a boy, Kayden James Minnick, March 11, 2023

Ashley Sorensen and Lucas “Luke” Sorensen ’09, a girl, Hazel Mase Sorensen, December 12, 2022

Kenzie Stolly Mullin and James “Jimmy” Mullin ’10, a girl, Eloise James Mullin, March 2, 2023

Erin Krichiver Davidson ’11 and Jacob “Jake” Davidson ’11, a boy, Benjamin George Davidson, December 1, 2022

Hilary Patterson Kent and Patrick Jay Gallagher Kent ’11, a girl, Margot Jay Kent, October 9, 2022

Ellie Williams Doherty ’11 and Teddy Doherty ’12, a boy, Brady Charles Doherty, April 14, 2023

Stephanie Gaviria and Julio Gaviria ’12, a boy, Calihan Michael Gaviria, January 1, 2023

Lyndsay Oden Anderson ’14 and Colt Anderson, a boy, Odie Thomas Anderson, July 21, 2022

Sacia Hanson Smith ’17 and Joseph “Joey” Smith, a girl, Joanna Kay Smith, November 3, 2022

SSM FACULTY & STAFF

Summer Greybuffalo and Steve Jamieson, a boy, Theodore David Jamieson, November 7, 2022

Elizabeth Flack Baller earned her MBA degree in August 2022 from St. Mary’s University. She credits the four years of Spanish she took with Mrs. Trout and Mrs. Mendoza for preparing her for pursuing an undergraduate degree in Spanish, during which she spent one year living in southern Spain. The international experience proved to be invaluable for the master’s degree coursework. She continues working in the International Center at Mayo Clinic with Spanish-speaking patients from Spain and Latin America who are seeking medical care in Rochester, Minnesota.

1998

1999

Susan Koller Nieves’ fifteen-year-old daughter, Miriam “Mimi” Ruth Ambrose, died unexpectedly on March 21, 2023. Mimi, a beautiful and authentic soul, touched everyone’s life she met in her community and school and on the wrestling mat. Rest peacefully, beloved Mimi, and rise majestically. Let light perpetual shine upon you, through God’s grace and mercy.

2000

Zach Wiegand was named to the Best Lawyers in America list in October, in the Estates and Trusts category. Based entirely on peer-review, Best Lawyers employs a survey process designed to capture the consensus opinion of leading lawyers about the professional abilities of their colleagues within the same geographical area and legal practice area. Zach is a Minnesota estate planning and probate attorney with Gold Leaf Estate Planning LLC, who counsels clients on estate planning, probate, and trust administration matters. Zach shared, “It is an especially meaningful honor to me as it is a list based on submissions/nominations from other attorneys.”

Marty Mjelleli writes, “The Hockey Gala was extremely impressive, it felt like Christmas Dinner on steroids. It was great to see friends and reconnect with classmates. We all feel fortunate to be around tremendous leaders, and Coach Ward has had a lasting impression on our lives.”

2001

2015 Cheng Yang Xu proposed to his longtime girlfriend, Weishi Zhang, on Saturday, November 26, 2022, on the SSM Upper School campus. She said, ”Yes!”

Left to right: Drew Stafford ’03, Casey Borer ’03, Tom Ward, Chris Porter ’02, Marty Mjelleli ’01, Zach Parise ’02

2020

2017

Ensign Devin Gettman (left) graduated from The United States Coast Guard Academy in May 2022 and received his commission from Vice President Kamala Harris and his father, U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel Matthew Gettman during the 141st commencement exercises in New London, Connecticut.

Katarina Koehler is skating her third year on the Skyliners Senior Synchronized Figure Skating Team, representing Team USA for the past two years. The Skyliners took second place at the 2022 French Cup in Rouen, France. In January, they received the bronze medal at the 2023 Neuchatel Trophy in Switzerland and finished the top U.S. team at the Spring Cup in Milan, Italy, in fifth place behind world champions Canada and Finland. Katarina is a senior at Quinnipiac University in Hamden, Connecticut majoring in Applied Business. She skates out of Stamford, Connecticut and is a member of the Skating Club of New York.

faculty & Staff NOTES

In November, retired faculty members Beth Trout (left) and Mike Frankenfield (right) got in some fun pickleball play with Nik Hong ’20

Congratulations and best wishes to the following!

Amanda Rucinski ’06 and Danny Congelli, February 3, 2023

Donna Nguyen and Jake Curwin ’13, August 20, 2022

Brekken Fukushima ’15 and J. Pierce Crawford ’15, October 22, 2022

Sarah Anderson ’10 and Steven Langmaack, November 5, 2022

Taylor Youngblom and Hollie Gray III ’11, November 18, 2022

Sophia Hill ’15 and Jesse Starks, March 11, 2023

SSM FACULTY & STAFF

Summer Greybuffalo and Steve Jamieson, March 18, 2023

Nicholas “Nick” LaMotte shares that he is midway through his junior year at the University of South Dakota. He’s looking forward to the spring golf season.

(middle), in St. Cloud, Minnesota! Nik plays hockey for the St. Cloud Norsemen.

SSM spring break

BRAZIL

Shelby

(Submitted by Paulo Abreu, Nicole’s father)

“Nicole came home to Rio de Janeiro to spend the Spring Break, and her friends Shelby Robinson and Maddie Knight came with her for a week.They had a great time while here. We took them to see one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Christ the Redeemer statue.”

Faculty, staff, students, and alumni fanned out across the globe during Spring Break in February!

ITALY

Melissa Boik, Associate Head Coach Girls U16 & Math Instructor Clark Shirley, Head Athletic Trainer

Coach Boik and Mr. Shirley spent Spring Break taking in the sites and culture of Italy. They started their trip in Amalfi and traveled north to Rome, Pisa, Florence, Venice, and Lake Como. They are pictured here in Rome, in front of the Colosseum.

COSTA RICA

Fred W. Krahmer ’88

“We got into the shuttle at our hotel in San Jose, Costa Rica to go to the next resort and ran into the Abels! We all met up, totally unplanned, at the same resort for two days-it was amazing!”

(Pictured, left-right)

Fred W. Krahmer ’88, Copeland Abel ’24, Zadie Abel ’26, Ella Krahmer ’26, Max Krahmer ’28, and Cal Abel ’94

NEW ZEALAND

Ashley Russo, Math Instructor

Greg Simons, Science Department Chair

“The Russo-Simons family embarked on an 11-day adventure through the stunning landscapes of New Zealand’s north and south islands. After landing in Auckland, we drove two hours north to Omaha Beach where we spent a couple days recovering from jetlag at the beach and soaking up the beauty of Tawharanui Regional Park before heading to Waitomo to explore the magical Glowworm Caves. A visit with a high school friend and her family in Raglan led to some exciting surfing off the west coast, followed by a flight to Queenstown in the south island. Here, we hiked in the southern alps and journeyed down to Fjordland National Park to see the breathtaking Milford Sound. An overnight cruise allowed us to watch dolphins and kayak amidst the stunning scenery. Wanaka, a lovely town North of Queenstown, provided the perfect ending to our trip, with picturesque mountain and lake views and a visit to a lavender farm. Delicious food and friendly locals made for a memorable experience, and we would highly recommend New Zealand to any traveler. We can’t wait to return for a longer visit in the future!”

MEXICO

Pat Schaefer, Upper School Director

“My family and I spend a little over a week in Playa del Carmen, Mexico over the spring break. Most of the trip was spent at our resort and nearby attractions. Since I’m a history nerd, I forced my family to take the two-hour drive to the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza. Here I am with my kids, Aubrey (current 5th grader and incoming 6th grader next year) and Wesley (current 3rd grader) in front of the famous temple named El Castillo/Kukulcan. I even had an SSM shirt on!”

Robinson ’25 (left), Maddie Knight ’23 (middle), Nicole Abreu ’25 (right)

(Pictured, left-right) Ashley Russo, Lily Simons ’26, Greg Simons, Emmalin Simons ’28

WONDER OF THE WORLD

Campus Shines Under Northern Lights

The SSM community was treated to a rare show of one of the seven natural wonders of the world, the Aurora Borealiscommonly known as the Northern Lights-as they brilliantly lit up the southern Minnesota skies in March and April.

The below photo was taken by Ashley Russo, SSM Math Instructor.

1000 Shumway Avenue Faribault, Minnesota 55021