*Samantha Regan - Parents' Association Co-President
Josh Resnick
Keech Combe Shetty
Kathy Sutherland
Katy Williamson
*Ex officio member
TRUSTEES EMERITI
Dr. Mary Fitzpatrick
Jo Ann Gaynor
Gordon Gaynor
GAYNOR ADVISORY COUNCIL
Bill Caleo
Chris Canavan
Jennifer Hartmann
Linda Hsu
Elise Mordos '04
Beth Pristaw
Javier Rodriguez
Seth Rosen – Parents' Association Co-President
Josh Wiener
Editor: Deanna Ferrante
Executive Editor: Megan Bostaph
Photography: Gaynor staff, Da Ping Luo, and Brett Deutsch Photography
Editorial Design: We Can Design That Printing: 44interactive
From the Editor: - Deanna Ferrante, Director of Communications
GAYNOR ON GAYNOR
Our co-founder, Yvette SiegelHerzog, possessed a truly magical presence, deeply rooted in her love for every child's journey at Gaynor. She delighted in witnessing their growth, often sharing a moment of pure connection that captured the essence of their entire experience, from the very first spark of connection during admissions, through their remarkable progress, and towards the boundless future paths they would forge. Many children were fortunate enough to be truly seen by Yvette during that initial admissions process. She had an extraordinary gift—an almost uncanny insight that looked beyond perceived challenges. It was as if she possessed her own magical Mirror of Erised, much like the one from the first Harry Potter book, which showed the person before it their deepest, most desperate desire of their hearts. Yvette didn't see our young admits for their initial deficiencies or struggles; she saw them for their boundless potential. She reflected back to each child not just the desire to read, write, or make friends, but, most profoundly, the desire to be accepted for exactly who they are and who they aspire to become. It was a vision of wholehearted acceptance that formed the very bedrock of our school.
While Yvette had these magical powers of insight, she always asked us, no, demanded that we listen to our students. Not just what we have taught them, but what they can teach us with their words and actions. In keeping with Yvette’s inspiring and enduring doctrine, I want to share a powerful experience from this past year that illuminated a profound lesson for me—a lesson I believe is fundamentally at the heart of Yvette's original vision: the invaluable lesson of being seen, valued, and accepted for exactly who you are.
For the past four years, our dedicated students in the Names Not Numbers elective have worked tirelessly to create informative and moving documentaries on the Holocaust, highlighted by interviews with real survivors. One of the many truly memorable moments from the
documentary screening was the addition of a heartfelt closing speech delivered by one of our remarkable students, Mili Neave, from the Class of 2025. In her poignant message that evening, I believe Mili not only captured the imperative of fighting for the causes we deeply believe in, but also articulated the crucial, often overlooked, importance of genuine listening. Listening to be informed, listening to show you care, and listening to repair. This was a portion of Mili’s resonant message:
"We need to educate. I learned that 'sitting down' to listen can be better than 'standing up' in certain situations. Sitting down to listen to people sharing their stories, sitting down to listen to why people hate, and sitting down to better understand each other. By sitting down with people, we are coming together and learning from one another. We are acknowledging our common humanity."
We can all benefit immensely from Mili’s moving testimony as to the importance of real discourse and authentic connection. Her words remind us that when we truly listen, people feel heard, seen, visible, and become more open to change.
At Gaynor, we continue to honor Yvette’s legacy by celebrating the continuous growth and learning of every child. We honor the progress our students have all made, and we look forward with excitement to the limitless paths that lie before each of them. Gaynor students and families continue to inspire us by being seen for who they are, continue to value others for who they are, and keep teaching the world.
DR. SCOTT GAYNOR Head of School
Board of Trustees Update
The Stephen Gaynor School Board of Trustees held its final meeting of the academic year on June 4. It was a moment to reflect on a truly successful year—a year in which the students shined; our dedicated faculty and staff poured their hearts into shaping young minds; and our school community remained one of strength and connection.
The Board of Trustees and Advisory Council bring together professionals with expertise in fields such as finance, marketing, law, DEI, accounting, education, nonprofit leadership, and the arts. This rich blend of perspectives is precisely what enables them to collaborate so effectively, always with the goal of supporting the school’s mission and strategic priorities.
In 2025-26, the school will welcome five new members to the Board and Advisory Council: EB Kelly (mother of Anna, rising Red Cluster), Sam Regan (mother of Harry and James, rising Green Cluster), and Ben Shapiro (father of Jackson, rising Red Cluster) join the Board of Trustees, while Gianni Lopez (mother of Mia, rising Green Cluster) and Jen Hartmann (mother of Dylan, rising Blue Cluster) lend their talents to the Advisory Council. Their invaluable guidance and insights are sure to support Gaynor’s continued success.
The meeting also included a farewell to longtime trustee, Andy Bast. In his role as Chair of the Facilities Committee, Andy was instrumental in the transformation of the South Building. From the state-of-the-art PAC to the dynamic Field House, every student who walks through the school’s doors has Andy to thank for shepherding these incredible spaces to fruition.
Andy’s leadership during Gaynor’s most recent strategic planning process fostered a spirit of collaboration; guiding trustees, faculty, staff, parents, and alumni in envisioning Gaynor's brightest future while steadfastly upholding its core mission. In his final meeting, Andy's words resonated deeply: “This Board works better than any other board I am involved with; it is always focused on innovation, collaboration, and empathy.” Andy’s influence will echo through Gaynor for many years to come, and the Board is unwavering in its commitment to build upon his remarkable legacy.
We extend enormous gratitude to the entire Board for their dedication and service to the school this past year—their tireless efforts had a profound impact.
Outgoing Trustee Andy Bast, Director of Facilities and Operations Galo Macias, and Incoming Trustee Ben Shapiro at the June 4 Trustee Meeting.
Director of Upper Division Christine Karamanoglou with Trustee Kris Mastronardi at the NYSAIS Decennial Opening Reception in March.
Chair of the Board of Trustees Megan Hogan, Trustee Kristy Baxter, and Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Stella Mulatu celebrating Breakfast My Way this fall.
Trustee Grant Duers enjoying a Breakfast My Way event with Head of School Dr. Scott Gaynor.
A Fond Farewell
As the school year ends, we are saying goodbye to some of our longstanding employees who have dedicated over two decades of their time, expertise, and enthusiasm to Gaynor. We are grateful for their service and excited to see what is next for each of them!
MINDY STERN 30 YEARS
For over three decades at Gaynor, Mindy Stern’s responsibilities have ranged from classroom teacher and Division Director to her most recent leadership as Director of Evaluations for Admissions. Regardless of her title, Mindy's focus has always remained steadfast on the individual child before her, a principle deeply ingrained during her many years working alongside Gaynor Co-Founder Yvette Siegel-Herzog
Reflecting on her time at Gaynor, Mindy said, “After all these years at Gaynor, my heart is filled with so many wonderful memories. Two stand out above the rest: witnessing the incredible growth in students from September to June as their confidence and happiness flourish, and having the privilege of calling Yvette both a mentor and a dear friend. Gaynor will always feel like home to me.”
JOAN PERSKY 20 YEARS
As a dedicated Speech Language Pathologist serving Gaynor for the past 20 years, Joan has made a profound contribution by helping her students communicate confidently and better understand their learning and those around them. While we will miss Joan’s presence, we are excited for this next chapter in her life, especially as she enjoys more time with her grandchildren. Her wisdom, laughter, and kindness will remain with us always.
True to her dedication to Gaynor’s students, Joan’s favorite memory of Gaynor is not about her, but about one of our alumni, Justin Johnson '20, whom
ANNA FRIEDMAN 25 YEARS
Anna’s 25 years of dedicated service stand as a remarkable testament to her passion, professionalism, and continuous drive to grow and evolve in her field. From the early days when the Occupational Therapy department consisted of just two therapists, Anna played a key role in shaping the department. The mark Anna has made on the OT team and the Gaynor community is lasting, and her influence will be deeply felt for years to come.
When asked her favorite Gaynor memory, Anna remarked, “My favorite memory is of students stopping by my office on their way to class in the morning for a quick check-in, a hug and a ‘See you later Ms. Friedman.’ A great way to start the day all around.”
she worked closely with in the past. “One of my most cherished memories is of a student who joined Gaynor when he was about 10 years old. He was a remarkable young boy from a very supportive family. We formed a strong connection early on, and I was fortunate to work with him until he graduated, and then supported him through high school. He was accepted to every college he applied to, but chose to stay in New York City to continue his martial arts training, teaching it to children as well. He recently earned his black belt, and I can’t imagine a better role model for his students. His journey stands as a powerful example of what’s possible when a child is supported by a nurturing school environment and a dedicated family,” she said.
Q: What was your journey into teaching, and how did you find yourself at Gaynor?
A: This is my 14th year at Gaynor. I've never worked anywhere else. What brought me to teaching is... I can remember in my 5th grade yearbook, when they asked, what do you want to be when you grow up? I wrote teacher. So I followed in my 5th grade thought process! I went to NYU for undergrad and I studied education and my final student teaching placement was at Gaynor. The next year when I was an assistant teacher I taught the Yellow Cluster, and then an opportunity came about the following year to be a Blue Cluster head teacher and I said yes.
Erika Bentsen Five Questions With...
Beginning her career at Gaynor in 2011, Erika Bentsen was a Blue Cluster teacher for many years before making the switch to the Admissions department as Admissions Associate and Educational Evaluator in the 2024-25 school year. While to some that might seem like a big difference, to Erika it’s the best place she can be to showcase just how special our Gaynor teachers are.
For our latest installment of “Five Questions With,” we sat down with Erika to learn more about her time at Gaynor, her love of community service, and how her experience as a teacher impacts her work in her new role.
Q: Do you have a favorite student story?
A: My favorite isn’t about one student. The moments that I remember the most or that stood out to me as a Blue Cluster teacher were any times when we could bring Blue Cluster students to do community service outside of the school. We did a lot of activities outside the school like Meals on Wheels, we worked at a food bank, we went to animal shelters… Really those were my favorite moments, to see our students show incredible empathy and perspective taking, and really it was Gaynor at its best. Our students put others' needs before their own, and really stepped up to the plate.
I'm happy to still get to do a little bit of that with Blue students. We still do the Sweet Readers program, where students work with adults who have Alzheimer's. I loved being in the classroom and there were lots of moments that were wonderful, but these were really special, out-of-the-ordinary student moments. Doing community service is wonderful and very rewarding, but we'd always come back as a teaching team and say, wow, our kids were amazing out there.
Q: You recently made the move from Blue Cluster teacher to Admissions Associate and Educational Evaluator! What prompted you to make the switch?
A: I [taught] for 13 years. I loved working with the oldest students, and I loved developing curricula. I had some other opportunities to help develop curricula for other clusters and through those experiences, and just growing as a professional, I thought I'd like to also work with other age groups. [With] my time as a teacher and having been in the classroom and done the work that we talk about in open houses and admissions events, I thought that my perspective could be valuable in admissions. I felt like I could really speak to what makes Gaynor stand out compared to other specialized schools, and really highlight the work of the teacher and [how that] makes us unique. So it was a big move. I love my Blue team and I was very sad to leave them, but happy to still be a part of the team through Names not Numbers and some other opportunities. I love the Admissions team and I think we work really well [together], and we bring different perspectives and experiences to the table.
Q: What do you do when you’re not at Gaynor?
Q: What do you find most rewarding about working with incoming families?
A: I really have enjoyed working with families from the start—when they're looking for a new school, unsure what the best fit for their student is, and then taking them through the whole admissions process. And then the best part is giving that phone call that says “You've been accepted!” It's wonderful if a family is happy and they feel as confident as we are that Gaynor is the right place for their kid, and for a lot of families it’s a relief to hear that there's someplace like Gaynor.
My most rewarding experience up to this point was the new student welcome event recently, and it was really meaningful seeing all of the new students and thinking that, wow, my team and I have helped to set these students and families on an incredible journey. It was an emotional experience to see all these new students and to think that I played a part in that.
A: I'm a mom to a soon-to-be kindergartener, Patrick. So a lot of my weekends involve going to birthday parties and other kid-oriented activities. My husband and I have always loved to travel and thankfully Patrick is a really good traveler! I am a big history enthusiast, so any place we travel will involve some history museums or historic sites, and Patrick has been really good and receptive to this. As a former history teacher, that's really important for me, to instill a love of history in my son.
I love to read when I can. I love bike riding. Shout out to Michael Piedmont; a big part of my middle and high school years was playing the flute and it was really incredible for the past few years to be part of the Gaynor musical!
THIS OR THAT
Invisibility
Dyslexia Advocacy
Representatives from Stephen Gaynor School participated in the 10th anniversary of Dyslexia Advocacy Day at the New York State Capitol in Albany on May 14. Hosted by Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon, the day brought together students, parents, educators, and legislators from across the state to raise awareness about dyslexia and promote evidence-based solutions that support students with language-based learning differences.
Among those who spoke on the iconic Million Dollar Staircase during Dyslexia Advocacy Day were Simone G., a Blue Cluster student, and Liora R., from the Silver Cluster, who represented Gaynor by sharing their personal journeys with dyslexia and how their experiences at Gaynor transformed their outlook on learning.
“I wish every child like me had the chance to go to a school like Gaynor,” said Liora during her speech. “It makes a big difference to be understood and taught in a way that your brain learns best. I feel lucky to be there and hope that kids no matter where they live in New York can have a school that understands them and teaches them well. I don’t know why it is so hard for every school to do this because the research is clear on how kids like me learn. We want to learn, and we want to love learning!”
Simone also shared how Gaynor’s teachers helped her understand that dyslexia isn’t a limitation. “I learned
that dyslexia is just a different way of learning—and that it doesn’t define my intelligence or my future,” she said. “The teachers at Gaynor helped me understand my learning profile and gave me tools that actually work.”
Their speeches were part of a broader message from advocates and legislators focused on improving teacher training in the science of reading—an essential step to supporting all learners. Elected officials in attendance included Assemblymembers Robert Carroll and Al Taylor, as well as Senators Robert Jackson, Brad Hoylman-Sigal, and John Liu. Assemblymember Simon was specially honored for her decade of leadership organizing this event and advocating for students with dyslexia.
Simone in particular was inspired to speak at Dyslexia Advocacy Day after she participated with fellow Blue Cluster students Bella L. and Shalev S. in an episode of the Gator Gab podcast featuring alumna Stephanie Brown, Class of 2013. Stephanie currently serves as
Members of Liora and Simone’s families with Assemblymember Simon and Stephanie Brown ’13
Communication Coordinator and Community Liaison for Assemblymember Simon. The students interviewed Stephanie about her journey as a person with dyslexia at Gaynor and beyond. The experience left a deep impression.
During the interview, Stephanie spoke about the inspiration behind Dyslexia Advocacy Day, saying, “We’ve brought a lot of awareness over the last 10 years to dyslexia, but now we really want to advocate for the bills and [for students like you].” She also spoke to the trio about a new state action plan that will have teachers trained in the science of reading. "You guys are really lucky... teachers [at Gaynor] already have trained in the science of reading, but we want to make sure that people across the state have the same education,” she said. Scan the QR code to listen to the episode!
Director of Outreach and Innovation Emily Barnes attended the event in Albany, and said, “I felt so proud
to be at the Capitol with our amazing Gaynor students to celebrate Dyslexia Advocacy Day. Simone and Liora were so poised and courageous in telling their stories in front of such a large group. They both made an impression on the attendees as stellar advocates for themselves and for other students with learning differences.”
Dyslexia Advocacy Day underscored the importance of student voices in shaping educational policy. Thanks to students like Simone and Liora—and the teachers who support them—those voices are being heard loud and clear.
Listen to the Voices of Gaynor episode here!
Liora and Simone seated on the Million Dollar Staircase
Stephanie Brown ’13 with Liora and Simone
Liora speaking with Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon at the podium
BROADENING OUR REACH THROUGH OUTREACH AND INNOVATION
Over the past year, Gaynor has continued to grow its professional development and outreach initiatives, partnering with public and private schools across New York City to support educators in strengthening their instructional practices. From phonics-based reading training to inclusive classroom strategies and collaborative academic research, these efforts reflect our belief in the power of partnership to improve student outcomes and foster equity in education.
EDUCATOR WORKSHOPS
READING PD PROGRAM
Gaynor’s phonics-based reading professional development program is a 15-week class that meets in-person from October through March with the goals of training teachers in both the science of reading and improving their phonics-based instruction. In its second year, 17 kindergarten through fifth grade teachers from PS 84 participated in the program along with three NYU education students. The training provided teachers with opportunities to learn evidence-based strategies and apply them weekly in their classrooms. When the program came to a close in March, 95% of participants reported that they felt more comfortable with phonics-based instruction and 89% reported seeing improvement with their students’ grasp of phonics.
This past spring, Gaynor hosted educator workshops for numerous teachers across New York City. In partnership with two NYC public schools, Gaynor trained teachers in best practices to support students with learning differences, executive function classroom strategies, effective classroom management techniques, and inclusive and restorative practices. In addition to working with elementary school teachers at PS 87, we expanded our reach to middle and high school teachers for a three-part series for the Hospital Schools Program and a custom writing workshop for York Prep.
CAPSTONE
Gaynor was honored to partner with a team of students from the NYU Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service on their Capstone 2024-2025 project. Four students, majoring in social impact, innovation, and investment, conducted a thorough research project over the course of their academic year to investigate one of Gaynor’s strategic initiatives. After conducting in-depth research and focus groups, the team presented their findings in a comprehensive final report to Gaynor leadership.
FACULTY AND STAFF REPRESENTING GAYNOR
This year, members of our talented faculty and staff showcased their expertise and passion at conferences across the country. Whether presenting as thought leaders or participating in meaningful professional development, they’ve been proudly representing Gaynor’s mission and impact far and wide. Take a look at just a few of the ways our team is sharing the Gaynor story beyond our walls!
Deanna Ferrante, Emma Grettenberger, Megan Bostaph, and Julia Gerety attended the NYSAIS Advancement and Communications Conference.
Erika Kasindorf, Elsie Andriamanantena, Stacy Nordlinger, and Amy Warden in full Gaynor Gear at the NYSAIS Admissions, Placement, and Financial Assistance Professionals Conference.
Gaynor was well represented at the NAIS People of Color Conference (PoCC)! From left to right: Ellen Lee, Tenzin Kelsang, Rhina Allende, Tia Murkison, Stella HeyligerMulatu, Claire Ashley
Lindsey Rappaport, Andrew Prasarn, and Cristina Fabricant presented on Middle School Special Education Strategies and Multi-Sensory Learning in a Special Education Classroom at the National Science Teaching Association (NTSA) Conference.
Stella HeyligerMulatu facilitated a discussion titled, Let’s Get Back to Basics: Critical DEI Mindsets and Strategies for New DEIB Practitioners, at the NYSAIS Diversity Symposium.
Mollie Book and Rebecca Felt represented Gaynor at the International Dyslexia Association Conference, where they joined educators from around the world to learn the latest research and strategies for supporting students with dyslexia.
Sophie Nick, Emily Barnes, and Jordan Thaler at the Everyone Reading Annual Conference. Ms. Nick and Ms. Thaler teamed up with literary researcher and dyslexia specialist Dr. Brennan Chandler from Georgia State University (not pictured) to present on Unlocking Irregular Word Learning Through Spelling Practice. Dr. Chandler worked with Gaynor on a spelling research project last year and will be studying the Reading PD program and the CLC in the 2025-2026 school year.
Highlighting the R.E.A.D. Program’s Paw-sitive
Impact on NBC Nightly News Kids Edition
Since 2017, Stephen Gaynor School has welcomed therapy dog Arrow and her owner, Susan Zizmor, to campus every week as part of the R.E.A.D. Therapy Dog program. This long-standing program has provided students with a unique opportunity to strengthen their literacy skills in a supportive and engaging way.
Early this spring, NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt: Kids Edition visited Gaynor to profile the program and see how it works firsthand. The segment featured interviews with Executive Director of New York Therapy Animals Nancy George-Michalson, Arrow’s owner Susan Zizmor, Reading Specialist Kristi Evans, and several Gaynor students who have been working with Arrow this year.
R.E.A.D. stands for Reading Education Assistance Dogs and is the children’s literacy program of Intermountain Therapy Animals (ITA). The program is used in schools and libraries across the United States. In New York City, the program is affiliated with New York Therapy Animals. The R.E.A.D. program helps improve children’s reading, communication, and social skills by pairing them with registered therapy animals and their human teammates in a calm and relaxing atmosphere.
Ms. George-Michalson called attention to the special training that R.E.A.D. therapy dogs and their owners go
through in order to participate in the program. “This is not just any reading program. The R.E.A.D. Program is utilized in schools and in the New York Public Library [system]. This is a program where children are going to be actively visiting with a therapy dog who’s been trained, licensed, and insured, and will be able to sit quietly … and interact with children reading to them.”
At Gaynor, students who need extra reading practice build self-esteem and confidence by reading to Arrow, a patient listener who is calm and non-judgemental. In other words, a perfect reading companion! Reading specialist Kristi Evans highlighted the benefits of the program, explaining, “Reading to a therapy dog allows students to work at their own pace; read at their own pace. It makes the children feel safe, and when children feel safe, they feel empowered.”
Arrow and Ms. Zizmor went through months of specialized training to become R.E.A.D. certified, and Ms. Zizmor says Arrow looks forward to her visits to Gaynor each week, and gets excited when she sees her red R.E.A.D. Program bandana. Ms. Zizmor shared, “When [the students] are reading to Arrow, she’s not there to correct them. I’m not a teacher, I’m not correcting them. If they need help, I’ll certainly help them, but nine times out of ten they figure it out themselves.”
The students spoke enthusiastically about their experiences with Arrow during the NBC segment:
Aster C. in the Red Cluster explained, “Reading to Arrow really helps me because I’m next to a dog and I can pet her.”
Red Cluster student Poppy S. said, “She’s just so calm and she doesn’t bother you. She stays still and listens while you read."
Simi L. in the Red Cluster said, “I read to her every Wednesday, and sometimes when I read, time goes by fast, because I’ve been reading a lot.”
Orange Cluster student Andrew P. has been reading to Arrow for several years now, and shared his thoughtful take on the impact reading to her can have. “When I’m reading in front of a big group and I lose track of words, I always do a little ‘freak out.’ But [with Arrow] I’m just
reading to a dog so it feels much easier. Last year I got to read to her every Wednesday which was really cool. And I’ve improved a lot!”
Ms. Evans highlighted measurable improvements, saying, “They’re becoming more fluent, their decoding skills are flourishing, and most importantly we’ve seen an increase in their confidence. In fact, we get emails from parents saying all of a sudden their child wants to go home and read to their pet hamster or cat or dog. They see their children become more confident and eager to read.”
Arrow’s weekly visits will continue to make a lasting impact on Gaynor students, inspiring joy, confidence, and a love of reading—one tail wag at a time.
NYSAIS APPROVES ACCREDITATION
On May 15, Stephen Gaynor School was recommended for accreditation by the NYSAIS Commission on Accreditation and approved by the NYSAIS Board of Trustees.
NYSAIS accreditation represents the culmination of an in-depth self-study that included an exhaustive internal and external examination of all aspects of our school community including mission and culture, governance, educational program, students and student services, finance and school operations, parents, faculty and non-teaching personnel, community relations, and communications. The NYSAIS accreditation process also verifies that the school’s educational program complies with all requirements established by the New York State Board of Regents.
According to Head of School Dr. Scott Gaynor, “This achievement is the result of the collective efforts of Gaynor’s families, trustees, students, faculty, and staff, who contributed thoughtfully and generously to the self-study and hosted the visiting committee with warmth and openness. We are deeply grateful for their
commitment to Gaynor’s success. A special thanks goes to Assistant Head of School Jill Thompson and Director of Communications Deanna Ferrante for co-leading the accreditation process. This accreditation reaffirms that a Gaynor education meets the highest standards, preparing our students for lifelong success.”
Dr. Gaynor continued, “Our unwavering commitment to placing the child at the center of our work was evident in every aspect of the decennial review process. The vision of our founders, Dr. Miriam Michael and Yvette SiegelHerzog, is alive and well throughout our community. The decennial review process highlighted Gaynor’s strengths as an institution and as a community, and will act as a roadmap for future initiatives and growth.”
The NYSAIS accreditation is not just a recognition of the school’s current achievements, but also an inspiration for the future. Guided by the enduring vision of our founders and the steadfast commitment of our community, Stephen Gaynor School remains focused on unlocking the potential of every child.
The Gaynor Athletics spring season kicked off upon return from spring break with co-ed softball, track and field, and for the first time in Gaynor interscholastic athletics history, boys volleyball!
The softball team was led by coaches Stefano Sainato, David Muchnick, Kat Pearl, and Brittany Rosenberg. The coaches are so proud of the team’s success, and the growth in both individual skill and off-the-field actions displayed throughout the season by each student was truly admirable.
The track and field team was led by coaches Scott Rodriguez, Jakob Shonbrun-Siege, and Vaughn Williams, who all played a part in leading the team with various skills, drills, techniques, and helping with individual performance. Congratulations to all the participants for all their hard work and effort, and for representing Gaynor at the track meets!
Gaynor's boys volleyball team was led by coaches Andrew Prasarn and Teddy Colocotronis. The team did an excellent job kicking off this program.
We would also like to announce that Patrick Fitzgerald is stepping down as Athletic Director, and Interscholastic Athletics Coordinator Noah Jefferson will be responsible for organizing interscholastic athletics this fall. “It has been a true honor to serve in this role and to be part of your children's growth in their athletic journeys. Your support, enthusiasm, and partnership have meant a great deal to me,” Pat said in his final letter to parents of the interscholastic athletics teams. Pat will still be at Gaynor as a Physical Education Specialist, but will not facilitate interscholastic athletics.
Congratulations to all of our interscholastic athletics teams on a fantastic year. Go Gators!
Experiencing Culture in Motion with Dr. Drum
In February, members of the Gaynor community were invited to a special presentation, Cultura en Movimiento (Culture in Motion) with Jose Ortiz, also known as Dr. Drum. Presented by the BIPOC Family Affinity Group, this event celebrated Black History and Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Months by teaching the Gaynor community about the Puerto Rican music style “bomba,” and its African cultural roots. It was sure to be an educational event, but no one was ready for just how much fun it would be!
Dr. Drum was joined by members of BombaYo, with special guest Alba Hernandez, mother of Green Cluster students Valentina and Antonello
Before the group began their performance, Dr. Drum explained what he felt was most important for attendees to know. He emphasized the importance of movement, and how it better connects an audience with the culture, and the drum as a way to connect everyone as one. Dr. Drum explained that there are specific rhythms for each song in bomba, and the one the group would be playing is called a sicá rhythm.
As Dr. Drum and his fellow drummer set the rhythm of the song, some Gaynor students immediately shot out of their chairs to dance along to the beat. Dr. Drum encouraged attendees to not only feel the rhythm and connect to the culture by dancing, but also by playing the additional drums that were on the stage. Adults and children alike made their way to the stage to try their hand at the drums and add their own beat to the music.
When it was finally time for the dancing to stop and the event to end, Dr. Drum thanked the Gaynor students and community for joining in with enthusiasm, and not holding back. He advocated for drumming as a way of healing, a way to communicate, and a way to bring community together. It was clear that the Gaynor community felt closer together after this experience, and we are so thankful to Dr. Drum, BombaYo, and the Gaynor BIPOC Family Affinity Group for their participation in and orchestration of this event.
Members of BombaYo
Living Traditions: A Silver Cluster Museum
Throughout the year, Silver Cluster explored the histories and cultures of Indigenous groups across the Western Hemisphere. To culminate their learning, the cluster held an exhibition titled “Living Traditions: A Student Museum of Indigenous Culture” in the Yvette Siegel-Herzog Performing Arts Center on June 11. Each student designed and created a visual model representing a meaningful cultural practice or artifact they studied. Models ranged from architecture, to agricultural features, to record keepers, to ritual objects. Students also prepared short presentations to explain the significance of their topic and reflect on what it reveals about Indigenous ingenuity, adaptation, and perseverance.
Gaynor’s Silver Cluster historians and artists did a wonderful job showcasing their learning in this thoughtful and meaningful celebration of various cultures.
On May 2, members of the Gaynor community as well as guests at Relatives and Special Friends Day experienced this year’s SMART Faire, an annual event facilitated by the Technology Department to showcase innovative, long-term, collaborative projects that students have been working on throughout the year.
Students presented interdisciplinary projects that integrated science, math, art, and technology. This year, the gymnasium was filled with a colorful array of projects from all clusters, from the EC’s presentation on locomotion to the Green Cluster’s castle project.
Intermediate and Upper Division students were truly the stars of the show, since they devised projects based on their own personal interests and passions. The 2025 SMART Faire included projects ranging from robotics, to retro technology, to the technology of fishing lures, to jewelry crafting, to virtual reality. Students engaged in hands-on learning, applying the Design Cycle (investigate, design, create, and evaluate) to develop their projects.
Overall, the SMART Faire exemplified Stephen Gaynor School's commitment to providing an individualized and experiential learning environment, empowering students with learning differences to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Gaynor Affinity Groups: A Source of Hope and Promise for the Future
By Stella Heyliger-Mulatu, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
In affinity groups, students with historically marginalized identities learn to stand affirmatively and authentically as themselves while developing skills to communicate, share, and connect with others. In my experience, I have found that students who participate in affinity group programs feel a deeper sense of connection to the larger school community because they have been offered the space and time to be with others who share their identity and process that particular experience. What's more, affinity groups provide students with an opportunity to develop advocacy and activism skills that connect their lived experiences to the world around them.
For proof, one need not look any further than our own students in the Green and Blue Cluster Rainbow Alliance. This year, students in the Rainbow Alliance were guided by the expert leadership of our faculty facilitators — Catherine Thomas, Kaitlin McClamrock, and Brittany Rosenberg As the affinity group program has expanded over the last two years, so have the opportunities for our students to develop projects, present at Town Halls, make speeches at school events, and attend meaningful field trips.
The year began with Blue Cluster Rainbow Alliance members having the opportunity to attend the groundbreaking of the American LGBTQ+ Museum at the New York Historical Society. Invited by Seth Rosen, Gaynor parent, PA CoPresident, and Chief Development Officer of the Museum, students heard speeches by New York City politicians and celebrated this important milestone in NYC history.
In April, the Blue Cluster held a “Day of Broken Silence,” inspired by the National Day of (No) Silence. Students wanted to draw attention to the way members of the LGBTQ+ community have been and are being silenced
due to discrimination, bullying, and erasure from public life. Students also wanted to draw attention to the mental health crisis this intolerance has created amongst LGBTQ+ youth across the country. Rainbow Alliance members and allies chose to wear masks at certain points throughout the day as a visual reminder of their activism.
The Green Cluster Rainbow Alliance group learned about the ACLU “Freedom to Be” quilt, which was displayed on the National Mall in May. They were inspired to create their own beautiful panel of words and images that focused on trans rights, joy, love, and the freedom to be who you are. They bravely shared their artwork at a Green Cluster Town Hall and again at our Pride-themed Breakfast My Way event.
Both groups supported our Breakfast My Way event at the close of the school year. Students read poems, made short speeches, and shared their advocacy work. It was a moving event in large part because of the vulnerability, strength, and passion of the students. It was obvious how much the affinity group experience meant to each of them, and how much they meant to each other.
These experiences are by no means limited to the Rainbow Alliance members, and I want to congratulate the Students of Color, Neurodivergent, and Jewish Affinity Group members in the Green and Blue Clusters for a fantastic year led by Gaynor employees Rhina Allende, Debra Adams, Courtney Smotkin, Tenzin Kelsang, and Niki Goldberg. These faculty and staff members are committed to delivering our school’s mission to support students in developing “a sense of belonging,” and I am so grateful to each of them for the tremendous strides that they made this year in doing just that.
Members of the Blue Cluster Rainbow Alliance attend the groundbreaking of the American LGBTQ+ Museum
Celebrating all Kinds of Pride at sPring’s breaKfast My Ways!
Breakfast My Way is an event sponsored by the Parents’ Association to bring the Gaynor community together to learn about the breakfast traditions, holidays, and cultures of fellow Gaynor families. Usually Breakfast My Way focuses on a specific holiday or culture celebrated by members of our community, but this spring we changed things up by celebrating occasions that impact us all.
During Spirit Week in February, Breakfast My Way attendees celebrated Gaynor Pride with an explosion of green; the North Cafeteria was decorated with green and white balloons, sparkling green and gold heart garlands, and green and white donuts in the shape of the letter G. The special guests for this breakfast were the Yellow Cluster Community Service Club. Members of the club came to the breakfast to share what they love about Gaynor. They spoke about how the teachers help students, the smaller class sizes, and how they’ve been able to grow since coming to the school. One student said, “The classes are just right for me,” and another added, “This school has really helped me.”
community. Under the shade of the tent in the EC garden, newly decorated with garlands of Pride flags and rainbows, attendees helped themselves to rainbow bagels and mini rainbow cupcakes using colorful plates and utensils.
This breakfast had four host families, the largest number of host families for a Breakfast My Way since the event’s inception. The hosts included Seth Rosen and Jacob Goertz, parents of Zach in the Yellow Cluster and Gilles in the Orange Cluster; Charlene Black and Philip Trageser, parents of Marcus in the Blue Cluster; Lucy and Sean Sheridan, parents of Henry in the Blue Cluster; and Jon Neave and Nikki Tippins, parents of Mili in the Blue Cluster and Dex in the Silver Cluster. Each set of parents spoke about how welcoming the Gaynor community has been to their families and the ways their children have been inspired to live proudly.
The final student speaker ended their segment with, “I like how everybody is included and can dress how they want and feel how they want.” It was wonderful to hear directly from students how supported they feel at Gaynor. You can’t have more Gaynor pride than that!
June’s Breakfast My Way theme was Pride, as a way of celebrating Pride month and allyship for the LGBTQ+
The event also featured short speeches from many members of the Green Cluster Rainbow Alliance and Blue Cluster Rainbow Alliance. “It’s important that we keep the memory of the [activists] of the past who have spread the joy around our community alive, and how important it is to be happy and celebrate who we are as people,” said one student. This breakfast demonstrated the strength of the Gaynor community, and the ways it lifts our families up when they need it most.
SEEN AROUND CAMPUS
Spirit Week
During the Spirit Week assemblies this year, the Gaynor Gator and Jr. Gator helped pass the spirit stick to signal the start of Spirit Week! The room erupted with cheers as the Gators celebrated one of their favorite Gaynor traditions.
Names, Not Numbers
Favorite book characters
In March, the Intermediate Division went all in on their Reading Challenge, and as part of it, students (and teachers) dressed like their favorite book characters! There were costumes ranging from The Giving Tree, to Stanley Yelnats from Holes, to Percy Jackson. See if you can spot one of your favorite characters in these photos!
Gator Tank
Green Cluster students in Co-Teacher Catherine Kemm’s class pitched their own After School program ideas—from a Gaynor Swim Team to a Cooking Club—in a Shark Tank-style showcase in May! They applied persuasive writing techniques, using the Ancient Greek concepts of ethos (trust/credibility), pathos (emotional appeal), and logos (logic) to craft compelling proposals. With polished presentations, confident delivery, and authentic audience feedback, students wrapped up this project with a sense of pride and accomplishment.
On May 29, members of the Gaynor community were treated to a special screening of Names, Not Numbers, an oral history documentary project featuring interviews with Holocaust survivors. Gaynor’s Blue Cluster students participate in the yearlong project by conducting interviews and learning filmmaking techniques. Names, Not Numbers is an organization that works with schools all over the country to facilitate interviews and film Holocaust survivors for posterity. Thank you to all of the amazing Gaynor employees who helped bring the final documentary to fruition!
Blue Cluster Identity Fair
This was the second year of the Blue Cluster Identity Fair, where our Blue Cluster students proudly shared their unique identities with the entire school. Students stood by their displays of informative posters and tasty treats from their respective cultures as faculty, staff, and their fellow students weaved through the tables to learn about each one. It was a wonderful event for learning about different cultures and celebrating the diverse identities of our students!
Lei Day
In early May, students in the Hudson room were treated to a special visit from Maile P.’s mom for the Hawaiian holiday of Lei Day! She read a story about “Tutu,” a Hawaiian grandmother, and helped students make their own paper leis. May marks Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month, a time to reflect and celebrate the important roles that Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders have played in our country’s shared history.
Reading Challenge
Unlimited, together they’re unlimited! Our Lower School students absolutely crushed the Wicked Reading Challenge this year, and followed the Yellow Brick Road to earn their well-deserved ice cream reward just before classes ended for spring break.
A Memorable Relatives and Special Friends Day
On May 2, Stephen Gaynor School opened its doors to nearly 500 guests for its annual Relatives and Special Friends Day, a Gaynor tradition in which guests are welcomed into the school to witness Gaynor’s mission at work. From choral performances and an alumni panel, to a visit to the SMART Faire, visitors were in for a treat!
After enjoying coffee in the EC Garden, guests were directed into the Yvette Siegel-Herzog Performing Arts Center for the start of the day’s program. Head of School Dr. Scott Gaynor welcomed everyone in and spoke about the hallmarks of a Gaynor education saying, “We teach students how to learn, not just what to learn. We provide them with the tools and strategies they need to manage their workload, set goals, and stay focused. We create a supportive and inclusive learning environment where students feel safe taking risks, asking questions, and celebrating their successes.”
would you tell your eight-year-old self?” Aden said, “I would be telling my eight-year-old self that going here is really going to change your life. I would be nowhere without [the school], I gave my first paycheck that I ever made to Gaynor.” That final comment drew a chorus of heartfelt “aww’s” from the crowd!
Guests were treated to performances by the Yellow and Silver Cluster choruses. The performances included a beautiful tribute to Gaynor’s CoFounder Yvette Siegel-Herzog that left the audience teary-eyed.
Following the formal program, guests were sent in groups to either the SMART Faire or to their student’s classroom. Activities in the classrooms included Bingo, Jeopardy, quiltmaking, and presentations from students about what they’ve learned so far this year. The students were excited to see their guests and show off their amazing projects!
The morning and afternoon sessions each included a panel of alumni. (For the full list of alumni panelists, see page 37.) During the panel, Aden Wiener '13 spoke about his time at Gaynor. In response to the question “What
Visitors left this year's Relatives and Special Friends Day with smiles on their faces and an understanding of how students live Gaynor’s mission every day.
OUT FOR DELIVERY: A LETTER FROM THE PINK CLUSTER POST OFFICE!
May 15 marked the grand opening of the Pink Cluster Post Office! Taking place in the Yvette Siegel-Herzog Performing Arts Center, the Pink Cluster Post Office was full of visitors waiting their turn at different stations spread throughout the space, all with the goal of mailing letters to members of the Gaynor community.
As part of the Pink Cluster's social studies curriculum, students learn about various community helpers in the neighborhood community. After focusing on the "goods" and/or "services" that community helpers provide, students also learn that community helpers do not work alone, but rather work in teams called "businesses." To explore the idea of what a business is, the Pink Cluster visited a local post office. “On their field trip they learned that mail carriers work with other community helpers (e.g., clerk, monitor, processor, sorter), and this enables the business to effectively collect and deliver mail in our neighborhood community because everyone has a job they are in charge of,” said Pink Cluster Head Teacher Morgan Conlon. The students mirrored the different community helpers that make up a business in the stations within the Pink Cluster Post Office.
As visitors entered the post office in the PAC, they were greeted and handed a map of the post office’s layout. After supplies were purchased at the first station, it was time to move to the next, where Pink Cluster postal workers helped address letters. Student visitors had their letters written and ready to go into envelopes; for employees visiting, this was also the station where they could write their letters.
After each letter was properly addressed and placed into an envelope, it was time to move to the processing station. Postal workers at the processing station sealed the envelope, and then marked it with a sticker saying “N” or “S” for North Building or South Building. Then it was on to the inspection station, where postal workers made sure the letters were addressed correctly, stamped, and sealed. Once everything was inspected and any problems were swiftly taken care of, the inspector stamped the letter with a check mark, and it was time for the letter to be mailed! Visitors could drop their letters in the mailbox on the PAC’s stage, and postal workers gathered the letters and placed them in bins for sorting.
Finally, after the letters were sorted and ready to be delivered, a postal worker would place them in a cart to wheel around Gaynor's campus. Deliveries were made quickly and efficiently!
Through creating their own Gaynor “neighborhood business," Pink Cluster students used their math and reading skills, followed multi-step instructions, and experienced the importance of community helpers working together. The Pink Cluster Post Office ran smoothly, and the postal workers did a great job at directing visitors, selling supplies, administering instructions, checking their envelopes, and delivering letters. One Gaynor employee remarked, “This was the best experience at the post office I’ve ever had!”
Yellow Cluster Art Showcase
In celebration of our students’ creativity and artistic achievements this year, the Arts team at Gaynor created two occasions for the students to showcase their hard work on projects from throughout the year.
The Yellow Cluster Arts Showcase, held in the Yvette Siegel-Herzog Performing Arts Center, took place on June 3. Visitors were welcomed into the space by the fine arts projects, including sculptures and the physical components of stop-motion animation projects that would be screened in just a few minutes. As Yellow
Cluster parents and peers took their seats, the Yellow Cluster Chorus Club began their renditions of “Someday” and “Wonder Woman.” Following the moving choral performance, the lights dimmed for the world premiere of Yellow Cluster’s student-produced Stop-Motion Animation Shorts. In small groups, students had designed, created, and executed short stories using paper cutouts. It was an impressive display, and Art Specialist Layce Boswell expressed how proud she was of the students for their teamwork, and letting their creativity shine.
Boswell introducing the students’ presentations
Ms.
Green Cluster Gallery Night
The Green Cluster Gallery Night was held on June 2 in the Yvette Siegel-Herzog Performing Arts Center. Over the past semester, Green Cluster students had explored both fine arts and photography. They built technical skills in Photoshop and video editing software, developed their personal artistic voices, and learned how to present their work to others. Each student exhibited one photograph
and one visual artwork, including paintings, collages, sculptures, and more. Their vibrant and imaginative creations were on full display in the PAC, as well as their proud smiles. Photography Teacher Tim Jalbert and Art Specialist Lucy Villeneuve were present at the gallery night to help facilitate presentations, and show attendees just how impressed they were with their students.
Mr. Jalbert and Ms. Villeneuve
Blue Cluster Takes D.C.
In April the Blue Cluster took their biannual trip to Washington, D.C. Dressed in matching shirts with Gaynor’s own play on the DC Comics logo, students were ready for what was sure to be a “monumental” trip. On the first day they visited the National Mall, hitting the Smithsonian National Museum of American History first. Each student had a favorite artifact in the museum—the original Star Spangled Banner, Dorothy's red ruby slippers, or Lin-Manuel Miranda's outfit from Hamilton to name a few. In the evening, the entire cluster gathered at the Lincoln Memorial with blue glowsticks to gaze over the reflecting pool (and take plenty of group
photos). On day two, students headed to the National Mall again to visit the various museums and galleries until it was time for their boat tour on the Potomac. The cruise included not only dinner with a view, but a dance party complete with a DJ on board. Students danced the evening away before it was time for bed.
The DC trip is always a huge hit with the students. They not only get to explore more of the history they’ve been learning about in class, but they make lasting memories with their peers and teachers. Graduating students always list it as one of their favorite memories!
Green Cluster Finds the Trail’s End
May marked the annual trip to Trail’s End for the Green Cluster. The weather forecasted a rainy couple of days, but the Green Cluster wasn’t going to let that keep them from having a blast. Upon arriving at the camp and setting up bunks, students immediately jumped into their planned activities; highlights included STEM Balloon Car building, indoor basketball, and a Ninja challenge. After dinner there was even an indoor s’mores bar for dessert! After a night of late-night whispers and a strategic pillow fight, students were up in the morning for a few more activities before they headed back to Gaynor. The Trail’s End overnight trip is always a wonderful bonding experience for our Green Cluster students, and a treasured memory of their time together before they move on to the Blue Cluster.
Spring Carnival
On Sunday, May 18, over 600 members of the Gaynor community came together for a day filled with laughter, excitement, and joy at the 2025 Spring Carnival. Current students and their families mingled with incoming families as well as faculty and staff families, as all enjoyed a variety of fun activities.
From a giant inflatable obstacle course in the gym, to claw machines in the North Cafeteria, to carnival games and face painting on the playdeck, to more inflatables in the Field House, to virtual reality games in the PAC, and an immersive photo booth in the South Lobby, there was so much to explore! For anyone who needed a quiet getaway, the EC Garden was transformed into a bubble garden, and those in search of a snack break could find whatever they might desire in the South Building cafeteria. Once everyone was re-energized, it was on to the next station!
What a wonderful way to celebrate Gaynor together!
High School Musical Jr.
“We’re all in this together!” sings the cast and crew of this year’s spring musical, High School Musical Jr., during their ending number. And what a team effort it was!
Led by Directors Meredith Akins, Jackie Glazer, Lauren Keffler, and Abby Shuppy, the cast numbered over 40 students, supported by a behind-the-scenes crew of several dozen students who acted as stage managers and set designers. The production began rehearsals in early October, and ran throughout the academic year, culminating in final performances on May 8 and 9, 2025.
High School Musical Jr. takes place at East High School, and focuses on Troy Bolton (Cole Pally) and Gabriella Montez (Simone Giagrande), two students who are caught between what they have always done, and what they want to do. Troy is the captain of the basketball team and Gabriella is an academically gifted transfer student, but after both discover their passion for singing, the school is turned upside down by their deviation from East High’s rigid cliques. As callbacks for the spring musical approach, Troy and Gabriella must figure out if they can let go of their fears and explore this new part of themselves.
In addition to the production cast and crew, a team of student artists worked with Art Specialist Lucy Villeneuve on sets that would transport the audience to East High,
home of the Wildcats. Tapping into the diverse talents of our faculty and staff, Gaynor employees Reanna Barboza and Alanis Gomez assisted the production team with sound and lighting design.
In the program for the musical, the Directors thanked the audience members, “for supporting our Green and Blue students as they worked as an ensemble to create this wonderful theatrical experience.” After detailing the many benefits of participating in the arts, they said, “The Directors are confident that we created a space for students to use these elements positively and meaningfully!”
Go Wildcats!
Cast List
ADULTS
Bella Lieberman Ms. Darbus
Kevin Velazquez Coach Bolton
BRAINIACS
Margaret Bowker Jill Scott
Brianna Borbon Martha Cox
Annabel Burguieres Brainiac
Zoey Chuard Brainiac
Lila Foley Brainiac
Simone Giagrande Gabriella Montez
Oliver Jacoby Jack Scott
Yael Levy Kratnoff
Alexia Round Moderator
Jojo Sanborn Taylor McKessie
Lokaya Shetty Brainiac
Alexa Silver Ms. Tenny
JOCKS & CHEERLEADERS
Angelina Adorno Cheerleader
Tate Holden Jock
Kathryn Lundy Cheerleader
Ligaya Malalis Cheerleader
Ella Martin Cheerleader
Paul Murray Zeke Baylor
Mili Neave Chad Danforth
Cole Pally Troy Bolton
Teddy Rossi Jock
Chaia Schechter Cheerleader
Jayden Shami Jock
Hazel Swinson Cheerleader
SKATERS
Marcus Black Mongo
Sonya Goldberg Skater
Julian Mason-Samuels Skater
Zeno Smith Ripper
Alec Wolfeld Skater
THESPIANS
Andreas Bakos James
Lila Bishins Cyndra
Bella Caiazza Thespian
Leila Feldman Thespian
Summer Greenfield Thespian
Karlie Han Thespian
Avalon Rubenstein Sharpay Evans
Maya Rubin Kelsi Nielsen
Penelope Tsibiridis Susan
Mina Young Thespian
Tobey Winn Ryan Evans
Stage Managers - Grace Kansfield, Nick O’Donnell, Britt Pearson, Henry Sheridan, Zeno Smith
Set Design Class - Gretchen Colier, Grace Kansfield, Nate Lee, Bella Lieberman, Chaia Schechter, Kai
Sharaby-Swartz, Tate Tompkins, Maddie Trever, Kevin Velazquez
Celebrating the Class of 2025
After several events devoted to celebrating their accomplishments, members of the Class of 2025 are officially Gaynor alumni. On June 12, graduating students joined with their families and Gaynor faculty and staff members to celebrate together at the traditional Graduate Breakfast in the Yvette SiegelHerzog Performing Arts Center. Art Specialist Lucy Villeneuve was the faculty speaker this year, and her message to the graduates was, “As you begin your next adventure, wherever you're heading, my advice is simple. Jump in and just doodle.” She continued, “Surround yourself with good people who like blank pages. Being curious is always better than being right. And if you see an opportunity to improve something, challenge it, make it better, because every masterpiece starts with a doodle.”
The Class of 2025 gathered the next afternoon on June 13 for their formal graduation ceremony, held at the W83 Ministry Center on the Upper West Side. The graduation speakers spoke of the profound personal change that students experience at Gaynor— academically, socially, and emotionally. Students arrive uncertain, and leave self-aware and confident, thanks to faculty and staff who provide an individualized education and to a community in which every student is seen and valued for who they are.
Head of School Dr. Scott Gaynor with this year’s parent speaker Lori Bernstein (left) and alumni speaker Stephanie Brown '13
Student speaker Bella Lieberman addresses the crowd
Chair of the Board of Trustees Megan Hogan welcomed the graduates, family, friends, and faculty members in the audience to the ceremony, and acknowledged that as her own son Jackson approaches his Gaynor graduation next year, the ceremonies become ever more poignant.
Head of School Dr. Scott Gaynor then introduced this year’s student speaker, Bella Lieberman. Bella shared a heartfelt reflection of her journey to and through Gaynor, from struggling with dyslexia and feeling isolated at her previous school, to rediscovering her love of reading and finding lifelong friendships at Gaynor.
Bella said, “My time at Gaynor has been transformative, challenging, and unforgettable. We’ve made lasting memories: whether on school trips, during sports, in the musical, or playing overly competitive volleyball during recess. When I arrived here, I couldn’t imagine ever reading at my grade level. Today, I’m reading above it. I once feared I would never find close friends, but now I stand here, looking out at faces I’ll never forget, knowing I’ve made lifelong connections.”
Bella also acknowledged her friend and classmate Boston Grimm-Stibel, who died in the summer of 2022. Many of the graduates and Dr. Gaynor wore maple leaves from the tree planted in
Boston’s honor at Gaynor. As she closed her speech, Bella said, “And to Boston, we miss you, we love you, and we wish you were here today.”
Lori Bernstein, mother of graduating student Jack Bernstein, gave a moving tribute to the transformative impact of Stephen Gaynor School and celebrated the resilience of the Class of 2025.
She described how Jack started at Gaynor in the fall of 2020, a time of great uncertainty due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Lori said, “What he found here was remarkable: a school that stayed open for in-person learning while most were alternating schedules or just trying to hold it together. For our kids, that consistency meant everything. For us parents, it wasn’t just a relief—it was a lifeline. During a time when so much felt uncertain, Gaynor gave our children stability, purpose, and a place to belong.”
Lori also touched on a thread that connected many of the speeches this year, the memory and legacy of Gaynor CoFounder Yvette Siegel-Herzog. She said, “From our very first meeting with Yvette—who read Jack like a book—we knew Gaynor was different. She understood him in a way that felt like both science and magic. And that’s really what Gaynor is: a place of joy, possibility, and daily magic.”
Board of Trustees Chair Megan Hogan opens the ceremony
After the ceremony: newly graduated Nava Kozuch-Mulvaney poses for a photo with her family, including her sister Tova '24
Alumni speaker Stephanie Brown is a member of the Class of 2013. After Gaynor, she attended Birch Wathen Lenox, and graduated from the University of Michigan in 2018. She is currently the Communication Coordinator and Community Liaison for NY State Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon. Stephanie’s speech centered on the metaphor of climbing a staircase to illustrate her personal journey of growth at Gaynor, highlighting how the school’s unwavering support empowered her to overcome challenges, believe in herself, and carry those lessons into adulthood.
Stephanie said, “When I was diagnosed with dyslexia and a language processing disorder, I was told I could either stay at my school, working with a tutor every day, or attend
Gaynor, a school I had never heard of before. I didn’t fully understand what it meant to have a learning disability; I just knew I was leaving behind my friends and everything familiar. Standing at the base of the staircase, I was unsure how I’d ever reach the top. But step by step, Gaynor helped me climb.”
She addressed the graduates directly, saying, “Whatever steps you take next, know this: you’re not starting from the bottom, you’ve already been climbing. Those lessons I learned at Gaynor stayed with me, not just through high school and college, but into my career.”
Before he invited the graduates to walk across the stage to receive their diplomas, Dr. Gaynor honored Ms. Siegel's legacy, saying, “I have been incredibly fortunate to learn so much from Yvette over the thirty years I had the privilege to work with her. But among the many profound lessons she imparted, one of the most enduring and valuable lessons I learned is simply this: to listen—to truly listen to all our students, to their unique voices, their struggles, and their triumphs
throughout their journey with us. And to all our students and families, what you have taught us this year, through your courage to be authentically yourselves, your unwavering honesty, and your profound empathy, is deeply and profoundly inspiring.”
Dr. Gaynor shared three powerful student stories that reflect Gaynor’s core values. One in particular centered around a “life imitating art” experience with cast members in this year’s spring musical, “High School Musical Jr.” Just as in the musical, members of the cast were also members of one of Gaynor's athletics teams. But unlike the musical, in a true display of teamwork and balance, Gaynor students seamlessly resolved a scheduling conflict between the school play and a volleyball game—showing up, supporting one another, and proving that at Gaynor, inclusion and cooperation come naturally.
2025 AWARD WINNERS
PRESIDENT’S EDUCATION AWARD
Simone Giagrande
YVETTE SIEGEL-HERZOG COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD
Lila Bishins
Grace Kansfield
ATTORNEY GENERAL TRIPLE C AWARD
Quinn Geisler
Violet Wells
DR. MIRIAM MICHAEL AWARD FOR MATH AND SCIENCE
Mili Neave
Jojo Sanborn
GORDON GAYNOR AWARD
Josiah Davis
After describing this particular event, Dr. Gaynor said, “Our students at Gaynor exemplified the true spirit of ‘we are all in this together,’ embracing each other's diverse talents and passions without judgment. This profound acceptance of who you are, and equally, of who others are, naturally leads to another powerful Gaynor trait: one that empowers not only oneself but also inspires and uplifts others. We take immense pride in our students’ remarkable ability to advocate for themselves.”
As the Class of 2025 bids farewell to Gaynor, they carry with them the confidence borne from overcoming challenges, the lifelong support of a community that truly sees and values them, and the courage to advocate for themselves and others as they continue climbing toward their future.
THE CLASS OF 2025 WILL BE MATRICULATING AT THE FOLLOWING SCHOOLS THIS FALL
Bay Ridge Prep
Birch Wathen Lenox School
Calhoun School
Churchill School and Center
Cooke School
Dwight School
Dwight-Englewood School
Eagle Hill School
Edward R. Murrow High School
Ethical Culture Fieldston School
Forman School
Kimball Union Academy (NH)
Lake Park High School (IL)
Little Red Elizabeth Irwin
Mary McDowell Friends School
The Masters School
Northfield Mount Hermon
Severna Park Middle School (MD)
Weston High School (CT)
Winston Prep
Yeshiva Prep High School
York Prep School
Members of our Gaynor alumni will be matriculating to the following colleges and universities in Fall 2025 (as of June 30). These alumni are from Gaynor’s Class of 2020 and Class of 2021, many of whom attended our welcome back event in May for Gaynor alumni graduating high school in 2025. We are so proud of all of our alumni!
Relatives & Special Friends Day
For this year’s Relatives & Special Friends Day, Gaynor alumni sat on panels that helped inform our visitors about students’ journeys at Gaynor, and the outcomes they can achieve. The alumni for the morning session’s panel included Jolie Landau ’21, Kai Arpels-Josiah ’21, and Jaclyn Trachtenberg ’09. The alumni on the panel for the afternoon session included Olivia Beal ’21, Lily Malewich ’12, and Jack Levy ’15. Aden Wiener ’13 was on both panels.
We always love to see our alumni back on campus, whether for an event, a panel, or a short visit during the school day. This spring, we held three different events that highlighted our alumni and the great things they’ve been up to in the years after they left Gaynor’s halls.
Alumni Welcome Back
On May 20, we welcomed Gaynor alumni back to campus for an event held in their honor. Gaynor alumni graduating high school in 2025 were invited to celebrate their upcoming graduation with their former classmates, families, and the Gaynor teachers and staff that they had shared memories with all those years ago. Attendees included alumni from the Class of 2020 and the Class of 2021, and their parents.
Panel for Blue Cluster
As our Blue Cluster students were nearing their graduation day, several Gaynor alumni visited as members of a panel to share their experiences transitioning from Gaynor to their next school, and their advice for high school for our soon-to-be graduates. Members of the panel were Jolie Landau ’21, Zach Mastrodimos ’21, Tyler Tang ’18, Justin Johnson ’20, and Holly Rosen ’18.
A Fun-filled Field Day!
Cheers to another successful Field Day! Students took to the field on Randall’s Island in June for a day of athletic activities. Dressed in green and white t-shirts, students played games to win points for their assigned team. From relays, to soccer, to Ultimate Catch with rubber chickens, students had a great time playing a variety of games full of strategy, teamwork, and most importantly, fun! Both teams played their hardest, but the team dressed in white was victorious. Shoutout to our Physical Education team for planning the day’s activities, and the Facilities team for helping set up.
STUDENT SHOUT OUTS
Blue Cluster student Avalon Rubenstein starred as Elsa in the 92Y production of Frozen opposite her twin sister who played Anna.
Green Cluster student Anderson Farkas is a champion table tennis player! He wakes up early to practice and travels to tournaments, often playing against adults. This spring, Anderson won the USATT Northeast Regionals in his division (U1250) in table tennis!
Back in October of 2024, Green Cluster student Marcus Broser took on a justice project as part of becoming a Bar Mitzvah. He committed to running 180 miles by June of this year to help raise money for the Garden of Dreams Foundation. Marcus is a huge sports fan and loves cheering on the Knicks and Rangers and wanted a way to share his love of sports with others. Marcus surpassed both his mileage goals and his fundraising goals!
On May 18, Blue Cluster student TJ Levy achieved a Black Belt promotion in karate. In first grade, he decided he wanted to be a Black Belt and after seven years of training he made it happen!
Cluster student Elide DeChristopher won 2 bronze medals at the Empire State Winter games for the U11 Girls
this spring.
Silver Cluster student Caeli Dousa’s debate team pair won best debate in the Jack & Jill Gavel Club final debate
Yellow
Moguls.
SPREADING THE JOY OF READING WITH GAYNOR’S NEW LITTLE FREE LIBRARY
As part of the school’s ongoing efforts to promote literacy in the community, Gaynor has added a Little Free Library outside of our 89th Street entrance. This nonprofit, free book exchange program encourages anyone in the community to use the library by donating or taking a book.
On April 17, Gaynor’s Yellow Cluster Community Service Club planned a special dedication ceremony for school administrators and City Council Member Gale Brewer. Now that the library is installed in its permanent home, the club members will
help promote and maintain it. If you are in our neighborhood, please stop by and pick up or drop off a book!
A very special thanks to Art Specialist Lucy Villeneuve for beautifully decorating the library, Director of Facilities Galo Macias and the Facilities team for installing it, Yellow Cluster Head Teacher Jamie Zaslav and Director of Lower Division Donna Logue for their leadership of the Community Service Club, and to Gaynor Trustee Jillian Marcus for the idea to bring this community library to our school.
City Council Member Gale Brewer
Special Gaynor bookmarks for the books inside the Little Free Library!
