Sentinel tribute 2009

The Sentinel

St. Luke’s School New Canaan, CT

Inside This Issue...

Mr. Andelman Dr. Bierly Mrs. Brightwell Mr. Cantrick Mr. Dolan Ms. Gabriele Mr. Izzo Ms. Stuart Mr. Thieret Mr. Terbell

June 2009

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Tribute Mr. Cantrick

Always the first at school and one of the last to leave, Mr. Cantrick has been such an astounding member of the St. Luke’s community for the past 34 years that it is nearly impossible to imagine our school without him. Mr. Cantrick is one of those extremely rare teachers who truly impacts the lives of his students. In his time here, Mr. Cantrick has been involved in so many different aspects of St. Luke’s: from advising the Model Congress and debate clubs to teaching the most prestigious honors English class at the school. The honors sophomore English class taught

by Mr. Cantrick is widely recognized as the most challenging and intellectually stimulating course offered at St. Luke’s.

I would know. I was one of the lucky thirteen sophomores who spent last year trying to grasp literary theory. It was clear from the first day of class that Mr. Cantrick was incredibly passionate about what he taught and, in turn, each of us, his students, became passionate about the class as well.

By the end of the year, I learned to be much more self-aware and I was able to leave behind some of the biases with which I had previously viewed literature, and life.

But Mr. Cantrick did not just touch the lives of his few English students; he took on college counseling with the same fervor that he approached literary theory with. During the stressful period of college applications, Mr. Cantrick would calm and reassure his advisees with his wealth of knowledge about the college process. In fact, Mr. Cantrick has amassed so much expertise about college applications that as Mrs. Doran says, “Anything Mr. Cantrick does not know about the college process does not need to be known.”

Though, as I’m sure you can tell, Mr. Cantrick is an inspiring teacher and a phenomenal college counselor, he will be remembered for more than just his work in the classroom and office. Each of his students and advisees agree that the most special quality of Mr. Cantrick is that he cares so much about his students and

advisees, not just as students, but as people.

When working with Mr. Cantrick, whether in the classroom or office, you always could feel that he truly wants you to succeed. By challenging and encouraging his students, Mr. Cantrick always raised the bar. He brought out the very best in every one of the students that he interacted with.

Next year, St. Luke’s will lose a valued member in Mr. Cantrick. We will miss him sorely, but we wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors in Portland, Oregon. And even after he leaves, Mr. Cantrick’s legacy will live on in his students, those still at St. Luke’s and those who have graduated. I think I speak for everyone who has ever known him in saying that I will never forget Mr. Cantrick. Thank you, Mr. Cantrick, we will remember you always.

June 2009

Dr. Bierly

When thinking of Doctor Bierly, one thing instantly comes to mind. That is his incredible passion for everything he does in and out of school. It is impossible for Doc to take up anything without giving it his absolute best effort.

Of course, he is the most dedicated to teaching Chemistry. I had the pleasure of having Doc two years in a row and I have not met too many other teachers that are as knowledgeable in their subject area as Doc is, for he knows absolutely anything and everything relating to the subject of Chemistry. His great knowledge and passion especially shone through during his lessons and he was always more than willing to give extra help and would sit with me for as long as it took for me to understand the material. His class preparation was much greater than anybody could ever expect from a teacher, for he spent time each day before class making up answer sheets for us where he would work out each of the Homework problems from the previous night’s assignment to make sure that we could all understand how to do the problems. This is more than could be expected from any teacher, but Doc was willing to go above and beyond to make sure that we succeeded.

However, Doc also has many passions outside of school. The most import of which, of course, being the Civil War. Nothing better illustrates Doc’s dedication to everything he does than his love for learning about the Civil War. When Doc was in high school (I believe), he discovered his love for the Civil War. (Note: Mr. Flachsbart thinks Doc was actually in the Civil War in high school.) Ever since, he has spent much of his free time learning more about it. In fact, outside of Chemistry, pretty much the only books that Doc reads are books about the Civil War. He is actually so dedicated to the subject that he spends some of his weekends back in the 1860s at reenactments. When he is

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June 2009

Bierly from pg. 2 at reenactments, Doc transforms himself entirely into a Union Soldier, taking special care to ensure that nothing he does or wears is inappropriate for the time period. In fact, Doc has a second pair of glasses that he wears to reenactments in order to be as authentic as he possibly can. Talk about dedication!

Most other people could never take such great care to pay that close attention to detail, but that is just the type of person that Doc is. Doc has taught all of us the valuable lesson that we must put our all into everything we do in life. Most importantly, though, Doc has taught us all the value of knowledge and learning. He was able to take a subject that he initially did not know very much about, but was interested in, and now he knows practically everything anybody could about it. I also have to thank Doc for helping me to recognize my love for the subject of Science. Before tenth grade, I really didn’t know at all what my favorite subject was.

After being in Doc’s class for a little while, though, I really learned to like Chemistry and Science as a whole. For that, I will always be grateful. However, what I think I will always remember most about Doc though, besides his cat, is his kind nature in and out of the classroom. Having a locker in the Science wing, I spent a lot of time there and I could always hear Doc coming from a mile away, saying “hi” to people and making jokes with them. Doc was always a great friend to me and I know that he will always remain a very special friend to all of us.

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Tribute Mr. Terbell

Mr. Thieret

Mr. Terbell’s tenure at St. Luke’s dates back to 1993 when he joined the faculty as a member of the math department, teaching Algebra I, II and Geometry. It was in 1997 that Mr. Terbell joined the college counseling department, and in 2000 that he became a full-time college counselor.

“I think I began working with him in 1997. During that time, I grew to respect and admire his professionalism as a counselor. He’s very good at understanding the personalities of his students, and because of this, was able to help them find the schools at which they belong. Joe’s experience on multiple levels of college counseling was an invaluable asset to the counseling program,” says Mr. Cantrick, Mr. Terbell’s college counseling colleague of 12 years.

As if teaching us math and getting us into college wasn’t enough for Mr. Terbell, he’s also been an advisor to ninth and tenth graders this year. It saddens us all to know that Mr. Terbell will be leaving next year. He was truly one of the kindest members of the faculty. I was sincerely touched when I asked him if he had a minute to answer some questions for this article, he replied “For you, Alex, I have many minutes”.

In fact, when I asked him what he’d miss most about St. Luke’s, he said that he would miss us, the students (as well as, he said, some teachers): getting to advise and counsel us.

When asked what his plans for the future were, Mr. Terbell said that he hopes to continue to teach and counsel in a more relaxed setting. “I’m not retiring!” he explained. The Sentinel wishes “Mr. T” good luck in his future endeavors.

Our mouths agape, our minds churning, the puzzled looks on our faces… we all squirmed in horror in the beginning.

Biology, the study of life: How much broader can a subject get? Understanding such a topic is a daunting task at all ages, and in every single one of Mr. Thieret’s classes, from preliminary bio to AP, we grappled with this problem day in and day out (did I mention the puzzled looks on our faces?). But, this enigmatic and intelligent creature, kingdom Animalia, phylum Chordata, class Mammalia, order Primates, family Hominidae, genus Homo, species Homo Sapiens, organism Thieret made our struggles our strengths. For example, I probably couldn’t have told you the correct order of any of those terms had I not been a student of his. He’ll even rattle off the hysterical mnemonic if you’d like.

From the second I sat down in my chair the first day, nearly every minute of his class has been a wild and crazy ride. Through dissection, discourse, and directionless discussion, he’s taught me nearly everything I know about Biology.

Mr. Thieret effortlessly channeled his passion for science not only in our highenergy and fast-paced classes but in the quieter times I’ve spent with him simply talking in the science office or before class.

Rarely do you encounter a teacher more knowledgeable, more conversational, and easier to get along with than Mr. Thieret.

I’ll always value our conversations and the information he has imparted, as that is when I’ve truly gotten to know him as a teacher, a scientist, and phenomenal human being.

It is sad to see so many amazing teachers leaving the hilltop this year, particularly because Mr. Thieret is one of them. Regardless of how cliché it seems, I honestly believe that I will never forget him, and how could I? His methods and madness (and everything in between) have brightened my day ever since I became a tenant of the science office and a student

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Tribute Thieret from pg. 3

of his. The office is going to feel mighty empty without him. Mr. Thieret brought life to the subject of biology (no pun intended) in a wholly unique and magical way. He was our madcap maestro of molecular science, not to mention the go-to-guy on all things strange and unusual, letting out a bark of laughter and a witty quip whenever someone would point out something particularly fascinating or scientifically amusing. He handles science in a “tactile” way, encouraging us to poke, prod, and challenge established ideas and concepts as if he literally had them in the palm of his hands, ready to launch them into our midst. So even though you’re headed off across the pond, Mr. T, your natural habitat will always be on the hilltop, sitting beside Mitchell in his blue armchair and sharing his passion for science.

Mr. Dolan

In 2003, Mr. Dolan joined St. Luke’s as a 5th grade teacher. It was from this point that he became an integral part of the community. It’s common knowledge that the 5th grade teachers have an important role to play, as 5th graders are very impressionable and often remain at the school for the duration of their secondary school years. Mr. Dolan was part of this crucial team, bringing life and critical thinking to the classroom and beyond.

A native of Ireland, Mr. Dolan brought to St. Luke’s not only a well-defined excellence, but also a caring mindset for all of his students and colleagues. Perhaps this is due to his extensive education at some of Ireland’s most prestigious universities, and heartening life experiences; but all

can agree that his amiable demeanor and distinctive Irish accent make the learning process very enjoyable.

As Mr. Dolan spent more time with the St. Luke’s community, he saw an area that he felt needed his guidance to strengthen. Mr. Dolan applied his compassionate and thoughtful attitude towards teaching the youngest St. Luke’s students in another way: computer science.

In a growing world full of complex technology, educating young people on the ins and outs of computers has grown into an imperative part of the education process.

Mr. Dolan began teaching 5th, 6th, and 7th graders how to use the software of the present and future on both the Macintosh and Windows platforms. Through creative and fun projects designed by Mr. Dolan, students accumulated the skills necessary to succeed in the digital world.

His talents don’t begin and end in the education field, however. Mr. Dolan previously worked as an analyst for a technology-based Fortune 1000 company in the United States. He has directed myriad middle school drama productions, offering more of his creative side to St. Luke’s.

All in all, Mr. Dolan is a prominent man in his field. He creates an engaging atmosphere that promotes learning and creativity as a vital aspect of the education process. The St. Luke’s community will miss him, and certainly will not forget the contributions he’s made to the school.

June 2009

Ms. Stuart If you were here in eighth grade, chances are you had Ms. Stuart as your English teacher. Maybe you remember the trip to DC, where she ran around the spy museum like a little kid, so excited to become a secret agent for the day. Or the ceremonial burial of the Edgar Allan Poe doll on October 7th, complete with the story of his life and death, and a makeshift coffin, where Poe would lie until January 19th, when he would be resurrected once again. Then of course, in the winter, there was the epic Declamation project, where every student picked an important person from history to research and then write and present a speech in front of teachers, parents, and most importantly, the secret panel of judges. I remember working with Ms. Stuart for weeks on end, during class and X-period, until my speech was perfect.

It was during this time that Ms. Stuart was most excited, reveling in the playful competition between Mr. James, and then Mr. Izzo.

And one can’t forget the incredible syllabus for Ms. Stuart’s English 8 class, with the likes of Orwell’s Animal Farm, Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451, and Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird. A student didn’t just learn to write a decent thesis paper, or how to decipher a predicate adjective versus a predicate nominative, Ms. Stuart also taught you how to think and challenge government and social oppression.

During her six years here at St. Luke’s, Ms. Stuart taught 7th, 8th , 9th, and 12th grade English, and coached 7/8th grade Field Hockey and Girls Varsity Lacrosse.

With just one glance inside her colorful classroom, Ms. Stuart’s interests and passions are obvious: Martha’s Vineyard, athletics (skiing and field hockey, to be specific), and sharks, just to name a few.

But perhaps the largest chunk of wall is dedicated to the ‘Advisory Wall.’

With nine students, it is possibly the largest advisory in the school. And

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June 2009

Stuart from pg. 4

with good reason. Out of all of her various responsibilities at SLS, Ms. Stuart probably considers her role as an advisor as the most important. The giant advisory wall, as well as the cabinet full of treats, and the provisional Secret Santa Stockings (plastic Ziploc baggies) stapled to the bulletin board caused her eight graders whisper “Yeah, you can’t even get into her advisory anymore, not even if you request it!” I should know, I was one of them.

Ms. Stuart has made a huge impact on my, and I’m sure many others’, times here at St. Luke’s. She was there for me on countless occasions, whether I was freaking out about a bad test score or stressing over friends, or if I just wanted to hang out and talk about hairstyles. And I can honestly say that she is one of the most important people in my life.

I know that the St. Luke’s community, and certainly I, will miss her greatly during the next school year. We all wish you luck, success and happiness in your next endeavors, Ms. Stuart!

Tribute Mrs. Brightwell

Mrs. Brightwell has actually departed at St. Luke’s already after being here for four wonderful years. She was the Middle School Counselor, and always had her door open to anyone who needed her. She left the school in order to devote her time to being a full-time mom, to the child she is expecting any day now, and we wish her the best with her new baby. Mrs. Brightwell has been a very special teacher at this school, and even now we will miss her greatly.

Mr. Andelman Another member of the faculty leaving St. Luke’s this summer is Mr. Andelman. A chemistry teacher, he is headed to Georgetown Medical School in the fall. His year-long stop at St. Luke’s was always meant to be a “one-yeargig” on an internship basis. On top of teaching C h e m i s t r y, Mr. Andelman was heavily involved in the Athletic Department, as he coached the 7th/8th grade soccer team, the thirds basketball team, and the thirds baseball team.

He was lauded by his fellow teachers for his independence, intelligence, and individual motivation, and the general consensus is

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that the teaching profession will miss him dearly.

Mr. Andelman himself says that he really enjoyed his time on the Hilltop and that he wishes everyone here the best, especially his students whom he regrets not being able to watch grow up. St. Luke’s as a whole wishes him the best of luck next year as a Medical student at Georgetown.

Mr. Izzo ` Mr. Izzo, a middle school English teacher, will be leaving to go to University of Minnesota to study medieval history.

According to Mr. Izzo, it was a toss-up between studying history and studying English, but Mr. Flachsbart has ruined English for him. He has taught at SLS for three years full time and part time in the middle school fifth grade for a year before that. He has also coached basketball, baseball and soccer. His favorite memory at SLS comes from his 8th grade English students; the girls in one of his classes recently stole one of his jackets and ‘bedazzled’ it by writing his name in rhinestones on the back.

Ms. Gabriele Ms. Gabriele has been at St. Luke’s for two years. She is a sixth grade science teacher who brings energy to the classroom. “I think she’s a good teacher.

She’s really fun and I am going to miss her!” says one of the students we caroled in the hallway. She has chosen to continue her teaching at a public school closer to home. Miss Gabriele will be missed by the St. Luke’s community and we wish her the best of luck next year and in the years to come.

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June 2009

Seniors 2009

Student College Bajaj, Priyanka Johns Hopkins Bandoo, Dominique Philadelphia University Begor, Chase Colgate Benoliel, Peter George Washington Benson, Teddy Colorado College Bickford, Natalie University of Delaware Brittenham, Rachel Wofford Brown, Amy New York School of Esthetics Brown, Maggie Elon Callaghan, Kimberly Dickinson Carey, Tara Colgate Champion, Glenn Southern Methodist University Clark, Andrew Virginia Tech Clark, Kara Skidmore Clayton, Will Rollins Conforti, Nicholas George Washington Connors, Matt Southern Methodist University Conte, Max College of Charleston Cross, Erica Villanova Cullinane, Caroline Tufts Davis, Alesha Syracuse Decatur, Hannah Johns Hopkins Delano, Will Colgate DeMond, Brendan Franklin and Marshall DeVito, Alex University of San Diego DeVito, Zach University of Miami, Florida Dooley, Justin Elon Douglass, Megan James Madison Duncan, Beau Notre Dame Engh, Maren George Washington Ericson, Alyssa College of Charleston Fomon, Alex Johns Hopkins Gebhardt, Emily Fordham Gestal, Jonathan Colorado College Haims, Jessie Drew Hanson, Chris Dartmouth Hilboldt, Andrew Bowdoin Hilson, Emlyn Boston University Josel, Tess University of Pittsburgh Kelly, Aggie Bowdoin Kelly, Mary Northwestern Krasnokutskaya, Jackie Cornell University Larsen, Chip Hamilton Lawrie, Brooke University of Richmond Loftus, Deirdre Gettysburg Magill, Greg Wake Forest Marsal, Megan University of Michigan Megrue, Chris Dartmouth Mozdean, Jake Miami of Ohio Osborn, Carrie Wheaton, MA Pankosky, Sarah Miami of Ohio Parsons, Molly Colby Pettee, Alex Trinity, CT Pressman, Jake Georgetown Prince, Billy Middlebury Quindlen, Tommy Villanova Rabinowitz, Glenn Berklee College of Music Savino, Carla Fairfield Sciarrino, Katie Smith Sohns, Juliet St. Andrews, Scotland

Stirland, Connor Stluka, Margot Sullivan, Kelly Tedder, Joe Trampe, Adam Ward, Julia Watson, Ali Williams, Douglas Witte, Helena Wood, Caitlin

Elon Gettysburg Miami of Ohio Rensselaer Polytech St. Andrews, Scotland Lafayette Salve Regina Elon Dartmouth University of San Diego

The Sentinel Editor Alexandra Jaffe Visual Editor Jon Salamon Sports Editor Doug Walker Sentinel Staff Writers Kelly Wendt Contributing Writers Emmy Goettler Lilla Goettler Sam Fomon Alex Polyakov Ellie Werner Ryan Giggi Maggie Goldstone Brenda Meany Faculty Advisor Mr. Flachsbart

Congrats to the class of 2009!