Sycamore School Magazine / Summer 2016

SYCAMORE

ALUMNI STORIES Different paths with common ground

IN THEIR WORDS Retiring teachers say goodbye

GRADUATION 2016 Read speeches from three of our graduates

Summer 2016 INDIANA’S ONLY PRIVATE, INDEPENDENT SCHOOL FOR GIFTED STUDENTS FROM PRESCHOOL THROUGH 8TH GRADE

SYCAMORE

SYCAMORE SEE MORE STORIES, VIDEO, NEWS & MORE ABOUT SYCAMORE SCHOOL AT SYCAMORESCHOOL.ORG

VOLUME 10, No. 1 FROM HEAD OF SCHOOL

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ALUMNI STORIES

ALEX SVENTEKIS KATHERINE SHIRRELL CATHERINE EMHARDT

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IN THEIR OWN WORDS: RETIRING TEACHERS

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NEW TEACHERS FOR 2016

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STUDENTS NEWS & NOTES

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ALUMNI NEWS & NOTES

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SPANISH TEAM SWEEPS CONCURSO

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SCIENCE BOWL 2ND IN NATION

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HEAD OF SCHOOL Diane Borgmann BOARD OF TRUSTEES Mike Rosiello - President HEAD OF EARLY CHILDHOOD JENNIFER WILLIAMS HEAD OF LOWER SCHOOL Glenna Lykens HEAD OF MIDDLE SCHOOL Jamie MacDougall

SYCAMORE STUDENTS LEAD INDIANA MATHCOUNTS TEAM 21

DIRECTOR OF ADMISSIONS Dr. Susan Karpicke

2016 AUCTION WRAP UP

DIRECTOR OF TECHNOLOGY Larry Fletcher

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2016 GRADUATION SPEECHES

RACHEL MOORE Â EMILY SCHWARTZ VARUN CHHEDA

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HIGH SCHOOL DESTINATIONS

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COLLEGE CHOICES

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DIRECTOR OF ADVANCEMENT Holly Lee CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Patrick Juday SYCAMORE SCHOOL ASSOCIATION JESSICA LEE - President

ON THE COVER:

Sycamore students and sisters Zaynab and Fatima Khan.

trip visit to Washington DC..

OPPOSITE PAGE:

THIS PAGE:

Four Sycamore 8th grade students pause to reflect during the school

Meira Mervis, Elyse Barth, Sophie Farnum and Emily Hackwelder planted a botanical version of the Indiana

state flag in the Outdoor Science Lab just before school was out for the summer.

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KAITLYN BEHELER, RACHEL MOORE, SARAH ROBERTSON, AND PEGGY BROOKS ACHIEVED THE GIRL

VICTORIA BYRNE EXPLORES THE OUTDOOR SCIENCE LAB.

SCOUT SILVER AWARD, THE HIGHEST HONOR A 6TH-8TH GRADE GIRL SCOUT CAN EARN, RECOGNIZING GIRLS WHO INVEST 50 OR MORE HOURS IN PLANNING AND EXECUTION OF A SERVICE PROJECT THAT MAKES A MEANINGFUL DIFFERENCE IN THEIR COMMUNITY.

FROM DIANE BORGMANN of our amazing alumni and how they are currently using their gifts to contribute positively to the world. Our faculty and staff change; our students change; our facility changes.

The constant is our mission: “Sycamore School exists so that academically gifted children can experience the enriched, accelerated education they need to reach their potential and to lead responsible, constructive, fulfilling lives.” The constancy of and commitment to our mission is the source of Sycamore’s strength and longevity.

Dear Sycamore Friends, This summer is a really exciting—and somewhat chaotic--time for Sycamore! I write this from my temporary office in a Preschool classroom while the busy construction gang is working feverishly on our reception area, offices, and new learning spaces. When students return to school in August, I believe you will be awed by the transformation!

Throughout Sycamore’s history, our parents and friends have “paid it forward” by funding improvements to our facility for students yet to come. Parents of former students funded the building of the Early Childhood wing, the Gym, the Theater, Band and Art Rooms, and the Library, along with renovations to the Middle School and Lower School wings of our facility. I have been thrilled by the enthusiasm of our current parents and friends as we fund the present construction, which will be used by all of our students now and by generations of students to come. And guess what? Some of those same parents of alumni who funded the earlier projects are also participating in this campaign! Since we now have older alumni, it is also gratifying to see many of them participating in this campaign to enhance our facility, build a financial aid endowment, and support the Sycamore Fund. Thanks to all of you who are helping us to realize the long-term vision for Sycamore!

In this issue of the Sycamore Magazine, you will read about retiring faculty and staff and new hires that will succeed them. You will read about some

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Sycamore is beginning its 31st year this fall. Much has happened in the first 30 years of the school, and even more is to come! It’s exciting for me to look at our history, to see children of alumni in our hallways, and to realize the commitment on the part of so many who have brought Sycamore to this point.

PRE-K STUDENTS PREPARE FOR THEIR ANNUAL WEATHER BALLOON AND POSTCARD LAUNCH.

STUDENTS COMPETE USING A SPECIAL PROJECT BUILT DURING A SYCAMORE SCIENCE EVENT LAST SPRING.

I am honored to be a part of Sycamore. The older I become and the older my children, all Sycamore alumni, become, the more I value Sycamore. Thanks for being with us on the journey!

Onward and upward!

Best regards,

SYCAMORE STUDENTS, EVELYN TABOR AND EMMA HERMACINSKI, MET INDIANA SENATOR JOE

SYCAMORE 7TH GRADER OWEN WRIGHT TALKED TO PRESCHOOL STUDENTS ABOUT HIS SCUBA EXPERIENCE

DONNELLY, WHEN THE GIRLS WERE IN WASHINGTON, DC FOR A COMPETITION.

DURING THEIR OCEAN UNIT.

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SYCAMORE ALUMNI Sycamore grad joins Indianapolis Library Foundation ALEX SVENTEKIS

Sycamore alumnus Alex Sventekis (‘04) has built a strong core of knowledge and skills early in his career, and it has led him to earning as position as a Development Officer at The Indianapolis Public Library Foundation.

What are some ideas or goals you may have as you continue to gain experience? What is your passion when it comes to life and work?

SM:

As my career in philanthropy progresses, I hope to be able to help many people find ways to express their own passions through philanthropic means. Invariably, I find myself energized by others who share their passions with the world, and philanthropy serves as a wonderful method for people to express their passions in a meaningful and powerful manner. My ability to serve as a steward for these types of expression – to help both donors and recipients of philanthropy connect and better understand one another – is something that truly and deeply moves me, and I am eager to involve myself in as many opportunities as I can in order to become a better steward of philanthropy.

AS:

This summer, we caught up with Alex to talk about philanthropy, his new job, and how Sycamore played a key role in his success in school.

After finishing at Sycamore, Sventekis graduated from Park Tudor School, and then earned a B.A. in Marketing, graduating magna cum laude from Ball State University in 2014.

Sventekis was the recipient of the prestigious John R. Emens Outstanding Senior Award at Ball State, an annual award bestowed by a committee of university leaders to the most outstanding senior student in honor of his or her cumulative record of co-curricular achievement, leadership, and contributions the university during his or her undergraduate years.

After Ball State, Sventekis attended the IU Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at IUPUI, receiving the distinction of University Fellow, and completed his M.A. in Philanthropic Studies this May. While working on his degrees, Sventekis gained philanthropic experience at the Indianapolis Zoo and the Anthem Foundation.

SYCAMORE MAGAZINE:

Tell us about your new job and what you hope

to accomplish.

SM:

Can you talk about how you came to know Sycamore?

AS: After moving to Indiana around 2000, my family and I had been seeking a school that would challenge young minds and shape global citizens – critical-thinking students with a lifelong love of learning who could tackle the issues facing our communities.

For me, Sycamore School was that school, the one place where I knew I would have ample opportunities to grow, learn, and evolve. It only took one visit to the campus before I knew I had found the right place to be. Though I was young, I was eager to jump right into those types of opportunities, and challenge myself whenever I could in order to reach higher, and aspire to be an intelligent, compassionate, and engaged student. I have been incredibly thankful for the chance to attend Sycamore.

ALEX SVENTEKIS: My path to the Indianapolis Public Library Foundation

has taken me through some preeminent philanthropic organizations located in Indianapolis, both academic at the IU Lilly Family School of Philanthropy as well as professionally at the Indianapolis Zoo and the Anthem Foundation.

As a Development Officer with the Foundation, I coordinate the Friends of the Library program, manage the Foundation’s communications efforts, and work with a portfolio of donors. It’s an exciting opportunity to support the growth of the Indianapolis Marion County Public Library branches and their programmatic offerings. It is an organization that is historically and deeply tied to the Indianapolis community.

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Talk about the education that you received from Sycamore and the teachers when you were younger.

We were asked tough questions that made us think beyond the surface – not simply what something was, but rather why it was that way. I believe this style of learning – hands-on, experiential, critical – instilled in me the lifelong love of learning that I have applied ever since.

SM: How did Sycamore help you prepare and support your growth as a student?

AS: Again, the need for critical thinking was stressed during my time at Sycamore. I was oftentimes asked to think “outside the box,” and to develop new approaches to a problem. I believe that Sycamore really nurtured that ability and helped it mature into an incredibly beneficial array of skills and talents that are easily applicable to many issues, from my own everyday challenges in life and in work to larger issues that philanthropy in general seeks to tackle and solve. Sycamore’s program and teachers were instrumental in the development of this skill set, and I will always be grateful for their willingness to share their intellect and passion.

SM:

What are some of your most memorable moments from Sycamore?

AS: I think that it was the sum of my classes, teachers, peers, and projects that made my time at Sycamore School such a special experience. Whether we were snorkeling in the Florida Keys, walking the halls of Congress in Washington, D.C., or exploring chemistry, English, and mathematics in the classroom, my peers and I undertook a shared learning opportunity that not only built our foundations as educated citizens but also a lifelong passion for learning, for understanding how the world works, and how we as members of a global society can contribute to that world. I hold a deep appreciation for all of my instructors at Sycamore School.

SM:

AS: After my first day at Sycamore, I remember coming home and telling my parents that I “had found my people,” and to this day, I believe that wholeheartedly. It is almost indescribable, to feel that type of connection with your peers – your friends – and teachers.

At Sycamore School, I found that education was a common exercise, one undertaken by a group of people who truly believed in the power of education, and in the responsibility to learn and help others learn, too.

Do you stay in touch with any Sycamore friends? What does their support and friendship mean to you?

SM:

AS:. Technology makes it much easier to stay in touch and keep track of the goings-on in my friends’ lives. My Sycamore friends and I will exchange small messages every so often. Even if it’s a simple greeting or a wish for a happy birthday, those interactions are meaningful, and I believe they illustrate the continued impact that Sycamore has made on us. n

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SYCAMORE ALUMNI

SYCAMORE ALUMNI “The food is different, too. Here, I eat a lot more ham, seafood, rice, and olive oil-based dishes,” she said. “And in the restaurants, beer and wine are less expensive than water or Coca-Cola.”

After completing her undergraduate studies, Shirrell earned a teaching license for High School Science and K-12 Spanish and accepted her current job as a high school science teacher at the American School.

Shirrell is the University Advisor for the school, and helps students to explore and apply for admission to universities in the United States and around the world.

In moving to Spain, Shirrell also learned to adapt her sleeping rhythm to match the local schedule. “Most people here don’t go to bed until 1 or 2 a.m. You can walk the streets at 11 p.m. and still see couples walking their dog or families with their kids out and about. Most people go into work around 10 a.m., go home for lunch and a siesta from 2-4 p.m., and go back to work from 4-8 p.m.

International Experience Inspires ’05 Alum to Pursue Postgraduate Studies KATHERINE SHIRRELL

It has been the international experience that has drawn Sycamore alum Katherine Shirrell (’05) to continue to look overseas as she pursued jobs and experiences. Currently at the American School in Bilboa, Spain, she’s learned that simple changes in living habit necessitated by living overseas – changes of language, food, and sleeping habits.

In Spain, Shirrell has fine-tuned her Spanish and adjusted to a different way of living.

Shirrell fell in love with international learning while studying Chemistry and Spanish at Duke University. She studied abroad in London and Madrid, and helped other students to pursue international experiences through her work in the Duke University Global Education Office.

She’s overhauled daily habits, including her appetite. “Here, the biggest meal is lunch which is eaten around 2-4 p.m.,” she said. “Restaurants then close usually from 5-8 p.m., and then they reopen for dinner. For me, this took quite a bit of getting used to; I was always really hungry but had to wait for places to open!

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“The notion that Spanish people don’t work because they take a siesta isn’t true,” she said. “They split their workday into two four-hour shifts.

Speaking from first hand experience, given that most of Spain has no air conditioning in homes, offices, or schools it is impossible to be productive from 2-4 p.m. because of the sweltering summer heat,” Shirrell said.

Lifestyle differences interest Shirrell.

“Living overseas challenges me daily to confront my own culture.

Every interaction forces me to compare, contrast, and reflect on the differences between my culture and that of whatever foreign place I’m in,” she said. “It’s a non-stop learning process and has been critical to my development both personally and academically.”

Shirrell is applying for admission to postgraduate studies. Her classroom experience at the American School of Bilbao exposed her to the power of education technology.

“I used a lot of educational applications in my teaching, I built Google Sites to share material with students and parents, and I fell in love with codeacademy.com and EdX’s online coding courses,” she said.

Shirrell hopes to pair her interest in international education and technology by studying International Comparative Education and Computer Science.

“My ultimate dream?” Shirrell answer when asked. “I would love to start an international education technology company.” n

All-American Alum Aims to Serve as Voice for the Voiceless CATHERINE EMHARDT

Sycamore School alum Caroline Emhardt (‘06) is beginning her third year of law school at Indiana University’s Robert H. McKinney School of Law in Indianapolis. She enjoyed academic and athletic success at Sycamore, Park Tudor and DePauw. Now, when peers ask her, “How are you still in school?” Emhardt first considers the formative experiences that brought her to this point.

While in high school at Park Tudor, Emhardt noticed that Sycamore prepared her to excel academically. “I knew how to write papers and essays. My writing background was much stronger than other students.

I already knew how to read and take notes from Sycamore’s 7th and 8th grade history classes,” she said. “Sycamore gave me a strong sense of discipline and time management. Many students went through high school without knowing how to get everything done on time. Sycamore taught me to focus and study. For me, less is more, and quality trumps quantity. This carried me through high school and beyond.”

Sycamore also showed Emhardt the value of extracurricular activities.

Emhardt said, “I remember many of the art projects Mrs. Prince had us do in Middle School, like Egyptian head painting, Renaissance outfits, split face, pencil drawing with shading and perspective, (impressionist) artwork. Going to art class helped me to calm down and refocus, and made me a better student in all of my other classes down the hall.”

Emhardt struck that same balance in high school and college by pursuing athletics alongside her studies. Emhardt played on the Park Tudor varsity tennis team for four years. During that time, the team won two state championships. During her senior year at DePauw, Caroline was the captain of the DePauw women’s tennis team and in 2014, she was a NCAA Division III Doubles All-American.

Emhardt said, “Having lots of interests makes me a happier, healthier person. Going to sports practice helped me manage my time and know when to get my homework done. Also, it was a stress reliever and reminds me not to worry too much about schoolwork and grades.

If I study hard and stay dedicated, the grades take care of themselves.

The same is true in sports. If I practice hard and stay positive, the results take care of themselves.”

Going forward, Emhardt hopes to use her experiences to help others.

When asked, “How are you still in school?” Emhardt says, “I like school!

It is a lot of work but it is manageable. And I view working in the legal profession as a privilege. Our world is a result of the decisions people make each day, and I want to be a part of that decision making process.”

“I want to help as many people as I can,“ she said. “Not everyone will have the tremendous educational opportunities I have had at Sycamore, Park Tudor, DePauw and at law school. I want to be a voice for the people who don’t always have their voices heard.” n

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“PROFOUND IDEAS CAN COME FROM THE SMALLEST OF THINGS. I THANK THE

IN THEIR OWN WORDS: LONGTIME SYCAMORE TEACHERS AND STAFF RETIRE

MANY, MANY FAMILIES WHO HAVE ENTRUSTED ME WITH THEIR CHILDREN.” JO DEE GRAU, FRANCINE CLAYTON, COLLEEN LAHR, BECKI HUESEL AND MARY JO WRIGHT WERE RECOGNIZED BY SYCAMORE SCHOOL FOLLOWING THE 2015-16 SCHOOL YEAR.

As Sycamore School turns to the new school year, we look back at five longtime Sycamore teachers and staff who announced their retirement from Sycamore.

a position that no longer exists. There was an opening mid-year for an extended day teacher. I did that for one year and then moved to the halfday pre-kindergarten position the next year.

We wanted to hear from Francine Clayton, Jo Dee Grau, Colleen Lahr, Mary Jo Wright and Becki Heusel, in their own words, as they came to the end of their years of service to the school, the students, and their families.

Among them, they represent 58 years of experience at Sycamore.

BECKI HEUSEL (Early Chilldhood receptionist - 17 years): I got hired at first

WRIGHT: Sycamore is unique in the way we differentiate to meet the needs of gifted children. No one does it better.

LAHR: The entire community is special, and Sycamore continues to evolve.

First, tell US how you started at Sycamore. What was that story?

as a classroom assistant for extended day, but the next year, they finished the EC wing, and hired me as the administrative assistant/receptionist.

COLLEN LAHR (Middle School Spanish teacher - 4 years): With 29 years of high school experience, I entered into the most wonderful world of teaching at Sycamore.

It has been a unique opportunity to be in a school that offers Preschool through 8th grade. We become very close to most families, hopefully fostering a growing commitment to Sycamore,. I have always considered shepherding the entire family important in this school entry year. Parents have very different comfort zones when it comes to their three year olds. I love that I get to see many children grow up.

GRAU:

WRIGHT: I loved the third grade trip to the Simmons School in Hope, Indiana, visiting the grave of James Whitcomb Riley, and visiting the home of President Harrison, right here in Indianapolis. It’s where hey have a primary document signed by President Lincoln on display. Amazing.

CLAYTON: I always enjoyed the two trips that we would take to Holliday Park. We took one in the fall for our tree unit and one in the spring to look for landforms. It was so much fun to watch the children becoming captivated by nature. I always wished that we had time to really explore all the areas that the children found fascinating.

LAHR: I went on the band trip this spring. The performance was great, and

A long time ago, I told my husband I would get a full time job when our youngest went to first grade and I kept that promise when she left for her first year of college. Prior to my Sycamore job I worked at King of Glory Preschool with the most wonderful teacher and that background gave me the experience I needed to enter into this new amazing place.

JO DEE GRAU (PRESCHOOL TEACHER - 14 YEARS):

I was looking on the Indiana Department of Education job website. Sycamore had a listing for a grade three math and science teacher. I applied. Two weeks later, I was hired!

MARY JO WRIGHT (3rd Grade teacher - 4 years):

FRANCINE CLAYTON (Head of Early Childhood - 19 years):

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I was hired for

IS THERE SOMETHING THAT YOU THINK MAKES SYCAMORE A SPECIAL PLACE TO BE? CLAYTON: We are incredibly fortunate to have such talented and interesting

students who bring outstanding intellectual possibilities to us. Our teachers’ dedication to the development of each child, both cognitively and emotionally, is admirable and beyond anything that could be found in other schools. Every employee at Sycamore loves the students and watches out for their welfare. The administrative support for excellence encourages teachers to pursue professional development and try new teaching techniques and activities. Everyone is encouraged to continue to learn and grow, no matter how long they have been teaching.

For me, I give thanks to Francine, who became a close friend when she was my next-door neighbor in the EC hallway. It’s been my great privilege to know her, to work with her, and I treasure the trust she put in me.

HEUSEL:

I treasured the experience with the students.

When you look back on your time at Sycamore, what are some of the favorite things that you have done, or units you have taught?

What are a couple of your favorite field trip memories?

During the year that I was in the classroom. I loved the trip to Brandeis Equipment, because they always have it set up so well for the children, keeping in mind that not every child loves a big, noisy engine.

And they had cookies!

HEUSEL:

GRAU: Each month, we totally redo our room. The room becomes our habitat, and each activity relates to the theme. During free time, the children’s play often mirrors what we are studying. In the Apples and Bees Unit, the room becomes a hive culminating with a simulation as the children perform hive jobs, go to bee school, and become foragers. This is

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SYCAMORE the beginning of an overarching understanding of community. The Ocean Unit is the centerpiece of our year. Exploring actual artifacts and meeting live animals, creating an add-on mural, celebrating with a beach party, and of course – Commotion in the Ocean make exciting study. This is learning and community building at its finest and a gift to parents.

I enjoyed the times I stepped into a classroom role in what was then the EC3 class (now Preschool); then in EC music and MS choir.

HEUSEL:

If you could go back to your 25-year old self and give some advice as you move on from teaching, what might you tell that person about teaching and about getting older and living life?

HEUSEL: Take the time to find the joy in what you do - even the “not fun” stuff. There can be joy found in learning hard lessons.

I think that many beginning teachers have a sense of grandeur that does not meet the reality of the classroom. Make sure you visit schools before you student-teach. We learn a lot of theory in our classes, but the actual implementation and day-to-day grind of teaching is very different than those courses you took in college. Make relationships with the right people. And remember that all mistakes made are part of the journey. Fail forward. We all have good days and bad days, but every day we touch the lives of children, and we can learn from these moments to improve.

WRIGHT:

I have loved every moment of my time here at Sycamore. My favorite activities were shark dissection and Math Pentathlon.

WRIGHT:

LAHR: My favorite times were seeing how the Sycamore community supported each others’ successes and watching the students gain confidence in their abilities to speak Spanish, and to conjugate verbs in 12-15 different forms. Plus, I loved the smiles students shared when doing well in the Spanish Concurso and the National Spanish Exam.

I spent most of my years at Sycamore teaching the prekindergarten curriculum. I absolutely love the units at that grade level. I remember refusing to even consider taking a geology class in college because I couldn’t imagine anything less interesting than a rock. It is amazing what a little education can do. My favorite prekindergarten unit was geology. I loved teaching the landforms, the types of rocks, and looking at fossils. Now I would absolutely love to take a geology class.

CLAYTON:

LAHR: Sycamore students understand much; don’t take as long as I did to learn NOT to “control” their thinking. And, kind of corny but….live, laugh and love!

GRAU: My 25 year-old self thought she would be teaching English to high school students. I guess I would tell her that profound ideas can come from the smallest of things (or people, in my case).

very well include some teaching, traveling, and causing trouble.

CLAYTON: Teachers have the potential to open children’s minds to amazing information and the joy of knowledge or permanently close them due to fear or humiliation. It is a heavy responsibility to be the teacher and role model for so many young minds. It is the responsibility and the opportunity that is in our hands and so easy to forget. I would have reminded myself of this.

WRIGHT: After 30 years in the elementary classroom, I am retiring from full-

Anything you want to add that we didn’t ask?

What will you be doing when you leave Sycamore?

HEUSEL: My retirement is all about creating my own schedule, which could

time teaching. I will be working with Butler University and will continue to sing with the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir.

My short term plans include a full kitchen remodel, Viking Cruise on the Danube, long weekend getaway to Florida with my daughters, and sleeping in! I do plan to be active at the Monon Center and spend a lot of time with my five grandchildren and with my parents who live in Hoosier Village. I will read and sing every day.

GRAU:

I am retiring and planning to do the things that make me happy. I love caring for my home and getting in a little gardening. I have grandchildren to spoil and children to annoy. As I love to sew, I have many projects in mind that I have been waiting to begin. There are also two rather large dollhouse kits waiting for me to build. I was hoping they would require power tools but I guess not. I will continue my dedication to reading mysteries and watching movies.

CLAYTON:

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CLAYTON: I will always be grateful that I had the opportunity to work at Sycamore School. I became a better teacher because of what I learned here. I have loved working with the administrative team and the early childhood staff. They all have my support and admiration.

GRAU: How can I possibly express the gratitude I feel for my assistants? Their strengths complimented each other and gave our classroom great enrichment.

Both Lynn (Pels) and Cara (Hermacinski) have natural rapport with children and families. They always supported my vision for teaching this age group and provided me with valuable insight. I will miss them tremendously. Judith Mills inspired me to include more science and nature in my class and welcomed us as helpers in the Outdoor Lab. She loves to dream big! I thank Diane (Borgmann) and Francine for their leadership. I thank the rest of the staff for making this a wonderful place to work. And of course I thank the many, many families who have entrusted me with their precious children. n

NEW TEACHERS AND STAFF ANNOUNCED FOR UPCOMING SCHOOL YEAR For the upcoming school year, Sycamore will welcome four new lead teachers and a new staff member.

For our Preschool position, Sycamore has hired Tiffany Stahl. Tiffany taught Kindergarten here for several years before leaving to pursue additional education. After receiving her Master’s Degree from Ball State, she spent a year beginning a doctoral program at Indiana State.

Ultimately, Tiffany decided she wanted to be back in the classroom, and are thrilled to welcome Tiffany back to Sycamore.

We have hired Marissa Argus for our Kindergarten position. Marissa earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees from Butler University. After teaching Kindergarten in Franklin Township for two years, Marissa has been at IPS/Butler University Laboratory School teaching Kindergarten for the past five years. Two summers ago, we first met Marissa when she participated in our Differentiated Instruction course as part of our Adult Summer Academy.

Melissa Burke will be the new Middle School Spanish teacher. Melissa is no stranger to Sycamore or to independent schools; she is a graduate of University High School and earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Miami (OH) University. She is working on her Master’s Degree from Indiana University and has been working in our Middle School language program for the past two years, teaching 5th grade Spanish

and 7th and 8th grade French, as well as working as an assistant in other Spanish classes. She has spearheaded the creation of the first chapter of the Spanish Honors Society at Sycamore and helped lead the Student Leadership Council.

Erin Bortz returns to Sycamore as a third grade teacher. Erin was a first grade assistant at Sycamore in 2014-15 after graduating from Macalester College in St. Paul, Minnesota with a Bachelors degree in Educational Studies and Psychology. Erin went back to school last year to obtain a Masters in Teaching at Marian University. She is a 2010 graduate of University High School in Indianapolis. Outside of Sycamore, Erin coaches girls basketball at Indiana Primetime Sports and enjoy reading and walking her dog Lucy on the Monon Trail.

When parents come into the school via the Early Childhood entrance, Kim Papp will greet them, as she takes over at the Early Childhood reception desk. Kim earned her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and has worked as an executive assistant, a freelance artist, a product coordinator, a marketing assistant, a receptionist, a marketing representative, and a communications specialist. She brings a unique combination of skills that will fit well for her work in the Early Childhood division. Kim is also the mother of three current Sycamore students and one alumna. We look forward to Kim’s cheerful presence at the Early Childhood reception desk. n

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SYCAMORE NEWS & NOTES: STUDENTS FOUR SYCAMORE STUDENTS ADVANCE TO NATIONALS AT HISTORY DAY

DESTINATION IMAGINATION COMPETES AT NATIONALS IN TENNESSEE

More than five hundred students from across Indiana competed at the state level of the History Day competition on the downtown campus of Ivy Tech.

Four Sycamore students advanced to the national level of competition at of the University of Maryland this summer: Emma Hermacinski (2nd Place), Aisha Kokan (1st Place), Evelyn Tabor (1st Place), and Mary Kate Tanselle (1st Place).

Aanchal Agarwal earned a spot as an alternate in the Exhibit Board category.

At the Destination Imagination Global Finals in Knoxville, Tennessee, Sycamore School’s Cosmic Cupcakes kicked their summer off with a great first-year showing, earning 34th place out of 62 teams in the structural middle school level challenge. The team’s 61g structure/musical instrument held 775 pounds for their best weight-held ratio in competition.

In all 13 Sycamore students competed at the state level: (names and project titles)

Sycamore’s History Bee team (l-r): Nick Jeffery, Nicole Lueck, Brian Liu, Varun Chheda,

Emily Schwartz, pictured with Sycamore School Band Directory Candi Granlund,

and ShaAn Mishra

was recognized as an outstanding soloist for her solo on “Nevermore” At the National Adjudicators.

SYCAMORE HISTORY BEE TEAM MAKES CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND; TWO STUDENTS PLACE

In the National History Bee competition held in Chicago in 2016, Sycamore’s Varun Chheda made the Championship Round and finished 32nd overall. Shaan Mishra was 80th overall. In addition, Mishra won the overall title in the Pop Culture Bee. This was the first time Sycamore had competed in the National History Bee and Bowl. The History Bowl team made it into the top 32 before losing in the championship round to the #2 seed from San Francisco.

“The level of competition was very high,” middle school History teacher and team coach, Tony Young, said. “And the kids all had fun.”

MULTIPLE HONORS FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD STUDENT

Meeka Wojciechowski, a Sycamore Prek student, competed in the United States Twirling Association national competition and won the 2016 Military Queen and 2016 Miss Majorette titles (These are based on highest point of combined scores twirling, marching and modeling).

Overall, Meeka earned three first places, three seconds, and one third. These honors are in addition to her team qualifying for a trip to nationals in Myrtle Beach, SC. Her dance group, combined with other Indianapolis dance teams, has raised over $300,000 for Dancers Against Cancer in the last three years.

BAND EARNS ISSMA GOLD

The middle school bands performed at the ISSMA Organization Festival and all three judges awarded both the Fifth Grade Concert Band and the 6-8 Grade Symphonic Band gold ratings (the 41st and 42nd in school history). In addition, the Symphonic Band qualified for the “with distinction” special commendation given to the top scoring groups each year. Of Sycamore’s 42 ISSMA Gold Ratings,

14

this is only the 5th band in Sycamore School history to earn the “with distinction” honor.

In February, 13 Sycamore band students participated in the ISSMA State Solo and Ensemble Festival. According Sycamore Band Director, Candi Grandlund, “They had a remarkable day full of amazing performances.” All of the soloists and ensembles earned gold ratings, and two of the ensembles earned perfect scores. This is the first time in school history that all the state entries earned gold ratings!

Maris Morgan - “The Voyage of the Kon-Tiki”

Josh France - “Seven Miles Down: United States Navy Lieutenant

(Exhibit Board)

Don Walsh and Swiss Oceanographer Jacques Piccard Descentto the Bottom of the Mariana Trench, The Deepest Point on Earth”

(Exhibit Board)

Aanchal Agarwal - “Marie Curie and Her Discovery of Radium”

(Exhibit Board)

Dylan Shelton - “Brasidas vs. Cleon at Amphipolis”

Ria Narayanan & Tommy Kaplan - “Stan Lee and His Impact on the

(Exhibit Board)

World” (Website)

Emma

Hermacinski - “Encounters of Religious Ideals at Tenochtitlan: The Old World and the New World Clash” (Performance)

Mary Kate Tanselle - “Rock n’ Roll: Encounters and Exchanges that

Shaped American Culture” (Performance)

Ava Yaggi - “Changing the World: Nelson Mandela”

Aisha Kokan - “Encountering the World’s Most Dangerous Weapon:

(Documentary)

SOLOS: GOLD RATINGS

The Atomic Bomb” (Documentary)

Michelle Hong, FLUTE Janvi Bhatia, FLUTE Emily Schwartz, alto saxophone Justin Kinchen, trumpet Madalyn Sailors, french horn Connor Granlund, trombone Sarah Robertson, tuba

Henley Lynch - “The Unforgettable Famine: The Disease No One

Saw Coming” (Documentary)

Niha Kishan - “The Discovery of the Galilean Moons” (Website)

Ensembles-Gold Ratings

- Michelle Hong, Janvi Bhatia, Jenny Zhao - Justin Kinchen, Robbie Sheffield, Madalyn Sailors, Connor Granlund, Sarah Robertson mallet quartet - Rachel Moore, Shaan Mishra,

Jaxon Oldham, Andrew Pirkle flute trio (perfect score)

brass quintet (perfect score)

PI DAY NEWS

5th graders Isabel Hargrove and Audrey Matei won the 5th grade Pi Day trivia contest that was held in the library at Sycamore with Sycamore math teacher Nathan Keith. The comeback win came against a roomful of 40 contestants. In other Pi news, 4th grader Abby Cheng was able to recite pi (3.14 etc) to 444 digits! She won a pie from her homeroom teacher, Ryan Cox.

“The team got several compliments from the appraisers for handling big obstacles with flexibility and humor,” Coach and MS Language Arts teacher, Beth Koehler, says. “But that’s not news to anyone who knows our kids. All in all, we had tons of fun, and we picked up valuable tips for next year.”

Team members at Globals: Emma Hermacinski Eli Beheler Ellie Childress Laura Jannetta Henley Lynch

Destination Imagination is a creativity competition that mixes STEM and fine arts-based challenges that teams work for months to solve.

This year’s structural challenge asked teams to create a musical instrument that could hold as much weight as possible and integrate the instrument into a story about a musical character.

ALL MIDDLE GRADES PLACE IN TOP 5 IN NATIONAL LANGUAGE ARTS CONTEST

The NLAL (National Language Arts League) is a contest consisting of 50 multiple choice questions based on the following topics: vocabulary, spelling, reading comprehension, analogies and grammar. Sycamore had a terrific showing in the event, earning top five finishes nationally in the spring of 2016.

“Each of these students illustrated impressive determination, poise, and tenacity throughout their presentations and interviews in this competition,” said Linda Crady, Sycamore MS History teacher and coach. “The level of professionalism and humility displayed during the endeavor was truly inspiring. For this, and for their hard work throughout the process, they should be incredibly proud.”

Sycamore Sycamore Sycamore Sycamore

National Student Leaders/top scorers for this year:

8th grade: Jack Milton (perfect score) 5th grade: Bridget Bodey, Charlotte Thompson, Julia Thompson

Evelyn Tabor - “Beaver Fever: The North American Beaver’s Impact on Indiana and the Midwest” (Historical Paper)

PATEL EARNS TRIP TO SITE OF MASTERS GOLF TOURNAMENT

In the local Drive Chip and Putt competition (a youth golf program created by the USGA, PGA and the Masters to promote the game of golf for younger kids), Sycamore’s Sia Patel advanced her way to the five-state regional competition at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, KY, site of numerous major championships and the Ryder cup, where she finished 2nd overall, earning her an alternate slot in the national competition at Augusta, Georgia, at the site of the Master golf tournament. Sia made a 30-foot putt at the regional competition and to also finish first in putting for her age division.

5th 6th 7th 8th

grade grade grade grade

placed 4th in the nation placed 3rd in the nation placed 4th in the nation tied for 5th in the nation

The test has a time limit of 35 minutes and must be taken individually.

Schools across the nation compete and place the top scorers among individual students, as well as the results of each grade level as a whole.

15

SYCAMORE

SYCAMORE NEWS & NOTES: STUDENTS K-4th GRADE MATH PENTATHLON TEAM EARNS MEDALS

Sycamore students from Kindergarten to 4th grade took part in the National Mathematics Pentathlon Contest tin April, in three different divisions. Math Pentathlon is a K-7 grade program of engaging and interactive problemsolving games. This program strengthens and stimulates creative thinking while developing problem-solving skills within Division I (Grades K-1), Division II (Grades 2-3), Division III (Grades 4-5), and Division IV (Grades 6-7).

Fourth graders returned early from their spring break to compete in the National Mathematics Pentathlon Contest held at Ben Davis High School.

HONORABLE MENTION

Eva Berger

Oliver Cecil John Coutant Jyothi Patil

SILVER MEDAL Chloe Sigua Justin Warren Shayen Maun Sophie Seifert Benjamin Murray AJ Rhea Soloman Somani BRONZE MEDAL

PENTATHLETE AWARD Viraj Gadeela Grant Porter Gavin Sigua Jeffrey Kirkendall Carson Cox Anais Beuoy Avery Gollapudi

Clifford Huehls Oliver Gollapudi

Also in April, 2nd and 3rd grade Sycamore Pentathletes earned nine medals.

GOLD MEDAL PERFECT SCORE-Hall of Fame Sophie Liang Connor Kacena-Merrell GOLD MEDAL Hasini Ambaty SILVER MEDAL Arnay Garhyan Ben Wei Nate Liang Vidhatri Iyer

HONORABLE MENTION Leysana Masagutova Liam Hendry PENTATHLETE AWARD Avi Maun Eli Berger Emily Hackwelder Heidi Momodu Michael Cardwell Riti Tandra Supriya Chatterjee Triston English Zachary Lammer

PENTATHLETE AWARD

Drew Whelan Nolan Scozzaro

Aditi Dey Nicholas Passarelli Marie Coutant Daniel Laufer

Erik Haggstrom SILVER MEDAL

Kindergarten and first grade Sycamore Pentathletes earned ten medals when they traveled to Southport High School to compete.

GOLD MEDAL

GOLD MEDAL

TJ Cole Aarish Sakib Cooper Grabow

MACDOUGALL HOSTS VISITING EDUCATORS

Head of Middle School Jamie MacDougall’s graduate school advisor, Marcia Gentry, works with educators from Kuwait who are interested in gifted education. Meshari Al Nouri visited Sycamore from Kuwait this sping. He toured, talked with Jamie and some of our teachers, and got to see behind-thescenes at Sycamore. He and his colleagues came to Sycamore because they were spending a week at Purdue and wanted to see a gifted school in action.

ROBOTICS TEAM PLACES IN TOP 50 IN WORLDWIDE EVENT

At the VEX Robotics World Championships in May, the Soaring Eagles squad, coached by Sycamore MS science teacher, Jim McCarter, placed 41st out of over 200 teams at the competition held in Louisville. It was Sycamore’s first trip to the event that included teams from all over the world.

SYCAMORE STUDENT SPOTLIGHT AT THE CHRISTAMORE HOUSE

Christamore House Guild’s 36th Annual Book & Author Luncheon featured Sycamore in the official program, highlighting four of our recent Scholastic Art and Writing award winners. The event included published authors who spoke and signed copies of their books.

The four Sycamore students won eight awards this year.

Gold Key

Madalyn Sailors’s personal essay “With Every Leaf a Miracle” Peggy Brooks’ flash fiction “Rubble”

Karen Wang’s short story “Ink”

Silver Key

Peggy Brooks’s flash fiction “Dirty”

BRONZE MEDAL Insia Zaida Sam Rudavsky

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Honorable Mention: Margot Helft’s short story “Ive-McMullen,” Peggy Brooks’s short story “Actualization of Nightmares,” Peggy Brooks’s flash fiction “Personal Essay” and Peggy Brooks’s flash fiction “Coast.”

Chandler moved from third place to the lead in the final straightaway to win the 1600m run in school-record time.

SYCAMORE STUDENTS EARN SCHOLARSHIPS AT STATE MATHCOUNTS

CHANDLER, RELAY TEAM SET TRACK AND FIELD RECORDS

Sycamore captured the State MATHCOUNTS championship, winning for the 6th time in the past 7 years. In addition, Sycamore’s Jenny Zhao earned the state title in the individual competition.

Eighth grader Joe Chandler was involved in all three Sycamore School track and fields records set at the IISL Track and Field Championships held at International School in 2016. Chandler set two individual records and teamed with three Sycamore athletes to set a relay record.

By placing 1st overall, Jenny was also designated the top female student and was awarded a $5,000 a year renewable scholarship to Rose-Hulman. She was also the first female since 2000 to take the top honors in Indiana. Purdue University awarded $2,000 a year renewable scholarships to all students that finished in the top 10 at the competition. Receiving this scholarship for Sycamore was Zhao (1st), Brian Liu (3rd), and Iris Yan (4th).

SYCAMORE ARTIST WINS CARMEL ART CONTEST

Congratulations to Sycamore alumnus Sarah Henderson, who captured the 10th grade division in the Carmel Arts Council “Student Spring Art Contest.” An experienced panel of judges selected winners from over 60 pieces of art. The Carmel Arts Council hosted an “Artists Reception” for all artists in the CAC’s Children’s Art Gallery. First place art was on display in the gallery throughout the month of April.

Joe Chandler 2:16 Joe Chandler 4:58 Boys 4 x 400 relay: Chandler McGruder, Justin Kinchen, Robbie Sheffield, Joe Chandler 4:00.55

Boys 800m:

Boys 1600m:

ANNUAL SPRING MATH NIGHT DRAWS MORE THAN 100 STUDENTS

Sycamore School hosted the 6th annual Sycamore Spring Math Night for 3rd - 6th graders. The contest is designed to challenge students in both curricular math and in problem solving. Students from across central Indiana attended with over 100 students competing. The event is designed to introduce younger students to math competitions in a safe and fun environment that values students mathematical talents and passions. n

17

SYCAMORE

SYCAMORE

NEWS & NOTES: ALUMNI ROACH NAMED ACADEMIC ALL-STATE: ROACH AND MATURI ADVANCE IN PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS PROGRAM

Sycamore alumna and North Central HS senior Sydney Roach has been named an Indiana Academic All-Star. Each high school in the state nominates one student for these awards, and only 40 are selected as All Stars state-wide. She was featured in a special section in the Indianapolis Star. Sydney was also named a semifinalist in the US Presidential Scholars Program. This nationwide program, sponsored by the US Department of Education, recognizes exceptional high school seniors. Vikas Maturi, a 2012 classmate of Sydney’s and a senior at Carmel, was also named a semifinalist.

CRADY WINS KELLEY SCHOOL OF BUSINESS COMPETITION

Sycamore alumna, Emma Crady, and her team won their Kelley School of Business Case Competition. Emma is taking a series of classes there for a business certificate to accompany her majors “I truly believe that Emma’s successes at IU, including earning her scholarship to attend school there in the first place, are all directly related to her time here at Sycamore,” Emma’s mom (and current Sycamore MS history teacher) Linda Crady said. “She became passionate about learning because of the wonderful teachers she had during middle school, and she learned the importance of time management and preparation through the curriculum.”

FORMER SYCAMORE STUDENT COORDINATES NASHVILLE MUSIC FESTIVAL

Kern Vohra, a Sycamore alumna (‘08) was in charge of a large music festival at Vanderbilt University earlier this year. He was head of the Vanderbilt Programming Board’s Music Group, and his role was to put together the “Rites of Spring” music festival. Rites often gains national acclaim as one of the nation’s best college music festivals.

ALUM AWARDED SCHOLARSHIP

Sycamore alumna and North Central HS graduate Chelsea Conard was awarded a scholarship at DePauw University to study in China.

SYCAMORE ALUM AND CURRENT SCIENTIST LEADS IU RESEARCH STUDY

IU scientists led by Sycamore alumna used brain scans to link physical changes to cognitive risks in widely used classes of drugs. Sycamore alumna Dr. Shannon Risacher, worked with a team of scientists to uncover new findings about cogitative impairment in the use of some over-the-counter medicines.

“These findings might give us clues to the biological basis for the cognitive problems associated with anti- cholinergic drugs, but additional studies are needed if we are to truly understand the mechanisms involved,” Dr. Risacher said.

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Sycamore Spanish students in grades 6, 7, and 8 competed at the Concurso Académico 2016 this spring, with each grade level winning its division in the statewide competition. And not only did they win their respective divisions, each Sycamore team competed against older students. The 6th grade competed against middle school teams (grades 6-8), the 7th graders were in the first year high school division, and the 8th graders competed in the second-year high school division.

SYCAMORE GRAD EARNS DESIGNATION OF EAGLE SCOUT

Jonathan Moore, (’14) became an Eagle Scout, earning the highest advancement rank in Boy Scouts. His Eagle Project - where he needed to plan, develop, and give leadership to a service project - was to improve the drainage and remulch a portion of Park Tudor’s cross country trail. His path to becoming an Eagle Scout included earning more than 21 merit badges, holding leadership positions and being involved in community service projects.

SYCAMORE ALUM SIGNS TO PLAY TENNIS AT IU

Emma Love has chosen to attend Indiana University, as she signed her letter to attend IU and will be in the Hutton Honors College this fall.

Her parents, Jenny Berger and Matt Love, and her grandfather, Bob Stephens, are all Indiana University graduates.

FORMER SYCAMORE VOLLEYBALL PLAYERS GET SCHOLARSHIPS

Asija O’Neal (Sycamore student from preschool to 2nd grade) and Mamie Garard (preschool to 8th grade) have both chosen schools to continue their education and athletics careers. Asija will be attending the University of Texas, earning a volleyball scholarship. Her dad told Sycamore teacher and coach, Joanna Jockish, that Asija is ranked in the top 10 of her class academically too!

Mamie will be attending San Jose State University. She earned a volleyball scholarship for both indoor and beach seasons.

GRADS EARN SPOT IN NATIONAL SCIENCE BOWL FIELD

The Park Tudor Science Team, whose members include Sycamore graduates Michelle Shen, Andrew Wu, and Alex Gu, won the high school Science Bowl regional competition, beating Carmel High School in the finals.

SPANISH TEAM SWEEPS CONCURSO COMPETITION

Both girls started playing volleyball in kindergarten after-school skills clinic. n

Team results 6th Grade - Middle School division – 1st place 7th Grade First Year - High School division – 1st place 8th Grade Second Year – High School division – 1st place Individual results

Latino Dance

Posters

Skits

HS Level I

Ava Yaggi and Sydnie Scozzaro 2nd

Claire Moeller 2nd Ellie Childress 3rd

HS Level I/II

Nicky Ivan 1st Margot Helft 3rd Ethan Kacena-Merrell 5th HS Level II

Middle School

HS Level I/II

Margot Helft , Laura Jannetta, and Cassie Kaplan 2nd

Iris Yan 1st Brian Liu 2nd Varun Chheda 2nd

Non-Stop Conversation

Hour and Numbers

Aanchal Agarwal & Emma Hermacinski Cassie Blaufuss & Henley Lynch 2nd

MIDDLE SCHOOL ONLY

Cassie Blaufuss 1st Irene Liang 2nd Impromptu Speaking

Aanchal Agarwal 2nd Emma Hermacinski 3rd Middle School

HS Level I

Nicky Ivan 1st Ethan Kacena-Merrell 3rd Cassie Kaplan 4th

Middle School

HS Level I

Nicky Ivan & Ethan Kacena–Merrill 1st HS Level II Madalyn Sailors and Jack Milton 1st

Grade 6

Grade 8 Jackie Hur 1st Annie Klemz 2nd Faith Dee 3rd Michelle Hong 3rd

Emma Hermacinski 1st Aanchal Agarwal 2nd HS Level I

Rhea Acharya 2nd

Cassie Blaufuss 2nd Emma Hermacinski 2nd Aanchal Argawal 3rd HS Level I

Henley Lynch 2nd

HS Level II

Nicole Leuck 1st

Middle School

Middle School

Middle School

HS Level I/II

Vocabulary

Scrambled Sentences

Nicky Ivan 1st Cassie Kaplan 3rd Ethan Kacena-Merrell 2nd

Poetry Recitation

Rhea Acharya, Olivia Childress, Margot Helft, Laura Jannetta, Elsie McNulty 1st

HS Level II

Varun Chheda 1st Brian Liu 2nd Nick Jeffery 4th Vocal Music Middle School SOLO

Sydnie Scozzaro 3rd

Brian Liu 1st Iris Yan 1st Varun Chheda 2nd

HS Level II Madalyn Sailors 1st Jack Milton 4th

19

SYCAMORE

SYCAMORE

SYCAMORE

INDIANA

SCIENCE BOWL

MATHCOUNTS

2016 TEAM

2016 TEAM

Sycamore Science Bowl team (l-r) Coach David Schuth, Nicky Ivan, Iris Yan, Aidan Sher, Brian Liu, and Varun Chheda

The Indiana MATHCOUNTS team (l-r): Sycamore students Jenny Zhao and Iris Yan, West Lafayette student Adam Earnst, Sycamore’s Brian Liu, and coaches Bob Fischer and Trent Tormoehlen

SYCAMORE SCIENCE BOWL TEAM EARNS 2ND IN NATIONAL TOURNAMENT

ANCHORED BY SYCAMORE COMPETITORS AND COACHES, MATHCOUNTS TEAM FINISHES 7TH IN NATION

The Sycamore Science Bowl team, consisting of middle school team members Nicky Ivan, Varun Chheda. Brian Liu, Aidan Sher, and Iris Yan, finished 2nd in the nation at the National Science Bowl competition, held in Washington DC in May. Sycamore started the event strong, going undefeated in six round-robin matches before losing in the first round of the double-elimination portion of the content. They recovered to make it all the way through the brackets to be in the championship, needing to beat Joaquin Miller Middle School from San Jose, California twice (Sycamore had already lost once in the double-elimination tournament, while Joaquin Miller was undefeated).

Sycamore won the first match between the two schools, jumping to a 11018 halftime lead on the way to the first win. In the final match for the championship, Sycamore lost 102-86 in a match that went down to the final two questions.

The Sycamore Science Bowl team is coached by middle school science teacher David Schuth. n

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With a team composed of three Sycamore School students, Indiana continued a strong tradition of success, securing a top ten finish at the Raytheon National MATHCOUNTS Competition in Washington DC. The team finished in 7th place in the nation with a team consisting of Sycamore students Brian Liu, Iris Yan, and Jenny Zhao, who were joined by West Lafayette Jr./Sr. High School student, Adam Earnst.

place, missing out on the opportunity to participate in the prestigious countdown round by just one question.

Zhao and Yan finished in 36th place and 66th place, respectively.

To qualify for the Indiana team, individuals had to place in the top four at the state MATHCOUNTS competition. The members of the team then competed against 49 other states and 6 territories to vie for the title as top mathlete of the year.

The Indiana team was coached by Sycamore coaches Trent Tormoehlen and Bob Fischer, assisted by Indiana State professor Dr. Henjin Chi. Over 100,000 students take part in the MATHCOUNTS competition series beginning at the local competition level in February. Top competitors at the local level then qualify to compete at the state level. n

All four Indiana students finished in the top 30% of all competitors.

The team was led by Sycamore 8th grader Liu, who finished in 16th

21

SYCAMORE

SYCAMORE AUCTION SUCCESS: THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO CONTRIBUTED At the annual Sycamore Auction, held at the 502 East Event Centre in Carmel for the first time, more than 300 supporters and friends attended, raising money for Sycamore and helping establish an endowment for financial aid. It was a great night with terrific people, and through the generosity of the Sycamore parents, friends, families and staff, proceeds exceeded $190,000 for the night, with more than $60,000 raised for our financial aid endowment. Both the silent and live auctions were huge successes. Auction chairpersons Susan Loftus and Tammy Wilkerson, along with dozens of volunteers, planned and coordinated the event.

Special thanks to Linda Parziale for her tireless dedication in leading our efforts in procuring silent auction items.

Sycamore Staff Donors Tiffany Applegate Katie Baker Allison Bentel Jennifer Berger Melissa Branigan Bob and Diane Brogmann Laura Brueckmann Melissa Burke Dusty Burwell Julie Clawson Francine Clayton Ryan Cox Linda Crady Robin Denman Lauren Ditchley Truesdale Family David Fink Paula French Doris Fulwider Jo Dee Grau Lori Henderson Jennifer Hendry Cara Hermacinski Becki Heusel Rachel Ilnicki Susan Jensen Leslie Katz Nathan Keith Catherine Kirkendall Beth Koehler Colleen Lahr Holly Lee Glenna Lykens Jamie MacDougall

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Jim McCarter Judith Mills Amy Miltenberger Ruth Moll Denise Murphy Rob Nichols Mary O’Malley Lynn Pels Eileen Prince Kim Pursch Deborah Reidy David Schuth Jeannie Shull Roxann Silvius Beth Simpson Deb Stewart Trent Tormoehlen Jennifer Williams Jean Wright Phillip and Mary Jo Wright Tony Young Family and Group Donors 1st Grade Daisy Troop Aaron and Jean Wright Boncosky Family Ciaccia Family Cunningham Family Dan and Laura Conder Dr. Ashley Robey Dr. Scott Allison at Ossip Optometry & Ophthalmology Freudenberg Family Jack Tanselle

Jane Crawford of Crawford Inventory, LLC. Janeira Family Jim and Lynda Parziale Lisa Lueck of Ganache Chocolatier Loftus Family Martinson Famly Ms. Lily Pai-Acharya Peyton Family Robertson Family SSA Simon Stuart Family Sycamore Administrative Leadership Team Sycamore Board of Trustees Sycamore SSA Executive Council Syeda Khatib Travis and April Morgan Wilkerson Family Company & Organization Donors 21st Amendment AH Collection Abuelo’s Allisonville Garden and Home Altum’s Horticulture and Landscape Amazing Joe’s Steakhouse Andrew Luck Arts a Poppin’!

B Spot Burgers Bakersfield Bazbeaux Pizza Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano Blend Bar Bonefish Grill Boston Red Sox Bravo! Cucina Italiana Buffalo Wild Wings Casey Ross Productions Cathedral Granite Claddagh Irish Pub Classic Cleaners Cleary Vacuum Cleveland Cavaliers Clowes Memorial Hall of Butler University Conner Prairie Cooper’s Hawk Winery and Restaurants Cunningham Restaurant Group Deck the Walls Drexel Interiors Eddie Merlot’s Eiteljorg Museum Elan Furs Elite Printing Endangered Species Chocolate

Family Leisure Family Wineries Dry Creek Tasting Room Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar Flix Brewhouse Fresh Thyme Farmer’s Market Game Preserve North Game Preserve South GiGi’s Cupcakes Giordano’s Pizzeria Golf Galaxy Golfsmith Good Earth Granite City Food and Brewery Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre Habig Garden Shop Harley Davidson Northside Harley Davidson Southside Harry and Izzy’s Heal Thyself & Company Heartland Film Festival Holder Mattress Company Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari Illinois Street Food Emporium Indianapolis Indians Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra Indy Adventure Boot Camp Indy Eleven Inspirato Invoke Studio/Wellness Center J. Stewart Goodwin, Brig. Gen., USAF (Ret), Executive Director, IWM JW Marriott Jewish Community Center of Indianapolis Joe’s Butcher Shop and Fish Market Just Pop In! Karen Smyth of FX Hair Salon Kids Ink Kings Island Kona Grill Kroger Luxe Home Interiors MBP Distinctive Catering Mackenzie River Pizza Company Maggiano’s Little Italy Market District Mass. Ave Toys Matt the Miller’s Tavern McNamara Florist Mid-America Beverage, Inc. Miss Indiana Scholarship Pageant Monarch Beverage Company Morelli’s Dry Cleaning Moyer Fine Jewelers NCAA Hall of Champions

New England Patriots Nickle Plate Arts Oakleys Bistro On the Border Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt Orangetheory Fitness Outre Peterson’s Restaurant Philipe’s Day Spa Piada Italian Street Food Prairie View Golf Club PxP Endurance Strength & Condition, Paul Plummer RAM Restaurant & Brewery Ray Vandivier Reis Nichols Jewelers Roberts Camera Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery Rosie’s Gardeb Saks Fifth Avenue Sangiovese Ristorante Scarlet Whiskey & Wine Bar Schakolad Scotty’s Brewhouse

Seasons 52 Silver in the City Squealers Barbecue Grill St. Elmo Steak House Stacked Pickle Starbucks Sullivan Hardware Sullivan’s Steakhouse Target Tastings- A Wine Experience Ted’s Montana Grill The Alexander Hotel The Best Chocolate in Town The Bridgewater Club The Cake Bake Shop The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis The Container Store The Creation Museum The Flying Cupcake The Fresh Market The Hot Room The Loft at Trader’s Point Creamery The New You Esthetics

The Trade Source The Yoga Studio Tile Shop Trader Joe’s Tremain Tile, Marble & Granite Tremain Ceramic Tile & Bathroom Remodeling TriPhase Technologies Truett Hurst Winery Wonderlab Z Gallerie Artists James E. Anderson MLM Artworks Matthew Burney Kathleen Conway Dick Dey Donald Finch Beth Forst John Green Corporate Fine Art Group Lesley Haflich Lynea Hinchman

Keith Larocque Patti Paris Owens Carolyn Springer John Strickland Tori Weyers Micro Breweries Flat12 Bierwerks Ale Emporium Barley Island Brewing Company Chilly Water Brewing Company Heady Hollow Brewing Company Oaken Barrel Brewing Company Redemption Alewerks Sun King Brewery Taxman Brewing The District Tap Thr3e Wise Men Brewery Tow Yard Brewing Company Union Brewing Company Upland Brewing Company n

23

2016 SYCAMORE GRADUATES

2016 SYCAMORE GRADUATES

EMILY SCHWARTZ I am a sucker for philosophy so here goes. The ship of Theseus. An old ship’s planks are slowly rotting. To save the ship, new planks are put in place of the old ones. First a few, then more and more until all but one of the planks has been replaced. Then the final plank. The whole ship is now an exact replica of the one before it, but is it the same now that the planks have been replaced? If not, at what point is it a new ship?

2016 GRADUATION SPEECHES RACHEL MOORE As I stand here and reflect on my time at Sycamore, I cherish many moments. Believe me, not all of my memories from Sycamore are necessarily the best, but as the author John Green stated, “on the last day, the bad days become so difficult to recall, because one way or another, you have made a life here.” And I have made a life here.

I will always carry the lessons I learned and the friendships I formed at Sycamore with me wherever I may go, just like my brother and parents.

Many of the lessons I learned here were from these young men and women sitting to my right, the Sycamore graduating class of 2016.

Why is time more important at some points in our lives than others?

I believe the importance of a moment is judged on how you use your time and who it is spent with. Because my parents decided to send me to Sycamore School, every moment of the past nine years of my life have been exceedingly important. Sycamore taught me to be passionate about my work and helped me to be confident in following any path I want. Sycamore surrounded me with a community of people who care about each of us as individuals and our personal aspirations. Everyone here today, in some way took a part in fulfilling the Sycamore dream and made it possible.

You have showed this class, this family, that we should make every second, every hundredth of a second, count and make a difference in the world. n

24

Change is thought to be the soul of every graduation. As our planks are replaced do we become an entirely new person than who we are right now? I believe this will affect how we decide to reflect on our past.

It could be perceived that we as a class have, metaphorically, built a ship.

But next year we will not all be sailing together. We will have to rethink of ourselves as individual boats that come from the same dock, Sycamore.

Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows works to apply words to feelings that don’t have definitions. This is what they say in regards to the past. “Maybe it’s not so bad to dwell in the past, and muddle in the memories, to stem the simplification of time, and put some craft back into it. Maybe we should think of memory itself as an art form, in which the real work begins as soon as the paint hits the canvas. And remember that a work of art is never finished, only abandoned.” Our time here at Sycamore is finished, but our memories can be altered by how we decide to remember them. Let us not abandon our past, or forget who we are at this moment.

The ship of Theseus is not my idea. People have struggled with their identities since the beginning of time, but like most philosophical questions, there is not a correct answer. I do, however, have a favorite scenario. Suppose that each time we replace an old plank with a new one we store the old planks so that they are still with us. That is what I choose, for who I was when I started my Sycamore cycle, who I was a few years ago, and who I was yesterday to stay a part of me so that I can select the planks of my past, using them as references while I build on and keep them with me as I sail forward. After all, time is relative, so this is the end and beginning in the journey of the Sycamore class of 2016. n

25

SYCAMORE GRADUATES

2016 SYCAMORE GRADUATES

2012 SYCAMORE SCHOOL GRADUATES: COLLEGE CHOICES

VARUN CHHEDA Where else but at Sycamore would you find someone like Mrs. Lykens greeting you every morning as you walked into the building? Where else but at Sycamore would you find someone like Ms. MacDougall, with so much zest and enthusiasm to drive us to compete for a Harry Potter-esqe competition? Where else but at Sycamore would you find someone like Mrs. Borgmann, who dresses up like a chicken on Halloween and drives 8th graders around in a mini-Jeep? We are fortunate to have teachers like Mr. Tormoehlen who lure us to morning math with the promise of donuts and free breakfast, like Mr. Schuth and his dichotomy of wearing black on test days and his hilarious test questions, or like Mr. Young who openly displays a Communist pumpkin and brandishes a big stick.

We will remember the experience of embalming a hen with Ms. Crady, the endless memorization of Latin and Greek stems with Ms. O’Malley, and Mrs. O’Keefe who collected money every time we messed up on a formula; the intense analysis of Les Misérables with Mrs. Simpson, the monologues and eulogies studied for the Tales from the Crypt project for Mrs. Koehler, and we will especially never forget “Nombre, fecha, dìa” drilled into our heads by Sra. Lahr.

Etched into our heads are the slides and description of all genres of art and many art techniques with Mrs. Prince, the appreciation of music be it instrumental or historical with Mrs. Grandlund, and the fun games played with Coach Fink and Coach French. The seeds of all the knowledge we have gained in middle school were planted by our teachers in lower school – Mrs. Stewart and Mrs. Reidy who are still teaching. Our batch had to have been a special one since most of the teachers like Mrs. Sandy, Mrs. Gabig, Mrs. Peek, Mrs. Hyatt, Sra. Hollander, Ms. O’Malley, and Mrs. O’Keefe, decided to stop teaching immediately after we moved on to a new grade…curious!

In my 1,620 school days at Sycamore (minus the two ice days) which is about 33% of my life, I have made many friends. These relationships have been built on mutual respect and admiration and I will cherish them. As I spent the time to think about this speech, I realized the wealth of experience that I have gained here - be it in class or during the numerous field trips, where team competitions are more important to me than individual events, where referring to myself as a Sycamorian rather than just Varun Chheda is a badge of honor!

As we all embark on to the next phase of our lives, we carry with us all that is the best of this school; its teachers, the staff and all of us in “the class of 2016.”

We might be apprehensive of the upcoming change, or we might be looking forward to the next phase; either way, it is with great confidence, deepest gratitude, and fondest memories that we will face our lives and continue with our successes knowing Sycamore has given us a giant step ahead.

To Sycamore, we say goodbye, never to be forgotten. n

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CLASS OF 2016 HIGH SCHOOL DESTINATIONS Brebeuf Rachel Moore Robbie Sheffield Joey Smith Cathedral Ethan Caldwell Kendrick Mernitz Sophie Mernitz Anya Neumeister Carmel Cameron Hillsman Michelle Hong Jackie Hur Jasmine McWilliams Madalyn Sailors Iris Yan North Central Jack Branigan Reis Fogarty Connor Granlund William Hall Jack Milton Marina Morgan Richard Nargang Catherine Neuman Jonathan Papp Josh Rue Emily Schwartz Lawrence Trowbridge Park Tudor Iman Athar Varun Chheda Justin Kinchen Nicole Lueck Chandler McGruder Sahvan Patel Sarah Robertson

Anusha Sinha Matthew Xie Jenny Zhao University Kaitlyn Beheler Nick Jeffery Annie Klemsz Karen Wang Culver Joe Chandler Cary Aidan Sher Exeter Brian Liu Fishers Nicolas Milender Zionsville Peggy Brooks Undecided Faith Dee

Mehar Athar

Ash Mahenthiran

Indiana University

Northwestern University

Elizabeth Baach

Vikas Maturi

University of Oregon

Stanford University

Kendall Baten

Emily McIntosh

Indiana State University

Arizona State University

Isabel Bonarrigo-Burton

Catherine Meador

Ohio Northern

Indiana University

J.B. Bookwalter

Saam Momayez

University of Colorado - Boulder

Indiana University

Ross Brown

Sarah Mossler

Clemson University

University of Wisconsin

Tessa Buzzetti

Chloe Nusbaum

Miami of Ohio University

undecided

Maggie Crady

Colin Oberthur

Indiana University

University of Alabama

Christina Duffield

Brian O’Farrell

University of Cincinnati

University of Alabama

Peyton Duiser

Kayode Osuntokun

Indiana University

University of Alabama

Sean Egloff

Alissa Pearson

Purdue University

University of Colorado - Boulder

Ariana Evans

Chad Qian

undecided

MIT

Rachel Glait

Shivani Recinto

University of Southern California

Indiana University

Aryaman Gupta

Claire Reifeis

Duke University

University of Nebraska

Julia Hoffman

Sam Ristow

American University

Indiana University

Lily Jervis

Sydney Roach

Indiana Tech

Brown University

Scott Kennedy

Jack Rodman

University of Colorado - Boulder

Purdue University

Ben Klemsz

Nick Shirrell

University of Alabama

Purdue University

Amanda Li

Peter Steinbart

Carnegie Melon University

Cal Poly Technical Institute

Emma Love

Elaina Vohra

Indiana University

Butler University

Joe Lybik

Amy Zhou

Yale University

Australia

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SYCAMORE

SYCAMORE

WITH THE NEW RENOVATIONS, VISITORS WILL SEE MORE COLOR, MORE WINDOWS, AND MORE COLLABORATION SPACE.

CONSTRUCTION WORKERS FROM THE HAGERMAN GROUP WORKING TO MAKE CHANGES TO THE FRONT ENTRANCE OF THE SCHOOL.

PHILANTHROPY AT WORK The Fulfilling Promise Campaign is Sycamore School’s third capital campaign in our thirty-year history. This campaign has focused on three things: building new learning spaces, establishing a financial aid endowment and maintaining our annual fund. The renovation of the heart of the school is truly exciting as it will create new rooms were students will learn and grow. This past fall, two spaces were added to the footprint of the school: the Hagerman Family Commons and the Scott A. Jones Family Board Room.

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This summer we are building the Guenthner Family Entrance, which will welcome everyone into the school with a two story light filled entrance. In addition, the Bhatia Family Technology Lab will house students and teachers working collaboratively. Quest, the after school program, will have a new home this fall as will many staff offices.

Finally, we are building an Innovation Lab were students will have a creation space to build their dreams. All of the work is on track to be opened August 19th. These spaces have been built with the generous donations of the Sycamore community. We hope you will stop by and take a look! n

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A

THE RT OF PERSONAL SERVICE

DOWNTOWN

CARMEL

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NORTHWEST

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One American Square

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49th and Pennsylvania Street

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Towne Road near 131st Street

320 North Meridian Street

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CASTLETON

West Smith Valley Road and SR 135

Bash Road and East 82nd Street

261-9000 ©2010 The National Bank of Indianapolis

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Sycamore 4th grade students and teachers took a field trip to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in May, as the track prepared to host the 100th running of the Indianapolis 500. Students met drivers, watched practice and toured parts of the huge facility.