Thayer Magazine - The Summer Issue 2016

AND PHYSICAL EXCELLENCE SO THAT EACH MAY RISE TO HONORABLE ACHIEVEMENT AND CONTRIBUTE TO THE COMMON GOOD.

THE MISSION OF THAYER ACADEMY IS TO INSPIRE A DIVERSE COMMUNITY OF STUDENTS TO MORAL, INTELLECTUAL, AESTHETIC,

Thayer S U M M E R / F A L L 2 0 1 6

MAGAZINE

Summer

THE

ISSUE

Summer Faves

Faculty & staff picks on summer favorites (food, fun, hidden gems)

Camp Thayer

Photo essay on a cherished summer favorite

Project RISE

Stories from the successful summer program at Thayer

Baseball

Thayer alumni and faculty involved with our national pastime

Thayer

Thayer

FALL CALENDAR

HIGHLIGHTS

MAGAZINE

HEADMASTER

Ted Koskores '70 P '10, '13

SEPTEMBER 6 CONVOCATION

OCTOBER 1 HOMECOMING, HATCH RUN, HALL OF FAME LUNCHEON, MIDDLE SCHOOL BLACK & ORANGE GAMES

OCTOBER 6 GRADES 10, 11 & 12 BACK-TO-SCHOOL NIGHT

OCTOBER 12

DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS Joanna Skoler Gilman '86 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Paul W. Kahn DIRECTOR OF PUBLICATIONS & CREATIVE MEDIA

magazine@thayer.org MAGAZINE LAYOUT, DESIGN, & ILLUSTRATION Paul W. Kahn PRINCIPAL EDITORS Rebecca Delaney EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

MIDDLE SCHOOL PARENT RECEPTION

Joanna Skoler Gilman '86

OCTOBER 13-14

Melissa Tuthill Forger '92 DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT

MIDDLE SCHOOL PARENT CONFERENCES

OCTOBER 17 DIVERSITY CELEBRATION, HALE THEATER

OCTOBER 19 6TH GRADE BACK-TO-SCHOOL NIGHT & DINNER

OCTOBER 20 7TH GRADE CLASS DINNER 7TH/8TH GRADE BACK-TO-SCHOOL NIGHT

OCTOBER 21 MIDDLE SCHOOL DANCE

OCTOBER 29

PRINCIPAL WRITERS Rebecca Delaney Paul W. Kahn PRINCIPAL PHOTOGRAPHERS Chris Bernstein, John Grant SUPPLEMENTAL PHOTOGRAPHY & IMAGES Paul W. Kahn, Rochelle Ballin '04, Nicki Pardo, Adobe Stock Depositphotos.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Kelsey Farden '16, Molly Greenough '17, Nick Hanflig '16, Denise King P '08, '10, Violet Pinola '16, Tafari Scott '16, CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Rochelle Ballin '04, Tina Chung, Christine Dahlheimer, Rick Foresteire P '19, '21, Mynetta Jones P '04, AnnMarie Leonard P '03, '06, Matt McGuirk '92, John Murphy, Donna Richardson, Rachael Rouvales Vassalotti '79 P '07, '11, '12

OMEGA POTLUCK DINNER

THAYER ACADEMY NOVEMBER 3 GRADE 12 PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES

NOVEMBER 16 GENERAL'S COUNCIL DINNER

NOVEMBER 18-19 UPPER SCHOOL FALL PRODUCTION OF LES MIS

2016-2017 BOARD OF TRUSTEES

BOARD OFFICERS Thomas M. Kent P ’00, ’03, ’09, Chair Paula L. Becker P ’12, ’14, Vice Chair Melissa Tearney P ’14, Secretary Daniel Budde P ’10, ’12, Treasurer

BOARD MEMBERS Jeffrey Allen P ’15 Donavan Brown ’01

NOVEMBER 22 6TH GRADE GRANDPARENTS DAY

James Cashman ’73, P ’19, ’21 Julian H. Cherubini ’53 Miniard Culpepper, Sr. P ’08, ’09 Robert F. Daylor P ’02, ’13

DECEMBER 16 WINTER RECESS BEGINS (AFTER UPPER SCHOOL MAKE UP EXAMS)

Darren Donovan P ’17, ’20 James J. Ferrera ’81 P ’09, ’12, ’15, ’16 Kevin Gill P ’11, ’13 Linda Hooley P ’06, ’08 ’13, ’16 Kathy Horgan P ’20 Michael Joe P ’17, ’20 Brenda Lyons P ’12, ’14, ’18

For a complete listing of events, go to www.thayer.org/calendar

Brendan McDonough ’87, P ’18 Mike McNally P ’22 John Morey P ’11, ’13 William Parent P ’12, ’15 Tom Shanley ’97, Ex officio as President of the Alumni Board

Fergus Shiel P ’13, ’15, ’18

4

Thayer Magazine Summer / Fall 2016

Ted Koskores ’70, P ’10, ’13, Headmaster Bill Stephenson, Assistant Treasurer; Business Manager

LETTER FROM HEADMASTER

TED KOSKORES '70, P '10, '13

Dear Thayer Community, Guided by the creative energy of our Communications Team – Director Joanna Skoler Gilman ‘86 and Paul Kahn, Tina Chung, and Rebecca Delaney – Thayer continues to take important steps to communicate to our community in ways that are timely, informative, interesting, and even exciting! Certainly the new website has been very well received; I think you will appreciate that our inaugural Summer Magazine will be similarly compelling.

In addition to capturing many of the more important moments and accomplishments that defined the school year, the Summer Magazine reminds us of the vibrant activities that take place on campus during the summer months.

Record numbers of young people are enrolled in Camp Thayer, pursuing activities as varied as dance, drama, swimming, arts & crafts, archery, and a rich array of sports programs. Joining them on campus are scores of Project RISE students who are strengthening their skills in math, science, English, and time management. As many of you know, Thayer enjoys an especially close relationship with Project RISE, whose founder is a Thayer faculty member, former parent and alum, Rob Dixon ’79, P ’03, '16. Indeed, Rob and his excellent work are featured in this magazine.

While little ones fill our campus with laughter and energy, it is important to note that the campus is brimming with other kinds of activity, as well. Many faculty come back to campus to refine further the courses they will be teaching in the fall, administrators and staff members are setting the stage for the upcoming year, contractors are fervently working to have two new turf fields and significant upgrades to the Middle School’s Thompson Hall and Forum ready by the opening of school. Also of note, Middle School Director Carson Smith and his team of faculty members have used the summer to develop a new Middle School schedule that will accommodate additionally enriching learning experiences for our students, and they have revised the program to add weight to specific themes at each grade level aimed at student and community growth. Current parents will hear more of these exciting changes directly from Mr. Smith.

As you peruse the Summer Magazine, we trust you will find it appropriate that we also highlight the involvement of folks connected with Thayer and America’s summer pastime, baseball: Jared Porter ’99, Chris Hall ’91, Harrison Slutsky ’08, and current faculty member Mike Landry who supervises our Hanflig Technology Center.

We hope you will enjoy the Summer Magazine as you continue to draw renewal and inspiration from summer’s special gifts.

Sincerely,

Ted Koskores '70, P '10, '13 HEADMASTER, THAYER ACADEMY

Thayer Magazine Summer / Fall 2016

3

Thayer S U M M E R / F A L L 2 0 1 6

MAGAZINE

Table of Contents

Summer

THE

ISSUE

Camp Thayer Photo Essay

6

Camp photos from yesterday and today

Thayer Summer Favorites

11

Faculty and staff share their picks for a great summer

Project RISE Sets Great Expectations

15

Stories from the successful summer program at Thayer

For Love of the Game

18

Alumni and faculty live the dream with exciting jobs in baseball

4

Thayer Magazine Summer / Fall 2016

Visit Thayer Academy online:

www.thayer.org

Letter from the Headmaster 3

Reunion 2016

Ted Koskores ’70, P ’10, ’13

- Reunion 2016 Overview

Recapping the weekend; Alumni Award Recipients

- Reunion 2016 Class Pictures

News & Campus Highlights

From the 5th to the 60th Class Reunions!

- Senior Projects 2016

22

- To Build a School

23

Brief excerpts from selected Senior Project essays

"

We help build

Essay on Shoulder-to-Shoulder by Molly Greenough '17

- Farewells 2015-16

23

self-esteem Thayer Arts

and their

- Music, Drama & Dance 2016

sense of identity, and they realize what they're capable of achieving.

Photo gallery

"

Rob Dixon '79, P '03, '16 Thayer History teacher & founder of Project RISE

- Student Art 2016

24

Photo gallery

Class Notes 50 Thayer Babies

55

Thayer Weddings

56

In Memoriam

60

The Final Word

66

Remembering Fred: A tribute of Frederic David Bell '80 by his friend, Ted Polomis '80

Thayer Athletics - Athletics 2016

Photo gallery

28

- Student Athletes in the NCAA 2016 42

Thayer Year End - Last Chapel 2016

Photo gallery

- Recognition Day 2016 Photo gallery

30

31

Alumni, Faculty, Staff & Students

highlighted in this issue: PAGE

- Commencement 2016

32-39

Photo gallery; Tardiff Family; Legacy Photo

- Senior Profiles

Jessica Dyroff, Isaac Butler, Jocelle Marius, Sam Knollmeyer

- Where We Went

College Matriculation for the Class of 2016

2015-2016 Annual Report

46

26

Celebrating the Class of 2016

Affixed to the back inside cover of the Magazine is the 2015-2016 Annual Report. Thank you for your continued generosity to the Academy!

44

40

42

Jared Porter ’99

18

Harrison Slutsky ’08

18

Chris Hall ’91

18

Mike Landry

18

Molly Greenough ’17

23

Richard Tardiff ’76

36

Kate Tardiff ’03

36

Daniel Tardiff ’16

36

Jessica Dyroff ’16

40

Isaac Butler ’16

40

Jocelle Marius ’16

41

Sam Knollmeyer ’16

41

Frederic David Bell ’80

66

www.thayer.org/annualreport

Thayer Magazine Summer / Fall 2016

5

SUMMER AT CAMP THAYER: A PHOTO ESSAY After the last diploma is handed out in early June, students and faculty leave and the Thayer campus falls quiet. It’s the calm before the storm— at the end of the month, crowds of excited campers descend on campus for Camp Thayer—a Thayer tradition since 1935. The camp is a special place for children, counselors, and staff, and holds a cherished place in the summer memories of many in the Thayer community.

Camp Thayer's home on the web is at: www.thayer.org/campthayer

FUN ON THE MAIN LAWN Campers Donny Badger '98 (son of Don Badger '63, P '98, former Thayer Middle School teacher and football and baseball coach) and Scott Schuster circa 1984.

6 8

Thayer Magazine The Summer Issue 2016

Whether it's meeting a new camp buddy for the first time or wholeheartedly engaging in a dance party, every Camp Thayer adventure begins each morning on the Main Lawn.

Laura Fiotto '16 takes a break in the shade with her group.

COUNSELORS (AND C.I.T.s - COUNSELORS IN TRAINING) Several Thayer students return to campus to work as counselors at Camp Thayer. Campers look up to and connect with the young CITs and counselors, and often stay in touch well after camp is over.

CAMP STATS 2016 # number of Campers

878 220

# of Camp Counselors/CITs

% of Counselors & Staff with Thayer ties (alums, current students/faculty/staff)

25%

Camp Director Cathy Turpel (far left) and Assistant Camp Director AnnMarie Leonard P '03, '06 (far right) run an incredible camp each year.

Thayer Magazine The Summer Issue 2016

7

"COME OUT, COME OUT, MAGIC TIGER!" Younger campers yell the phrase excitedly as they look up at the Main Tower for a sighting of the Magic Tiger. Campers keep a watchful eye out for the Tiger throughout their days at camp. Legend has it he travels around campus through manholes ("portals") in the pavement. Occasionally he makes an appearance at the top of the iconic Main Building tower to the delight of campers.

8

Thayer Magazine The Summer Issue 2016

CREATING MEMORIES FOR OVER 80 YEARS

Since its founding in 1935, thousands of kids have made cherished memories during summers at Camp Thayer

Thayerlands/Middle School teacher Joan Aicardi with Camp Thayer's Tiny Tots group.

A CAMP THAYER LOVE STORY Stephanie ’88 & Marc Rando P ’18, ’20 met at Camp Thayer in the summer of 1992 when they both worked as counselors after college. “Two weeks into camp a 16 year-old junior counselor named Jeremy started trying to set us up,” says Marc. “He got more persistent and more embarrassing,” recalls Stephanie. “We finally gave in by the end of the summer,” she says. They were married three years later and now both work at Thayer (Stephanie as a library assistant and Marc as an Upper School foreign language teacher and Department Head). Their two daughters currently attend Thayer as well.

This photo was taken on the last day of Camp Thayer 1992.

Stephanie and Marc had started dating just a week earlier.

Thayer Magazine The Summer Issue 2016

9

ON THE FIELDS, ON STAGE, AND IN THE AIR Campers can choose from General Camp, Sports camps that focus on activities such as soccer, lacrosse, baseball and basketball; specialty camps and day trips; and the popular theater camps. After a week of theater camp, campers put on a full-fledged show. This year campers will be performing You're A Good Man Charlie Brown (pictured below), Grease, Matilda: The Musical, and The Wiz.

10

Thayer Magazine The Summer Issue 2016

Summer

THAY ER

FAVORITES

We may be in the last leg of summer, but there’s plenty of time to squeeze the most out of this breathtaking season before it’s back to class in September.

We asked Thayer faculty and staff for their picks of some summer favorites. Take a peek and make some late summer plans.

BEST FISHING "I have a secret, undisclosed location in Hingham Bay"

CARTER HARRISON MIDDLE SCHOOL ENGLISH DEPARTMENT HEAD AND DIRECTOR OF STUDIES

Thayer Magazine The Summer Issue 2016

11

FAVORITE

to the “Going Berkshires & Tanglewood. ”

Summer

TRADITIONS

of my “One favorites

“

is to picnic at the DeCordova Museum in Lincoln.

They have a wonderful sculpture park.

ANDY GIBSON P '21, '22 MIDDLE SCHOOL MATH TEACHER & ACADEMIC DEAN

Friday night dinner on Sandy Beach in Cohasset.

”

PAULA COLLINS P ’10, ’21 UPPER SCHOOL SCIENCE TEACHER

Evening “The Under the Stars event at the South Shore Conservatory.

”

”

JOANNA SKOLER GILMAN ’86

CHRISTINE WOODS

DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

ASSOCIATE COLLEGE COUNSELOR, UPPER SCHOOL MATH TEACHER

SUMMER READING LIST FACULTY & STAFF HAVE THEIR OWN SUMMER ASSIGNMENT OF BOOKS TO READ (FOR GROUP DISCUSSION AT THE START OF THE YEAR). MATT DUNNE, UPPER SCHOOL DIRECTOR OF STUDIES & HISTORY DEPARTMENT HEAD, SHARES THE 2016 SUMMER LIST OF

“ 12

BOOKS AND TALKS ABOUT HOW HE CHOSE EACH BOOK:

These selections come from reviews, recommendations from other faculty, and a desire to address some of the

”

bigger picture issues we face as educators.

Thayer Magazine The Summer Issue 2016

“

Reclaiming Conversation helps us consider the value of encouraging informed, thoughtful, exploratory conversations of all sorts in our lives and in our classrooms. This seems very pertinent in light of the way technology has come to dominate our everyday experiences. I'm hoping this book will encourage us to think about how we leverage technology without allowing it to control too much of what we do and how we do it. But it should also help us think about how we use and foster conversations in our classrooms.

”

FAVORITE

Summer

BEST ICE CREAM

“

has a great location. You can take your ice cream just down the road to see Nubble Lighthouse.

in Whitman

- so fresh!

The creamiest and most outstanding ice cream in the area, bar none.

”

CHRISSY DAHLHEIMER DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL EVENTS, STEWARDSHIP & PARENT PROGRAMMING

that math!

Lobster Express (Hull) “Get it ‘naked’ with just butter— take out plain and simple."

MYNETTA JONES P ’04

UPPER SCHOOL REGISTRAR

Hingham Lobster Pound JOHN REID

MIDDLE SCHOOL ATHLETIC DIRECTOR

Sesuit Harbor Café (Dennis) THERESA JAY

Nona's in Scituate Harbor

Curious fun fact: the half

gallon is less expensive than the quart - do

BEST LOBSTER ROLLS

Ice Cream “Dunne's in York (Maine)

Peaceful Meadows

EATS

DIRECTOR OF TECHNOLOGY

MAUREEN KELEHER UPPER SCHOOL ENGLISH & FOREIGN LANGUAGE TEACHER; UPPER SCHOOL DEAN

”

DEB SIEGEL P ’19, ’22

Sundae School in Dennisport DENISE KING P ’08, ’10 UPPER SCHOOL ENGLISH TEACHER; DIRECTOR, SENIOR PROJECTS

BEST SEAFOOD (IN THE WORLD)

Los Abetos Galicia, Spain GLORIA BLANCO UPPER SCHOOL FOREIGN LANGUAGE TEACHER

UPPER SCHOOL MATH TEACHER

“

The Hustle is one I've read and think others will find appealing. It looks at the issues of race and class through sports (basketball) and education.

This book, I think, can help us consider how we reach kids across the socio-economic and racial spectrums at Thayer. It reveals pitfalls and promises in some of the approaches American schools, public and private, have taken as they work through issues of diversity.

”

“

Quiet came as a recommendation from other Thayer faculty. I'm hoping this one helps us reach, understand, appropriately encourage, and fully appreciate the many quiet students in our classes-- the reserved kids finding their voices.

”

Thayer Magazine The Summer Issue 2016

13

FAVORITE

Summer

DESTINATIONS

“Now, on this road trip, my mind seemed to uncrinkle, to breathe, to present to itself a cure for a disease it had not, until now, known it had.”

ELIZABETH BERG, THE YEAR OF PLEASURES

BEST SCENIC HIKE BEST SUN SET

Loon Mountain Lincoln, New Hampshire RICK FORESTEIRE P ’18, ’21

UPPER SCHOOL ATHLETIC DIRECTOR

Norris Reservation, Norwell KELLY HINES

UPPER SCHOOL ARTS TEACHER

Truro Bea c JON WH

“

Lit Up explores the teaching of literature in real-life, modern-day classrooms. I'm hoping this one helps us to consider what we hope our classes accomplish, what we think goes on in our classrooms, and what might be happening there from our students' perspectives. This book seems to get at the heart of our mission: teaching and learning.

”

14

Thayer Magazine The Summer Issue 2016

h, lookin

ITE P ’0

g ove Pro vincetown

r 9, ’11 D IRECTO

“

R OF AD

MISSIO

NS

Last Child in the Woods also came as a recommendation from a faculty member.

This book, like Reclaiming Conversation, pushes us to consider the full dimensions of the environments we and our students inhabit, especially in these days of constant access to technology and fully booked lives.

Most importantly, this book encourages us to consider how and why we might incorporate our natural environment more fully into our education and in our lives generally.

”

PROJECT RISE SETS GREAT EXPECTATIONS

BY REBECCA DELANEY

It was the summer of 2003 and Isabel Lorenzo ’09 was in sixth grade in Dorchester. Her math grades were slipping and her mother knew she could do better. She enrolled her in Project RISE at Thayer, and Lorenzo felt like she was being punished. “My grades weren’t up to par,” shares Lorenzo. “So she told me I was going to summer school.”

Summer school has a bad rap; students think of sitting in a hot classroom because you didn’t earn the grades you should’ve during the school year— but Project RISE (Respect, Integrity and Success through Education) fills classrooms at the Thayer Upper and Middle School with kids who keep coming back year after year to brush up on their math, science, and English. The program provides individualized instruction to students from some of Boston’s underserved neighborhoods such as Roxbury, Mattapan, and Dorchester. These students may have fallen through the cracks in their classrooms and come to Project RISE for a boost in academics and self-esteem.

“I was one of those kids, and Thayer gave me a great opportunity,” says Dixon. “It prepared me not only for college, for but for life,” he says. “I wanted kids who looked like me to have the same opportunities.” Thayer hosts Project RISE on its campus every summer. Some students go on to attend Thayer or other independent schools in the area.

Thayer history teacher, alum, and parent Rob Dixon ’79 P ’03, ’16 started the program in 1993 to provide the same opportunities he had been given when he arrived at Thayer in 1975 as a ninth grader from Dorchester who had been struggling in school.

Lorenzo said she had lost motivation for academics in middle school, thus the drop in grades before Project RISE. “I had always been good at math, but Project RISE made me realize ‘Oh, I’m really good at math,’” she says.

That first summer in Project RISE sparked a lifelong love of learning and 

“These kids are coming from environments where they have low expectations socially, academically, and culturally,” says Dixon. “We help build self-esteem and their sense of identity, and they realize what they’re capable of achieving.”

Thayer Magazine The Summer Issue 2016

15

commitment to the program. “After that summer I made so many good friends, I begged to go back,” she says. “When I returned to school for the seventh grade, my teachers were impressed. I was far beyond the other students.”

Lorenzo enrolled at Thayer two years later and worked as a counselor, lead counselor, and program coordinator at Project RISE. “The counselors that taught me had all gone through Project RISE and gone to Thayer, and seeing them motivate kids like me from the inner city,” says Lorenzo. “It was cool to be smart—I wanted to pass that on and inspire other kids.”

She went on to Howard University and George Washington University where she earned her master’s in Business Analytics. She now works as a business analyst for a real estate investment trust in Washington, DC. “It boosted my self-esteem having someone hold great expectations for me, having someone who believed in me,” she says.

At Project RISE, students attend classes in the morning and then participate in camp activities in the afternoon, such as swimming, archery, arts and crafts, and games. On Fridays kids and counselors head off campus for field trips to places such as Canobie Lake, Sky-Zone, or a roller skating rink.

Myles Fagan ’17 arrived at Project RISE when he was seven. “I was nervous at first,” he says. “I don’t like change too much, but once I got there I made new friends.” When he returned to his school in Randolph in the fall, he was ahead in math, science and English classes. His experience at Project RISE made such an impact he came back year after year and became a counselor at age 14, and enrolled at Thayer in ninth grade. “I like working with the kids,” he says. “It’s funny to see what makes them laugh and think back to how I was when I was that age.”

Myles says Project RISE made a difference in his life because it ultimately brought him to Thayer. “Thayer changed my life because I saw how hard people study and how much time they put into things,” he says. “I don’t think I would’ve seen that at any other schools.” Before he started work at Project RISE this summer, Myles attended a summer entrepreneurship program at the University of Dayton.

Rob Dixon '79 P '03, '16 Founder of Project RISE, Thayer alum, and parent.

“Rob Dixon has created a remarkable program,” notes Thayer Academy Headmaster Ted Koskores ’70 P ’10, ’13. “Naturally, we have been pleased to be supportive of Project RISE's mission in important ways. In addition, there is no doubt that the Academy has been strengthened by the impressive contributions matriculating Project Rise students have made to the Thayer community. We look forward to developing additional ways to work with Project Rise in the years ahead.”

Mychii Snape ’00 says she was dazzled by the beautiful campus when she arrived at Thayer for Project RISE as a seventh grader. Her middle school guidance counselor recommended she attend the summer program. She became so enamored with Thayer, she enrolled the following year for eighth grade. The transition was relatively smooth she said because of the Thayer faculty who worked at Project RISE and supported her when she arrived in the fall.

“There was a network of people who looked out for me and made sure I took those next steps,” she says. “Toward the end of ninth grade, a group of teachers decided I should be on a different track, and had me take geometry in the summer. It was the most amazing thing-- they knew far more than I did and were leading me down an academic path that set me up for success.”

From Thayer, Snape went onto Scripps College in Claremont, California and Columbia Law School in New York City. “I was one of those strange people who knew I wanted to be a lawyer since the 3rd grade,” she says. She now works as the Assistant Attorney General in the Consumer Protection Division in Boston.

16

Thayer Magazine The Summer Issue 2016

One hallmark of Project RISE alumni is their willingness to return to the program to inspire kids the way they were inspired.

And some students have carried the Project RISE ideals beyond the Thayer campus.

“Kids that come through Project RISE have a sense of giving back,” says Dixon. Dale Taylor ’98 is one such alumnus. Taylor works as the Assistant Director of Admissions at Siena College in Loudonville, New York, but also participates in a mentor program in the Loudonville area that he also helped lead.

“Project RISE inspired me to help kids in a similar circumstance,” says Taylor. “I was what they call today an ‘at risk youth,’” he says. “I was getting in trouble, but I had potential. I just needed the right guidance and leadership around other people like me.”

Taylor went to Project RISE and started at Thayer as a freshman. “Project RISE provided that structure I needed and inspired me through academics,” he says.

“If it wasn’t for Rob, I wouldn’t have the opportunities I have today.”

PROJECT RISE

BY THE NUMBERS

1,700+ STUDENTS HAVE ATTENDED PROJECT RISE SINCE 1993

96% PROJECT RISE STUDENTS GRADUATE FROM HIGH SCHOOL

50+ PROJECT RISE STUDENTS HAVE ATTENDED THAYER, WITH OTHERS ATTENDING OTHER AREA ISL SCHOOLS

15+ THAYER FACULTY MEMBERS HAVE TAUGHT AT PROJECT RISE

Project RISE students take part in classes in the morning, then enjoy camp activites (swimming, archery, arts & crafts, sports & games) on Thayer's campus in the afternoons.

THAYER FACULTY PLAY KEY ROLE AT PROJECT RISE Project RISE not only deeply affects the students that come to campus each summer, it makes its mark on the faculty who teach in the program as well. Several Thayer Academy faculty return to Thayer classrooms in the summer to teach at Project RISE. Upper School Math Department head Kevin Cedrone P ’22 taught math for Project RISE for 12 years, calling it “one of the best parts of my experience here at Thayer.”

When Kevin stopped teaching to spend time with his young family in the summer, he passed the reins to Billy O’Dwyer ’02 (above, with Rob Dixon) who was just graduating from Boston College with his degree in education. Billy took the job as a temporary summer job, and now teaches Math at the Middle and Upper Schools, coaches basketball, and still teaches at Project RISE, 12 years later.

Other Thayer faculty who teach at Project Rise include: Matt Ghiden English (Lower Program) Napoleon Lherisson ’06 (and Project Rise alumnus), History (Upper Program) Sophie Browne ‘04 Reading (Lower Program)

Learn more about Project RISE at: www.projectriseboston.org

Thayer Magazine The Summer Issue 2016

17

FOR LOVE OF THE

Game

B Y PA U L W. K A H N

JARED PORTER '99, HARRISON SLUTSKY '08 & CHRIS HALL ’91

SPEND SUMMERS (AND ALL SEASONS) IN BALLPARKS ACROSS THE COUNTRY.

Baseball, America's pastime, is for many the quintessential summer game. Many a June or July

day is spent in the outfield bleachers, soaking in the sun while rooting for the home team.

The soundtrack of an August summer night is often the radio broadcast of a game. Countless children dream of playing baseball when they grow up, spending their days on a ballfield.

For three Thayer alums, the dream is a daily reality - though not in the typical sense of being a ballplayer. Rather, for Jared Porter '99, Harrison Slutsky '08, and Chris Hall '91, each has found a career in the front offices of professional and independent baseball - pursuing dreams that all three feel were directly a result of their time at Thayer.

For Jared Porter '99, a day in the office often consists of walking into The Friendly Confines of Wrigley Field. As the Director of Pro Scouting/ Special Assistant for the Chicago Cubs - one of only thirty such positions in the world - he works closely with Cubs President Theo Epstein and GM Jed Hoyer on player discussions and dealings for the ballclub. He also spends a good amount of time traveling on scouting trips all across the world. Porter's previous workplace was on Yawkey Way, in the front office of the Boston Red Sox. To say he's had quite the charmed career - having had vital roles in two of Major

THE DIRECTOR:

JARED PORTER '99 League Baseball's most storied franchises - is quite the understatement.

But then again, understated is a good descriptor for how Porter has gone about his life and work.

He is measured, even-keeled, and cerebral known for having a legendary memory (an ability to remember stats and databases of player information - honed, he says, from his days memorizing stats on baseball cards). What might seem incredible now is that Porter's career at the highest echelons of professional baseball wasn't what he initially thought of pursuing. In fact, hockey was his primary sports love - and who could blame him, having the opportunity during his Thayer years to play with and watch Brooks Orpik '98, Ryan Whitney '01, and Mike Mottau '96 on the ice?

While at Bowdoin, he thought more about law school or a job in finance for his future. "Back then there wasn't too much information in the field of sports management," he recalls.

Jared Porter '99, (top row, fourth from the left) on Thayer's Varsity baseball team (1997).

18

Thayer Magazine The Summer Issue 2016

However, during the summers of his junior and senior years, Porter started helping out his father, who worked as the GM of the Brewster

Whitecaps team in the Cape Cod League.

Those two seasons ignited a passion for baseball evaluation and roster creation. His cerebral nature was a further asset and fit to the role.

"I was then fortunate to able to meet a few people from the Red Sox and got an internship at Ft. Myers with the Red Sox, packing up everything and deciding to move down there," Porter recalls, displaying the gumption evident in one of his Thayer Black & Orange yearbook quotes, one by Vince Lombardi: Success rests not only on ability, but upon commitment, loyalty, and pride. His dedication paid off, as he came up with the club to Boston in 2005 - interned again for another seven months, and was able to get a full-time position. Starting as Assistant to Player Development with the Sox, he eventually became Director of Pro Scouting inNovember 2011, following Theo Epstein's departure.

His memories of his time in Boston read like a laundry list of great Red Sox lore. "I was an intern during the 2004 World Series, I was in the clubhouse during the 2007 World Series championship, and saw first hand the no-hitters of Lester and Buchholz," he recalls. "Of course, 2013 might've been the best on-field moment during my time with the Sox with everything that happened that season."

However, it's the off-the-field strategic trades that give him the most pride in looking back at his Boston years. "During my time we made some smaller deals that helped that organization long-term. Stephen Wright for Lars Anderson.

Craig Breslow for Matt Albers. Felix Dubront for Marco Hernandez. The little deals are just as exciting as the big ones." Case in point - Daniel Nava's major league debut. "He was a guy who we took a chance on and actually signed him for one dollar." Nava hit a grand slam in his first at

Despite his year-round busy schedule with the Sox, Porter has always been generous with his time with the Academy as an alum - volunteering to speak at Career Day on multiple occasions (his grouping always being one of the most popular among students), and helping out when alumni came to Florida for the annual Thayer Spring Training game.

He also had a big hand in helping Harrison Slutsky '08 get his start working for the Red Sox in 2012, and opened doors for the creation of a Senior Project opportunity with the Red Sox that Toby Sandblom '15 and Robert Carmody '16 had the tremendous opportunity to experience.

In September 2015, he transitioned once again, following Theo and Jed Hoyer (with whom he worked closely during his tenure in Boston) to Wrigley Field.

"It was a really good opportunity," he says.

"I loved all my years in Boston and wouldn't take it back for anything. It was a really tough decision but I knew at some point I'd have to leave the Sox and try something new in order to continue to progress. My familiarity with Theo and Jed was the biggest part of that decision."

office added bullpen depth by trading for closer Aroldis Chapman). We're very aware that it's a 162-game season. And then when you hopefully make the playoffs, it's another tough season to win it. By no means have we won anything yet, but we're excited at the start we've had."

Finally, in terms of advice, Porter shares two things. "First, be open minded about geography and opportunities, and be willing to move anywhere to start your career. It might take a couple years to get your feet underneath you."

Secondly, he notes, "Do your research - study as much as you can, read the good websites.

Watch games, watch video - so when you do have an opportunity to interview somewhere, you have relevant information to give."

And if the Cubs and Red Sox meet in the World Series? "Obviously I'd root for the Cubs - but I'm really happy for those guys in Boston, they're off to a good start. I have a lot of really close friends over there in the front office and coaching staff. I'm really pulling hard for those guys, I watch their games almost every night - especially since we have a lot of day games. But that would be a lot of fun if that came to fruition."

Regarding the tremendous success the Cubs have been enjoying so far in the 2016 season, Porter is cautiously optimistic.

"So far so good," he notes, "Obviously it's a very long season, and we've had some injuries lately. A big part of my job is to try to help us get players that can help us add depth." (indeed, at press time, Porter and the Cubs front

"Early on, I knew I wanted to do something in sports," he noted. "I played baseball in college (a pitcher at Columbia) and would've kept on playing if I could have. But when my on-field career ended, I knew I wanted to continue in baseball."

That's when, just two weeks out of college in May 2012, he received a phone interview for a summer internship opening with the Red Sox. "I was local, and it just worked out that they had an opening when they did," he recalls. "At that point it was a no-brainer." That summer internship turned into a full season internship - eventually leading to his coming on board full-time, with the active guidance and support of then-director of professional scouting Jared Porter '03, now with the Cubs organization.

"This year I'm traveling with the team," excitedly explains Harrison. "This is an unbelievable experience: I work closely with a scout on the road in front of us. I'm watching video with our coaches. All together as a group we formulate a plan."

Harrison explains a typical workweek with the Sox: "On the first day of a series, there are two different meetings - one with pitchers, one with positional players. We go through certain bullet points, things to be aware of, strengths/weaknesses, tendencies. It's a rolling preparation. We have such a great coaching staff, which makes my job so much easier."

He has a similar role with the Cubs, though it's a little more expansive with scouting forays into professional baseball in Japan and Korea.

His daily dealings and discussions involve trade talks, free agency, and a lot of the work leading up to deals and acquisitions.

"We have a much bigger staff here in Chicago," Porter explains. "I oversee 18 to 20 people - mostly scouts around the country and world. The role is an executive position based in the office, but involves a lot of scouting trips around the country and in Asia."

Harrison's path to this dream job with the home team was born out of a combination of hard work, perfect timing, and a Thayer connection.

FEATURE STORY: FOR LOVE OF THE GAME | JARED PORTER '99, HARRISON SLUTSKY '08, CHRIS HALL '91

bat in the Bigs and became a reliable Major Leaguer.

THE SCOUTING COORDINATOR:

HARRISON SLUTSKY '08 As the Red Sox Coordinator for Advance Scouting, Harrison Slutsky '08 works with the coaching staff, players, and a road scout to help the team prepare for their next opponent. Moreover, when there is a close or controversial play on the field, it is Harrison who advises whether or not Manager John Farrell should challenge calls during each game for replay.

The biggest challenge of the job? "It's a long season," he answers. "I'm really glad I did those two intern years, because you realize what a grind it is. The challenge is not to get too high or too low, trust the process, and take it day by day." It also doesn't hurt that he gets to ride on the team plane from city to city.

Slutsky was at Thayer for grades 6-12 and fondly recalls many memories from the Academy. "Still to this day I often think about my Senior Project Peru trip with Jake Diamond," he says.

Of course, many other positive memories occurred on the playing fields, and Slutsky ďƒ Thayer Magazine The Summer Issue 2016

19

vividly recalls his senior year of baseball, when he tangibly recognized the chemistry that he developed with his teammates, having played on the field with them for so long (many of them since 6th grade).

His advice to those interested in sports? "Be around the game, be versatile and wellrounded. If you can play, play as long as you can. If you're not playing, be around the team environment - that's invaluable. You pick up more than you realize being around it."

Speaking of chemistry, Slutsky also recalls a memorable Thayer incident with a laugh. "I lit myself on fire during chemistry class with Ms. Neeley! I'm sure she still uses me as an example of what not to do with a bunsen burner!"

But above all, Slutsky is thankful for how Thayer prepared him for college and beyond. "I was really prepared to balance school work and sports at Columbia," he notes, "while being wholly committed to both. This was a challenge in and of itself - and that experience ended up preparing me for what I do now with the Sox." "Showing up to the ballpark every day for work - I can't imagine really doing anything else. I love the process of it - it's every day, and you have to turn the page quickly. There's a constant evolution and learning, trying to keep ahead of that, it keeps you interested," he explains. "For instance, replay is now a huge part of my job. Once gametime hits, I'm sitting in front of 15 camera angles in the clubhouse.

If a close play happens that the coaches want to talk about, I'm the one looking at the replay monitors and advising them to challenge or not challenge."

The biggest satisfaction during his time with the Red Sox so far? Slutsky is quick to answer.

"Just being part of 2013. What an incredible experience that was, with Boston Strong and the stretch run and playoffs. Experiencing that from the inside as a second-year intern was amazing."

SPOILS OF VICTORY - Harrison Slutsky's World Series ring from 2013

20

Thayer Magazine The Summer Issue 2016

The major piece that directly led to the success of the FCBL was the securing of ballparks - like Brockton's Campanelli Stadium - early on, for use by clubs. Because these stadiums have been community gathering centers for decades, the various FCBL teams average some 1,500 fans a night - and can draw crowds of over 3,000 for certain games. But apart from gate receipts, Hall chooses to emphasizes another factor that he feels makes the league a success: namely, giving back to the local community.

"That's the reason why our teams are so important," Hall explains. "If these stadiums go empty, the community loses a lot. It's not just a baseball game, it's everything about it: it's the opportunity for families to get together, for businesses to entertain clients, local groups to hold fundraisers, and a location to provide opportunities for businesses to give back."

THE COMMISH:

CHRIS HALL '91 Chris Hall '91 sits in one of the private boxes at Campanelli Stadium in Brockton, watching the Brockton Rox play the Seacoast Mavericks on a hot, early afternoon in June.

As the commissioner of the Futures Collegiate Baseball League (FCBL), Hall attends as many ballgames as he can, not just to enjoy the game or chat with team owners - but also to watch and evaluate the players themselves. With his signature literally on every single baseball in the league, there is a weight of responsibility that goes with the enjoyment of watching the game.

The 10-team FCBL is an independent, wood-bat summer baseball league composed of college players who take part in a 56game schedule, working on their craft and showcasing their talent for scouts. The league also gives a boost to communities throughout New England, a key piece of what Hall has helped to establish.

"We're in a very good situation here," notes Hall. "In independent baseball, your budget has to accommodate travel, leases for stadium, and staff, because teams aren't affiliated with major league teams and therefore do not have the financing that traditional minor league clubs have. So, I ensure that our budgets are set to give teams the opportunity to be successful and it's a model that is working well for us."

This intentionality on the league as a local, community-based enterprise extends into roster composition as well. "Unique to our league," says Hall, "is a rule that every team in the FCBL has to have at least ten players with New England connections. Players must be either from New England or attending a college in the region." The result yielding opportunities for local kids who might not otherwise have exposure to play in front of scouts.

Hall attributes his experience at Thayer for directly influencing the way he runs the league.

"For me, Thayer was and is about the relationships," he says. "There are probably fifty people from Thayer I could call right now if I needed something - we are a close, tight-knit group. That's something I've tried to bring here in this league - instilling a community atmosphere. We're not just about individual team success - we're really about our whole league's success. We try to leave our ego at the door."

Born and raised in Brockton - both his older sister (Laurie '79 and brother (Michael '87) were Thayer graduates, along with his nephew, (Quentin '14) - Chris recalls his time at Thayer fondly, whether being in the midst of the great athletes of his generation (Kelly Amonte '92, Jeremy Roenick '88, Tony Amonte '89 P '16, '18, '19, '23, David Hymovitz '92), or playing for coaches like Rob Dixon '80 P '03, '16, whom he absolutely loved.

As a catcher for Thayer, he went on to be recruited and play baseball at Brandeis. But four surgeries in three years led Hall to take the passion he had for baseball and channel it to a career in sports management.

"I started coaching locally, had my own AAU program, then started helping some friends and represented minor league players," he recounts. "In 2006, the Nashua Pride gave me the opportunity to be the vice president of baseball operations and general manager, and I was able to work with former Red Sox manager Butch Hobson. I helped bring in Chris Colabello (current major leaguer) in a trade and even had (former Red Sox pitcher) Rich "El Guapo" GarcĂŠs as our closer during my time there - which culminated in winning the championship in 2007."

After the team was sold following the 2008 season, Hall was let go. He took a year off from baseball, though he stayed in close proximity to the game with some consulting for some pro teams.

In 2010, Hall, along with Chris Carminucci (whose group operated the Brockton Rox at the time) and Drew Weber (who owned the New Hampshire Fisher Cats Double-A team), thought about creating their own college summer pro league - after getting rebuffed in attempts to have their teams join other summer leagues.

"We started with four teams, and while some doubted our viability at the time, we now outdraw all other similar leagues," proudly notes Hall.

"I realize how lucky I am every day," he says.

"I can be part of the game for a long time, I can watch baseball, and I can help kids. But you always have to give back. We're always working with college coaches and pro scouts to get them signed - because I see how hard they are trying, and I want to help them succeed."

The baseball game has ended, and the stands are emptying out. But work is still ongoing for Hall, who walks onto the field, gives some encouraging words to a couple of players, chats with a coach, then walks into the Rox clubhouse to say hello to the team.

There, he outlines the importance of doing things right on and off the field, and tells them he's always available to talk. After he shakes a few more hands, Hall is off again, cell phone to his ear, discussing yet another way he can improve upon the FCBL.

FROM THAYER'S

BLACK & ORANGE

JARED PORTER Class of 1999

HARRISON SLUTSKY Class of 2008

CHRIS HALL

THE PITCHING COACH:

MIKE LANDRY

Thayer's Hanflig Technology Center Supervisor shares how he spends summers as a pitching coach for the Cape Cod League "What I love most about the game here is that the players are learning a great deal while they are with us. Many of them come from large programs where the pressure to perform is at a maximum, resulting in many of the decisions being made on the field by the managers and coaches. Here we are able to let the players make the calls, and reflect with them on what went well and where they can improve.

The kids are at the doorstep of making their dreams of playing baseball professionally come true, and we are there to mentor them through part of that process. It's a very special experience in a very special place!"

"My official title is pitching coach, but I am also a camp instructor, grounds crew member and whatever else the club may need. Our day generally starts with our youth camp at 9am.

We get to the field around 8:30 to settle in and set up the drill stations. Camp runs until 11:30, and we then transition into field work to prepare the field for the game that night.

This involves mowing the grass, grooming the infield dirt, sometimes steamrolling the infield and always fixing the clay holes on the pitching mound and home plate left behind from the previous game. We usually have the field ready to go by 1, grab a quick bite to eat, then back on the field for early work at 2 and batting practice at 3. We play at 6 and start the whole process over again the next day!"

FEATURE STORY: FOR LOVE OF THE GAME | JARED PORTER '99, HARRISON SLUTSKY '08, CHRIS HALL '91

PERK OF THE JOB - Chris Hall's Commissioner signature on an official FCBL baseball

In terms of advice for those interested in sports, Hall acknowledges that luck plays a large role. "Sports is a tough gig. There are so many really good talented kids, and you're not going to make a ton of money early on, especially in the minor league level. It's not for everyone. To work in baseball is not easy.

If you can stick with it the first few years and work through it - you'll know whether you really want it. Get an internship during high school, work in a ballpark - get the experience right away.

"The kids work with us at camp and on the field and have other jobs around town too.

We are all grinding it out together, working hard to get better on the field and off, and share lots of laughs along the way."

NOTE: Mike has been in his role as pitching coach for the Cape Cod League since 2012, after coaching at Georgetown University.

Class of 1991 Thayer Magazine The Summer Issue 2016

21

Senior Projects Provide a Window into the Real World B Y T H AY E R E N G L I S H T E A C H E R & S E N I O R P R O J E C T C O O R D I N AT O R D E N I S E K I N G P ' 0 8 , ' 1 0

Part of Thayer Academy’s mission statement is to promote “excellence so that each may rise to honorable achievement and contribute to the common good.” Never was that ideal more evident than in 1972 when the Thayer Academy Community Council, fresh off the adoption of a new constitution and mission statement themselves, proffered the idea of month-long, off-campus projects in May for select members of the senior class. In the first eight years of the voluntary program, over 120 seniors took advantage of the opportunity to expand their learning experience outside the traditional classroom. The program grew each year until Headmaster Peter Benelli approved its expansion to all seniors and made participation a graduation requirement.

Project proposals were, and still are, as diverse as the seniors themselves. Early projects included collecting flora in New Hampshire, writing music for local conservatories, and working for representatives on Boston’s Beacon Hill and Capitol Hill in Washington. Many recent projects are similar to those early endeavors, but the program has expanded to include numerous subjectrelated foreign trips (France, Peru, Greece, Italy, the Galapagos Islands), community service, and work experiences in law offices and private companies, many of which are owned by Thayer parents and alumni.

A NEW FRIEND - Nick Hanflig '16 with his friend, Artemio, on the Thayer trip to Peru in May 2016.

Thayer Academy has been on the leading edge among ISL schools in offering non-traditional educational experiences, with the Senior Project Program in particular serving as a model for similar programs in other independent schools. It has proven to be a meaningful transitional experience between high school and college, providing Thayer seniors with opportunities to increase their self-reliance, give back to the community, and contribute to the common good.

At the completion of their projects, seniors must write a final paper on their experience. Following are excerpts from four seniors’ papers.

For more on the Senior Project program and some of the projects from the class of 2016, visit

Nick Hanflig ‘16

Tafari Scott ‘16

TRIP TO CUSCO, PERU

ST. FRANCIS INN

Thayer students worked in an orphanage The welcoming party was very emotional and our guide, Chivi, told us three simple things to remember throughout the trip: open up your mind, open up your heart, and be ready to love. This trip was a service trip. It was not a tourist trip. We would be doing things that we sometimes wouldn’t like or wouldn’t be comfortable with, but that was the territory we were in, and the best thing that we could do was approach everything head on and do the best possible job we could.

Violet Pinola ‘16 THE SCHWARTZ CENTER FOR CHILDREN

22

Students' service trip to the Philadelphia homeless shelter There were a few days when we were assigned to the clothing distribution room. There was one man whom I met who was eligible for just about every item on the list: underwear, shirt, shoes, jacket, etc. I took time to find what he liked because we were told beforehand that we should always try to give people a choice. He was very appreciative and gave me a fist bump before bidding me goodbye. An hour later, when lunch was being served, I saw the same man again. He told me to have a good day as I finished cleaning his table, and I said “you too.” He then said, “I will, thanks to you.” That was the moment I realized the impact that I was making on people.

Internship at the school for children with disabilities

Kelsey Farden ‘16

To say that my senior project was the best experience of my life would be an understatement. This past month has been a very different experience. I walked into a building in which, at first, I felt lost and hopeless. I had no idea that in the next four weeks the children in this school would change my life.

I had no idea that I would learn that education doesn’t have to be just Math and English, but something as simple as brushing one’s teeth or standing up.

Choosing to work at the Schwartz Center for Children was the best decision of my life, and has ensured me of my double major [elementary education and special education].

CANNES, FRANCE

Thayer Magazine Summer / Fall 2016

www.thayer.org/seniorprojects.

Students attended Lycee Stanislas, lived with a French family, and traveled to Paris Spending eight days living and speaking with a French family in Cannes was the ultimate culmination of my four years of French at Thayer. No classroom activity will ever be the same as sitting at the dinner table where a mother, father, and two daughters speak casually, fluently, and fluidly about their days, discuss politics and regional issues, and tell jokes that you will never hear in any AP exercise. Hearing authentic French everywhere I went was unlike anything I had ever experienced, and my comprehension and ability to understand and respond was tested daily.

To Build A School

B Y T H AY E R S T U D E N T M O L LY G R E E N O U G H ' 1 7

Molly Greenough recently participated in Students Shoulder-to-Shoulder, an international travel program. Her essay below describes her time in Nicaragua this summer.

Thayer

NEWS & HIGHLIGHTS

To build a school, you’ll need money and time. A lot of metal bars, countless bags of cement, and some non-corrosive paint.

You will need a galvanized roof, supported by eight strong posts. Begin by building the foundation. Level it out, add rocks and re-bars. Now get some cement. Mix as much as you thought you needed, and then mix more. You’ll need workers, ideally people that know what they’re doing. If you can’t find any experienced construction workers, a group of ten teenagers from around the world will do.

Like I said, you’ll need time.

Rome wasn’t built in a day, and this classroom won’t be built in two weeks. The foundation of the classroom has been built. Now you will need thousands of plastic bottles to fill the walls. Once it has been painted, there you have it: a building. Now, I will tell you how to build a classroom.

You’ll need teachers. Ones that are invested in the success of their students, as if it were their own. It is easy to love these children, but not as easy to teach them. If these teachers are anywhere as tired at the end of the day as I am after an hour with kindergarten students, I give them endless credit. That’s another thing, where there’s a school, there are students. I always like to start off my mornings with a friendly kick from Osmel, the kindergarten’s local troublemaker. There is a light in their eyes that I simply can’t explain; these children have the ability to make a rainy day seem so bright. The community of the Ometepe Bilingual School spreads far, and encompasses many other members. From Alvaro and Esther, who so skillfully run the hotel and school, to Janier, who directs the construction projects with precision, this community spreads wide. The women in the kitchen, the hostel staff, the parents, and now us- we are all a part of this community. Cement can build a building, but it can’t build a school. It is the people who build the school. And at the end of the day, there needs to be love. Love for knowledge, love for each other.

You will need books, crayons, pencils, and a whiteboard. Little wooden desks arranged in a circle, complemented by equally tiny chairs. Arts and crafts should plaster the walls, adding life to the once blank canvas.

It should be neat, but it likely won’t be. Little hands slip all too often, adding their own flair to the uniform desks. Whether in Ometepe or in Boston, I’ve found that a classroom is not a classroom unless it is paired with an endless supply of dying whiteboard markers. There you have it: a classroom. Now, I will tell you how to build a school.

Having spent the last two weeks in Merida, I can safely say that this is a school. There is love here, so much love. There is love for the students, for the teachers, for each other. There is love for knowledge, for language, for technology. I am so grateful for the work we have done here. We have helped build the foundation for the fourth grade classroom, the foundation of many students’ English capabilities. A strong foundation leaves endless possibilities for what these bright children can achieve.

Although I am heartbroken to be leaving this beautiful island in two days, I am so grateful. I am grateful to have learned so much from this school, this school that I never even attended. Now - now I know how to build a school.

FAREWELL 2016 Ashley Bairos

A fond goodbye to the following beloved faculty and staff members who are leaving the Thayer community.

Debra Budde P ’10, ’12

Shelly Creager P ’03

Middle School Science Teacher

Assistant Director of Annual Giving, Director of Parent Programs

School Nurse

Anne Benjamin P ’20

Caroline Brodigan ’98

Joseph Haney

Foreign Language Teacher

Development Operations Manager

Mathematics Teacher

Ted Lawson

Middle School Science Teacher

Jason Pitt

Science Teacher

Drew Zachry Science Teacher

For all the latest news at Thayer, please visit www.thayer.org/news

Thayer Magazine Summer / Fall 2016

23

Thayer ARTS 1

2

3

24

Thayer Magazine Summer / Fall 2016

Gavin Pevarnek '22 in costume for his role in the Middle School production of Showstoppers.

2

Final number of the Showstoppers performance. Over 100 Middle School students took part in the production!

3

Zac Gondleman '22 prior to a Showstoppers performance.

4

Austin Bennett '21 sings a song from Joseph and the Amazing Techicolor Coat during Showstoppers.

5

Pablo Hernandez '19 and Reilly Sheehan '19 jam on drums and bass.

4

5

6

1

7

8

9

6

A Chorus Line (L-R): Jake Comeau '18, Jack Manning '18, Jordan Robey '17, Trey Gaskin '16, Jonathan Stern '16, Oscar Wahlberg '17, and John Lucas '17

7

(L-R): Julia Shapiro '16, Izzy LoNigro '18, and Caroline Kelleher '17

8

Clara Quillen '17 performs on the drums

9

Dancers (L-R) Lucy Relaford '18, Honour Rhoades '19, Karina Popowycz '19, Dan Nguyen '17, Madeleine Castanon '18, and Jessie Shen '17 perform the dance number, "National Pastime."

Thayer Magazine Summer / Fall 2016

25

Student ART

1

2

26

Thayer Magazine Summer / Fall 2016

5

6

3 4

7 1

Pen & ink drawing of a Chinese Dragon by Dan Nguyen '17

2

Charcoal drawing of Adam Driver

by Felice Cabral '17

3

Painting of a peacock and the moon by Madeleine Castanon '18

4

Painting of the summer Boston skyline by Conor Donovan '17.

5

Watercolor drawings of various tuna by Brendan Lee '17

6

Colored pencil drawing of a sunflower by Jessie Shen '17.

7

Pen & ink drawing by Bowen Taylor '18

Thayer Magazine Summer / Fall 2016

27

1

2

1

Nick Sexeny '16 launches a drive prior to a tournament.

2

Wil Linell '16 throwing a slider during a spring ballgame.

3

Softball players Samira Ibrahim '16, Kali Denty '16, and Grace O'Hare '18 are all smiles prior to a game.

4

Dan Scapicchio '17 and Eoin O'Sullivan '18 lead the way to the finish line during a track & field meet.

5

Members of the varsity boys lacrosse team enjoy some bonding time prior to a game.

5 3 4

28

Thayer Magazine Summer / Fall 2016

THAYER ATHLETICS: PHOTO GALLERY

6

7 6

Lauren Salloum '19 runs in the rain during a spring track meet.

7

Charlotte Fitzpatrick '16 and Maren Melen '16 during a lacrosse practice.

8

Cooper Kream '17 volleys during practice.

9

Michaela Markwart '16 readies her backhand during a tennis practice.

10

Athletics Spring 2016

(L-R) Amanda Bradley '17, Jake Comeau '18, Tommy Zhen '17, Owen Anderson '16, and Jeffrey Liu '16 row crew.

8

9

10

Thayer Magazine Summer / Fall 2016

29

2

1

Last Chapel 2016

3

4

1

Jim MacVarish’s unique witty style makes him a favorite among students and an easy choice for Last Chapel Speaker.

2

Karen Koskores P '10, '13, Deb Siegel P '19, '22, Diane Haigh, Fari Khalili P '99, '07, '11, Janet Langer, Shelley Creager P '03, Deb Budde P '10, '12, and Tom Chiari P '22, '22 cheer on the students.

3 Felisha Cabral '18 receives an award from Headmaster Koskores.

4 Christian Ciffolillo '17 shakes Matt Dunne's hand while accepting an award.

5

Holly Maher '17 is all smiles with Darah Harper.

6 Lauren Bennett '18 excitedly receives an award.

Larry Carlson P '02, '05, '10 sings "Thayer, Thayer Forever" to close out the ceremony.

7

8 Danielle Browne '17, John Lucas '17, Emily Briggs '17, and Amelia Browne '18 listen to Jim MacVarish's speech.

5

6

7

30

Thayer Magazine Summer / Fall 2016

8

THAYER YEAR END: LAST CHAPEL & RECOGNITION DAY 2015

2

3

1

1

Noah Downing '20, 8th Grade Student Ambassador, welcomes his fellow classmates during Recognition Day.

2

Students line up outside the CFA for Recognition Day.

3

7th Grade Student Ambassador Max Gesner '21 and 6th Grade Student Ambassador Zachary Gondelman '22 prior to the ceremony.

4

Brandon Odom '04 takes a group selfie during his passionate Recognition Day address.

Recognition Day 2016 4

Thayer Magazine Summer / Fall 2016

31

Commencement 2016 On June 11, 2016, Thayer Academy celebrated the achievements of the Class of 2016 during Commencement on the main lawn. One hundred and fifteen students received diplomas to the cheers of family and friends, and several students won awards for accomplishments in academics, music, art, and athletics.

32

Thayer Magazine Summer / Fall 2016

THAYER YEAR END: COMMENCEMENT 2016

Michael Royer '16 and James Fernades '16 exchange a celebratory handshake as they leave Main Lawn, diplomas in hand.

Jocelle Marius '16, Madeleine Powers '16, Alissah Sillah '16, Holly Doyle '16, Tiffany McGlowan '16, Nina Antone '16, and Samira Ibrahim '16 Colette Maalouf '16, Julia Shapiro '16, and Ally Charleston '16 take a graduation selfie prior to the ceremony.

Jonathan Stern '16 receives a Commencement prize from Headmaster Koskores.

Thayer Magazine Summer / Fall 2016

33

Amanda Gilmour '16 gives the invocation

Jocelle Marius '16 gives the benediction

The senior class voted Patrick Lawler '16 to be the Senior Speaker.

Patrick reminisced about his seven years at Thayer Academy's Middle and Upper schools and spoke about the importance of listening to others' stories. He quoted Zora Neale Hurston, "There's no agony like bearing an untold story inside you," and added that the senior class has been fortunate to hear their classmates' stories throughout their time at Thayer. "We all saw how important and powerful one's story is. At Thayer, we have been so fortunate to hear and learn so many unbelievable stories. Hearing these stories should give us courage and motivation as we continue through our lives," he said.

2016 Senior Speaker

"It is my firm belief that everything we need to know in life can be learned from board games…

Whether all the players are working toward a common goal or if they’re competing but have to trade and help each other out along the way, you’ll see that alliances and agreements are an integral part of board games. Here at Thayer we practice that teamwork and cooperation on the fields, on the courts, on the stage, and in the classroom. I hope that in the future we can continue to work with each other respectfully and effectively—not only to form stronger communities wherever we end up, but also because as a society if we are going to get anything done, we have to get it done together."

Valedictorian Daniel Tardiff '16:

2016 Valedictorian

34

Thayer Magazine Summer / Fall 2016

THAYER YEAR END: COMMENCEMENT 2016

Seniors gather in the CFA lobby before Commencement ceremonies begin

Thayer Academy alumna Erin Lyall '97 gave the Commencement address. Lyall is a CBS News producer, based in London and covers news in the Middle East and Europe. She gave graduates three pieces of advice: "Say yes to everything.

Say thank you to everyone, and pay it forward."

"The most important thing you can do in the next four years is try as much as possible in college life," she said. "You want to find what you're passionate about and you simply can't find that out unless you're dabbling in a little bit of everything."

Erin mentioned the trips abroad she took as a Thayer student, and said those trips sparked her interest in travel. As a student at Georgetown University she began reading food journalism, and became passionate about food. She now writes a blog, Food Under Fire, about food in war zones.

During her speech she showed the students and families her Thayer Academy laundry bag, which each graduating senior receives, and said hers has traveled with her to all corners of the globe.

"I know your laundry bag will have the same kind of experience," she said. "You'll take it across the country or you'll take it around the world, and you'll see it crumpled on the floor in the corner of your room, and you'll remember everything you've learned here and how important it was and how it prepared you for everything that came next. I, for one, can't wait to hear all about it. I want to hear the stories of your laundry bags."

2016 Commencement Speaker

35

An Academic Legacy Valedictorian Daniel Tardiff ‘16 joins his father, mother, and sister in an incredible achievement On June 10, Commencement Day for Thayer Academy, Dan Tardiff walked onto the stage in front of his classmates, their families, and Thayer faculty and staff to deliver his valedictorian speech, marking not only an individual achievement of earning the highest grade point average in his class, but also a familial achievement.

Dan became the fourth in his family to become valedictorian—his sister Kate was valedictorian of Thayer’s class of 2013, and their father Richard was the 1976 Thayer valedictorian. And not to be left out-- their mother, Joy, was valedictorian of her own high school class.



Richard Tardiff

Valedictorian Thayer Class of 1976

Kate Tardiff

Valedictorian Thayer Class of 2013

Dan Tardiff

Valedictorian Thayer Class of 2016

36

Thayer Magazine Summer / Fall 2016

Dan, who will attend Brown University in the fall, spoke about his experience in the Games Club during his speech—and how lessons learned in board games can be used more broadly in life. Sometimes players need to reevaluate their strategies in the middle of a game, he said, and in the same way, his classmates may have to change course if their major or career plans aren't panning out. "I urge you to remember, if your strategy for life isn't working out, there's more than one way to win a game," he said. Tardiff recounted playing chess with players much better than he is when he visited Brown, and encouraged his classmates to learn from those who are smarter, faster, or more experienced. "If we're smart, we'll take advantage of those opportunities," he said.

Kate went on to Williams College after graduation, where she's majoring in psychology and political science, and participates in the Concert Choir and the student a cappella group, the Aristocows (the group sings only Disney songs and the name is a pun on the Disney movie The Aristocats and the school mascot, the Purple Cow). While at Thayer, Kate earned a GPA of 4.55, the highest GPA since the school began using the system in 2003.

In her speech at the 2013 Commencement, Kate also spoke about adaptability.

“Teenagers, especially those of us about to graduate, often live in a world of uncertainty. We have endless daydreams about our future lives, but we don’t really know how we’ll make our dreams happen or what obstacles will redirect us….My advice is this: don’t try to prepare yourself for any specific changes, but anticipate them and embrace them when they come.”

Richard says he and his wife didn’t expressly teach their children the importance of adapting to whatever life throws their way, “but we may have inadvertently modeled it in the course of various job and career changes for both Joy and me.”

Looking back over his academic career so far, Dan says there wasn’t overt pressure from his family to become the next Tardiff valedictorian, but it was always on his mind. “Grades in general tend to go undiscussed in the Tardiff household," he says.

“But when every member of your immediate family has been valedictorian, you don't need anyone's help feeling pressured.” Now that he’s given his own Valedictory speech and he’s off to Providence to forge his path at Brown, it’s a load off his mind, he says. “It's a lot more fun now that I'm on the other side of the legacy.”

THAYER YEAR END: COMMENCEMENT 2016

At this year's Commencement alumni and their children gathered for a legacy photo on the steps of Main Building.

​ ront Row (L-R): F Tony Amonte '89, P '16, '18​, '19, ​'23​, ​Laurie Pfeffer Amonte​'89 P '16, '18, '23, ​Dylan Donahue '11, Richard Tardiff '76, P '13, '16, Kate Tardiff '13, Daniel Tardiff '16 ​ econd Row (L-R): S Ty Amonte '16, Nina Antone '16​, ​Sam Currie '16, ​ Colin Ferrera '16, Declan Donahue '16 ​ ird Row (L-R): Th Shaliyah Dixon '16, ​Laurie Petrell Antone '82 P '16, '20, ​Mairead Norton '16, ​Al Norton '81 P '12, '14, '16, Brian Donahue '79 P '11, '16 ​ ack Row (L-R): B Rob Dixon '79, P '16, ​Steve Currie '85 P '16, '18, ​ Jim Ferrera '81 P '09, '12, '15, '16

Seniors start the walk from the CFA to the Main Lawn to kick off the 139th Thayer Commencement.

Thayer Magazine Summer / Fall 2016

37

Juniors Paulina Vo '17, Leah Marsh '17, Abby King '17 and Dat-Thanh Nguyen '17 lead the procession of seniors.

Relive the pomp and circumstance of Thayer Academy's 139th Commencement online in two ways:

38

Thayer Magazine Summer / Fall 2016

Recap video: www.tinyurl.com/thayercommencement2016 Full recorded ceremony: www.gobleachers.com/events/13183

Say hello to the new

www.thayer.org

Look for your “entry point� to your section at the top of the site.

The News & Calendar link is now found on the top

We hope you find that Thayer's newly redesigned website reflects the exciting and vibrant nature of the Academy's campus and community.

right-hand corner of the site.

If you have any questions or comments on the website, please contact Tina Chung, Website & Digital Marketing Manager, at: tchung@thayer.org

The site now has a responsive design, making it easier to navigate and read on any device, such as a tablet or a smartphone.

The site also has new video content featuring various members of the Thayer community.

Please be sure to check out these stories of Thayer parents, faculty, alumni and students.

Click here to view a fantastic Social Media links are all found here.

"History of Thayer" page, complete with interactive timeline.

Thayer Magazine Summer / Fall 2016

39

Jessica Dyroff ê Crew (Captain) ê Debate Team ê Mathletes ê Benelli Writing Center (BWC) Fellow

Hometown: Duxbury Attending: Princeton University

How has Thayer prepared you for college? In Middle School, Thayer gave

me strong organizational skills and taught me to be aggressive about my work, managing my time and not procrastinating. I took 4 AP courses this year, and I rowed crew and I knew how to manage my time and when to ask my teachers for help. I’m rowing at Princeton and I know these skills will serve me well there.

What do you plan to study at Princeton? I am going to study economics. I

took AP Microeconomics with Mr. Dunne this year. The course got me excited about taking Economics in college. I liked the material before the class and he taught it in a way that made me like it even more.

What was your most challenging class at Thayer? AP BC Calculus with Ms. Siegel. She is one of the best teachers I’ve had, but she pushes that class really, really hard. She explains concepts well and spends the right amount of time on it while still moving fast. Her tests are so challenging when you get to the AP Exam you think “Oh, this is easy!”

Someone would be surprised to know that...

I've read every Harry Potter book three times.

When you think of Thayer, what comes to mind? There’s a German

word, heimat, which means fondness for a place in which you feel you truly belong. When I first heard that word I immediately thought of Thayer.

Any advice for incoming students?

Do everything. Try everything you possibly can. When I came here I wasn’t sure theater was for me, but sophomore year I started theater and I never looked back. I absolutely love it.

What was your favorite food in the cafeteria? For six years I ate a

meatball sub every day. Now I try not to have the same thing twice a week, but I still love meatball subs.

Someone would be surprised to know that...

I'm spending the summer as a Swan Boat driver!

40

Thayer Magazine Summer / Fall 2016

Isaac Butler ê Theater ê Founder of Thayer’s Improv Club ê Captain of Varsity Soccer & Varsity Track Teams ê Peer Advisor ê Member of Community Council Hometown: Dorchester Attending: Washington University, St. Louis

For more on these & other seniors

SE NIOR PR OFILES 2 01 6

Sam Knollmeyer ê Lacrosse ê Debate Team (co-founder) ê Benelli Writing Center (BWC) Fellow ê Model UN Hometown: Plymouth Attending: Hamilton College

Jocelle Marius ê Debate Team (co-founder & captain) ê Model U.N. (co-president) ê UNICEF Club ê Fall Musical Hometown: Randolph Attending: Yale University

How has Thayer changed you? Thayer taught me how to

think. The best example of that was when I went into honor’s Precalculus last year. I failed the first two tests, and I had to drop down a level. It was a rude awakening. My last school just taught to the test. This year I took AP Calculus and got an A.

Plans for next year?

I am definitely going to major in economics. I might double in econ and math or political science.

How did Thayer develop those interests?

What are your plans for next year? I’m going to Yale

University next year, and I plan to major in Cognitive Science with the goal to become a neurologist or neurosurgeon.

How did Thayer help shape your plans? I’ve

always liked science, and in my junior year I took an ISR (Independent Student Research) course. For the course I got a position at a Visual Neuroscience Lab at Boston University.

They try to understand how the brain works through vision.

I have my own project examining the visual similarities and differences between patients with ADHD and autism. I’m still working there and will continue through the summer.

What was your most memorable Thayer experience? Hairspray, the musical during my sophomore

year. It was a fun musical to do, and I made a lot of friends.

It's a group of people I didn't meet until sophomore year. I don't really dance, but I was dancing and singing. And after that I kept doing musicals and was in West Side Story and Footloose.

A fun fact about me is that...

I’ve always wanted to work on Wall Street. Thayer gave me the opportunity to have my senior project in the finance realm. Right now I’m working at Morgan Stanley in Private Wealth management.

What was your most memorable academic experience at Thayer?

Jocelle Marius and I started the Debate Team. We were really bad when we started out, but this year my partner and I went 3-1.

We went up against the kids who won states last year and lost by half a point.

A fun fact about me is that...

I was a sponsored yo-yoer in 2010.

I love to go bowling with my friends and have a dangerous love of cookies!

from the Class of 2016, go to www.thayer.org/seniorprofiles

Thayer Magazine Summer / Fall 2016

41

C O L L E G E M AT R I C U L AT I O N F O R T H E C L A S S O F 2 0 1 6

WHERE WE WENT

Thayer Tiger Student Athletes in the NCAA

From the Class of 2016 Name

School

Sport

Ty Amonte

Boston University

Ice Hockey

Emily Barron

Boston College

Track & Field

Chris Broderick

Denison University

Lacrosse

Rob Carmody

University of Hartford

Baseball

Colin Cramer

Dennison University

Soccer

Kali Denty

Gordon College

Soccer

Holly Doyle

Bates College

Crew

Jessica Dyroff

Princeton University

Crew

Kelsey Farden

Brown University

Lacrosse

Emma Fitzgerald

University of Wisconsin-Madison Track & Field

Charlotte Fitzpatrick

Union College

Lacrosse

Colby Hoffman

St Lawrence University

Lacrosse

Liza Huschle

Colorado College

Track & Field

Sasa Jovanovic

Bowdoin College

Tennis

Sam Knollmeyer

Hamilton College

Lacrosse

Patrick Lawler

Villanova University

Football

Matt McCune

Babson College

Lacrosse

Maren Mellen

Babson College

Lacrosse

Milan Murray

University of Virginia

Lacrosse

Kyle Peterson

Northeastern University

Baseball

Aaron Prentice

Carleton College

Football

Mike Royer

University of Southern Maine

Ice Hockey

Meg Sandblom

Endicott College

Field Hockey

Callie Sullivan

Villanova University

Lacrosse

Amonte, Ty Anderson, Owen Antone, Nina G Baldry, Michael William Barron, Emily Bossuet, BenMackley Broderick, Christopher Butler, Isaac Lawrence Carlson, Jeffrey Carmody, Kate Carmody, Robert Carrabes, Paige Carroll, Brendan William Charleston, Allyson Emma Clasby, Nell Charlotte Colaylat, Malek Conyers, Courtney Scarlett Costello, Caroline Elizabeth Cote, Matthew Erik Craffey, Nicholas Ryan Cramer, Colin Cramer, Edward R Cronan, Liam Edward Currie, Samantha Beth DeMatteo, Olivia Joyce Denty, Kali Lynne Devlin, Avery Dixon, Shaliyah Donahue, Declan

42

Thayer Magazine Summer / Fall 2016

Boston University Elon University Colby College The University of Alabama Boston College Lasell College Denison University Washington University in St. Louis Chapman University Boston University University of Hartford University of Miami Loyola University Maryland University of Richmond University of Michigan Providence College Boston University Trinity College The George Washington University Northeastern University Denison University Boston College Bentley University University of Virginia Fairfield University Gordon College University of Miami Northeastern University Bridgton Academy

Thayer Academy's

Class of 2016 College Matriculation

State-by-State 2

Alabama

2

New Hampshire

4

California

1

New Jersey

2

Colorado

13 New York

7

Connecticut

2

Ohio

4

Florida

5

Pennsylvania

1

Louisiana

10 Rhode Island

35 Massachusetts

2

Texas

2

Maryland

4

Virginia

6

Maine

1

Washington, D.C.

1

Michigan

1

Wisconsin

2

Minnesota

1

British Columbia, Canada

1

Missouri

1

London, UK

3

North Carolina

Doyle, Holland Widmayer Drooff, Caley Dwan, Robert A Dyroff, Jessica Rose Farden, Kelsey Feeney, Olivia Fernandes, James Thomas Ferrera, Colin Fiotto, Laura Fitzgerald, Emma I Fitzpatrick, Charlotte Susanne Ford, Ashley Gammell, Emma Karin Gaskin, Edward Warren Geraghty, Grace Gillis, Bailey Gilmour, Amanda Elizabeth Goldthwaite, Alicia G Graham, Kiley Hanflig, Nicholas Hart, Christopher Hoffman, Colby Hooley, Joseph Huschle, Liza A Ibrahim, Samira A Jacobs, Kyle James, Javier Jovanovic, Sasa Joyce, Brooke

4

Bates College Cornell University Worcester Polytechnic Institute Princeton University Brown University Texas Christian University Boston College Loyola Marymount University Providence College University of Wisconsin, Madison Union College The University of Alabama Fordham University Central Saint Martins, London University of Colorado at Boulder University of San Diego Boston College University of Rhode Island Providence College Worcester Polytechnic Institute Bucknell University St. Lawrence University University of Southern California Colorado College Johns Hopkins University Hobart and William Smith Colleges The University of Tampa Bowdoin College Boston College

2 2 1

34

13 1

1

2 4

2

10

7

5

1

2

1 3

THAYER ACADEMICS: COLLEGE MATRICULATION | CLASS OF 2016

6

2 2

1 4

Keough, Kayla Renee King, Emily Knight, Lauren A Knollmeyer, Samuel Larson, Noah Lawler, Patrick Lewis, Molly Liu, Jeffrey Lydon, James Maalouf, Colette Catherine MacCune, Matthew Mahoney, Miranda Raven Mahoney, Riley Marius, Jocelle A Mashali, Dean Fathalla McCabe, Colin McGlowan, Tiffany Belle McLean, Abigail Mellen, Maren Alicia Murphy, Andrew Ford Murray, Milan Nordgren, Emilia Norton, Mairead Elizabeth O'Brien, Emilie O'Donnell, Regan Mahoney Pauly, Rachael Pereira, Matthew Peterson, Kyle Pinola, Violet E

Saint Anselm College Boston College Amherst College Hamilton College Boston University Villanova University Syracuse University Brandeis University Massachusetts Maritime Academy Northeastern University Babson College Colby College University of New Hampshire at Durham Yale University Boston University Junior hockey Boston University Fordham University Babson College Fordham University University of Virginia Tulane University University of British Columbia Stonehill College Gap Year Dickinson College Drexel University Northeastern University Rhode Island College

Popowycz, Tallia Powers, Madeleine Prentice, Aaron D Quinlisk, Michelle Anne Rochte, Miriam Rothschild, Casey Carroll Royer, Michael P Sage, David Sandblom, Meg Elizabeth Scanzillo, Nicholas Schwandt, Graham Robert Scott, Tafari Jevan Shapiro, Julia Elizabeth Sillah, Alissah Silva, Alyssa Simeone, Christian Stern, Jonathan A Sullivan, Caroline Sullivan, Maeve Swanson, Kate Swanson, Whitney Robert Tardiff, Daniel C Thoi, Eric Timperio, Michael Underhill, Nicholas John Walker, Colin Weber, Megan Whittle, Gabrielle V

University of Miami University of Massachusetts, Amherst Carleton College University of Richmond Providence College Wesleyan University University of Southern Maine Boston College Endicott College Massachusetts Maritime Academy Hobart and William Smith Colleges The University of Texas, Dallas Emmanuel College Northeastern University Boston College Junior Hockey Duke University Villanova University Elon University Trinity College Hobart and William Smith Colleges Brown University Syracuse University Providence College Ithaca College Providence College Fairfield University Northeastern University

Thayer Magazine Summer / Fall 2016

43

Watch the 2016 Reunion recap video online: www.tinyurl.com/ThayerReunion2016

Reunion 2016 was filled with fun and fabulous memories. From the Friday afternoon Memorial Service and the honoring of three distinguished alumni during the Alumni Award luncheon, to a Saturday chockfull of food (cooking demonstration by Chef Mike Jacobs '91), and an evening of revelry on campus, those who attended left with a renewed sense of connection and an appreciation for community.

Achievement Award

Humanitarian Award

Vice Admiral Michael J. Connor '76 received the Achievement Award for his leadership and a career in the U.S. Navy that spanned 35 years, rising to the rank of Vice Admiral. At sea, Mike served on five submarines and commanded USS SEAWOLF, a nuclear-powered fast attack submarine, in the Western Atlantic, Western Pacific, and Arabian Gulf. On shore, he served in Navy Intelligence, on the Joint Staff in the Pentagon, and on the staff of the Chief of Naval Operations. Following his retirement from the Navy, Mike settled in Mystic, CT, where he founded ThayerMahan, Inc., a provider of marine robotics solutions for government and industry.

Myra J. Schultz Biblowit '66 was awarded the Humanitarian Award for her work as President of the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF). Under her leadership, BCRF has become the largest private funder of breast cancer research worldwide. It is also the most highly rated breast cancer organization in the U.S. – having been awarded both an A+ from CharityWatch and the top 4-star rating from Charity Navigator. The Foundation provides critical support for cancer research, fueling advances in tumor biology, genetics, prevention, treatment, metastasis, and survivorship.

Paul M. Samuelian '66 received the Loyalty Award for his 27 years of service to the Alumni Board.

During his tenure, the Thayer Academy Alumni Scholarship became the largest scholarship fund at the school. Paul's leadership also contributed to the building of the Cahall Campus Center, the Sawyer Center, the renovations of the Glover and Main buildings, the redesign of Frothingham Hall, and the construction of the Center for the Arts.

Loyalty Award

44

Thayer Magazine Summer / Fall 2016

Chuckie ‘66 and Sharon Karp explore campus on Reunion Friday.

Michael Dandridge '91 catches up with Arthur Valicenti ‘51 P ‘75, ‘75, ‘77, GP ‘10, ‘14, ‘14

Chef Mike Jacobs '91 during his Reunion cooking demonstration

Director of Development Melissa Tuthill Forger '92 enjoys a special "History of Thayer" presentation with (L-R) Alice Blackwood, Natalie Ballard, and Golden Tigers Duel Ballard '51 and Budd Blackwood '51.

Larry Carlson P '02, '05, '10 reads the names of departed alumni during the 2016 Memorial Service.

Thayer Magazine Summer / Fall 2016

45

Here are the Thayer classes (“1s” and “6s”) who came back to campus in May of 2016.

Class of

1966 Front Row (L-R): Barbara Robinson, Debby Caldwell McNeil, Robin Wassersug Dushman, Betsey Sylvester Blakeslee, Helen Gioulis, Second Row (L-R): Richard Churchill, Chuckie Karp, Howie Cutler, Myra Schultz Biblowit, Renny MacKay, Eben Townes, Anne Rogal

46

Thayer Magazine Summer / Fall 2016

Third Row (L-R): Bob Davidson, Warren Pierce, Joel Bradley, Polly Lamson Brown, Lis Tarlow, Gerald Stanney, Deanne Smith Coady, Paul Samuelian

Fourth Row (L-R): Bob Nye, Chris Outchcunis, Ann Hoffman Scott, Linda Forbes Bookfield, Michael Potsaid Back Row (L-R): Doug Pinney, Bill McGrath, Paula Schwartz Grossman, Kevin Tedeschi

Class of

2011

(FRONT ROW L-R): Paige DeSisto, Sean Fernald, Charlie Finnegan, Sofia Khan, Scott Mathieu, Mike Ducoing, Matt Lerner, Chris Tasiopoulos

(3RD ROW L-R): Lily Bowen, Mike Pandolfo, Chad Goldfarb, Fallon Sweeney, Amelia McLaughlin, Ali Desmond, Mike Vassalotti, David Prendergast, Vanessa Kelly, Tyler Richardson, Elizabeth Lyons

(2ND ROW L-R): Julia Allessandro, Anna Friedman, Dean Fiotto, Katherine Ginns, Alex Frechette, (BACK ROW L-R): Tricia O'Hurley, Luke Ferrari, Sean Barbary, Abby Sullivan, Raisa Hoffman, Allie Richard Robbie, Mariah Horan, David Skoler, Allie Bookstein, Irini Sotiri, Greg Kraft

Morey, Charles Bowen, Elizabeth Merrigan, Tess Flannery, Sammy Miller, Colleen Day, Lindsey Hines, Mike Vazza, Sean Tedeschi, Jay Lenaghan, Marco Panasci, Danny Steinberg, Greg Galligan

Class of

2006 Class of 2006 (L-R): Drew Goldfarb, Franci Ryan, Ernie McAlister, Mark Patch, Sarah Driscoll, Christiana Cefalu, Phil Palanza, Steve Liss, Michael Rooney, Caroline Geary, Tyler Ferrari, Katie Stangl Driscoll, Tai Diamond, MaryKelly Gooding Tarallo, Lindsay Gallagher, Alexandra Gagne, Callie Ernst Brignolo, Courtney Oliver Lewis, John Bowen, Jess Luccio Hall, Ryan Leonard, Marty Courage, Mike Evans, Micah Lubens, Ryan Driscoll, Judd Smith

SAVE THE DATE:

MAY 5-6, 2017 (2's & 7's)

Thayer Magazine Summer / Fall 2016

47

REUNION 2016: REUNION CLASSES

Class of

1996 Class of 1996 (L-R): Jill Whalen Grassie, Jake Borden, Liz Shevlin Seita, Kaitlyn Morrissey Brosnan, Courtney Wilkinson Mottau, Pam Greene Lundborg, Meg Mullin Harney, Ken Dunbar, Kerri Mulligan, Brett Wohl, Tom Welby, Mike Mottau, Melissa Pittman Howitt, Jarod Lieberman, Michael Rizzotti, Rachel Shea Robinson, Bill Pyles

Class of

1991 Class of 1991 (L-R):

Front row: Chris Hall, Sarah Caswell Laine, Tony Tedeschi, Elizabeth Ballard Boyd, Kellee Masella Beck, Michael Dandridge, George Nightingale Back row: Michael Jacobs, Sarah Slattery Sullivan, Carlyn Gaul Jefford, Rachael Messaline Silva, Tiffany Kearney, Mark Wainwright, Matthew McDonough, Jason Frucci

Class of

1986 Class of 1986 (FRONT ROW L-R): Karen Bell St. Vil, Joanna Skoler Gilman, Claire Dodds, Wendy Johnstone Sullivan, Jodi Spiegel Blakeman, Sarah Ries Christie, 48

Inga Usalis Wronski, Wendy Gordon Nelson, Debbie Dreier, Susan Teixeira (BACK ROW L-R): Robert DeMarco P’19, 20, Craig Salters, Karla Usalis, Tom Jackson, Brian McDonough, Scott Ferrigno, Rebecca Snyder Weiss, Rob Lally

REUNION 2015: REUNION CLASSES

Class of

Class of

1981

1976 Class of 1981 (L-R): Tom Benelli, Jim Ferrera, Yvonne Benelli, Sean Fallon, Seana Kelley, Paul Gallagher

Class of 1976 (L-R): Mark Wolozin, Anne Campbell Withrow, Lori Spiegel Shapiro, Mike Connor

Class of

1971 Class of 1971 (FRONT ROW L-R - HOLDING SIGN): Nancy McCluskey, Linda Clapp Belton, Bruce Wood, Nancy Partridge, Kathy Fiorini DiGiusto; (2ND ROW L-R) Kevin Harrington, Mark Barry, John McCluskey, Kurt Schulte, Polly Pillsbury, Mike Shea, Sieglinde St. Germain, Richard St. Germain; (BACK ROW L-R) Jay Cashman, Charlie Paris '72, Dan Sullivan, Tom Summers, Debra Anastos Cote, Arthur Cote, Edward Bailey, Stephen Cohen, Joseph Belton

Class of

1956 Class of 1956 (L-R): Paul White, John Andrews, Suzanne Loftus Andrews, Thurston Hartford, Marcia Newson White, David Ries

Class of

1951 Class of 1951 (L-R): Frank Moore, Hank Johnson, Arthur Valicenti, Vi Robohm Valicenti, George Stephenson, Budd Blackwood, Duel Ballard, Richard Crowell

49

Class Notes

AL L T HE LATEST NEWS FR O M THE THAYER CO M M UNITY

We welcome all your class notes and updates!

Please send any and all class notes via email to alumni@thayer.org.

If you have pictures you’d like to send, please be sure they are hi-res (300 dpi or higher) photographs — otherwise we might not be able to use them.

On Thursday May 12, the day before their 65th Reunion at Thayer, members of the Class of '51 spent the day at the Dover home of Dot (Connell)'55 and George Stephenson '51. From L-R: Dick Settles, George Stephenson, Arthur Valicenti, George Burke (sitting), Sandy Chapman, Ann Lincoln Wilson, Robert Brown, Vi (Robohm) Valicenti, Duel Ballard, Dickie Crowell, Fay Richardson Hamre, Betsy Carruthers, Budd Blackwood, Frank Moore

CLASS OF

1942 Jean (Presbrey) Whalen ’42 Jean writes: “Sold my house and moved to the Village in Duxbury in September after a summer in Mattapoisett in my cottage. The Village provides assisted living.”

CLASS OF

1949

1950 Cynthia (Guild) Kling ’50 Cynthia writes: “I’m still painting. Had a show of 15 scenes of Starksboro farms in the fall. Talked with Barbara Brown Wynne '50 who is living in Harrisburg, PA now.”

1953 Barbara (Stuetzer) Lauterbach ’53

David writes: “Sally and I have moved into a smaller home with a new and well-equipped kitchen- it is a gathering place where we both enjoy cooking in the area.”

Barbara writes: “Celebrated my 80th with all my family. Ann (Vonckx) Weaver ’53 came up to New Hampshire from Scituate.

We had a wonderful time!”

Jeanne is now a resident of Island Terrace Nursing home.

Thayer Magazine Summer / Fall 2016

with 5,000 flying hours as a Navigator.

Spent 20 years with IBM. Retired in 1988. Enjoying life as a lobsterman in my home on the coast of Maine. MBA from the University of Bridgeport.”

CLASS OF

1955 Gail Barton ’55

CLASS OF

David Turner ’49

Jeanne (Hillier) Werner ’49

50

CLASS OF

CLASS OF

1954 Robert Jacobson ’54 Robert writes, “Joined the Air Force in 1959. Retired after 28 years as a Lt. Col

Gail writes: “Being fully retired from medicine has given me a full-time career in art. My art is shown in local galleries and venues, and I’m having fun with it.”

CLASS OF

1957 Fred Carson ’57 Fred writes that he has enjoyed doing mountainous bicycle tours in Laos (2011) and Spain (2012) as well as less hilly tours in Ireland (2013), France and England both in 2015, as well as in the US including Key West, Florida in

September 2015. He now volunteers and lays out courses for our local Potomac Pedalers Touring Club.

CLASS OF

1959 Joyce DiBona ’59 Joyce writes, “Class of ’59 is still kicking...I saw George Nightingale ’59 at the Red Sox game in Ft. Myers and we had a nice chat. Good news to hear that Bill Delahunt ’59 is recovering from a severe case of pneumonia that put him in the hospital for several weeks. After recuperating in Florida, he’s returned home to the Manomet area. Sad news to report of George Lawton ’59 passing and our thoughts go out to Ann Marie in Braintree. Also, we heard about the recent passing of Leslie VanRaalte ’59 of San Francisco. Mary Burke Terpak ’59 and her husband, Michael, just returned from a trip to Australia for their 50th wedding anniversary. Roz Ossen Loiter ’59 and husband, Barney, have recently moved full time to Boca Raton in Florida. Sally Donner Brier ’59 is recovering from a fall resulting in broken ribs but is on the mend. I’m gearing up for a family reunion in Kingston where I found a house to accommodate 20 people in July. I welcome any news about our classmates, and now that I’m hooked into the Thayer website, let’s chat and share what’s news with you.”

Kevin A. Tedeschi ’66

Nancy Beaton Grassilli '60 Nancy Beaton Grassilli writes: “Many classmates have begun gathering annually for an overnight on Cape Cod which includes beach time, golf, dinner, and great conversations. I am in Brewster, John McCusker ’60 is in Yarmouth Port, Valerie Grant ’60 is also in Yarmouth Port (see previous note), and Barbara Stein ’60 is in Falmouth. Jamie Cantley ’60 drives down from Maine and DeeDee Dunn ’60, Harriett Egan ’60, Mimi Burstein ’60, and Eileen Cutler '62 are about an hour away.

We'd love to have more of our Thayer friends join us.”

CLASS OF

1962

Valerie Swanson Grant '60 Valerie writes: “After living and exhibiting throughout the U.S. and Turks & Caicos Islands, I decided to move back to New England to Yarmouth Port, Cape Cod, where I have opened a gallery of photography and paintings on Rt 6A. My work can be viewed at valgrantstudio.com, and if you are ever on the Cape please stop in and say hello!”

Robert N. Nye ’66 Robert writes: “Back in October 2015, I had open heart surgery with six bypass grafts.

Evidently I was a walking time bomb. Surgery and recovery has been successful and I am looking forward to the next 25 years.”

Myra (Schultz) Biblowit ’66 was recognized

Nancy (Thomas) Edwards ’62 Nancy writes: “Still working full time at Adventure Aquarium in Camden, New Jersey and singing in the church choir.

Looking forward to our 55th reunion.”

CLASS OF

this May at her 50th reunion with the Thayer Academy Alumni Association’s Humanitarian Award for her outstanding contributions as the President of The Breast Cancer Research Foundation since 2001 (see page 44).

CLASS OF

1965

1967

Robert Cappiello ’65

Bob Wax ’67

Robert writes: “Enjoyed the class of ’65 reunion. Hoping to hook up with a couple of classmates from class of ’65 before heading back to Spain.”

Aliisa Leino DiMartinis ’65 Aliisa writes, “Really enjoyed our 50th Reunion. Thayer did a great job. Everyone looked great!”

Bob is enjoying spending most of the year in sunny Florida in beautiful Palm Beach Gardens.

He continues to practice law and is also busy enjoying family with his wife, Susan, three children, and six grandchildren.

CLASS OF

1968 Mark Jennings ’68

CLASS OF

1960

Kevin writes: “I’ve sailed with Bonnie (Goldman) Dehner ’66 four times on lengthy voyages in the last few years. I recently purchased a villa on the island of Saint Barth, which I spend half the year on. Bonnie sailed me there directly from Plymouth, MA in November of 2014. I still see Warren Pierce ’66 regularly and talk often to Brad McLeod ’66, who now lives in St. Louis.”

 1966 CLASS OF

Congrats on your

50

th

see p. 46 for the Reunion class pic!

Mark writes: “Enjoying retirement; busier schedule, but having more fun, kayaking and cutting cordwood - local conservation commission.”

CLASS OF

Paul Samuelian ’66 Paul enjoyed his 50th Reunion and received the 2016 Alumni Loyalty Award (see page 44).

1970 John Hickey ’70 John has just been voted in for his 3rd term as President of the Algonquin Club in Boston. In their 130-year history, John is only the third President to achieve this honor.

Thayer Magazine Summer / Fall 2016

51

CLASS NOTES: 1970s-1980s

CLASS OF

Brian Donahue ’79

1972 Kathy (Claff) Wolfe ’72 Kathy writes: “I’m now the proud grandma to five little girls aged two months to three years."

CLASS OF

1975 Charlie was recently featured in The Boston Globe for his almost 30 years of bringing the city of Boston to the big screen. He is the location manager for Columbia Films and has been responsible for scouting locations for Black Mass and set the scene for Gone Baby Gone and Good Will Hunting. Most recently, he converted downtown Boston into New York City for the upcoming Ghostbusters.

 1976

Brian’s youngest son, Declan ’16 graduated from Thayer in June and will attend Bridgton Academy in the Fall.

CLASS OF

1980 Paula (Ferrisi) Cronan ’80

Charlie Harrington ’75

CLASS OF

CLASS OF

Congrats on your

40th

see p. 49 for the Reunion class pic!

Richard Tardiff ’76 Rich’s youngest child, Dan ’16, graduated as the valedictorian from Thayer in June and will attend Brown in the Fall. See page 36 for more on the Tardiff family.

Mike Connor ’76 received the 2016 Thayer Academy Alumni Association’s Alumni Achievement Award. This distinguished recognition is given to Thayer alumni who have made outstanding contributions in their fields, and who embody the Academy’s mission. Mike was honored with this award to recognize his distinguished service in the US Navy. See page 45 for more from the Alumni Award luncheon. He is currently living in Mystic, CT, where he launched ThayerMahan, Inc.

 1981

Congrats on your

35th

see p. 49 for the Reunion class pic!

Mark D’ Onofrio ’81 continues to live in Scituate with his wife and two children. He has also been busy as the Vice President and Senior Loan Officer at Coastal Heritage Bank. Previously, Mark was at Scituate Savings Bank, which recently merged with Coastal Heritage Bank.

1979 Rob Dixon ’79 Rob’s daughter, Shaliyah ’16 graduated from Thayer in June and will attend Northeastern University this Fall.

52

Thayer Magazine Summer / Fall 2016

Michelle’s daughter, Alicia ’16 graduated from Thayer in June and will attend the University of Rhode Island in the Fall.

1984 Jennifer Johnson ’84 stepped down after serving one term on the Thayer Academy Alumni Association Board. Thank you to Jen for her three years of service.

Heather Withington Ward ’84 Heather’s son, Bailey graduated from BC High this spring. He is headed to Providence College in the Fall.

CLASS OF

1985 Whitney (Tuthill) Presutti ’85 Whitney’s son, Max graduated from BC High this Spring. He is headed to Elon College in the Fall, where he will room with the son of Chris Connor Ashburn ’78.

Tom Geraghty ’81 Tom’s daughter, Grace ’16 graduated from Thayer in June and will attend the University of Colorado in Boulder this Fall.

Jim Ferrera ’81 Jim’s youngest of four sons, Colin ’16, graduated from Thayer in June and will be a freshman at Loyola Marymount University this Fall.

Steve Currie ’85 Steve’s daughter, Sam ’16 graduated from Thayer in June and will attend the University of Virginia in the Fall.

 1986 CLASS OF

Congrats on your

30th

see p. 48 for the Reunion class pic!

Al Norton ’81

Greg Simeone ’86

Al’s daughter, Mairead ’16 graduated from Thayer in June and will attend the University of British Columbia this Fall.

Greg’s son, Christian ’16 graduated from Thayer in June and will play Junior Hockey in the Fall.

CLASS OF

CLASS OF

Michelle (Dickinson) Goldthwaite ’83

CLASS OF

Paula’s son, Liam ’16 graduated from Thayer in June and will attend Bentley University in the Fall.

CLASS OF

1983

1982

CLASS OF

1987

Laurie (Petrell) Antone ’82 Laurie’s daughter Nina ’16 graduated from Thayer in June and will head to Colby College in the Fall.

Larry Rooney ’87 has been named head coach of the Catholic Memorial hockey team.

Jennifer’s son, David ’16 graduated from Thayer in June and will attend Boston College this Fall.

CLASS OF

1988 Scott Legg ’88 continues to live just outside of Pittsburgh and he is busy raising his two children with his wife, Alison. Scott’s daughter, Aliza, is currently a senior in high school and will be attending Allegheny College next year where Scott also received his undergraduate degree. Scott’s younger son, Garrett, is a sophomore at Bethel Park High School.

CLASS OF

Tony & Laurie (Pfeffer) Amonte ’89 Tony and Laurie’s son, Ty ’16 graduated from Thayer in June and will spend next season in the USHL before heading to Boston University for the 2017 hockey season.

CLASS OF

1990 Allyson (Palmer) English ’90 Allyson and Mike Pinola’s (Class of ’91) daughter, Violet ’16 graduated from Thayer in June and will attend Rhode Island College this Fall.

 1991 CLASS OF

Kevin Sullivan ’88 is married and living in Andover, MA raising three children and is a Partner at Weil, Gotshal and Manges. Kevin is also an accomplished long distance and ultra runner. He grew to love long distance running after college, and he has received praise and national recognition for placing high in several races.

Michael Jacobs ’91 and his wife Natalie

1989

Congrats on your

25th

see p. 48 for the Reunion class pic!

Mike Pinola ’91 See Allyson (Palmer) English ’90 above.

came to campus for Reunion weekend where Chef Michael put on a cooking demonstration sharing with the audience healthy recipes he made for the Miami Heat during the years he worked as the team’s chef. See page 44 in the Reunion recap. The newlyweds took in a Sox game while they were in town. Red Sox scout Harry Slutsky ’08 brought them onto the field for batting practice.

CLASS NOTES: 1980s-1990s

Jennifer (Pyne) Sage ’87

Tiffany Kearney ’91, her husband, Enrique, and their daughter, Emilia are still living in Brazil. She is working for a risk assessment company and Enrique is a business professor.

Last year they spent a semester living in Manhattan while Enrique was teaching at the City College of New York. They plan to spend another semester there next year.

Mark Wainwright ’91 got married in 2004.

He and his wife, Christina, have two children.

Mark is currently self-employed in the real estate business and is the owner and manager of apartment rentals on the South Shore and in Greater Boston.

CLASS OF

1992

Kelley Tuthill '88

Jamie (Allison) Brown ’92 resides in Beacon

says goodbye to WCVB

Hill with her husband, Damon and three children. She continues to be an avid runner competing in marathons and other races in the New England area.

After an illustrious 18 years at WCVB, Kelley Tuthill signed off for the final time in June, saying she "left with a heart full of love." Kelley left the station to take a new job as Vice President of Public Relations and Communications at Regis College in Weston, MA. While working for WCVB, Kelley covered stories such as the Boston Marathon bombing, the Catholic Church scandal, and James "Whitey" Bulger's capture.

She also covered her own treatment and recovery from breast cancer and became an advocate for women facing the disease.

She won an Emmy award and Gracie awards for her coverage of her breast cancer treatment, and helped WCVB.com win the Massachusetts Broadcasters Association’s Best Use of Digital Media award with her coverage of the Bulger trial.

Jeremy Goverman ’92 Jeremy and his wife, Einav welcomed a baby boy named Raphael. He joins big brother, Aitan Todd Guilfoyle ’92 lives in Marshfield with his wife, Sarah, and three children. He currently works at John Hancock Financial Services as the Vice President, Taft-Hartley Relationship Manager.

Kelley Tuthill '88 speaks at Thayer's Third Annual Professional Women's Networking Luncheon at State Street Corporation this past April.

David Hymovitz ’92 continues to enjoy his role as the Director of Hockey Operations for the Boston Junior Eagles and as an NHL Scout for the New York Rangers organization. David and his wife, Kristin, are also very busy raising their four children in Needham.

Thayer Magazine Summer / Fall 2016

53

CLASS NOTES: 1990s

Greg Lally ’92 and his wife Katie live in Norwell with their four children. Greg continues to work at Appleton Partners as a Senior Vice President in Fixed Income Portfolio Management.

Samson Lee ’92 serves on the board of the National Association of Asian American Professionals Boston Chapter and is on the Advisory Board for Color Magazine.

His wife, Susan Chinsen is the President of the Boston Asian American Film Festival and was just named one of the 100 most influential people of color in Boston.

The Thayer Academy Crew team thanked

Matt McGuirk ’92 for helping to launch the Crew program in 2005 by naming one of their boats The Matt McGuirk. They surprised him with the dedication in May 2016. See photo below.

CLASS OF

1993 Jennifer Lowe ’93 married Matthew Newell of Hingham on August 10, 2013. The ceremony was held on the grounds of the Milton Hoosic Club with a reception following. Thayer alumni in attendance were Kristen (Croker) Fiordalis ’93, Lauren (Fish) Lowing ’93, Linda (Cimetti) Reilly ’93, and Josh and Lesley (Leibowitz) Snyder ’93. Jenn and Matt reside in Hingham where she works as an Administrator for the Hingham Public Schools.

alumnus of BGCD. He currently works as a Senior Loan Consultant at Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation.

CLASS OF

1994 Rachael Bello ’94 See photo on page 57.

Jim O'Keefe ’94 See photo on page 57.

Britt (Soderberg) Pena ’94 See photo on page 57.

Amy (Ryder) Pickel ’94 See photo on

William Mudd ’93 married Valentina

page 57.

Fregola on February 11, 2016 in Malibu, California.

Alex (Doyle) Sullivan ’94 and her husband, Liam had a daughter, Riley, in February. She is the family’s fifth child.

Kyle DeValerio ’94 is enjoying living in sunny Jupiter, Florida with his wife, Jenna, and son, Gavin, and is an attorney at Berman DeValerio.

CLASS OF

1995

Matt McGuirk '92 at the surprise dedication of The Matt McGuirk crew boat in May 2016

Austin O'Brien ’92 Austin and his wife Kathleen welcomed a daughter, Kelley Anne O'Brien on February 12, 2016. She was 8lbs 11oz and 21 inches long. See photo on page 55.

Linda (Cimetti) Reilly ’93 and her husband, Mark Reilly welcomed a baby boy on May 23. He joins big sister, Catherine. See photo on page 55.

Carmelo Travieso ’93 Carmelo was recently named to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Dorchester (BGCD) Board of Directors. Carmelo is an

54

Thayer Magazine Summer / Fall 2016

Josh Jensen ’95 has recently been promoted to Vice President for Communications and Public Relations at Whitman College in Washington. He had been the Executive Director of Marketing and Communications at Connecticut College and will now take on this role before the beginning of the 2016-2017 academic year. His responsibilities will include defining a strategic vision for the Office of Communications, advising their President on all communicationsrelated matters, collaborating with college leadership on campus-wide communications and leading a staff responsible for communications, marketing, media relations, web and print publications, and printing and mailing services.

Jeff Pickel ’95 See photo on page 57.

Chris Sulivan ’95 ran the Boston Marathon for the first time to raise money for Housing Families Inc., which serves atrisk and homeless children.

New Parent?

Thayer Babies Welcoming

Share the good news with your fellow Thayer alums!

the newest members of the Thayer community!

Email us your newborn’s full name and date of birth - and be sure to include a high-res (300 dpi or higher) photo:

✉ alumni@thayer.org

Kyland

& Leland Jones

BORN: February 8, 2016

Richmond Pittmann III BORN: December 26, 2015 Richie Pittman, Jr. ’01

Mike ’03 &

Elizabeth Jean Tokarz

Tye'sha Jones

BORN: January 28, 2016 Adam ’02 & Caitie Tokarz

Theodore Blake Mahoney

Kelley Ann O'Brien

Hayden Hennessey

BORN: February 11, 2016

BORN: February 12, 2016

BORN: April 3, 2016

Lauren (Blake) ’02 & Rob Mahoney

Austin ’92 & Kathleen O'Brien

David ’03 & Deanna Hennessey

Micah Gabriel Dennis

John David Reilly BORN: May 23, 2016

James Robert Chabot

BORN: April 14, 2016

Marcus ’08 & Theresa Dennis

Linda (Cimetti) ’93 & Mark Reilly

Laurie (Rizzotti) ’99 & Aaron Chabot

BORN: May 15, 2016

Thayer Magazine Summer / Fall 2016

55

THAYER WEDDINGS:

THAYER WEDDINGS

Jessica (Luccio) Hull ’06 Dr. Andrew Luccio '05, Tarah O'Brien '06, Marty Courage '06, Jessica '06 and Edwin Hull, Dan Gregg '06, Lisa Trubiano '06, Franci Ryan '06, Sara Trubiano '06, Karen Gregg'75, Matt Gregg '06.

Kendra Demakis ’06 Kendra Demakis '06 married Doug Broussard on June 11, 2016 at the Migis Lodge on Sebago Lake in Maine. Courtney (Oliver) Lewis '06 served as the maid of honor. (L to R): Tai Diamond '06, Ryan '06 and Kate (Stangl) Driscoll '06, Courtney (Oliver) Lewis) '06, Kendra (Demakis) '06 Doug Broussard, Kristie (Gillooly) Dean '06, Leah (Harrington) Dexter '06 and Tim Demakis '91.

Jude David ’06 Jude David '06 married Shalika Smith on April 22, 2016 in Montego Bay, Jamaica.

Kara (McPhee) Moore ’04 Kara (McPhee) Moore '04 married Justin Moore on April 23, 2016 in Quincy.

Sarahjeet (Singh) Desmond ’03 Sarahjeet (Singh) Desmond '03 married Willie Desmond on March 12, 2016 in Scottsdale, AZ.

Abby Smith Harrell ’04 Abby Smith Harrell '04 and her husband, Austin, in Nashville, TN. 58 56

Thayer Magazine Summer / Fall 2016

Newlywed?

Share the good news with your fellow Thayer alums!

Email your high-res photo to: alumni@thayer.org

‘95 and Amy (Ryder) Pickel ‘94, Rachel Bello ‘94, Britt (Soderberg) Pena ‘94, Jim O’Keefe ‘94, Bill Pyles ‘96, Julie (Ryder) Lammers ‘97,

CLASS NOTES: 1990s-2000s

On Thursday, April 28 Jeff

and former faculty member Donna Luther returned to campus for a mini-Reunion to see this year’s production of A Chorus Line. Here they join current Middle School faculty member Charlotte Browne for a picture. The group all starred in Thayer’s 1993 production of A Chorus Line, which was directed by Luther.

CLASS OF

CLASS OF

Ross Stafford ’95 married Charmaine Taylor on Saturday, May 29th at the beautiful Gurney’s Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa. His brother Tom Stafford ’92 was one of fourteen in the wedding party!

 1996 CLASS OF

Congrats on your

20th

1997 John Ambrosino ’97 will be playing Bobby in COMPANY, beginning this September at the Lyric Stage in Boston.

Julie (Ryder) Lammers ’97 See photo on this page.

see p. 48 for the Reunion class pic!

CLASS OF

1998 Ken Dunbar ’96 writes: “After 19 years at Skidmore College and living in Saratoga Springs, NY, I have relocated to the South Shore (Hingham) and it is good to be back! I am working at Wheaton College as Director of International Admission and traveling the world looking for great students.”

Congratulations to Mike Mottau ’96 on passing the Series 7 on his first try!

Bill Pyles ’96 See photo on this page.

Nicholas Cariere ’98 was named best actor in a play by the website BroadwayWorld for his performance in A Midsummer’s Night Dream.

Lindsey (Gillooly) Gordon ’98 and her husband Heath welcomed baby number two, Hugh James in February. He joins big brother, Heath, Jr.

1999 Laurie (Rizzotti) Chabot ’99 and her husband, Aaron welcomed their fourth son, James Robert Chabot on Sunday, May 15th at 9:06pm.

He was 6lbs, 3oz and 19 inches long. James joins big brothers Nathan, Connor, and Brayden. See photo on page 55.

Dan Rice ’99 and his brother Toby ’00 are both enjoying living just outside of Pittsburgh and running their company, Rice Energy. Dan has two daughters with his wife, Tanya.

CLASS OF

2000

Johnice Bristol ’00 was recently promoted to Director of US Channeling Marketing -Trade, Retail, and Field Reps at Reebok International in Canton, MA. Toby Rice ’00 is enjoying life just outside of Pittsburgh with his brother Dan '99 and running their company, Rice Energy. Toby and his wife, Aileen are raising their daughter, Roxy, and their eight-month-old son, Mick.

Thayer Magazine Summer / Fall 2016

57

CLASS NOTES: 2000s

CLASS OF

2002

Thank you to Steven C. Gaziano ’02 for ten years of service on the Alumni Association Board, serving the last three as President. A grateful Academy thanks you!

Bill O’Dwyer ’02 stepped down after serving one term on the Thayer Academy Alumni Association Board. Thank you to Bill for his three years of service.

Kyle Shaw ’00 is the Assistant Principal of the Lillian Jacobs Elementary School in Hull.

He is also the Camp Director of the popular South Shore Surf Camp (SSSC) in Hull, where he is sharing his more than 20 years of surfing experience with children ages 8 to 15. The first surf camp in Massachusetts, SSSC hosts the largest surf competition for children on the East Coast called the Grom Prix.

Kyle and his wife Katie, a certified kids yoga instructor, live in Scituate with their two children - Curren (4) and Caroline (3). See photo above.

Adam Tokarz ’02 and his wife, Caitie welcomed their first child, Elizabeth Jean, on January 28th. See photo on page 55.

Lauren (Blake) Mahoney ’02 and husband, Rob welcomed their first child, Theodore (Teddy) Blake Mahoney on February 11. He weighed 8 lbs, 6 oz, and was 20.5 inches long. See photo on page 55.

one term on the Thayer Academy Alumni Association Board. Thank you to Colin for his three years of service.

 2001 CLASS OF

Congrats on your

20th

see p. 44 for the Reunion Recap!

Donavan Brown ’01 has stepped down from the Thayer Academy Alumni Association board after serving two terms. He has accepted a position on the Thayer Academy Board of Trustees.

Michael King ’01 and his wife, Injoo, welcomed their second son, Zachary James in March. He joins big brother, Owen.

Richie Pittman ’01 welcomed his first child, Richmond Pittman III on December 26, 2015. See photo on page 55.

58

Thayer Magazine Summer / Fall 2016

Willie Desmond on March 12, 2016 in Scottsdale, AZ. Alumnae Laura (Kaveney) Briggs ’03, Kaela Leonard ’03, Elyse (Boyle) Alexander ’03, and Alana Casciello ’03 were all in attendance. See photo on page 56.

Mike Jones ’03 and his wife, Tye’sha, welcomed baby number two and three on February 8th with the birth of twin boys Kyland (6lbs 3 oz and 21 in) and Leland (5lbs 10 oz and 21 in). They join big sister Caydence (5). See photo on page 55.

CLASS OF

2004

Kara (McPhee) Moore ’04 married Justin Moore on April 23 in Quincy, MA. See photo on page 56

Abby (Smith) Harell ’04 recently married Austin Harrell in Nashville, Tennessee. See photo on page 56

CLASS OF

2003

David Hennessey ’03 and his wife, Colin Smyth ’00 stepped down after serving

Sarahjeet (Singh) Desmond ’03 married

Deanna welcomed their first child, Hayden Marie on April 3. She was 4lbs 14oz and 17.5” long. See photo on page 55.

Elizabeth Iannessa ’03 stepped down after serving one term on the Thayer Academy Alumni Association Board. Thank you to Elizabeth for her three years of service.

Kaela Leonard ’03 was recently promoted to Scientist at Seventh Biosystems in Medford, MA. Seventh Biosystems is a privately held medical technology company focused on developing innovative blood collection devices used in research and clinical testing.

Emely Orellana de Bautista ’03 and her husband, Doug welcome their first child on March 13, a daughter named Ellis. Baby Ellis weighed 7 lbs 8oz and was 19 3/4 inches long.

CLASS OF

2005

Greg Collins ’05 is enjoying his sixth year working at State Street in their computer programming and IT department. He continues to live in Quincy and keeps in touch with many of his other ’05 classmates.

Krista Duval ’05 recently moved back to the Boston area after years in Chicago. Krista is a Consultant at Fenway Search Group, which specializes in helping companies identify and hire accounting and finance professionals.

Erin Phares ’05 and long-time boyfriend Christopher Compean became engaged just after the holidays.

Christine Bevilacqua ’05 Christine writes: “I have recently launched my new wedding and event planning business, Metta Events. I am based in Newport, RI and plan events here, Boston, NYC and around New England. I would be happy to offer a special rate to Thayer alumni. My website is: www.mettaevent.com.”

Congrats on your

10th

see p. 47 for the Reunion class pic!

Jude David ’06 married Shalika Smith on April 22 in Montego Bay, Jamaica. Brandon Odom ’04, Kevin Kerr ’05, and Napoleon Lherisson ’06 served as groomsmen. See photo on page 56

Kendra Demakis ’06 married Doug Broussard on June 11, 2016 at the Migis Lodge on Sebago Lake in Maine. Courtney (Oliver) Lewis '06 served as the maid of honor. Alumns Tai Diamond '06, Ryan '06 and Kate (Stangl) Driscoll '06, Kristie (Gillooly) Dean '06, Leah (Harrington) Dexter '06 and Tim Demakis '91 were all in attendance. See photo on page 56.

On December 31, Matt Harrington ’06 married Katie Cunniff and had a beautiful New Year’s Eve reception at the Intercontinental Hotel in Boston.

Jess (Luccio) Hull ’06 was married to Edwin Hull on New Year’s Eve last year with a reception at the Colonnade Hotel in Boston.

See photo on page 56.

CLASS OF

2008

Marcus Dennis ’08 and his wife, Theresa welcomed their first child, Micah Gabriel Dennis on April 14. He weighed 9.8 lbs. See photo on page 55.

CLASS OF

2009

Christine Healy ’09 has recently moved back to Boston and is currently the National Events Director for Streetwise Media.

Danielle O’Dwyer ’09 recently received a promotion to Footwear Developer and travelled with Reebok for an extended time to Vietnam in May.

Judson Smith ’06 Judson writes: “I recently was admitted into the University of Illinois School of Veterinary Medicine so Maria and I will be moving come summer.”

Erin Thomas ’06 and her boyfriend Adam Kirsch became engaged just before the holidays.

CLASS OF

2007

Nate Richman ’07 is currently appearing in two movies, Central Intelligence, premiering June 2016, and Stronger, premiering in 2017 about the Boston Marathon bombing.

Pat Beauregard ’07 recently became engaged to his girlfriend, Amanda Flood, whom he met at Providence College.

Patrick Finn ’12 graduated from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) with a degree in Industrial Engineering. While at RPI he played lacrosse all four years, scoring 56 goals, and 90 assists for 146 points in 60 career games, including 58 starts.

Melissa Piacentini ’12 is making history at Syracuse University as the number one scorer in Women’s Ice Hockey. She broke the scoring record on November 18 against RIT with 97 points, hitting the 100 goal mark on December 4.

CLASS OF

2010

Giovanna Pickering ’12 joined Sony Music Entertainment as a Global Finance Intern.

Grace Curley ’10 Grace writes: “Working as a producer on the Howie Carr Show- 680 AM Radio. Living in South Boston and seeing many Thayer friends in Boston.”

Richie Aylward ’10 asked and Katie Vatalaro said “yes” in Aruba! Congrats on your engagement!

Michael Rooney ’06 is engaged to Nicole Young. The couple lives in Dorchester and plan to get married next summer in Vermont.

American honors in her senior year. Olivia was hired as an intern with the Olympic Committee and will most likely be heading to Rio.

CLASS NOTES: 2000s-2010s

 2006 CLASS OF

 2011 CLASS OF

Congrats on your

5th

see p. 47 for the Reunion class pic!

Sean Fernald ’11 was recently promoted to Corporate Financial Analyst at The Disney Company in Los Angeles, CA. CLASS OF

2012

Olivia Dilorati ’12 graduated from Colorado College in May of 2016. She enjoyed a very successful four years there and collected numerous prestigious awards throughout her time on the swim team. In her senior year, Olivia received the SCAC Swimmer of the Year, the College’s Laura Golden Award, which is the Best Female Athlete Award at Colorado College, and All

Samantha Whalen ’12 earned the Dean’s Award for academic excellence at Colgate University where she studied computer science.

CLASS OF

2013

Austen O’Neill ’13 was selected as a fashion model in Charleston Fashion Week 2016. He walked for established fashion designers, like Ike Behar and Cadet, as well as local boutiques and several emerging designers. He was also selected as the top male model and winner of the Rock the Runway modeling competition.

CLASS OF

2014

Neil Conway ’14 had 12 goals and 16 assists for the 13-7-4 Hamilton College men’s hockey team and was recently featured in The Boston Globe for his work on and off the ice, as Neil also has been volunteering for the Boston Bear Cubs (a team for children with autism and Downs Syndrome for the last nine years).

Kenzie Kent ’14, a sophomore at Boston College, made history as a winger on the Women’s Hockey team this season as the Eagles didn’t lose a single game in their regular season.

Thayer Magazine Summer / Fall 2016

59

In Memoriam 1947

1943 Marshall Sumner Wilkins ’43 Marshall Sumner Wilkins was born on June 10, 1925, the son of Sarah Flint Wilkins and Arthur Hampton Wilkins. Marshall passed away peacefully on February 2, 2016 surrounded by his loving family. In April, 1961, Marshall married the love of his life, Beverly M. (Fulton) Wilkins. In addition to his wife, Marshall was the loving father to his daughters, Lesley Arlene Wilkins and Hilary Snow Tyson and her husband, Brett, all of Weymouth. He was also the devoted grandfather (known as Papa) to Alexandra Maeve Wilkins and Jake Christopher Tyson. He also leaves behind his beloved companion cat, Philomena. Born and raised in Milton, he was a graduate of Thayer Academy and Harvard University. At Thayer, Marshall was a member of the Yearbook staff, Dramatics Committee, Current Events, First Aid and Scribblers’ Club. He graduated Cum Laude and is remembered in the yearbook as “meticulous, hortative and frank.”

Marshall served in the U.S. Army and was a Veteran of World War II. Marshall was the owner and President of Bay State Mailing and Dooley Press in Stoughton, formerly in Boston, for the past 65 years.

Marshall was an accomplished musician who studied with Dr. Snow at Trinity Church and had his first appointment of a music director at age 15 in Milton.

60

Thayer Magazine Summer / Fall 2016

He served several churches but spent the majority of his career as a music director and organist at Central Congregational Church in Newton, where he developed a choir that brought him great joy. Marshall was also a past Dean of the Boston Chapter of the American Guild of Organists.

He was an active member of Trinity Church of Boston, the Harvard Club of Boston, St. John’s Lodge of Boston, the American Guild of Organists and a lifelong friend of the Boston Symphony Orchestra.

He and his wife enjoyed traveling extensively visiting over 60 countries.

His favorite places to travel were Russia and Eastern Europe. He enjoyed family vacations to Maine, where his wife grew up and learned to love the ocean. He also loved cruising to Bermuda with family. His greatest joys were spending time with his family and summers at his cottage at Stetson Pond on Blueberry Lane in Bryantville.

Marshall’s happiest days were raising the flag at his cottage, going out on the boat with Rhett, Hilary and Lesley and watching Alexandra and Jake having fun at the lake. Marshall lived his life to the fullest showing spirited curiosity and will be remembered for his forgiving and compassionate heart.

Robert Chickering Fitch, Jr. ’47 Robert, 86, passed away quietly on October 20, 2014. Robert was born in Newton, Massachusetts on January 23, 1928 to Robert Chickering Fitch and Sybil Hale Nowell Fitch. Robert grew up on a farm and spent his time flying planes and racing his boat on the rivers in Massachusetts. He grew up in a very disciplined fashion and learned early that if you wanted to do something right, you have to do it yourself. This helped to develop Robert’s life-long determination in everything he set out to accomplish.

All who knew him admired his skills in carpentry, building everything from scratch, an unexplainable attraction to rebuilding VW Beetles and even building a boat. Robert graduated from the Wentworth Institute of Technology in 1950 (MC&TD) and went to work as a draftsman for General Electric. With the Korean War underway he enlisted in the United States Navy in July, 1952.

He served as a reconnaissance pilot in the Korean War. After the war he returned to the States and the family moved from Rhode Island to Levittown, New York. Robert began his long career as a pilot for American Airlines, a career which spanned more than 30 years. Robert and his family also lived in Stamford, Connecticut from 1966 through 1972. Robert married Lea Fernandes in 1974 and they lived in Norwalk, Connecticut. Upon retiring as a captain from American Airlines in

Reisterstown, Maryland, and countless beloved nephews and nieces. Robert loved life to the fullest and left this world just the way he wanted - surrounded by his loving wife and family.

Jane Buckner Hinckley ’47 Jane Buckner Hinckley passed away peacefully March 26, 2016, in Westford. She was 87.

Born in Brockton with her twin sister Joan '47 to Lowell R. Buckner and Helena Hobart Buckner '17, Jane was raised in Braintree.

She graduated from Thayer Academy in 1947. Jane was an active participant in the Thayer community, playing basketball, field hockey and softball all four years as well as tennis, badminton, soccer and cheerleading. She was a member of Theta Alpha, Glee Club, Dramatics Committee, Camera Club, Current Events, Science Club, G.A.A. and Archery. Her classmates wrote of her, “One of our preppy cheerleaders and a girl with a definite preference for Army Blue, Janie has been a friend to all. She is known for her beauteous black hair, her luscious blue eyes and for her love of skating. Best of luck to a wonderful girl.”

She went on to study at Bethany College in West Virginia until her marriage to Walter Della Chiesa in 1948, following his graduation from USMA West Point.

Walter began U.S.A.F. primary flight training in Texas and Jane went with him as he entered advanced training in Arizona. Upon graduation, Walter was assigned to a squadron in Okinawa. The island was still considered a war zone and family members were not allowed to accompany service members. Jane returned to Braintree for the duration of Walter’s assignment. However, Walter was killed on an early mission to Korea in 1951. Following Walter’s death, his flight leader and close friend corresponded regularly with Jane and, following his tour of duty, returned to

his hometown of Newton, MA. and visited Jane often. Within a year, Jane and Captain Ralph E. Hinckley were married. They had two children, Conrad and Tracey, and spent over a decade assigned to Air Force bases in the Far East and the southern U.S. Summer 1967 saw the family’s move to Westford to join Ralph who had retired from the Air Force and assumed the position of Executive Director of the Mass. Arthritis Foundation in Boston. Soon after the move, Jane acted upon her long-standing love of art and started her own business, Pottery in Stoneware, in Westford.

The business was successful and Jane won numerous awards for her work.

More importantly to Jane, she regularly received commissions for her work from private and business customers. Jane also dedicated a significant amount of time to service on the Westford Historical Commission. Soon after the new millennium, Jane’s daughter, Tracey passed away following the birth of her fourth child. Ralph passed away in 2007 and soon after, Jane began to suffer from dementia. She resided at home with her son until 2014 when she was injured in a fall and moved to an assisted-living facility for round-the-clock care. Jane continued her art work until a month prior to her passing.

IN MEMORIAM: 1940s

January 1988, he and Lea moved to Centerville, Massachusetts. His passions were flying, sailing and woodworking.

He built cabinets, kitchens and fine furniture. Some of his bigger projects included building a boat, stereos, stone walls, patios and small bridges. For his children, he put flood lights high up in a tree so his five kids could ice skate safely late into the evening on their pond in Stamford. He loved to sail Long Island Sound in local races. Robert even sailed in the rigorous Newport-Bermuda race with his friend, Dr. Octavio Bessa and his two teenage sons, on a small 36-foot sailboat. His children loved to hear the stories of those days. Upon retiring to Cape Cod, Robert took up building and flying radio controlled model airplanes and flying them with his friends in Hyannis. He continued with his other passion, woodworking and making a wonderful home for Lea. When his grandchildren visited Robert, he enjoyed making sand castles and playing in the surf with all of them.

Robert was a long-time member of the Knights of Columbus in Hyannis. He also treasured spending time with his good friends, the Apostles, every week at St. Francis Xavier Church. Robert was a strong and independent person and he leaves behind so many friends whom he loved and talked about often during the last few years of his life. He leaves his wife of 40 years, Lea Fernandes Fitch; his sons, Robert C. Fitch, III of Silver Spring, Maryland and John S. Fitch of Stamford, Connecticut; his daughters, Janet A. Fitch of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Sharon Fitch McKenna of Wilton, Connecticut and Heather Fitch Loy of Cedar Falls, Iowa; his sister Elizabeth Ellis of Savannah, Georgia; and his grandchildren, Natasha Fitch-Nolan of Reisterstown, Maryland; Sedona A. Loy and Hannah M. Loy of Cedar Falls, Iowa; and Sarah L. Anderson, Elizabeth W. Anderson and Kelly F. McKenna of Wilton, Connecticut; and his great grandchild, Titan Fox Fitch-Nolan of

Robert M. Webster ’47 Robert M. Webster, age 84, died peacefully Saturday, Aug. 2, in Chelsea, where he resided in The Soldier’s Home. Born Jan. 24, 1930, in Quincy, to Richard and Laura (Bassett) Webster, he graduated from Thayer Academy in 1947. He was a three-sport athlete, playing baseball, football and basketball all four years.

He was also a member of the Orchestra, Hi-Y and Camera Club. In his senior yearbook, his classmates wrote, “Webby is famous for his graceful antics on the basketball floor. A real baseball player

Thayer Magazine Summer / Fall 2016

61

IN MEMORIAM: 1940s

is this athlete from Weymouth. He has livened up many a dull study hall.” After Thayer, he attended Springfield College and Boston University, graduating from Williams College School of Banking.

Robert also served in the United States Air Force for four years. On Aug. 9, 1957, he married June (Levangie), “the love of his life.” Robert and June Webster lived in Holbrook and South Weymouth where they raised their family. Robert worked at what was originally known as South Shore National Bank, advancing from a teller to the first Vice President when he retired in 1992. Robert was a Master Mason of the Weymouth United Masonic Lodge A.F. & A.M. for 56 years. He also was a chairman of the Weymouth American Red Cross Chapter. Robert was especially remembered as a South Weymouth Little League coach for ten years and was known for his ability to teach more than just the game of baseball, but life lessons and good sportsmanship, as well. Survivors include his beloved wife and four devoted children, Richard S. of Worcester, David K. and his wife, Denise of Taunton, Susanne L. and husband Thomas Ford of Whitman, and Robert D. of South Weymouth; and his sister, Priscilla Cole and her husband, who is Bob’s best friend, Richard of Plymouth. He was also the grandfather of Austin and Ashley Webster of Raynham and Sandra, Jacey, Meghan, and Thomas Ford of Whitman; and leaves several nieces and nephews.

James K. White ’47 James K. White of Weymouth, died November 19, 2015. James was born in Abington and grew up in Weymouth.

He was a member of the Thayer class of 1947. At Thayer James was a member of the Camera Club. In his senior yearbook classmates wrote of him, “Although only with us for two years, Jim has won a fine group of friends...Your sense of humor has been a pleasure to us all, Jim.” He worked for many years as a

62

Thayer Magazine Summer / Fall 2016

payroll administrator for Shawmut Bank.

Some of James’ hobbies included sailing, hunting, baseball and hockey. James also enjoyed sitting at his home looking over the ocean. He was the loving husband to the late Phyllis (Cheney) White; beloved father of Nancy Landreville and her husband Stephen of Pembroke and Paul White and his wife Elaine of Marshfield; longtime companion of Patricia Smith of Halifax; cherished Grandpa to Stephanie, Jeff, Doug, Bill, James and Lindsey.

Hanson, Christopher and his late wife Mary of East Bridgewater, AnnMargaret O’Toole and her husband Stephen of East Bridgewater and Melissa Morrissey and her husband Vincent W. Cahill of Braintree, his brothers and sisters, Edward Cahill of Florida, Rita Drake of Arkansas, Paul Cahill of New Hampshire and Ann Huke of Virginia; also 17 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews.

Sylvia Wales Graham ’49

1949 George W. “Warren” Cahill ’49 George W. “Warren” Cahill, 84, of East Bridgewater, passed away on February 13 in his home. He was the husband of the late Patricia A. (White) Cahill. He was born in Weymouth, brought up in Braintree, son of the late Edward and Dorothy (Smith) Cahill. George was a graduate of Thayer Academy where he was a member of the Yearbook staff, Senior Middle Play Committee, Dance Committee, Glee Club and Camera Club. His classmates said this of George, “Capable, handsome and amiable describes George to a ‘T.’ A real smoothie on the dance floor, he has made an excellent friend to all who have known him.” After Thayer, George graduated from Bridgewater State College, with his Master’s Degree.

George has been a resident of East Bridgewater for 60 years. He was a communicant of the Holy Ghost Church in Whitman and a member of the St. Vincent DePaul. He was a teacher and a principal in the Braintree School System for 32 years and worked part-time as an architect for many years. George loved to travel and was an all-around handyman, George especially enjoyed being with his family. He is survived by his children, Donald Cahill and his wife Linda of

Sylvia Wales Graham, 84, of Saco, ME, died peacefully in her home on February 26, 2016, with her son, daughter, and one of her loving caregivers by her side. She was born on Nov. 13, 1931, in Brockton, Mass.

Sylvia was the daughter of Burton Lincoln Wales and Louise Richardson Osgood Wales of Abington, Mass. She was the youngest of seven siblings, graduated from Thayer Academy, and attended the Pennsylvania College for Women. Sylvia served as Class Vice President her senior year at Thayer.

She was also the president of Theta Alpha, a member of Student Council, Glee Club, Camera Club and Music Appreciation.

She played Basketball, Badminton, Field Hockey all four years and Softball for two.

She also severed at the Secretary for G.A.A. and was a member of the cheerleading squad. Her classmates said of her, “Sylvia participates in most of our activities. Her warm personality and good looks make everyone like her. Is it a wonder she has so many dates?” As the youngest, she was doted upon by her family who mentored her and helped shape the wonderful woman she became. Sylvia married the love of her life, William T. Graham Jr. of Belmont, Mass., in 1952 and they had three children.

A devoted mother, Sylvia was an especially strong advocate for her disadvantaged son, Theo, throughout his life. She was happiest when spending time with family and close friends. Her selfless spirit and engaging smile drew many to her. Sylvia loved nature in its many forms. She took delight in

1951 Peter J. “Doc” Hamre ’51 Peter J. “Doc” Hamre, MD, 82, of Falmouth, MA died on Feb. 15, 2016 following a long illness. His death was hastened by a broken heart due to the New England Patriots’ inability to secure a place in Super Bowl L, and an ultimate 5th Super Bowl title. He leaves four children: James and his wife Elizabeth; Steven and his wife Carol; Eric and his wife Sabina; and Kristen and her husband Charles, and a total of ten grandchildren. He also leaves a sister, Jonelle and her husband John Hubble, many friends, numerous grudges, but fewer regrets. He was born in 1933 in Worcester, MA, son

of John Hamre and Ellen (Likander) Hamre. He lived with his family in North Weymouth, MA. In 1951 he graduated from Thayer Academy where he participated in Glee Club and served on the Yearbook staff. He also played basketball, golf and baseball. His quote in the senior yearbook was, “Why take life seriously? You’ll never get out of it alive.” He graduated from Brown University in 1955 and the University of Vermont School Of Medicine in 1959. In 1956, Peter married Fay (Richardson) Hamre '51. They moved to Wareham, MA when he joined the staff of Tobey Hospital. They relocated to Falmouth with their four children and he became the first urologist to establish a practice on Cape Cod and the fifth member of the surgical staff of Falmouth Hospital. He also worked with Cape Cod, Barnstable County, and Martha’s Vineyard Hospitals. In 1971, he joined in partnership with John Funkhouser, MD in the Urology Clinic, Inc. Dr. Hamre was a flight surgeon in the Air Force National Guard. In 1976, he transferred to the Air National Guard and attained the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He graduated from the Flight Surgeon’s School at Brook AFB in Texas. He opened Aviation Medicine in Falmouth and continued performing pilots’ physicals for the FAA through 2011. In 1985, Dr. Hamre retired from private practice and served as the ship-board physician at Massachusetts Maritime Academy. Never one to let something go to waste, he’d acquire the day-old bread discarded by the school’s mess hall and serve it to friends and family. In the 1970s, Dr. Hamre took on coaching and shouting at various little league teams and aiding as the FHS hockey team’s game-time doctor. For decades “Doc” could be found on his boat, the Midnight Sun, pulling lobster pots north of Naushon, bluefishing off Horseshoe or heading to Nantucket.

He gained the moniker “Clambo” for his quahogging prowess and his loose

interpretation of local fishing laws. Dr. Hamre was a member of the Woods Hole Golf Club, a long standing member of the St. Thomas Yacht Club and a founding member of its OFC (Old Farts Club), he was also a Free Mason. His hobbies included golf, racquetball, swearing at the Red Sox, drinking, gardening, traveling and cooking.

He had a wicked fashion sense and, when not wearing “vintage” clothing, donned “Rolex Regatta” polo shirts or hospital scrubs with a red bandana tied around his head. In his retirement years, he divided his time between Falmouth and St. Thomas, USVI. He is pre-deceased by his longtime companion, Eleanore Kirtley in 2013. Peter considered his life fulfilled once he had seen the Celts, Bruins, Pats and even the Sox win championships. He will be remembered as a cross between Archie Bunker, the Great Santini, and Rodney Dangerfield, but he’d have liked to be remembered as a man of his word, a skilled and professional surgeon and someone who (pretended he) didn’t give a *%#! We love you, Poppi!

IN MEMORIAM: 1950s

such things as helping turtles cross busy roads, looking for eye-catching stones on the beach, or finding abandoned bird nests in winter. Her appreciation for the natural world was nurtured by her parents and siblings and she shared that with her children and others. Sylvia was active throughout her life and enjoyed hiking, kayaking, swimming and walks on the beach or woodland trails. Some of her favorite places were Humarock Beach in Marshfield, Mass., Sunapee, N.H., and her adopted state of Maine which she dearly loved, especially Camp Ellis, Vinalhaven and Monhegan Island.

Sylvia was predeceased by her parents and siblings, first husband Bill and son Theo, second husband John Vliet Nungesser and stepdaughter Blair Vliet Nungesser Gabriel. She is survived by daughter Pamela Graham Johnson and son-in-law Edward J. Hirst of Saco, son George Wales Graham and daughterin-law Gerri L. Cote of Westhampton, Mass., stepdaughter Dana Nungesser Macy and her husband Eric Richard Macy, of New Vernon, N.J.; five stepgrandchildren; as well as a large loving extended family.

Nancy (Karafotias) Walsh ’51 Nancy (Karafotias) Walsh, 85, of Bourne, and formerly of Brockton, passed away April 12, 2016, at her home under the care of her family and hospice. She was the wife of the late J. Dewey Walsh. Born March 21,1931, in Brockton, she was the daughter of the late John Karafotias and Angelina (Botsey) Karafotias. Raised in Brockton, she graduated from Brockton High School and attended Thayer Academy and Chandlers Secretarial School. At Thayer, Nancy participated in Theta Alpha, Glee Club and played tennis. Her quote in her senior yearbook is, “Laugh and the world laughs with you.” Nancy worked as a secretary for the Brockton Public School System in the Guidance Department for several years. She enjoyed gardening and especially spending summers in Onset with her family and friends. She is survived by her children, Ann E. Niccoli and her husband James

Thayer Magazine Summer / Fall 2016

63

IN MEMORIAM: 1960s-1970s

and Peter J. Walsh and his wife Annmarie; her grandchildren, Adrienne Roberts and her husband Shawn, Roger Niccoli, Kellyanne Ingalls and her husband Jonathan, Erin Walsh and LT JG, Shawn Walsh, USN; her greatgrandchild, Madison. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews. She was the sister of the late Peter J. Karafotias.

1968 John David Burke Cross ’68 John David Burke Cross, 66, formerly of Falmouth, died April 13 in Vancouver, Washington. He was 66. He was born in Brockton, the son of the late Dr. Morris Cross and Emma Cross.

He grew up in Randolph and graduated from Thayerlands, Thayer Academy, Emerson College and the New England College of Optometry. At Thayer, John was an honor roll student who was a member of the Yearbook Staff and the fiction editor for Prologue. He was also a member of Art Club, Chess Club, Debate Club, National Forensic League, Library Service, Play Reading, and Poetry Group. He was co-owner of Music Sandwich with his son, Richard Carey of Sandwich.

Mr. Cross performed in Irish Seisiúns on Cape Cod and in Plymouth, Westborough, Worcester, and Quincy. He played the piano, guitar, accordion, flute, tin whistle, bagpipes, and other instruments. He also was both a student and teacher of meditation, and wrote the books “Seven Days to Self: A Meditation Introductory” and “Understanding Hinduism.” In addition to his son, he leaves his wife, Cheryl (Smith) Cross; two brothers, Dr. Edward Cross of Norfolk, Virginia, and Thomas Cross '50 of Burlington; a grandson, Matthew Carey of Sandwich; and two nephews, William Cross of Arizona and Michael Cross of Pennsylvania. He was preceded in death by his brother William Cross '56; and his first wife, Kathleen Patricia (Walsh) Cross, who died in 2002.

64

Thayer Magazine Summer / Fall 2016

1969 David Michael Trop, Jr. ’69 Dr. David Michael Trop, D.D.S., of Virginia Beach, 64, passed away unexpectedly on May 1, 2016. Originally from Whitman, MA, he was born to the late David W. Trop and June T. Parker. David attended Thayerlands and the Upper School before moving on to Washington & Lee University. While at Thayer, he played baseball, basketball and tennis. He participated in Judo, Weightlifting and Glee Club. His classmates memorialized him in the yearbook by saying, “Beneath that countenance of quiet, there lies a clever heart.” He is survived by his loving wife, Elizabeth McGarry Trop of Virginia Beach, VA; his son, Michael Parker Trop of Warrenton, VA; his daughter, Alyssa Bailie Trop and her fiancé, Jake Morley of Richmond, VA; four sisters: Dauna MacEchern and Debra Pock of Tyler, TX; Wendy Strauss of New York City; and Diane Krizan of Lindale, TX; his aunt, Jacqueline Warren of Middleborough, MA; and numerous cousins in Massachusetts and New England.

1972

senior yearbook he chose, "I would rather die on my feet than live on my knees."

After Thayer, he went on to become a 1976 graduate of the College of the Holy Cross.

After he received his Juris Doctor from the New England School of Law in 1980, and following in the footsteps of his late grandfather and father, Joe took over the family law firm, Geogan & Geogan, on Union Street in Rockland, where he spent his professional career.

Joe was an avid skier, runner and cyclist who loved outdoor activity and the camaraderie and friendships he developed with others in its pursuits. Joe loved the law and was gratified that its practice enabled him to use his many skills to help others in need. His wise and empathetic counsel was sought by many, always offered freely, and valued by all who were fortunate to receive it. Above all else, Joe valued family.

He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Amy (Aldrich) Geogan; and his sons, Robert A. Geogan and Matthew A. Geogan of Norwell. In addition, he was the brother of the late Rev. Philip J. Geogan '66 and is survived by his sisters, Deborah Geogan Hardy '64 of Plymouth and Robyn Geogan Noble '75 of Providence, R.I. Joe delighted in being part of a large extended family inclusive of his wife's many siblings and the twenty-six nieces and nephews they shared.

F. Joseph Geogan ’72 F. Joseph Geogan II of Norwell and Little Compton, R.I., passed away suddenly on Monday, June 13, 2016, at the age of 61. Joe was born in Quincy, July 30, 1954, to the late Robert Geogan '38 and his wife Mary and he was raised in Rockland.

Joe was a 1972 graduate of Thayer Academy. While at Thayer, Joe was a threesport athlete, competing on the football, wrestling, and baseball teams. He was a member of the Ecology Club, Key Club and Weight Lifting. As his quote in his

1975 Robert J. Colman, Jr. ’75 Robert J. Colman, Jr., of Quincy and Edgartown, passed away unexpectedly on March 23, 2016. After Thayer Academy, Bob went on to New England College and Bentley University. Beloved son of the late Robert J Colman, Sr. and Mary T (Donovan) Colman, survived by loving sister Roberta M. Colman of Braintree and Sandra Colman Lerner ‘73 of Quincy.

Robert was owner and operator of the

1980 Frederic David Bell ’80 The following was written by Frederic's sister, Sandra Bell Calhoune '84.

On April 16, 2016, our brother, Freddy “David” Bell (class of 1980) passed away after a brief battle with colon cancer.

Despite being dealt a terrible diagnosis one year earlier, David continued to be a source of great humor, encouragement, friendship and massive amounts of love. In the final months of his life, the sheer volume of friends who visited him at his home served as a testament to his goodness, likeability and humanity. Only those who give such devotion tend to receive it in return. As a lifelong lover of films, he compiled a list of his top 100 films of all time in the last few weeks of his life. He continued to live his life joyfully, despite the uncertainty surrounding his condition.

A student at Thayer Lands since nursery, David graduated from Thayer in 1980 and continued his studies at Yale University. His life was always full of adventure; He was always searching for new experiences.

In the summer of 2014, David and his wife, Rebecca, enjoyed the journey of a lifetime when they traveled to Brazil to watch the FIFA World Cup. His travels took him all over the world—Italy, Ireland, England, France, China and many more countries. His life in New York City was filled with Broadway plays, restaurants,

friends and the students he devoted his professional life to through his tutoring business.

Throughout his illness he never lost sight of the things that mattered most—love, family, friendships, the students he tutored, traveling, good books and the New England Patriots. To be able to experience joy in the worst of times is a rare thing. We who loved Freddy are all the better for having loved and been loved by him. See tribute by friend Ted Polomis '80 on page 66.

2005 Michael L. Zarella ’05 Michael L. Zarella, 29, of Easton, formerly of Duxbury, died unexpectedly at home on February 7, 2016. Born in Plymouth, on February 8, 1986, a son of Robert J. Zarella of Easton, formerly of Duxbury, and the late Patricia A. (Hogan) Zarella, he was raised in Duxbury and was a graduate of Thayer Academy where he played goalie for the Thayer hockey team. After graduation he worked as a contractor for B & B Fencing of Duxbury. His hobbies included sketching, tattoo designs, fishing, and playing hockey. In addition to his father, he is survived by a son, Milo; a brother, Robert F. Zarella of Plymouth; a sister, Catherine F. Zarella of Brooklyn, NY.; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

2013 Bailey Chevalier Putnam ’13 Bailey Chevalier Putnam, 21, died unexpectedly on June 9th. He was an undergraduate student at Northeastern University.

He began his time there in the NU in London program freshman year and was currently interning at The Boston Globe. Previously, he wrote in the co-op program as a sports reporter for the Patriot Ledger and as sports editor, covering the men's and women's NCAA ice hockey teams for the Northeastern University's Huntington News. At Thayer he was a goalie on the ice hockey team, played varsity lacrosse, and played drums in jazz ensemble. Bailey's passions were writing, playing hockey and lacrosse, traveling, and spending time with his many diverse groups of friends. Bailey possessed an exceptionally dry wit.

His friends relied upon him to be the steady hand and the problem solver; he never let them down. He had a gift for earnestly listening to others' problems and offering sound and practical advice. Everyone who met him immediately found him reliable, witty, sincere, and dependable.

Bailey was a scholar, an athlete, an amazing son and brother, and an unconditional friend. His untimely passing is a devastating loss to all who knew him. In his own words he was "Family to many, friend to more."

Bailey is survived by his parents, Stephen J. Putnam and Caren A. Chevelier of Weymouth; his sister Taen C. Putnam of Cohasset; his grandparents, Nancy Doherty and John Chevelier. He was the grandson of the late Barbara and Donald Putnam. Bailey is also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Thayer Magazine Summer / Fall 2016

IN MEMORIAM: 1980s-2010s

former Colman’s Sporting Goods. Robert participated in many sports growing up but most recently he enjoyed spending time with good friends boating and fishing. Robert was a proud member of the Neighborhood Club of Quincy, a family tradition for decades.

65

The Final Word

Editor’s Note: Frederic David Bell ’80 passed away this April (see obituary on page 65). The following is a remembrance from his classmate & friend, Ted Polomis ’80.

“

Remembering Fred

by Ted Polomis '80

In September of 1974, I attended Thayer Middle

tirade then ensued that left us too dumbfounded

I'd think to myself that "I should catch up with

School and met Frederic David Bell for the first

to put up much of a defense. So ended Starsky

Fred." That time to catch up began this past Janu-

time. The filming of Jaws was wrapping up on

and Hutch.

ary, when I learned that Fred had terminal cancer.

Martha's Vineyard, and Fred and I discovered

Numerous emails, calls, and trips to New York

that we were both reading the novel – a racy book

The years we shared went by in a blur. The classes,

ensued. Reuniting with him brought back a

for a couple of 7th graders. This proved a great

hanging out during and after school, nights at the

flood of happy memories and adventures. He was

topic of conversation, and we became friends

movies, days on the Cape, adventures with friends

the same Fred – perhaps even wiser and more

right away. Fred was confident and outgoing – I

on the town – all too enjoyable to last very long.

thoughtful – but his body was failing him. When

was not. He went by "David" at home, and

Graduation came, yearbooks were signed, and the

he showed me his list of 100 favorite films, I

"Fred" at school – but I called him "Ferda" and

Class of 1980 went out into the world.

smiled – noting that 90% would be on my list

he called me "Theo.” We liked the same movies

too.

and TV shows, and both made elaborate drawings in the margins of our class books whenever our

During my last visit with him in April, we had

minds wandered. At 12 years of age, Fred already

planned to simply hang out and perhaps watch

had a breezy charm, a mischievous sense of

a movie – like old times. Instead, it became

humor, and (unlike me) had little difficulty with

Fred's final journey. His dear wife, Rebecca, and

any subject at school. Universally admired by

I accompanied him in the ambulance. She and

classmates and teachers alike, Fred always made

the extended Bell family graciously included me

me smile.

at Fred's bedside, so we could all be with him until the end. Fred didn't display any sorrow or

For a time we christened ourselves Starsky

Fred (left) and Ted (right) while at Thayer Middle School.

and Hutch, inspired by the popular TV show (naturally, he was the cooler Starsky). We would accost fellow classmates at recess, and accuse them of being the nefarious perpetrators of various diabolical crimes. We would playfully shake down our eye-rolling victims, leaving them amused and a tad bewildered. On our first day of High School, a faculty member happened upon one of our "interrogations" and (misinterpreting our shtick) grabbed Fred with one hand, and tossed me against the lockers with the other (relax, it was an ancient era and we had it coming). A verbal

66

Thayer Magazine Summer / Fall 2016

self-pity – only joy and gratitude for being with family and friends. With courage and benign

I saw Fred sporadically during his years at Yale and beyond – we would meet up in town, or have all-night movie marathons at my place. He worked in Boston at a homeless shelter, at Little, Brown Publishing, and at The Banner as a film reviewer. He moved to New York, and relying on his extensive knowledge, became known as "The Coolest Tutor in New York.” Despite the vast population of that city, I never doubted the veracity of that title. We'd drop a line from time to time, send birthday wishes on Facebook, and

acceptance, Fred left us.

These days, Fred often drops by to visit my thoughts. For me, he personified intelligence

”

without ego, bravery without bravado, and

kindness without conditions. In my heart and

memory, my intrepid friend lives on. Perhaps best of all, Ferda/Starsky/Fred bestowed a gift that I shall always cherish.

When I think of him, I smile.

You did it!

Thanks to you, our generous alumni, parents, grandparents, faculty, staff, and friends, Thayer Academy closed out our 2016 fiscal year with a record-breaking total in Annual Fund donations! All of us at Thayer are so appreciative of your support. Look at what we accomplished together:

$



1.55

Million

TOTAL ANNUAL FUND DOLLARS RAISED



1,113

Alumni Donors (20%)

Our highest number since 2003!

 331

Current Parent Donors (60%)

 84

Faculty & Staff Donors

(51%)

2,021

Annual Fund gifts

 

1,659

Total Donors

FOUNDERS DAY 2016 a day of giving

the general’s council:

Donor Recognition Levels

Leadership Circle $1,877–$2,999

Headmaster’s Circle $10,000–$24,999

young alumni leader:

Sarah White Glover Society $3,000–$4,999

Trustees’ Circle $25,000–$49,999

› 5 to 9 years out $100

Anna Boynton Thompson Society $5,000–$9,999

Founder’s Circle $50,000+

› 1-4 years out $50

› 10 to 14 years out $250 › 15 to 19 years out $750

Give your support online at: www.supportthayer.org

THAYER ACADEMY

ANNUAL FUND

2016-2017

PLEASE SUPPORT THE 2016-2017 T H AY E R A C A D E M Y ANNUAL FUND

Thayer S U M M E R / FA L L

2016

MAGAZINE

745 Washington Street | Braintree, Massachusetts 02184

Have your children flown the coop, but you're still getting their copies of Thayer Magazine?

Email us at magazine@thayer.org if you're receiving multiple copies of the magazine at your home and would like these issues sent to your children's new address. Thank you!

Visit the redesigned website of Thayer Academy: www.thayer.org

Follow us online!  www.thayer.org  facebook.com/thayer.academy  @thayeralumni instagram.com/thayeracademy THE MISSION OF THAYER ACADEMY IS TO INSPIRE A DIVERSE COMMUNITY OF STUDENTS TO MORAL, INTELLECTUAL, AESTHETIC, AND PHYSICAL EXCELLENCE SO THAT

look for this icon

inside the magazine for related content online

EACH MAY RISE TO HONORABLE ACHIEVEMENT AND CONTRIBUTE TO THE COMMON GOOD.