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F O R M A N L E T T E R

BE YOND THE CLASSR OOM

SPRING 2022

F O R M A N L E T T E R

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Head of School Letter Big Questions. Big Conversations. Big Opportunities. Her Serendipitous Journey to Forman Around the Green Campus News Lion’s Pride

Head of School: Adam K. Man P’15 Associate Head of School: E. Michael Kowalchick Director of the Annual Fund: Sean Maguire ’89, P’22, P’23 Director of Database Management: Susan Reis P’07 Director of Development Operations: Ben Nadeau Director of Parent and Alumni Programs: Heather Ford Address Corrections & Class Notes: alumni@formanschool.org

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Alumna Profile: Gretchen Conyers ’10 Alumnus Profile: Blake Miller ’92 Events Winterim Giving Class Notes

Editors: Director of Communications Kerry Conroy and Assistant Director of Communications Kaitlyn Dupre Writer: Assistant Director of Communications Kaitlyn Dupre Photo Editor: Communications Office Class Notes Editor: The Office of Advancement Designer: Julie Hammill, Hammill Design Photography: Forman School Community, Timothy Baker P’22, Julian Schnitt ’23, Litchfield County Sports, and Zoar Outdoor

Mission Statement Forman School is an independent, coeducational, college preparatory school for boarding and day students with identified learning differences. Forman develops the whole student, based on his or her unique learning profile, so that every graduate becomes an educated, confident, self-advocate throughout life.

Forman School Board of Trustees President of the Board Jon E. Zagrodzky P’18, P’19 Vice President Anne Q. Buckley P’13, P’20 Vice President David H. White ’71 Treasurer Eric R. Ebbert P’16 Secretary Michael L. Cook P’15 Barbara Chace ’87 Elizabeth Garber Daniels ’93 L. Laird Davis John D. Finnerty, Ph.D., P’11 Michael C. Gluck ’06 Annette R. Jenner-Matthews, Ph.D. ’87 Preethi Krishna P’16 David Langan P’22, P’25 Gregory M. Loss P’22 Adam K. Man P’15, Head of School David A. Shaggy ’85 Timothy B. Wills ’85, P’21 Michael B. Yormark ’09 Trustees Emeriti Cecelia J. Johnson P’91 Diane F. Kessenich P’86 Chairman Emerita Kenneth R. Latham ’48 Frederick M. Lione Jr. P’91 John A. Meyers P’84 This page: Zia Sandefer ’23, Matthew Fisher ’24, Simone Bernstein ’23, Sasha Montgomery ’22, Easton Matthews ’22, Sydney Nixon ’23, and David Coffin ’24 in the woods at White Memorial Conservation in Litchfield, CT, during the 2022 Frost’s New England: A Photographic Journey Winterim. Cover: Olivia Maguire ’22, Gia Catalan ’23, and Kayla Richman ’23 overlook Horseshoe Bend in Arizona during the 2022 Winterim, The American West: Whose Land?

Peter L. Phillips ’65 Chairman Emeritus Scott M. Sutherland ’69, P’93

HEAD OF SCHOOL LETTER

Keeping Values at Our Core

Stephania Bendek ’22, Bella Smith ’22, Head of School Adam K. Man P’15, and Dean of Students Annie Crawford

I was once told that expressing to someone they were kind was a backhanded compliment. This individual explained that kindness is rather weak or bland of all the qualities you could praise in someone. That to be called things like brave or intelligent is a genuine compliment, but when calling someone kind, it appears like you have nothing significant to say about them or that you find them rather meek. I could not disagree more with this sentiment. Our ability to live together in a community productively is

based upon kindness. It is kindness that holds together the social bonds of our society. Any group filled with brave and intelligent individuals will eventually collapse if people lack kindness. You can know all the answers to a test or be willing to head off to war, but if we cannot empathize with others, extend assistance, be humble, and think about the needs of others, we will quickly be at each other’s throats. I know that it can often be hard to be kind. We live in a society enamored of the soundbite, the more outrageous, the

better. People doing and saying things that seem extreme receive a lot more coverage than those in the middle trying to broker a compromise. Social media promotes the anonymous mean comment or cruel joke as the de facto response. On a daily basis, examples of people at their worst are played out on various media platforms. It is hard not to react from your gut, remember that this is not the norm, and not indulge your inner troll. When I watch our students act kindly to one another, I am most proud of them. Kindness is the student who invites a new student to join their group at lunch, who compliments a fellow student in class for their insight, who stands up to a bully. Kindness is just one core value that guides us to fulfill our mission to develop the whole student, based on their unique learning profile, so that every graduate becomes an educated, confident, self-advocate throughout life. Several years ago, truth, respect, and kindness were determined as our core values to promote and support the fundamental governing principles that underscore every good community. Truth has been at the core of Forman since the School was founded. This value comes from our original school shield, which included a section of the biblical text: “Ye Shall Know the Truth, and the Truth Shall Make You Free.” Scholars debate how best to interpret this biblical passage, but I have always felt that finding our inner truth was the true meaning. To connect with something bigger than ourselves and remain true to that. I love working with adolescents because I find it is a time of life where young people challenge assumptions and start to establish their own moral compass. They begin to know what is important to them and prioritize these values and ideals; they find their inner truth. For some students, this takes on a spiritual or moral focus, while for others, it is grounded in a more ethical-based view of right and wrong. I regularly watch students grow into a sense of service to others or a deep commitment to the environment, among many other causes, that motivate them to do good. I

“We have been more intentional than ever in developing our community, establishing our norms, and helping every student be their best self.”

also watch students wrestle with these feelings, sometimes conflicted by the pull of peers versus their own sense of what is right. This maturation process is often painful but such an essential part of moving to adulthood. Of course, I want all of our students to be respectful to others, but I think the embodiment of this value at Forman is learning to respect oneself. Many students arrive at Forman having had negative educational experiences before enrollment. They were made to feel like an academic outsider, working twice as hard as their peers without the same level of success. They question their role as a student, whether they matter in an educational setting, how they might make their own unique contribution. We, as their teachers, see all of their potential but know they will not achieve it until they believe in themselves and respect their talents. This sense of self-respect does not suddenly turn on like a lightbulb; it grows slowly, in fits and starts, as they find success and realize that they matter in the world of academics. Once this occurs, I find that their respect for others grows. Their self-confidence is now firmly established, and they are able to appreciate and be grateful for the contributions of others. Each core value stands alone and each one helps develop the other. We seek to cultivate and reinforce the core values on a daily basis. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, we realized we needed to do even more to foster these values at Forman. We have been more intentional than ever in developing our community, establishing our norms, and helping every student be their best self. One key part of this process was the establishment of the Truth, Respect, and Kindness Expedition/Experience (TReK) program. A grade-level expedition at the start of the year builds the bonds of our students, instilling each student with the knowledge to live out these values. To further that goal, experiences throughout the year develop the core values further through various programming, prompting students to grow as a member of the Forman community. With truth, respect, and kindness at the core of Forman, we are committed to embracing differences, learning from others, and standing up for positive change.

Adam K. Man P’15 Head of School

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Big Questions. Big Conversations. Big Opportunities. Truth, respect, and kindness are Forman School’s core values. They are also the pillars of a new program launched this school year to build integral skills for students’ success beyond Forman.

Allie Maxwell, Assistant Head of School for Internal Affairs, spearheaded the new program, TReK, or Truth, Respect, and Kindness Expedition/Experience. The ‘e’ stands for expedition or experience, depending on the programming. There is one expedition at the beginning of the year and experiences throughout the year. “The goal [of TReK] is to have a holistic way of talking about how we support the development of social-emotional learning skills and how students engage with the world, whether that’s related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging work, social justice work, or how do you make a change in your community,” Maxwell says. The TReK program was created out of the desire to replace Saturday classes with an innovative and transformative experience that would still keep students engaged.

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Students write gratitude notes during the “Are We Connected?” TReK.

“We looked at how we could be more intentional about programming and our time, and understanding that we are a traditional boarding school and that we had Saturday classes, but do Saturday classes really meet the needs of our students,” she says. “I think it’s specifically important to keep [students with learning differences] in routine, but we’re also finding it’s incredibly important to find downtime for students.” Henry White ’22, who has enjoyed the shift to TReKs this year, says, “I think the TReKs really help kids keep an open mind moving forward in their experience here at Forman. It gives them clarity and a better perspective on themselves.”

Expeditions Each class journeyed on a different expedition at the start of the 2021-2022 school year. Freshmen and sophomores participated in activities that encapsulated the core values and camped on the athletic fields on campus. Juniors stayed overnight at Camp Hazen YMCA in Chester, CT, where they engaged in team-building exercises and recreation activities like kayaking and archery. Meanwhile, seniors and post-graduate students had an exhilarating time whitewater rafting, zip-lining, and camping at Zoar Outdoor in Charlemont, MA. “It was a really nice way for our new students and

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“I loved getting a chance to bond and connect more with others.” —HENRY WHITE ’22

Henry White ’22, Kunal Dhage ’22, and Weston Stauffer ’22 camp out during a TReK.

returning students to come together to think about Students what it means to be part of our community and have Overnight Caption conversations about truth, respect, and kindness in an experiential learning space,” Maxwell says. “I loved getting a chance to bond and connect more with others,” Henry adds. “Throughout this first TReK, I was able to grow closer with some of my fellow classmates and develop stronger friendships.” Experiences During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic last school year, Forman faculty read and discussed the book 9 BIG Questions Schools Must Answer to Avoid Going ‘Back to Normal’ (*Because ‘Normal’ Wasn’t That Great to Begin With) by BIG Questions Institute co-founders, Will Richardson and Homa Tavangar. The book presents questions for educators to use as a moment of reflection and reinvention, such as “Who is Unheard?” and “Are We Connected?”

“We raised a lot of important questions and had fruitful discussions regarding Forman in the present day and our hopes for Forman in the future,” Head of School Adam K. Man P’15 says. This school year, faculty have continued those conversations in committees around each big question and focused on identifying ways to achieve goals in those areas. As part of that process, committee groups plan TReK experiences framed around the questions. “The [programming allows] students to wrestle with some of the same topics and ideas that our faculty are talking about,” Maxwell says. “We’re pushing our students to really think about 21st-century learning skills in their Saturday programming.” The first TReK experience focused on community and embracing storytelling to look at what is sacred for people along their journeys. Students attended a presentation by Saul Flores, a philanthropist, photojournalist, and speaker nationally recognized for his social impact projects. Through a recent project, Flores documents the lives of thousands of Latin American immigrants to fundraise for an elementary school in his mother’s hometown. “Saul Flores was amazing,” says Ben Wildstein ’22. “Hearing his stories and the struggles he had to endure while traveling in Central America [and] taking pictures was inspiring.” To address the question, “Are We Ok?” faculty presented a wellness fair featuring activities from puppy therapy to a push-up challenge to boost physical, socialemotional, cognitive, and spiritual well-being on campus. “I feel like TReKs on campus really bring out the best in people,” says Henry. “During the wellness fair TReK, I felt instantly connected with my group. It gave everyone an opportunity to be vulnerable with others and share what they were feeling about things deep inside. Hearing people be honest with each other and connect made me feel like I knew these people all my life. I was just so amazed.”

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A virtual career fair, which featured alumni from various professions, prompted an inquisitive experience around the question, “What is Learning?” The alumni panel included Jennifer Winkler Balzi ’90 (healthcare), Michael Gluck ’06 (law), Rachel Hafer ’11 (education), Everett Kelsey ’84 (film and theater production), and Jared LaVergne ’12 (marketing and communications). “Our students asked amazing questions and learned from our alumni about how their learning at Forman can inform their future career choices,” says Dr. Lori Bush P’25, Dean of Learning and Innovation. “For students who are neurodivergent learners, they sometimes have this preconceived notion that I can’t do this or I couldn’t be a lawyer because I’m dyslexic,” adds Associate Head of School Mike Kowalchick. “Michael Gluck said, ‘I just had to realize I had to reread things or had to approach it this way or the questions I was thinking about were ones that no one else had that were good questions.’” Additional TReK experiences have included a presentation by Co-Director of the Teaching Artist Project

Dale Novella Anderson-Lee, followed by dialogue around issues of diversity and equity, as well as a scavenger hunt where students discovered different forms of literacy in buildings across campus. “With [the introduction of TReK], I was able to learn and experience things that I would not be able to in class,” says Ben. What’s Next? Maxwell says she plans to incorporate even more exciting expedition programming and get students involved in planning the experiences. The goal, she adds, is to instill the School’s core values into everyone and everything at Forman. “My hope would be that we could get to a place where we would have a way of talking about TReK in relation to advisory and really be able to show the threads that connect to this program in our every day,” she says.

Seniors experience whitewater rafting during their TReK at Zoar Outdoor.

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Her Serendipitous Journey to Forman Dean of Students Annie Crawford If you asked Annie Crawford what she wanted to be when she grew up, she would have told you a teacher. When she was in eighth grade, she was inspired by her teachers, who always celebrated her achievements and supported her during challenges. “I wanted to do that for others, too,” she says. Crawford studied English and literature at Fairfield University and graduated with a certificate to teach grades 7-12. Having called New Milford, CT home, she sought out local teaching jobs, but her search only turned up positions in history and math. She started selling cars at a local dealership before teaching for one year at the middle school she had attended and where her interest in teaching all started. Then, she began teaching at Forman School, to which she credits serendipity. “One day, a woman came in and bought a car from me and asked how I got into car sales. I told her that I was actually hoping to teach. She told me that her husband was the head of school at a school that turned out to be Forman,”

Crawford says. “When her license plates came in, I offered to bring them to her and put them on her car. She brought me on a tour of the School and encouraged me to send in my resume. I did and later got an interview. The rest is history.” Crawford is now celebrating her 30th year at Forman. She started as a Language Training Teacher, which existed before the creation of the Cognition and Learning Department. She soon moved to the English Department, later becoming its Chair and a Class Dean, where she oversaw students and managed lower-level discipline situations. Since she started, she has also coached tennis, a sport she played competitively up until a few years ago. When promoted to Dean of Students, she continued teaching but realized she needed to give her new role all of her attention. Crawford oversees the Deans’ Office, which encourages students to be their best selves and uphold the School’s core values and Code of Conduct; offers resources and support to students experiencing situations that are not in line with community

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Clockwise from top left: Dominic Weir ’15, Annie Crawford, and Tristan Jeyaretnam ’15 at the 2015 Commencement; Gade Smith ’18, Annie Crawford, and Sarah Kothari ’18 in the dining hall; Alex Simon ’16 dressed up as Annie Crawford for Halloween; Zach Bitan ’13, Annie Crawford, Jon Moor ’13, and Abie Friedman ’13

standards; is a place where students can be honest and feel seen, heard, and supported; and holds students accountable for unacceptable behavior. She says the students who come through her office now have been the ones she has been able to connect with the most. “I really try to get to know those kids and get them to understand that we all make mistakes, but the key is as long as you learn from it, hopefully not repeat it, then there is a big opportunity to grow as a person,” she says. With the evolution of technology and immediacy of social media, Crawford sometimes needs to dig deeper to get to the bottom of situations. Still, her approach to handling them has remained the same. “I hold the line, I have expectations for student behavior … but I’m not one who would typically raise my voice,” she says. “I think that I am approachable, so I try not to ever let that change.” She adds, “I like to think of myself as a dean for students as much as I am a dean of students.” Last year, she was able to get back in the classroom when Head of School Adam K. Man P’15 asked senior staff members to teach a class. “I co-taught anatomy classes with (Science Teacher) Wendy Welshans P’24,” she says. “I loved it so much that I did it for two classes.”

Crawford served as a houseparent for more than 25 years in Giles, Chace, Beecher, and Newton dorms. She enjoyed living in dorms with students and being there when they needed support. “Never did I imagine a place where you would knock on your teacher’s door at 7:30 at night and get help with homework,” she says. She still lives on campus, now in a faculty home. She has seen Forman change over the years, from new buildings to new programs, but what has not changed is the difference the School makes in students’ lives. “The one sort of special sauce that’s never changed is the relationships students have with the faculty,” she says. “It is so rewarding to see the kids’ confidence grow and especially for our students to see opportunities they likely wouldn’t have had they gone to another school. Watching them flourish and be celebrated for who they are is amazing, and that is really what has kept me here.” After she joined the Forman community in 1992, she never looked back. “When I got here, I thought, wow, this is a really special place and I want to be a part of it,” says Crawford. “It was a whole new world, but I adapted to it quite quickly, and I couldn’t imagine being anywhere else.”

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1 Faculty and student broomball teams gather for a photo before their tournament on the ice rink in front of the Henderson Administrative Building. 2 Eagan Pennington ’24, Gwyneth Williams ’23, and Eva Diggins ’23 stop for a photo on campus. 3 Maya Ellin ’22 holds English Teacher Molly Gnibus’ goldendoodle puppy, Archie. 4 Max Collins ’22 pretends to hold the reins of a sleigh during the Holiday Dorm Decorating Contest. 5 Preston Brown ’25, Ben Kaiser ’25, Ryen Rompala ’23, and Tim Downes ’24 cheer on Forman teams during Homecoming.

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6 Seven Danziger ’25 and Jeannette Orio ’25 pose for a photo on the athletic fields during Parents’ Weekend. 7 Jayme Morse ’24 and Issy Nance ’24 smile at the Homecoming Dance. 8 Elyse Potts ’25 shows off her Forman pride ahead of the pep rally during Spirit Week. 9 Doug Baker ’22, Mikey Ferris ’22, Ryan Langan ’22, and Will Marchini ’23 wear coordinating floral shirts to the Holiday Dinner. 10 Julia Dunn ’22 and Mikey Ferris ’22 work on a set for Mamma Mia!, Forman’s spring musical.

11 Cannon Alsobrook ’24 ponders his next chess move against his opponent during the Club Fair.

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Photo credits: 1. Doug Baker ’22 2. Max Halpern ’24 3. Julian Schnitt ’23 4. Andrew Specter ’23 5. AJ Jimeno ’24

We Are Here The highly-transmissible COVID-19 variant, Omicron, left some students at home longer than anticipated following the winter break. With the student body split between campus and their homes and all in quarantine, Forman faculty sought to develop safe weekend activities. Erin Gleason, Art Department Chair, created the Quarantine Photography Challenge, which spanned over three days. The challenge’s theme, We Are Here, encouraged students to find art within their surroundings. The guidelines were simple: capture a photo from their quarantine spaces, such as their pet, a view from a window, or an outdoor scene, all while following the School’s COVID protocols. “We believe that art is a wonderful way to express ourselves and our voices, and [we] wanted to give students an opportunity to do that during quarantine, no matter where 12

they were — in the dorm, an off-campus location, or at home,” says Gleason. “It was a way of bringing us together through photographs when we physically were apart.” Gleason also encouraged students to be creative and take photos from different angles and perspectives. “We hope the students learned that they can create art anywhere and practiced different ways of looking through their photographs,” she says. “The work that was submitted was amazing!” Five students, Doug Baker ’22, Max Halpern ’24, AJ Jimeno ’24, Julian Schnitt ’23, and Andrew Specter ’23, won the challenge with photos from a snow-covered neighborhood to bright rays of sunshine gleaming over waterside homes. The winning students were awarded gift certificates from the school store.

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Social Animals Dr. Catherine Stines, Dean of Learning and Innovation, teaches a course at Forman called Social Animals: Community in the 21st Century. Dr. Stines describes the class as “a combination of psychology, sociology, and ethnography as we develop knowledge of how American social structures have functioned in the past, how they’ve changed in the 21st century, and how we can strengthen communities in our current social climate.” “This course also [develops] skills that you need to become a confident leader in your community. The course’s major component will be a real-time study into something you’d like to change in the Forman community and how to cultivate that change in real-time with research, evidence, and courage,” she adds. During one assignment, students in the Social Animals class raced around campus practicing ethnographic work called guerrilla interviewing.

Julia Dunn ’22 films History Teacher Scott Brady ’84

Dr. Catherine Stines, Dean of Learning and Innovation, stands with students in her Social Animals course following their final presentations.

“This [practice] prepares Social Animals students to do a community audit quickly to understand where Forman School is at and where they want it to be. This prepares them for their social change project in how to effectively collect qualitative data for their projects,” Stines says. Students asked several members of the Forman community a variety of questions, including: •0 What does the community feel like? •0 What does our community sound like? •0 What was the most significant thing you did for our community in the past 24 hours? •0 Who is one person in our community that you can trust and rely on? “It was an intense, fast experience where my group would go from building to building interviewing people about our community,” says Ben Wildstein ’22. “We interviewed Mackey (Scott McCarty ’76, P’02, P’05, Major Gifts Officer), Mr.

Man, and so many more.It was interesting to hear all their different perspectives.” Throughout guerilla interviewing and the Social Animals class, students learn skills to become forwardthinking leaders. “I tell every student they should leave this course with the confidence to be able to walk into any community and know how to lead it,” Stines says. “To feel they can be a leader and thrive in that capacity in making real effective change in whatever community they are in.” Stines has taught the Social Animals course beyond her time at Forman; the class now has over 500 alumni around the world. “I absolutely love this class. It is like no class that I have taken at Forman,” Ben says. “Being a part of a class that has been known around the nation is a great honor.”

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Showcasing Creativity For more than six years, the Literary Arts Journal (LAJ) has been a creative outlet for Forman students to submit original art and writing. Bill Bucklin, former English Teacher, and Beth Man P’15, Health Teacher, English Teacher, and Archivist, started the annual student publication in 2015 after former English Teacher Christopher Hayes suggested it as a way to recognize students’ talents. The journal is open to various mediums, including poetry, short stories, nonfiction, song lyrics, photography, ceramics, paintings, and drawings. Beth Man P’15, Co-Advisor of the LAJ, says she is sometimes surprised to see which students submit pieces. “We have some students that we’re aware of – the poet, the singer, the artist, but there are so many students that you see as the athlete, the boatbuilder, or the quiet student, and low and behold, they have these pieces that they share,” she says. The journal prompts every student to explore their creativity and share it with the community. “For so many of our students, writing is something that they struggle with,” Man notes. “What I hope the LAJ proves is that your creative voice will come through as long as you’re honest and what you’re sharing has meaning.” Students interested in becoming editors submit a letter with their vision for the journal to the faculty advisors. With Bucklin now retired, English Teacher Molly Gnibus has taken on the role of CoAdvisor with Man. Together, they selected four student editors this year: Elizabeth Mazzarelli ’22, Jayme Morse ’24, and Elisa Vittori ’22 as editors for written work and Stephania Bendek ’22 as art editor. 14

English Teacher Molly Gnibus, Elizabeth Mazzarelli ’22, Elisa Vittori ’22, Stephania Bendek ’22, Jayme Morse ’24, and Health Teacher, English Teacher, and Archivist Beth Man P’15

Stephania, who was also an editor last year, has submitted pieces since she was a freshman. “I look forward to entering every year and seeing all the beautiful works people put forth and work so hard on,” she says. “I love that we have every aspect of work, whether it’s ceramic, photography, painting, poems, even recipes. There are no limits to what you could put in, just like your imagination, and the way it has grown over the years is just incredible.” The editors judge the submissions blind to eliminate any bias. During the selection process, editors seek themes from individual works and the works as a whole. In recent years, the journal has reflected student experiences from the COVID-19 pandemic in the form of introspective pieces.

“My goal as an editor of the Literary Arts Journal is to gather a collection of works from a wide range of talents at this school and to be able to showcase how each student’s art is different,” says Elisa. Jayme hopes students find confidence in themselves to submit their art, but for those who are hesitant, Elizabeth can relate. “You are not alone. This year is my first time, too,” Elisa says. “Be brave: after all, you are a Lion!” “One of the hallmarks of the journal is that from the beginning, the submissions have always sought to encourage bravery in putting yourself on the page,” Man adds. “I think every year, our editors have really stewarded that mission, and the journal has been different with that in mind.”

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Piano Man by Cannon Alsobrook ’24

Award-Winning Photograph Cannon Alsobrook ’24 won a Gold Key in the 2022 CT Scholastic Art Awards for his photo titled Piano Man. Cannon’s picture was on display at a state-wide art exhibit at the Hartford Art School’s Silpe Gallery from January 18-February 4. His work moved to the national show in New York City where renowned creative professionals review Gold Key works from across the country based on originality, technical skill, and emergence of a personal vision or voice. “[Cannon] received this award for his hard work, creativity, and dedication to photography,” says Erin Gleason, Art Department Chair. “We hope he keeps looking at the world in his unique way and keeps expressing his ideas and his voice through his work. We are all so proud of him!”

“We hope he keeps looking at the world in his unique way and keeps expressing his ideas and his voice through his work.We are all so proud of him!” —ERIN GLEASON, ART DEPARTMENT CHAIR

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Athletic Achievements The following student-athletes earned recognition for their performances during Forman School’s 2021-2022 fall and winter seasons: CSCA (Connecticut Soccer Coaches Association) Prep M/S All-State Team Nate Clark ’22 WNEPSSA (Western New England Preparatory School Soccer Association) 2021 Select Team Doug Baker ’22 Evan Barstrom ’22 All-NEPSAC (New England Preparatory School Athletic Council) 8-Man Football Team Luke DiRocco ’24 Dylan Zuerblis ’22 All-HVAL (Housatonic Valley Athletic League) Cross Country Seamus Cleary ’25 Wright Morris ’23 Elyse Potts ’25

All-HVAL Volleyball Maddie Smok ’23 All-HVAL Girls’ Soccer Farrin Paglia ’25 Daisy Stewart ’25 All-HVAL Boys’ Soccer Auden Oliver-Yeager ’22 Owen Takacs ’22 All-NEPSAC Honorable Mention Volleyball Maddie Smok ’23 All-WWNEPSSA (Women’s Western New England Preparatory School Soccer Association) Farrin Paglia ’25 Daisy Stewart ’25 All-NEPSAC Honorable Mention Girls’ Soccer Farrin Paglia ’25

“The Forman Athletic Department is extremely proud of the example that these individuals set, as well as the dedication, leadership, and pride they showed to their teams.” —JOHN STRAWSON, ATHLETIC DIRECTOR

ALL-NEPSAC All-Star Class D Girls’ Basketball Nicole Clarke ’24 ALL-HVAL Honors Girls’ Basketball Nicole Clarke ’24 ALL- HVAL Honors Boys’ Basketball Theo Seremetis ’23 Owen Takacs ’22 Henry White ’22 ALL- NEPSAC Honors Alpine Ski Lila Sweetland ’25 Brigham Ski League First Place in Giant Slalom Lila Sweetland ’25

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Finding Life’s Color Gretchen Conyers ’10 One does not have to look far to find pink sand beaches, turquoise waters, and pastel homes in Bermuda. But for Gretchen Conyers ’10, who grew up on the island, the right resources to support her learning differences were hard to come by as a young student. Gretchen was diagnosed with ADHD when she was eight years old. She liked the social aspect of school and was motivated to learn and do well but faced obstacles in the classroom. “I had many tutors. I was sometimes hard to deal with and hard to understand. I also did not feel that anyone could relate to me or understand me. There were a lot of impulsivities,” she says. As she got older, Gretchen started realizing she learned differently than other students in her class. With that, she started to explore other options, including boarding schools. Her family connected with a specialist who added Forman School to a list of options that might be a good fit, and it was. “I remember going to the [Forman] campus, and it just felt right,” she says. “Everything about it felt exciting and new.”

She says getting accepted to Forman boosted her confidence. At just 14 years old, she was prepared to move to a new country and have a fresh start. She says, “I remember being in the car and my mom said, ‘this is the moment for you to be whoever you want to be.’” When Gretchen attended Forman, there were only about 30 students in her class, and she quickly realized that Bermuda’s culture was a little different from that of Connecticut’s. “It was a trend to have cartoon backpacks in Bermuda, so I had this pink Tinkerbell backpack,” she says, laughing at the memory. “I definitely stood out for sure [but] I wanted to be there 100% and just saw everything as new.” Thinking back to her time at Forman brings up many emotions for Gretchen, as it provided her the strong foundation on which she has built her life. “Forman really allowed me to find people who I could relate to, shift my perspective on life, and truly take a shot at myself and learn who I am and how I need to learn,” she says. “Forman is a special place because there are a lot of kids who go there that feel misunderstood and so disconnected

“Once you believe in yourself, everyone else will.” and so frustrated. So, when you’re together with others that feel that way, it’s a second chance, you say ‘wait, I’m not alone in this,’ and you can have fun while being supported and guided by houseparents and teachers.” American history was new to Gretchen at Forman, but that did not stop her from setting an audacious goal to qualify to enroll in AP History. She worked closely with former History Teacher Karen Yoga, who provided her with an outline of what she needed to do to reach her goal. “She believed in me, and I got there,” Gretchen says. “I was also part of Model UN. It was such a milestone in that you can truly achieve the dreams you want.” Gretchen says Ms. Yoga was one of many teachers at Forman who helped shape her into the person she is today. “When I was at Forman, I finally was given a foundation to grow and truly learn who I am and who I want to be,”

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she says. “I had this opportunity to take chances that typically in another environment, I wouldn’t; I would be clouded in fear or judgment or have feelings that I wasn’t good enough.” Gretchen studied communications and religion at St. Lawrence University in New York. There, she experienced another culture shock and struggled at first to adjust to the new academic environment. The grading system and classroom atmosphere were different than Forman’s, but she was equipped with the right tools to advocate for herself. “I was so set up for success from Forman. I knew how to connect with my teachers and show them the dedication and motivation that I had,” she says. She went on to earn a GPA high enough to join the Tri Delta sorority and become its membership development chair in her senior year. After college, Gretchen moved home to Bermuda and worked for Gibbons Company, the island’s largest department store. However, she headed back to Connecticut after receiving a job opportunity at Forman. As the Alumni Programs Associate, Gretchen helped organize photoshoots, plan school events, and promote giving initiatives. “It was a lucky star that I got the opportunity to work at Forman,” she

says. “I feel like I’ve taken all of the things I learned there and incorporated them into my dream job.” That dream job is Gretchen’s company, GGC World, which helps build a community through art, retail projects, creative workshops, experiences, and networking opportunities. “I never saw myself as an artist. I didn’t even think I was privileged enough to go into a store and get paint, canvas, and paintbrushes,” she says. Once she eventually picked up a paintbrush, her world changed, and painting became her tool to mediate. “I found my love for art … everyone has an artist within them,” she adds. “It’s one of my missions to help people understand that art is everywhere, art is everything. If you can just quiet that inner critic and let yourself explore with a paintbrush and paint, you will be shocked with what you can do.” Gretchen also finds healing in painting. Life brought Gretchen to Chicago for a short time, but after a traumatic loss of a friend, she says she suddenly saw the world as black and white; it lost its color. She returned to Bermuda to work at Gibbons Company. Despite being successful at her job, she knew she needed to find her spark again. She traveled around Europe and Southeast Asia for

P R O F I L E

two months, then made significant life changes, including quitting her job one week before the COVID-19 pandemic hit. While the pandemic put a pause on life, Gretchen took time to reflect – and paint. “I painted all day, every day,” she says. “I did a course, Manifestation Babe, that taught me all about manifestation, taught me about how to attract the dream life, and I read The Artist’s Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity by Julia Cameron. And I was able to see life with color, life in a vibrant way again.” Gretchen started transforming her abstract paintings into products, including puzzles, coasters, calendars, journals, and wrapping paper. She now shares her art process through teambuilding sessions, experiences, and oneon-one workshops in the community. “GGC World represents my world. I am sharing my world with you. I want nothing more than for you to leave working with me feeling amazing and uplifted and witnessing your dreams coming to life,” she says. Gretchen says her company will continue to evolve, and she is excited about its future. Reflecting on her own evolution so far, she encourages others to trust life’s process. “Embrace the unknown … When you really acknowledge what lights you up and what doesn’t light you up, what doesn’t make you feel good, those are your little answers on your pathway of where you should be guided to, and it will all work out,” she says. “Once you believe in yourself, everyone else will.” To connect with Gretchen and learn more about GGC World, visit ggcworldx.com/shop/.

Pieces from Gretchen’s Wildflower Collection, created in 2021, on display at the Lazy Corner Art Gallery in Bermuda

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P R O F I L E

Fulfilling His Dream Blake Miller ’92 Blake Miller ’92 played lacrosse since a young age but could have never anticipated the sport being such a huge part of his life to this day. Once an athlete on the fields at Forman, Blake is now in his first season of coaching the Navy men’s lacrosse program. Blake was a three-sport athlete at Forman School; he played lacrosse, basketball, and soccer. As a senior, he helped the soccer and lacrosse teams

Blake Miller ’92 coaches the U.S. Naval Academy Men’s Lacrosse game against Mercer University in February.

clinch state championships, both highlights of his Forman career. Blake was later inducted into Forman’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 2017. He had always found comfort on the field, knowing that he could succeed there. “Since I was an adolescent, sports were always an outlet for me. I had trouble in school from a young age, and it was just a part of my life. The way I made friends was not through school; it was through athletics,” he says. “When I got Forman, being involved in sports was one of the things that made me most comfortable.” After being diagnosed with a learning difference as a child, it was his academic transformation at Forman that he looks back on the most. “Grammar school was great. Teachers did the best they could with the resources they

“I would never have achieved what I have in lacrosse if it wasn’t for Forman.”

had,” he says. “But as soon as you got into 7th, 8th grade, and high school, they would separate you, and it was terrible.” Former Trustee Diane Kessenich P’86 introduced Blake’s family to Forman, which, at the time, he wanted nothing to do with. “I remember sitting there with my parents for an interview with Ms. Lambert in Admissions, and she asked ‘why do you want to come here?’ and I remember saying, ‘I don’t want to come here,’” he says. “The first couple of years, I was homesick. I wanted no part of it. Turns out, it was the best thing that happened in my life.” He considered his soccer coach Scott McCarty ’76, P’02, P’05, current Major Gifts Officer and former Athletic Director, and lacrosse coaches Patrick Delehanty ’86 and Don Kaplan mentors. McCarty saw potential in Blake on the soccer field and in the classroom. Once Blake settled in around his junior year, his perspective shifted. He gained confidence through his one-on-one Language Training classes with Dr. Fais and Ms. Scozzafava and started to see his academic performance improve. “I got mature and started going to class, getting small successes, and the next thing I knew, I fell in love

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with the place, I didn’t want to leave. I think it was also a comfort thing, I felt good there,” he says. Most of all, he credits his parents, nine brothers, and two sisters for their unwavering support during his time at Forman. “Without Forman, I wouldn’t be where I am today,” he says. “I know people say that, but I honestly believe if it wasn’t for Forman, I would never have graduated high school, and I would have never graduated college. I would never have achieved what I have in lacrosse if it wasn’t for Forman.” Blake went on to Nassau Junior College before fulfilling his dream of playing Division I lacrosse. “I went to Hofstra University for two years, and it was a great experience,” he says. “I got to play against teams like Johns Hopkins University, those powerhouses I read about when I was a kid. It was my dream come true. And I thought that was going to be the end of my lacrosse career.” However, his lacrosse career was far from over. Blake played in the National Lacrosse League, was a twotime member of the US National Team, and played professionally for the Bridgeport Barrage, Philadelphia Barrage, Long Island Lizards, and Chesapeake Bayhawks. He coached high school lacrosse programs to victories, including serving as the boys’ lacrosse offensive coordinator at New York’s Manhasset High School for nearly ten years. At Hofstra, Blake met Joe Amplo, current head lacrosse coach at the United States Naval Academy;

Amplo was a senior when Blake was a freshman. They kept in touch in recent years and in 2021, it was Amplo who offered Blake the opportunity to join his team. “From the moment I met Blake in 1995 as a college freshman, I was impressed by his captivating presence and work ethic,” says Amplo. “When the position opened, he was the first person I thought of. He’s developed terrific relationships with our players, he’s really focused on the player-development model, helping guys individually, and learning to be a college coach. He’s made a huge difference with our players individually and we’re excited to see how they transform into the players we want them to be on the field through his tutelage.” It was a hard decision for Blake, knowing how it would affect his wife, Allison, and their children, Blake and Avery, but it was one he knew he had to make. After accepting the position, he and his family moved from Manhasset, NY, to Annapolis, MD, within one month. “I felt like if I didn’t do this, I would regret it for the rest of my life,” he says. “It was tough, but I’ve always wanted to coach college lacrosse, and this was my opportunity. I give my wife credit for going along with it. Without her, I can’t imagine my life.” Since starting his new role in September, Blake has worked hard alongside fellow coaches Joe Amplo, John Orsen, and Brad Ross. “It’s not a job; it’s something I love,” he notes. “When I need to break down films

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Blake Miller ’92 with wife, Allison, daughter, Avery, and son, Blake

for lacrosse, I have to look at it a different way than another coach would because my brain works differently,” he adds. “I’m at the Naval Academy, one of the smartest schools in the country, but I still learn in a different way. I maybe have to prepare longer than others do, but it sticks with me that I have the confidence that I can do it, but it might just take a little more time.” Both of Blake’s children play hockey and lacrosse, and he has coached his son in lacrosse for several years. His goal is for them to play and have fun, a lesson his own parents and coaches taught him growing up. He says the support from his family and lessons learned at Forman encourage him to continue following his dreams. “You don’t know where life is going to take you. It’s where you come out on the other end that matters. I try to live my life like that,” Blake says. “I look back now at my time at Forman and I can’t believe where I am.”

E V E N T S

Parents’ Weekend October 2021 Parents visited the campus for a weekend in October 2021. They met with teachers, listened to educational sessions, cheered on their students during games, and connected with fellow Forman parents. Head of School Adam K. Man P’15 concluded the weekend with a State of the School address, where he shared an exciting vision for the School’s future.

Lucy Kramer ’23 with parents, Adam and Natalie Kramer

Tristan Hoyt ’22 with parents, Christian and Tiffany Hoyt

Parisa Assassi P’22 and Parsa Mirhaji P’22

Noma Dumezweni P’25, John Potts P’25, and Helene Pamon P’22

Andrea Romero with son, Martin Sanint ’22

Oscar Smith-Freitag ’25 with parents, Amy Freitag and Cindy Smith

Nancy and Rob Picard with daughter, Alissa Picard ’24

Cooper Kleinberg ’23 with mother, Ivy, sister, Blake, and their dog

Kim Johnson P’25, Jennifer Ryan P’24, and Paula Rodstrom P’24 with Rick Lavoie, a known expert on children with learning differences

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Grandparents’ and Special Friends’ Day October 2021 It was a happy day for all when students’ grandparents and special friends came to campus on October 6, 2021. Over 160 visitors enjoyed a tour of the campus, musical performances, and a steam bending wood demonstration.

Jack Stanzione ’22 and grandmother, Carol Stanzione

Bella Smith ’22 with grandmother, Ani Wacks (left), and mother, Jessica Smith (right)

Weston Stauffer ’22 with grandparents, Wendell and Pam Stephens

Kai Huguet ’23 and grandfather, Paul Huguet

El Mollica ’23 with grandfather, Joseph Mollica Sr. (left), and father, Joseph Mollica Jr. (right)

Catherine Murphy ’23 with special friend, Lesley Budney

Julia Dunn ’22 with grandparents, Lance and Dorothy Beckley

Griffin Pelletier ’25 with grandparents, Ronald and Diane Pelletier

Lorca Danziger ’24 with his grandmother, Yolanda Joseph, and parents, Ariel Danziger (left) and Christina Mintus (right)

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Homecoming Weekend October 2021 Several alumni returned to campus for Homecoming on October 9, 2021. They toured the campus, cheered on students during athletic games and competitions, and gathered at a local restaurant for a reception.

Marc Guardiano ’15, Tori Juster ’15, and Emily Juster ’90, P’15

Sara Jackson Mayhew ’92 and son, Jack Mayhew Leonard Welsh ’21, Alex Fisher ’20, and Brandon de Peña ’21

Chelsea Kinsella ’03 with husband, John Waters Marc Guardiano ’15, Tori Juster ’15, and Emily Juster ’90, P’15

Will Remnick ’15, Cognition and Learning Teacher Kelly Munn P’15, P’16, Kyle Budlow ’15, Promethean Program and World Language Teacher Jeoffrey Langill, Oliver La Du ’20, and Associate Head of School Mike Kowalchick Major Gifts Officer Scott McCarty ’76, P’02, P‘05, Nicole Tate Detra ’80, P’24, and Lloyd Cox III ’81

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Hartford, CT December 2021 Dara Cerritelli Varano ’88 hosted an alumni gathering at Black-Eyed Sally’s Southern Kitchen & Bar in Hartford, CT, on December 9, 2021. Graduates spanning classes in the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s shared fond memories of their days at Forman.

History Teacher Scott Brady ’84, Chris Birk ’85, Trustee Barbara Chace ’87, Dara Cerritelli Varano ’88, Director of the Annual Fund Sean Maguire ’89, P’22, P’23

Jim Hamilton ’04 and Danny McCarty ’05

Paul Aubin ’93, Meredith McClean Fontaine ’94, and Jon Hastings ’99

Danny Vasile ’19 and Director of Parent and Alumni Programs Heather Ford

Major Gifts Officer Scott McCarty ’76 P’02, P’05 with his son, Danny McCarty ’05

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Darien, CT November 2021 Sara and Jon Zagrodzky, President of Forman’s Board of Trustees, P’18, P’19 graciously hosted a cocktail reception at the Country Club of Darien on November 10, 2021. It was a wonderful evening to celebrate the School, revitalize connections with past parents, and forge relationships with parents new to our community.

Louise Finnerty P’11, Kathy Manning P’00, Dennis Manning P’00, Kelly Dupont P’24, and hostess, Sara Zagrodzky P’18, P’19

Tim and Megan Spengler P’24 with Director of Town Funding and Cognition and Learning Teacher Missi Boyer P’16, P’18

Head of School Adam K. Man P’15 with hosts, Trustee Jon and Sara Zagrodzky P’18, P’19

Erin and Paul Withstandley P’21, Associate Head of School Mike Kowalchick, and Scott La Du P’20

Dean of Learning and Innovation Dr. Catherine Stines with James and Amanda Nardozzi P’22

Kim Dumas P’24 and Edna Dumas GP’24

Suzy Seymour P’23 and Liz Funk P’12

Director of the Annual Fund Sean Maguire ’89, P’22, P’23 with Kelly and Doug Dupont P’24

INGENUITY Ingenuity Year, a Forman School initiative, is a gap year program for non-conventional thinkers aged 17-21 to explore global problems on a local level while working on a set of skills for problem-solving that will lay a firm foundation for success in college.

At a Glance Where: Coastal Maine When: Fall Semester Ages: 17-21

Learn More Contact Kai Johnson, Director of Ingenuity Year kai.johnson@formanschool.org Visit Ingenuityyear.org

Winterim 2

All Forman students participate in Winterim,

the centerpiece of our school’s commitment to experiential education. For two weeks in February and March, Winterim programs immersed students in new places, experiences, subjects, and ideas.

Students selected from more than 20 diverse and unique courses, from tracking wolves in Minnesota and photographing Hawaiian landscapes to building functional industrial furniture and creating a short film from start to finish. Each program provided students the opportunity to step out of the traditional classroom setting and discover and develop their interests and talents both on campus and around the country. Upon completing their Winterims, students were refreshed, reinvigorated, and ready to tackle the remainder of the school year.

Florida Keys: Ecology and History:

“I have learned so many things about the history and ecology of the Florida Keys! We went to coral reefs and saw many fish, crabs, seagrass, and many other species.” —ALISSA PICARD ’24

4 5

A Cinematic Experience of World War II:

“I enjoyed the New England Air Museum … I liked going inside the planes and flipping the switches and imagining what it would be like to fly the planes.”

—NOAH MACDONALD ’24

1 Students and Art Teacher Carolyn Webster (right) prepare to go snorkeling during the Florida Keys: Ecology And History Winterim trip. 2 Kenzie Loughran ’23 designs a collage during the Art

Galore Winterim. 3 Will Shafer ’25 cuts a piece of metal during the Industrial Furniture Winterim. 4 Qeiva Grant ’25 and AJ Jimeno ’24 prepare to shoot a scene during the Forman Makes a Mini Movie Winterim. 5 Students observe wolves at the International Wolf Center during the Wolf Tracking in Ely, MN Winterim. 6 Lily Reed ’22 and Julia Dunn ’22 in Vancouver, Canada, during the Winterim A Journey To Vancouver: A Greener Future. 7 Phoebe Langan ’25 learns to bake bread during the Bake for Good Winterim. 8 Oscar Smith-Freitag ’25, Reuben Schwartz ’23, Ethan Ciaciura ’24, History Teacher Scott Brady ’84, Ben Kaiser ’25, and Elliot Clark ’25 visit the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in New York City. This was a trip during the Winterim called A Cinematic Experience of World War II. 9 Students explore Hawaiian landscapes during the Photography: I Am Hawaii Winterim trip.

G I V I N G

Coming Home Dear Forman Family, There is nothing like coming home. A home is a place of comfort where family is always present, and we can be our authentic selves. A home is a place we can be away from for years and return to find immediate meaning, peace, and value. As I travel and meet with alumni, past parents, grandparents, and friends of Forman, I hear the same common theme: Forman is a place they can come home to. Whether it is visiting with old friends at a gathering, returning to campus for a reunion weekend, or jumping on a Zoom call to relive stories with classmates, this ability to come home to Forman is like very few other things I have experienced in my lifetime. We truly have a one-of-a-kind school! When I came to Forman for my faculty interview over a decade ago, I felt at home immediately. From the student who kindly gave me directions to Henderson as I pulled onto campus to my meeting with Head of School Adam K. Man P’15, where he established a level of excellence, passion, and wonder, to my memorable interview with Scott McCarty ’76, P’02, P’05, current Major Gifts Officer and former Athletic Director, on the bench on the northeast side of Lewis, I knew I wanted to be a part of Forman and work with people who make such a difference in learning. This all brought a passion and belonging into my life and the life of my family, which we draw on each day. Today, Forman is the leader in neurodivergent education and offers programming and opportunities for curiosity to be explored by some of the most talented young people in the world. The future is walking our campus as you read this. In recent times, while so many schools have struggled to deliver on their mission or even keep the doors open, Forman has thrived and continues to raise the bar for learning in the world of education. That is impact, that is learning, and that is a community.

So, I ask all of you to join me in coming home in a way that is comfortable and authentic for you and consider contributing in one or all of the following ways: 1. Participate in the Annual Fund. We need to raise over $1.2 million each year to meet our budget. We need every person to participate in the Annual Fund, and every dollar counts. 2. Return to Forman. Our campus is fully open again, and we would love to see you and yours at an event, a reunion weekend, or a campus tour with the Advancement and Alumni Office. 3. Capital Giving. We have several very exciting capital initiatives on the horizon, in addition to our opportunities around scholarships. 4. Planned Giving. The future is here and planned giving is a wonderful way to leave your legacy while establishing a new legacy for those to follow. 5. Alumni Networking and Mentoring. One of the Advacement and Alumni Office’s new initiatives is to connect alumni and present students to allow for more real-world experiences. We are happy to speak with you about any or all of these considerations. Please do not hesitate to reach out to our office to support Forman and our future; we need you now more than ever. Thank you for being part of Forman, a place we can all come home to. We are always available for you and yours, and we look forward to connecting with you. With Sincere Respect and Kindness,

E. Michael Kowalchick Associate Head of School Advancement and Alumni Office mike.kowalchick@formanschool.org | 860.567.1846

G I V I N G

Michael Nicholas ’15, Adam Harrison ’91, Connor Clancy ’12, Corey Gelbstein ’10, Jason Balmer ’01, and Oliver Pelton ’01 at the 2017 Alumni Weekend lacrosse game

Alumnus Goes the Extra Mile The Extra Mile Fund was founded in conjunction with alumnus Jason Balmer ’01 to provide additional financial resources beyond tuition financial aid for Forman students. Balmer was a record-setting lacrosse player at Forman and visited the School years later to watch the team play and assist with clinics. During those visits, he recognized a gap in access to lacrosse gear. Having been raised by philanthropic parents, Balmer knew he wanted to address the need. He made a donation to ensure all the players had proper equipment and went on to raise money for new lacrosse uniforms. His support, however, did not stop there. “After that experience … I spoke to (Associate Head of School) Mike Kowalchick and asked if there was a bigger picture we could address,” he says. Balmer learned of students who received financial aid but needed

support throughout the school year for things from academic books and art supplies to prom attire and travel fare for school trips. In 2015, Balmer’s initial donation grew into the now endowed Extra Mile Fund, previously referred to as the Extra Mile Project. The funds, awarded annually on an individual basis, increase access to opportunities and experiences for students currently receiving financial assistance or qualify for it. “No matter what your financial background is, the experience is the most important thing,” Balmer says. “Forman is a phenomenal environment to flourish your strengths in, and I don’t think the burden of financial limitations should be put on any child and be limited to the access of what Forman can bring to the table.” Balmer says the Extra Mile Fund has grown quickly since its inception.

“It’s been fantastic. Even parents whose kids no longer go to Forman anymore still contribute,” he says. “Because of my stories and experiences at Forman, it actually transcended to my wife wanting to participate as well and support everything.” He and his wife, Marissa, are regular ambassadors of the Extra Mile Fund and are dedicated to its success. “We are sincerely thankful to Jason and Marissa Balmer for their support and stewardship of Forman School and the Extra Mile Fund,” says Kowalchick. “Without them, this fund would not be possible.” For more information on the Extra Mile Fund, please contact Associate Head of School E. Michael Kowalchick at 860.567.1846 or mike.kowalchick@formanschool.org.

C L A S S

Coming Home

N O T E S

FORMAN SCHOOL

A LU MN I WEEKE N D

MAY 6–8, 2022 • LITCHFIELD, CT Celebrating the Classes of 0s, 1s, 2s, 5s, 6s, and 7s

CLASS NOTES

They are also waiting for grandchild number four to arrive in early May, so a trip to Park City will be in order.

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S. Sherman Clark Jr.

Bartow S. Curtis Jr. bart_curtis65@yahoo.com

Michael N. Cohen

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Edward T. Marks senecaFLX@gmail.com

Alfred C. Body Jr. skibumal43@gmail.com _______________________________

Alfred “Ace” Body welcomed his first grandchild, Ryan Parker Yoger, on November 26, 2021. Ace says he made his daughter, Bridget, promise that Ryan would be on skis by the time he is two years old. He adds, “Who knows, I just might put the ‘old boards’ on again and walk around with him while he learns and gets used to skiing.” Ace hopes all of his 1963 classmates are doing well and he looks forward to seeing them at their 60th reunion next year.

Eric D. Murray rickydmu@gmail.com _______________________________

Tom Ashmore was recently recognized and honored with a

Tom Ashmore ’64 stands with the mural made in his honor.

Debora Gould Petersen _______________________________

mural unveiling at the Richmond Virginia VA Hospital. Tom was chosen because of his service in Vietnam with the Marines and receiving three Purple Hearts for wounds in combat. He was also recognized for his countless hours of working with Disabled Veterans teaching them how to defend themselves with their walking canes.

Sally Dunham Taylor shared that our snow and freezing weather reminded her of her own Forman winters! She reminisced that on those cold days, girls were allowed to wear “nice” wool-lined trousers. Skirts and knee socks were required on all other days except the coldest of days. Sally fondly recalls her days at Forman, riding and swimming, and the lifelong friendships she made.

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Sara L. Fliess sally@amsystemsllc.net Jeffrey T. Whipple jtwhip55@gmail.com _______________________________

Peter Phillips was excited to be part of a class Zoom meeting this past February, which lasted over an hour long! Lawrence Culleton ’65, Sara Fliess ’65, Frederick Gohl ’65, Peter Hayes ’65, Ann Mallory ’67, William Mallory ’65, Wendy Waller ’65, and Jeffrey Whipple ’65 were also on the Zoom. Peter and his wife, Leigh, are looking forward to their son’s upcoming July wedding in Brazil.

Sally Dunham Taylor ’66 (center) with her daughter and family

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Duncan L. Marshall Jr. dlmarshall@optonline.net

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Nancy Walton Marikar

Dawn Davidson still works at H&R Block doing tax returns for over 250 clients. This will be her 33rd year.

Davis A. Dewey davisdeweysr@gmail.com

Paula Nichols-Dille _______________________________

Scott M. Sutherland jms208@aol.com

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Susan Spadone Holmes

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Craig J. Hanson craigjhanson007@gmail.com Andrew Krens Jr. drew_krens@yahoo.com _______________________________

Candace Lovely was inducted into the Springfield Vermont High School Hall of Fame in 2020 and was accepted in the Rockport Art and Museum National Show in December 2021.

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Peter J. Jackowitz peter.j.jackowitz@gmail.com _______________________________

Beth Rumoshosky Minasi has retired and moved to Seneca, SC.

Joan G. Bielizna joanrealtor@snet.net

Dawn Davidson ’74

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Diana Curtis Price Dcprice2000@aol.com

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Peter G. M. Roberts pgmroberts@hotmail.com

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_______________________________

Nicole Tate Detra P’24 is a 1986 graduate of the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY. After graduating, she worked in San Francisco, CA, at the Fleur de Lys restaurant. While working there, chef Hubert Keller won the Best Chef in California award from the James Beard Foundation. She also worked at Campton Place Hotel and Fairmont Hotel before owning a small breakfast cafe in Danville, CA, and later traveling to Italy and Morocco to study cuisine abroad. In addition, she loves to paint and received her bachelor’s degree from San Francisco School of Art, which has since closed. She had her son, Conagher, one week before her 44th birthday and says, “better late than never.” Conagher ’24 currently attends Forman School and is benefiting from and loving his experience just as much as Nicole did. Nicole says, “Thank you, (Head of School) Adam Man, faculty, and staff of Forman School, for really caring about our next generations. You play such an important role!”

Kendra R. Van Pelt sassyk105@gmail.com

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STAY CON N ECTED Nicole Tate Detra ’80

C L A S S

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Hilary L. Taylor hilzo@aol.com

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Jennie Alexandre Bono

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Matthew L. LaFlamme matt_laflamme@msn.com

Andrew Y. Covert andrewycovert@gmail.com

Peter M. Ahlfeld pahlfeld@gmail.com

William L. Freeman freeman.will@gmail.com _______________________________

Richard Buell and his wife of 27 years, Kimberly, are proud to announce that their second-born child, Evan, married his high school sweetheart, Jamie, on October 16, 2021. Richard noted how incredibly proud they are of Evan’s maturity and independence at the age of 23, and along with their daughter, Alexis, they wish them continued happiness. Classmates Chris Roper and Will Freeman sent thoughtful notes of congratulations.

Scott A. Brady scott.brady@formanschool.org Christopher D. Gaynor cdgaynor@gmail.com Nancy Robinson Swift nancysunnyswift@yahoo.com _______________________________

Everett Kelsey is a producer, director, screenwriter, actor, and novelist residing in California. He is the founder of BLKMKT™ Media and Organic Polyester Productions. Everett recently joined us as an alumni panel member for the TReK Alumni Career Fair.

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Sean P. Maguire sean.maguire@formanschool.org Curt F. Pfannenstiehl curtpfann@gmail.com W. David Thorn Jr. dthorn30@yahoo.com _______________________________

Eileen Rindos Prime experienced a huge change following the death of her husband and father of her son in 2018. Eileen and her son moved from Maine to Rhode Island and recognized that doing what you love is of utmost importance. She began quilting and sewing regularly, and she will be selling her creations soon. She says, “There can be and is happiness after a great loss.” Eileen also mentioned that she is in a very kind, loving relationship, and it appears that it is for the long term. If you want to follow her on Instagram to stay updated on her sewing creations, please search for her business name: im_perfect_maker.

Richard Buell ’85 (right) with his family

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Lisa Richardson Palmer larfal@aol.com

Eileen Rindos Prime ’89 and her son, Jack

Holly Jones Weisenburger holly@theweisenburgers.com Everett Kelsey ’84 during the virtual TReK Alumni Career Fair

C L A S S

N O T E S

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Jennifer Winkler Balzi jenrwink@gmail.com Karine Opdyke Lawrence karinelawrence@yahoo.com _______________________________

Jennifer Winkler Balzi works as a nurse in the Neuroscience Intensive Care Unit at Yale New Haven Hospital. She completed her master’s degree in Nursing in December 2021. She lives in Connecticut with her husband, children, and two dogs. Jen recently joined us as an alumni panel member for the TReK Alumni Career Fair.

Kenneth I. Deane kenneth.deane@gmail.com Kimberly B. Ertag Gilah E. Gersten gilahg@gmail.com Amy E. Love alove0410@comcast.net

Meredith McClean Fontaine mmfontaine12@gmail.com Christopher D. Kellogg christopher.kellogg@icloud.com Brooke Labriola Shepard brooke@monogrammary.com _______________________________

Jennifer Winkler Balzi ’90 during the virtual TReK Alumni Career Fair

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Liz Oneglia Gioia completed her Veterinary Assistant Certificate in September 2021. She is currently working as a Customer Advisor (CA) for Vetco Clinics, a vaccine clinic for Petco. Liz is living in Torrington, CT, and has two children. Zachary is 16 and a sophomore at Torrington High School. Her other son, Jackson, is 11 and in sixth grade at Torrington Middle School.

Amy Owen Stettner aostett@hotmail.com

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Christina E. Bodine-Aysseh christinabodine@msn.com Allison Herron Gsell allison_herron@hotmail.com Elizabeth G. Thomas lizgthomas@yahoo.com

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Lauren Cuticelli Patton lauren@cuticelli.com

Jenny Virgopia jennyvirgopia@aol.com

S. Tyler Renn tylerrenn@rennwealth.com

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Brian A. Eisenberg brianadam11@comcast.net

Drew Weinstein noted that he has two awesome children and has been working for Amazon for six years. He says, “Forman taught me to accomplish anything and work hard. It was a great place to learn and have friends. It’s a great school.”

Marikay Geib marikaygeib212@msn.com

Rob P. Tarantino rob_tarantino@ml.com

Children of Drew Weinstein ’94

Liz Oneglia Gioia ’94 with her two sons

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Abbie Graham Durkin abbiedurkin@gmail.com

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Jessica Davis Raitz jessica.raitz@gmail.com

Elizabeth A. Monroe

Kevin T. Smallwood smallwkt@gmail.com

Susan A. Schonfeld suzy195954@aol.com

Elizabeth Hanway Johnson ehjohnson100@gmail.com

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Jesse J. E. Resnick jesse.res@gmail.com

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Matthew A. Bonzagni mattbonzagni232@charter.net Leith T. Sharp leithal29@gmail.com _______________________________

Jason Balmer married his wife, Marissa, at the Radnor Hunt Club near Philadelphia, PA, on September 25, 2021.

N O T E S

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Mark M. Roscio gradywhaler@gmail.com

Chelsea E. Kinsella squidmail@aol.com

Lindsay Callahan ’06

Kathryn John Blume john.katie@gmail.com James J. Hamilton jhamilton8492@yahoo.com _______________________________

Jacob Ringer is excited to share that he is opening a restaurant called Sushi Hall. The restaurant is located in the Lincoln Park area of Chicago, IL, where he lives with his wife, Dana, and their three children. www.sushihallchicago.com

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Pearse P. Matthews pearse.matthews@gmail.com

State Corrections Officer at a juvenile detention center. Lindsay still works for the State of Maine but recently got hired and promoted to a position working with the Department of Health and Human Services. She works with foster families, and her job is to work with them to get them licensed to become eligible families to foster children in the system. She says, “I am enjoying it so far, and it has been a great transition.” Michael Gluck is an attorney at The Legal Aid Society in Queens, NY, and recently joined us as an alumni panel member for the TReK Alumni Career Fair.

Cyril P. Thornton thorntcp@gmail.com

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Luke R. Bornheimer lukebornheimer@gmail.com Ian C. Hayward _______________________________ Jason Balmer ’01 and his wife, Marissa

Lindsay Callahan recently left her position working as a Maine

Michael Gluck ’06 during the virtual TReK Alumni Career Fair

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late February 2022 as the artist of the day. Students enjoyed learning about collage making and the creative process. Emory is looking forward to traveling to Italy this summer and working as a freelance floral designer.

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Parker W. S. Beard pwsb87@sbcglobal.net Shannon W. Hallenbeck shannon.hallenbeck@gmail.com Audrey Stout Micca micca.audrey@gmail.com Kenneth P. Reid _______________________________

After almost three years, Parker Beard and his dad picked up their hockey journey this past December. He says, “The pandemic did a lot of damage for a long time, and I wondered if I would ever get back to my journey again of traveling!” Parker and his dad went to see their favorite hockey team play the Buffalo Sabres in Buffalo, NY. While they were in Buffalo for the game, they spent a lot of time at Niagara Falls and couldn’t get enough of the area. He says, “It was a huge relief to relive our dreams of traveling again and seeing our favorite team play on the road.” Their goal is to see their favorite team play a game in all the arenas. Parker adds, “We currently have 11 out of 32 teams crossed off our bucket list!”

Joseph Burdis ’07

Joseph Burdis says, “Life is going well, even with COVID.” His father’s company has been very busy riding the housing market bubble. He was recently promoted to service manager. Joseph is still traveling a lot for paintball and hopes to make it back to Europe and Australia this year for some events. Shannon Hallenbeck accepted a position with Ricoh this January, after working as a Life Coach since 2017 with clients focusing on personal empowerment and stress management. Shannon hopes everyone is well!

Hannah Dodd Morton hmorton1008@gmail.com

Justin W. DeCausey Candice R. Earlington wacky_candy@hotmail.com Kelly Solk ksolk90@gmail.com _______________________________

Parker Beard ’07

Emory Cooper visited campus and the Winterim group Art Galore in

Emory Cooper ’09 visits Forman as the artist of the day.

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Cameron S. Billik csbillik@gmail.com Gretchen G. Conyers gretchc23@gmail.com Dayne J. Price dayneprice@gmail.com

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Rachel C. Hafer rcatharinee@gmail.com Nicholas V. Manzella nv.manzella@gmail.com Michael D. Satalic msatalic@saic.edu _______________________________

Ariel Blouin has a new job working for Canada’s No. 3 customer experience company called La Maison Simons as a customer service representative. Ariel moved into an apartment in an amazing part of Québec City.

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her first deployment with her unit HHC 1-102nd INF Regiment and has a new job with the Hartford Wolf Pack. She will be working in their sales department as a New Business Specialist. She says, “I am excited for this new chapter in my life to begin.”

Will Finnerty ’11 with his girlfriend, Paola

Will Finnerty lives in southern Florida with his girlfriend, Paola, and their dogs. Will had a great visit with Associate Head of School Mike Kowalchick this past fall.

In 2021, Jacob Hunt married Lauren Foster and welcomed a baby girl, Lily May, in June. He works at Canterbury School in New Milford, CT, and is also a real estate investor. Jacob lives in Washington, CT, where he is a volunteer fireman.

Jared LaVergne is the CEO of Ambiguous Podcast Solutions and will soon be moving to Nashville, TN, to build a new division of the company. Jared recently joined us as an alumni panel member for the TReK Alumni Career Fair. Matt Ullman and his wife, Shannon, recently welcomed a daughter, Reagan, to the family.

Rachel Hafer works as an Academic Coach at Carrington College. She recently joined us as an alumni panel member for the TReK Alumni Career Fair.

Rachel Hafer ’11 during the virtual TReK Alumni Career Fair

Jared LaVergne ’12 during the virtual TReK Alumni Career Fair

Jacob Hunt ’12 with his wife, Lauren, and daughter, Lily May

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James C. Clancy Lauren A. Morrow lauren.morrow1993@gmail.com Shelby L. Pierce shelby.pierce93@gmail.com _______________________________

Madeline “Doodle” Funk recently returned from Africa from

Matt Ullman ’12 with his wife, Shannon, daughter, Reagan, and dog, Remi

BECOME A CLASS AG E NT! Contact Heather Ford in the Alumni Office at heather.ford@formanschool.org

David R. Buckley davidb21@gmail.com Francis R. Fiore fffiore27@gmail.com

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Natalie R. Canterbury nataliecanterbury386@yahoo.com Grant A. Oslan grant.oslan@comcast.net Logan C. Rice logan.rice96@yahoo.com Jacob H. Sussman jacob.sussman33@gmail.com Coleman C. Walker cole.walker1995@gmail.com _______________________________

Ella Cox is a recent master’s grad living in Washington, D.C. She just landed a new job working in graduate admissions at the Catholic University of America.

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Sarah E. Auch sarahauch@aol.com

Kowalchick. Nicole says she is doing great and is a corporate pilot living and operating out of Nevada. She recently earned the title of captain! She is an avid traveler by air and by foot as she loves hiking all over the United States on her travels and in between flying. She was even featured on an Aviation podcast. She is grateful for all Forman taught her and gives credit and thanks for the impact Forman had and still has on her to this day. James Palazesi graduated from Johnson & Wales University in 2020 with a degree in sports, entertainment, and event management. James recently moved to Charlestown and is working at a property management company.

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Parker D. Broadnax parkerbroadnax@gmail.com

Emily C. Cross emilycross9@gmail.com

Mee Mee B. Filan filanmeemee@gmail.com

David N. Shaw davidshaw1213@gmail.com

Emma M. Forrester Forresterem@clarkson.edu _______________________________

Dominic L. Weir domweir@gmail.com

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Lucie Welles is now living in New York City and working at Hudson River Community Sailing as a math, sailing, and boat building instructor to 150 high school freshmen!

Annabelle Ford-Rippolone afordrip@highpoint.edu Sophia H. Gadsden sophiahgadsden@gmail.com Samantha J. Novick snovick@highpoint.edu Brendan A. Wilson brendan.wilson.a@gmail.com _______________________________

Emily Chandler is set to graduate from Clark University with a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and pursue a graduate degree in teaching with a concentration in elementary education. Annabelle Ford-Rippolone was accepted to Boston College to receive her Master of Science in Sports Administration. In May, she will graduate and receive her bachelor’s degree in sports management with a minor in women and gender studies.

Davis W. Ebbert davisebbert@outlook.com Allison C. Herdje aherdje@gmail.com Lacey O. McCaw lmccaw03@gmail.com _______________________________

Nicole Linse recently spoke with Associate Head of School Mike Kamryn Smith ’17

Kamryn Smith graduated from the University of Tampa with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in new media and graphic design in May 2021. Kamryn is currently enrolled in a master’s program at the University of Tampa, studying social and emerging media. She plans to finish her master’s this August and dive into the workforce soon after!

C L A S S

SEND US YOUR NEWS!

Jackson G. Beers Garret N. Grier garretgrier@icloud.com Caitlin C. Lorenz caitlincathrynlorenz@gmail.com Odessa M. Slauson omslau@stlawu.edu

Olivia S. Minor osquiersminor@gmail.com Benjamin C. Reilly benreillyumich@gmail.com Celia L. Tucker cltucker09@gmail.com _______________________________

Oliver La Du and his father, Scott, ran the New York City Marathon on November 7, 2021. Oliver and

N O T E S

Harrison Day ’21, Owen Takacs ’22, and Oliver La Du ’20 went skiing together in Aspen, CO.

Scott ran for Patient Airlift Services (PALS), a charity that “provides free critical medical flights that will enable families to access the best possible treatments for the best possible outcomes.” PALS’ goal is to alleviate the transportation issues that create a financial burden for families in need so they can focus on medical care and treatment.

We want to hear from you!

Submit your notes online: formanschool.org/alumni Or email your news to Director of Parent and Alumni Programs Heather Ford at heather.ford@formanschool.org.

Leanna T. Caracappa leanna.caracappa@gmail.com Helen G. Cirimele grace.cirimele@gmail.com Florence L. Colantino colantino425@flagler.edu

Oliver La Du ’20 and his father, Scott

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Remembering Gilbert Yule Gilbert Yule, 83, of Franconia, NH, passed peacefully on February 3, 2022. Gil worked for 27 nonconsecutive years at Forman before retiring in 2001. He taught mathematics, served as Athletic Director, Coach, and Dorm Parent, and in years just before retirement, served as Director of Transportation. He was a mentor to many students during their time at Forman and beyond. Some of his greatest passions were fishing, the Red Sox, and the New England Patriots. Over his lifetime, he accumulated an extensive baseball memorabilia collection and a music compilation of big band, jazz, and blues. We thank all of the alumni and members of the Forman community, past and present, who shared memories following Gil’s passing, some of which are included below. Gil’s life and legacy will be remembered at the Alumni Weekend memorial service on Sunday, May 8.

“I knew Gil well. We loved fishing. I recall him helping me with math one time. He was very patient.”

“Gil was my favorite of the Forman people. He was my house father in Giles for several years. He was best known for his sense of humor.”

Stanley Bator ’86

Seth Vose ’69

“I had been speaking with Gil frequently over the last two years. His love of music was and had been our connection for my Forman years 1973-1977, among other things. In 1971, he got Gene Krupa, perhaps the greatest drummer in big band of all time, with a trio to perform in the Forman dining hall. About six months ago, I had mentioned to him how much I wished I was there that year to see it, and two weeks later, I received one of the drum sticks Gene used at the performance in the mail from him. I will miss our weekly conversations about Gordie Howe, Benny Goodman, and Tom Brady.” Sandy Davidson ’77

Gil Yule at the 2018 Alumni Weekend

“Gil was a very kind man, with a sweet heart and friendliest demeanor. Gil genuinely cared about students and their welfare.” Gordon Glener ’88

“Gil was a happy, enthusiastic, and wonderful man who dedicated many years to Forman and will be missed.” Charlene Halloran P’05, P’07, Director of Counseling

“Gil was definitely a pillar of my high school experience. I remember we would go fishing in Babbitt, or one of the streams in the area, and he would help clean and prepare the fish we caught. He was one of a kind. [I’ll remember] his patience and sense of humor he shared on the many bus rides we took to our sporting events.” Jon Rosenfield ’95

“Mr. Yule had a lot of good qualities. He liked jazz and big band music and was happy to share and compare it with some of what we listened to.” Michael Zoller ’73

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“I remember watching the Red Sox and Mets World Series with Gil at Forman. He even let me stay past dorm check-in at night to finish the game.” Christopher Zuckert ’89

Gil Yule (back right) as coach of the boys’ varsity baseball team

“I was so sad to hear of his passing. While I was not on the baseball team, I was privileged enough to spend time with Mr. Yule on my many trips to and from campus from New Haven. He always was there and always with a smile. May God bless him, and may he rest in peace.”

“I am deeply saddened to hear of the loss of Gil Yule. When I was at Forman, Gil was the Athletic Director for my first three years. He loved Gene Krupa, the great drummer, baseball, and ice hockey. He loved to fish, and he genuinely cared for his students and his teams. He taught math, although he was never my math teacher, coached me in baseball and basketball, and was a mentor. He really loved teaching and coaching, and he gave it his all while at Forman. He was terrific, and I am glad to have known him. May he rest in peace.” Malcolm “Chuck” Davidson ’77

“Mr. Yule was a wonderfully kind man and role model. May that legacy live on in all of us who remember him so fondly.”

Janice Swerdlow Garnett ’90

Julia Kimball ’96 Gil Yule in the 1967 yearbook

“Mr. Yule was a true legend with a passion for life, baseball, and those he took under his wing. We will ALL miss you. Rest in peace, Sir.”

“A good friend, a wonderful Forman mentor. He loved taking students to Cooperstown, NY, to the Baseball Hall of Fame!” Sheldon Clark, Former Faculty/Staff

Matt Petit ’95

Photo of Gil Yule from the Forman School Archives

FACEBOOK TRIBUTES:

“Gil was a good friend and colleague who embodied much of the best of Forman.” Larry Byrne, Former Language Training Teacher, 1985-1989

“To an absolute friend and colleague, may your “Field of Dreams” be what you wished for. Thank you for your respect and support during my tenure at Forman and especially your kindness and support of my son. A true icon and stature at Forman.” Nigel Daniel P’11, Former Cognition and Learning Teacher, Coach, 1987-2018

George Allison ’61 and Gil Yule at the 2017 Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony of which Gil was inducted

IN MEMORIAM --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

William James “Jim” Scoville ’51 of West Hartford, CT, passed away on January 26, 2020. Jim was born to the late John H. and Bertha Scoville. He was predeceased by his wife, Kathryn Spiro Scoville, and his siblings, Isabelle, Dora, John, and Homer. Jim is survived by many nieces and nephews, his sisterin-law, Patricia Scoville, and many loving friends. Jim was fun-loving with a sunny disposition. He loved spending time with family and friends and enjoyed spending his summers in Westbrook, CT. Jack Kirby Tooke ’56 passed away on August 20, 2018. Jack was a fourthgeneration Houstonian born to the late Sarale Schuyler Stewart Tooke and Courtlandt Eugene (Jack) Tooke. He attended River Oaks Elementary in Houston, TX, and later private schools. He started his working life in the oilfield industry and later owned a laundry business. Jack was a supporter of Houston Livestock and Rodeo. He was a longtime member of the Poultry Auction Committee and was proud to help with scholarships for the kids. He was a beloved husband, brother, and uncle. Phillip “Flip” Stewart Romersa ’82 passed away on February 4, 2022. Phillip was 59 years old. He was born in Arcadia, CA, to Carol (Brookshire) and Rodolfo Romersa. He grew up in Greenwich, CT, where he lived for over 55 years. He was a graduate of Eagle Hill School and Forman School, attended Yuba College, and received an Associate of Arts degree from Housatonic Community College. He worked at the Xerox Corporation headquarters in the mail services department for nearly 25 years. He also

volunteered for the Connecticut Special Olympics for over 15 years. During his later years, he worked at Marshalls and was a member of Greater Opportunities for Adults with Learning Disabilities (GOALD), a social club for adults that his mother founded in 1994. He was an avid New York Mets, New York Jets, Los Angeles Clippers, and Milwaukee Bucks fan. His interests included reading, bowling, video games, researching sports statistics, studying American History, and collecting foreign currency. Phillip is survived by his mother, Carol Brookshire Romersa Wright; his brother, Peter Romersa; and many family members. Hubertus “Hubie” Frowein ’86 of Southampton, NY, passed away on November 6, 2021, after a battle with ALS. Hubie was 53. He will be remembered for his great sense of humor, generosity towards others, and his love and dedication to his family. Hubie was born in Leverkusen, Germany, to Michael Frowein and Christiane Covington (formerly Frowein). His family settled in New Canaan, CT, in 1973. Hubie attended elementary and middle school in New Canaan and received his high school diploma at Forman School. He studied Photography and Fine Art at Parsons School of Design in New York, spending one year on the Paris campus. After graduation, he started his photography career by assisting acclaimed fashion photographer Sante D’Orazio. In 1995, he moved to Sydney, Australia, to build his solo career as a professional fashion photographer. He returned to New York City a year later, and on one of his photoshoots, he met Ivonne

Kowaltschik, a stylist for Vogue Germany. She became the love of his life, and they were married in Lugano, Switzerland, in 1999. Together they moved part-time to Southampton in 2001. The birth of their son Sebastian in 2003 sealed their decision to move full-time to Southampton, where their daughter Stella was born in 2006. Hubie then refocused his career on his love for architecture and interior design. He first worked as a real estate agent for Saunders and ultimately founded his own company, 2:Scale Consulting. Hubie is survived by his wife, Ivonne; his children, Sebastian and Stella; his brother, Alex; his parents; and two dogs. —Condensed version of the obituary from The Southampton Press Marilyn Traversa, a former Forman staff member, passed away at her home in Epping, NH, on March 17, 2022. Marilyn worked at Forman School in the business office for 24 years from 1984 to 2008, serving as a Financial Assistant, fill-in Business Office Manager, and Director of Human Resources. She lived in Torrington, CT, for most of her life before moving to New Hampshire in 2010 to be closer to the ocean. Marilyn is survived by her three daughters and their spouses, her beloved four grandchildren, her sistersin-law, and several nieces and nephews.

J U L Y 3 — 2 9 , 2 02 2 Coed • Boarding & Day • Grades 7–11 The Forman Summer Program is a four-week, coed boarding and day camp that takes place on the Forman School campus during the month of July. This program is open to any students entering grades 7-11 who want to benefit from our individualized approach to learning and provides students insight into our innovative teaching techniques. During the Forman Summer Program, students learn independence, self-advocacy, and academic strategies that they can apply in the classroom and beyond.

For more information, please visit formanschool.org/summer or email admission@formanschool.org.

Forman School, 12 Norfolk Road, P.O. Box 80 Litchfield, CT 06759-0080 Change Service Requested