Independence SPIRIT - Fall 2018

Independence

Spirit in this issue

A PORTRAIT OF THE INDEPENDENCE GRADUATE Painting a Picture of Achievement, Leadership, and More

T H E I N D E P E N D E N C E S C H O O L M AG A Z I N E

fall 2018

pride of place VISITORS TO INDEPENDENCE FIND A CAMPUS BEDECKED WITH BANNERS, BRINGING BURSTS OF COLOR TO THE LANDSCAPE AND SHOWING OUR SPIRIT FOR ALL TO SEE.

in this issue OPENING NOTE / PAGE 1 COVER STORY / PAGE 2 Q + A / PAGE 6 THE PATH TO POWERFUL LEARNING / PAGE 7 NEWS + NOTES / PAGE 8 INTO THE GREAT OUTDOORS / PAGE 10 REPORT OF PHILANTHROPY / PAGE 13

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O P E N I N G N OT E

In this issue of Spirit, we celebrate the many strengths of our graduates—from their achievement and leadership, to their capacity for problem-solving, their innovative thinking, and their courage.

Along with these qualities, I would like to spotlight one other: the ability to form strong, successful partnerships.

“WE ARE PROUD OF ALL THESE PARTNERSHIPS AND THE POSITIVE IMPACT ON OUR STUDENTS.”

powerful partnerships teachers and staff have completed training in best practices

teach, but also to put in practice, recognizing there are times

promoted by the foundation, from policies on background

when we can better achieve our mission by drawing on the

checks to those for safe dismissal at the end of the school day.

knowledge and talents of others. Let me share three brief examples.

First, as you will read in this issue, we are moving forward

These are but a sample of the partnerships in which we are currently engaged. We continue to work with the University of Delaware STAR Campus, Laurel Springs School

with plans to create a wonderfully multidimensional outdoor

(for blended learning), the Delaware Museum of Natural

learning space for our lower school students. In doing so, we

History and others.

have joined forces with Nature Explore, a non-profit group

We are proud of all these partnerships and the positive

whose sole focus is envisioning just such environments and

impact on our students. We are also eager to explore other

whose experience has been invaluable.

productive collaborations in the months and years to come.

Similarly, we have partnered with the Stroud Water Research Center, a distinguished institution with a mission

With Spirit,

that includes supporting education. Working with the Stroud team, we are identifying ways to take the fresh water treasures found on our campus and make the most of them

Victoria C. Yatzus

as a resource in support of our curriculum.

Head of School

Most recently, we have joined with the Beau Biden Foundation, an organization committed to ensuring the safety of children, particularly from the risk of abuse. All our

INSPIRE DREAM ACHIEVE

At Independence, this is an ideal we seek not only to

S P I R I T M AG A Z I N E PA G E 2

a portrait of the independence graduate

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O

ne of the best ways to know a school is through the individuals it educates—through the things they go on to achieve and the qualities that set them apart.

If you ask Independence alumni about themselves and their peers—about what makes Independence graduates special—several themes quickly emerge. Independence prepared them supremely well for the academic challenges of high school and college. It taught them hard work. It equipped them with a strong core of values and a belief in putting those values to work as good citizens.

“This has been our reputation,” explains Head of School Vicky Yatzus, “and it just so happens to be true.” She cites an alumni survey that found that more than 90 percent of graduates say Independence helped them build character. More than 90 percent also say it taught them to think critically. And, well over 95 percent say it taught them the skills of research.

However, to stop with this list of strengths would leave an incomplete portrait—not as impressive and interesting as Independence graduates truly are. The stories of actual alumni are rich with examples of entrepreneurship and service, and of top-level achievements in business and the professions, the arts and athletics. They are also full of inspiration and imagination: people hungry for the full feast of opportunities life presents, people creating original pathways to their goals.

So in this story, we try to paint a fuller portrait of the Independence graduate. We celebrate the qualities of Problem-Solving, Innovative Thinking, Courage, Achievement, and Leadership. These are far from the only strengths that matter—and these are far from the only alumni who exemplify them. Yet taken together, they form a picture that will make any member of our extended Patriot family proud.

OVERCOMING OBSTACLES

DOING GOOD, VERY WELL

When a neighbor found himself caught up in the criminal justice system, Jane Lyons ’15 became aware of the phenomenon of youth incarceration—and put her awareness into action. She founded an organization called Youth Overcoming Obstacles, which, among other achievements, started a re-entry fund for teenagers leaving a local facility. The goal is to decrease recidivism by increasing opportunities—from attending football camp to enrolling in culinary school. For her efforts, Lyons was honored with the National Liberty Museum’s TD Bank Young Heroes Award.

Alyssa Serra ’01 has pursued a career that’s all about problem-solving and all in service to a noble goal: supporting relief efforts and development projects in the United States and such countries as Ethiopia, Kenya, and Sudan. Her skills include managing logistics, providing operations support, and overseeing project start-ups. The organizations she has served range from Engineers Without Borders and the Children’s Nutrition Program of Haiti, to the American Red Cross and now Chemonics, a company managing dozens of development projects around the world.

“We wanted to do something to break the cycle that leads so many people to re-incarceration. The first thing we could think of is helping teens who have already committed a crime or have been incarcerated by just giving them something to feel good about.”

MAKING IT HER WAY

Jane Lyons ’15

The life of the freelance violinist can be as financially challenging as it is artistically exhilarating. How does Katie Jacoby ’04 make it work? Through a combination of creative flexibility and solid organization. Jacoby has found acclaim playing everything from a Frank Zappa festival in Germany to Shakespeare to “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” to touring with Roger Daltrey of The Who as a featured soloist.

But she also traces her success to strengths of very different kinds, such as well-honed administrative skills and care in proofing emails. continued on page 4

INSPIRE DREAM ACHIEVE

Problem-Solving

S P I R I T M AG A Z I N E PA G E 4

“A big part of success comes down to the good habits of organization you learn in middle school. Remember all those binder checks?”

Katie Jacoby ’04

Innovative Thinking SEEING —AND SEIZING —A NEW OPPORTUNIT Y A student at the University of Delaware’s Horn School of Entrepreneurship, Andrew Cercena ’13 is already putting his knowledge to work. Teaming up with the Buccini/Pollin Group, a real estate firm, Cercena and a fellow student are the force behind the launch of a new venture designed to, as they say, “activate downtown Wilmington.” The Uber-like enterprise transports residents and visitors around the North Market Street area in golf carts less expensively than competing services. The business is called WilminGo, and it has earned sponsorship from WSFS Bank.

MAPPING THE WORLD Jacob Vassalotti ’12, a Presidential Fellow at Washington College, is double majoring in environmental studies and political science and, though still an undergraduate, is already thoroughly immersed in the work of innovation. As a team member in the college’s Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Lab, he’s part of a major grant-funded project. The goal: finding new ways to analyze large volumes of highway data and use the results to spotlight risks, guide police enforcement, and measurably improve highway safety.

“I’ve always loved looking at maps and also looking for new ways to use them—new kinds of information to visualize and analyze. For me, it’s an interest that goes all the way back to 6thgrade geography at Independence.”

Jacob Vassalotti ’12

MEETING A LOCAL NEED Matt Georgov ’04 graduated from the University of Delaware in 2012 with a B.S. in Finance and Operations Management and minors in Entrepreneurial Studies and International Business. He then worked in the banking business for several years until he and his father saw the chance for a promising new business. Launched in 2015, it’s called Choice MedWaste, and it supports local healthcare facilities statewide in saving

money as they dispose of regulated medical waste. Today, the business is strong and growing, with Matt as Chief Operating Officer.

Courage TAKING THE SHOW ON THE ROAD As a guitarist and singer with Sure Sure, a self-described “left-field pop band from Los Angeles,” Charlie Glick ’05 is living the life of the traveling musician. The band garnered major attention for its 2016 single “New Biome” (hear it on Spotify) and has been building its audience ever since. Sure Sure finished its first national tour as headliners last spring— a highlight experience Charlie describes as energizing and in some ways even spiritual. The band heads out again this fall, with stops from California to Philadelphia.

“Starting a career in music takes courage in the same way starting a tech company would. It comes with hard decisions. Overall, though, I’ve found a lot of happiness and a balance in my life.”

Charlie Glick ’05

GOING FOR GOLD Sam Parsons ’08 is showing his courage in the form of commitment—chasing his dream of competing in the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics. An outstanding 5,000-meter runner (currently 49th in the world with a 13.34), Sam competed in college for NCAA Division I North Carolina State University and has now turned pro with Adidas, training in Boulder, Colorado. Just over a year ago, though, he thought his running career was over. That was before a 17-country sojourn in Europe, a lot of personal reflection, and an eventual return to the sport as a recommitted—and even faster—competitor.

SERVING AND PROTECTING As a veteran who served in the Anbar province of Iraq and now as an officer with the New Castle County Police Department, Tyler Shears ’01 experienced the chance to see courage of different kinds at work in different settings.

But the bravest thing he’s ever done, he says, may have been simply to enlist in the Marine Corps. “I was always the goof ball and class clown, and somehow I knew I needed that structure. But it was still a giant step—and really the first adult decision of my life.”

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Tyler Shears ’01

Achievement MAKING A VERY POSITIVE MARK IN THE LAW Attorney Katie Annand ’97 has proven her ability in a highly specialized and valuable practice area. Annand is the supervising attorney for pro bono programs in San Francisco for Kids in Need of Defense (KIND), an organization representing unaccompanied immigrant children in immigration court proceedings. Previously, she ran a successful solo practice seeking legal relief for undocumented children who were abused, abandoned, or neglected by their parents.

SHARING THE GIFT OF ART When you hear the names of such outstanding figures as Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Tom Brokaw, and Elie Wiesel, you can now feel free to add Henna Castle ’14 to the list. Like these other achievers, Henna is the recipient of the prestigious Jefferson Award, recognizing inspired service and leadership.

Henna was honored for her contribution to the Jefferson Awards’ 2017 project, the goal of which was to help a young cancer survivor, who drew strength from art-making, share that gift with others. Henna and her team assembled and delivered 10,000 kits with crayons, coloring books, and notes of encouragement to children in locations across Delaware.

MAKING IT IN THE BIG LEAGUES Outfielder Kevin Mench ’92 has played with the Texas Rangers, Milwaukee Brewers, Toronto Blue Jays, and Washington Nationals, as well as with pro clubs in Japan.

At the University of Delaware, he twice led the Blue Hens to the NCAA Tournament, and in 1998, he hit 33 home runs and drove in 72 runs to earn Collegiate Baseball Player of the Year.

Leadership HELPING VETERANS As the daughter of a physician at the Wilmington VA Hospital, Meera Garg ’14 heard many stories of the difficulties faced by veterans returning to life at home. As a young leader (and middle school student) eager to take action, she did something about it. In 2013, Meera founded Help the Veterans, a non-profit that’s been going strong ever since.

The group gathers donations of needed items for vets, arranges transport to medical appointments, co-sponsors workshops designed to help veterans deal with PTSD and depression, and more.

LEADING AND SERVING Chris Reynolds ’10 is in the middle of a “dream gap year,” completing a Fulbright Fellowship in Colombia, where he’s researching barriers to health care for members of vulnerable populations, including ex-combatants from the country’s long civil conflicts. The project builds on Chris’ experiences as a highly honored student at Boston College. While there, he was a peer mentor for fellow students involved in the campus EMT service and traveled extensively abroad, establishing a partnership that allows BC students to pursue research projects in Ecuador. Next year, Chris plans to enter medical school, preparing for a career in conflict- or post-conflict medicine.

“I’m learning the value of a kind of leadership that is about collaborating with people and motivating them, rather than top-down direction. It’s a model of mentorship and peer leadership, and I’ve had great role models to emulate.”

Chris Reynolds ’10

LEADING IN BUSINESS AND AS A TRUSTEE As president of Eastern States Group, Amelia Wyant ’90 heads a 65-year-old construction and real estate firm active in four states. And, as a dedicated Independence alumna and parent, she is in her third year of service as a member of the school’s board of trustees. Among the strengths she brings to these leadership roles are some, she says, that date back to her days at Independence—from writing and timemanagement skills to a love of learning. These are also the foundational abilities she hopes her three sons will take away from their Independence experience.

“The one thing I’ve discovered about leadership is that ultimately it’s not about who is in charge.

It’s about keeping your team motivated, focused on attainable goals, and helping them to be the best they can be.”

Amelia Wyant ’90

INSPIRE DREAM ACHIEVE

“Choosing to enlist as a Marine was a decision that took me completely beyond my comfort zone. It was also a decision that put me on a path to success in my life.”

S P I R I T M AG A Z I N E PA G E 6

Q& A

U P C LO S E W I T H D E B B I E G R OT H AU S

A faculty member at Independence since 1990, Debbie Grothaus teaches third grade—and has since the start. She is the recipient of the 2018 Patricia A. Ireland Faculty Award, honoring the qualities of professionalism, compassion, and good nature exemplified by the school’s retired head, for whom the award is named.

COUNTING YOUR EXPERIENCE BEFORE INDEPENDENCE, YOU’VE TAUGHT THIRD GRADE FOR 40 YEARS NOW. WHY HAVE YOU FOCUSED ON THIS AGE?

HOW DID YOU GET YOUR START AT INDEPENDENCE?

A friend of my sister’s told me about a position that was open here. When I visited, I just fell in love with the place—with the feel of it and with the educational approach.

At that time, I interviewed with Mrs. Ireland, and we immediately bonded.

She became a great mentor and friend, so it’s especially meaningful for me to receive a teaching award that’s named for her. I’m flattered and honored by the idea that I embody some of her qualities.

It’s just a marvelous age. The children are old enough to accept a level of challenge, yet they are still at that stage when they are so eager to please. They bring so much curiosity and energy to everything they do. I’ve never once wanted to change.

MANY FAMILIES KNOW YOU BEST AS THE CREATOR AND LEADER OF THE ANNUAL PATRIOTIC PROGRAM. WHAT MAKES YOU MOST PROUD OF THAT PROGRAM?

First, I delight in seeing the children’s pride in being American citizens. That’s something that I believe is very important. Second, I take pride in the level of the challenge they rise to—in taking on so many songs and speeches, learning them to perfection, and performing them beautifully. It overwhelms me every year.

“IF I’M EXCITED ABOUT WHAT WE ARE LEARNING, I KNOW IT WILL TRANSLATE TO THE CHILDREN.” DEBBIE GROTHAUS

IN YOUR DECADES IN THE PROFESSION, HAVE YOU DISCOVERED ANY SECRETS TO GREAT TEACHING?

I have become more and more aware of the need to differentiate instruction—recognizing that each boy and girl comes with different strengths and that my challenge is to meet each of them where they are. Also, I don’t know that it’s a “secret,” but another key is simply to show and share my enthusiasm, whether it’s for writing, or math, or using a new type of classroom technology. If I’m excited about what we are learning, I know it will translate to the children.

WHAT IS MOST REWARDING ABOUT YOUR JOB?

When I think about the fact that after all these many years, I remember my own third-grade teacher, I realize that I am likely to be remembered years from now by some of the children I’m teaching today. I have a chance to make a difference in their lives, and I’m in awe of that fact. It’s why I do what I do.

PA G E 7

Wonder

Be curious Ask questions Think about what you want to understand

THE PATH

Plan

Develop your strategy Decide on your actions

Steps to

Act

Powerful Learning

Put your learning plan into action— investigate, experiment, try

REFLECT

Evaluate your results Plan again OR Link

Link Connect to what else you know Decide why this is important Communicate your knowledge

The Path to Powerful Learning We know that one key to success as a student is to understand the steps involved in the process of learning. As Bernadette Gilmore, director of academics and curriculum explains, that means not just mastering new ideas, but also the process for doing so. At Independence, where “learning how to learn” has long been a mantra, this idea is not new.

What is, however, is “The Path,” a five-step visual diagram that names and describes each point in the process in a clear, consistent way.

“We wanted every student to know the steps you take when you are working to master a new body of knowledge or a new set of skills,” Gilmore says.

“And we wanted to document these steps in a way that would make sense across the school. As you move from one classroom to another or one grade to the next, the Path never changes. However, your understanding of it becomes more and more complete and sophisticated.”

S P I R I T M AG A Z I N E PA G E 8

N E WS + N OT E S

Learning and Serving in Costa Rica

Presidential Patriots

This past June, four Independence teachers and 22

graduate was named a U.S. Presidential Scholar.

eager middle school students completed a journey to Costa Rica that was part service, part environmental exploration, and all adventure.

The group packed a striking diversity of experiences into their eight days abroad. These ranged from treetop zip-lining in a cloud forest, to kayaking at the base of a volcano and boating through a mangrove forest. The travelers saw sloths, giant crocodiles, and a multitude of birds—evidence of Costa Rica’s exceptional biodiversity. They also saw the deep connections that could quickly form with local residents when they visited a school in Puntarenas and pitched in on service projects—from shoveling natural fertilizer for organic coffee farmers to helping extend a sidewalk for local school children.

“These are the experiences that we can’t fabricate in the classroom,” says middle school science teacher Jessie Copeland. “By going out into the world, we expose our students to different cultures and customs, helping them become impactful global citizens.”

For a remarkable fourth straight year, an Independence Grace Gong ’14, a 2018 graduate of the Charter School of Wilmington, was selected as one of two U.S. Presidential Scholars from Delaware for 2018 by the White House Commission on Presidential Scholars and the U.S. Department of Education. Grace was one of just 161 high school seniors nationally to receive the award, which honors students who have distinguished themselves through their talent, academic achievement, leadership, citizenship, service, and contribution to both school and community.

Grace joined three fellow Independence alumni who earned this distinction during their senior year in high school: Olivia O’Dwyer ’13 (Archmere Academy 2017), Rahul Subbaraya ’12 (Archmere Academy 2016), and Christina Stiebris ’11 (Charter School of Wilmington 2015).

In addition, veteran middle school English teacher Tom Wayock was named a U.S. Presidential Scholars Program Distinguished Teacher. Grace nominated Mr. Wayock as her most influential teacher during her application process.

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MY INDY STORY

MY INDY STORY

MY INDY STORY

A Year of Wows and Wins

My Indy Story

Independence students have quite a history of

A family returning to Delaware after living abroad

distinguishing themselves in scholastic competitions,

seeks a school for their daughters where the girls’

and the last school year was no exception.

interest in science will be nurtured and affirmed. A

for the National Elementary Chess Championships, facing competitors from 43 states and returning home with a total of three trophies. The school qualified not one, but two, Quiz Bowl teams for the Middle

parent becomes a board member because he wants to see from the inside what makes Independence great. A 2014 alumnus now headed to Johns Hopkins to study neuroscience explains the academic foundation and the inspiration he took from his years at Independence.

School National Championship Tournament in Illinois.

What do these members of the Independence

For the first time ever, an Indy Robotics team—the

community have in common? All share their personal

Combusters—competed at the world championship

stories in a dynamic new video feature of the

level, meeting 100 international teams at Qualcomm’s

school’s website called My Indy Story. Featured on

event for FIRST LEGO League teams in Detroit. And,

the home page of the site, the videos are beautifully

Patriot mathematicians made their mark in Math

produced and also very popular, attracting thousands

League state invitational meets, where the school’s

of views each.

seventh- and eighth-grade teams each took second and two Indy students captured first in their grade level—and also in state MATHCOUNTS competition, where Independence earned first in both the team and individual competitions to qualify for nationals!

In another sign of their quality, the project has been honored by the Brandywine Valley Chapter of the National Fundraising Professionals with a FACE award (for Fundraising and Communication Excellence). theindependenceschool.org/myindystory

INSPIRE DREAM ACHIEVE

In May, five students in grades 2-6 traveled to Nashville

S P I R I T M AG A Z I N E PA G E 1 0

INTO THE GREAT OUTDOORS Independence launches plans for an outdoor learning area that will add a powerful new dimension to children’s educational experience.

At Independence, our educators are always seeking

Not surprisingly, early immersion in the natural world

new ways to enrich the experience the school offers.

is also key to shaping positive attitudes concerning

Our newest idea is ambitious, innovative, and at the

nature and outdoor activities later in life.

same time beautifully simple. It is to create a wonderful space designed for children to imagine, explore, play, learn, and grow outside.

We have set out to create a space that will offer many opportunities for exploration and the freedom for children to invent their own forms of play. To

The space we envision will replace the current Early

shape our plan, we have partnered with a non-profit

Childhood playground, occupying more than 57,000

collaborative called Nature Explore that brings a wealth

square feet adjacent to classrooms. It will feature 14

of specialized experience to the project.

distinct learning and play areas, from a dirt-digging area and natural art area, to a water area with a tiered route for a flowing stream.

A bridge will mark the entry to this special outdoor classroom, and carefully designed plantings throughout will define spaces and immerse visitors into the world of growing things.

“THIS WILL BE A PLACE FULL OF OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPLORATION, ADVENTURE, AND IMAGINATIVE PLAY.”

“This will be a place full of opportunities for exploration, adventure, and imaginative play,” says

Other highlights of the new space will include a music

Head of School Vicky Yatzus. “A large and growing

and movement area with amphitheater-style seating

body of research now tells us that these kinds of

and a tricycle course with textured surfaces providing

opportunities fill an invaluable role in children’s

rumble strips. Elements such as swings and a climbing

development and well-being.”

and balance area will be more reminiscent of familiar

She cites studies that show time in nature is correlated

playgrounds.

with benefits ranging from decreased stress, to

“This is an inspired and worthwhile way to make use of

improvements with attention, to increased positive social

a small part of our 90-acre campus,” says Yatzus. “It’s

interactions.

also a way to help balance the impact of technology

“We’ve learned that time in nature helps develop observation and problem-solving skills, science and math abilities, and appropriate risk-taking. Even more fundamentally, it nurtures the imagination and curiosity that spark all learning.”

in our children’s lives. At Independence, we use technology in many effective and appropriate ways, but we also know that it’s easy for children to have too much screen time. We want to add in a healthy dose of nature, fresh air, and creative adventures.”

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A

ENTRY AREA

E

SAND AREA

I

NATURE ART AREA

M

WATER AREA

B

GATHERING AREA

F

SWINGS

J

GARDEN AREA

N

WHEELED TOY AREA

C

OPEN AREA

G

CLIMBING/BALANCE

K

BUILDING AREA

D

MUSIC & MOVEMENT AREA

H

DIRT DIGGING AREA

L

MESSY MATERIALS AREA

H

J F I

G K

E

L

J

M

N

C

D

B

A

©Nature Explore

THE NEW OUTDOOR CLASSROOM WILL FEATURE SPACES DESIGNED TO ENGAGE CHILDREN’S IMAGINATION IN DIFFERENT WAYS, FROM A GARDEN AREA AND SAND AREA TO A NATURE ART AREA AND MUSIC & MOVEMENT AREA.

S P I R I T M AG A Z I N E PA G E 1 2

Indy Insights:

IT’S WISDOM THAT WORKS. MAKING THE MOST OF HOMEWORK TIME. MANAGING THE EMOTIONS OF BACK TO SCHOOL. UNDERSTANDING THE IMPORTANCE OF PLAY. KNOWING WHAT TO DO IF YOUR CHILD MAY HAVE A LEARNING DIFFERENCE. Indy Insights is the Independence School blog—and your one-stop destination to tap into the expertise of our Center for Wellness, Innovation and Learning (CWIL™), and our exceptional educators. You will find guidance on a range of issues families face every day.

Visit the link to the blog right on the home page of our website!

WWW.THEINDEPENDENCESCHOOL.ORG

2018 AUCTION & GALA

SAVE THE DATE

APRIL 13, 2019 DEERFIELD COUNTRY CLUB

Celebrating 40 years of Independence meant elevating the annual Auction & Gala to a new level by taking it off-site to nearby Deerfield Country Club for a very, very special event! A beautiful evening, inspiring décor, and live music

by LauraLea & Tripp Fabulous all combined to provide a memorable night. More than 350 guests attended, including current parents, alumni and alumni parents, grandparents, board members, faculty and staff. Mobile bidding was used for the first time, enabling guests to step away from silent auction tables to mingle with friends or hit the dance floor. The bidding system even allowed those who couldn’t attend the event to participate in the bidding fun from afar!

This year’s “Paddle Raise” funded two outdoor athletic scoreboards and an additional scoreboard for the gym (see page 16). Overall, the 40th Anniversary Auction & Gala raised $113,892!

These funds will be used to support program enhancements.

Many thanks to all the hardworking volunteers, especially auction chairs Laura Fedale, Julie Thomas, and Ann Wenger.

Watch for details about the next Auction & Gala— returning to Deerfield Country Club on April 13, 2019!

PA G E 1 3

THE INDEPENDENCE SCHOOL REPORT OF PHILANTHROPY 2017–2018 The Independence School is sincerely grateful for the continued generosity of our community, including 563 parents, alumni, faculty and staff, grandparents, alumni parents, and friends who supported the school and our students with a philanthropic gift during the 2017–2018 school year. We are particularly proud to report that we once again have 100% giving participation from faculty, staff and the members of the Board of Trustees. Each and every gift makes it possible for Independence to continue to provide an unparalleled and well-rounded educational experience.

Anonymous Anonymous Mr. and Mrs. Vincent Greggo Mr. J. Kevin Heitzenroder ’85 and Mrs. Elizabeth Heitzenroder The Independence Parents’ Association (IPA) Mrs. Victoria Yatzus FREEDOM CLUB $5,000 TO $9,999 Barclay Card US Delaware Orthopaedic Specialists First State Orthopaedics Drs. Kieran and Chantel Connolly Mr. Thomas Czerwinski Mr. Vance Funk and Mrs. Ashley Funk ‘96 Drs. Manish and Shilpa Garg Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Johnson Mr. and Mrs. Francis R. Julian

Mr. and Mrs. Alan Levin Printed Solid, Inc. Mr. Jeffrey Shahan and Mrs. Kimberly Shahan ’97 WSFS Bank Mr. Jack Wyant and Mrs. Amelia Wyant ’90 SPIRIT CLUB $3,000 TO $4,999 CSC Mr. and Mrs. Rohan D’Souza Dr. and Mrs. Andrew J. Glick Mr. and Mrs. Farrell Goble Mr. Jerry Hamstead Mr. Thomas and Dr. Lexie Hanna Mr. Ryan Haydu and Dr. Barbara Albani Mr. and Mrs. John Heitzenroder Mr. and Mrs. Michael Johnson Mr. and Mrs. Bryan Keen Mr. and Mrs. Merrill Keen Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Kenton Mrs. Grace Kirk Mr. and Mrs. Robert Mark

Turf Pro Lawn & Landscape Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Vrana Ms. Lixia Wang STARS CLUB $1,500 TO $2,999 Mr. Donald Ashwell Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Bree, Jr. Mr. Amish and Dr. Payal Desai Mr. and Mrs. Steve Fox Drs. Cathy and Jay Harris Mr. Guohua Jing and Ms. Yu Yao Mr. Richard Julian, Jr. ’93 Mr. and Mrs. Richard J. Julian Keen Compressed Gas Dr. Jag Kumar and Mrs. Shuba Gangaswamiah Dr. and Mrs. John MacMillan Mr. and Mrs. Victor Marcelo III Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Mitchell Dr. Carey Nathan Mr. and Mrs. P.J. O’Dwyer Drs. Munish and Anjala Pahwa Mr. and Mrs. Michael Ramone

TOTAL GIVING

ANNUAL FUND

2017–2018

$495,043

2017-2018

$272,043

2016-2017

$463,312

2016-2017

$224,129

2015-2016

$367,667

2015-2016

$198,920

Total Giving is a compilation of all philanthropic gifts to the Annual Fund, restricted endowments and scholarships, event sponsorships, and in-kind donations; Annual Fund is the total amount of all unrestricted gifts that support school operations.

INSPIRE. DREAM INSPIRE DREAM.ACHIEVE ACHIEVE.

INDEPENDENCE CLUB $10,000 AND UP

S P I R I T M AG A Z I N E PA G E 1 4

I ndependence parents’ a ssocIatIon (Ipa) The IPA continues to be a strong contributor to Independence, with members giving of their time, talent, and treasures.

Their efforts account for $80,500 of the Total Giving in 2017–18.

Through the work of the IPA:

Mrs. Diane Rollins Mr. and Mrs. Luca Saggese Mr. and Mrs. Doug Schneider Dr. Mark Fiss and Dr. Marissa Schnelle Mr. Hayoung Seo and Mrs. Mi Jung Choi Dr. Deep Kahlon and Ms. Mona Singh Dr. and Mrs. Gary Singh Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Slowik Mr. and Mrs. Vincent Thomas Mr. and Mrs. Clay Thomson Master Seo’s Tiger Kicks Martial Arts Tower Hill School Dr. and Mrs. Rajeev Vaidya Mr. and Mrs. Andy Wilke Young Conaway Stargatt & Taylor, LLP (Timothy J. Houseal, Esq., Daniel P. Johnson, Esq., Ed Morton, Esq., Vincent Thomas, Esq.) Dr. Yong Zhu and Ms. Yang Wu STRIPES CLUB $1,000 TO $1,499

OVER 12,000 STUDENT LUNCHES ORDERED AND SERVED

29 FIELD TRIPS FUNDED

500 YEARBOOKS BOUGHT

Countless VOLUNTEER HOURS LOGGED

Mrs. Lauren Armiger Ms. Jo Anne Barnes Mr. and Mrs. Erik Barr Mr. Neeraj K. Batta ‘96 and Ms. Madhu Batta Dr. and Mrs. Kyle J. Bottorff Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Brindley Drs. Avinash and Anuradha Chandra Christiana Care Health Services Dr. and Mrs. John Courtright Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Coviello Mr. and Mrs. Marty Coyne Mr. Chunquan Dai and Ms. Yajiong Liu Mr. and Mrs. Mark deGarbolewski Dewson Construction Company D’Souza & Associates (Pooja and Rohan D’Souza) Mrs. Jane Fouracre Mr. Brian Funk ‘94 and Mrs. Andrea Funk G. Fedale General Contractors Mr. and Mrs. Michael Gilmore Mr. and Mrs. Francis Gondek Gordon, Fournaris & Mammarella Gunnip & Company CPAs Mr. and Mrs. Robert Harra III Mrs. Sheila Posatko and Mr. Bob Hazzard Mr. and Mrs. Rich Howe IFS Benefits, LLC Mrs. Patricia A. Ireland Mr. and Mrs. Robert T. Jones, Jr. Dr. & Mrs. Robert Kacmarcik, Jr. Dr. Jun Li and Mrs. Fei Cheng Mr. and Mrs. Jason Motta

PA G E 1 5

RED CLUB $650 TO $999 Mr. and Mrs. Michael Bree Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Giffin Mr. Bill Haughton and Mrs. Nina M. Auyeung Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Knox Dr. Krzysztof Kowal and Dr. Wen Li Mr. and Mrs. John McMahon Service Unlimited Inc. Mr. Jack Shi and Ms. Qing Gao Dr. Kirsten Smith Mr. and Mrs. Rick Wenger Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Willin Dr. Tom Xu and Dr. Sharon Luo WHITE CLUB $350 TO $649 Advanced Back and Neck Pain Center Mr. and Mrs. Bob and Sissy Aerenson Mr. and Mrs. John Alberta Aloysius Butler & Clark Mr. and Mrs. Michael Ambler American Dance Academy Mr. and Mrs. Mike August Dr. Jeremie Axe B+H Insurance Dr. Ganesh Balu & Dr. Rooperani Bhat Bank of America Drs. Michael and Linda Barkasy, Jr. Barnes Evans & Lohse LLC BATTA Environmental Associates, Inc. Dr. Jorge Soares and Dr. Elizabeth Bayley

Bifferato Gentilotti LLC Mr. and Mrs. David Boyle Mr. and Mrs. Robert Brechter Mr. and Mrs. George Brown IV Dr. Bingging Wei and Dr. Kairong Chu Mr. and Mrs. Richard Clausen Dr. Erin Cox ‘92 Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Craft Dr. and Mrs. Evan Crain Elkton Dermatology Diamond State Financial Group, LLC Dr. Shane Fang and Dr. XiaoQing Li Mr. and Mrs. Mark Farrall Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Fedale First State Printing Mr. and Mrs. Darrin Frampton Mr. and Mrs. Leroy Fullmer Genoese & Associates, P.A., CPA GFP Cement Contractors, LLC The Alias Group Mr. Michael and Dr. Heather Hahn Mr. and Mrs. Tom Harvey Mr. and Mrs. John Helmick Mr. and Mrs. Michael Helmick Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Hermes Mr. and Mrs. Jim Jennings Mr. Jim Pizzutto and Ms. Janis Julian Dr. Stephen Kayiaros Kelsh Wilson Design Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Kersey Ms. Jennifer Korenko Mr. and Mrs. Karl Law Mr. Renhua Liu and Ms. Yao Li Mr. Joseph Lombardi Dr. Liang Lu and Ms. Jing Cao M&T Bank Drs. Thomas and Mariam Mammen Mr. and Mrs. Greg Martin Mr. and Mrs. Prodromos Mavridis Mr. and Mrs. Bobby Midgley Mr. and Mrs. Leith Munson Dr. and Mrs. David Nagurney Mrs. Kathleen D. Neal New Castle County School Employees Federal Credit Union Mr. Ruijie Niu and Dr. Lihua Wang Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Orzel Mr. Jing Pan and Ms. Zhiying Zou Mr. Stephen and Dr. Michelle Papa Mr. and Mrs. Ravi Pappu Dr. and Mrs. Etern Park Cacciatori Pizza & Pasta Mr. and Mrs. Paresh Patel Mr. and Mrs. Allen Peddrick

INCOME SOURCE 2017–2018

TUITION: 87%

OTHER INCOME: 6% Income from Summer at Independence and facility rentals

FUNDRAISING: 4%

ENDOWMENT: 3%

EXPENSES 2017–2018

SAL ARIES/BENEFITS: 61%

PROGRAM COSTS: 15%

TUITION ASSISTANCE: 14%

FACILITIES COSTS: 10%

INSPIRE. DREAM INSPIRE DREAM.ACHIEVE ACHIEVE.

Mr. Dave & Dr. Joan Neikirk Dr. Lynn Okagaki Alpine & Rafetto Orthodontics Mr. and Mrs. James Palmieri Pegasus Technologies, LLC Pennoni Mr. and Mrs. John Poplawski Dr. and Mrs. John Powell Mr. and Mrs. Mario Procope QVC Salesianum School SB Real Estate, LLC Mr. and Mrs. William Schieffer Mr. and Mrs. Porter Schutt Mr. and Mrs. John Shone Siegfried Advisory, LLP Mr. and Mrs. Milt Simonds Dr. Pamela Simpson Drs. Deepika & Mihir Thacker Dr. Sean Wang & Ms. Monica Ho Mr. and Mrs. Steve Wheat

S P I R I T M AG A Z I N E PA G E 1 6

Keeping Score!

In a wonderful testament to the strength of Independence’s athletic programs, the Auction & Gala Paddle Raise and post-gala donations exceeded the $30,000 goal, bringing in over $33,000 for new scoreboards!

For the first time in our school’s 40-year history, we now have scoreboards on the two main outdoor athletic fields, covering six sports. With the generous donations, we were also able to add a second gymnasium scoreboard. This fundraising effort brought together current and past Independence families and Patriot athletes from years past.

Sports have always been a valued part of the Independence experience.

Beyond the development of physical coordination, strength and general athletic skills, our goal is for the students to learn teamwork, sportsmanship, and character-building traits inherent in sports and competition. Our seventh- and eighth-grade athletes have accumulated some amazing individual statistics while also amassing many consecutive undefeated seasons.

In 2017-18, the girls’ volleyball team set the tone in the fall for another memorable year by going undefeated. In the spring, the Patriots compiled an .887 winning percentage across five sports. Highlights included the tennis program moving its unbeaten streak to seven consecutive seasons, girls’ lacrosse completing a second undefeated run in four years, and baseball earning a 10-1 record while outscoring the opposition 139 to 12. Boys’ basketball also compiled a 10-1 mark and took an undefeated record into the final game of the winter season.

Independence is proud to count among its impressive list of alumni former Major League baseball outfielder Kevin Mench, who played for four different franchises over an eight-year career (see page 5 for more about Kevin); 2015 NCAA Division I National Champion Laura Hurff (Syracuse field hockey); and numerous talents currently competing at the D-I level, including brothers Troy and Colby Reeder (Delaware football).

Special thanks to current Board President Kevin Heitzenroder ’85, a former Independence Patriot and Athlete of the Year at our school, for his leadership of the scoreboard project.

Mr. and Mrs. Peter Peddrick Mr. and Mrs. Charles Perkins Pratt Insurance, Inc. Dr. Shaoming Qu and Dr. Siyan Wang Dr. and Mrs. Declan Quigley Mr. and Mrs. David Roach Mrs. Rachelle Schindler Dr. and Mrs. William Schmidt Mr. Charles P. Schutt, Jr. Mr. David Sentman and Mrs. Donna Sentman ‘80 Mr. and Mrs. Robert Shaver Mr. and Mrs. Steven Sieja Soccer Shots St. Mark’s High School Mr. and Mrs. Rodman Stull Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Tomaszewski Mr. Brian Urbanek and Dr. Rebecca Urbanek Mrs. Joan Valentine Mr. and Mrs. William B. Wagamon Dr. Harry Wang and Ms. Carrie Fang Wilmington Friends School Dr. and Mrs. Gary Witkin Dr. David Huang and Ms. Paula Wu Dr. Ray Yin & Ms. Jamie Wang Drs. Joseph and Elizabeth Zaher Dr. Zhengang Zhang and Dr. Yan Jiang BLUE CLUB $160 TO $349 Mr. and Mrs. Sameer Ahuja Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Bair Mr. Michael Barlow and Dr. Jennifer Barlow Mr. and Mrs. Michael Berryman Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Bowe Mr. and Mrs. James Brady Mr. Joe Brennan and Ms. Amy Eyberger Mr. and Mrs. George Brown Mr. and Mrs. Alan Camoirano Mr. and Mrs. Damian Carlson Mr. Hungcheng Chen and Ms. Chishu Chang Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Corless Mr. and Mrs. Ralph DegliObizzi, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Satish Dola Mr. Meidui Dong and Ms. Changqing Wu Ms. Sue Doroh Mr. and Mrs. Scott Fabian Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Fairfield Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Fallon Mr. and Mrs. Tom Fiss Mr. Michael Gattuso and Dr. Jean Stewart-Gattuso Mr. and Mrs. Lee Genoese Mr. and Mrs. Scott Godsey

Mr. and Mrs. William Gore Mr. and Mrs. Manish Goyal Ms. Amy Graham Ms. Elizabeth Green Mrs. Kimberly Hamstead Dr. Xiao Fang and Dr. Jing He Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Hershey Mr. and Mrs. William Hicks Dr. and Mrs. Mark Holliday Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Horsey Mr. and Mrs. Philip Horsey Mr. Robert Jenkins and Mrs. Gathoni Murugi-Jenkins Mrs. Laura Julian Mr. Stephen Julian Mr. and Mrs. Chad Kessler Mr. Harish Koya and Ms. Himabindu Yalamati Dr. Paul Li and Ms. Linda You Mr. Qiang Lin and Ms. Wenwen Wu Punk’d Pineapple LLC Mr. and Mrs. David Manthey Drs. Patrick and Jessica Matthews Mr. and Mrs. Craig Nelson Mr. and Mrs. Steven Ng Mr. Zaiqi Pan and Ms. Yunqing Yuan Mr. Matthew and Dr. Meredith Perny Mr. Chip Phillips and Ms. Aurora Gonzalez-Phillips Mr. and Mrs. Paul Pomeroy, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Sunil Prashar Mr. and Mrs. Jonas Raab Mr. and Mrs. Steven Raab Mr. and Mrs. Tom Reilly Mr. and Mrs. Chris Rispoli Mr. Christopher Ross ‘86 and Mrs. Melissa Ross Dr. Robert Sepelyak Mr. and Mrs. Charles Shockley Skipjacks Dining Mrs. Denise Stitik ‘86 Mr. Jason Styons ‘01 Mr. Jun Sun and Ms. Linda Peng Mr. and Mrs. Chris Tourge Mr. and Mrs. Tom Urbanek Mr. and Mrs. James Venema Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Walch Mr. and Mrs. Tom Wayock Mr. and Mrs. Mike Womer Mr. and Mrs. Jack Wuerstle Mr. and Mrs. Hong Jun Zhao

DONOR CLUB UP TO $159 Mr. Maurice Abbott and Dr. Melissa Tribuiani Mr. and Mrs. Bill Abrams Dr. and Mrs. Vivek Agarwal Mr. and Mrs. Michael Aghajanian Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Alberta Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Allen Mr. and Mrs. Jake Annable Mr. Philip and Dr. Anne Annone Mr. and Mrs. David Anshen Ms. Deirdre Armstrong ‘99 Mr. Umar Aulia ‘16 Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Axt Mrs. Cheongmee Baek Miss Lindsey Bair ‘10 Mr. Ram Bala and Mrs. Aarthi Murali Mr. Brendan Balthis ‘15 Mr. Brett Balthis ‘17 Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Barton Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Beck Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Bell Mr. and Mrs. Donald Bergner Ms. Vita Biddle Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Boettner Mr. Christopher Bouchard ‘11 Mr. Nicholas Bouchard ‘15 Miss Ana Bowe ‘06 Mr. Matthew Bowe ‘03 Dr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Boyd Mr. Will Brechter ‘01 Mr. and Mrs. Edward Brennan Mr. and Mrs. William Browning Mrs. Michele Bruxelles Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Burke Ms. Kelly Bush Mr. Matthew Cannon ‘01 Mrs. Barbara Casarino Mr. John Castle Ms. Susan Cataldo Mr. and Mrs. Frank Catterton Mr. and Ms. Steven Chantler Mr. Kaibin Chen and Mrs. Zuying Zheng Mr. and Mrs. Ningyi Chen Mr. and Mrs. Charles Chitty Mr. and Mrs. David Chorlton Mr. Sean Chudzik Mr. and Mrs. Kenton Clausen Mrs. Dawn Clausing Ms. Lauren P. Clift Dr. Brian Cohen and Mrs. Leslie McGregor Mr. and Mrs. Paul Colbert Mr. and Mrs. Garrett Copeland

Mr. and Mrs. Mark Corbett Miss Katy Craft ‘16 Mr. and Mrs. Tim Cullen Mr. and Mrs. Doug Curtis Mrs. Donna Cutrona Ms. Becky D’Amico Mr. and Mrs. Michael DeBaecke Mr. Mark and Mrs. Suzanne Delaplane ‘96 Mrs. Nancy Deleski Mr. and Mrs. Bill Doroh Mr. Joseph Duffy Mr. and Mrs. Anit Dutta Mr. and Mrs. Gregory Engelmann Mr. Brent Ennis and Mrs. Shelley Ennis ‘01 Mr. and Mrs. Andrew P. Taylor Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Evans Mr. and Mrs. Ed Evans Mr. and Mrs. Randal Farabaugh Ms. Josee’ Faubert-Spence Mr. David & Dr. Judith Feick Mr. and Mrs. Jason Ferrell Mr. Benjamin Fickes ‘12 Mr. Donald Finney and Dr. Victoria Finney Five Below, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Foley Ms. Kera Foreman The Kula Foundation Dr. and Mrs. Brendan Fox Mr. and Mrs. Bob Fraser Ms. Lanay S. Frazier Mr. and Mrs. Robert Freeze Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Garrett Mr. Nicolas Genoese ‘15 Mr. and Mrs. Rollin Giffin Ms. Sarah Gilmore ‘01 Mr. Rodney R. Givler and Mrs. Venessa P. Piper-Givler Ms. Ella Godsey ‘17 Mr. Tyler Godsey ‘15 Mr. Ray Gomez and Mrs. Brittany Gomez ‘00 Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Gouge Mr. and Mrs. Richard Greevy Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Gregg Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Grieco Mr. and Mrs. Steve Griffin Mr. and Mrs. William Grothaus Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Hanna Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Hanulik Mr. and Mrs. William Harman Mr. and Mrs. Richard Hasty Mr. and Mrs. Peter Hayes Mr. and Mrs. Jeffery Hayter Mr. Changming He and Ms. Jie Xu

INSPIRE DREAM ACHIEVE

PA G E 1 7

S P I R I T M AG A Z I N E PA G E 1 8

Mr. and Mrs. Bill Hicks Ms. Tara Hoffner Mrs. Tricia Hogan Dr. and Mrs. James Hohman Dr. and Mrs. William Hohman Mr. Mark and Dr. Martha Hollomon Dr. and Mrs. Seungpyo Hong Drs. Timothy and Sandra Hopkins Dr. and Mrs. Ram Hosmane Drs. Vinay and Aparna Hosmane D&S Warehousing, Inc. Mrs. Diane Jackson Mr. and Mrs. James Jones Drs. Matthew and Trisha Jordan Mr. and Mrs. Robert Julian Mr. Taekyu Kang and Ms. Hyeryoung Yoon Mr. Nagaraj Kedda and Ms. Arathi Jayaram Mr. Brad Keen ‘13 Mr. Peyton Keen ‘10 Mr. and Mrs. Sanjay Khanna Mr. Scott Killen and Ms. Amy Maliner Mr. and Mrs. Vince Keedy Mr. and Mrs. Brian Kipp Dr. and Mrs. William Kipp Dr. Kathryn Kirsch ‘01 Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Kiser Mr. and Mrs. Blair Kitching Mr. Daniel Kitching ‘01 Mr. and Mrs. David Klaes Ms. Lisa Klein ‘01 Ms. Christine Koense Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Koziak Dr. Heidi Kozic Mr. and Mrs. David Krahn Mr. and Mrs. Marc A. Kreider Mr. and Mrs. Carl Kunz Dr. Cheng-Yu Lai and Dr. Daniela Radu Mr. and Mrs. Sean Laird Mr. and Mrs. Denzil LaMont Mr. and Mrs. Roger Landon Mr. John Langan Mr. Richard Langan ‘12 Mr. and Mrs. Thomas LaPenta Mr. Jason Lazar Mrs. Kelly Lazar Mr. and Mrs. Brian Lentz Ms. Lingchin Liao Mrs. Rose Maria Lombardi Mr. Cheng Lu and Ms. Cindy Huang Dr. Shuiyuan Luo and Dr. Man Zhang Dr. and Mrs. Gary Lyons Mrs. Marie Maks Mr. and Mrs. Paul Maloney Mr. and Mrs. Sunil Mathur

Mr. and Mrs. Patrick McAndrew Mr. and Mrs. Michael McCord Mr. and Mrs. Sean McCue Mr. and Mrs. Kevin McDonald McGlynns Peoples LLC Dr. Travis McKay ‘98 and Mrs. Amanda McKay Mr. and Mrs. Patrick McKeown Mr. Russell Michalak and Ms. Jennifer Smith Dr. and Mrs. Theodore Michell Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Molen Mr. and Mrs. Richard Moody Mrs. Robin Moody Ms. Linda Morel Mr. and Mrs. David Morse Mr. and Mrs. William Moses Mr. and Mrs. Koorosh Motahar Mr. Ted Myrick and Mrs. Laura Mackey Dr. Paul Johnston and Dr. Jennifer Nauen Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Nemeth Mr. David and Dr. Louise Reid Nichols Mr. Christopher M. Novak Drs. Kenneth and Nagella Nukuna Mr. and Mrs. Sam Nyabiosi Mr. Eamon O’Connor ‘13 Mr. Patrick O’Connor ‘13 Miss Meghan Okoniewski ‘10 Mrs. Lois Olsen Mr. and Mrs. Bill Osborne Ms. Lara Osborne Mr. Kofi Osei and Mrs. Adeline Jenkins Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Osland Mr. and Mrs. Nello Paoli Mr. Jun Young Park and Ms. Eun Kyung Cho Mr. and Mrs. Vishal Patel Mr. and Mrs. Victor Pelillo Ms. M. Tina Palmer and Mr. Charles Perkins Mr. and Mrs. Michael Pohlen Mr. and Mrs. Hommy Poursaied Mr. and Mrs. Tom Powell Mr. and Mrs. Dante Principe, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Dariel Rakestraw Mr. Nicholas Ramone ‘06 Mr. Ross Ramone ‘02 Mr. Sreenivas Rao Amara and Mrs. Savithri Bonala Mr. and Mrs. J. Paul Raymond Mr. Colby Reeder ‘12 Mr. and Mrs. Dan Reeder Mr. Troy Reeder ‘10 Mr. and Mrs. William Reid Mr. and Mrs. Mark Reilly Mr. and Mrs. Philip Reynolds Mr. Charles Ristano ‘97 Mr. Gregory Roach ‘04

Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Robinson Mr. and Mrs. David Rodeheaver Mr. Nimish Rustagi and Mrs. Durga Nishtala Dr. Tae Sakamoto Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Samuels Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Sand Dr. Ragu Sanjeev and Dr. Ramya Varadarajan Dr. and Mrs. James Scarborough Mr. and Mrs. Mark Scarpone Mr. and Mrs. Ron Schnelle Mr. and Mrs. Evan Schwarz Dr. Vincent See and Dr. Jennifer Ty Mr. Mark Seifert Drs. Sunjay and Neena Shah Mr. Sohan Shah ‘14 Miss Sophia Shah ‘16 Mr. and Mrs. Craig Sheets Mr. Muralee Y. Sharma and Dr. Surekha Bhamidipati Dr. Hongwu Yu and Dr. Holly Shen Mr. and Mrs. Howard Simmons Miss Maddy Singh ‘15 Miss Sophia Singh ‘13 Mr. Kieran Smith ‘07 Mr. and Mrs. Richard Smith Mr. Miguel Soares ‘17 Mr. Edward Z. Sobocinski Drs. Nick and Alexis Souleles Mr. and Mrs. Sam Souleles Ms. Tiffany Spencer Mr. and Mrs. Michael Stepanic Mr. and Mrs. Scott Stepek Mr. and Mrs. Dan Stephens Mr. Rahual Subbaraya ‘12 Mr. Rishi Subbaraya ‘16 Dr. and Mrs. Donald Suh Mr. Shao-Tang Sun and Mrs. Jean-Hsien Ho Mr. Andy Tarburton ‘84 and Mrs. Ann Tarburton Mr. Thomas Uebler, Esq. ‘95 and Mrs. Cameron Uebler Dr. Laura Vrana ‘03 Mr. Robert Vrana ‘00 and Mrs. Caroline Vrana Ms. Kerith Wang ‘08 Dr. and Mrs. Yushan Wang Mrs. Virginia Warren Mr. and Mrs. William Watt Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Whitaker III Ms. Christine Whitcraft ‘91 Mr. Ross Whitehead Mr. and Mrs. Michael Wilds Mr. and Mrs. Roger Wilke

PA G E 1 9

Mr. Bill Williams and Dr. Dahra Williams Mr. and Mrs. Elliott Wolhar Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Wolhar Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Woodland Mr. and Mrs. William Wright Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Wyatt Mr. and Mrs. Donald Yanick Miss Haley Yatzus ‘11 Mr. Alexander Zhu ‘16 Mr. and Mrs. Lance Ziering Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Zinszer

CLASS OF 2018 BOND DONORS The following generous families participated in our long-standing tradition of donating their bond back to the school after their children graduated.

John and Kimberly Alberta Ganesh Balu and Rooparani Bhat David and Amy Boyle The Czerwinski Family Dustin and Iris Fang Nina Auyeung and Bill Haughton Jonathan and Carolyn Hermes Kirsten Smith and Jennifer Hogan Dr. David Huang and Ms. Pamela Wu Mr. and Mrs. Bryan Keen Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Kenton

Matthew and Thea Kersey John and Gill MacMillan John and Lisa McMahon Leith and Kara Munson Ketal and Paresh Patel Laurisa and Porter Schutt David and Donna Sentman John and Kelly Shone Dr. Pamela Simpson (In honor of Gabriel Simpson) Rodman and Susan Stull The Tomaszewski Family Bingqing Wei and Dr. Kairong Chu (In honor of Benjamin Wei) Elizabeth Dainesi and Joseph Zaher Dr. Zhengang Zhang and Dr. Yan Jiang (In honor of Eddie Zhang) Dr. Yong Zhu and Mys. Yang Wu (In honor of Nick Zhu)

Accuracy is very important to us. If you feel that we have made an omission or error, please contact the Development Office at 302–234–9715.

EVENT SPONSORS

PRESENTING SPONSOR

PATRIOT LEVEL

WSFS Bank Delaware Orthopaedic Specialists First State Orthopaedics (Deep Kahlon, M.D., Jeremie Axe, M.D., Evan Crain, M.D.)

Alpine & Rafetto Orthodontics D’Souza & Associates, Pooja and Rohan D’Souza Dewson Construction Co. G. Fedale General Contractors Gordon, Fournaris and Mammarella, P.A. Gunnip & Company LLP IFS Benefits, LLC Pegasus Technologies Pennoni Salesianum School SB Real Estate, LLC Service Unlimited, Inc. Turf Pro Lawn & Landscape

STAR LEVEL Keen Compressed Gas Co. Master Seo’s Tiger Kicks Martial Arts Siegfried Advisory, LLC (Jeff Mitchell and Bill Schieffer) The Independence School Board of Trustees Tower Hill School Young Conaway Stargatt & Taylor, LLP (Timothy J. Houseal, Esq., Daniel P. Johnson, Esq., Ed Morton, Esq., Vincent C. Thomas, Esq.)

BLUE LEVEL Advanced Back & Neck Pain Center B+H Insurance (BHI) Barnes Evans & Lohse LLC Batta Environmental Associates, Inc.

Bifferato Gentilotti LLC GFP Cement Contractors, LLC Andrew J. Glick, M.D., Brandywine Urology Consultants, PA M&T Bank New Castle County School Employees FCU Pratt Insurance, Inc. Saint Mark’s High School The Alias Group Wilmington Friends School

RED LEVEL Aloysius Butler & Clark American Dance Academy Cacciatori Pizza & Pasta Diamond State Financial Group, LLC Elkton Dermatology First State Printing Genoese & Associates, CPA Kelsh Wilson Design

INSPIRE DREAM ACHIEVE

The Independence School would like to extend its sincerest gratitude to these event sponsors for helping us raise more than $125,594 to support our students and faculty during the 2017–2018 school year. Each year, Independence holds several community fundraising events, including the Auction & Gala, May Fair, and the 5K and Color Us Kids Run. Sponsorships from the companies below help make these events successful. If you are part of a company that is looking to support a great school and looking for an opportunity for targeted marketing to potential new customers, consider being an event sponsor for The Independence School!

R E P O RT O F P H I L A N T H R O PY PA G E 2 0

★ HEAD OF SCHOOL Victoria C. Yatzus

BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2018–2019 Mr. Kevin Heitzenroder ’85 President Mrs. Amelia Wyant ’90 Vice President Mr. Bryan Keen Treasurer Mrs. Bianca Fraser-Johnson Secretary Kieran Connolly, M.D. Mr. Tom Czerwinski Molly DiBianca, Esq. Mrs. Kristin Giffin Mr. Thomas Hanna Mrs. Jennifer Kenton Mr. Jeffrey Mitchell Mrs. Margaret O’Dwyer Lynn Okagaki, Ph.D. Mr. Jeffrey Shahan Mrs. Mona Singh Vincent Thomas, Esq. Rajeev Vaidya, Ph.D. Mrs. Rachel Wood Mrs. Victoria C. Yatzus (Ex-officio)

ADVISORY COUNCIL 2018–2019 Mrs. Sally Gore Mr. Vincent N. Greggo Mrs. Patricia A. Ireland Mr. Francis Julian Mr. Richard Julian Miss Doris LeStourgeon David P. Roselle, Ph.D.

SPIRIT PRODUCTION Sandy August Director of Development Claire Brechter Director of Enrollment Management and Marketing Charles Ristano ’97 Communications Manager

New Awards Presented at 40th Founders’ Day In celebration of our school’s 40th anniversary, Independence presented its first-ever Alumni Awards and Founders’ Award.

THE OUTSTANDING ALUMNI AWARD, recognizing an Independence alumna or alumnus who graduated 20 or more years ago and has demonstrated outstanding achievement, leadership, or innovation, went to ALEXANDER MACKLER (’97). Currently a federal prosecutor in Wilmington, Mr. Mackler has had an exemplary career, serving in a variety of roles as a staff member with officials in the Senate and in the White House. He also founded the Scott Mackler Memorial 5K for ALS research.

THE RISING STAR ALUMNI AWARD celebrates the same qualities as the Outstanding Alumni Award, but recognizes a graduate from within the past 20 years. KIERSTEN JONES SCHWENDEMAN (’03) was honored as its first recipient. While in college, she developed a passion for mental health advocacy and created programs for people with eating disorders. Mrs. Schwendeman is the founder of the Aster Center, a startup dedicated to establishing the first Delaware-based eating disorder clinic.

In addition, the late ROSS FASICK became the first recipient of THE FOUNDERS’ AWARD, granted to an extraordinary individual who has left a lasting impact on our school through his or her service, dedication and generosity.

Mr. Fasick, grandfather of seven Independence graduates and the great-grandfather of two current students, served Independence in many capacities over the years, from playing Santa Claus when his first grandchild became a student in the late 1980s to volunteering as chair of our “Links to Learning” capital campaign in the early 2000s.

He helped shepherd Independence through many important growth opportunities.

PICTURED FROM TOP TO BOTTOM: VICKY YATZUS, HEAD OF SCHOOL, WITH ALEX MACKLER, OUTSTANDING ALUMNI AWARD WINNER. KIERSTEN JONES SCHWENDEMAN, RISING STAR ALUMNI AWARD WINNER, WITH MRS. YATZUS. STEVEN FASICK (LEFT) AND LISA RAMONE (RIGHT), SON AND DAUGHTER OF FOUNDERS’ AWARD WINNER ROSS FASICK, WITH MRS. YATZUS.

Kelli Wilke Photography Kelsh Wilson Design Design and Photography

★

CALLING ALL NOMINATIONS KNOW SOMEONE WHO DESERVES TO BE CONSIDERED FOR NEXT YEAR’S ALUMNI AWARDS? LET US KNOW! SAUGUST@TISDE.ORG

congratulatIons TO THE CLASS OF 2018!

WE WISH YOU EVERY SUCCESS IN HIGH SCHOOL AND IN ALL THE MANY ADVENTURES THAT LIE AHEAD.

TH E I N D E P E N D E N C ESC H O O L .O R G

INSPIRE. DREAM. ACHIEVE.

1 30 0 PA P E R M I LL R OAD, NEWAR K, DE 1 97 1 1 • 302 . 239.0330 T HE I N DEPENDENC ESC HO O L .O R G