Independence SPIRIT - Fall 2019

Independence

Spirit in this issue

NEW FRONTIERS: Brain Science At Work At Independence

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 2019

Evidence-based NEW RESEARCH ON THE BRAIN PROMISES TO MAKE TEACHING AND LEARNING AT INDEPENDENCE AN EVEN RICHER EXPERIENCE.

in this issue OPENING NOTE / PAGE 1 NEW FRONTIERS: BRAIN SCIENCE AT WORK AT INDEPENDENCE / PAGE 2 OUTDOOR CLASSROOM PROGRESSES / PAGE 5 WELCOME TO THE ROOM OF THE FUTURE / PAGE 5 NEWS + NOTES / PAGE 6 ALUMNI PROFILES / PAGE 8 Q & A / PAGE 10 REPORT OF PHILANTHROPY / PAGE 13 2019 ALUMNI AWARDS / PAGE 20

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O P E N I N G N OT E

“ OUR APPROACH IS FOCUSED ON EVIDENCE-BASED ANSWERS, WHETHER WE ARE CONSIDERING CURRICULUM CHANGES, TEACHING APPROACHES, OR EVEN CLASSROOM FURNITURE!”

In this issue of Spirit, we look to the future. Our cover story on mind, brain, and education science explores the ways research is influencing and improving classroom practice, confirming some beliefs we’ve long held, and potentially overturning others.

insight and innovation Sometimes the amount of new research and data can

is enormous. The research has already expanded our

seem overwhelming. But we are careful. It has never been the

understanding of how students think and learn. That means

practice of The Independence School to jump on the latest

we—as educators and as parents—can help students expand

new ideas or teaching trends. Rather, our approach is focused

their own understanding of how they think and learn—

on evidence-based answers and solutions, whether we are

empowering them to do so more successfully.

considering curriculum changes, teaching approaches, or

We expect research will continue to guide us in optimizing instructional practices in many ways, from how

even classroom furniture!

As we employ research to optimize the experience of

we communicate content to how we effectively build specific

Independence students, we are driven by a commitment

skills. New insights into learning and the brain can also help us

to academic excellence—but also by a motive even more

better understand struggles and formulate a plan when faced

compelling. We as a society face an overabundance of

with teaching and learning challenges.

daunting challenges. We need our children to grow up well

In this world of rapid change, the single question that matters most of all remains, “How should we use each precious hour we have with our students to the very

equipped to face these. Know that every day, everyone at Independence is working hard to be sure they do!

With Spirit,

best advantage?” If we had unlimited time, we could say yes to every curricular option and enrichment opportunity imaginable. But because we do not, we must choose—and choose wisely.

Victoria C. Yatzus Head of School

INSPIRE. DREAM. ACHIEVE.

The impact of mind, brain, and education science

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

NEW FRONTIERS:

BRAIN SCIENCE AT WORK AT INDEPENDENCE

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“ YOU LITERALLY SEE THAT LEARNING IS A PROCESS OF LAYING DOWN AND REINFORCING NEW NEURAL PATHWAYS.”

For anyone interested in ways that teachers can teach better, students can learn better, and schools can better prepare young people for success, this is a fascinating point in time. That’s because advances in our understanding of the way the human brain works and learns are beginning to influence educational practice as never before.

“For decades, education was a practice unto itself, as was neurology, as was psychology,” explains Bernadette Gilmore, director of academic innovation.

“Then there was an ‘aha!’ moment when the silos started to come down. As educators, we are now capitalizing in a whole new way on what science shows us about the brain.”

When Gilmore uses the term “shows,” she means it quite literally. Breakthroughs have come with the use of functional MRI studies, which reveal images of what happens within people’s brains as they study and learn. “You literally see that learning is a process of laying down and reinforcing new neural pathways.”

Head of School Vicky Yatzus explains that the potential impact of the research is far-reaching. “We actually have data now that we can use to inform our approaches. Sometimes that data may confirm the value of things we have already been doing—validating insights we’ve developed through experience.

Sometimes it may show us we need to change. In either case, there are profound implications for the way we do school.”

Questions and Answers The field of mind, brain, and education science is not new, but in many ways, its impact is just now being felt. In any area of study, it takes time for discoveries happening now in education. “This is not the dawn of something entirely new, but it is a historic point of inflection.”

What insights have emerged? One of the most exciting may be a realization of just how highly adaptive human brains are. “They have remarkable neuroplasticity,” says Vita Biddle, learning specialist, citing studies that show physical transformations within the brain as people acquire new skills, from playing the violin to speaking Spanish. “One implication is that even if you are not good at something right now, you have the opportunity to become good at it. That’s a point that is very valuable for our students to understand.”

INSPIRE. DREAM. ACHIEVE.

to make their way from the lab into practice. Yatzus says that’s exactly what’s

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

NEW FRONTIERS:

BRAIN SCIENCE AT WORK AT INDEPENDENCE

Research has also shown that learning is more social than we had realized, a fact revealed by the areas of the brain that light up in the process of taking in new information. This finding affirms the value of collaborative work—and is leading to new thinking on everything from the way classroom spaces are arranged to the way class time is apportioned.

A third interesting area of insight concerns the value of experiencing struggle in learning. “It might seem that learning things quickly and easily would be ideal,” says Gilmore, “but that’s not necessarily true. It turns out that the time you spend ‘in the pit’—trying and failing as you work through something challenging—makes the new skill or content really stay with you.”

As mind, brain, and education science moves forward, it promises answers to other important questions: Which interventions work best in reading instruction? Can and should these be customized based on individual neural differences? What is the appropriate age to introduce each

“ THE SCHOOL’S CENTER FOR WELLNESS, INNOVATION AND LEARNING (CWIL™) PROVIDES THE PERFECT FRAMEWORK FOR MAKING THE MOST OF THE NEW SCIENCE.”

new cognitive skill? What are the optimal uses of instructional technology?

Clearly, the answers have the potential to transform the student experience.

Especially Well Positioned In the decades to come, it seems inevitable that mind, brain, and education science will make its influence felt across the world of education. Independence, however, is moving faster than most schools to put the science to work—and in some distinctive ways.

For one thing, it’s including students in the process. At Independence, it’s not just faculty who are busy talking about neural pathways and fMRIs. “Since the early ’90s, we’ve had a study skills class,” explains Biddle. “That morphed into Learning Applications (LeApps™)—a hallmark course that teaches students to understand their own learning processes and develop effective strategies. Now, that course is drawing heavily on brain science.”

Students learn about the function and development of different parts of the brain and also researchbased learning strategies—for instance, interval study. It turns out that short study sessions, distributed over time, yield much better results than longer concentrated periods of work.

Independence fifth graders have also had the rare opportunity to witness brain research in action, visiting labs at the University of Delaware’s Department of Linguistics and Cognitive Science. “It’s one thing to read about this kind of work,” says Yatzus, “but quite something else to sit down, put on the little cap with the wires on it, and see your brain light up onscreen.”

In many ways, Independence is well prepared to make the most of the emerging science. LeApps provides a well-established channel for sharing new insights with students. A new “classroom of the future” (see page 5) offers the chance to explore the best physical settings for busy brains.

And the school’s mindfulness program helps students reduce stress and achieve an optimal mindset for learning.

More broadly, the school’s Center for Wellness, Innovation and Learning (CWIL™) provides the perfect framework for making the most of the new science—focused as the center is on promoting best practices for supporting the whole child, including aspects related to learning and the brain.

As Yatzus points out, the school’s relatively small size and its independence are helpful as well.

“When it comes to innovating in thoughtful and effective ways,” she says. “I believe we are especially well positioned.”

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Outdoor Classroom Progresses MOVING PAST THE CHALLENGE OF FUNDING AND TOWARD THE CHANCE FOR FUN. The school’s plans for a new outdoor classroom space are inspiring. They provide for more than 57,000 square feet, adjacent to school classrooms, that will feature 14 distinct learning and play areas, from dirt-digging and natural art areas to a water area with a tiered route for a flowing stream.

Just as exciting is the fact that Independence has now reached its funding target for the project. Grants from two local foundations got things started. Enthusiastic parents then pitched in, with one particularly generous family making the difference in the end. They are the Funks—Ashley Quill Funk (Independence Class of 1995) and her husband, Vance Funk, parents of Madison, who just started second grade, and Lydia, now 2, and hopefully a future Patriot.

“We were not at the fundraising gala in person,” explains Vance, “but we were following things from the comfort of our couch and bidding online. When we saw they had come up short of their target for the Outdoor Classroom, Ashley and I talked it over and decided we would pitch in and close the gap.”

Ashley says both their daughters love outdoor play, and she and Vance appreciate the fact that their girls will benefit directly from the new facility. “Getting children outside and actively exploring things is a wonderful idea and a great complement to all the other skills and experiences Independence provides,” she says.

The Funks have been delighted with Madison’s time at Independence. “It’s an amazing school,” Vance says. “It boggles my mind, the things the children are learning. Beyond that, it’s a place where people really care about the students and the families that make up this school community.”

As research shapes the way we think about learning (see the cover story), it’s also sparking fresh thinking about the design of the spaces where learning takes place. Consider, for example, the innovative new classroom that Independence students are now experiencing for the first time. Known—at least for now—as the “Room of the Future,” it’s brightly painted and newly furnished with flexible, varied, and easily moved seating and workspaces. In an added twist, there is even a writable tabletop.

“Students can try standing at a desk or sitting with a group.

They can see what works best for them,” says Vicky Yatzus, head of school.

Vita Biddle, learning specialist, agrees: “Classrooms have looked pretty much the same since the 1800s, with each student essentially tethered to a desk most of the day. We realize that model is probably not ideal, at least not for everyone.”

The school’s Room of the Future is an opportunity, she says, to test features and design approaches that, if found successful, can be incorporated into more Independence classrooms.

INSPIRE. DREAM. ACHIEVE.

Welcome to the Room of the Future

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N E WS + N OT E S

A Stream Runs Through It

A Super Spring for Sports

As the Pike Creek winds its narrow way through the

Fall sports have wrapped up, but it’s not too late

Independence campus, it brings not only beauty and

to look back with pride on a successful spring. The

tranquility but also scientific opportunity. Through a

tennis team, which completed its eighth consecutive

partnership with the renowned Stroud Water Research

unbeaten season with a record of 9–0, led the list of

Center in Avondale, PA, the school is making the most

Independence athletic achievements. The squad won

of this living laboratory.

58 individual matches on the season, against just

Center staff have teamed up with teachers and students on a variety of field experiences. The center provided equipment and instruction on microbial testing and guided students in assessing the stream’s macroinvertebrate population. They also helped install sensors in the stream that measure temperature, conductivity, and water depth, transmitting data in real

19 losses, and extended its unbeaten streak to 79 matches, dating back to April 21, 2011. “I am very proud of the experienced players and the growth our new players displayed,” co-head coach Heather Watt said.

“We played two extremely close matches against Tower Hill, and both times, the depth of our team was a key factor.”

time to the web. Stroud educator David Kline taught

Two other Patriot teams scored nearly perfect

students how to interpret data, revealing the impact

seasons as well, with just one loss each: baseball and

of storms on the stream and the way road salt use

girls’ soccer. Baseball went unbeaten against fellow

produces spikes in water conductivity.

Delaware Independent School Conference (DISC)

“Through our connection to the Stroud Center,” says teacher Sarah Ferrell, “our students have been transformed into active citizen scientists. They’ve learned how to make contributions to a global community of researchers.”

opponents, while girls’ soccer managed four shutouts, including three in a row, on the way to a 4–1–5 record overall.

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Honored Musicians

Writing Excellence

Each year, state associations of music educators

“Success in college, work, and life depends upon

recognize outstanding choir members and

communicating and expressing ideas effectively

instrumentalists by naming them to all-state

through writing.” This statement comes from a

ensembles. The most recent crop of standouts

2019 research report from the Bill & Melinda Gates

included especially strong representation from

Foundation. However, it could also be attributed to

Independence. Eight girls in grades 4-6 took part in the

virtually any Independence faculty member, given the

state’s Children’s Honor Choir. Three middle schoolers

shared belief across the school in the value of teaching

were selected for the All-State Junior Chorus: Olivia

and learning writing.

named All-State Band Members: Aadi Varshney and Katherine Niu. And one, Zubin Park, was chosen for All-State Orchestra.

Recent data show that Independence is putting this belief into action effectively. Results from the Writing Assessment Program (WrAP) show that 92 percent of Independence eighth graders scored at an above-

“Being selected for these groups means the chance

average level when compared with independent school

to practice and perform with the best musicians of

students nationally, and more than one-third of Indy

their age in the state, under the direction of exemplary

students scored at the highest possible level. WrAP is

guest conductors,” says music teacher Tae Sakamoto.

an assessment developed by the Educational Records

Why have Indy students been so successful in auditioning for these ensembles? “We have a very

Bureau (ERB) that relies on evaluation by professional readers using well-defined criteria.

musically active school,” explains Sakamoto. “Music

Many factors contribute to the school’s strength in

instruction begins at age 3, and opportunities keep

writing, from daily lessons in phonics and grammar and

building as students grow older. Just as important, our

personalized reading instruction in the early grades

students are very motivated. At Independence, music is

to extensive opportunities as students grow older to

something cool to do.”

practice the skills of expository, descriptive, persuasive, and narrative writing.

INSPIRE. DREAM. ACHIEVE.

Kessler, Brian Pan, and Katy Hollomon. Two were

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

A LU M N I P R O F I L E S

KATELYN CRAFT ’16, A YOUNG HERO Katy Craft has been honored with the National Liberty Museum’s Young Heroes Award. This honor recognizes compassionate leaders making a difference in their communities—and the description definitely fits. Craft volunteers with Exceptional Care for Children (ECC), a skilled care facility in Newark for kids with serious medical conditions. There, she plays, reads, and does crafts with patients. Craft first discovered ECC while researching options to fulfill a community service requirement at Tower Hill School, where she is now a senior. She loved the organization and the children so much that she ended up completing her 40-hour service requirement before even starting freshman year. Ever since, she has visited ECC every chance she gets. “They are the cutest, most amazing kids you’ll ever meet in your life,” she says. Craft’s volunteer experience has inspired plans to major in biomedical engineering in college. “I’d love to find ways to make the medical equipment the kids depend on less bulky so that it wouldn’t weigh them down so much,” she says.

TROY REEDER ’10, GOING PRO As a standout linebacker for the Delaware Blue Hens, Troy Reeder dreamed he might one day play in the NFL. Now that day is here, and the dream has come true. Reeder was signed by the L.A. Rams as an undrafted rookie free agent in May. At your next opportunity to watch a Rams game, look for the player wearing #51. Although Reeder’s athletic career has taken him far from his roots in Newark, he says he still feels deeply connected. “I’m so grateful for the foundation that Independence built for me,“ Reeder explains.

“The teaching, coaching, mentoring, friendships, and challenges that I received there set me on a high trajectory for the rest of my life and allowed me to achieve my highest goals.”

DYLAN EVANS ’16, LEAD SCORER Each year, nearly two million college-bound students take the ACT, a test of English, math, reading, and science. When he completed the exam last spring, Dylan Evans did something only about two-tenths of one percent of all these students manage: He earned the highest possible score, a 36. “When I finished the test, I thought I did pretty well,” Evans says. “But I didn’t expect this at all. When I saw my score I was ecstatic.” A senior at Tower Hill School, Evans says he has never minded standardized tests. “Even back at Independence, I would look forward to ERBs. People thought that was strange, but I said the tests were a lot easier than schoolwork we did every day!” In addition to being a strong student, Evans plays squash and is a member of Tower Hill’s state champion golf team.

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ANDREW KACMARCIK ’11, ENGINEERING THE FUTURE Where will the next breakthrough in wireless telecommunications lead us? That’s a question Andrew Kacmarcik is exploring through his Ph.D. research in electrical engineering at Georgia Institute of Technology. Specifically, he is studying terahertz networks. Through these networks, highfrequency signals might one day connect mobile phones with each other—and without cell towers.

For Kacmarcik, landing at one of the nation’s top-ranked programs in his field is the latest stop in an academic journey that included an honors degree in engineering from the University of Delaware, an outstanding high school experience at St. Mark’s, and of course, a great start at Independence.

“It might seem strange coming from such a math/science guy,” Kacmarcik says as he looks back on his middle-school years, “but what stayed with me the most from Independence is that it really prepared me as a writer. It’s a skill I’ve used ever since, and one I still use every day.”

ARJAN KAHLON ’18, LAUNCHING APOLLO As Arjan Kahlon points out, the nation is facing a shortage of doctors—especially in primary care. Yet it has no shortage of bright young people who might turn out to be great physicians. His solution? Apollo: Youth in Medicine, an internship program that gives high school students the chance to shadow practicing physicians. A student at the Charter School of Wilmington, Kahlon co-founded Apollo at the start of ninth grade with a friend from another area school and with support from the Delaware Youth Leadership Network (DYLN) and the Medical Society of Delaware. The project has been an immediate success. “So far, nearly 40 physicians have offers to host,” Kahlon says, “and we have accepted about 80 students for shadowing. Currently, 20 high schools are involved across New Castle and Kent Counties.” Kahlon says that the entrepreneurial influences at Independence inspired him to launch and run the startup.

LAURA HURFF ’10, ALL-AMERICAN passion for field hockey to the national level. In 2016, she won a silver medal in the Junior Pan American Games.

Before graduating from Syracuse University in 2017 with a major in health and exercise science, she was honored as a Second-Team All-American. And in May 2018, she was named to the U.S. Women’s national field hockey team. At present, Hurff is not playing with the national outdoor team, instead joining the national indoor squad.

In addition to being more than active as a player herself, Hurff is also now serving as the assistant field hockey coach at Cornell University.

INSPIRE. DREAM. ACHIEVE.

Always a talented athlete, Laura Hurff has taken her

QA &

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

“ TEACHING AT INDEPENDENCE IS AN ENGLISH TEACHER’S DREAM.” PAULA BOETTNER

HOW DOES IT FEEL TO MARK THE START OF A NEW SCHOOL YEAR WITHOUT HEADING BACK TO CLASS?

Toward the end of August, I started having the feeling that I should be getting my classroom and my lessons ready. In fact, I woke up a couple of mornings in a panic. Now the reality has sunk in.

It’s a bit bittersweet. I miss my students and their energy. They keep you eternally young. I don’t miss the 65-hour workweeks quite as much!

HOW DID YOU FIRST COME TO INDEPENDENCE?

W I T H PAU L A BOETTNER A faculty member since 1993, Paula Boettner enjoyed teaching middle school English until June 2019, when her final school year at Independence came to a close and she embarked on the new adventure of retirement.

I’d been working for six years in a much different setting, teaching adolescents who were patients at a psychiatric hospital. When I decided I was ready to return to a regular classroom, I kept hearing good things about Independence. In fact, I heard so many good things that I decided to send my sons here. Then, just after they enrolled, I received an offer to teach at the school.

WHAT WERE SOME HIGHLIGHTS OF TEACHING SIXTH-, SEVENTH-, AND EIGHTH-GRADE ENGLISH?

Teaching at Independence is an English teacher’s dream. The challenge of English is that you have so much to cover—literature, writing, grammar, vocabulary. The advantage at Independence is that students have double periods a number of times each cycle, and that means they can accomplish so much more.

DID YOU HAVE FAVORITE LESSONS TO TEACH?

I never, ever tired of reading To Kill a Mockingbird with the eighth graders.

I read it so many times, and every time I picked up on items I never had before. That’s what happens with great literature. I also loved teaching research papers. And I enjoyed teaching grammar. It can be dry, but once you show the students how the concepts from grammar can help them with their writing, it starts to connect.

MIDDLE SCHOOLERS CAN HAVE A REPUTATION (DESERVED OR NOT) FOR BEING A HANDFUL, YET YOU WORKED WITH THEM HAPPILY FOR 26 YEARS.

I have to say that before I started at Independence, I had a couple of sleepless nights. I wondered, What am I doing? I had always taught at the high school level, and once, college freshmen. But two days in, I knew I had nothing to worry about.

The students at Independence are fabulous—bright and full of energy. I never looked back.

WHAT’S NEXT?

Reading books I want to read, not just the ones I need to teach! Also, one thing on my bucket list is to see Iceland—especially the aurora borealis—although I know it’s not always cooperative about putting on a show when you happen to be visiting.

My husband and I may make that trip next summer.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR PHILOSOPHY OF TEACHING?

A faculty member since 1992, Vita Biddle fills multiple roles, as learning specialist, Learning Applications (LeApps™) instructor, director of secondary school placement, and fourth through sixth grade teacher.

She is the recipient of the 2019 Patricia A. Ireland Faculty Award, honoring the qualities of professionalism, compassion, and good nature, exemplified by retired Head of School, Patricia Ireland.

HOW DID YOU FIRST COME TO INDEPENDENCE?

I was teaching in the public school system and wanted a better setting, one where I could spend more time on teaching and less on paperwork and behavioral issues. Independence certainly met that expectation.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE BEST ABOUT TEACHING HERE?

I love having the ability to try new things—to innovate. Also, the strong child-parent-teacher connection.

There is a whole framework of support. You’re helping them, and they’re helping you. Families have chosen to bring their children to Independence, and they’ve made a big commitment, so they are fully vested.

HOW WOULD YOU SAY YOUR TEACHING HAS EVOLVED OVER THE YEARS?

I do a lot of things differently from when I was just starting out, but I would say the biggest change has actually been in the children. Kids are just a heck of a lot smarter than they were 30 years ago! They are constantly bombarded by information; they take it all in, and they want to teach you what they know. They have individual passions and interests, and you need to acknowledge those in the way you teach.

“ I LOVE HAVING THE ABILITY TO TRY NEW THINGS—TO INNOVATE.” VITA BIDDLE

FOR MOST OF YOUR CAREER, THE MAJORITY OF YOUR WORK HAS BEEN WITH FIFTH GRADERS. WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT THAT AGE?

The fifth-grade students are just wonderful. They are young enough that you can still be silly with them and they won’t be embarrassed by it. And they are so naturally curious.

When I teach them about the ways we each learn differently, they are so eager to use this knowledge to better understand themselves.

CONGRATULATIONS ON THE IRELAND AWARD. WORD IS, IT’S NOT YOUR ONLY RECENT HONOR.

Yes. I also was selected by Delaware Today as one of 11 Top Teachers in Delaware. I feel very honored by this recognition and by the Ireland Award.

WHAT ARE YOUR INTERESTS AWAY FROM SCHOOL?

I love to cook (especially Italian food), to read, and to garden, and I love the beach.

AND IF YOU GOT TO (OR HAD TO) PURSUE A CAREER OTHER THAN TEACHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

Let’s make this interesting. How about a detective who runs a restaurant on the side?

INSPIRE. DREAM. ACHIEVE.

W I T H V I TA BIDDLE

First, I should say that my philosophy of teaching has evolved over the years. It had to. Second, I would say that I believe you have to see each student as a whole person and know them as a person. If you can manage to make a connection, then everything else comes easily.

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Mark Your Calendar WINTER CONCERTS D EC E M B E R

Auction & Gala APRIL

18

12+18

Corn Hole FebFest Tournament F E B R UA RY

7

SPRING STEMFest CONCERTS 29+ 23 14

F E B R UA RY

29

third - grade patriotic program

APRIL

APRIL

M AY

M AY

8

A DATE AT THE DERBY— A DAY FOR FUNDRAISING AND FUN-RAISING! From the giant moss-covered horse, to the fancy hats and bow ties to the bourbon tasting to the jockeys, The Independence School’s 2019 Auction & Gala, A Date at the Derby, was a fabulous night for the Independence community!

The Auction & Gala raised $80,000 to benefit students, plus an additional $25,000 was raised for the outdoor classroom through a special paddle-raise at the event.

SAVE THE DATE

APRIL 18, 2020

G R E E N V I L L E CO U N T RY C LU B

We applaud the tireless auction chairs, Laura Fedale, Julie Thomas, Ivey Helmick, and Robin Moody, as well as our décor chairs, Marea Kessler and Ashley Procope, who brought the Derby to Delaware. Without their months of work, events like this simply would not happen. Parent/ photographer Kelli Wilke brought us Piper Photo Booth, adding to the fun. Finally, we thank all of our sponsors, auction item donors, and wine toss donors for their generosity.

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THE INDEPENDENCE SCHOOL REPORT OF PHILANTHROPY 2018–2019 The Independence School is sincerely grateful for the continued generosity of our community, including 530 parents, alumni, faculty and staff, grandparents, former parents, and friends who supported the school and our students with a philanthropic gift during the 2018–2019 school year.

We are particularly proud to report that we once again have 100 percent 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.

Independence Club

Freedom Club

Spirit Club

Anonymous

Mr. and Mrs. Bob and Sissy Aerenson

CSC

Anonymous

Anonymous

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Czerwinski

Crystal Trust

Drs. Kieran and Chantel Connolly

Mr. Shaochen Feng

Davenport Family Foundation

Delaware Orthopaedic Specialists

Dr. and Mrs. Andrew J. Glick

Mrs. Ashley Funk ’95 and Mr. Vance Funk

Mr. Amish and Dr. Payal Desai

Mr. Ryan Haydu and Dr. Barbara Albani

Mr. and Mrs. Vincent Greggo

First State Orthopaedics

Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Johnson

Mr. and Mrs. Thom Harvey

Mr. and Mrs. Bob Fraser

Dr. Deep Kahlon and Ms. Mona Singh

Mr. J. Kevin Heitzenroder ’85 and

Mr. Thomas and Dr. Lexie Hanna

Mr. and Mrs. Bryan Keen

Mr. and Mrs. Francis R. Julian

Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Kenton

The Independence Parents’ Association

Mr. and Mrs. Merrill Keen

Mr. and Mrs. Charles Perkins

Mr. Jeffrey Shahan and

Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Vrana

$10,000 AND UP

Mrs. Elizabeth Heitzenroder (IPA)

$5,000 TO $9,999

Mr. and Mrs. Michael J. Johnson

Mr. and Mrs. Alan Levin

Mr. William B. Wagamon

Marmot Foundation

WSFS Bank

$3,000 TO $4,999

Mrs. Kimberly Shahan ’97

Mrs. Amelia Wyant ’90 and Mr. Jack Wyant Mrs. Victoria Yatzus

Annual Fund

2018–2019 $661,791

2018–2019 $267,814

2017–2018 $495,043

2017–2018 $272,043

2016–2017 $463,312

2016–2017

$224,129

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. ACHIEVE.

Total Giving

R E P O RT O F P H I L A N T H R O PY 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, their talent, and their treasures.

Their efforts account for $58,000 of the Total Giving in 2018–2019.

Through the work of the IPA:

Student Field Trips

Stars Club

$1,500 TO $2,999 Mr. Donald Ashwell Dr. Jeremie Axe Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Bree Jr. Dr. and Mrs. John Courtright Dr. and Mrs. Evan Crain Mr. and Mrs. Rohan D’Souza Dr. Mark Fiss and Dr. Marissa Schnelle Mr. and Mrs. Michael Gilmore Mrs. Whitney Glaccum ’88 and

Mr. John Amory Glaccum

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Harra III Drs. Cathy and Jay Harris Mr. Guohua Jing and Ms. Yu Yao Mr. Richard Julian Jr. ’93

Instructional Technology

Mr. and Mrs. Richard J. Julian Keen Compressed Gas Mrs. Grace Kirk Dr. Jun Li and Mrs. Fei Cheng Louviers Federal Credit Union

Colorful Display Boards

Mr. and Mrs. Victor Marcelo III Mr. and Mrs. Robert Mark Master Seo’s Tiger Kicks Martial Arts Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Mitchell Mr. and Mrs. P.J. O’Dwyer Dr. Lynn Okagaki

Professional Development

Drs. Munish and Anjala Pahwa Mrs. Diana Rollins Mr. and Mrs. Luca Saggese Mr. Hayoung Seo and Mrs. Mi Jung Choi Mr. and Mrs. Vincent Thomas

Drama

Tower Hill School Young Conaway Stargatt & Taylor, LLP

Stripes Club

$1,000 TO $1,499

Mindfulness Studio

Aetna Foundation Alpine & Rafetto Orthodontics Mr. and Mrs. Erik Barr Berry Refrigeration Co., Inc.

SafeStudents Online

Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Brindley Dewson Construction Company Ms. Molly DiBianca, Esq. D’Souza & Associates Mr. and Mrs. Steven Fasick

Class of 2019 Activities

Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Fedale Mrs. Jane Fouracre Mr. and Mrs. Darrin Frampton Mr. Brian Funk ’94 and Mrs. Andrea Funk G. Fedale General Contractors Gordon, Fournaris & Mammarella

PA G E 1 5

Mr. Michael and Dr. Heather Hahn Mr. and Mrs. Richard Handloff

Red Club $650 TO $999

Mr. and Mrs. Philip Horsey

Mr. and Mrs. Mark deGarbolewski

IFS Benefits LLC

Ms. Amy Graham

Mrs. Patricia A. Ireland

Mr. and Mrs. John Heitzenroder

Mr. and Mrs. Robert T. Jones Jr.

Dr. Jorge Soares and Dr. Elizabeth Bayley

Dr. & Mrs. Robert Kacmarcik Jr.

Mr. and Mrs. Steven Wheat

Dr. Stephen Kayiaros Dr. Jag Kumar and Mrs. Shuba

Gangaswamiah

M&T Bank Mr. and Mrs. Keith Mayhew Mr. and Mrs. Jason Motta Mr. Dave & Dr. Joan Neikirk Mr. Zaiqi Pan and Ms. Yunqing Yuan Dr. Mia Papas ’86 and Dr. James Symons Mr. and Mrs. Shodhan Patel Pegasus Technologies, LLC Pennoni Mrs. Sheila Posatko and Mr. Bob Hazzard Dr. and Mrs. John Powell Dr. Shaoming Qu and Dr. Siyan Wang Mr. and Mrs. Marc Rollins Dr. and Mrs. Michael J. Ryan Salesianum School Mr. and Mrs. Doug Schneider Mr. Charles P. Schutt Jr. Mr. Jack Shi and Ms. Qing Gao Siegfried Advisory, LLC Dr. and Mrs. Gary Singh Mr. and Mrs. Robert Sonchen Dr. Jiancheng Su and Mrs. Ying He Sustainable Energy Utility Turf Pro Lawn and Landscape Dr. and Mrs. Rajeev Vaidya Dr. Harry Wang and Ms. Carrie Fang Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Willin Dr. Jerry Xiao and Dr. Jun Tian Mr. Ping Xu and Ms. Boon Huei Loh Dr. Tom Xu and Dr. Sharon Luo Dr. Yong Zhu and Ms. Yang Wu

Income Sources 2018–2019

White Club

$350 TO $649 Mr. and Mrs. Michael Aghajanian Aloysius Butler & Clark Mr. and Mrs. Michael Ambler American Dance Academy Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Archbell Mr. and Mrs. Mike August

TUITION: 87%

Drs. Michael and Linda Barkasy Jr. Barnes Evans & Lohse LLC Biddle Capital Management

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

Dr. and Mrs. Kyle J. Bottorff Mr. and Mrs. Robert Brechter Mr. and Mrs. Michael Bree Brown Advisory Mr. and Mrs. George Brown IV

FUNDRAISING: 4% ENDOWMENT: 3%

Cacciatori Pizza & Pasta Mr. and Mrs. Damian Carlson Dr. Avinash and Dr. Anuradha Chandra Mr. and Ms. Steven Chantler Mr. Hungcheng Chen and Ms. Chishu Chang Ms. Sue Chudzik

Expenses 2018–2019

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Coviello Mr. and Mrs. Marty Coyne Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Craft Crossland, Heinle and Bryde, LLC Ms. Sue Doroh Dr. Matt Eichenbaum Mr. and Mrs. Edward Evans III Exelon Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Mark Farrall Mr. Christopher Fasick ’98 and

Mrs. Anita Fasick

Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Foley Mr. and Mrs. Steve Fox

SALARIES/BENEFITS: 60%

Mr. and Mrs. Leroy Fullmer Genoese & Associates, P.A., CPA

TUITION ASSISTANCE: 19%

Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Georgov GFP Cement Contractors, LLC

PROGRAM COSTS: 11%

Mrs. Sally Gore Mr. and Mrs. Manish Goyal Mr. and Mrs. John Helmick Mr. Stephen Julian ’00

FACILITIES COSTS: 10%

INSPIRE. DREAM. ACHIEVE.

Gunnip & Company CPAs

R E P O RT O F P H I L A N T H R O PY PA G E 1 6

Mr. and Mrs. Chad Kessler Joohyong and Susan Kim Ms. Christine Koense

Blue Club

$160 TO $349

Drs. Patrick and Jessica Matthews Senator and Mrs. David McBride Dr. Mary Ellen McNally

Mr. Joseph Lombardi

Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Bair

Drs. Eric and Barbara Miller

Dr. Liang Lu and Ms. Jing Cao

Bank of America

Jim and Judy Montgomery

Drs. Thomas and Mariam Mammen

Mr. and Mrs. Michael Berryman

Mr. and Mrs. Craig Nelson

Mr. and Mrs. Prodromos Mavridis

Mr. Joe Brennan and Ms. Amy Eyberger

Mr. Hao Ni and Ms. Angel Tsai

Mr. and Mrs. Patrick McAndrew

Mrs. Michele Bruxelles

Ms. M. Tina Palmer and Mr. Charles Perkins

Dr. Travis McKay ’98 and

Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Burke

Mr. Aravindan Pratapagiri and Mrs. Kavya

Mr. and Mrs. Mark Corbett

Mr. and Mrs. Richard Moody

Mrs. Suzanne Delaplane ’85 and

Dr. and Mrs. Declan Quigley

Mrs. Christine Moritz ’91 and

Mr. and Mrs. William Reynolds

Mr. Meidui Dong and Ms. Changqing Wu

Mr. and Mrs. Chris Rispoli

Dr. and Mrs. David Nagurney

Mr. and Mrs. Bill Doroh

Mr. and Mrs. David Roach

Mrs. Kathleen D. Neal

Mr. and Mrs. Scott Fabian

Mr. and Mrs. Everett Robinson

Mr. and Mrs. Steven Ng

Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Fallon

Mr. Joseph Russell

Mr. Ruijie Niu and Dr. Lihua Wang

Mr. and Mrs. Allan Fanjoy

Dr. Robert Sepelyak

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Orzel

Mr. and Mrs. Gary Ferenz

Mr. Jun Sun and Ms. Linda Peng

Mr. Jing Pan and Ms. Zhiying Zou

Mr. and Mrs. Tom Fiss

Mr. and Mrs. Chris Tourge

Mr. Stephen and Dr. Michelle Papa

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Freeze

Mr. Jack Tsai and Mrs. Rebecca Liu

Dr. and Mrs. Etern Park

Dr. Zhenhai Gao and Dr. Wei Geng

Mr. Brian Urbanek and Dr. Rebecca Urbanek

Mr. and Mrs. Peter Peddrick

Mr. Michael Gattuso and Dr. Jean Stewart-

Dr. and Mrs. Satya Verma

Mr. Jim Pizzutto and Ms. Janis Julian

Mr. and Mrs. John Poplawski

Mr. and Mrs. Lee Genoese

Wells Fargo Educational Matching

Pratt Insurance, Inc.

Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Giffin

Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Robinson

Ms. Erika Glaeser

Mr. and Mrs. Wilmer R. Wenger

Dr. and Mrs. Christopher Savage

Mr. and Mrs. Farrell Goble

Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Whitaker III

Mrs. Rachelle Schindler

Mr. and Mrs. William Grothaus

Dr. and Mrs. Bradley Why

Dr. and Mrs. William Schmidt

Mr. and Dr. Dave Hanich

Mr. and Mrs. Elliott Wolhar

Mrs. Donna Sentman ’80 and

Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Hasty

Mr. and Mrs. Mike Womer

Mrs. Amanda McKay

Mr. Garrett Moritz

Mr. Mark Delaplane

Gattuso

Annamane

Mr. and Mrs. Tom Wayock Gift Program

Mr. David Sentman

Dr. Xiao Fang and Dr. Jing He

Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Woodland

Service Unlimited Inc.

Mr. and Mrs. Michael Helmick

Mr. and Mrs. Jack Wuerstle

Drs. Sunjay and Neena Shah

Dr. and Mrs. Stephen Hershey

Mr. Mingyang Yu

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Shaver

Mr. and Mrs. Bill Hicks

Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Slowik

Ms. Marissa Hohman ’12

Soccer Shots

Dr. and Mrs. Mark Holliday

Drs. Nick and Alexis Souleles

Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Horsey

St. Mark’s High School

Dr. Feng Jiao and Dr. Zhuojia Lin

Mr. and Mrs. Scott Stepek

Mrs. Laura Julian

Mrs. Denise Stitik ’86

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Kirk

Mr. Jason Styons ’01

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Knox

Mr. Jeremy Tigan

Mr. John Langan

Mrs. Joan Valentine

Mr. Richard Langan ’12

Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Walch

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas LaPenta

Mr. and Mrs. Rick Wenger

Mr. and Mrs. Karl Law

Mr. and Mrs. Roger Wilke

Mr. and Mrs. Jay Lazar

Wilmington Friends School

Mrs. Christine Lewis

Dr. and Mrs. Gary Witkin

Mr. Qiang Lin and Ms. Wenwen Wu

Dr. Robert Wolf and Dr. Rachel Davidson

Mr. Renhua Liu and Ms. Yao Li

Mr. Zongping Yang and Ms. Yu Hao

Dr. and Mrs. John MacMillan

Mr. and Mrs. Hong Jun Zhao

Mrs. Marie Maks Mrs. Linda Manthey ’81 and

Mr. David Manthey

Donor Club UP TO $159

Mr. Maurice Abbott and Dr. Melissa Tribuiani Mr. and Mrs. Teame Afeworki Mr. Sreenivas Rao Amara and

Mrs. Savithri Bonala

Mr. and Mrs. Jake Annable Mr. and Mrs. David Anshen Mr. Qazi Aurangzeb and Ms. Hina Syed Mr. Ram Bala and Mrs. Aarthi Murali Mr. Brendan Balthis ’15 Mr. and Mrs. Michael Balthis Mr. Michael Barlow and Dr. Jennifer Barlow Ms. Jo Anne Barnes Mrs. Jan Barnett Mr. and Mrs. John Barry Bassett, Dawson & Foy, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Donald Bergner

PA G E 1 7

FRANCIS JULIAN HONORED WITH FOUNDERS’ AWARD Ms. Vita Biddle Mr. and Mrs. James Bischoff Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Boettner Miss Ana Bowe ’06 Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Bowe Mr. and Mrs. Edward Brennan Bright Funds Mr. and Mrs. George Brown Mr. and Mrs. Ron Burke Mrs. Cathy Burris Ms. Kelly Bush Mr. and Mrs. Alan Camoirano Mr. and Mrs. Richard Cantera Mrs. Barbara Casarino Mr. John Castle Mrs. Marie Celano Mr. and Mrs. Michael Cercena Mr. Kaibin Chen and Mrs. Zuying Zheng

As Independence celebrated its 41st birthday, it also celebrated the dedication, service, and generosity of a loyal friend, Francis R. Julian, honoring him with the second annual Founders’ Award.

“Francis’ humility, experience, and quiet strength are a foundation at Independence,” Head of School Vicky Yatzus said at the Founders’ Day Assembly on April 18. “He is not only a tremendous volunteer, but also a generous philanthropist.”

The father of three Independence alumni and grandfather of three current students, Mr. Julian has served the school in many capacities over the years, including two terms as president of the board of trustees.

Mr. and Mrs. Charles Chitty Mr. and Mrs. David Chorlton Mr. and Mrs. Kenton Clausen Mrs. Dawn Clausing Ms. Lauren P. Clift Mr. Nathan Cloud Mr. and Mrs. Peter Cloud Dr. Brian Cohen and Mrs. Leslie McGregor Mr. and Mrs. Paul Colbert Mr. and Mrs. Richard Colliss Mr. and Mrs. Garrett Copeland Mr. and Mrs. Warren Cox Mr. and Mrs. Doug Curtis

INTRODUCING THE NEW LOGO FOR THE INDEPENDENCE SCHOOL’S CENTER FOR WELLNESS, INNOVATION AND LEARNING

Mr. and Mrs. Michael DeBaecke Mr. and Mrs. Bhasker Desai Mr. and Mrs. Satish Dola Mr. and Mrs. Rex Donnelly Mr. and Mrs. John Duffy Mr. Joseph Duffy DuPont Dr. and Mrs. Ozer Elbeyli Mr. John Ellis Mrs. Shelley ’01 and Mr. Brent Ennis Mr. and Mrs. Rich Epperly Mr. and Mrs. Ed Evans Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Fairfield Mr. and Mrs. Randal Farabaugh Mrs. Margaret Fasick Ms. Josee’ Faubert-Spence Mr. and Mrs. Michael Ferenz Mr. and Mrs. Jason Ferrell Mr. Benjamin Fickes ’12 Mrs. Laura Fickes Mr. Frank Fiedler and Ms. Haiyan Weng

Established in 2016, CWIL™ (pronounced “quill”) grew out of the work of Independence’s Wellness and Learning Support Team and its focus on responding to the needs of the whole child. CWIL’s team approach addresses not only academic progress, but also motor, language, cognitive, emotional, and physical development, as well as health. This allows Independence to provide a program that holds the full interests of the students at heart, both in and out of the classroom.

Parent education, research, and best practices form the foundation of the center’s work. CWIL’s mission is to ensure that Independence students truly develop into independent, intellectually curious individuals. Today, the center functions as a hub for curriculum and faculty development, parent education, student instruction, and innovative uses of our learning spaces.

CWIL-sponsored parent coffees have covered a wide variety of topics, from “Physical Activity for Children: How to Strike a Healthy Balance” to “Language & Learning—The Impact of Experiences on the Brain’s Development.”

Parent resources are available on our website at TheIndependenceSchool.org/about/cwil.

INSPIRE. DREAM. ACHIEVE.

Mrs. Nancy Deleski

R E P O RT O F P H I L A N T H R O PY PA G E 1 8

Mr. and Mrs. David Finocchiaro

Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Koziak

Mr. and Mrs. Tom Powell

Dr. and Mrs. Brendan Fox

Dr. Heidi Kozic

Mr. and Mrs. Dante Principe Jr.

Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Garrett

Mr. Marc Kreider ’82 and

Mr. and Mrs. Mario Procope

Mrs. Kathleen Gauthier

Mrs. Valerie Kreider

Mr. and Mrs. Jonas Raab

Mr. and Mrs. Melvin Gershman

Mr. and Mrs. Tim Kucharski

Mr. Nicholas Ramone ’06

Ms. Sarah Gilmore ’01

Mr. and Mrs. Carl Kunz

Mr. Ross Ramone ’02

Mr. and Mrs. Benard Gisiora

Mr. and Mrs. Sean Laird

Mr. and Mrs. J. Paul Raymond

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Godfrey

Mr. and Mrs. Denzil LaMont

Mr. and Mrs. Dan Reeder

Mr. and Mrs. Scott Godsey

Ms. Doris M. LeStourgeon

Mr. and Mrs. Philip Reynolds

Mrs. Brittany Gomez ’00 and Mr. Ray Gomez

Mr. Jingkun Li and Mrs. Xiurong Xu

Mr. and Mrs. Peter Rigby

Mr. and Mrs. William Gore

Ms. Lingchin Liao

Mr. Charles Ristano ’97

Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Gorton

Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Liberato

Mr. and Mrs. David Rodeheaver

Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Gouge

Mr. and Mrs. Ira Lockwood

Ms. Amie Rogers

Mr. and Mrs. Michael A. Goyda

Ms. Rose Maria Lombardi

Mr. Christopher Ross ’86 and

Mr. and Mrs. Arch Graham Jr.

Mr. Cheng Lu and Ms. Cindy Huang

Ms. Elizabeth Green

Dr. Shuiyuan Luo and Dr. Man Zhang

Ms. Candice Russell

Mr. and Mrs. Terry Greenwell

Mrs. Warrene Macarthur

Mrs. Ellen Ryan

Mr. and Mrs. Richard Greevy

Mr. and Mrs. Paul Maloney

Ms. Tae Sakamoto

Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Gregg

Dr. Vicenta G. Marquez

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Samuels

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Grieco

Mr. and Mrs. Greg Martin

Dr. Ragu Sanjeev and Dr. Ramya Varadarajan

Mr. and Mrs. Steve Griffin

Ms. Kathleen McCain

Dr. and Mrs. James Scarborough

Mr. and Mrs. William Hart

Mr. and Mrs. Michael McCord

Mr. and Mrs. Mark Scarpone

Mr. and Mrs. Richard Hasty

Mr. and Mrs. Sean McCue

Mr. and Mrs. Ron Schnelle

Mr. and Mrs. Peter Hayes

Mr. and Mrs. Kevin McDonald

Mr. and Mrs. Evan Schwarz

Mr. Changming He and Ms. Jie Xu

Mr. and Mrs. Michael McDonald

Dr. Vincent See and Dr. Jennifer Ty

Mr. and Mrs. Billy Hicks

Mr. Patrick McGrory ’91 and

Mr. and Mrs. Joyesh Sengupta

Mr. and Mrs. James Hicks

Mr. Paul Shearer

Mr. William Hohman ’96

Mr. and Mrs. Patrick McKeown

Mr. and Mrs. Craig Sheets

Mr. Mark and Dr. Martha Hollomon

Mr. and Mrs. John McMahon

Mr. and Mrs. Charles Shockley

Dr. and Mrs. Ram Hosmane

Mr. Nicholas and Mrs. Melanie Merritt ’97

Mr. and Mrs. Howard Simmons

Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Houlday

Dr. and Mrs. Theodore Michell

Ms. Hillary Sophrin

Dr. Jianbing Huang and Dr. Hui Wang

Mr. and Mrs. Bobby Midgley

Ms. Tiffany Spencer

Mr. Charles Hurt ’87 and Mrs. Trisha Hurt

Ms. Susan Mills

Mr. and Mrs. Michael Stepanic

Independent Transfer Operators

Mrs. Margaraet Ann Minihan

Mr. and Mrs. Dan Stephens

Mrs. Diane Jackson

Mrs. Robin Moody

Mr. Rahul Subbaraya ’12

Dr. Yvette Jackson

Ms. Linda Morel

Mr. Rishi Subbaraya ’16

Mr. and Mrs. Bob Jenkins

Mr. Richard Morse

Dr. and Mrs. Donald Suh

Mr. Robert Jenkins and Mrs. Gathoni

Mr. and Mrs. Clark Mosier

Mr. and Mrs. Billy Sullivan

Mrs. Lauren McGrory

Mrs. Melissa Ross

Ms. Rebecca Moylan ’92

Mr. and Mrs. R. Stephen Sumption

Dr. Paul Johnston and Dr. Jennifer Nauen

Mr. and Mrs. Joe Musiano

Mr. Shao-Tang Sun and Mrs. Jean-Hsien Ho

Mr. and Mrs. James Jones

Mr. Edgar Narmore and Mrs. Susan Narmore

Mr. Weiyang Sun ’99

Drs. Matthew and Trisha Jordan

Network for Good

Mr. David Sysko

Mr. and Mrs. Walter Jurczak

Mr. David and Dr. Louise Reid Nichols

Dr. Theodore Tan and Ms. Carly Paw-Tan

Mr. and Mrs. Michael Kamps

Mrs. Lois Olsen

Mr. Andy Tarburton ’84 and

Dr. and Mrs. Ashok Karnik

Mr. and Mrs. Bill Osborne

Mr. and Mrs. Parag Karnik

Ms. Lara Osborne

Mr. and Mrs. Andrew P. Taylor

Mr. and Mrs. Brian Kipp

Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Osland

Mr. and Mrs. Robbie Testa

Dr. and Mrs. William Kipp

Mr. and Mrs. Jim Palmieri

Mr. Chad Tew

Dr. Kathryn Kirsch ’01

Mr. and Mrs. Ravi Pappu

Drs. Deepika and Mihir Thacker

Mr. and Mrs. Blair Kitching

Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Petterson

Ms. Edith Townsend

Mr. Daniel Kitching ’01

Mr. and Mrs. Michael Pohlen

Mr. Thomas Uebler ’95 and

Mr. and Mrs. Rudolf Koch

Mr. and Mrs. Ryan Pombo

Mr. and Mrs. Rick Kostes

Mr. and Mrs. Paul Pomeroy Jr.

Dr. Laura Vrana ’03

Murugi-Jenkins

Mrs. Ann Tarburton

Mrs. Cameron Uebler

PA G E 1 9

Mr. Robert Vrana ’00 and

Mrs. Caroline Vrana

Mrs. Vernon Walch

EVENT SPONSORS

Mr. and Mrs. Hui Wang Ms. Kerith Wang ’08 Mr. Robert Warnement Mr. and Mrs. William Watt Ms. Christine Whitcraft ’91 Mr. and Mrs. Michael Wilds Mr. and Mrs. Andy Wilke Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Wolhar Mr. and Mrs. William Wright Ms. Barbara Yablonski Mr. and Mrs. Lance Ziering

The Independence School would like to extend its sincerest gratitude to these event sponsors for helping us raise more than $108,215 at sponsor-supported events to benefit our students and faculty during the 2018-2019 school year.

Each year, Independence holds several community fundraising events, including the Auction, FebFest, 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 becoming an event sponsor for The Independence School!

Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Zinszer

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

Michael and Melinda Aghajanian The Bree Family Steven Chantler and Robin Philipbar Hungcheng Chen and Chishu Chang in honor of Ben ’19 and Sandra ’13 Steven and Marie Stella Ng in honor of Natalie ’13 and Stephanie ’19 PJ and Margaret O’Dwyer The Poplawski Family

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

STAR LEVEL

BLUE LEVEL

CSC Keen Compressed Gas Louviers Credit Union Master Seo’s Tiger Kicks Tae Kwon Do The Tower Hill School Young, Conaway, Stargatt and Taylor, LLP (Dan Johnson, Esq.; Vincent Thomas, Esq.; Timothy Houseal, Esq.; Edmon Morton, Esq.; Robert Poppiti, Jr, Esq.)

Advanced Back & Neck Pain Center Brown Advisory Group Barnes, Evans & Lohse Andrew J. Glick, M.D., Brandywine Urology Consultants, PA GFP Cement Contractors, LLC Pratt Insurance, Inc. Service Unlimited, Inc. St. Mark’s High School Wilmington Friends School

MaryAnn and Jeff Slowik

RED LEVEL

in honor of all the fabulous teachers

PATRIOT LEVEL

and staff at Independence

Alpine and Rafetto Orthodontics Berry Refrigeration D’Souza & Associates (Pooja and Rohan D’Souza) Dewson Construction Co. G. Fedale General Contractors Gordon, Fornaris & Mammarella, P.A. Gunnip & Company LLP IFS Benefits M&T Bank Pegasus Technologies Pennoni Salesianum School Siegfried Advisory, LLC (Jeff Mitchell) Turf Pro Lawn and Landscape

Jeremy A. Tigan

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.

Aloysius Butler & Clark American Dance Academy Biddle Capital Management Cacciatori Pizza & Pasta Crossland, Heinle & Bryde, LLC Genoese & Associates, CPA Soccer Shots

INSPIRE DREAM ACHIEVE

Class of 2019 Bond Donors

S P I R I T M AG A Z I N E PA G E 2 0

★ HEAD OF SCHOOL Victoria C. Yatzus

BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2019–2020 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. Amish Desai Molly DiBianca, Esq. Mrs. Kristin Giffin Mr. Thomas Hanna Mr. Jeffrey Mitchell Mia Antonia Papas, Ph.D. ’86 Mr. Jeffrey Shahan Mrs. Mona Singh Vincent Thomas, Esq. Rajeev Vaidya, Ph.D. Mrs. Rachel Wood Mrs. Victoria C. Yatzus (ex officio)

ADVISORY COUNCIL 2019–2020 Mrs. Sally Gore Mr. Vincent N. Greggo Mrs. Patricia A. Ireland Mr. Francis Julian Mr. Richard Julian Miss Doris LeStourgeon Dr. David P. Roselle

SPIRIT PRODUCTION Michele Harra Director of Advancement and Enrollment Management Claire Brechter Director of Marketing and Communications Pooja D’Souza Development Manager Chuck Ristano ’97 Communications Manager Kelli Wilke Photography

2019 ALUMNI AWARDS Four Standouts Honored at Founders’ Day THE OUTSTANDING ALUMNI AWARD went to Mia Antonia Papas, Ph.D. ’86. Dr. Papas is the corporate director of the Value Institute (VI), a health services research organization that supports the medical mission of Christiana Care Health System.

Previously, she was an assistant professor at the University of Delaware. Dr. Papas is committed to a number of community organizations and founded the advocacy group Zoe’s Healing Heart to support children with congenital heart defects, in honor of her daughter, Zoe (Independence Class of 2021).

Stephanie DeAngelo ’06, Katie Jacoby ’04, and Kathryn (Sepelyak) Kirsch ’01 were each honored with THE RISING STAR ALUMNI AWARD, recognizing alumni who graduated within the past 20 years.

Capt. DeAngelo, a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, is a commissioned officer in the Air Force.

As sustainment services flight commander at Grand Forks Air Force Base in North Dakota, she oversees a 93-member team and has received multiple awards, including Outstanding Squadron Element Leader.

Ms. Jacoby, a New York City-based violinist, joined 1990 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees The Who on their 28-city Moving On! tour. She has also performed with Roger Daltrey, Foreigner, Blondie singer Debbie Harry, pop superstar Miley Cyrus, and many others. Her television credits include performances on “Saturday Night Live,” “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” and other well-known shows.

Dr. Kirsch works as an attending physician at Morristown Medical Center and Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital—Rahway, both in New Jersey; as director of simulation at Morristown Medical Center; and as clinical instructor of emergency medicine at the Sidney Kimmel Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University. While earning her doctorate from Stanford University School of Medicine, she founded Health for the Homeless, which works to improve access to health care for members of the homeless community in Palo Alto.

Kelsh Wilson Design

★

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

SALUTING THE CLASS OF 2019

Congratulations and Best Wishes from the Entire Independence School Community.

As you travel through life, remember: Once a Patriot, Always a Patriot!

TH E IN 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 L L R OAD, NEWAR K, DE 1 97 1 1 • 302 . 239.0330 T HE INDEPENDENC ESC HO O L .O R G