The Kiski School Bulletin 2018

BulletÄąn The Kiski School

2018 A Year in Review

FROM THE HEADMASTER

K

KISKI IS LIFE-CHANGING Dear Friends, This year’s all-school book was Tribe: On Homecoming and Belonging by Sebastian Junger. The thesis of the book is that we all have a strong instinct to belong to small groups defined by clear purpose and understanding and that this “tribal connection” has been largely lost in modern society.

The notion of “tribe” conjures an image of a family more than a community. And that’s perfectly aligned with the vision of Kiski’s founder, Andrew Wilson. In a promotional brochure for the school published in the late 1800s, Dr. Wilson describes the fundamental components of his new school’s mission. First, it would be “a boys’ school of a high order” that would prepare graduates “to enter any American college or scientific school.” And second, it would be a place that “affords all the comforts and as many as possible of the pleasures and advantages of home, during this period of training.” In other words, Kiski would be a family school.

Last year, we began work on a major new promotional campaign for Kiski. Under the direction of Red House Communications in Pittsburgh, all variety of interviews and focus group meetings were conducted with the goal of distilling into a central theme all the elements that make our school special and unique. In the spring, they presented three tag-line options for this new initiative and one stood out with great appeal: Kiski Is Life-Changing. A number of ads meant to emphasize the transformational impact of our all-boys boarding experience were designed around this theme.

That is, the life-changing influence of the “Kiski Brotherhood” – of being a member of the Kiski Tribe. It’s what we’ve always done well and what distinguishes us from other schools. Said best by former headmaster Jack Pidgeon, “We make a difference in the lives of boys.”

Early data indicates that our new advertising campaign is already getting traction. Applications are up compared to past years, and we are reaching families who weren’t considering all-boys boarding as a schooling option for their sons. Our goal is simple: to identify great new Kiski Boys who’ll help us fortify and sustain the fundamental principles that have guided us for 130 years.

To that end, you can help. Our number-one source of referrals continues to be alumni and parents – those who know Kiski best. I encourage you to think about a young man you know who would benefit from a Kiski education and contact our Admissions Office to put us in touch with his family in order to help us “make a difference in the life of a boy.”

On behalf of all the students and teachers here, I would like to express my sincere gratitude for all you do to support Kiski. We hope to see you on campus sometime very soon. Until then, with all good wishes for a happy and healthy New Year, I am Sincerely yours,

Chris Brueningsen Headmaster

BOARD OF TRUSTEES John W. Jacob '89, P'18, P'20 Chairman M. Dean Mosites ’72 Vice Chairman John Boyle II '95 Christopher A. Brueningsen, Headmaster David C. Conrad II '85 David S. DeSimone '93 Robert A. Gleason Jr. ’57 Arthur C. Hayes ’67 Amy Hepler P’13, P’15 Michael W. Hoag ’80, P’15 Harry L. Holmes ’64 D. Thompson (Tom) Jones ’79 Carl Kalnow ’68 A. Richard Kneedler ’61 Timothy K. Lewis ’72 Gregory L. Lignelli ’95 Nathan McCutcheon ’03 James P. Moore Jr. ’71 David D. Osikowicz P’95, P’98 Marc B. Robertshaw ’72 Kristofer Rockwell ’90 Robert Sands ’76 Paul W. Siker ’79 Ellen Swank P’93, P’97 Christine J. Toretti P’04 Thomas Usher GP’17 Kyle Webb ’86, P’17 Trustees Emeriti Russell Swank III ’67, P’93, P’97 Michael Yukevich Jr. ’60, P’06, P’07 Published by The Kiski School Saltsburg, Pennsylvania Phone: 724.639.3586 Fax: 724.639.8467 Email: communications@kiski.org Website: www.kiski.org EDITOR Mark Rhodehamel ASSOCIATE EDITOR Jen Kwiatek EDITORIAL BOARD Sandra Acquard Leisa Henderson Craig Olear Steven T. Szilagyi ’88 Mike Yukevich Jr. ’60 CONTRIBUTORS Sandra Acquard Clifford Brett Jr. ‘73 David Brett ’81 Chris Brueningsen David C. Conrad II '85 Deren Finks Gregory Forsythe Aidan Gillespie ’19 Leisa Henderson Ryan John Chantel Kapustik David Knapp Brad Kwiatek John Lazaro Karen Lightell Patrick Link John Lombardo Jonathan Loukes Kim Matvey Colin McGuire Brendan Moriarty ’86 Marcus Muster Mary Grace Muster Susan Myer Megan Neumeister Mark Novom Craig Olear Mark Orsatti Jim Perry Samantha Ponzetti ’15 Leslie Poston Kristofer Rockwell ’90 Carla Ross Joe Ross Chris Spahn Lara Stutzman Steven T. Szilagyi ’88 Kyle Webb ’86 Damien Williams Class notes submitted by alumni.

PHOTOGRAPHERS Credit listed for each photo when available.

Class notes photos submitted by alumni.

Visit the Kiski Bookstore for the latest in Cougar apparel and other gear at www.kiski.org/bookstore.

INSIDE

Jason Tsaggaris, grandson of former Board of Trustees member Lex Tsaggaris, models an item from the Future Cougar line.

The Kiski School Bulletin I 2018 A Year in Review Features 2 Capital Campaign Update 7 Remembering Mr. Crawford ’66 8 Luminary Clifford Brett

11 Graduation 17 Distinguished Alumnus Tom Sturges ’63

18 Reunion Weekend and Reunion Giving 43 Galveston Baywatch: Lifeguard Bill Bower ’73

Departments 22 Academic News 27 Campus News 36 Athletic News 39 Faculty and Staff News 44 Alumni and Advancement News 56 Class Notes 60 Memorials

On the Cover Mr. Colella’s freshman STEAM class races rubber band powered custom cars that they designed and built using a laser cutter in the Kiski Makerspace. The Sands STEAM Lab in the Zeigler Science Center was converted into the Kiski Speedway. Students measured the rate of velocity change in their cars and raced them against each other. The winning car was designed by Bob Burr ’22 and Henry Wang ’22.

The Kiski School, a non-profit educational institution in Saltsburg, Pennsylvania, owns The Kiski School Bulletin. The number of copies per issue mailed from Pennsylvania and distributed by carriers is 6,000.

The Kiski School admits students of any race, color, sexual orientation, nationality, or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at The Kiski School. The administration does not discriminate on the basis of color, sexual orientation, nationality, or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admission policies, scholarships and loan programs, athletics, and other school-administered programs.

The Kiski School

I

www.kiski.org

1

Kiski’s Recent Capital Campaign Closes

1 — By Steven T. Szilagyi ’88, Associate Headmaster for Institutional Advancement

W 2

1 Steve Szilagyi ’88 (third from left) with legacy boys (l to r) Juan Carlos Navarrete Bolio ’21, cousin of Esteban Correa-Bolio ’88 and Ricardo Bolio-Sauri ‘97; Zander Szilagyi ’21, Steve’s son; Ryan Brett ’19, son of David Brett ’81; Christopher Kendall ’22, son of William Kendall ’87; Alex Gardner ’21, son of William Gardner ’82; Christopher Peirce ’21, brother of Neill Peirce ’18; and Brent Jernigan ’22, son of Brent Jernigan ’97.

2 Following the conclusion of a record-breaking and foundation setting campaign, Campaign Co-Chair Sandy Mellon was presented the Distinguished Award for Service to Kiski. The new Faculty Workroom in the Classroom Building will also be named in her honor. She and Co-Chair Russ Swank ’67 presided over a campaign that brought the most funding into Kiski, almost tripling in size from its start. Both possess an infectious desire to see Kiski flourish – that attracted likeminded passionate support to the cause.

2

The Kiski School Bulletin

I

2018 A Year in Review

When Kiski initially embarked on “Leadership for the 21st Century: A New Campaign for Kiski,” we regularly described our goals as ambitious. The positive momentum carried forward from our previous campaign was energizing; however, we left very little time to pause between campaigns.

As we completed the first wave of campaign projects for the School and celebrated Kiski’s 125th year in business, our Capital Campaign Co-Chairs, Sandy Mellon and Russ Swank ’67, together with the Development Committee of our Board of Trustees chaired by Marc Robertshaw ’72, and the School’s administration were constantly talking, looking ahead, and quietly setting new fundraising goals for the future. Priorities for the capital campaign were carefully organized in 2012 and a new list of capital raising projects was firmly established. This initial round of capital improvement projects for Kiski would require at least $12 million raised in new money to fully fund.

This past spring, the campaign closed with $34 million raised for extensive campus renovation projects, new buildings, technological upgrades, faculty development, support for arts and athletics, endowment growth, and scholarship aid for current students. Moreover, we are thrilled to report to you that the total raised for Kiski through the implementation of our last two campaigns is over $46 million. With regard to both of our successful capital campaigns for Kiski, the creative vision established for each capital raising program by our leadership team and our Board of Trustees was transformed into reality by generous and steadfast financial support directed to Kiski and our portfolio of capital raising projects from current parents, past parents, grandparents, alumni, trustees, faculty, students, and local foundations and corporations. We remain humbled and sincerely grateful to all of our financial supporters. We truly appreciate your ongoing partnership with us and your thoughtful and strategic financial investments in Kiski and our educational mission. Your investments in the School have powerfully vaulted Kiski onward and upward! To be sure, the School’s recent renaissance is an accomplishment to be fully shared with our entire Kiski family.

Our hope is that you will make it a point to enjoy the transformation of our campus in person very soon. In the meantime, for your reading enjoyment, the details and robust success of our recent capital campaigns for Kiski are described and celebrated on the pages ahead. With your continued commitment to the goals of advancing and sustaining Kiski and our important educational mission there will continue to be many good reasons to celebrate the School’s growth and success well into the future.

with Record-Breaking $34 Million Raised We remain humbled and sincerely grateful to all of our financial supporters.

Scholarship

S

Successful completion of “Leadership for the 21st Century: A New Campaign for Kiski” may be most evident while walking through campus. The completion of improvements to the physical condition of the campus facilities was a key component of the strategic plan. However, the strength of another less visible Kiski cornerstone was also bolstered by the campaign. A necessary influx of endowed scholarship funding and planned gifts via the Tower Society will allow Kiski to maintain high standards for new enrollees while reducing the hurdle of affordability for our applicants. Kiski will continue a bedrock tradition of enrolling the most deserving boys from all socioeconomic backgrounds. This is an area that will continue as a focus for strategic improvement going forward.

1

1 Cato Legaspi ’21, Mr. Bello, Renford Livingston McKenzie Jr. ’21 and Oliver Curtis ‘21 measure the conductivity of electrolytes.

2 Mike Higgins (left) and Benny Benedum (center) from the Paul G. Benedum, Jr. Foundation recently visited with Steve Szilagyi ’88 (not pictured) and Chris Brueningsen (right) at Kiski. The visiting gentlemen were able to take in a comprehensive tour of the campus and they enjoyed seeing in person the many substantial capital upgrades that have recently revitalized the campus. They were also able to talk through other important and successful aspects of the capital campaign for Kiski including the continued growth and rewarding impact of The Benedum Scholars Program at Kiski. It was a very important and enjoyable visit for all.

2

The Kiski School

I

www.kiski.org

3

MacColl Hall 2013

Daub Hall 2006

Dormitory and Campus Life

Hoag Hall 2017

McClintock Hall 2005

Swank Student Center 2009

M

Major changes were made to Kiski’s dormitory facilities. The demolition of Wilson and Clark Halls opened space for the Swank Student Center and Hoag Court respectively. The reconfiguration allowed the School to remove two dorms that had reached the end of their lifecycles without reducing Kiski’s housing capacity. Expansions of McClintock, Daub, MacColl and Vlahos Halls balanced the beds lost by the demolitions.

Additional dormitory involvements included the installation of air conditioning, renovations of the common areas and the modernization of bathroom and shower facilities. Further, MacColl Hall, originally constructed in 1930, was evolved into an energy efficient “green building” that now serves as a Living Laboratory. The dorm retained its classic Tudor look but is now a hands-on model for sustainability.

Hoag Court has a multi-use surface that can accommodate a variety of pick-up games from basketball to dek hockey. It is fenced in and complete with lights to allow for activity into the evening.

Similarly, the Swank Student Center introduced versatility that had previously not existed on campus. The spacious first floor has hosted reunions, banquets and receptions of all sizes. It also serves as a location for school dances and less structured leisure activities. If their duties are complete, boys are welcome to visit the snack bar, play a game of pool or use one of the small rooms for a weekend video game tournament.

The College Counseling Office was moved to the second floor of the Swank Student Center and includes a conference room for visiting college representatives. The bookstore is housed on the first floor; long windows at the rear of the building overlook a patio space complete with a fire pit.

Dorm life is a critical element of a boarding school. These strategic updates have been well received by both students and parents, and have helped to increase the favorable impressions of prospective boys and their families.

Vlahos Hall 2017

Hoag Court 2018 4

The Kiski School Bulletin

I

2018 A Year in Review

Athletics and Recreation

K

Kiski’s improved athletic facilities also greatly augment the School’s standing among its competitors. The Beano Cook Outdoor Athletic Center, Don Jones Athletic Stadium and Orr Track and Field provide a picturesque first impression for visitors. Unsolicited compliments of the athletic facilities are often among the first remarks shared by prospective families during their visits with our Admission Office.

The renovation and expansion of the Ross Athletic Center included the addition of a coach and team meeting spaces, concession stand, plaza complete with a fire pit, new locker rooms, multi-use gym, athletic training suite, expanded fitness center and the addition of the Kiski Athletic Hall of Fame. The keystone for the School’s athletic vision also involved upgrades to the natatorium, main court and wrestling room. These upgrades have also made it possible for Kiski to host track and field meets, night games on the turf field, and basketball tournaments.

In addition, the Kalnow Tennis Courts and outdoor pool were also resurfaced to extend the lifespan of the athletic facilities near faculty row.

Kiski requires every student to participate in athletics at some level because the School seeks to challenge and enable all boys to reach their potential in mind, body and spirit.

Improvements in this area better serve our interscholastic teams while in-season, and there has been a notable increase in organized off-season training activities as well as noncompulsory fitness pursuits. To promote that encouraging development, additional part-time employees were hired to extend the hours of our training facilities.

1

2

3

1 Beano Cook Outdoor Athletic Center, Don Jones Athletic Stadium and Orr Track and Field 2014 2 Kalnow Tennis Courts 3 Outdoor Basketball Court and Pool Resurfacing 2013 4 Ross Athletic Center 2015

4

The Kiski School

I

www.kiski.org

5

Classroom Facilities

K

Kiski’s classroom space overhaul started with improvements to the Stephen C. Rogers Fine Arts Center. The campus hub for the arts received new carpeting, paint, windows and roofing. Enhancements were also made to the theater, art, music, and woodshop areas to accommodate the ingenuity and creativity of Kiski’s Fine Arts Department.

The Class of ’62 Outdoor Classroom was added to provide an open-air facility for instruction. It is a versatile space used by many classes, and also provides a breathtaking vantage point for the Saltsburg Canal Days fireworks that typically coincide with Kiski’s Reunion Weekend.

The Zeigler Science Center houses two dedicated lab spaces that are both practical and versatile. Wheeled desks are available at standing and seated levels for instruction and experimentation. An abundance of windows that provide natural lighting are paired with blackout screens that can be lowered to facilitate presentations from the projector in each room. Wall length whiteboards are handy for notes and experiment calculations.

1

Grounds

K

Kiski’s campus was further beautified by the reorganization of the Yukevich Quad, which improved passages through the heart of the School’s grounds. The entry way to campus was also upgraded with new stone pillars and gas lamps that greet visitors as they turn on to Brett Lane. The entryway winds to a new guardhouse tucked between towering conifers.

McDonald Pond was dredged in order to restore the muck caked floor that was choking all but the hardiest wildlife. A skimmer filtration feeder pond was added before the restored bridge. The improved ecosystem now hosts two swans and other wildlife that can be admired in the classroom setting and beyond.

1 Class of ’62 Outdoor Classroom 2011 2 Zeigler Science Center 2018 3 Stephen C. Rogers Fine Arts Center 2006

6

The Kiski School Bulletin

I

2018 A Year in Review

2

3

Remembering Mr.Crawford ’66 Legendary Kiski coach, teacher and administrator Lee Crawford ’66 passed away on November 21, 2018. The Kiski community will gather in his memory on the Sunday of Reunion Weekend, June 2, 2019. Additional details will be released as we approach that date. Mr. Crawford’s contributions to Kiski will be more fully recognized as the Kiski Luminary in the next issue of our Bulletin.

In a message to the Kiski community, Headmaster Chris Brueningsen said, “Throughout his career at Kiski, Mr. Crawford was greatly respected for his high ethical 1 standards and the genuine pride he took in helping to grow and advance our mission. He served many roles during his tenure including Director of Admissions and Assistant Headmaster. To the students in his English classes he was a gifted teacher; to the athletes on his baseball teams he was an inspiring coach; and to all of his colleagues, he was a supportive advisor and a faithful friend. Most of all, Lee Crawford was a good man. He made his mark on Kiski and by doing so he positively impacted thousands of boys, now grown men, in whom his legacy lives on.”

One of his former students and Chairman of the Kiski Board of Trustees John Jacob ’89 shared, “Mr. Crawford was the teacher in my life that inspired and challenged me to be better than I thought possible. I know many Kiski Boys share the same experience. An exceptional man whose countless contributions to so many in the Kiski community will always be remembered.”

Longtime colleague John Lombardo added, “Lee was an experienced administrator at Kiski as I was beginning my first assignment as a new administrator after being a full time classroom teacher. The things I learned from Lee were many but what I consider to be the most valuable was to be always honest, forthright and caring in my dealings with colleagues and students.”

Mr. Crawford was an accomplished coach, leading several teams to championships. “Lee was always proud of his own efforts as a Kiski baseball player and attempted to instill that pride in his Kiski baseball teams,” noted Chuck Shepard, a retired Kiski faculty member that coached alongside Mr. Crawford.

“When faced with a challenge during a game, Coach Crawford would return to his mantra of ‘You gotta believe.’ Our teams made it through many tough scrapes as a result of believing in ourselves as a team,” added Shepard.

Tom Kozub ’65, graduated the year before Lee Crawford. “I used to joke that I would have been a starter on the basketball and football teams if he hadn’t returned for a postgrad year,” Kozub recalled.

Later, the pair returned to serve as Kiski faculty members. “Lee challenged the kids to become better young men in the classroom and in athletics. He challenged the faculty in the same way and was the conscience of the community. He’s the kind of friend you’ll never forget. We had great discussions together and I’ll miss that dearly.”

2

3

4

1 Lee Crawford’s ’66 Senior Yearbook Portrait.

2 Beth and Lee Crawford greeted students and friends under the tent at Reunion Weekend.

3 Lee Crawford ’66 (right) and his father Dr. Ray Crawford ’31 inspect Kiski archive materials on display during Reunion Weekend.

4 Mr. Crawford (kneeling front left) with his 1988 IPSL Champion Baseball Team.

The Kiski School

I

www.kiski.org

7

KISKI LUMINARY

Clifford Brett (1917 – 1987)

Faith, Humility and Tolerance

By Clifford Brett’s children Terry ’73, Susan, and David ’81 1

When we consider our favorite subject in high school or our best academic experience, no one remembers their favorite textbook. It is the teacher we remember. It is the teacher that makes the difference. The knowledge the teacher brings of his or her subject along with the driving desire to share this information can shape the life of a student forever. Excellent teaching is an art. It takes years of dedicated practice, finetuning, and more than a few mistakes by the practitioner to achieve excellence.

Hours of planning and preparation mixed with some boldness, craziness, pedagogical talent, knowledge, and dedication come together to produce an outstanding teacher. At Kiski we have enjoyed the blessings of many superb teachers over the years. This section of the Bulletin is dedicated to honoring excellent Kiski teachers, our Luminaries.

In this space, we remember teachers who shared their brilliance and enlightened generations of Kiski students.

8

The Kiski School Bulletin

I

2018 A Year in Review

F

Faith, Humility and Tolerance, words inscribed on the Kiski seal, exemplify the life of our father, Clifford Brett. Dad was born on the northern shore of Newfoundland in 1917, the eleventh of twelve children. Our grandfather fished for cod on the Grand Banks with the help of Dad’s older brothers and in the winter cut wood in the interior to feed the large paper mills. Our grandmother managed the small subsistence farm of livestock and a vegetable garden with the help of Dad’s sisters and the brothers too young to risk the dangerous work on the family fishing boat. Clothing was often washed and dried on the rock beach on which the farmstead stood. Seaweed was hauled to fertilize the garden.

As the family grew older, both brothers and sisters moved one by one to Toronto which promised greater economic opportunity than the rugged life in Newfoundland. When Dad was six, the family, encouraged by those who had left, also moved to a small community north of Toronto where grandfather took a job as a custodian at a public school. The home was

2

small for a family now numbering eight. Dad recalled sleeping three to a bed and the heat supplied by one Quebec coal stove.

The first born, Arthur, attended the University of Toronto, earning a Divinity degree while the remainder of the brothers entered the building professions, initially as roofers, then carpenters and finally builders.

His sisters took jobs in department stores. Dad was the only other sibling to attend college following in his eldest brother’s footsteps at the University of Toronto.

Arthur encouraged Dad’s studies, since Dad graduated first in his class in high school.

Dad graduated from the University of Toronto in 1940 with a degree in Modern Languages and entered the Canadian war effort as an inspector of steel manufactured in Pittsburgh. He rented a room at the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary where he met Dr. Dawson. It was Dr. Dawson who referred Dad to Kiski. After spending a year back in Canada, Dad traveled south to Kiski where he joined the faculty in 1946. Mom was a secretary at the school, and they wed in December 1947. On a humble teaching

3

salary, Dad paid one of his brothers to build a small home for grandmother after grandfather died at the age of seventy.

Although he lived the majority of his life in the U.S., he always remained a very proud Canadian.

Dad and his younger sister had helped our grandfather in his custodial responsibilities after school so Dad, although exceptionally gifted athletically, had been unable to play in organized school sports. In whatever free time he had, Dad joined in pick-up games of hockey on the flooded tennis courts in the local park and in the summer played tennis on those same courts.

Later, he became a caddy for a professional woman golfer in Toronto. When helping Mom and Dad with their move from Kiski upon retirement, we came across a newspaper clipping which reported Dad’s defeating the reigning amateur tennis champion, a country club member, for the championship of the city of Toronto. The late Jake Zeigler, former Kiski teacher and coach, recalled that many on the Kiski faculty would diligently practice their tennis and golf for the faculty tournaments but that Dad, without practicing, would come out and beat them all. We recently learned that Dad introduced the game of soccer to Kiski. Dad with his

characteristic humility had never mentioned this to us nor his scholastic achievements in high school.

Dad was appointed Dean of Students in 1955. While working as a caddy, Dad would sneak on to golf course greens at night, place a small flashlight in the hole and practice his putting for hours. Perhaps these harmless “infractions” of the rules in his youth fostered a tender tolerance of young men’s “errors” in his role as Dean. Dad’s quiet (some would say stealthy) patrolling of the campus at night was primarily to catch students before they entered into trouble. What better way to smell what might be on a student’s breath than by giving him a friendly hug?

Dad was not a man who wished to inspire respect through fear. He appealed to one’s higher nature, an example of which was related by a faculty member at his memorial service. Whatever the incident, the teacher recalled being irate that the student involved showed no remorse or apology for a certain behavior. When Dad became involved he merely asked the student what he had to say for himself where upon the student burst into tears.

Terry remembers a conversation with Tamas Szilagyi on one of the many evening gatherings at the Szilagyi household. Tamas

4

said that the difference between himself and Dad was that he was a political man and that Dad was a religious man. “I do not think I understood this as a young man but I think I do now,” said Terry. Susan’s reflections are that Dad was a man who manifested the virtues of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Dave recalls that without a word being said, he understood when Dad was disappointed in his behavior. Beloved Mrs. Fink loved to clean the Brett home because, as she told others, “No one ever raises their voice.”

1 Clifford Brett in his early years at Kiski.

2 Betty and Cliff Brett on their wedding day.

Photography provided by the Brett Family.

3 Clifford Brett teaching in 1983, his final year at Kiski.

4 Mr. Brett finding his way onto the ice for a game with the boys.

Photography provided by the Kiski archive.

The Kiski School

I

www.kiski.org

9

Faith, Humility and Tolerance Perhaps the following was not noted in previous published reminiscences of Dad, but he always addressed staff in the custodial, maintenance, and kitchen services by Mr. and Mrs., rather than by their more familiar first names. He also visited staff when they were in the hospital. “I remember that Dad often confessed to feeling regret that he was not doing enough for people who were in economic need,” mused Terry. “I think Dad wrestled continually with knowing his lifework served by and large a very privileged minority. As children we grew up surrounded by this privilege; however, we were in many ways blessed to be in the presence of a man who through the context of his actions inspired in us respect and a concern for those who do not have the same economic and educational advantages. I would venture that if Dad could advise Kiski boys today, he would emphasize being kind, being tolerant, being generous and being humble.”

For Dad’s obituary, Mr. John A. Pidgeon, previous headmaster of Kiski, said of Dad “he was the closest thing to a saint I ever knew… I don’t think that anyone who ever knew him thought of him in any other way…

There was a serenity about him that was unbelievable.”

E. William Turley, one of Dad’s former students said of him, “He served Kiski officially as Dean and unofficially as its conscience.”

As the Kiski community reflects back on the life of our father and what this gracious man gave to all those who interacted with him, whether in the classroom, on the athletic field or in a private moment, we sincerely hope that the young men he mentored in thought, word and deed carry part of our father’s legacy in their daily lives.

In closing, his legacy lives on in us, his three children, ten grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He would be especially proud of the fine young man his youngest grandson, Ryan F. Brett ’19 has become. For us, we could have received no greater inheritance than to call him our dad. ■

10

The Kiski School Bulletin

I

2018 A Year in Review

1

2

3 1 The beloved dean as he was introduced by the 1957 yearbook, looking up the steps to his son Terry ’73.

2 Clifford Brett addressing his class.

3 Mr. Brett (far right) with a group of Kiski boys on a European Tour in 1952.

GRADUATION May 20, 2018

Honors Convocation English Department Achievement Awards: Caleb Leechalk ’21, Patrick Jacob ’20, Benjamin Crewe ’19 Fine Arts Department Achievement Awards: Walker Donohue ’21, Joseph Suozzi ‘20, Jaylen Cooper ‘19 History Department Achievement Awards: Alex Gardner ’21, Christian Spahn ’20, Peter Zhao ’19 Mathematics Department Achievement Awards: Weilin Zhang ’21, Haotian Wu ’20 and Luke Lacaria ’20, Minxuan Wang ’19 Science Department Achievement Awards: Cato Legaspi ’21, Ryan Pettes ’20, Jianbu Shi ’19 World Languages Department Achievement Awards: Caleb Leechalk ’21, Joseph Suozzi ‘20, Brayant Garcia ’19 Bausch and Lomb Award (given to a member of the junior class in recognition of outstanding academic achievement and superior intellectual promise in the field of science): Brayant Garcia ’19

Blake-Hamill Award (given in memory of Joseph Blake and John Hamill, members of the Class of 1971, who perished in an automobile accident on the eve of graduation in 1970, established the following year to recognize a junior of special promise who best exemplifies the spirit of Joseph Blake and John Hamill): Brayant Garcia ’19 Bortz Sophomore Improvement Award (given to a sophomore who has shown marked improvement throughout the year in academics, athletics, and extracurricular activities): Max Mears ’20

The Kiski Honors Convocation, held in the Rogers Fine Arts Center, honored the distinguished academic prowess of underclassmen during Kiski’s 130th school year. The ceremony re-enacts an old academic tradition, the conferring of honor to scholars. Although students are asked to participate in many activities beyond the classroom, they must never lose sight of the primary objective of the School, and that is scholarship. Honors Convocation is one of Kiski’s grandest traditions.

Bortz Junior Improvement Award (given to a junior who has shown marked improvement throughout the year in academics, athletics, and extra-curricular activities): Savion Jemison ’19

W. Logan Dickerson Award (given to a member of the Junior Class who has shown a genuine interest in journalism and creative writing and has made a lasting contribution to Kiski publications): Minxuan Wang ’19

Fredrick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony Award in Humanities and Social Sciences (attained by a member of the junior class in recognition of outstanding academic achievement and superior intellectual promise in the Humanities and Social Sciences): Benjamin Crewe ’19 George Eastman Young Leaders Award (given to a member of the junior class who has shown outstanding school leadership as well as academic achievement): Noe Reyes Matos ’19 Mathias Award (given to a member of the Junior Class who adheres to the highest personal standards and at all times displays chivalrous conduct on the athletic field as personified by Robert Mathias, Class of 1949): Benjamin Crewe ’19 Rensselaer Medal (to recognize the superlative academic achievement of young men, to motivate students toward careers in science, engineering, and technology, and awarded to promising secondary school juniors who have distinguished themselves in mathematics and in science): Ye Sun ’19

King Award (given in loving memory of Coltart King, Class of 1970, to the member of the Junior Class who has earned the highest scholastic average): Aidan Gillespie ’19 Xerox Award for Innovation and Information (for outstanding achievement in the pursuit of innovative approaches, and appreciation of the possibilities of technology): Jason Stewart ’19 Cum Laude Society (based on academic excellence, scholarship and love of learning, consistency in performance with special attention to achievement in grades 11 and 12, degree of difficulty of course load, and character, honor, and integrity in all aspects of school life): Jixuan Dong ’18, Benjamin Crewe ’19, Brayant Garcia ’19, Aidan Gillespie ’19, Minxuan Wang ’19, Hanqing Zhao ’19 Colonel John J. Daub Society (recognizing students who have demonstrated an exemplary commitment to community service in memory of Col. Daub, Class of 1907 and longtime Kiski faculty member, for his service to his country and his School): Melvin Bermudez ’20, Mark Boyd ’18, Miles Brown ’21, Joseph Chappie ’18, Christian Conde ’20, Michael Foley ’19, Brayant Garcia ’19, Aidan Gillespie ’19, Samori Greenidge-Saltus ’21, Jibril Hammond ’18, Zachary Hegedus ’18, Patrick Jacob ’20, Jiyan Li ’20, Max Mears ’20, Gabriel Ribeiro ’19, Christopher Rubino ’20, Jianbu Shi ’19, Thomas Spahn ’18, Quinn Summers ’20, Joseph Suozzi ’20, Conin Wilkes ’18, Yuzhi Xie ’20, Shantao Xu ’21 Junior Research Paper 1st Prize: Brayant Garcia ’19; Runners-up: Aidan Gillespie ’19 and Benjamin Crewe ’19 Leadership Awards: Caleb Leechalk ’21, Christopher Rubino ’20, Benjamin Crewe ’19 National Forensics League Award: Christian Conde ’20 Outstanding Big Brothers of the Year: Patrick Jacob ’20, Sam Tackett ’18 Photography provided by Viglione Photography.

The Kiski School

I

www.kiski.org

11

130

th

May 25, 2018

Commencement

O

1

On a beautiful, bright spring day, the Paradise Hall tower bell rang 51 times, once for each graduating senior, to mark the traditional start of Kiski’s 130th Commencement.

Bagpipes echoed over the Kiski campus and the boys were led to their seats by the faculty.

With their family and friends looking on from the Yukevich Quad, each boy was called to the dais to receive his diploma from Headmaster Chris Brueningsen. With their treasured certificates in hand, the boys sat attentively as Head Prefect TJ Spahn and Valedictorian Hieu Dinh shared their remarks.

There were many smiles and some tears as the graduates passed through faculty row – a line of teachers, coaches, dorm parents, and advisors flanking each side of the walk to the Swank Student Center. This was perhaps a moment that couldn’t come soon enough, and at the same time accelerated to a farewell that flashed forward too quickly. The reception following the ceremony allowed for a final opportunity to share stories and maybe some sighs of relief before the newest Kiski alumni packed and departed. They may never convene again as a whole, but frequent return visits by the Class of 2018 are welcomed by the Kiski community.

2

3

4 12

The Kiski School Bulletin

I

2018 A Year in Review

5

6

1 Director of Technology/Mathmatics Chair Marcus Muster embracing senior Nathan Manko in Faculty Row. 2 Nathan Manko ’18 (left) and Peyton Manko ’17 (right) flank retiring Kiski faculty member John Lombardo.

3 Salvador Plaza struts with his new Kiski diploma.

7

4 Kiski graduates that started as freshmen, affectionately known as four-year freaks, perched above the Class of 1959 Overlook.

Front row: Jibril Hammond, Austin Gaston, Jay Hyun Son, Yoshiki Kishi, TJ Spahn, Ryota Mogi, Zack Hegedus, Joey Chappie, Gannon Murphy. Second row: Jacob Fedell, Wyatt Gillespie, Jason Kcehowski, Max Wolfson, Hanyang Liu, John Jacob, and Jixuan Dong.

5 Headmaster Brueningsen presents Giangabriel Velez his diploma.

6 Chayce Smith and Dyego Dutra Lo Bianco Mahet (foreground) and Jay Hyun Son and Jacob Fedell process from Old Main to the graduation ceremony.

7 Rising senior prefects Kai Wisniewski (second from left) and Ben Crewe (right) congratulate seniors Clayton Halmi (left) and Zack Hegedus (second from right).

8 Graduate Wyatt Gillespie ’18 surrounded by his family. Front row: Sandy Mellon, Prosser Mellon, Mark Stout ’78, Aidan Gillespie ’19, Wyatt, and Stacy Skoloda. Back row: Martin Gillespie, Deanna Gillespie, Gunnar Gillespie ’14, Chris Skoloda, Kym Stout and Martin’s utility trained service dog, Picasso.

Photography provided by Viglione Photography.

8 The Kiski School

I

www.kiski.org

13

Senior Banquet May 24, 2018 Each year, the seniors are celebrated the evening before their graduation during a banquet and award ceremony. Families and faculty join the class to honor superlative achievements before the boys are dismissed to enjoy their last night together on campus.

The parent remarks were delivered by Melinda Jacob (mother of John ’18, and Patrick ’20). She reflected on her son John’s transformational experience at Kiski. She noted that “Kiski delivered on her expectations, and so much more.” Mrs. Jacob continued, “There are so many facets to the Kiski experience that our boys have benefited from: engaged teachers with educational freedom to teach boys, coaches that value sportsmanship, academic accountability, teaching our boys to be gentlemen.“ Teacher, coach, dorm master, Chair of the History Department and Director of College Counseling, Jaye Beebe followed and shared his own parting thoughts for the Class of 2018.

Having reached his retirement, his speech also brought a proud 41-year career, with his last 16 school years spent at Kiski, to a close.

“Friendships are meaningful and they make our lives better regardless of circumstances,” he imparted. He glanced ahead for the boys predicting, “In the first weekend of June, 2068, many of you will gather in the tents on the Yukevich Quad for your 50th class reunion and oh the stories you’ll be able to tell.”

Once the last senior award was collected, Headmaster Brueningsen addressed the class by speaking of overcoming failure, while sharing specific stories of perseverance that led to excellence. “When you try and fail you always learn something about yourself, about your strengths and about your limitations,” he shared.

“And that’s how you grow as a person. That’s how you grow as a scholar. So as you go off to college, don’t be threatened by failure and don’t let it be an excuse that limits your achievements.”

The lights were then lowered for a slideshow displaying the seniors’ baby and childhood photos juxtaposed against the more recent evolution of each boy’s Kiski class portraits. Once the laughter and cheers subsided and the lights were raised, the boys were dismissed to a final night as students.

Although, they will forever remain Kiski boys.

14

The Kiski School Bulletin

I

2018 A Year in Review

Awards Ceremony Congratulations 2018 Award Recipients Carl L. Arnold Award for Excellence in Mathematics: Hieu Dinh Bates Award (given in memory of William Palmer Bates ‘29, killed in service to his country in 1945, to a senior who most exemplifies the qualities of honor, sacrifice and concern for others through dedication to his school and country): Connor Vaughn Eugene L. Biddle Award for Excellence in Science: Samuel Tackett Bortz Improvement Award (a senior who has shown marked improvement throughout the year in academics, athletics, and extra-curricular activities): Austin Gaston Clifford Brett Award (a junior who has been elected the next Head Prefect of The Kiski School): Benjamin Crewe William V. Grier ‘14 Award (given to a senior who has compiled the highest scholastic average): Hieu Dinh Kiski Award (presented to a graduating senior who in the opinion of the faculty and the Headmaster through his scholastic achievement, leadership, breadth of interest and high personal standards has been of greatest value to the School): Thomas J. Spahn Kiski International Award (an international student who is a senior and who has made a significant contribution to The Kiski School community through his proven leadership and active participation in organizations and extra-curricular activities): Jixuan Dong John A. Lombardo Award for Excellence in World Languages: Jaka Pandza William H. McKillop Award (a graduating senior who, in the opinion of the faculty, has at all times displayed chivalrous conduct on the athletic field): Matthew DeGirolamo Joseph H. Millar Award for Excellence in English: Jaka Pandza John A. Pidgeon Headmaster’s Award (presented to a graduating senior who, in the opinion of the faculty and the Headmaster and through exemplary accomplishments, dedicated leadership and uncompromising habits of mind and heart, embodies the admirable qualities and high standards of Mr. John A. Pidgeon, who served The Kiski School as a teacher, coach, and Headmaster for 45 years): Samuel Tackett Harry A. Stuhldreher Award (given in memory of Harry Stuhldreher ‘21 to a senior who has made an outstanding contribution to the School’s athletic program): Jacob Fedell Russell C. Swank Jr. Award (given in memory of Russ Swank Jr., Class of 1942, to a member of the senior class whose optimistic outlook and positive school spirit has had a beneficial impact on his classmates and our school): John Jacob E. William Turley, Jr. Memorial Award (given in loving memory of E. William Turley ‘64, to a senior who most closely embodies the qualities of gentleness, propriety, and concerns for others that so personified Bill Turley): Mark Boyd Zachary J. Vlahos Award for Excellence in History: Xinyang Su Andrew W. Wilson Award (presented in memory of Kiski’s first Headmaster, to a senior who best exemplifies the principles on which Dr. Wilson’s beloved School was founded: Faith, Humility, and Tolerance): Joseph Chappie Jacob E. Zeigler Award (a senior who in the opinion of the faculty has contributed the most cheer to the school year): Wyatt Gillespie Excellence in Drama Award: Wyatt Wilkes Excellence in Fine Arts Award: Gannon Murphy Faculty Appreciation Award: Clayton Halmi, Jason Kcehowski and Wyatt Wilkes Excellence in Music Award: Mark Boyd The Clyde Slease Teaching Prize (created by Clyde H. Slease III ‘62 in appreciation for the dedicated teachers who touched his life and given to a faculty member who, in the opinion of his colleagues, has made a significant impact on the boys he teaches through creative and innovative pedagogical practices, solid knowledge of subject matter and sincere interest in his students) was awarded to Mr. Jaye Beebe.

The Kiski School’s Class of 2018 College Choices The Class of 2018 includes 51 young men who through their experiences at Kiski are prepared to succeed in college and in life. They have chosen to further their learning and continue their education at the following institutions: Allegheny College (PA) The University of Arizona University of California, Riverside University of California, San Diego University of California, Santa Barbara The Catholic University of America (D.C.) The Citadel Denison University (OH) Drexel University (PA) Duquesne University (PA) Emerson College (MA) Franklin & Marshall College (PA) Gallatin College at Montana State University

Geneva College (PA) Gettysburg College (PA) High Point University (NC) University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Indiana University of Pennsylvania Kenyon College (OH) University of Maine Mercyhurst University (PA) University of Montevallo (AL) Muhlenberg College (PA) North Park University (IL) Pennsylvania State University Erie – The Behrend College University of Pittsburgh (PA)

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (NY) University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras University of Rhode Island Salisbury University (MD) Saint Louis University, Madrid (Spain) Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania St. Bonaventure University (NY) St. Lawrence University (NY) St. Olaf College (MN) Syracuse University (NY) United States Naval Academy (MD) Washington University in St. Louis (MO) University of Wisconsin, Fox Valley Photo provided by Viglione Photography.

The Kiski School

I

www.kiski.org

15

Remarks by John Lombardo In honor of his 44 years of service to The Kiski School, John Lombardo was named Dean of Faculty Emeritus. The following excerpts are from Mr. Lombardo’s 2018 Honors Convocation ceremony speech.

O

lasted at Kiski this long. It takes a special woman “Over the last couple of months as I thought about what I wanted to say to you today, there were who willingly shares her husband and the father of her children with 200 boys day in and day out. It two themes that I kept coming back to. takes a generous woman to willingly invite boys The first theme is to SLOW DOWN…Don’t be in into her home to celebrate their birthdays have such a rush for that next great event in your life. advisor dinners, get extra help and on and on. Geri Whether it’s the next long weekend, extended th loved that part of our life at Kiski. And so did school break, 16 birthday, graduation, college and Melissa and Jordan. They got invited to 6 or 7 on and on, take the time to enjoy life at the point birthday parties every year they otherwise would you are right now. Believe me, all those things you not have been invited to. A are wishing for will get here in A Kiski teacher cannot do what Kiski teacher cannot do what due time. You need to enjoy “ we do without the love and and take advantage of where we do without the love and you are in your life at that support of our family members support of our family members so publicly I want to thank point. Don’t waste a minute of so publicly I want to thank Geri, Melissa and Jordan for your day wishing you were Geri, Melissa and Jordan for sharing me and our lives with somewhere else, a year older, sharing me and our lives with Kiski boys for all these years. out of school…enjoy where you are at this very moment.

Kiski boys for all these years.” Honestly, we would not have wanted to have it any other The second theme is find way. Kiski has been a wonderful place to raise my what makes you happy and go after it. It may or family and for that Geri and I will be eternally may not be what provides you with the most grateful to Kiski and for all the opportunities we comfortable lifestyle, but being happy and loving have been afforded over the years. what you do is the best way to go through life.

I believe that what is making this whole For 44 years, I have done just that and I have retirement thing easier than it might otherwise be is enjoyed every minute of it. OK that may be an exaggeration but I’ve enjoyed most of it. Just like that we have a home in Saltsburg. While we will miss our daily contact with all of you, we will be you students, we teachers have good days and bad days. But the difference for us is that we love around. A couple of weeks ago rising senior Minxuan Wang asked me if I would come to what we do and what we do is a calling to be graduation next year and I was able to say ‘sure I’ll sure. My hope for all of you is that you can find your calling in life and that it will fulfill you and complete you the way Kiski has done for me, my wife, Geri and all of our colleagues at Kiski.

So those are the two themes I wanted to speak about today, but if you would indulge me a bit longer, there are some other people I need to speak about. When I was 22 years old (and yes for those of you paying attention that makes me 66) someone took a chance on me and hired this green public institution graduate to teach Spanish at Kiski. Clifford Brett, whose grandson is here today as a member of the junior class, was the Foreign Language Department Chair and Dean of Students in 1974.

I married Geri with her taking a chance on me and living at Kiski School. I am sure she didn’t realize that by marrying me, she was marrying Kiski School as well. Without the support of my wife and children, I can honestly say we would not have

16

The Kiski School Bulletin

I

2018 A Year in Review

1 be here,’ and mean it. I hope my colleagues will call me once in a while and invite the old guy out to a game or to have a soda at the Point and just hang out. So while our lives will be very different and while Geri and I are very excited to begin the next phase of our journey together, we won’t be far and we hope to remain in contact with our school, a school that has been the focal point of our lives for 44 years. Thank you and God bless all of you and remember, Slow down…and find something that makes you happy and do it. We love you guys!”

Following graduation, Kiski hosted a retirement celebration to “toast Geri and roast John.”

1 Geri and John at the retirement party.

Photo provided by Craig Olear.

2 The “faculty brats” in attendance for the Lombardos’ retirement: Regan Houser (Pidgeon) ’81, Mary Grace Muster (Vlahos), Stephanie Bryant (Vlahos) ’84, Kelly Pidgeon ’85, Steve Szilagyi ’88, Dave Brett ’81, Jordan Lombardo ’00, Melissa Gates (Lombardo).

Photo provided by Geri Lombardo.

2

Kiski’s 2018 Distinguished Alumnus Thomas B. Sturges III ’63

T

The 2018 Distinguished Alumnus award was presented during Kiski’s Reunion Weekend.

Unfortunately the recipient, Tom Sturges ’63, was unable to join the celebration. His son, Caleb Sturges ’93 accepted the award on his behalf. Sadly, Tom passed away four days later but not before Caleb was able to share Kiski’s sincere words of praise and gratitude.

“Tom was a great trustee, available for counsel and support at every turn. His love for his alma mater was steadfast and strong. His quick wit and easy smile were welcome additions to any meeting or occasion. He was loved by so many people and we will all miss him profoundly,” offered Headmaster Chris Brueningsen.

Chairman of the Board of Trustees John Jacob ’89 read the following citation during reunion weekend: “Tom Sturges, your unrelenting drive, unique vision, and inspirational leadership have led you to accomplish great things in the world of business and community leadership.

Through word and deed, you have shown how much you value Kiski and its educational mission. This citation makes official our deep admiration for the example you have set as a leader and a devoted Kiski alumnus.

After Kiski, you attended and graduated from Bucknell University and followed your passion for engineering to the Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company in Newport News, Virginia where you took an active part in the structural and nuclear design departments for this shipbuilding company.

Upon the conclusion of your work in Virginia, you moved back to Pennsylvania to take over as the Chief Engineer for Pennsylvania Drilling Company in Imperial, Pennsylvania. Over the years, your career flourished. Your second position at Pennsylvania Drilling was as Vice President, and a few years later, you were elected to be the President and Chairman of the Board, a position you continue to hold to this day.

Along the way, you have found the time to be involved as a trustee for the Pittsburgh

1 Tom ’63 and Barbara

Sturges at the 2016 Pittsburgh Kiski Event in Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens.

2 John Jacob ’89 and

Steve Szilagyi ’88 present Tom Sturges’ ’63 Alumnus of Distinction Award to Tom’s son Caleb Sturges ’93.

Photography provided by Becky Viglione.

1

2 Geological Society and the Early Learning Institute of Pittsburgh. You have also been a director of Conservation Consultants, Inc., and the National Drilling Association Insurance Company as well as a member of the West Virginia Division of the Environmental Protection Board focused on the monitoring of well design and construction.

Throughout your life you have been a thinker, a leader, and a generous philanthropist. You and your wife, Barbara, have been gracious and longtime benefactors

of both Bucknell and Kiski. You have been a dedicated father to your daughter Melissa, and to your son Caleb, who is also a Kiski alumnus, Class of 1993.

Tom Sturges, for your many achievements in life and for the thoughtful and loyal generosity you continue to dedicate to help to advance Kiski’s greater good, we are very proud to honor you today with our Distinguished Alumnus Award.”

The Kiski School

I

www.kiski.org

17

June 1–3, 2018

Reunion Weekend

T

The returning classmates, teammates and friends make Kiski’s Reunion Weekend a can’t-miss celebration each June. Graduates from all eras are welcome, but an emphasis is placed on gathering Kiski boys celebrating milestone five-year increments from their graduation year. A special thanks must be extended to the Class Captains and additional Reunion Committee volunteers who amplified outreach to their classmates throughout the months leading up to the party. Thank you!

Alumni enjoyed the company of classmates while making new friends from different Kiski eras. Optional activities were offered Saturday morning before the cocktail hour and banquet later that day. Headmaster Chris Brueningsen proclaimed the close of the Capital Campaign to great applause. Associate Headmaster for Institutional Advancement, Steve Szilagyi ’88, brought the presentation to a close by naming the 2018 Reunion Weekend award recipients.

2

3

Activities A variety of activities are made available to alumni and their families each year.

Guests kayaked the Kiskiminetas River with Neill Andritz ’86, received golf instruction from Mark Orsatti, and played tennis with Steve Szilagyi ’88. The Makerspace was also opened so that visitors could create Kiski bottle 1 openers and custom vinyl transfers for t-shirt making with Art Department Chair Andy Scott ’85 and Director of Communications Craig Olear. Others tried metalworking and made keychains with Art Teacher Libby Sherrier. The campus was also open for guided and unguided tours featuring many recently renovated and constructed buildings.

1 Laser cut custom bottle opener.

Photo provided by Craig Olear.

2 Metal stamped key chains.

Photo provided by Libby Sherrier.

18

The Kiski School Bulletin

I

2018 A Year in Review

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

Awards The following awards were presented during the Reunion Weekend cocktail hour: • “Most Experienced” Alumnus: Joe Wilson ’43 • Most Distant Traveler: Chuck Goodwin ’68 (Honolulu, HI) • 25th Anniversary Kiski Hats • 50th Anniversary Kiski Straw Hats and Medals • Alumnus of Distinction (recognized on page 17): Tom Sturges ’63 • Reunion Giving Cup: Class of 1963

3 Headmaster Brueningsen and Steve Szilagyi ’88 present the “Most Experienced” Award (eldest alumnus at Reunion Weekend) to Joe Wilson ’43.

4 Reunion Weekend golfers: Jim Nelson ’68, Foreign Language Teacher Mark Orsatti, Pete Schneller ’68, Ned Entwisle ’63, Scott McChesney ’68, and Charlie Goodwin ’68.

5 Taming the mighty Kiskiminetas River with Neill Andritz ’86: front row: James Kendall; back row: Bill Kendall 87, Chris Kendall ’22, Neill, Rob Marshall ’71, Rob Marshall ’08, Dana Martinelli ’88, and Kyle Davis ’08.

6 Steve Szilagyi ’88 recognizes Charlie Goodwin ’68 for making the farthest trip to Reunion Weekend.

7 Gathering for their 25th reunion: Caleb Sturges ’93, Allan Molina Lopez ’93, and David DeSimone ’93.

8 Joe Wilson ’43 shares his senior yearbook with English Teacher Chantel Kapustik.

9 Steve Szilagyi ’88 (left) led the tennis group of Science Teacher and Kiski Tennis Coach Colin McGuire, Gregg Hamilton ’73, Carl Kalnow ’68, and Sean Nolan ’88.

10 Accepting the Reunion Giving Cup on behalf of the Class of 1963: Jim Hilliard and Ned Entwisle.

11 Members of the Class of 1968 celebrating their 50th: Sarah James (f.k.a. Bill James), Sam Gordon, Joe Evans, Neil Sapienza, Charlie Goodwin, Carl Kalnow, Jim Nelson, Scott McChesney, and Pete Schneller.

Photography provided by Becky Viglione.

The Kiski School

I

www.kiski.org

19

Kiski Reunion

Giving

C

Classes celebrating milestone reunions in five-year increments from their graduation are asked to renew, increase or begin their support of The Kiski Fund – Kiski’s annual fundraising priority. The milestone class with the highest participation in The Kiski Fund before the cocktail hour commences is awarded the Reunion Giving Cup. The 2018 Cup was awarded to the Class of 1963, but all classes ending in 3 and 8 were celebrated for a remarkable feat. As a group, the milestone classes increased their total Kiski Fund contribution by an astounding 81% compared to their first Reunion Giving Challenge in 2013.

Classes ending in 4 and 9 will compete for the 2019 Reunion Giving Cup this year.

The Class of 1989 will look to defend their title after raising the cup in 2014. All Kiski Fund gifts directly and immediately support our current Kiski boys. Each dollar is applied to the greatest need in the operating budget, therefore supporting every aspect of the unmatched Kiski experience for our newest Kiski boys.

1

2

REUNION GIVING CUP WINNERS: Highest participation percentage with The Kiski Fund for a Class returning during a milestone reunion (increments of five years since graduation).

Reunion Weekend 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010

Reunion Cup Winning Class 1963 1962 1991 1965 1989 1988 1962 1986 1985

MILESTONE YEAR: (5-year increments) Giving Records Since 1990 — The class(es) with the most participants for each milestone reunion since 1990.

Milestone Anniversary 65 th 60 th 55 th 50 th 45 th 40 th 35 th 30 th 25 th 20 th 15 th 10 th 5 th

Record Holding Class(es) 1949 1951, 1953 1962 1962 1962 1951 1964 1964 1989 1970 1984 1984 1986

Number of Participants 12 12 23 28 29 25 27 32 31 23 24 26 14

DOLLARS RAISED: The class that raised the most for The Kiski Fund for each milestone reunion since 1990.

Milestone Anniversary 65 th 60 th 55 th 50 th 45 th 40 th 35 th 30 th 25 th 20 th 15 th 10 th 5 th

Record Holding Class 1953 1951 1963 1965 1972 1970 1972 1986 1989 1995 1995 1987 2003

Dollars Raised $13,219 $13,675 $19,313 $56,384 $32,250 $19,335 $14,200 $17,025 $19,580 $15,304 $11,950 $3,105 $2,520

New Records in BOLD

20

The Kiski School Bulletin

I

2018 A Year in Review

4

3

5

6

7

8

9

10

1 Assistant Director of College Counseling Megan Neumeister, Headmaster Brueningsen, Frank Urbany ’51 and Steve Szilagyi ’88.

2 Alumni and their families begin filling the tent for the banquet dinner.

3 Eric Hegnes ’13, Eric Acre ’13, and Michael Mendicino ’13.

4 Tim Waite, Bruce Brown, Lex Winans, Paul Hudson, Kevin McCaffrey, and Craig Spitzer.

5 Tim Waite ’83, Ben Schweikert ’98, Chuck O’Neill ’98, Jo’Van Wiggins ’98, and Sebastian Correa ’98.

6 Garret Poston ’08, Matthew Rosidivito ’08, Kyle Davis ’08, and Rob Marshall ’08.

7 Ken Hart ’84, Doug Scott ’85, Bruce Brown ’83, Kevin McCaffrey ’83, Mike Eisen ’84, and Kelly O’Rourke.

8 Christian McCague ’06, Headmaster Brueningsen, Walt Gray ’04, and Ned McCague ’04.

9 Clayton Zelazowski ’99, joins the group celebrating their 20th: Ben Schweikert, Brett Yost, Sebastian Correa, Jo’Van Wiggins, Obi Ezekoye, Chuck O’Neill, and Alex Carrera.

10 Celebrating their 10th reunion: Matthew Rosidivito, Phillip Godin, Garret Poston, Jonathan Lado, adopted classmate Edward Poon ’09, Kyle Davis, Michael Nulph, Rege Rogel, and Rob Marshall.

Photography provided by Becky Viglione.

The Kiski School

I

www.kiski.org

21

ACADEMIC NEWS Allshouse Schedule, Grade 9

Academic Snapshots A look at a course load from a student in each grade.

— By Jen Kwiatek

K

Kiski’s curriculum is designed to prepare young men for the rigors of college work. With the goal of helping each student succeed, faculty also expect students to be challenged.

“As an international student, language skills are my biggest challenge while studying at Kiski,” remarks China native Haotian Wu ’20. “Literature and history classes caused a little pressure on me at the beginning of each year, but they both got better when I studied further. Lots of challenges came up along with lots of fun as I studied at Kiski.”

Noe Reyes Matos ’19 from the Dominican Republic agrees. “I enjoy Advanced English because even though it is very challenging for a non-native speaker, it is helping me read and analyze literature in a better and different way.”

Kiski’s rigorous course load can be a surprise to some new students. “The courses this year blow my old school out of the water,” says Timothy Allshouse ’22. “I have to manage my time well!”

“Don't be afraid to ask for help of anyone because you will definitely get it,” advises Reyes Matos. Teachers are available for extra help during evenings and free periods, and the Learning Center led by Mrs. Darcie Spahn is another resource for skill development and enrichment.

Kiski faculty work to make courses not only rigorous, but relevant and meaningful to students. “Once I saw history courses as only remembering past events, along with lots of homework and essays,” remembers Wu. “But in International Relations, we examine history and compare the past with contemporary issues, challenging each other with different opinions and playing lots of simulation games.”

“STEAM interests me the most,” enthuses Allshouse. “This is the first real science class I have ever had. It’s so fun and hands on.”

“What Kiski offers differently than my previous school is the ability to choose courses that interest me,” remarks Reyes Matos “This allows you to be more engaged in what you are doing.” Students can choose from a variety of art, humanities, and English electives.

“Do not be afraid to talk to your teacher about anything you want to know,” advises Wu. “It would both be a good chance for you and your teacher to know each other better, and help you with the course or with school life.”

Kiski students do not find hard work daunting. “Be ready to take the best out of every course you encounter,” advises Reyes Matos. “Enjoy every moment you have. Time flies!”

Photos provided by Jen Kwiatek

22

The Kiski School Bulletin

I

2018 A Year in Review

Period A B C D E F G Flex

Course Name Foundations in World History Fine Arts Study Hall STEAM Foundations of Literature Spanish Honors Geometry Instrumental Music

Timothy Allshouse ’22 works on his race car during Mr. Gino Colella’s D period STEAM class in the Zeigler Science Center. Pairs of students designed and constructed rubber-band-powered cars based on their knowledge of the law of inertia and other principles being studied in class. The teams then competed in a series of drag races to see whose car was the fastest.

Legaspi Schedule, Grade 10 Period A B C D E F G

Course Name Study Hall Spanish 2 Modern World History Men In Society Honors Precalculus Honors British Traditions (English) Chemistry

Cato Legaspi ’21 works on a project in Ms. Leslie Poston’s Men in Society class.

This portion of the course focuses on information ethics and digital citizenship, and examines issues concerning the progress of our society and how they relate to traditional masculine and feminine roles.

Wu Schedule, Grade 11 Period A B C D E F G

Course Name Spanish 3 Honors Physics Advanced Statistics Study Hall Composition and Rhetoric International Relations Advanced Chemistry

“Advanced Chemistry is the course I enjoy the most,” insists Bobby Wu ’20.

“Besides the fact that I always like new challenges in math and science, I have the most humorous teacher on campus, Mr. Yoder, as well as hard-working and cooperative classmates. We get some comprehensive understanding each day and have fun labs several times each semester.”

Reyes Matos Schedule, Grade 12 Period A B C D E F G Flex

Course Name Study Hall Advanced English Literature Advanced Calculus Study Hall US History Honors Chemistry Digital Media Glee Club

“This year I wanted to learn something digital, something related to technology,” explains Noe ’19. “I chose Digital Media as one of my electives. I felt I was not keen to this field but actually proved myself differently. It is fun, demanding, but at the same time easy to learn.”

Inventionland Certificate of Excellence Awarded Kiski boys engineer a fresh approach to physical therapy – By Craig Olear Inventionland, now in its fourth year, is an entrepreneurial class that serves as a capstone course for a select group of Kiski boys, based on a curriculum developed by George Davison ’82 and his team.

Inventionland Institute tasks students with developing an invention to solve a problem. Students follow George’s patented 9-step method for creating a product, in which they legally protect, sketch, model, market, and pitch their inventions. The course itself requires a large skill set that includes public speaking, engineering, graphic design, researching, writing, storytelling and more. The culminating activity is the pitch of the products, which is truly an unforgettable experience. As the students cross the moat and enter the castle that lies at the heart of Davison’s Inventionland dreamscape workspace located in Pittsburgh, they are greeted by a panel of judges and television cameras that draws comparison to the set of ABC’s “Shark Tank.” The panel of judges is usually made up of fellow Kiski boys, Tom Jones ’79, Kris Rockwell ’90 and one other mystery judge.

This year’s Inventionland Certificate of Excellence was won by Chayce Smith ’18 and Aidan Gillespie ’19 for the Wrap N’ Roll. Flat massage roller bars are often clunky, awkward and more work than therapy, so the boys sought to change that. They 3 developed the Wrap N’ Roll to strap to a person’s leg to create a 360-degree massage roller with interchangeable hot and cold gel rollers.

“The product came together in many different forms until our final product. The Wrap N’ Roll was made out of 100% density plastic on the 3D printer, sewn elastic between the rollers, and a 4 Velcro strap to connect it together around the leg,” recounted Aidan Gillespie ’19. “Overall, I loved this course and contributed a huge part to the design and making of our product and packaging, and realized how important the other ‘boring’ side is. I also learned to work more collaboratively and listen to others’ ideas.”

Whether it was the “boring” documentation or the exhilarating final presentation, the boys all left the experience with a greater appreciation for each stage involved in the entrepreneurial process.

2018–19 All-School Book – By Leslie Poston

O

On September 24th, Kiski boys had the great privilege of talking with one of the most famous writers ever to visit the school, Sebastian Junger, author of Tribe, our 2018 All School Book. Apart from having first found fame with his book A Perfect Storm, which was adapted into the box office hit film in 2000, Sebastian Junger also wrote many best-selling books, and awardwinning documentaries. As a journalist, his work has appeared in Outside, National Geographic and Vanity Fair where he’s a contributing editor.

Mr. Junger connected with the boys early in his talk, projected on the big screen in Clark auditorium via Skype, by stating that when he was a boy, he didn’t know how to become a man. “Our society doesn’t tell us how to become a man, but leaves it up to us to figure it out. It’s painful,” he said. He described how he thought he had to do something dangerous to prove his manhood, but how he learned that doing something that has real world consequences in service to others is the most meaningful way to live.

He realized he wanted to write about the young men doing dangerous jobs that we all depend on every day. He wrote about fishermen, loggers, and eventually became a war reporter covering the Civil War in Bosnia. It was in Sarajevo, under siege, where he first found himself among young

Tribe

1

2 1 Aidan Gillespie ’19 and Chayce Smith ’18

pitch the Wrap N’ Roll to the judges.

2 Judges (l to r): Kiski Trustee Tom Jones ’79, Inventionland’s Manager of Packaging and Design Tess Kamban, and Kiski faculty member Colin McGuire. Photos provided by Craig Olear.

3 The Wrap N’ Roll packaging.

4 The 2018 Inventionland Winning Product,

the Wrap N’ Roll.

Photos provided by Aidan Gillespie ’19.

– By Sebastian Junger

men who truly needed one another, and he felt like he belonged. In this kind of brotherhood, said Junger, “You don’t have to like each other. When the consequences get big enough, people get real with each other.

You’ll do anything for your brothers, even if you don’t like them.”

This special bond is what eventually led him to write Tribe: On Homecoming and Belonging.

Mr. Junger talked about the deep responsibility of being in a group, but that groups are powerful and can change society, and can bring about true freedom. “Putting other people ahead of your own concerns, actually minimizes your own distress. That’s the kind of person we need in this country, in every job, in every office, on every team.”

During the Q&A after the talk, several boys had the opportunity to ask questions about topics ranging from hyper-masculinity, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and selective service. Mr. Junger urged everyone to “understand the value of being part of something greater than yourself.”

The Kiski School

I

www.kiski.org

23

1

Poetry Out Loud – By Jen Kwiatek

P

Poetry Out Loud is a national poetry recitation competition that aims to support the arts in high schools around the nation. English faculty member Megan Neumeister introduced Kiski to this competition in 2009 as a way to inject more poetry study into the English curriculum.

“Kiski boys are generally good sports, but I think that public speaking can be intimidating for many people, especially if artistic interpretation is part of the equation,” muses Neumeister remembering the growing pains students went through getting used to this new endeavor. “That first year, I had a few boys who gave up half way through and never truly learned their poems. Now, I find that students plan better and are more adept at finding poems that match their level of comfort.”

Poetry Out Loud has now become a strong Kiski tradition. “I don’t think the competition has changed much, but I do notice that there’s less groaning from the boys than there was the first year,” notes Neumeister. “In fact, a number of students look forward to it and start to ask teachers for help practicing their performances before the yearly competition has even been announced. I think the boys understand and respect the competition more now, especially after having the benefit of seeing some really strong performances from a variety of students over the years.”

On January 8, 2018, strong performances were given by all school winner Noe Reyes Matos ‘19, and runners up Edgard Mercado Arzuaga ‘19 and Christian Spahn ‘20. “I like the way the poem challenged me to try something new,” remembers Mercado, “and it inspired me to see what I was able to do.”

“Barter by Sara Teasdale was my favorite poem,” shares Reyes. “It’s about how love can be found in any simple detail, person, or gesture in our daily lives. It reminds people how meaningful and beautiful life is.”

These impressions illustrate why Poetry Out Loud continues to be an important Kiski student tradition. "Through recitation,” stated Neumeister, “students can build a special relationship with a poem. If they work to learn it by heart, it is with them all the time."

24

The Kiski School Bulletin

I

2018 A Year in Review

2

1 Pictured with Kiski’s Poetry Out Loud trophy: contestants Ben Crewe ’19, Kai Wisniewski ’19, Hieu Dinh ’18, Noe Reyes Matos ’19, Melvin Bermudez ’20, Caleb Leechalk ’21, Edgard Mercado Arzuaga ’19, Walker Donohue ’21, Cronin Wilkes ’18, Cato Legaspi ’21, Ryan Pettes ’20, and Christian Spahn ’20.

2 First Runner Up: Edgard Mercado Arzuaga ’19; All-school Winner: Noe Reyes Matos ’19; and Second Runner Up: Christian Spahn ’20.

Photography by Jen Kwiatek.

Kiski’s Performing Arts Update – By David Knapp th

On Friday, November 9 , the Kiski Band and Glee Club joined forces to present an exciting showcase of musical selections at the annual Pittsburgh Kiski Event. From cool jazz to a rousing Kiski fight song, our young musicians demonstrated enthusiasm and skill rarely duplicated in the region. Their passion for creating music together is a trait that reflects well on their overall development as young men.

The Kiski School has a long history of musical activity and in particular the art of singing. Many young men who have no instrumental training find ease in learning music in a vocal group setting.

Students who develop strong musical skills always perform well academically as music stimulates multiple intellectual functions.

We have 12 students participating in this first year of our Glee Club revival. With over 30 students participating in music at Kiski, we seek to bridge cultural differences through the collective inquiry into human experiences that only music can reveal. Each rehearsal on campus is a lively and challenging experience encouraging individual initiative and group benevolence.

We are planning to present the Broadway hit musical "Little Shop of Horrors" in May of 2019. This comedy will call for a large scale collaboration which will challenge the many diverse talents here at Kiski.

David Knapp is Kiski’s instrumental and vocal teacher. Prior to joining Kiski in 2015, Mr. Knapp was employed with the Pittsburgh High School for the Creative Arts for 32 years. Kiski musicians dedicate many hours to their craft after the demands of their academics have been met. They may practice during the Fine Arts Flex period following classroom studies every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon, or following evening athletic commitments and dinner.

Musical performances are often made available on Kiski’s YouTube Channel: youtube.com/kiskischool

O

1

1 J.P. Suozzi ’20 plays the saxophone during the 2018 Pittsburgh Kiski Event.

2 Yu Hsieh ’21 guides his bow across the strings of his violin.

Photography by Becky Viglione.

2

Will’s Gift An Artist Award from The Kiski School The Kiski School Bestows the 10th Annual Will’s Gift Award to John Wiegand ’85, Visionary Folk Artist Will’s Gift is named in honor of E. William Turley, one of the finest educators in Kiski’s history. Although he was not an artist himself in any traditional sense of the word, his 35 years on the campus could be called nothing but a masterpiece. His devotion to his students knew no bounds and he inspired many of them to be, if not artists, then whole and true versions of themselves.

His gift was his passion for inquiry, for truth, and for the guts to accept the price of such a pursuit – attributes without which no fine artist can succeed. His gift was this kind of bravery and he gave of it every day.

On behalf of The Kiski School, Will’s Gift is given annually to an artist working in Western Pennsylvania. It is our goal to assist in a small way the continued health of Pittsburgh’s creative community and to increase and develop Kiski’s strong collection in the visual arts. We hope the campus itself will become an archive and teaching center, a living and virtual gallery of the region’s finest work. “If enough small fires can light an entire community, let Will’s Gift be the fuel for one of them,” said David Conrad ’85, co-underwriter of Will’s Gift along with Kristofer Rockwell ’90.

The Will’s Gift selection committee describes John Wiegand ’85 as “self-taught and self-disciplined, a Pittsburgh original,” adding that “John goes his own way, drawing what he sees and feels around him in a small borough on the Allegheny river.”

They describe his work as having “a visionary color sense, an uncanny arrangement of form and volume. John puts things in places you wouldn’t expect, and draws them in colors you may never have seen.”

They compare Wiegand to other Pittsburgh sui generis artists, Ryder Henry, Ben Matthews, Vanessa German and Randy Gilson, all of whom “respond not to trends and training, but to something either in the hills or in the water, and you can’t look away.” “In his work you may see the Fauves, the Neo Expressionists, the Nabis, the folk art of Haiti or Gaugin, the digital landscapes of gaming platforms worldwide, the cut-outs of Matisse or your precocious 5-year-old, no matter, it all adds up to ‘Wow.’” Each drawing takes between 50 and 150 hours to complete. Working seven or more hours in a day, John’s technique requires focus and a finely tuned attention to detail. Examples of Wiegand’s work can be found on his website at www.john-of-art.net.

The Kiski School

I

www.kiski.org

25

Kiski Career Day

A

A wide variety of career fields were represented during Kiski’s 14th annual Career Day April 20, 2018. The speakers hosted three sessions each and spoke to Kiski boys about their career paths. Entrepreneur Andy Watson ’67, who presented both in 2017 and 2018, shared his evaluation of the experience, “I spent time with six different groups of students during my two career days at Kiski and was impressed with the level of questioning following my presentations.”

Mr. Watson and the other presenters were welcomed to stay for formal lunch with the boys. “A flood of memories came back about my time at Kiski,” he shared. “Having spent so many years at business lunches, I had forgotten about the efficient Kiski lunches. Each time I spent too much time chatting and listening to their stories and not paying enough attention to eating.” We trust our presenters and the boys enjoy those insightful conversations that may very well influence their career paths.

1

THANK YOu TO OuR 2018 PRESENTERS! Mr. Jon Baker '84 ...................... Founder and President; Time-Line Enterprises Mr. Andrew Bell ’10 .................. Consultant/Health Policy/Molecular Biologist; ProspHire Mr. Nicholas Cherrone ’95 ........ Raw Materials Category Management/Procurement Process .................................................. & Systems Lead; ARLANXEO Mr. Gary Chodkowski ................ Senior Project Manager; Michael Baker Corporation Mr. Nicholas Corcetti ’04 .......... Financial Analyst; Bayer Major (retired) Brian Ellis III ’94.... Defense Department Counterintelligence Analyst; ManTech International Mr. Len Eisenbeis ’71 ................ Director Clinical Services; UPMC WorkPartners Mr. Jack Ganzar ’71 .................. Entrepreneur, Investor Ms. Kelly Lynn Gillespie ............ College Representative; Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising Mr. Bill Kendall ’87 .................... Owner; McClure Properties Real Estate Investment Mr. Chad McCutcheon ’00 ........ Communications Professional; McCutcheon Enterprises, Inc. Mr. Nathan McCutcheon ’03 .... Vice President; McCutcheon Enterprises, Inc. Judge Scott Mears .................... Judge; Westmoreland County Court of Common Pleas Mr. Luke Pajer ’11 ...................... Digital Marketing Specialist; Beacon Technologies Trooper Frank Ross ’02 ............ Trooper; Pennsylvania State Police Ms. Talisa Reed ........................ Licensed Professional Counselor; Private Practice Dr. Peter Schneller ’68 .............. Professor; University of Mount Union Mr. Zach Schwartz ’09 .............. Membership Manager; Marcellus Shale Coalition Mr. Joseph Suozzi .................... Special Agent; Federal Bureau of Investigations Mr. William Thomas .................. Owner; Thomas and Company Law Firm Mr. Andy Watson ’67 ................ Owner; LNA Marketing Mr. Ted Wilkes .......................... Entrepreneurial Executive; Oil and Gas Field

{

2

3

1 Andy Watson ’67 shares his career path and insights with his eager audience.

2 Ted Wilkes enlightens the Kiski boys.

3 Joseph Suozzi speaks to the boys about careers in federal law enforcement.

4 Kelly Lynn Gillespie engages her audience.

5 Career Day presenters are introduced to the Kiski boys to begin the day.

Photography provided by Craig Olear.

5

26

The Kiski School Bulletin

I

2018 A Year in Review

4

Dedications in Memory of Kiski Boys

A

All gifts made to Kiski are significant because they convey a desire to support the Kiski mission to prepare young men to succeed in college and in life. Many gifts are accompanied by a heartfelt notification that they were made in honor or memory of individuals or groups beloved by the donors. Those notices are listed prominently in Kiski’s Annual Report of Giving.

Occasionally donors combine their efforts of remembrance to address a specific Kiski need.

This year, two campus upgrades were completed in memory of Kiski boys. On June 2, 2018, the Kevin Conley ’94 Memorial Batting Cage was dedicated during Reunion Weekend. The David Caswall “Cas” Devey ’11 Memorial Ropes Course was dedicated on October 22, 2018.

Kevin Conley was highly respected for his leadership as a baseball captain. After his unexpected passing, Jeff Simmons ’94 and his Kiski brothers were looking for a way to honor his memory. “Some of us were talking last winter. We wanted to do something in memory of Kevin and felt a new batting cage would be the perfect fit,” Simmons recalled. He saw the state of the previous Kiski cage and knew the baseball program would benefit from a considerable upgrade.

Simmons rallied support from Kevin’s teammates and friends, and the Conley family generously supported the tribute. Now that the structure is complete, the Kiski baseball team is looking forward to utilizing it to prepare for the 2019 season. “Baseball for me is not just a passion but is my life and now having an outdoor batting cage to practice or warm up in before a game is just wondrous. Knowing it is dedicated to a former Kiski baseball captain is inspiring,” remarked Kiski baseball player Gaheris Kohut ’20.

Similarly, friends and family of Cas Devey ’11 were looking for a way to memorialize his special connection to Kiski. They decided funding some much needed upgrades for the Kiski low ropes course would be ideal. After one of the wettest falls on record, the need for a water repelling walkway between ropes course obstacles was more apparent than ever. A crushed gravel pathway buttressed by railroad ties replaced a path that previously became a quagmire after rain. Signage for each obstacle was also added along with benches surrounding the fire pit. A boulder with a plaque commemorating the space in Cas’ name now greets visitors at the entrance.

Adam Schapiro, who was the Dean of Students when Cas was enrolled on campus and recently returned as Kiski’s Director of Admission said, “It was a common occurrence to see Cas hiking around Kiski’s wooded campus barefoot. That’s when he was in his element. The ropes course is a place for leadership development and introspection. It would have been Cas’ favorite classroom.”

1

2

3

1 Cas’ parents Emily and David cut the ribbon outside the newly enhanced David Caswall “Cas” Devey ’11 Memorial Ropes Course.

2 The Whale Watch obstacle where boys work together to balance the platform on a fulcrum while overcoming communication challenges presented by the facilitator.

3 New benches built by the boys surround the fire pit on crushed gravel that will prevent water from pooling.

Photography provided by Craig Olear.

4

4 (L to r) Kevin’s niece, Vivian Geiger; mother, Connie Naples; brother, Greg Conley; sister, Marnie Conley; and nephew Owen Geiger pose for a photo in front of the Kevin Conley ’94 Memorial Batting Cage.

5 Jeff Simmons ’94 follows through after connecting with a toss from Kiski Baseball Coach Marcus Muster.

Photography provided by Becky Viglione.

5

The Kiski School

I

www.kiski.org

27

CAMPUS NEWS Leadership development is a cornerstone of the Kiski experience.

The following Kiski boys were appointed to lead their peers during the 2018-19 school year.

1

2018–2019 Leadership Positions 1 Prefects are quintessential leaders who uphold Kiski standards by

both example and direction that they provide to their peers.

First row: Dylan Pettes ’20, Hunter Skena ’19, Justin Diaz ’19, Christopher Rubino ’20, Head Prefect: Benjamin Crewe ’19, Ryan Brett ’19, Gaheris Kohut ’20, Jaedyn Conway ’19, David Diaz ’19; Second row: Alex Stewart ’20, Haoran Mo ’19, Jianbu Shi ’19, Jaylen Cooper ’19, Jason Stewart ’19, Patrick Jacob ’20, Ryan Pettes ’20; Third row: Caleb Commandant ’20, Edgard Mercado ’19, Minxuan Wang ’19, Griffin Donohue ’19, Noe Reyes Matos ’19, Luca Venditti ’20, Daniel Ritton ’19; Back row: R.J. Moore ’20, Christian Spahn ’20, Corben Kohut ’20, Micah Tillman ’20, Joseph Suozzi ’20, Benjamin Foster ’19, William Gillis ’19; Not pictured: Brayant Garcia ’19, Lichen Zhao ’19

“

Being a leader of the Big Brother 2 committee is a privilege for me.

Connecting a freshman and another Kiski student creates a bond between the two that is shared with no other. I try to set a good example and make sure I have daily conversations with my little brother, and I let him know he can always come to me for anything. I am still in contact with my Big Brother from my freshman year, Jacob Rowan, [Class of 2016].

”

–Jaylen Cooper ’19: Prefect Honor and Discipline Council member, and Big Brother Senior Leader

2 Head Prefect: Benjamin Crewe 3 K-Club President and Head Tour Guides are conversant greeters who

warmly welcome guests to campus. Front row: Aidan Gillespie, President: Jianbu Shi, Kai Wisniewski, Ryan Brett; Back row: Edgard Mercado, Griffin Donohue, Benjamin Foster 4 Headwaiters efficiently direct traffic, assist new boys in their duties,

and safeguard the finer points of formal meals in the Turley Dining Hall. Front row: Pedro Silva, Jack McNamara, Olayinka Jimba; Back row: Henrique Felix de Siqueira, Lucas Infanti, Johnathan Leighty, Ye Sun; Not pictured: Maître D’: Brayant Garcia

3

The Big Brother Peer Mentor Program pairs veteran Kiski boys with newcomers to ease their transition to boarding school life. Senior Leaders: Jaylen Cooper, Grady Fagan; Big Brother Junior Leaders: Christopher Rubino, Patrick Jacob The Honor and Discipline Council is a role that requires great maturity and integrity. Members provide a peer perspective during confidential disciplinary discussions regarding serious Honor Code and K-Book infractions. Seniors: Jaylen Cooper, Benjamin Crewe, Brayant Garcia, William Gillis, Haoran Mo, Jianbu Shi, Pedro Silva, Minxuan Wang, Hanqing Zhao; Juniors: Patrick Jacob, Max Mears, Christopher Rubino, Joseph Suozzi, Haotian Wu; Sophomores: Cato Legaspi Photography provided by Viglione Photography.

28

The Kiski School Bulletin

I

2018 A Year in Review

4

Kiski’s Leadership Institute for Boys Conference — By Jen Kwiatek The Kiski Leadership Institute for Boys (KLIB) is the culmination of three years of compiling leadership and character development programs for students. What started as a series of low ropes course challenges in the fall of 2013 has grown into a four-year leadership program designed to instill valuable life skills such as collaboration, cooperation, and problem solving through innovative, out-of-the-classroom activities, and by exposing students to real world problems and global issues. One evolution of 1 this Leadership Curriculum is the creation in 2017 of an intensive weekend conference focusing on leadership skills.

The mission of the conference is twofold. Boys are brought together to learn from one another, and are given the opportunity to lead and follow in analytic and problem solving situations. The second annual KLIB conference was held April 7– 9, 2018 and differed in some ways from the 2017 conference. “We extended the conference by one day, and made sure it was one hundred percent run by Kiski boys with little faculty organization,” notes Dean of Students Ryan John.

Invited to speak to the students was Navy Special Warfare Operator First Class (SO E6) Joseph Miller. Special Operator Miller served as a SEAL in the US Navy from 2008–2017. After completing the many challenging phases of SEAL training he was assigned to SEAL Team 8 and served three tours abroad. At the end of his Naval career he was appointed as a Naval Land Warfare Instructor. He was responsible for teaching all east coast SEAL personnel land warfare tactics until he left the Navy in June of 2017. After several months as a stay-at-home father to his one-year-old daughter, he started medical school in July 2018 with the goal of becoming a surgeon.

The Honorable Timothy Lewis ’72 was a keynote speaker at the conference. Judge Lewis served as the Allegheny County Assistant District Attorney, and later as the United States Attorney for Western Pennsylvania.

In 1991 he was appointed and confirmed by the US Senate as a judge on the United States 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals until 1999 when he stepped down to work in private practice. At the time he was appointed and confirmed, he was the youngest federal judge in the United States. Judge Lewis is a strong proponent for boys’ education and so was a perfect choice to speak at the conference.

The entire Kiski community collectively owns the Leadership Institute.

Faculty and student focus groups frequently discuss the enhancement of co-curricular leadership and character activities, and constantly look for ways to grow the program. They also look for ways students can take on more of the responsibility for planning and implementing each event.

“It's truly a conference run by boys for boys,” insists John. “Most impressively, John Jacob ’18, coordinated with the students from returning schools to give presentations at the conference so that those boys returning to the conference would have the opportunity to take on an active leadership role.” The conference was organized by boys from Kiski with guest presenters from Woodberry Forest School in Virginia, Boy’s Latin School of Maryland, and Church Farm School in Chester County, Pennsylvania.

2 1, 2 KLIB Conference attendees solve low ropes course challenges.

Photos provided by Mark Novom.

Visiting Leadership Speakers During the 2018 Calendar Year

■ Richard Jewell ■ ■ ■ ■

Former Grove City College President Sebastian Junger Author (2018 All School Book Author, more on page 23) Logan Powell ’92 Dean of Admission at Brown University Daniel Regan ’94 Judge of the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas in Pennsylvania Claudio Reilsono General Manager, Global Scouting Bureau; Head Baseball Coach, Carnegie Mellon University

■ Peter Schneller ’68

Emeritus Professor, University of Mount Union

“The surest way to avoid addiction is to be comfortable with who you are,” declared Dr. Schneller ’68.

Dr. Schneller (second from left) visited to speak to juniors and seniors on the dangers of addiction: (l to r) Reese Bole ’20, Dr. Schneller ’68, Addie Schapiro ’20, Omari Johnson ’20, Vasja Pandza ’19, Sidney Arrais ’19, J.P. Suozzi ’20, Luis Apelfeld ’19 and Jacob Renaud ’20. Photo provided by Mark Novom.

The Kiski School

I

www.kiski.org

29

A newly adopted slogan that feels as though it was read off Kiski DNA.

T

The quintessential look of a Kiski boy may be of a young man in coat and tie, but the life-changing Kiski experience involves many more casual attires. After all, the boarding school lifestyle, for all its emphasis on traditional pedagogy, is predominantly negotiated beyond the walls of the classroom. Boys from all corners of the globe first learn to share living spaces, and are then further enriched by cultural lessons that are exchanged in those same domiciles. Surely there are differences that lead to mature compromises.

Minor friction gives way to bonding afforded only to those challenged in this profound way. Boarding offers fewer dĂŠtentes in what is initially felt as a struggle between faculty/coach/dorm master and boy. The gauntlet of expectation begins at dawn with a reminder to straighten a tie, it can be piqued by threat of discipline when that tie slides loose again by lunch. It is sometime later when the expectations are internalized and an awakening of sorts makes the boy aware that the allegiances of the adults are with him. They are allies in the true struggle to keep the boy from falling short of his potential.

Before that understanding, there are brothers at his side to commiserate or even – as leaders emerge among peers – join in adroitly prodding him forward to his better self. They will also share in each of his victories, laughs by the campfire, and heartaches of all magnitudes.

Aided by time and a new perspective, he will look back fondly on the journey he shared with his Kiski brothers and yes, even his taskmasters. He may even feel a sense of gratitude for the belief others had in him, arriving at that assessment even if the path mandated was one of purposeful conflict instead of tranquil but negligent indifference.

Perhaps that is why so many Kiski alumni seek the same lifechanging experience for their sons, nephews, and other relatives.

Kiski is life-changing because of its embraced difficulty and the brotherhood that endures and endears it.

1

2

3 30

The Kiski School Bulletin

I

2018 A Year in Review

4

9

My favorite part of boarding school life is…

“Being with my friends and being able to listen to music, or play basketball.” – Hunter Skena ’19 “Having the boys around all the time, all facing the struggle balancing of obligations and staying on top of academics.” – Grady Fagan ’19 “The convenience of having everything you need in close proximity.” – Gaoyuan Zang ’20 “If you need help you can go straight to the teachers because they live on campus.”

– Jackman Schooley ’19

“Other cultures that you wouldn’t be exposed to outside of the boarding school atmosphere.” – Hanqing Zhao ’19 “Being able to get friends from the dorm to go play on the outdoor court or turf field.”

5

– Ryan Pettes ’20

“Always being around my friends. You get to know people a whole lot better and you can’t have cliques because you’re around each other 24/7.” – Daniel Ritton ’19 “Extra help is available at night.” – Zihao Teng ’20 “Being around your friends the whole time.” – Henrique Felix de Siqueira ’19

6

7

1 The advisory group of (l to r) Colin Williams ’22, Dazendae Gittens ’22, Preist Ryan ’22, Griffin Martin ’22, Noah Bole ’22 and Bryce Sacre ’22 enjoy a home cooked meal with Mr. and Mrs. Muster. Photo provided by Mary Grace Muster.

2 The boys feast on fireside snacks behind Daub Hall. Photo provided by TJ Stock ’04.

3 Cole Reibenspies ’19, Ian Russ ’20 and Christopher Bonham ’19 enjoy a weekend trip to a Pittsburgh Pirates baseball game with Mr. Link. Photo provided by Patrick Link.

4 Seth Williams ’18, John Jacob ’18, Zack Hegedus ’18 and Justin Diaz ’19 explore Kiski’s 350-acre campus for Mr. Colella’s Enviromental Science Forestry Lab. Photo provided by Gino Colella.

5 (R to l) Prefects Patrick Jacob ’20 and Noe Reyes Matos ’19 teach new students Chris Kendall ’22 and Yu Hsieh ’21 how to fix their Kiski ties. Photo provided by Craig Olear.

6 An impromptu basketball game breaks out on the new Hoag Multi-Sport Court (with the ball) Olayinka Jimba ’19, (l to r), Aidan Gillespie ’19, Savion Jemison ’19, Jaylen Cooper ’19 and Jaedyn Conway ’19. Photo provided by Craig Olear.

7 (L to r): Tyler O’Donnell ’22 and Timmy Allshouse ’22 turn the McClintock hallway into a study hall. Photo provided by Chantel Kapustik.

8 (Lto r): Zhengyang Zhou ’22 and Zixuan Wang ’22 squeeze in a quick game of pool after their studies. Photo provided by Chantel Kapustik.

9 The Kiski boys of McClintock Hall stop for a photo before their first day of classes.

Photo provided by Chantel Kapustik.

8 The Kiski School

I

www.kiski.org

31

Kiski Clubs

Kiski’s Math Team Attempts to Dominate the Decade

Kiski currently offers 29 unique clubs for the Boys to explore interests beyond the classroom and athletics.

• Art Club • Astronomy Club • Big Brothers • Chess Club • Clay Breakers • Creative Reuse Club • Creative Writing Club • Culture Pot • Film Club • Green Team • Helping Hands • Jewelry and Metalsmithing Club • K-Club • Kiski Gamers Club • Kiski Players • Kiski Service Organization • Math Team • Model United Nations • National Forensic League • Outdoor Adventure Club • Photography Club • Radio Club • Reading Team • Red Cross • Robotics Club • Spanish Club • Springs • Woodworking Club • Yearbook

1

A

Academic and athletic obligations may be at the forefront of each Kiski boy’s mind. However, club options are offered to fill the little gaps of spare time with an outlet for an established interest or to explore a new hobby.

The Kiski Math team has been perhaps the most successful of the Kiski clubs over the last decade. On March 1, 2018, the Kiski mathematicians tallied their ninth consecutive title in the region’s math competition sponsored by the Westmoreland Economic and Development Initiative for Growth (WEDIG).

The WEDIG competition organizers invite area schools to send up to three teams of five students. The groups are challenged to answer two sets of eight questions in under 25 minutes for each. The first round of the current competition during the fall concluded with Kiski in the lead. They will vie for a tenth consecutive championship in February. “I am very grateful to the previous members of the math team for laying a good foundation for us. We will continue to pass on the torch of the champion to the next class,” senior team member Jianbu Shi shared with confidence.

2

1 Jianbu Shi ’19 holds the 2018 WEDIG championship trophy surround by the Kiski Math Team.

2 Can you solve this problem from the fall 2018 session? Answer below.

Below: 3 Science teacher Mr. Bello presents his Nigeria table alongside two of his Intersession students: Ben Crewe ’19 and Brennen Crawford ’19.

International Food Festival By Carla Ross

3 The International Food Festival is a day when we celebrate the many cultural differences here at Kiski. We do this with the entire community’s support. Students, faculty, staff and parents share their time and unique

32

The Kiski School Bulletin

I

2018 A Year in Review

cooking skills. This year, we even welcomed back a pair of recent graduates who visited during their college spring breaks.

There were many delicious entries to the 2018 edition of the festival. I sampled the pound cake from the Soul Food table hosted by Mrs. Tamara Crawford (mother of Clifford ’15 and Brennen ’19). I also tried the pierogies at the Polish table hosted by Brad and Vince Kwiatek, and the white chicken chili from Mrs. Amy Perry’s ’87 Texas table.

Nik Vasadze’s ’18 aunt Tamar represented The Republic of Georgia with her dish called “Acharuli Khachapuri” or “cheese boat.” It was a handmade pizza shell loaded with feta and mozzarella cheese and topped with a fresh sunny side up egg. It was a hit for anyone who tried it.

I also conduct an International Food Festival t-shirt contest for the students with help from the Art Department. Designs are submitted by the boys and the staff votes for a winning design that is sold to the community each year. With the teams working together to prepare the food along with the sea of t-shirts and the fellowship during dinner, I can feel a sense of pride and unity during the festival. That is what it is all about!

Math problem answer: 81

Intersession Week 2018 Intersession Offerings

T

The fifth installment of Intersession week may have been the best yet for the boys and faculty. As in the past, teachers present a selection of week-long elective classes that take place during the afternoons of the week before spring break. The classes typically involve activities that require casual attire and even layers to protect the boys from the late winter outdoor elements. This was especially true for Mary Grace and Marcus Muster’s Intersession class: Outdoor Cooking.

The annual tradition has become one of the most highly anticipated segments of the Kiski year. “Most of the boys, as boys do, wanted to literally ‘dig in.’ Whether it was building the fires, chopping the wood, preparing the food, and suggesting the food they were involved in every aspect,” Marcus Muster reflected.

Kai Wisniewski ’19 recalled his biggest challenges as “making fire in the winter and learning how to make a food that is foreign to me.”

A break from formal classroom structure is not a break from learning and instead becomes a reinforcement of learning for enjoyment. The faculty enjoys sharing some of their own passions with the boys, and camaraderie is strengthened between the students and instructors as a result.

“One of the goals of the cooking class is to teach the boys some cooking skills. Some of the boys have a lot of experience cooking and others literally can do nothing! We teach them how to hold the knife when chopping, how to sauté, grill, and even use a spatula. We also tell them that their dates will appreciate a man who can cook and clean up the kitchen,” shared Mary Grace Muster.

“I like that they see Mary Grace and I having to work together on this intersession to make it work. The only way we are able to pull off cooking for ten to fifteen people in only three hours is with team work and they see they need to help and need to participate,” Mr. Muster concluded. “And everyone ate well!”

• Strat-o-Matic Baseball with Mr. Beebe and Mr. Forsythe Sr.: Students managed their own baseball franchises in a game of probability.

• Cooking with Mr. Brueningsen and Mr. Nurmi: Boys improved their culinary skills and were challenged by cooking techniques and gourmet offerings.

• ultimate Frisbee with Mr. Colella and Mr. Ramsden: Players learned the basics of a unique sport that doesn’t use officials, instead relying on “Spirit of the Game.”

• Making Mighty Materpieces with Megaman Maker with Mr. Forsythe Jr.: Boys explored fundamentals of video game level design using old school Megaman assets.

• An In-depth Examination of an American Rock Icon with Mr. Jennings: Budding musical historians explored the story of Bruce Springsteen.

• Podcast Kiski with Mr. John and Mr. Moriarty: Young podcasters investigated the elements of a successful podcast and basic production.

• Playing Dice with the universe: Learning to Play Tabletop RPGs with Mr. Kwiatek, and Mr. and Mrs. Kapustik: Gamers were taught how to play some of the most popular roleplaying games while involving teamwork, problem solving, creativity, basic mathematics and listening skills.

• Jam Band with Mr. Knapp and Mr. McGuire: Future rockers tested their musical improvisation skills over rhythmic grooves and chord patterns, and long sets of music that cross genre boundaries.

• The Great Dragon Illusion with Mr. Kwiatek: Budding illusionists created Perception Dragons – four-foot blue foam dragons that appear to move as you do.

• Wheel Throw Pottery with Mrs. Kwiatek and Ms. Sherrier: Students centered, raised and shaped different ceramic pieces. Unique textures were added before glazing.

• The Beautiful Game with Mr. Loukes: Soccer enthusiasts studied the history of the sport discussing teams, players, stadiums and leagues that have had a significant impact on its popularity.

• Introduction of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Practice with Ms. Ma: Students broadened their views of human health and wellness by reviewing daily routines for good and productive living.

• Basketball with Mr. Muffley and Mr. Orsatti: Kiski hoopsters learned the correct technique for shooting a basketball that included detailed video analysis of their forms.

• Mindful Yoga Fitness with Ms. Neumeister and Mrs. Poston: Yogis practice mindfulness and intermediate-level yoga postures before ending each session with blissful relaxation.

• Media Production: Documenting Intersession with Mr. Olear: Documentarians captured audio, video and photos from Intersession Week to produce a brief recap of the experiences.

• Freshman’s Guide to the Weight Room with Mr. Perry: Freshmen were taught basic lifts with a focus on both form and safety.

• Boat Building with Mr. Scott: Young men were introduced to the basics of woodworking as well as the handling of a small wooden sail boat.

• Nerf Gun Modifying with Mr. Stock: Nerf engineers deconstructed and modified Nerf foam pellet shooting weapons so that they fired faster and farther.

• Giant Rube Goldberg with Mr. Sunday: Ingenuity was drained from the designers of complicated contraptions purposely overdone to perform a simple task.

• Dancing Flames with Mr. Link: Boys created tubes that converted sound waves to fire displays.

• Nigeria: Culture, Food and Fashion with Mr. Bello: Aspiring globe trekkers discovered the culture of the West African country.

• Are you a book worm? with Ms. Acquard: Page-turners cultivated their love of reading.

• Women in Hollywood with Mr. Novom: Junior film critics discussed depictions of women in films by women and whether they differed from films by men.

• Outdoor Cooking with Mr. and Mrs. Muster: Outdoorsmen practiced cooking and baking inside a fire, grilling over an outdoor fire, and the basic skills for smoking meat.

Above: Chayce Smith ’18, Kai Wisniewski ’19 and Jacob Fedell ’18 enjoy smoked ribs at the Musters’ house.

The Kiski School

I

www.kiski.org

33

Community Service update

K

Kiski boys have continued a proud reputation within the region because of their enthusiastic volunteering. The Westmoreland County Food Bank characterized their efforts as, “kind and respectful,” in their February 2018 newsletter. “We thank them once again for returning to help our clients.” The dedicated staff of the food bank has accepted a long term partnership with Kiski in their mission “to enable all Westmoreland County residents who are hungry or at risk hunger to have ready access to food.” That level of commitment isn’t rare for Kiski. Their relationship with Action for Animals in Latrobe has existed for more than a decade.

The boys’ celebrated status in the area leads to new inquiries for their assistance that are fielded by Sandy Acquard, Kiski’s Director of Community Service. “Kiski was asked to volunteer with a new group this year, The Woodlands,” Acquard remarked. “Their mission is to enrich the lives of children and adults with disabilities and chronic illness. The boys were asked to participate as ‘bachelors’ during an event held especially for girls and young ladies. The Kiski boys served as escorts for the ladies during the social gathering and runway event.”

By design, the boys benefit from the experiences while they are serving others. That theme continued during the Woodlands events.

“It was a transformative event for our boys because they came away from the evening with a much deeper understanding of the joys and heartaches of living with a disability or illness,” said Acquard.

“There are people in the community that need help, and helping them not only provides support but also makes you feel good,” summarized volunteer J.P. Suozzi ’20.

Most importantly service hours are not a Kiski requirement. “At Kiski, we feel that our students should not be forced to participate in community service, that it should be something that they choose to do,” Acquard explained. Kiski boys have proudly volunteered thousands of hours annually.

“It is an amazing chance for them to spend time with other boys, go outside their comfort zone, and understand what it means to be compassionate and give to others,” stated Acquard. They also extend their professional networks. “At the Special Olympics winter games this year, the head of the program gave one our boys his card and told him to call him when he graduates from college so he can offer him a job,” boasted Acquard.

1 Joey Chappie ’18, Cronin Wilkes ’18, Pedro Silva ’19, Brayant Garcia ’19, Christian Conde ’20, Richard Qu ’20 and Max Mears ’20 taking a break from distributing goods for the Westmoreland County Food Bank.

2 Kiski boys serving as escorts for the DIVAS event at The Woodlands: (front row) Samori Greenidge-Saltus ‘21, and Melvin Bermudez ’20; (back row) Akhu Black ’21, Edgard Mercado Arzuaga ’19, Lichen Zhao ’19, Luca Venditti ’20, Miles Brown ’21, Salvador Plaza ’18 and Mark Shoebridge ’20.

3 Nick Darrington ’20, Neill Peirce ’18 and Cronin Wilkes ’18 preparing to patrol the slopes for the Special Olympics Winter Games.

34

The Kiski School Bulletin

I

2018 A Year in Review

1

2

3

College Counseling update Introducing Kiski’s Director of College Counseling Deren Finks Our new Director of College Counseling Deren Finks comes to us from The Cranbrook School in Michigan after leading the Admissions team at Harvey Mudd College in Claremont, California. College Counseling Assistant Jen Kwiatek sat down with him in November 2018 to see how he is settling in.

Q: Now that you’ve been at Kiski for a few months, what features of the College Counseling Office do you think work really well?

A: The staff - Jim Perry and Megan Neumeister. Kiski is lucky to have this level of dedication and expertise. Another asset is the responsiveness of the CCO team. There is a spirit of truly wanting to help students and being willing to go the extra mile to do so. Previously, I have had to train counseling teams to do this, but at Kiski that attitude is already present.

Q: What is one aspect you would like to implement or improve upon for this year?

A: I would like to formalize a system by which we get uniform information to students but in a personalized way, and document this process for consistency. We could also expand and improve our communication with families. Features like newsletters, webinars, and additions to our website can educate parents about our process and invite them to be more involved in it.

Q: What are some long-term goals you have for the CCO? A: Currently our matriculation list is predominantly regional. I would like to expose students to a wider range of colleges. There is also some technology available that could improve and streamline our counseling process, and I plan to explore and implement some of those tools here at Kiski.

Q: What else would you like the Kiski community to know about you?

A: I was curious and perhaps a bit nervous about coming to work at a boys’ school, but I have come to really enjoy mentoring young men. There is extreme value in mentorship, and this is beginning to resonate with me and already brings me a lot of joy.

Above: Senior William Gillis visits with Director of College Counseling Deren Finks. Photo provided by Jen Kwiatek.

The Kiski School

I

www.kiski.org

35

COUGARS

ATHLETIC NEWS

WINTER SPORTS 2017-2018

■ BASKETBALL Head Coach Damien Williams, in his second season with Cougar athletics, recalls several season high points this year, such as coming back from a 12-point deficit to capture the Centennial Cup at Mercersburg, and winning three out of four games at the Spire Academy Battle on the Lake event. “One of the biggest victories came against Topflight Academy,” remembers Williams. Topflight, located in Ottawa, Ontario, is one of the top basketball programs in Canada. “This propelled us into a strong second half of the season,” Williams explains. “Along the way, Brennen Crawford ’19, Jaka Pandza ’18 and Asa Klimchock ’20 earned all-tournament team honors at The Peddie School, St. Andrew’s Episcopal and Hill School Tournaments, respectively.”

Klimchock went on to garner the MVP award for the 2017-18 season. Jalen Nougues ’18 and Noah Watson ’18 shared the Coach’s Award. Williams noted that three 2018 graduates will go on to play college basketball (Watson at Muhlenberg, Pandza at Franklin and Marshall, and Nougues at Catholic University of America), while eight varsity letter winners will return for the 201819 season.

■ ICE HOCKEY Head Coach Chris Spahn has led the Varsity Ice Hockey team for nine impressive seasons. Over the past three, Spahn has guided the Cougars to a 51-7-3 record. In that time span, the program has claimed three straight regular season and post-season I.S.H.L. Championships. The hockey program has claimed three straight

36

2

1

Academy of the New Church tournament championships. And to close out the list of hardware, the Ice Cougars have claimed two straight Midwest Hockey Championships, this year doing so without giving up a single goal to their opponents.

During the 2017-18 season, the buzz word continued to be championship, as the Cougars repeated their dominance of the regular season schedule and highlycompetitive annual tournaments. The team finished 16-2-1, and in those 2 losses only fell by one goal in each game. The team had an almost unheard of stat, posting 12 shutouts in 19 games, with a streak of 7 straight shutouts during one stretch. Throughout the season, the team played a complete game from offense to defense. This is reflected by the impressive statistic of 97 goals for and only 12 goals against. The list of victories included rival schools Shady Side Academy, Linsly, Sewickley, and Western Reserve Academy. By losing only a few seniors in 2018, the Kiski Varsity Hockey program is poised to continue their winning ways in the 2018-19 season.

■ SWIMMING The 2018 season can definitely be categorized as a growing year for the Varsity Swim team. With only a few seniors on board and a junior as their captain, the young team worked hard to refine skills and improve times. A great deal of personal growth was achieved.

“I was so glad that I broke my 30 second record in the 50 yard freestyle!” remembers Jianbu Shi ’19. “I hope I can break my personal best again next year.”

Zhongwen Gong ’18 competed for the first time this year. “Step after step the ladder is ascended,” is how he characterizes this year of skill building. With 13 returning members, the swim team is set to have a more successful 2018-19 season.

■ WRESTLING Cougar Wrestling had a year of ups and downs with some heartbreaking losses, followed by close scores in hard-fought matches against Columbus Academy and Western Reserve, and a big win against Hill School in January.

“Our focus is on building well-rounded men,” asserts Head Coach Joe Ross, who has been coaching wrestling for 30 years, 15 of those at Kiski. “The wrestling room is an area where we can help experienced wrestlers compete for national championships and less experienced wrestlers pursue their personal goals like improving strength.”

One of the best moments of our season happened during practice. “We have a tradition to climb the 30-foot ‘rope of honor,’” Ross explains, “and once you do you can write your name on the I-beam.

We had one boy that couldn’t pull his own weight up at all to start the season but by the end, he added his name to the beam while his teammates cheered him on.”

There is a focus on nutrition. “We still train hard but we continue to train smarter, stressing that we wrestle at our healthiest weight,” insists Ross. The team has grown in size to between 25-30, and Ross’s goal is to qualify at least four for the national tournament each year.

SPRING 2018

■ BASEBALL While officially his seventh season as Head Coach of the Cougar Varsity Baseball team, Marcus Muster has been involved in the Cougar baseball program for most of his 31 years at Kiski. While the overall record wasn’t quite what Muster hoped for, he recalls a positive year. “It was an enjoyable season with so many seniors on our team who had been with the program for a significant amount of time,” shares Muster. “We certainly had fun in Florida and in the dugout.” Muster recalls counting alligators on the way to Pahokee, Florida during spring training, and the positive attitude of players supporting each other on and off the field.

One stand-out moment Muster remembers happened during the game at Leechburg. “With runners on third and first with no one out,” Muster recounts, “the Leechburg batter hit a ball to center field. Joey Chappie ’18 made the catch for out number one, then threw a rope to Caleb Leechalk ’21, our catcher, who tagged out the Leechburg runner who had tagged to come home for out number two. Caleb made a perfect throw to Corben Kohut ’20 who tagged the Leechburg runner trying to advance to second base for out number three – an 8-2-6 inning-ending triple play.”

Chappie joined teammates Ryota Mogi ’18 and Austin Gaston ’18 in accepting their four-year player awards. Ben Crewe ’19 earned the Coach’s award for playing seven different positions over the course of the season. Muster continues to train talented athletes, such as Omar Ward ’17 who plays Division 1 baseball for Canisius College and was recently featured in the Tribune Review for garnering the Johnstown Collegiate Baseball League’s MVP award.

5

4

3 ■ LACROSSE In addition to managing sports as Kiski’s Athletic Director, Chris Spahn has also led the lacrosse team as Head Coach for the past 14 years. One high point this season was beating top-ranked St. Anne’s Belfield School in the King of Spring Tournament in March. TJ Spahn ’18 garnered the MVP award and the Four-Year Player award for the team this year. Chris Peirce ’21 was named Most Improved, and the Coach’s award went to Sam Tackett ’18. Spahn continues to challenge the lacrosse players by adding more talented and higher ranked teams to their schedule each year.

■ TENNIS Head Coach Colin McGuire has been coaching tennis for seven years. His second season with the Cougars saw the team face some tough opponents and end with a record that does not tell the story of the team’s talent. Some big April wins against McDowell and at the Hawken Tournament are a glimpse of the Cougars’ capabilities.

Senior Jack McBride (Jorgeson) went undefeated in singles play this season. He won the singles flight at the Hawken Tennis Tournament, and also earned the meet’s Sportsmanship Award.

“This is huge because it’s such a prestigious tournament against a powerful tennis community with the premier teams in Ohio,” insists McGuire.

Kevin Liu ’18 and Salvador Plaza ’18 made it to the third round of the Episcopal doubles tournament. “They represented us well in a tournament we have never been to,” remembers McGuire. “This was another very difficult field from mostly eastern Pennsylvania.”

McGuire prepared the team for these challenging tournaments by taking van rides to Greensburg to practice at indoor courts and run

ladder sprints. “It was difficult training that they overcame,” recalls McGuire, “pulling for each other and encouraging when someone fell behind.”

Most Valuable Player and Coaches Awards went to McBride (Jorgeson) and Zander Szilagyi ’20 respectively. McGuire coached a young team in 2018, with not many seniors and most of the leadership in the junior class. “It was an intense growing season for the team,” McGuire asserts, “and they ended the season definitely better for having that challenge.”

■ TRACK AND FIELD For the past 44 years, Cougars have benefitted from the guidance and expertise of Head Coach Doug Yoder. In this, his final coaching season, the boys worked harder than ever and bid a fond farewell to their coach and mentor. The shot put prowess of Jaylen Cooper ’19 landed him in 3rd place at the Latrobe Wildcat Invitational, 2nd place at the WCCA Championships, and 2nd place at the Redbank Valley Invitational in New Bethlehem. Jaylen also qualified for the PA State Championships in both discus and shot put. Other State qualifiers include Reese Bole ’20 in shot put, discus, and javelin; Cato Legaspi ’21 in discus and javelin; Seth Williams ’18 in shot put; Jibril Hammond ’18 in javelin; and Micah Tillman ’20 in the triple jump.

1 Antonio DiLascio ’21 climbs the ‘rope of honor.’

2 Jibril Hammond ’18 signs his national letter of intent with Coaches Yoder (left) and Cignetti (standing), and Headmaster Brueningsen (right).

3 Daniel Ritton ’19 starts his approach.

4 Tim Burgartz ’20 (left) and Reese Bole ’20 (right) flank their spotless quarterback Johnathan Leighty ’19 post game.

5 Vasja Pandza ’19 takes his shot.

The Kiski School

I

www.kiski.org

37

FALL 2018

■ CROSS COUNTRY Greg M. Forsythe, who has coached cross country and track for eight years, including five at Kiski, entered his first year as Head Coach for the running Cougars. He took on a program led for decades by the legendary Coach Doug Yoder. During the fall sports awards Coach Forsythe recalled Athletic Director Chris Spahn’s pre-season remarks about “the ending of an era, and the beginning of a new one.”

It was a year of improvement and an impressive show of talent. Richard Qu ’20 went from not competing in races to being a varsity scorer and was named Most Improved at the Fall Sports Awards. Ryan Pettes ’20 and Gaheris Kohut ’20 medaled at the Tri-States Championship meet and received the team’s leadership awards.

The team bonded over heated debates and other milder conversations during their road trips. One trivial dispute revolved around Coach Forsythe’s distaste for candy corn. “Coach Forsythe, apparently cannot stand candy corn, and so he started criticizing the delicious treat as if that was alright!” remembers junior runner Ryan Pettes. “Mr. Forsythe chose to wear bright orange shorts and white socks that day, similar to a candy corn! Thus I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to say, ‘Mr. Forsythe, how can you diss on candy corn when you’re standing here looking like one?’”

Cougar Cross Country has a promising season ahead in 2019 as these talented runners mature and Mr. Forsythe gains even more experience…and perhaps rethinks his wardrobe.

■ FOOTBALL Head Coach Jim Perry has been coaching prep school football for 18 years. He has coached the Kiski Cougars for ten years, eight as head coach.

Perry led the Cougars through some impressive moments this season. One of his favorite memories from the 2018 season was a bruising run by Cato Legaspi ’21 in the win against The Hill School.

“Cato’s last run for the winning score where he ran through four Hill defenders was one of the most amazing things I’ve ever seen on a football field,” recalls Perry.

Several games saw the Cougars spring to life in the second half. “The come-from-behind wins against Hill and Mercersburg really demonstrated the character of this team,” notes Perry. “One

of our core principles for success is ‘first identify the problem, then fix it!’ The boys really did that during the half-times of those two games.”

The football team had big wins and made some great memories even though they did not repeat the undefeated record from last year. “The boys were disappointed with a 5-3 winning season because they have set a high standard for themselves,” Perry remarks. “They expect more from themselves and they work extremely hard to meet that standard. They make us proud!”

■ GOLF It’s not difficult to find highlights from the 2018 Varsity Golf season. The team started off with a win against Altoona, and then recaptured the WCCA Division Championship for the sixth year in a row!

Not slowing down, they bested Mercersburg in the fall Centennial Cup competition and took second place in the IPSL Championship.

For the first time since the annual competition between The Kiski School, Mercersburg Academy and The Hill School started in 2015, Kiski hosted the Keystone Cup. The competition always takes place at the end of the season at a prestigious course, this year at the Allegheny Country Club in Sewickley, PA, courtesy of the generosity of Mr. Colvin McCrady ’64 and Kiski grandparent, Mr. Robert Peirce (grandfather of Neill, ’17, and Chris ’21). The Hill School edged out Kiski by just two strokes (437-439) and Mercersburg placed third (455).

The golf team enjoyed robust support from parents and alumni throughout the season. “Our connection to Kiski Alumni through golf is strong,” insists Head Coach Mark Orsatti. “Gregg Hamilton ’73, Russ Swank ’67, and John Jacob ’89 all invited us to play their courses. This is a chance to play private courses that are challenging and a chance to reconnect with alumni who share a love of golf with the current Kiski boys. Our hosts are gracious, fun to hang out with and their courses are beautiful!”

Parents also often traveled to support the team and provide dinner and snacks before or after an event. The team is appreciative of the people that made the 2018 special, and looking forward to 2019 competition with all varsity golfers returning.

■ SOCCER Head Coach Jonty Loukes completed his second season at Kiski. “We had some ups and downs during the year,” remembers Loukes, “but we came

together when it mattered the most. We equaled the record for the furthest a Kiski soccer team has made it in the state competition, but I think we all felt we had more to give and we were disappointed that we were not competing in the state final.”

While there were many wins and accomplishments to be proud of, Loukes says his favorite game of the season was the quarterfinal of states against Haverford. “We were seeded number ten and they were seeded number two,” recalls Loukes. “The boys showed tremendous character to come from behind on two occasions to take the game to overtime and penalty kicks. As soon as the game went into overtime, I knew we were going to win.”

In addition to being tough athletes, the Cougars also understand the importance of being gentlemen.

Their showing at the Midwest Classic at Lake Forest Academy is a great example. “One of the LFA parents had paid for food trucks to feed the boys after the first set of games,” recounts Loukes. “At the end of the evening, I had a number of parents come to me to report how polite and grateful our boys were. They said that they were a credit to the School the way they handled themselves. I was extremely proud of them for their behavior on every trip we took this fall.”

The following members of Kiski’s Class of 2018 will continue their athletic careers on the collegiate level.

Football Jacob Fedell • Allegheny College (PA) Nikoloz Vasadze • St. Olaf College (MN) Seth Williams • Slippery Rock University (PA) Soccer Kevin Menendez • University of Montevallo (AL) Salvadore Plaza • University of Montevallo (AL) Robert Vanetta • Penn State University - Behrend Raphael Zoccolaro • St. Lawrence University (NY) Basketball Jalen Nougues • Catholic University (D.C.) Jaka Pandza • Franklin and Marshall College (PA) Noah Watson • Muhlenberg College (PA) Lacrosse Matthew DeGirolamo • St. Bonaventure University (NY) TJ Spahn • Denison University (OH) Sam Tackett • Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (NY) Tennis Jack McBride (Jorgeson) • United States Naval Academy (MD) Track and Field Jibril Hammond • Geneva College (PA)

Visit www.kiski.org to view schedules. Follow Kiski athletics on Twitter @kiskiathletics.

38

The Kiski School Bulletin

I

2018 A Year in Review

FACULTY AND STAFF NEWS

Kiski’s Behind the Scenes Heroes

1

J

Jim Good, Kiski’s Director of Plant Operations, started as a member of the Kiski maintenance team in July of 1987. Since then he has been a part of the crew that silently keeps Kiski running. The maintenance staff juggles a steady flow of routine upkeep tasks with emergency repairs that are typical on a 130-year-old campus that spans 350 acres.

Although it can be considered a good sign if their efforts go unnoticed, that is also what gave extra weight to a remark a Kiski boy shared with Good a few years ago. “I was sitting at lunch when one of the boys approached me to let me know how much he appreciated the small things we take care of daily, like clearing ice and snow from sidewalks. That was one of the most meaningful compliments we have received,” he reflected. “Our number one responsibility is to create and maintain a safe environment for these kids.”

While they can evade attention completing daily minor tasks, their support of the previous thirteen years of constant capital campaign projects has put them at the center of a visible campus evolution. The Kiski maintenance team partnered with external contractors to complete renovations and new construction assignments throughout the Kiski campus. The 2017 renovation of Hoag Hall was Good’s first opportunity to serve as project manager. He expertly orchestrated schedules for internal and external staff, coordinated material orders and deliveries, and more to keep the renovation on time and budget. “It meant a lot

2 to me to be a part of that group,” Good said.

“Those projects take on an even deeper meaning when you look around a progress meeting and see many of the leaders involved are alumni. They want the best for Kiski and everyone involved is pushing through challenges to meet our deadline.”

When Hoag Hall was complete Kiski welcomed back the Hoag family to dedicate the beautifully restored dorm. “It was an honor to meet the Hoag family in person and to see the pride they took in the finished product,” Good remarked. Although he took a leadership role for the project, he again insisted on sharing any victory with his staff.

“You’re only as good as the people you lead,” he summarized.

Good also enjoys remarkable support at home. “I couldn’t do this job without my wife Shona’s understanding of my odd hours or

1 The Maintenance Team of (l to r) Jim Good, Kyle Gyenes, Morris Myers, Terry Spaid, Joe Ott, Bob Porter, Amos Grabe, and Tom Courtney take a momentary break from troubleshooting around the campus.

Photo provided by Zhengyang Zhou ’22.

2 (L to r) Jim Good, Terry Spaid and Bob Porter repair a leaking water line leading to faculty row. Photo provided by Mark Rhodehamel.

emergency calls,” he said. “I’m also proud that our three kids went to Kiski and made something of themselves thanks to the experience.” Shona and Jim Good are the proud parents of three alumni: David ’05, Sara ’11 and William ’13. “Naturally, I want alumni to be pleased with the state of our campus when they visit. After all, I have three of my own.”

The Kiski School

I

www.kiski.org

39

An update from…

Dean of Faculty Brad Kwiatek Professional development opportunities are everywhere if we are ready to reconsider the definition. Many teachers consider on-site instruction or attending a conference to be the only real forms of professional development.

However, local and low-stress experiences can be turned into great opportunities for our community.

Brendan Moriarty’s ’86 book group on Understanding by Design by Jay McTighe and Grant Wiggins is a great example. Allowing the faculty to discuss shared readings is a wonderful way to build a sense of community and gain professional insight. Visiting peer schools is another example of professional development that is simple and powerful. Kiski wants to encourage the growth of professional faculty communication by providing a variety of professional development experiences both on campus and off.

Kiski has provided faculty with numerous opportunities for professional development recently, including trainings in ALICE active shooter protocols, CPR certification, Concussion and Suicide prevention protocols, Parent Communications webinar, AASL standards training, statewide library database (AccessPA) training, and the PAIS biennial conference.

“We are a well-informed and well-trained teaching community!” declares Director of Library Services Leslie Poston, who attended the Pennsylvania School Librarians' Association Annual conference in May. National School Library standards were released at this conference, defining common beliefs regarding the qualities of well-prepared learners, effective school librarians, and dynamic school libraries. “In addition to author presentations, I learned a lot about Open Educational Resources and evaluating news sources and formats,” Poston shares.

Some Kiski faculty, like Director of Technology Marcus Muster, share their expertise at professional gatherings. For the Pennsylvania Association of Independent Schools (PAIS) event at Shadyside Academy on October 8, Muster was a presenter. “The topic of my Presentation was Using Free Web Based Tools and Smartphone Apps to Enhance Your Classroom and Engage Your Students,” recalls Muster. His best take-away from the event was the opportunity to visit with and learn from other independent school teachers and administrators. Unexpected benefits come from development events too, like reconnecting with old friends and making new ones to expand your network.

Many Kiski teachers attended the PAIS conference in October. The math department has more math-centered learning opportunities planned for the school year and each department will continue to seek both traditional and progressive methods of professional development to advance their abilities.

40

The Kiski School Bulletin

I

2018 A Year in Review

How did I spend my summer vacation?

Physics teacher Colin McGuire continued his offseason job as a fireworks technician.

Lucas Orsatti, son of Language Department Chair Mark Orsatti salutes the American flag as it is lowered at the American Cemetery in Normandy.

The cemetery overlooks Omaha Beach. The Orsattis traveled to France in June to see the 24-hour LeMans race and Normandy.

Head Football Coach Jim Perry (white polo) on the sideline with Cougar representatives in the June Westmoreland County Foothills All-star Classic: #70 Jake Fedell ’18, #21 Clayton Halmi ’18, and #10 Jason Kcehowski ’18. The boys played well but it was just as meaningful that the coaching staff complimented Coach Perry for the boys’ manners and work ethic during practices.

Kiski Sabbatical 2018 — By Brad Kwiatek

T

Thanks to the sabbatical program and the easy going nature of my wife, I had the opportunity to take a British Literature dream trip in August. With careful planning and a total disregard for time spent in airports, Jen and I hopped on a plane for 10 days immersed in the history that I teach to my students each year.

Our first destination was Elsinore, Denmark.

Three years ago I learned by chance that the castle in Hamlet was a real place, and Shakespeare would have been well-aware of it. We did not have a chance to visit back then, so the first goal was to visit the castle. Elsinore is actually the name of the town, but it is more mellifluous than Kronborg, so Shakespeare messed with the geography knowledge of generations of readers.

Going to the castle was amazing. I was armed with two regular cameras and a 360-degree camera to make sure I could share my experiences with my classes. I took a lot of pictures. The castle is a popular tourist attraction, and we joined a good crowd as we walked around the walls that open the play and continued to the castle proper. Castles tend to be beautiful, and this one didn’t fail. The truth of where I was became clear as we entered the Queen’s chamber. No spoilers, but the play really takes a turn in that room. Actors helped bring the play alive in the rooms, and we followed them as the familiar story unfolded. That night at the castle we attended a show of classical music written and performed by incredible local musicians. Hamlet had spread through every bit of us, and it was only going to get better.

Taking a short flight to London, Jen and I stayed at a hotel only blocks from The Globe theater. We woke up and headed straight for the theater where we were able to take a tour, peruse artifacts from Shakespeare’s history, and listen to a great lecture on the impact the theater had on the plays that were performed there. Did you know that no seat in the entire theater is

more than ninety feet from the stage? The lecture prepared us for Hamlet that we would see later that night.

Remembering that we couldn’t even make it through the entire Squirrel Nut Zippers concert on our feet last year, we bought the closest seats to the stage that we could. Sure, we weren’t in the pit with the masses, but our seats were amazing, right at stage level.

The show was fantastic, and the entire experience even more so. I know now what it was like for people 400 years ago to go to the theater and watch a Shakespeare play, minus the horrendous smell of the pit according to the lecture. Jen and I were sad to leave the theater, but we had one more amazing stop on our trip.

Back in Copenhagen, we planned for our last destination. We booked a train to Lejre and went to visit some of the oldest ruins in Denmark. Sure, Shakespeare is amazing, but we were going back even further in time. Lejre is believed to be the home of the mead hall that inspired Heorot in the tales of Beowulf, and the trip simply stunned me. We saw some burial mounds and stood inside a stone Viking tombship, and then we crossed the street to the mead hall ruins. I was disappointed at first because the only thing to see were the sod outlines of several rectangles. I took some pictures and then spotted the fifth mead hall a bit apart from the others. I hauled my trusty cameras and set them up in the largest of the outlines, and it hit me. One thousand years ago the men who inspired the stories that I teach in my classes today stood where I was standing and celebrated their lives. I can only describe the feeling as a sense of communion. I knew I

would never be able to put this into words for classes. I even struggled to explain it to Jen who was standing there with me.

The trip was amazing. It made concrete the images that have been in my head for thirty years after reading both Hamlet and Beowulf as a senior. Both the practical knowledge and the spiritual sense that I brought back home from this trip will stay with me forever, and I can’t wait to send a little bit of it home with each student in the future.

My Advanced English Literature class will be reading Hamlet this year, so they will be the first to share my experiences. The 360 pictures I took will help make real the feeling of being crowded into a theater 400 years ago since attending a first run of Hamlet would have been nothing like our quiet, reserved, and respectful showings today. As we get into the play, the pictures of Kronborg will reveal the inspiration for one of the world’s greatest plays. Students will be able to discuss the blocking of scenes in the different rooms of the castle and how setting can drive meaning in a play. Perhaps we will even play in virtual builders to recreate some of the scenes in a VR world.

Above: Jen and Brad Kwiatek in front of Kronborg Castle in Elsinore, Denmark.

WELCOME New Board of Trustees Member Ellen Swank Kiski is thrilled to share that Ellen Swank accepted our invitation to its Board of Trustees. Swank obtained a Bachelor’s degree from Bethany College. She has four children with her husband and Trustee Emeritus Russell ‘67, two of whom graduated from Kiski in the 1990s, and six grandchildren. Swank will draw on her experience as a Kiski Admission Associate from 2004-2005, and her time as a board member for the New Kensington YMCA and Contact Pittsburgh. She is currently President of the Board of the Westmoreland Museum of American Art. We welcome Swank to this new role in the Kiski community.

The Kiski School

I

www.kiski.org

41

■

Patricia Argyros

Deren Finks

Meredith Galo

Lance Holupka

Adam Schapiro

NEW HIRES

Patricia Argyros is teaching Freshman fine arts this year. She previously taught art in private lessons and group lessons through various art groups in the area and was part owner of Salem Crossroads Studios in Delmont, PA. In addition, she is a member of several local art leagues. Mrs. Argyros started four licensed preschools in the area that still exist and directed and taught nursery, prekindergarten and kindergarten. She is a graduate of Seton Hill University with a degree in education and fine arts. She lives off campus with her husband, George.

Deren Finks took on the role as Director of College Counseling. Mr. Finks joined Kiski after serving as the Dean of College Counseling at Cranbrook School in Bloomfield Hills, MI. Before that he enjoyed a highly decorated tenure at Harvey Mudd College in Claremont, CA, ascending to the title of Vice President, Dean of Admission and Financial Aid. Mr. Finks was awarded honorary alumnus status, the Henry T. Mudd Prize, and the rare, lifelong title of Vice President, Dean of Admission and Financial Aid, Emeritus during his time with Harvey Mudd.

Meredith Galo returned to Kiski as Assistant Librarian.

Brooke Szody-Novom

Gregory Forsythe

Craig Olear

Jason Jennings

42

Lance Holupka took on additional duties as Kiski’s new Field House Manager. He was already the Defensive Coordinator for our Varsity Football team and coordinates weight training programs with the boys.

Adam Schapiro returned to Kiski as the Associate Headmaster for Enrollment Management.

Brooke Szody-Novom joined the foreign language department and teaches Spanish I. She previously taught at The Buckley School, Monterey High School, and Ord Terrace Elementary.

Mrs. Szody-Novom is a graduate of Emory University, with a B.A. in History and Minor in Spanish, and a Masters in Linguistics from Cal State Northridge.

Mrs. Szody-Novom lives on campus with her husband, Mark, and their three sons.

The Kiski School Bulletin

I

2018 A Year in Review

■

FACULTY APPOINTMENTS

Gregory Forsythe was promoted to Head Coach of Cross Country.

Craig Olear was named Director of Communications.

Libby Sherrier

Jason Jennings and Libby Sherrier will coordinate the Kiski Yearbook.

Damien Williams will coach Track and Field.

■

BEST WISHES

Damien Williams

Jaye Beebe was named Director of College Counseling Emeritus and presented an Honorary Kiski Diploma upon his retirement.

Geri Lombardo was presented with Kiski’s Lifetime Achievement Award upon her retirement.

Jaye Beebe

John Lombardo was named Dean of Faculty Emeritus upon his retirement.

Amy Perry ’87, Kiski’s assistant librarian for 21 years, was hired as the Librarian and Information Specialist at St. John’s Country Day School.

Geri Lombardo

FACULTY BABIES

John Lombardo

Alia and T.J. Stock ’04 welcomed Noah Robert Stock (8 lbs. and 20 in. long) on August 19, 2018.

Amy Perry

Angie and Damien Williams welcomed Tasia Dyan Williams (6 lbs. 8 oz. and 19.5 in. long) on July 16, 2018.

We borrowed some comments from our Teacher Appreciation Day Facebook post on May 8, 2018 asking Kiski boys for their favorite teacher. We think D.J. said it best, but feel free to check out all the responses on our Facebook Page.

D.J. White ’00 Ha! I’ve stared at this for a few minutes now and I can’t pull the trigger on one, two or even three.

Thank you to all the teachers, coaches and administrators who helped me along the way … it was and still is greatly appreciated.

Woody Cunningham ’79 Giants in the land of my youth: Jacob Zeigler and Clifford Brett.

Ginny Smith retired after 14 years of service in our Business Office.

■

Your Favorite Kiski Teacher

Ginny Smith

Ryan O’Dell ’10 Brian and Chantel Kapustik have far and away been some of the most important people in my life!

I’m so lucky to have had (and still have) them as mentors!

David Marmins ’87 Beth Crawford was my favorite and a major influence in my life, especially my love of writing to this day.

Billy Bower ’00 (son of longtime Kiski faculty member William Bower ’73): I plead the fifth!

Kiski’s 2018 –2019 Faculty

Galveston Baywatch After Four Decades of Kiski Service William Bower ’73 Finds Work at the Beach – By Jen Kwiatek

W

before or after his shift. He patrols When the name Bill Bower the beach during times of trouble, comes up in conversation, like sitting in his truck on a many things come to mind. You Saturday morning while Hurricane may think of his impressive Harvey was battering the island. swimming career like his three “Who knew lifeguards patrol the All American Swimming beach during hurricanes?”

Champion wins or his nationalmarveled Dallas News reporter record-breaking high school Scott Farwell after interviewing performance. You may Bill for a story. remember him as an attentive Those who knew Bill during Kiski School math teacher, or his time as a teacher, as the registrar who patiently administrator, dorm parent, scheduled and rescheduled coach, and adviser at Kiski will each student’s classes. You not be surprised to learn that he may think of his coaching style “Who knew lifeguards patrol the beach during hurricanes?” still brings this level of as he trained over 50 All dedication to his current American swimmers. You may endeavors. “Mr. Bower was more than a coach,” remembers McCutcheon. remember him as a doting adviser or mentor, or the cool dude who showed “He was a motivator who could get the best out of you regardless if you up to the faculty children’s Halloween party with a sack full of one-pound thought you had it in yourself. He believed in me.”

Hershey bars instead of those chintzy little bite-size things.

Bill resumed his duties during the summer of 2018, putting in about 50 Bill retired from The Kiski School in 2014 after 40 years of dedicated service. Where is our good friend now and what his he up to? It turns out Bill hours a week between March and October. “Not as long as a Kiski week,” remarks Bill, “but out in the sun all day made it rough.” is still making waves, and making a positive impact on those around him.

Bill feels that other elements of his Kiski experience now enhance his After moving to Galveston in September 2016, Bill wanted to become lifeguarding skills. “When you have to keep moving the same people and going more involved in his community and make new friends. While reading the in after the same kids, others can’t believe they didn’t listen,” Bill explains. “I get paper he saw an article on Wave Watchers, a program run by the Galveston they aren’t really always listening and it doesn’t frustrate me like other guards.”

Island Beach Patrol Academy, that trains citizens how to spot trouble on the McCutcheon remembers this same manner during his high school days. beach, be ambassadors for tourists, and help expand the beach patrol “He didn’t have to get up with me at awful times of the morning to get in a footprint. Bill completed the training, and began to see the bigger beach two-hour practice before school and another two hours plus after, every day patrol picture and what that meant to Galveston. “I started thinking, maybe for as long as I could remember. He would find a way to get you to dig I’d like to be part of that group,” Bill remembers. deeper than you ever imagined.”

Bill was nervous about the try-outs, thinking that at age 62 he’d fail to Even Bill’s experience as a math teacher has come in helpful. “I have a keep up with the younger applicants or be seen as a creepy old guy among pretty good feel for the math and science of the rip currents so I can those in their teens and twenties. His fears proved to be unfounded. manage and or save people pretty efficiently.”

Bill holds the fastest qualifying time out of all the candidates. Beach patrol It doesn’t seem that Bill needs any motivation himself, but his friends at Chief Peter Davis puts it more succinctly. “He’s kicking butt,” asserts Davis. “I Kiski are enthusiastically supportive of his current efforts. McCutcheon wasn’t surprised to learn he has a really distinguished history as an athlete.” himself puts it best. “There are thousands of young swimmers and students Surprising people with his dedication and skill is something of a habit for that Mr. Bower touched over the years,” insists Nate. “I think I can speak for Bill. “Mr. Bower would challenge us 15 years ago to a race,” remembers Nate a majority of them and say that we are so proud of you for the things that McCutcheon, class of 2003. “He was always competitive, sometimes even you are accomplishing. You instilled drive and determination in me that has more so than we were. He knew where my weakness was,” Nate laughs. helped make me the man I am today. Keep up the great work.”

Bill’s age proved to be a non-issue as well. He feels completely accepted by his fellow lifeguards. “These kids treat me as a peer. It’s kind of strange Photo: Bill Bower ’73 overlooking Galveston Bay. Photo provided by Stuart to have so many young friends,” says Bill. “It was the missing part of my Villaneuva of the Galveston County Daily News.

Galveston experience.”

Special thanks to: “Having somebody who’s more mature is a real benefit for our staff,” agrees • Ketterer, Samantha, First-year lifeguard finds his niche in Galveston, Galveston Chief Davis, who sees Bill as a role model for younger life guards because of News - Sports, Aug. 5, 2017 • Davis, Peter, Age is nothing but a number, Galveston News - Opinion, May 18, 2017 his focus and vigilance. Bill not only completes the one-hour pre-shift work out • Farwell, Scott, Journal from Galveston: ‘We got lucky,’ says lifeguard who stood with the other lifeguards, he also swims about a mile in the ocean each day duty as Harvey hit, DallasNews online, September 2017

The Kiski School

I

www.kiski.org

43

ALUMNI AND ADVANCEMENT NEWS Kiski Alumni Leadership

W

We are fortunate to have volunteers within our alumni ranks who dedicate their time to strengthening ties between Kiski and the alumni community. Class Captains help Kiski to welcome the continued involvement of their classmates while keeping them up to date on all of the latest Kiski news. They frequently help the School find updated contact information for their peers and extend invitations to events to cultivate a lasting connection. It is no surprise that – due in large part to alumni leadership – Kiski has enjoyed robust event attendance from all eras and reached a record for alumni support of The Kiski Fund last year.

The Kiski Board of Visitors includes alumni from a wide span of eras. The group meets annually to discuss important issues related to Kiski’s growth – alumni engagement, academic curriculum, admissions, school finances, fundraising and athletics. Their thoughtful feedback sharpens Kiski’s approach.

Involvement in both groups positions our alumni leaders to perform as well-informed advocates for Kiski. Class Captains and Board of Visitors members have encouraged families to consider Kiski for their sons. They have also aided Kiski with the procurement of foundation and corporate fundraising support. Many of Kiski’s recent successes have been a direct result of their input and we are thankful for their support.

1

2 1 2018 Class Captains: Sam Tackett, Jalen Nougues, TJ Spahn, Neill Peirce, Joey Chappie, John Jacob, Wyatt Gillespie Photo provided by Becky Viglione.

2 2018 Board of Visitors Meeting Attendees: first row: Zachary Schwartz '09, Neil Pettes ’88, Brooks Crozier ’87, Terry Slease ’62; back row: Frank Urbany ’51, Alan Andreini ’64, Charley Yukevich ’06, Augie Luptak ’13, Andrew Bell ’10, Harry Seibel ’00, Jeremy Walker ’97, Duff McCrady ’61, David Harouse ’82 Photo by Viglione Photography.

Kiski’s Class Captains (©) and Board of Visitors (B) Mr. Robert J. Carson '49 © Mr. Glenn A. Ballard '51 B Mr. Francis S. Urbany '51 © B Mr. Marquis M. Smith Jr. '52 © Mr. M. David Post '53 © Mr. James R. Smith '54 © Mr. Robert W. Lamoree II '55 © Mr. M. Scott Campbell '57 © Mr. Robert A. Gleason Jr. '57 © Mr. Lannie B. Mott '58 © Mr. Grier H. Cooper '59 © Mr. Jack A. Baldini '60 © Mr. Harvey B. Goss '60 © Mr. Roger B. Sippey '60 © B Dr. A. Richard Kneedler '61 © Mr. W. Duff McCrady '61 © B Mr. Roger H. Kishman '62 © B Mr. Clyde H. Slease III '62 B Mr. James F. Hilliard '63 © Mr. Terence L. Kothe '63 B Mr. Alan J. Andreini '64 B Mr. Edward B. Gaines '64 © Mr. Marshall M. Goldberg '64 B Mr. Robert S. Jamison Jr. ’64 B Mr. L. Colvin McCrady Jr. '64 © B (Chairman) Mr. Joseph W. Handrahan Jr. '65 © Mr. Thomas F. Gallagher '66 © Mr. J. Peter Lewin '66 © Mr. Laurence E. Shiff '66 B Mr. Victor R. Balest '67 © Rabbi Samuel N. Gordon '68 B Mr. Carl F. Kalnow '68 © Dr. Peter L. Schneller '68 © Mr. Edward L. Preston '69 © Mr. T. Terrance Reese '69 B Mr. Robert C. Shrock '69 © Mr. Robert C. Bygrave '70 © Mr. Scott E. Phillips '70 © Mr. Isaac Tripp IV '70 ©

44

The Kiski School Bulletin

Mr. Jeffrey N. Wieser '70 © B Mr. James E. D'Itri '71 © B Dr. Terence E. Moore '72 B Mr. Marc B. Robertshaw '72 © Mr. Gregg M. Hamilton '73 © B Mr. Kurt G. Franck Jr. '74 B Mr. Stephen M. Friedberg '74 B Mr. William R. Miller '74 © Mr. Walter S. Laird II '75 B Mr. Theodore D. Vincent '75 © Mr. David R. DeSimone '76 © B Mr. Robert D. Sands '76 © Dr. David A. Currie '77 © LCDR John A. Pidgeon Jr. '78 B Mr. David W. Hitchcock '79 © B Mr. Michael A. Rock '79 B Mr. Paul W. Siker '79 © Dr. Joseph J. Ciocca '80 B Mr. Ronald L. Fricke Jr. '80 © Mr. Michael W. Hoag '80 © Mr. Martin P. Van Fossan '80 © Mrs. Regan P. Houser '81 B Mr. Paul M. Zanardi '81 © Mr. George M. Davison III '82 © B David K. Harouse, Esq. '82 B Mr. Timothy D. Waite '83 © Mr. Lex W. Winans '83 © Michael C. Eisen, Esq. '84 © B Mr. Kenneth G. Hart '84 © Mr. Joseph A. Garcia '85 © B Mr. J. Craig Hill '85 B Mr. Gordon G. Meehl '85 B Mr. Christopher F. O'Neil '85 © Mr. Kelly C. Pidgeon '85 B Mr. Thomas B. Reiling '85 B Mr. Andrew Scott '85 © Mr. David L. Farley '86 © Mr. Anthony E. Sheesley '86 B Mr. Kyle H. Webb '86 © Dr. J. Brooks Crozier '87 B

I

2018 A Year in Review

Mr. William M. Kendall '87 © Mr. Brian P. Murphy '87 © Mr. Esteban J. Correa '88 B Mr. Neil H. Pettes '88 © B Mr. Steven T. Szilagyi '88 © Mr. Sean C. Fuellhart '89 B Mr. Mark E. McSorley '89 © B Mr. Bryson G. VanNostrand '89 © Mr. William D. Carrera II '90 © Mr. Stevan B. Ferguson '90 © B Mr. Jack W. Fuellhart Jr. '90 © B Mr. Leif E. Honda '90 B Mr. Patrick O. Regan '90 © B Mr. Edward W. Einhorn '91 © Mr. Neil J. Hart Jr. '91 B Mr. Hal G. Ostrow '92 B Mr. Logan Powell '92 © Mr. David S. DeSimone '93 © Mr. Hudson D. Fowler IV '94 B Mr. Joseph C. Ott '94 © B Daniel D. Regan, Esq. '94 B Mr. Nicholas J. Cherrone '95 © Mr. Gregory L. Lignelli '95 © Mr. Ryan N. Ravenscroft '95 B Mr. Chad G. Skena '95 © Mr. Christopher C. Fox '96 © B Mr. Aaron H. Ravenscroft '96 B Mr. Darren J. Silvis '96 © B Mr. Hugh B. Gallagher '97 © Mr. Austin W. Mann III '97 © Mr. Uthan R. Pillai '97 © Mr. Raymond J. Prushnok '97 © Mr. Daniel G. Slavek III ’97 B Mr. Andrew R. Swank '97 © B Dr. Jeremy P. Walker '97 © B Mr. Sebastian Correa '98 © B Mr. Benjamin R. Schweikert '98 © Mr. Brett D. Yost '98 © Mr. G. Michael Peccon '99 © B Mr. Clayton J. Zelazowski '99 © B

Mr. Michael A. Rosidivito '00 © Dr. Harry A. Seibel II '00 © B Mr. Benjamin J. Beas '01 © Mr. Samuel H. Breene '01 B Mr. Michael A. Astolos '02 © Dr. Michael M. Aziz '02 © Mr. James M. Scott III '02 © B Mr. Richard J. Whitlock III '02 B Mr. Todd C. Beas '03 © Mr. Cori-Josh M. Bingham '03 B Mr. T.J. Stock '04 © Mr. Harry S. Davis '05 © Mr. John F. Karian '05 © Mr. Nicholas R. Mitricka '05 © Mr. Christian W. McCague '06 © Mr. David K Ward Jr. '06 B Mr. James W. Ward '06 B Mr. Charles A. Yukevich '06 © B Mr. Alexander C. Ford '07 © B Mr. Patrick R. Macaluso '07 © Mr. Henry Q. Yukevich '07 © Mr. Franklin W. Kowalewski Jr. '09 © Mr. William S. Ray '09 © Mr. Zachary A. Schwartz '09 © B Mr. John C. Zang '09 © Mr. Andrew C. Bell '10 © B Mr. Daniel J. Traficanti Jr. '10 © Mr. Nicholas C. Drohan '11 © Mr. Armand B. Holmes '11 © Mr. Benjamin Kowalewski '11 © Mr. Joseph L. Manderino '11 © Mr. Scott A. Cohen '12 © Mr. Andrew B. Hazel '12 © Mr. William T. Owen '12 © Mr. Cooper P. Urbany ’12 © Mr. Matthew J. Buczek '13 © Mr. Major A. Canady '13 © Mr. Andrei Ghioca '13 © Mr. Alexander K. Hart '13 © Mr. Miller R. Hepler '13 ©

Mr. August J. Luptak '13 © B Mr. Zachary M. Michel '13 © Mr. Robert Gaston, Jr. '14 © Mr. Hannibal W. George '14 © Mr. Gunnar J. Gillespie '14 © Mr. Andrew Goetz '14 © Mr. Aaron R. Magazine '14 © Mr. Charles W. Russell '14 © Mr. Benjamin J. Tackett '14 © Mr. Michael J. Borsch '15 © Mr. James E. Burke Jr. '15 © Mr. Kyle A. DePasquale '15 © Mr. William M. Gardner '15 © Mr. Clayton C. Hepler '15 © Mr. Wade R. Hoag '15 © Mr. Keith L. Kamons '15 © Mr. Kevin Kcehowski '15 © Mr. Jalon E. Cooper '16 © Mr. Abraham M. Duncan '16 © Mr. Zachary L. Muster '16 © Mr. Cameron R. Spencer '16 © Mr. Wei Zhang '16 © Mr. Divine A. Buckrham '17 © Mr. Arturo A. Cardona '17 © Mr. Quinn M. Commandant '17 © Mr. George M. Davison IV '17 © Mr. Benjamin T. Gardner '17 © Mr. Joseph W. Lehman '17 © Mr. Thomas E. Rubino Jr. '17 © Mr. Omar K. Ward,Jr. '17 © Mr. Chengye Xiang '17 © Mr. Chi Zhang '17 © Mr. Joseph B. Chappie '18 © Mr. Wyatt A. Gillespie '18 © Mr. John W. Jacob Jr. '18 © Mr. Jalen M. Nougues '18 © Mr. Robert Neill Peirce IV '18 © Mr. Thomas J. Spahn '18 © Mr. Samuel D. Tackett '18 ©

Kiski Road Trips Vail, CO

M

Members of the Class of 1986 spearheaded the second annual Kiski ski outing in the “Centennial State” on January 20, 2018. Rick ’86 and Christine Case generously hosted a group of Kiski alums and their spouses for an après ski gathering before the group met at the Hotel Talisa in Vail for dinner. “I have had the pleasure of reconnecting with my Kiski brothers over the years in my travels across the country. It’s amazing to see a classmate after 30 or more years and realize the strength of the bond we have that is Kiski,” Kyle Webb ’86 reflected.

“We will never forget our days growing up together and what we accomplished, that is truly part of the Kiski experience!”

The group plans to unite in Colorado again on February 9-10, 2019. All members of the Kiski community are welcome and details will be shared as the date approaches.

1

Columbus, OH

O

On May 5, 2018, Director Emeritus of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Jack Hanna ’65, welcomed the Kiski community to his majestic wildlife sanctuary. Mr. Hanna is an icon in the zoology world. He gained fame through his expansive knowledge of the animal kingdom and frequent guest appearances on late night television with his own feathered, slithering or furry guests in tow.

Headmaster Chris Brueningsen delivered an update regarding Kiski’s recent successes and plans for the future to a crowded pavilion filled with Kiski alumni, parents, and their family members and friends. Mr. Brueningsen then introduced Mr. Hanna, who amazed the crowd with his own guest introductions. A penguin, sloth, kangaroo and other members of the animal kingdom were paraded in to the delight of the crowd.

Mr. Hanna weaved interesting animal facts with his thankful recollection of how his Kiski journey led him to his life’s passion. The conclusion of his remarks was met by a standing ovation from the grateful crowd who was granted complimentary access to the zoo before and after the event.

2

3 1 Vail: Kyle Webb '86, Allison Webb, Kaylee

Beiler, Yvetta Varatharaj, Ajvish Varatharaj ’04, John Beiler ’86, Todd Hoover ’86, Jennifer Hoover, Rick Case ’86 2 Vail: Todd Hoover ’86, John Beiler ’86, Kyle Webb ’86, Rick Case ’86 Vail photography provided by Christine Case.

3 Columbus Zoo: Jack Hanna ’65 introduces the

Kiski crowd to one of the zoo’s kangaroos.

4 Columbus Zoo: Jack Hanna ’65 with

Headmaster Chris Brueningsen.

4

Columbus photography provided by Damien Williams.

The Kiski School

I

www.kiski.org

45

Hall of Fame and Homecoming Weekend 2018 Hall of Fame Class Alan J. Andreini

September 21 & 22, 2018

H

Hall of Fame and Homecoming Weekend is always an exciting time to welcome alumni and parents to campus. The weekend festivities began with the induction of Kiski’s sixth Athletic Hall of Fame class. The Hall of Fame was established in 2013 to commemorate 125 years of athletic competition. Selecting individuals and teams for the early classes has been a difficult task and another phenomenal group entered the Hall in 2018.

The Friday Hall of Fame events are followed

by Homecoming Saturday. Kiski hosted a tailgate lunch for all attendees before the Cougars opened the Centennial Cup competition against Mercersburg, hosting the Blue Storm in football, golf, cross-country and soccer. Kiski was victorious on the gridiron and links, but Mercersburg bettered our Cougars in soccer and cross-country competitions. The 2018 Hall of Fame Class was recognized during halftime of the football game and all guests were treated to post-game refreshments before the day concluded.

Alan Andreini, Class of 1964, made an instant impact at Kiski. He lettered in his first cross country season and in each basketball and track campaign that followed. In addition to his 12 varsity letters, he earned the Coaches’ Award for cross country in his junior and senior years, and as a senior basketball player. Mr. Andreini was named a captain in each season of his senior year. He is remembered for setting the cross country record “virtually every time he toured the course” in the Kiski yearbook. Mr. Andreini also set the mile and half-mile records during track season. His illustrious athletic career continued at Princeton University where he was named All-Ivy 12 times, and All-American 3 times. He broke the 44-year-old mile record at Princeton that was a world record when it was set, and placed fifth in that race at the National Championships in 1968.

Edward N. Denny Edward Denny, Class of 1977, set the 500-yard freestyle school record for Kiski.

The senior captain was an exceptional swimmer who excelled in distance events. Mr. Denny carried his skill set to the collegiate level where he set West Virginia University Natatorium records in the 1,000-yard freestyle, and in the 1,650-yard freestyle. The WVU captain and Outstanding Athlete Award winner also set Atlantic-10 Conference records on his way to three conference championships in the mile event, qualifying twice in that race for the National Championship meet. Mr. Denny also earned an invitation to the 1980 United States Olympic Trials meet where he placed 13th in the 1500-meter freestyle and 16th in the 800-meter freestyle. A decorated coaching career followed highlighted by three Coach of the Year awards, and the production of dozens of All-American swimmers.

John A. “Sandy” Pidgeon Jr. Sandy Pidgeon, Class of 1978, converted countless yards in the Kiski pool into many race victories and team points for the Cougars. The 1978 team captured the Independent Prep School League Championship with a 10-0 record that included a dual meet victory over the reigning PA State Champion. That season ended with a ninth place finish at Eastern Championships. He set the 200-yard individual medley school record, and the senior Co-captain was the County Champion in the 200-yard IM and 500-yard freestyle. Mr. Pidgeon was named a Prep-School All-American after placing fourth in the 100-yard breaststroke at Eastern Championships. His aquatic dominance continued at the University of Pittsburgh as a senior Cocaptain, Eastern Intercollegiate Champion in the 400-yard IM and 200-yard breaststroke, MVP, 1980 Olympic Trials consolation finalist, and later as a U.S. Navy SEAL Officer.

John F. Mahla John Mahla, Class of 1983, amassed a high volume of throwing points for his Kiski track and field teams. Mr. Mahla still holds the javelin record at the time of his induction, with the second-best throw falling over 10 feet behind his mark.

That record, set in 1948 by Albert Schwartz, was 33 years old when Mr. Mahla first captured it during the 1981 season. Mr. Mahla’s distance also placed him ahead of Kiski legend and two-time Olympic decathlon gold medalist, Bob Mathias ’49. As a senior, Mr. Mahla placed second in the discus event by a foot at the Independent Prep School League Championship, and won the javelin event. Mr. Mahla’s consistent throwing points set a stable foundation for overall Kiski team success during his time as a Cougar.

46

The Kiski School Bulletin

I

2018 A Year in Review

1966 Football Team

1966 Varsity Football Team Earle Hill Michael Aberth H. Lester James Dale Armstrong John Kalinyak Philip Brainard Charles Knapp William Burleigh William Lauppe Richard Covyeau George Males Lawrence D’Astolfo Stephen Males Jesse Davis Stephen Maskrey W. Andrew DeVilling Greg Mathias Paul DeVilling Scott McChesney David Geiger James McCracken Donald Giacomelli Ian McLaren Richard Goldsmith

The 1966 Football Team finished 6-0-1, falling victim only to dusk. The Kiski Cougars were locked in a tie with the Western Reserve Pioneers when it became too dark to complete the game. Before that contest ended in deadlock, Kiski won its first two road contests. The Cougars beat Lower Burrell in the final quarter and topped Ford City with a dominant second half. Following the WRA game, Kiski demolished Shady Side on Parents’ Day. The stellar Nichols offense was turned away by the staunch Kiski defense, and the home slate was completed with another nail biter against University School.

Kiski held on in a seesaw battle at Mercersburg to take the final win.

1979 Varsity Cross Country Team Coaches Robert Boulware James Nagle Troy Cook Andrew Muffley Richmond Curtiss Philip DeHaas Christopher Melehan Todd Remaley Krishna Singh

1979 Cross Country Team The 1979 Cross Country Team finished its season as undefeated Interstate Prep School League Champions. That unblemished record represented a remarkable turnaround from the previous campaign that included only one win. The drastic evolution was hastened by a commitment to a rigorous 800-mile off-season training program developed by Coach Nagle. Days with three training sessions and a reconfiguration of the home course – to include two arduous climbs of the summer camp hill – paired conditioning with remarkable grit. Each home victory was punctuated by ringing the bell in Brett Park and robust support from Kiski faculty members and classmates along the challenging course. The undefeated season was secured when Kiski defeated the defending champions by taking the final scoring spot.

1983 Varsity Baseball Team Christopher O’Neil Tad Brogan Terry Remaley Harry Buell James Saitta Chris Cindric Joseph Sobel Mark Culp Lex Winans Malachy Duggan David Fry Coaches Louie Kim Lee Crawford Joseph Marasti Thomas Coble Mark Milsom Kevin Moroney Michael Murphy Joseph Null

Leslie Velte Daniel Vogan John Warner John Willison

Jack Morgan Paul Nevergoll David Nicholson Charles Perrone David Pishko Edward Preston Victor Sauvageot Michael Shutter Russell Swank David Tosh George Vagotis Bruce Varadi

Coaches John A. Pidgeon Reno DiOrio Whitey Schrock

Kiski’s Athletic Hall of Fame The Hall of Fame honors those alumni, teams and coaches who have made outstanding contributions to Kiski athletics.

The nominees exemplify the core values they learned at Kiski: principles of integrity, humility, sportsmanship and service.

ELIGIBILITY: The nominated team or individual must be ten years removed from Kiski. Coaches, posthumous nominees, and benefactors will be inducted at the discretion of the Hall of Fame Induction Committee.

NOMINATIONS ARE DuE BY MARCH 31st

kiski.org/hof

1983 Baseball Team The 1983 Baseball Team captured Kiski’s first outright Interstate Prep School League Championship after returning only five letter winners from the previous campaign. The improved pitching staff was seen as the missing piece that lifted the program to the title. Flawless defense preserved those efforts in close games. Their 19-4 season started with a 9-0 stretch and included a 7-1 league slate.

The league title was clinched by a tense 2-0 victory over University School in the penultimate game.

The Kiski School

I

www.kiski.org

47

1

2

1 Cross Country runners: Corben Kohut ’20, Gaheris Kohut ’20, Quinn Summers ’20, Dylan Pettes ’20, Edgard Mercado ’19, and Ryan Pettes ’20.

2 Ramses Minaya ’19 advances the ball.

3 Alan Andreini ’64 and Daniel Ritton ’19 sport a timeless Kiski athletics look.

4 The Hall of Fame 1983 Baseball team: Terry Remaley ’83, Kevin Moroney ’83, Harry Buell ’84, Mrs. Beth Crawford standing in for Head Coach Lee Crawford, J.D. Null ’84, James Saitta ’85, Michael Murphy ’84, and Lex Winans ’83.

5 The newest members of the Kiski Athletic Hall of Fame: front row: David Fry ’85, Kevin Moroney ’83, James Saitta ’85, Philip DeHaas ’80, Ed Denny ’77, Cross Country Head Coach Jim Nagle, Ed Preston ’69, Terry Remaley ’83; back row: John Mahla ’83, Cross Country Assistant Coach Andy Muffley, Russ Swank ’67, Harry Buell ’84, Lex Winans ’83, Richmond Curtiss ’81, Rob Boulware ’82, David Nicholson ’68, Alan Andreini ’64, Todd Remaley ’81, and Sandy Pidgeon ’78.

6 The football team hoists the Centennial Cup after their victory over Mercersburg.

4

Photography provided by Viglione Photography.

5

The Centennial Cup Named in honor of the 100th year of athletic competition between Kiski and Mercersburg in 2013, the Centennial Cup is an annual competition between the schools. Two Centennial Cup points are on the line each time the schools compete. The school with the most points after the year-long competition keeps the cup for the following year. With the score tied at 4 after the fall sports, Kiski is looking to recapture the cup for the first time since the 2015-16 school year.

6 48

The Kiski School Bulletin

I

2018 A Year in Review

3

Class of 2018 Inducted as Kiski Alumni

K

Kiski’s latest class of alumni was inducted into the Kiski brotherhood during a special casual dinner on May 15, 2018. With only one week left until their graduation, the boys received a preview of their next Kiski status as alumni. The senior class received an update regarding plans for Kiski’s future from Headmaster Chris Brueningsen. Alumnus Zach Schwartz ’09 spoke about what they can expect in their transition to college and then their careers. He also stressed the value in staying connected to classmates and Kiski, reflecting on the assistance he received from the School along his own career path. Associate Headmaster for Institutional Advancement, Steve Szilagyi ’88, echoed those sentiments and spoke from his own unique perspective about the Kiski brotherhood as a faculty son, student, alumnus, faculty member and Kiski legacy father.

The evening was brought to a close by a special video compilation of faculty well-wishes. The boys received their fill of barbeque and ice cream sundaes, and the knowledge that their frequent visits will be celebrated in the years ahead. Although the Class of 2018 has taken on a new role in the Kiski community, the campus will always be their home.

Above, left to right: Seniors Matthew DeGirolamo, Clayton Halmi, Chayce Smith, Nikoloz Vasadze, and Seth Williams

Legacy Luncheon Each fall, the Kiski legacy boys are invited to a special lunch in the Swank Student Center. On October 24, 2018, cheeseburgers, fries and a molten lava cake were served before class and group photos were taken. Associate Headmaster for Institutional Advancement, Steve Szilagyi ’88, addressed the group sharing his thanks. He asked the boys to extend that message to their parents for choosing Kiski.

Mr. Szilagyi also stressed how remarkable it is to have so many legacy boys enjoying the lifechanging Kiski experience, a strong indication of alumni confidence in the School.

Kiski is proud to have 50 legacy boys enrolled for the 2018-19 school year.

Photography provided by Becky Viglione.

The Kiski School

I

www.kiski.org

49

2018 Trustee Golf Event

T

The Board of Trustees hosted the third annual Kiski Golf Tournament on October 15, 2018. A constant misting of rain didn’t dampen the golfers’ spirits.

It did make the challenging Pittsburgh Field Club a bit tougher, but there was still a handful of players who finished with scores in the low seventies.

Later during the banquet, Headmaster Chris Brueningsen shared his state-of-the-school update before Associate Headmaster for Institutional Advancement Steven T. Szilagyi ’88 announced the skill prize winners. Both extended their heartfelt thanks to the participants. That included a special thanks to the Trustees who covered all expenses for the event, leaving 100% of the funds raised for financial aid for Kiski boys.

1

1 Kiski’s Steve Szilagyi ’88 (second from left) with the PNC Bank/Financial Services foursome of Brian Freyvogel, Grant Duffield, Erin Dewar 2 Lou Lignelli, Mark Fenske, Rob Matson ’89, Jack Matson, Jason Stewart ’89, Greg Lignelli ’95 3 Andy Rush, John Jacob ’89, CJ Pascarella, Perry Russ 4 Will Barnes, David Currie ’77, Arthur Hayes ’67, Erik Thogerson Photos provided by Patrick Jacob ’20.

2

4 3

THE TOWER SOCIETY

A

An increasing number of alumni, parents and friends of our School have inquired about designating Kiski as a beneficiary in their estate plans or wills. The Tower Society consists of individuals that have made those commitments known to Kiski. Members demonstrate remarkable foresight in ensuring their legacy through a planned gift.

Gifts through the Tower Society generally include trusts, life and other insurance policies, Charitable Remainder Trusts, Charitable Lead Trusts, IRA Charitable Rollovers, and additional funds which enable you to structure a gift to maximum tax and financial benefit.

To learn about planned giving and becoming a member of The Tower Society, please contact Steven T. Szilagyi ’88, Associate Headmaster for Institutional Advancement at 724-639-8029 or steven.szilagyi@kiski.org.

50

The Kiski School Bulletin

I

2018 A Year in Review

Tower Society Members: Mr. Alan J. Andreini ’64 Mr. William E. Bates Andrew S. Birrell, Esq. ’73 Mr. T. Robert Boulware ’82 Joseph E. Breman, Esq. ’63 Mr. Bruce E. Brown ’83 Mr. Christopher A. Brueningsen Guy R. Bucci, Esq. ’63 Mr. Robert C. Bygrave ’70 Mr. M. Scott Campbell ’57 Mrs. Elizabeth Carbone Mr. Natale J. Carbone Mr. J. Philip Cayford ’64 Dr. David I. Cleland ’48 Mr. David C. Conrad II ’85 Mr. Carroll H. Cook ’49 Mr. C. William Cosgrove ’62 Mr. Edward N. Denny '77 Mr. W. Logan Dickerson ’45 Mr. John H. DuPree ’67 Mr. William W. Ellis Jr. Mr. Leonard S. Felman '53

Mr. Grier R. Graff ’63 Mrs. Beata P. Graham Dr. M. Edwin Green Jr. ’42 Mrs. Mary Irene Groskloss Mr. Thomas E. Hamilton Jr. ’48 Mr. Joseph W. Handrahan Jr. ’65 Mr. David Hazelwood ’46 Mr. Paul H. Heinen ’51 Mr. William O. Hund ’46 Mr. John W. Jacob ’89 Mrs. Betty Kerr Dr. A. Richard Kneedler ’61 Dr. Penn Lupovich ’54 Mrs. Vivian Magnelli Mrs. Arlene Malky Mr. Elliott B. McConnell Jr. ’46 Mr. W. Duff McCrady ’61 Mr. Van Messer ’69 Mr. Jack J. Miller ’39 Dr. Donald B. Moore ’45 Mrs. Mary C. Morrell Mr. M. Dean Mosites ’72 Mr. Harold E. Muncaster ’30

Mr. Maynard H. Murch IV ’63 Mrs. Mildred C. Myers Mr. Neil H. Pettes ’88 Mr. Scott E. Phillips ’70 Mr. Robert B. Scharf ’69 Mr. Anthony R. Sheesley ’86 Mr. Cory M. Sisto ’01 Mr. Douglas A. Stuber ’66 Mr. Thomas B. Sturges III ’63 Mr. David J. Sunseri Jr. ’03 Mr. Russell C. Swank III ’67 Mr. Steven T. Szilagyi ’88 Mr. Douglas G. Tjaden ’61 Mr. Adam C. Tosh ’90 Mr. Isaac Tripp IV ’70 Mr. Alexis Tsaggaris Mrs. Eleanore G. Waugaman Mr. Jeffrey N. Wieser ’70 Mrs. Dimmis Zeigler Mr. Gregory D. Zeigler ’64 Mr. Clayton J. Zelazowski ’99

Meet the Outstanding Students Attending Kiski as EQT Scholars

The benefits and opportunities of a Kiski education are being extended to two talented young men thanks to a generous new scholarship program endowed by the EQT Foundation, the philanthropic division of EQT Corporation, the top natural gas producer in the nation.

Christopher Moncrief of Pittsburgh and Alex Figueroa of New York City were selected as the inaugural recipients of The Kiski School’s EQT Scholars Program, which provides meaningful educational experiences to high school boys who may not otherwise have the opportunity.

"Chris and Alex embody the characteristics that qualify a student to become an EQT Scholar,” said EQT Foundation Manager Ellen Rossi. “They have financial need, eagerness to learn, curiosity about the world around them,

excitement to dive in, and a strong support network that will ensure their success."

As EQT Scholars, Chris and Alex are receiving full scholarships covering tuition, room and board for their enrollment in the ninth through 12th grades at Kiski. A $2.8 million grant from the EQT Foundation will provide ongoing funding for the program.

Chris and Alex began classes at Kiski as ninth-graders in fall 2018, and were quickly swept up by the life-changing experience Kiski provides.

“I’ve already created bonds with my classmates,” said Alex, who sought out the opportunity to attend boarding school and chose Kiski from among eight options. “We’re together every minute. We’re all family. We go through good and bad together.”

Chris agreed the Kiski bond forms quickly, and said he’s especially excited about classes in literature, STEAM and fine arts. “The hands-on STEAM experiments we do in the new labs (the freshly renovated Zeigler Science Center) are amazing. My fine arts class is something different for me; I really enjoy drawing and sketching.”

Not surprisingly, New Yorker Alex is thrilled

by Kiski’s pristine wooded campus. “The nature here, it’s so amazing, and the campus is huge,” he said. “The facilities provide so many opportunities. If you need something, it’s here.”

Both boys ran cross country in the fall—a new experience Chris described as “exhausting, I never would have thought I could do it.” Alex agreed, adding “You can surprise yourself. The coaching is great, and the team members pushed each other.” Both will play basketball as their winter sport, and Chris also is enjoying giving tours as a member of K-Club.

Looking to the future, both students have big goals—for Chris, it’s college and possibly a career in sports medicine. Alex has his eye on maximizing the opportunity his scholarship provides and attending a good college.

Their families have their backs as well.

Clifford Moncrief, Chris’s father, said, “This is a blessing. Kiski’s curriculum, staff support and culture—we feel confident they will help Chris to succeed.”

“We are so excited,” added Alex’s Mom, Orly Rogers-Figueroa. “We visited the Kiski campus and were so impressed with everything they’re doing there.”

Alex says his Mom’s sense of confidence was well-placed. “I thought I was going to be homesick,” said Alex. “But I’m so into what I’m doing here, that sometimes I forget to call my parents. It feels really good.”

Above: Christopher Moncrief ’22 (left) and Alex Figueroa ’22 (center) discuss the skeletal system of a fox with Mr. Colella (right) in the Sand STEAM Lab within the newly renovated Zeigler Science Center.

Learn more about the EQT Foundation at www.eqt.com/our-communities/eqt-foundation

The Kiski School

I

www.kiski.org

51

Kiski’s Annual Pittsburgh Event A gathering of alumni, parents and Kiski friends at the Carnegie Science Center

1

K

Kiski welcomed a phenomenal turnout to the newly renovated PointView Hall within the Carnegie Science Center on the evening of November 9, 2018. The Science Center is located above the northern bank of the Ohio River near Pittsburgh’s Point State Park. The view extends from where the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers meet to form the Ohio and up the steep climb of Mt. Washington. The lights on the Duquesne Incline and iconic downtown edifices created a gleaming Pittsburgh backdrop for the event (and a few family Christmas cards).

Kiski revelers gleefully greeted Headmaster Chris Brueningsen’s news of the closed Capital Campaign. Mr. Brueningsen delighted the crowd with plans for continued scholarship and campus development. The group was then treated to a musical performance by a large ensemble of Kiski boys while nitrogen smoothies were served along with a delicious array of passed hors d’Oeuvres. The Kiski faculty and staff were pleased to celebrate the School’s progress with such a large gathering of the School’s Pittsburgh community.

2

3

4

5

6

1 2 3 4 5

Doug Yoder with Rita and Ed Superior.

Dave Brett ’81 and Ron Schwartz.

John Jacob ’89 with Jim ’71 and Celeste D’Itri.

Caleb Sturges ’93 with Gina and David DeSimone ’93.

Jennifer Suozzi samples the liquid nitrogen smoothie.

6 Scott Phillips ’70 and Steve Szilagyi ’88.

7 The Kiski musical ensemble.

Photography by Becky Viglione.

7 52

The Kiski School Bulletin

I

2018 A Year in Review

1

2

3

5

4

6

8

7

9

10 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

11

11

Kim, Aaron ’14 and Ian Magazine with Megan Neumeister.

Headmaster Brueningsen and Clayton Hepler ’15 compare ties.

Sharon and Chuck Shepard flanking Kyle Webb ’86 (center).

Abby and Mike Legaspi.

Carla Ross, Cheryl and Neil Pettes ’88 and Ron Schwartz.

Megan Neumeister and Tamara Crawford.

Matt Phillips ’05, Harry Davis ’05, Chris Banks ’05, Christian McCague ’06, Joe Ross and Jim Buchner ’05.

Brian and Carla Goetz with Jeanne and Stan Rudick.

David Harouse ’82, Steve Szilagyi ’88 and Bob Sands ’76.

Sean Regan ’99, Ben ’98 and Katie Schweikert, Layne Baggett, Clayton Zelazowski ’99, Alex ’98 and Amy Carrera.

Zach Schwartz ’09, Adam Schapiro, Andrew Bell ’10, Kelsey Swintek and Karen Bell.

The Kiski School

I

www.kiski.org

53

Kiski Surpasses $3 Million in Financial Aid Through Pennsylvania’s EITC Tax Credit Program

T

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania started a tax credit program in 2001 that rewards businesses with up to a 90% tax credit for scholarship aid gifts to eligible schools like Kiski. The Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program has been a win-win for businesses and Kiski since the beginning. The School recently topped $3 million in financial aid via EITC giving and will continue to grow that support with investments made by thoughtful businesses that are committed to Kiski’s mission.

This particular funding allows Kiski to stay true to one of its founding beliefs in opening the life-changing opportunity of a Kiski education to exceptional boys from all socioeconomic backgrounds.

The funds are typically exhausted on the same day new applications are accepted (July 1, 2019 this year) on the EITC web site www.newpa.com/eitc. Due to the immense popularity of the EITC program, applications that have been submitted after the first day they are accepted have been denied for the last several years.

Which taxes make you eligible to receive credit on your scholarship donation to Kiski: ■ Personal Income Tax of S-corporation shareholders or partners ■ Corporate Net Income Tax ■ Bank Shares Tax ■ Title Insurance & Trust Companies Shares Tax ■ Insurance Premiums Tax ■ Mutual Thrift Tax ■ Malt Beverage Tax ■ Retaliatory Fees under Section 212 of the Insurance Company Law of 1921 To learn more about the EITC program, please contact Steven T. Szilagyi ’88 at 724-639-8028 or steven.szilagyi@kiski.org

THANK YOu to the companies that gave to Kiski through the EITC program during the 2017-18 fiscal year: A2 Properties, LLC Allegheny Mineral Corporation American Eagle Paper Mills Bell Clippers, LLC Brock & Company J.C. Orr & Son, Inc.

The Orr Group, Inc. Mid-Atlantic Trust Company Mosites Construction Company Philadelphia Insurance Companies PNC Bank S&T Bank

Shelly Foundations, Inc. Shorebridge Wealth Management Simpson & McCrady, LLC Supinka & Supinka, PC Swank Construction Company Tuscano-Maher Roofing

UPMC Health Plan Ward Trucking Corporation Waste Management, Inc. Whirley DrinkWorks Corporation

Kiski Fund Parent Committee

T

The Kiski Fund Parent Committee promotes the benefits of parent participation in The Kiski Fund.

The Kiski Fund supports the annual operating budget that includes all aspects of their sons’ Kiski experiences. The Kiski Fund is already factored into this year’s budget and is relied upon to fulfill current operating expenses. Tuition covers the majority of those expenses, but as a non-profit independent school Kiski relies on charitable gifts from the entire community to close the gap between tuition revenue and the actual cost to educate each Kiski boy.

Additionally, parent giving sends an encouraging message of confidence in the Kiski mission to foundations and other donors who are considering their own support of the School. The percentage of parents that participated in The Kiski Fund (on any level), has been referenced positively by many of the foundations that have contributed over $10 million total to Kiski over the last decade.

Thank you to the committee and all parent donors for their support!

54

The Kiski School Bulletin

I

2018 A Year in Review

Thank You to Our Parent Committee Members for 2018 – 2019 Members of the 2018-19 Parent Committee at Parent Day (l to r): Mrs. Amber Leechalk, mother of Caleb Leechalk '21; Prof. Michael and Mrs. Abby Legaspi, parents of Cato Legaspi '21; Mr. Neil '88 and Mrs. Cheryl Pettes, parents of Dylan '20 and Ryan '20 Pettes. Not pictured: Mr. Brent Jernigan ’97, father of Brent Jernigan ’22; Dr. Stacy Skoloda, mother of Gunnar '14, Wyatt '18, and Aidan '19 Gillespie; Mrs. Christine and Mr. Eric Stewart, parents of Jason Stewart '19. Photo provided by Damien Williams.

Catching up with George Davison ’82 Inventionland Creator Expands the Reach of His Innovation Lessons with a New Television Program

G

George Davison ’82 keeps himself busy. Davison designed and created Inventionland in 2006, an innovation hub located in Pittsburgh, Pa. More recently, he developed the Inventionland Institute which supplies schools across the nation with a curriculum for entrepreneurship (see more about the Inventionland Institute at Kiski on page 23).

Davison’s latest role is as the host for a new Science Channel television show exploring sustainability, technology, new ideas and worldwide concepts around innovation, Tomorrow’s World Today (TWT).

The show’s website explains their challenge as finding “a better way for our society to live a more sustainable life. What is next in terms of innovation in our daily lives that we can see today and will make a difference tomorrow?”

The TWT team is also developing plans to build a “Park of the Future” in Pittsburgh. The theme park will focus on four worlds of creativity, innovation, inspiration and production. The park will deliver a mixed experience of education and entertainment defined as ‘edutainment.’

The show is designed for audiences of all ages as an Amazon reviewer confirmed, “Watched with husband, 7-year old and 12-year old and we ALL got something out of it. A clever structure that allows the

whip-smart Tamara to interview a whole range of cutting edge, emerging, and sometimes commonly-known but not-well-understood technologies and their role in our daily lives (sometimes in ways we didn't expect).”

A cartoon clash plays out between the positive Chipper Cloud and the discouraging Stormy Cloud. An overarching lesson is to embrace the energy surrounding innovation while blocking out the negativities offered by the Stormy Clouds you encounter. “We’re trying to bring back that moment when you’re young, laying on your back, looking up at the stars or the clouds, and thinking, dreaming or wondering what could be.” Davison shared with the Pittsburgh City Paper. “If we empower the art of creation with our youth, they will out-innovate us.”

TWT airs Saturdays and Sundays at 8 a.m. on the Science Channel.

Above: Host George Davison ’82 with Discovery Reporter Tamara Krinsky on the set of Tomorrow’s World Today. Photo provided by Flying Cork.

Special thanks to: • Addison, Rebecca, Pittsburgh-produced TV show, Tomorrow’s World Today, comes to Science Channel in May, Pittsburgh City Paper – April 11, 2018.

• Flying Cork: Pittsburgh Digital Marketing | Digital Strategy • Inventionland

The Kiski School

I

www.kiski.org

55 55

CLASS NOTES

1960s

Steve Szilagyi ’88 (center) enjoyed the pleasure of golfing with alumni and long-term supporters of Kiski Carl Kalnow ’68 (left) and Terry Slease ’62. They were able to golf and talk about important capital raising initiatives for the School.

Jim ’71 and Celeste D’Itri jumped from village to village in the Cinque Terre during a recent trip to Italy.

1980s

Rob Marshall ’71 donated 37 vegetable plants to the Kiski garden including a variety of tomatoes, bell peppers, basil and more. Rob is the owner of Janridge Farms a few miles from campus.

Class of 1968 Reunion Part II! Jim Nelson, Carl Kalnow, Neil Sapienza, Pete Schneller, and Sam Gordon met in Chicago this summer after celebrating their 50th reunion at Kiski.

Sam Gordon ’68 proudly sported the traditional Kiski 50th reunion straw hat in Amalfi, Italy shortly after his big reunion at Kiski.

Neil Sapienza ’68 (left), Mark Orsatti (third from left), and Joe Paladino visited longtime faculty members Tamas (second from left) and Brigitta Szilagyi (not pictured) to watch the World Cup Final.

1970s Patrick Kelley ’74 is the Executive Producer and creator of a Hallmark Movie set for release in 2019.

56

The Kiski School Bulletin

I

2018 A Year in Review

Peter Kurtz ’77 recently published a book called, “Evergreen Dreaming: Trail Tales of an Aging Hiker” (Longitudes Press, 2018). The author offered the following synopsis. “It concerns my mountain backpacking experiences of the last five years. I discuss other hikers I met, as well as environment, wildlife, culture, aging, memory... and the bear that entered my campsite one night.

I have occasional ‘flashbacks,’ and one deals with my first day at Kiski.”

Mark Orsatti ran into Joe Pantalone ’80 at the Picante Grill in Delmont while taking his Advanced Spanish class to a lunch “en Español.” Seeing the Kiski van brought back great memories for Joe. He is currently designing several actuators for a nuclear power plant in China.

The Pidgeon Family is growing! Sandy ’78 and Suzanne Pidgeon’s son, Jack, and his wife Hillary welcomed the birth of Penelope James Pidgeon on July 26, 2017. Jack and Hillary were married on August 22, 2015. Pictured are Jack, Suzanne and Sandy’s daughter Ellie, Hillary holding Penelope, Suzanne and Sandy.

It’s not every day that you run into this group dining out (l to r) Chris Christie, Jeb Bush, Craig Spitzer ’83 and Rudy Giuliani.

David Currie ’77 agreed to a football wager with his colleague, Alex Ahn, in the Doctor of Ministry: GordonConwell Theological Seminary and Ockenga Institute.

David would have provided a lobster dinner for two if Hill won, but since Kiski was victorious Alex, a 1994 graduate of Hill, provided a delicious Korean barbeque dinner.

Lowell Boyers ’84 launched a new website, lowellboyers.com, to serve as an aesthetic vehicle to share his latest news, writings, and available works for sale and curatorial endeavors.

Rob Carr ’84 organized a NYC Kiski LinkedIn group to gather alums visiting or living in that area. You are welcome to join at LinkedIn.com/groups/6928581

Keith Pittman ’88 works as a Buyer for the State of Maryland WCI facility in Cumberland, MD.

A group of Kiski golfers participated in a special event supporting the Children’s Home Programs of Somerset County. Representing Kiski was: (l to r) Mark Orsatti, Mark Boyd ’18, Patrick Jacob ’20, John Jacob ’18 and (not pictured) John Jacob ’89, Steve Szilagyi ’88, Frank Bowers, and Marcus Muster.

Douglas ’89 and Anna So shared a meal with Assistant Director of Admission Tripp Price in Hong Kong, China. Douglas shared recollections of his time at Kiski and how he has kept in touch with many of his classmates. He speaks very highly of his time at Kiski and values the friendships he has, especially with the Jacob family (John ’89). He is helping Kiski to establish connections in several Asian cities. We are thankful for Douglas’ advocacy and are looking forward to hosting him and Anna for his 30th reunion in June.

1990s Mike Martin ’92 and Pete Logan ’95 completed the two-mile Golden Gate Frogman Swim in the San Francisco Bay. Both Mike and Pete attended the Naval Academy and became Navy SEALs. Mike is Vice Chairman of the Navy SEAL Foundation and Pete is a Commander in the Navy.

Nate Snider ’96 ran cross country and track at Kiski and now coaches at Greensburg Salem. His boys team just won the PIAA (AA) State Championship and his girls team placed 9th in the state.

Brian Ellis ’94 and his wife Dr. Kathleen Koeck welcomed Sophie Tali Ellis on January 22, 2018.

After a 22-year military career, Major Brian Ellis III ’94 was honorably discharged from the US Army. Brian is now a Department of Defense contractor with S3 Industries. He is pictured with Lt. Col. Shawn Wray (third from left), Commander of the 1/112th Infantry Regiment, at the 1/112th Military Ball in Conneaut, PA. Brian used to lecture in Shawn’s Current Events classes when Shawn taught at Kiski. They are pictured with their spouses Dr. Kathleen Koeck (left) and former Kiski math teacher Mrs. Charis Wray (right).

Ricardo Santinelli ’20 received a surprise visit from his father, alumnus Silvio Santinelli Barrera ’95, who traveled from Mérida, Mexico for Homecoming. (L to r): Maria Santinelli-Fitzmaunce, Miran Michi-Recio, Alejandra Fitzmaunce de Santinelli, Mr. Orsatti, Ricardo SantinelliFitzmaunce ’20, Silvio Santinelli-Barrera ’95.

Derrick Clark ’96 visited the Kiski campus to speak with students at Carla and Joe Ross’ home. Derrick works with “The Mission Continues” to improve area neighborhoods such as Homewood with building projects and community functions for residents.

Not long after September 11, 2001, he joined the United States Navy. Derrick completed two tours in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq.

Through his service with “The Mission Continues,” Derrick continues to give back daily to his community and to his country, in a variety of ways.

Uthan Pillai ’97 married Jennifer Jamee on October 10, 2018.

Imran Asad ’99 visited campus with his daughter Alayna and wife Anum earlier this fall.

2000s Todd Woodford ’00 (left) met Danny Ritton ’19 (right) at the opening of the Rittons new restaurant in Morgantown, Mountaineer Tap House.

After graduating from the University of Miami with degrees in Public Relations and Spanish in 2004, Erin Johns Gless ’01 earned a Marine Biology degree from Western Washington University in 2008.

She is currently the Lead Naturalist for Island Adventures Whale Watching. Erin collaborates with scientists around the world in an attempt to learn more about the behavior of killer whales, humpback whales, gray whales and more. She occasionally captures events never before documented by researchers.

Hwan Drew Kim Ph.D. ’04 is currently working as a Research Fellow at the Cardiac Surgery Department of Boston’s Children’s Hospital.

Their laboratory uses bioengineering principles to understand how vascular networks are formed and the mechanisms by which the vasculature modulates the engraftment and activity of various human stem cells. His current

The Kiski School

I

www.kiski.org

57

CLASS NOTES project is to mimic the bone-like environment in vitro setting using biopolymers, inorganic nanoparticles and biomolecules.

(Denison, left) were selected to play in the NorthSouth Division III lacrosse senior all-star game.

Both were selected as captains for their college teams and were selected as Honorable Mention All Americans. Joining them on the Honorable Mention All American list was Trevor Smyth ’14 (RIT).

Matt Hurley ’04 recently opened a new location of the Bull River Taco franchise in Squirrel Hill, PA. “A taco truck without wheels!” Like them @bullrivertacosqhill on Facebook.

Robb Myers ’04 is living in Oklahoma with his wife and two children while he is pursuing the rank of Army Major.

Sung Chul Kwon ’07 is working as a musician and sound engineer based in Seoul, South Korea.

He checked in from Berlin, Germany where he was working for a band.

The Culture Pot Club welcomed Antonio Caligiuri ’09, a certified health coach teaching people from underprivileged communities about health and wellness, to speak about his high school and life experiences.

Connor Brown ’10 stands next to the Zeigler Science Center sign he installed. Connor and his father, Doug, own Moseye Graphics in Latrobe, PA. moseyegraphics.com Rob Warren ’10 married Catherine Monmaney at the United States Naval Academy Chapel on June 16, 2018. Rob majored in computer science/ information assurance and is now a first lieutenant.

Members of the Kiski basketball team caught up with Shipley coach, Major Canady ’13.

Guillermo Frutos Miranda ’09 was married to Silvia Diez in Spain this July. Pictured: Alfonso Batalla Eguidazu ’08, Iñigo Chillón Pascual ‘09, Guillermo and Zach Schwartz ‘09.

2010s

Andrew Goetz ’14 graduated from the United States Coast Guard and was commissioned as a marine safety engineer and as a junior officer at the USCG station in Mobile, AL.

Ryan O’Dell ’10 visited Brian and Chantel Kapustik in June. He is currently a teaching assistant and Ph.D. candidate in Music Theory at the University of Minnesota.

58

The Kiski School Bulletin

Former Kiski Head Prefects Zach Muster ’16 (left) and Bobby Gaston ’14 (right) faced each other in the Franklin and Marshall alumni baseball game.

I

2018 A Year in Review

Ben Tackett ’14 (Rochester Institute of Technology, right) and Hannibal George ’14

St. Lawrence University soccer team captured the 2018 Liberty League Championship. Pictured Kiski Cougars: Dylan McDonough ’17, Tapshak Augustine ’15 and Raphael Zoccolaro ’18.

Keith Kamons ’15 was spotted by Assistant Head of College Counseling Jim Perry at the Pittsburgh Marathon. Keith’s sister captured this photo at about mile 25.5. Coach Perry led a group of volunteer Kiski boys that helped with race logistics.

Artie Luptak ’15 (left) helped incoming Denison freshman TJ Spahn ’18 (right) move in to his dorm.

Zach Muster ’16 (far right) was on the “muck and gut” crew providing post-Hurricane Irma and Maria relief efforts for All Hands and Hearts during the service trip he completed at St. Thomas.

Mathieu Rafter ’16 received a full scholarship to play soccer at the University of Saskatchewan.

Peyton Manko ’17 (Mercyhurst) and Matthew DeGirolamo ’18 (St. Bonaventure) met in Erie for a scrimmage.

Peyton left with bragging rights after a 11-10 OT win.

Tom Rubino ’17 was a summer researcher with the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX investigating the role of inflammation susceptibility after traumatic injury, bladder cancer, and breast

Kiski Social Media Outlets Facebook facebook.com/thekiskischool

Instagram @thekiskischool

A.J. Kumbrough ’20, Divine Buckrham ’17 and Eric Humphries ’19 crossed paths at Lehigh University where Divine is a defensive back for the Mountain Hawks.

Nate Caron ’17 (right) visited with Mark Orsatti in September. He took advantage of his football team’s bye week to take in some Kiski soccer and football.

Omar Ward ’17 led Martella’s Pharmacy of the Johnstown Collegiate Baseball League to the city’s first national title in 74 years this past summer. The team captured the All-American Amateur Baseball Association tournament and was celebrated with a victory parade through downtown Johnstown.

Omar, the regular season MVP, tallied 11 RBIs during the six-game tournament. He returned to Canisius College for his sophomore season following the memorable experience.

(From right) Faculty members Mark Novom and Mark Orsatti welcomed Cam Webb ’17 and his guest Sydney for a mid-September visit to campus.

cancer. Tom spent his weekends with Tim Price ’17 (left) and George Zimmerman ’17 (right) since his classmates were working at the golf course nearby. This fall, Tom was a starting defensive lineman for Carleton Football and ran into Kiski classmate and St. Olaf defensive lineman, Nikoloz Vasadze ’17 during their neighboring preseason camps.

Zander Szilagyi ’21 (left), camper, and John Jacob ’18 (right), counsellor, were visited by Assistant Director of Admission Tripp Price (center) a former Camp Sea Gull camper and counselor. “I know that Sea Gull and Kiski share common values centered around preparing young men for life. It is awesome to be a part of the strong and growing connection between Camp Sea Gull and Kiski,” exclaimed Mr. Price.

All class notes received after November 1, 2018, will be in next year’s Bulletin.

Twitter @thekiskischool and @kiskiathletics

LinkedIn linkedin.com/company/10954980/

YouTube youtube.com/thekiskischool

uPDATE YOuR CONTACT INFORMATION especially emails, to receive information from Kiski.

Send all updates to advancement@kiski.org or call Kim Matvey at 724-639-8029 or send to www.kiski.org/connect

The Kiski School

I

www.kiski.org

59

Memorials Kiski was informed of the passing of the following community members this year.

The School extends heartfelt condolences to those who have lost friends and family.

■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

60

Catherine Abrams Brown ’77, daughter of the late Kiski English teacher Marshall L. Brown, passed away on August 14, 2018.

David A. Ashbaugh ’74 passed away on July 22, 2018.

Dr. Steven R. Bono ’73, brother of John Bono Jr. ’72 and Brian D. Bono ’75, passed away on May 3, 2018.

Charles L. Brinkman ’54, passed away on August 24, 2018.

J. Randall Brown ’73 passed away on December 8, 2014.

Frank E. Cappelli Sr., father of Frank E. Cappelli Jr. ’07, passed away on March 6, 2018.

Mr. Robert J. Carson ’49 passed away on November 19, 2018.

H. Reynolds Clawson III ’63 passed away on May 18, 2018.

Dr. David I. Cleland ’48 passed away on August 1, 2018.

Thomas M. Conley, father of the late Kevin P. Conley ’94, passed away July 25, 2018.

Mr. Lee C. Crawford ’66, a legendary faculty member with four generations of family ties to Kiski, passed away on November 21, 2018.

Dr. John N. Farmer ’48, passed away July 13, 2016.

Thomas L. Flaminio ’57 passed away on September 5, 2018.

Robert W. Hamilton ’48 passed away on January 13, 2018.

S. Bryan Jeffreys Jr. ’61 passed away on September 4, 2018.

George W, Jordon II, father of George W. Jordon III ’07, passed away on December 3, 2018.

Charles L. Klausing, Kiski football coach and grandfather of Jeffrey C. Simmons ’94, passed away on February 15, 2018.

Thomas E. Kovalchuk ’75 passed away on April 17, 2018.

Donna Kurit, mother of Jordan B. Kurit ’06, passed away October 9, 2018.

William E. Lauppe ’67 passed away on April 21, 2018.

Col. William G. Lodge ’52 passed away on March 3, 2018.

James D. Manderino, father of James J. Manderino II ’04, Andrew L. Manderino ’06 and Joseph L. Manderino ’11, passed away on June 19, 2018.

James L. Marks III, son of the late history teacher, Assistant Headmaster and football coach James L. Marks Jr. ’33, grandson of Kiski’s third Headmaster James Marks Sr. ’03 and greatgrandson of Kiski’s Founder Andrew Wilson, passed away on August 2, 2018.

Elliott B. McConnell Jr. ’46 passed away on August 9, 2018.

Chad A. McCutcheon ’00 passed away on June 4, 2018.

Patricia McKinnon, wife of Kenneth J. McKinnon ’66, passed away on March 2, 2018.

Ann B. Millar, former reading teacher, wife of the late Kiski English teacher Joseph Millar, and mother of Joseph Millar, Charles L. Millar ’63, Andrew J. Millar ’66, James L. Fastook ’67, John L. Millar ’74 and Harrison Millar ’78, passed away on July 13, 2018.

James C. Mitchell ’47 and his wife Alice Mitchell were both lost to the Santa Barbara mudslides on January 9, 2018.

Louis A. Mitchell ’53 passed away on June 24, 2012.

Robert E. Pempin ’66 passed away on February 26, 2018.

Adrienne A. Ponzetti, Kiski Admission Staff and mother of Samantha Ponzetti ’15, passed away on October 15, 2018.

Martin H. Rosen ’48, passed away on December 18, 2017.

Betty J. Sigler, mother of Dr. William K. Sigler ’72, passed away on July 26, 2015.

Dr. Robert R. Sigler, father of Dr. William K. Sigler ’72, passed away on March 14, 2017.

Robert M. Sirowitz ’88 passed away on November 11, 2018.

Bryan M. Siwicki ’96 passed away on February 17, 2018.

Ralph E. Snyder ’45 passed away on September 4, 2018.

Richard A. Speranza ’58 passed away on March 10, 2018.

Thomas B. Sturges III ’63, father of T. Caleb Sturges ’93, passed away on June 6, 2018.

Robert E. Swanson ’48 passed away.

William G. Thompson ’51, brother of the late David M. Thompson ’54, passed away on June 25, 2018.

L. Brooks Walker ’51 passed away.

Dr. Dennis A. Zelazowski, father of Clayton Zelazowski ’99, passed away on May 23, 2017.

The Kiski School Bulletin

I

2018 A Year in Review

6

2

3 1 Adrienne Ponzetti with some of the recent alums that returned for Kiski’s 2018 Reunion Weekend. (l to r) Ethan Pavolik ’14, Robert Guldenschuh ‘14, Sebastian Moran ’14, Michael Mendicino ’13, Adrienne and Marcello DeFay ’14.

Photo provided by Becky Viglione.

2 Coach Klausing addresses the team before the last game of the season against Shady Side.

Photo from Kiski Yearbook Archive.

3 Lee ’66 and Beth Crawford ride through campus. This photo was part of a spread in the 1988 Kiski Centennial Yearbook dedicated to Mr. Crawford.

We hope that you have enjoyed the recap of the 2018 year at Kiski. We are proud to share our accomplishments This Year’s Goal with you. After all, your support of The Kiski Fund directly for The Kiski Fund: and immediately funds the Kiski operating budget.

Therefore, your support is behind each achievement celebrated in this issue. THANK YOU! We would be grateful for your continued support. You can use the remittance envelope folded into this edition or give today at www.kiski.org/giveonline.

$530,000

Why Give?

As an independent non-profit school, we rely on charitable contributions to pay for budgeted expenses that are not covered by tuition revenue. Alumni may give to support the Kiski boys following in their footsteps like the alumni that contributed generously while they were students. We are fortunate that our tradition of philanthropy also includes parents that give beyond tuition to support their sons’ experiences, and parents of alumni that give even after their boys’ graduations to sustain Kiski for new generations.

How Can You Make a Gift?

■

Online: at Kiski.org/GiveOnline

■

1

The Kiski Fund

The Andrew Wilson Leadership Association

Leadership Association ...................... $10,000 + The Kiski Fund is the School’s annual fundraising Benefactor Association ............ $7,500 – $9,999 priority and a vital source of revenue. Every dollar Sustainer Association .............. $5,000 – $7,499 raised is used to support the operating budget for Kiskiminetas Association ........ $2,500 – $4,999 the current year and assures the highest quality 1888 Founder’s Association...... $1,888 – $2,499 educational experience for our boys. Your support Headmaster’s Club .................... $1,000 – $1,887 enables Kiski to fulfill its mission of preparing Ambassador Club .......................... $500 – $999 young men to succeed in college and in life.

Patron Club .................................... $250 – $499 For Kiski boys, all of this translates into a Loyalty Club .................................... $100 – $249 traditional college preparatory curriculum Donor Club .......................................... Up to $99 1888 Young Alumni Club ........................ $18.88 enhanced by diverse offerings in the arts and a robust technology program. Small classes allow our teachers, almost all of whom live on campus, to model the habits we expect our students to learn and practice: honesty, civility, tenacity and open-mindedness. Our teachers are experts in the education of boys.

They understand their unique learning needs and they know how to reach and teach young men.

Kiski Fund Participation Matters on ALL Levels Our alumni, parents, faculty and other friends of Kiski give at whatever amount matches their desire to support Kiski with their individual financial capacities. Gifts of all sizes are important in part because they are seen as votes of confidence in Kiski’s ability to achieve its mission. Healthy participation from alumni, parents, faculty members, is viewed favorably by foundations considering dedicating large grants to Kiski.

Pictured above: 1 Mr. Stock’s ’04 International Relations class spent a morning attending a panel discussion focused on United States National Security and Global Challenges.

Photo provided by TJ Stock ’04.

On the back cover: 1 Zhuopeng Peng '19 (standing) and Coby Schwartz '20 (crouching) enjoying some robotics fun. Photo provided by Craig Olear.

2 Blacksmithing in Mr. Scott’s ’85 class. Photo provided by Craig Olear.

3 Kiski boys visiting Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater (l to r): Jiyan Li ’20, Chumin Si ’20, Christopher Bonham ’19, Caleb Rullo ’20, Addison Schapiro ’20, Zihao Teng ’20, Canaan Blackwell ’19, Savion Jemison ’19 and Olayinka Jimba ’19.

Photo provided by Craig Olear.

Recurring Payments: The 21 st Century Society consists of donors that set up monthly recurring credit card gifts online.

This allows them to spread out their donation over an entire fiscal year. This budget friendly approach may increase their capacity to give compared to a one-time gift.

Recurring payments can be established for up to 36 months. Sign up online at Kiski.org/GiveOnline.

■

Mail: You may mail a check payable to The Kiski School using the enclosed envelope.

■

Matching Gifts: Your employer may effectively double – even triple – the amount of your gift to Kiski. Visit our web site’s “Matching Gift” page under the “Support Kiski” tab to search for your company or consult your human resources office to discover whether or not your employer will match gifts to Kiski – a 501(c)3. Please contact us if you need assistance at advancement@kiski.org or 724-639-8029.

■

Gifts of Securities or IRA Charitable Rollovers: Consult your financial advisors to take full advantage of the tax savings available.

4 Timmy Allshouse ’22 works on a painting of the Kiski swans. Photo provided by Craig Olear.

5 Mrs. Szody-Novom’s Spanish class presents the wooden “calaveras” (skulls) they painted for Día de los Muertos. Photo provided by Brooke Szody-Novom.

6 Mr. Loukes history class on their field trip to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.

Photo provided by Jonathan Loukes.

7 Mr. Colella inspects an egg container with his freshman STEAM class in the Sands STEAM Lab in the Zeigler Science Center. Each boy crafted a container that was dropped from a 10-foot ladder to see if it would protect the egg.

Photo provided by Craig Olear.

Save the Date ADMISSION OPEN HOuSES January 21, 2019 April 27, 2019 • KISKI SKI OuTING (Colorado) February 9 & 10, 2019 • ST 131 COMMENCEMENT May 24, 2019 • REuNION WEEKEND June 1 & 2, 2019 • THE KISKI SCHOOL BOARD OF TRuSTEES GOLF OuTING October 14, 2019 •

Nonprofit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Greensburg, PA Permit No. 88

The Kiski School 1888 Brett Lane Saltsburg, PA 15681

3

2

1

5

4

6

7