Scholar Lane

Summer 2017

Schol ar Lane The Meadows School Magazine

The Woman Behind the Camera an interview with photography instructor, Carol Cali p. 17

From Black Box to Center Stage p. 12 â– Working in Harmony p. 20

Scholar Lane

The Meadows School Magazine Spring 2017

Editor and Designer Jilliene Jaeger ’09 Copy Editors Samantha Robbins Atkinson ’97 Abigail Hilson Photographers Carol Cali Jilliene Jaeger ’09 Alumni Coordinator Archie Rufty III ’10 Contributing Writers Tim Burris, Sara Carlson, Jeremy Gregersen, Donna Isaacs, Jilliene Jaeger ’09, David Kancsar, Tracy Neblina, Samantha Robbins Atkinson ’97, Archie Rufty III ’10, Matthew Shackley ’09, Jenny Tolen, Rodney Vollan Change of address and alumni notes: Advancement Office The Meadows School 8601 Scholar Lane Las Vegas, Nevada 89128 - or Archie Rufty III ’10 at 702-797-5935, ARufty@TheMeadowsSchool.org Editorial correspondences: Advancement Office The Meadows School 8601 Scholar Lane Las Vegas, Nevada 89128 - or Jilliene Jaeger ’09, JJaeger@TheMeadowsSchool.org Scholar Lane is published by The Meadows School Advancement Office.

The Meadows School is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, nonsectarian, pre-kindergarten through grade twelve college-preparatory school, organized in the state of Nevada.

Postmasters, send address changes to: Advancement Office The Meadows School 8601 Scholar Lane Las Vegas, Nevada 89128

The Meadows School

8601 Scholar Lane Las Vegas, Nevada 89128 (p) 702-254-1610 (f ) 702-254-2452 www.TheMeadowsSchool.org

Features 12 From Black Box to Center Stage A behind-the-scenes look at the Upper School’s production of Macbeth.

28 Content 4

From the Head of School

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Updates from the Board of Trustees

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New Faces of the Board of Trustees

17 The Woman Behind the Camera An interview with Carol Cali.

20 Working in Harmony The Meadows’ thriving music program and the four teachers who conduct it.

10 Donor Walkway 11 Supporting the Arts and Beyond 23 Mustang Update 24 From Meadows Students to

Meadows Parents 26 Return of the Alumni 27 History on Trial 28 What is the TMSPA and How Can

I Get Involved?

31 Alumni Spotlight 36 The Meadows Family:

From Scholar Lane to the Spartan Race 37 Alumni Association Updates 38 Class Notes & In Memoriam

12 ON THE COVER: Mrs. Carol Cali working with some of her Photography II students

Lifers from the Class of 2017

Dear Meadows Family, It’s hard to believe it has been another year on Scholar Lane.

This, my eleventh year on campus and my third as your Head of School, has been a great one, and all year long I have found myself continually astounded by the abilities of our students and their teachers.

It seems to me that one of the hallmarks of a successful

Meadows student or faculty member has always been a desire to “do it all,” whether that means in academics and sports, academics and the arts, academics and forensics, or often some combination thereof. These “Renaissance” students and teachers consistently amaze me in their abilities to balance a rigorous course load or teaching load with their love for other pursuits of passion.

I’m pleased to invite you to read in this issue of Scholar Lane just a few examples of how some these Meadows Family

members, who do it all, get all of it done, particularly in relation to the arts. Herein, you will find a discussion between student actors and their faculty directors regarding a recent production of Macbeth. You’ll also find a profile of our very own Carol Cali, the photographic artist and teacher who has worked so tirelessly to document the Meadows experience for the past 28 years. Finally, you’ll find profiles of specific alumni who have gone to work in the entertainment industry.

(I’m proud to say I had the opportunity to teach five of the seven alumni we feature!)

All of this, of course, is in addition to the alumni news you’ve come to expect, along with profiles and articles about what’s been happening on Scholar Lane this year. Thank you for reading, and thank you so much for your support of The Meadows School.

“In Pursuit of Excellence,” Jeremy Gregersen Head of School

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Updates from the Board of Trustees

by The Meadows School Board of Trustees

Dear Meadows Community, As you may know, The Meadows School’s Board of Trustees has eight standing committees. We wanted, as a Board, to provide you all with a short update on the structure and work of our various committees. Thanks as always for your continuing support of, and involvement with, TMS. Sincerely, Judge Douglas Herdon Board Chair

Executive Committee Chair, Judge Douglas Herndon The Executive Committee (EC) is responsible for the overall administration of The Meadows School (TMS) Board of Trustees.

The EC and the Committee on Trustees are the two committees whose membership is chosen by annual election. The EC Chairman puts together the membership of the Board’s other six committees - Education, Development, Building and Grounds, Finance, Bylaws, and Legal. The EC is responsible for, among other things, setting the agenda for Board meetings and retreats, overseeing the work of the Board’s various committees and projects, contracting with a Head of School, and working closely with the Head of School to identify and address issues, current and future, facing TMS. Currently, the EC is involved

in working with the Education, Development, and Building and Grounds Committees on long-term curricular and infrastructure matters.

Additionally, the EC is working with the school administration on identifying ways to strengthen our traditional focus on family and community, including the relationships between students, parents, faculty, and administration, so as to continue to provide families with the most rewarding and enjoyable college preparatory experience in the region.

Buildings and Grounds Committee Chair, Matthew B. This committee is responsible for maintaining and updating the campus and works closely with the school’s Director of Facilities, Bret P.. The most recent challenge facing the committee has been the need for expansion in some areas of the school. Specifically, the Committee is evaluating campus expansion possibilities involving the Beginning School and the Upper School.

The Committee is also researching S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) curriculum and facilities. We have toured a variety of educational institutions in Las Vegas and across the country and have sent Committee members to various conferences focused

on S.T.E.A.M. programs and building design. This Committee, along with the Education Committee, continues to research this issue with the goal of delivering this educational opportunity to the School in the upcoming years.

The Building and Grounds Committee constantly strives to maintain and update the campus in a way that instills pride in our students and families. It is our hope as a Committee to continue the legacy that was first envisioned by our founder, Carolyn G. Goodman, who had the foresight to build this incredible campus.

Education Committee Chair, Terri S. In order for The Meadows School to remain a highly ranked academic institution, we must constantly review and renew our curriculum to insure that we are offering the quality of experiential instruction that our faculty desires and our constituency expects.

The Education Committee, guided by our mission statement to instill a love of learning in our students and to prepare them for higher academic pursuits in a 21st century global society, works with the administration and faculty, who ultimately determine curriculum.

The Meadows was founded on Dr. LeOre Cobbley’s core philosophy of teaching to the top, and we continue to focus on integrating this program

across all divisions. This year, our faculty is working on a number of special projects to embrace the use of current and future technology in our classrooms while updating course content and delivery.

I joined Mr. Gregersen in Baltimore this past March to attend the NAIS Conference. I attended a multitude of workshops geared toward administrators and board members in order to stay abreast of current trends in education.

Finance Committee Treasurer, David S. The Finance Committee is tasked with supervising the financial affairs of The Meadows School. It makes recommendations to the Board of Trustees in regard to capital budgets, tuition, and other business affairs.

The Financial Committee assists the Treasurer in the preparation of the budget and develops improved financial procedures whenever possible.

The Committee continually reports the current long-range financial condition of the School to the Board. Pursuant to the bylaws of the School, the Chair of the Finance Committee is the Treasurer.

Currently, the Finance Committee meets with the financial professionals who manage the School’s mid-term and long-term investments at least twice a year. Recently, the Finance Committee recommended to the Board that the School engage a co-fiduciary to assist with the employees’ retirement plan and that the Board set aside funds to enhance professional development for 2017-2018, both of which were approved by the Board.

Development Committee Chair, Dr. Brian I. The Development Committee is tasked with the goal of raising funds beyond tuition to ensure the longterm sustainability of TMS and to support improvements, growth, and

expansion of critical School goals and projects. To accomplish these goals; the development committee has philosophical conversations regarding future school plans with the Education and Buildings and Grounds committees to ensure alignment. Our committee works with our Director of Advancement, Sammy Atkinson.

Currently, tuition covers the academic and classroom experience of an individual student. Other funds are needed for extracurricular activities (the arts, athletics, field trips, student life, etc.), school maintenance, improvements, and expansion projects.

elected trustees. Bradley S., Jaime and Matt C., John and Deana M., and Naz and Josh F. are our most recently elected trustees, having been elected to the board this year. The COT also works to add people to our Advisory Board who have been involved with TMS and continue to have specific expertise and advice that can be of value to the board or the Head of School. Finally, the COT is responsible for annually nominating a slate of officers for the Executive Committee and the COT, and for the evaluation of trustees, primarily those who are eligible for reelection to another three-year term.

The Meadows Annual Fund is the primary mode of fundraising for the School. Increasing awareness of the importance of annual fund giving and increasing participation percentage has been the primary goal of the committee. Our committee has taken on projects to increase recognition of the importance of donation and appreciation of supporters. The Annual Poker tournament, under the guidance of Trustee Archie R. and his committee, has also been an event to raise funds and promote goodwill in the School.

Bylaws Committee Chair, Janet B.

Committee on Trustees Chair, Laurel A.

Legal Committee Chair, April B.

Trusteeship requires the ongoing contribution of work, wisdom, and wealth to The Meadows School.

The COT is always in the process of building a pool of prospective trustees from which to populate the board; the committee assesses the qualifications of those who are suggested by trustees or the Head of School and determines whether there is a strategic fit between the candidate’s skills and qualifications and the Board’s needs. This can be a lengthy process and may or may not result in election to the board.

The committee keeps contact with prospective trustees strictly confidential and, once they are elected, the COT oversees orientation for the newly

The Legal Committee acts as an advisor to the Head of School and the Board on any matters of a legal nature which come up during the day-today business of operating the School.

This includes reviewing proposed changes to the contractual language utilized in our faculty, administration, family, and vendor contracts, as well as working through the various personnel circumstances that may arise during a school year. In order to avoid conflict, the School utilizes an outside attorney actually to represent the School, if and when needed.

Our Board is governed by its bylaws in everything it does. The Bylaws Committee engages in a periodic review of our bylaws and seeks to propose changes, where needed, to stay current in how we operate. This committee also is responsible for reviewing and advising the Board on Robert’s Rules of Order as those rules govern our Board conduct in the absence of an appropriate bylaw.

Background photo: The Board of Trustees

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New Faces on the Board of Trustees Matthew C. ’94 Matthew C., a 1994 graduate of TMS, followed his Meadows tenure with a BA in Cultural Anthropology from the University of California at San Diego.

Following college, he began his career in the hotel industry, beginning with the prestigious Management Associate Program with Mirage Resorts. Over the years, Matt has worked with various Las Vegas hotels, as well as Spectrum Group International in Newport Beach, California. Matt currently serves as the General Manager of Delano Las Vegas and oversees the strategic vision of the property.

Jaime C. Jaime C., a Las Vegas native, completed her Bachelor of Arts in Communications from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and has worked with local companies in event and sponsorship management. She is currently a consultant for the State Bar of Nevada, helping with the National Mock Trial Championship and fundraising activities. Jaime has served on The Meadows School Parents Association Executive Board as the Vice President of Beginning School and is active in the classroom.

Jaime and Matt are proud parents to Harper ’30 and Benjamin ’28.

Joshua F. Joshua F. received his Bachelor of Science from Loyola Marymount University in engineering and physics.

After graduation, he joined the defense contract industry as a software engineer, managing teams and projects requiring high-level clearances.

He moved to Las Vegas in 2003 where he pursued an interest in financial analysis, investments, and capital ventures. That year, he also established the James Joseph Ford Foundation, named for his late brother and in his spirit of giving. Since then, the foundation has supported dozens of organizations uplifting young people in difficult circumstances and infused hundreds of thousands into programming for at-risk youth.

In 2010, he and his wife, Nazanin, cofounded the Every Generation Gives Project as an initiative to empower high-poverty students through social responsibility. Beginning in 2013, Josh served on the Committee to Form Equipo Academy, a 6-12th grade college-preparatory school in Las Vegas’ lowest income zip code, and worked toward its successful opening.

Currently, he serves as the Chief Operating Officer of Destinations by Design, a premier event management company. Joshua F. is the father of two Lower School Meadows students, Ella ’27 and Misha ’29 who have been at TMS since 2014.

Nazanin F. Nazanin F. was born in Tehran, Iran ,and moved to Southern California after the Islamic Revolution. She

earned a B.A. in English from Loyola Marymount University and her Master of Professional Writing degree in fiction from the University of Southern California. She currently teaches writing composition at the College of Southern Nevada.

In 2008, she joined Nevada Women’s Philanthropy and was fortunate to find herself amongst a group of individuals making a significant impact on their community by combining their talents and their funds. Naz has been a member of the NWP Grant Screening Committee, Outreach Committee Co-Chair, Education and Events Committee Chair, Vice President and President.

These days, Naz spends much of her volunteer time at TMS in a number of roles. In 2016-7, she had the privilege of working with the Career Discovery Day planning committee, coordinating and operating the event for Upper School juniors and seniors.

John M. John has spent his 30-year career in entrepreneurial and leadership roles in insurance, banking, and technology. In 1984, John founded Western Service Contract Corporation, one of the nation’s largest independent motorcycle and personal watercraft service contract providers, and in 1985, he founded Pacific Specialty Insurance Company (PSIC), the flagship of the McGraw Group Affiliated Companies. In 1995, John co-founded InsWeb Corporation,

which was the first company to bring comparative insurance information services to the Web. From1998-2007, John was involved in a number of technology companies.

During this period, John took on the role of President of Portola Dimensional Systems, a leading developer of visual computing technologies that allowed mainstream PC users easily to view and understand data. He worked closely with Microsoft on this technology.

John also co-founded HatcheryWorks, a strategic consulting firm that worked with high-growth Internet companies from inception to execution and was the founder and CEO of TopClaims, which built software systems for the settlement of small insurance claims and was sold to a claims settlement company.

Today, John has co-founded a residential property development company and is building multi-million dollar custom homes in California and Nevada.

Deana M. Deana was Vice President and General Manager of International Business with eBay’s Shopping.com division.

Deana built operations in the UK, France, Germany, Australia, and Dublin following eBay’s acquisition of Shopping.com in 2005 and was responsible for the P&L across the International Business.

Following eBay, Deana was EVP and President, International at Demand Media and responsible for Demand Media’s international business operations and its San Francisco domain name monetization business. She also was a co-founder of Equestrian Life, a television and online media company dedicated to the equestrian community and horse lovers across all breeds and disciplines.

Deana holds a B.A. in Political Science from Central College. She also attended the Engalitcheff’s Institute on Comparative Political and Economic Systems at Georgetown University,

one of Washington’s top academic and internships programs, worked in the British Parliament, and completed the Sorbonne’s Français Langue Etrangère program.

Today, Deana is the co-founder of a residential property development company, Equestrian Life Luxury Desert Homes. The company builds custom multi-million dollar speculative homes and has had its homes featured in the Palm Springs Desert Sun and Palm Springs Life magazine.

Bradley S. Bradley S. joined the Molasky Group of Companies in 1998 as Chief Financial Officer and has an impressive and extensive background in finance and real estate. Bradley is a principal in the firm and in 2014 was also promoted to serve as President of the Government Projects Division, which has developed over $1.3 billion of projects over the last 10 years and currently has over $400 million of construction projects under development.

In addition to his role at Molasky, Bradley is Chief Executive Officer and Managing Member of EB5 Group, LLC. EB5 Group and its team of professionals,raises capital for real estate projects through the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) approved EB5 immigration investment program.

Bradley holds an MBA from the Anderson School at the University of California, Los Angeles and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Corporate Finance from The Marshall School at the University of Southern California.

Bradley and his wife consider their primary goal as parents to raise their five children to have a love and enjoyment for life, learning, and each other.

Top-Bottom: Jaime and Matthew C.; Joshua and Nazanin F.; Deana and John M.; Bradley S.

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Above: A rendering of what the walkway will look like.

Donor Walkway

by Samantha G. Robbins Atkinson ’97, Director of Advancement

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hen The Meadows School moved from the trailers on Meadows Lane to our 40 acres on Scholar Lane nearly three decades ago, it was hard to imagine how unbelievable the campus would one day look. As a TMS high school student over twenty years ago, I remember walking from the car to Barder Hall through a large dirt lot where the Richardson Hall of Athletes now stands.

I have fond memories of watching home games on the old football field where the Mall sits. Before the Fertitta-Sturm Middle School was built, we gathered on the site to light the traditional bonfire before the annual Homecoming game.

Over the years, these empty spaces made way for beautiful buildings and areas for students to learn and enjoy. Our campus has blossomed into an oasis for students, parents, and faculty to learn and share, and we could not have created this space without the generosity of our entire community.

Over the years, hundreds of families have helped us make The Meadows School campus a vibrant place for students to learn and teachers to teach. The contribution of trees has added to the beauty of our campus, and we are grateful for everyone’s generosity. However, just as Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote in his essay “Nature,” “The trees are imperfect men, and seem to bemoan their imprisonment, rooted in the ground.” It is time for us to release some of these trees from their imprisonment and remove the ones that have unfortunately reached the end of their life span.

To commemorate the purchase of trees that have since been removed, pavers featuring the donors’ original inscriptions will be installed in the walkway between the Athletic Complex and the Amphitheater. If you are interested in purchasing a paver, please call the Advancement Office at (702) 797-5934 for more information.

Supporting the Arts

AND BEYOND

by Samantha G. Robbins Atkinson ’97, Director of Advancement

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hen I think of my time as a Meadows student, some of my happiest memories are of my time on the stage. Of course, in those days there was no stage. Rehearsals were held in a classroom, and our one performance of the semester was in the Upper School Common. During my senior year we were lucky enough to perform on the stage at Summerlin Library - that was a thrill!

Two decades later I am consistently amazed to see how far we have come as a School and as an arts community. Our students display their incredible talents in the beautiful Peccole Center for the Arts. Our talented faculty of musicians, dancers, singers, thespians, and artists encourage risk taking and creativity in their classes. Student work can be seen and heard all over the Valley. Our actors participate in thespian competitions, our artists’ pieces are displayed on the walls of local businesses, and I was especially impressed to see our musicians playing in the lobby of The Smith Center this past holiday season before a special production of The Nutcracker.

education. One of the great joys of my job is knowing that Annual Fund dollars are used to support programs like the arts at TMS. Talking to a community of parents who believes in the importance of extras like athletics, debate, field trips, and the arts is especially gratifying.

We have come quite a long way since those days of performing in the Upper School Common. Pursuit of excellence in every department of our School is wonderfully inspiring, and I am grateful to see it in action every day. Thank you to everyone who supports The Meadows with your generosity.

Your participation makes a huge difference to every student at TMS.

As we see schools around the country cutting back or eliminating their arts programs, I am so delighted that this Scholar Lane focuses on The Meadows’ thriving performing and visual arts. You don’t need to look too far to find the dozens of scholarly articles lauding the benefits of arts

Above: left to right, Kaveh N. ’97 (Col. Nathan Jessep), Samantha Atkinson ’97 (Joanne Galloway), Colin D. ’97 (Sam Kaffee), and Nathan V. ’97 (Lt. Sam Weinberg) in the 1997 Upper School production of A Few Good Men

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Hasan I. ’18 as Macbeth

From Black Box to Center Stage

by Jilliene Jaeger ’09, Publications Coordinator

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very year The Meadows School Theatre Department puts on multiple shows in both the Middle and Upper School. From on stage to behind the scenes, there are numerous students putting their time into creating an amazing production that is often only performed twice for an audience. As the Upper School production of Macbeth prepared to open, some of the actors and technicians, as well as the directors, sat down to share what it is really like putting on shows here at The Meadows.

The Actors Why do you do theatre?

Maya P. ’x18 (Ross): I started actual theatre when I was twelve so I found it a really good way to deal with puberty and whenever I hit a rough patch in my life. Sixth grade was not fun. I found it really therapeutic to go on stage and be someone else [and] at the same time really have fun.

I’d just channel all the confusion I had at that age into a performance.

Mandy R. ’17 (Lady Macbeth): It’s a really good way to just express yourself in whatever fashion you need to at the time.

I think it is a really healthy way to deal with emotions, too.

To channel something in a healthy way and have positive feedback with that, the audience clapping for you as you cry on stage, it is a really strange but rewarding feeling. I’ve [also] met all my best friends through theatre.

Finn S. ’x18 (Caithness/Assassin): [Macbeth] is the first show I have done. I came here [as an exchange student from Germany] and I heard there was an opportunity to do something else. It is so different from everything else you do here. I just wanted to try something new.

How was your audition for Macbeth?

Mandy: Mine was really good actually. I think I was the one person who felt very confident about my Macbeth audition.

You learn as you go through the years, audition day you do your hair and makeup, look nice, and you always volunteer to go first. I was the very first person to audition. I made sure I got there early, and it paid off because I got the role I wanted.

Hasan I. ’18 (Macbeth): My audition went great. However, I got the monologue from Mr. Burris last minute, literally less than 24 hours before auditions because my friends were insisting I should audition. But that did not stop me from killing the audition.

Tanner R. ’19 (Donalbain): I thought mine was pretty good, but what I thought was the best time was callbacks.

Mr. Burris would send two people to walk towards each other in a certain way. He put us two [Tanner and Justin] against each other, and we are trying not to laugh at each other. Mr. Burris says, “Run towards each other like your neuroscientists bouncing ideas off each other.”

Finn: I was kind of nervous and actually I messed up. I memorized my monologue and I was good at it, but when I performed it in front of Mr. Burris, I missed my lines. He said it was okay. He liked my energy.

What are rehearsals like?

Sana K. ’17 (Malcolm): We rehearse on a very limited time frame in comparison to some of the other schools, but I think it makes us more accustomed to making decisions, strong choices earlier in our rehearsal process.

Maya: We’re here from 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. [during tech week] so by the time you get home, you still have to eat, shower, and do homework for your seven classes-eight if you take an Early Bird class like all of us. A lot of the teachers are very understanding when we get to tech week as long as you give them a few days’ notice.

Justin B. ’19 (Lennox): There is a fight captain and a fight lieutenant. I am the lieutenant. Since this is a fight- heavy show, our job is to memorize our part as well as our fights and everybody else’s fights. We have a lot of work to do in the fundamentals of fights and making sure everybody is safe.

How were the performances?

Tanner: This was probably the most a show has been like, “Augh! Are we gonna actually make this happen?” But it is like this every time. Do not question what the CFA can do.

Something clicked, and it was magical.

Samantha S. ’18 (Banquo): It was something special.

It was fun to watch everything. There is a certain energy to every production when it hits the stage, as opposed to a rehearsal, because there are people watching you. Just watching everything come together from the wings is a cool experience. It was a fun opening night. The second night was exponentially better than the opening night in my opinion.

It was so fun. We all knew it was our last time performing the show so we just acted our hearts out.

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Alexandra K. ’18 (Siward): [Opening night] still felt like a dress rehearsal, which was kind of weird. We were all somewhat familiar with how the show ran, but because we had such little time during tech week and one true [dress] rehearsal before the actual show, it was kind of different from other [productions] we have done. [The second night] more of our friends and teachers were there so it had a better dynamic and more energy. When our friends are there, we know they are coming to see us so we really should step up and show them what we have.

it is something people can do despite having academics or sports or other conflicts.

Is there anything you wish your classmates knew about being in a show at The Meadows?

Sana: Just do it because it is something that is a really rewarding experience and if you don’t do it, you will always be wondering what would it have been like if I did.

The theatre is a very welcoming community. There’s no judgment. It doesn’t matter if you join as a freshmen or a senior; everyone will always be really happy to have you, and you will definitely learn a lot about yourself in the process.

Sana: You have to work so hard for [theatre]. Whether you are a tech or an actor, no matter what you do it is such hard work. Everyone is the production gets up an hour earlier to be at rehearsal and spends free time memorizing the lines and running over the scenes. We come in on weekends to make sure the show can be as perfect as it can be while balancing a lot. It takes a lot of hard work to put on a show for two days.

Samantha: I think there is a common misconception in theatre that you’re working to get a part for yourself; you want to be the star. When you audition for a show I feel like a big part is trying to make the team look good [...] by auditioning for a part you think you are suited for. When you get a part, that’s where you fit in the scheme of things.

So even if you aren’t the quarterback and you’re just the little football minions, you’re still playing a major role in the show. It’s a team sport.

Hasan: I wish my classmates could understand the amount of stress students involved in productions endure. Quite frankly I was tired of hearing “Why do you look so tired?” and “Why do you look so upset?” because my classmates did not understand what I was going through.

What would you say to students thinking about getting involved in theatre?

Justin: It’s not easy. What you see on stage, that’s the work of weeks and weeks. We welcome people who haven’t really done theatre. They say, “I want to do a show.” Do it! But realize the commitment. It’s not simple.

Mandy: I had done theatre when I was younger, but I started at Meadows sophomore year and now in the beginning of my senior year I am going to start auditioning for college to pursue theatre for the rest of my life because that is how much I love it. [Theatre] is completely life changing. Even if you don’t want to do it for the main thing you do […] everyone should be in one show.

Alexandra: People tend to think they can’t do theatre because they have sports or school, but we also have that. I think we can encourage people to join theatre by showing that. I’m a cheerleader, and I am taking three APs and the rest are Honors classes. Yet, I still make time for theatre so

How do you feel now that it is over?

Above: Samantha S. ’18 during the opening battle

Above: l-r Tanner R. ’19, Sana K. ’17, Julius S. ’19, and Ilana C. ’20

Samantha: Relieved and panicked because auditions are in four days for the next show [Seussical]. It never ends, which is a good thing. (Editor’s note: Samantha was cast as The Cat in The Hat.)

The Directors Why did you choose Macbeth?

Tim Burris (Director, Theatre Teacher): Macbeth is mysterious. It’s frightening. It has magic. It has politics. It has warfare. It has love and these deeper relationships. It is just such a fun, very fast moving, yet very deep piece and there’s a lot of fun stuff to try on stage with it.

What is the difference between working with students versus working with professionals?

memorizing your lines. You are memorizing all of the lines on the page that involve any scene that you are in. Even if you don’t have lines, you are still memorizing lines. Our students are cramming an entire play into their heads going into this.

Beyond that, they have to understand the road-map of where they have to move, how they have to hit their lights, when their cues are happening, and they have to make it all flow.

They have to do the proper research on their characters and the history and time period. They have to create a character because our characters go beyond the page. You have to fill in all of these blanks, essentially creating a life story.

Burris: A lot of time students are more willing to jump out there and try things. Sometimes it is in students’ natures to wait to memorize, but most of my students [don’t wait]. Man, do they come up with amazing choices because [memorizing] gives them the free time to just play without that script in hand.

What would you say to students considering doing theatre?

Is it difficult for students to pick up on Shakespeare?

There is a freedom to creation that when you learn how to do it, nothing seems quite as impossible anymore. I make people die; I make people fly; I make people fall in love. We shake the pillars of heaven upon this stage and nobody questions it.

When you go back to regular life and it is just about turning something in on time, is that really as daunting? At no point are you going to go somewhere else and have to take a test in front of an entire crowd of people.

Burris: When you read it right off the bat, sometimes [the students] won’t catch the exact meaning, but a simple table session remedies that. However, being able to convey that with subtext is hugely different and difficult. [Usually] we are exposed to Shakespeare by reading it, not living it. When Shakespeare says, “Speak the words trippingly on the tongue,” he’s talking about speaking like we do. Deliver your lines like normal, like humans. Not in some grandiose manner.

We tend to put Shakespeare on this pedestal that makes him indecipherable.

Burris: This sort of environment teaches you, hands on, how to create something out of nothingness. [Theatre] will make you a stronger person in conveying ideas, thoughts, and desires. How are you going to get what you want if you can’t tell a person properly what you want or make them understand?

Technically, what has been difficult with Macbeth?

Burris: When you memorize lines, you are not just

E’Dawn Severance-Burris (Technical Director, Theatre Teacher): We have challenged ourselves making [the production] so detailed and in depth as well as adding new elements that we haven’t done before like extreme lighting.

The use of color in the light is definitely challenging. [The

Above: Justin B. ’19 and E’Dawn Severance-Burris discussing lighting during Theatre Production class

Above: Light Board Operators, Zoe L. ’18 and Jeffrey N. ’18, surveying the set before dress rehearsal

What do you wish the rest of the School community knew about what it takes to put on a show?

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lighting design] all came from the [technical theatre] class. The students came up with a lot of ideas, and they were all good so I’m trying to put them all together.

Are there any challenges working with student designers?

Severance-Burris: Trying to incorporate a good amount of everyone’s ideas and making them cohesively one. [The students] are doing a good job of it. They are good at bouncing ideas off of each other and then changing their ideas when they hear someone else’s.

What do you wish others knew about what goes into putting on a production at The Meadows School?

Severance-Burris: The students have a lot of homework just like every other class and department. They have a large requirement they have to do outside of the classroom because we do not get the classroom time.

One hour of rehearsal or work time is done by other [schools] in three to four hours.

Why do you and the other theatre teachers feel it is important for actors to tech and technicians to act?

Severance-Burris: So they have an understanding of the other side. It is not actors against technicians, technicians against actors. If actors didn’t have their technicians, they would be naked and in the dark, and if technicians didn’t have actors, they wouldn’t be working anywhere. It is a collaborative effort, and they all need to know that.

What would you say to students thinking about getting involved in theatre?

Severance-Burris: Try it! That’s it. You don’t know until you get up there and try it. People wait for their senior year to do it, and I swear every senior who does that wishes they would have come in earlier.

Left: Mandy R. ’17 as Lady Macbeth

The Woman Behind the Camera

by Jilliene Jaeger ’09, Publications Coordinator

17

Above: The 2003-2004 Photography Club

B

right smile and camera in hand, Carol Cali has been a constant presence at nearly every TMS event for the past 28 years. Whether or not they ever stepped into her classroom, students always speak fondly of the largerthan-life teacher. However, how much do they know about the woman behind the camera?

For someone who is always attached to a camera, it may come as a surprise that photography was not Cali’s first love.

As a teenager Cali studied visual art; however, her focus was primarily on drawing. She took her first photography class in high school, but admitted that while she enjoyed the class she was not very good at it. Not long after graduation, Cali’s life took a drastic turn when she auditioned for and was hired to be a dancer and singer for bandleader, Ray Anthony. For the next seven years, Cali traveled the world with Anthony’s band. It was during this time that she found her way back to photography. While in Japan, Cali bought her first camera for $300. “My camera was with me everywhere,” Cali recalled.

“So many times I got in trouble from my boss. ‘If I see that camera again, you’re out of here.’” Luckily, he was just joking.

Cali’s love for photography blossomed, and she decided to leave show business and enroll at the University Nevada, Las Vegas to pursue a degree in photography.

Cali never planned on becoming a teacher; however, that all changed when her daughter, Jami ’94, started at The Meadows School in 1989. Carolyn Goodman asked the Meadows parent if she would be willing to take photos for the School.

Soon Cali was photographing dances, graduations, and even took aerial shots of the campus from a helicopter. In 1994, three years after her other daughter, Jenine ’97, started at The Meadows, Cali was offered a part-time position teaching one photography class. The next semester it became two classes.

The next school year it jumped to three, and within a few years Cali was made a full-time teacher.

Over the past two decades, photography has changed drastically ,and Cali credits her role as teacher for her ability to keep up-to-date with the ever changing technology. “Who knows? If I had not

been teaching I may not have advanced to the new technology.

A lot of photographers went by the wayside after film went away.” Nowadays, it is hard to imagine a time without digital cameras when nearly all Meadows students have one built into their cellphones. “It’s so funny. The kids come in, and they don’t even know what film is.” For Cali, the transition seemed to happen overnight. “Well it was about 2007, I’d say, ‘How many [students] have a digital camera?’ Maybe one person. Next year, maybe it was five. By 2010, nearly every kid had a digital camera.”

However, the ubiquity of digital cameras has been a doubleedged sword. “Kids right now don’t want to use a big camera.

They have their cellphones and that’s what they want to use.”

However, there are benefits to these mini cameras. “Actually, the cellphone can be a useful tool in the way of learning composition, but it is not good for understanding your camera or creative photography.”

So after two decades of teaching, drastic leaps in technology, and hundreds of thousands of photos, what stands out most in Cali’s mind?

“The kids.”

Take the Perfect Picture As anyone who has stood in front of Cali’s camera knows, she is an expert on posing. Thanks to her background in old school portrait photography, she knows how to position anyone to make him or her look amazing. Here is her advice for taking the perfect photo.

1. Never stand or sit flat-footed, straight to the camera 2. If standing...

• Stand up straight • Rock to one side • Put one foot forward

Above: Cali working with students in her photography class in 1995 Left: Cali’s first yearbook photo as a faculty member in 1994

3. If sitting...

• Sit up straight • Turn to the side so legs are slightly sideways • Put right foot forward • Lean forward • Turn torso to face the camera 19

Above: Ms. Sirota conducting The Meadows Singers during the 2016 Winter Assembly

Working in Harmony The Meadows’ thriving music program and the four teachers who conduct it

by The Meadows School Music Department

The great physicist Albert Einstein once said, “It occurred to me by intuition, and music was the driving force behind that intuition. My discovery was the result of musical perception.” He also said, “If I were not a physicist, I would probably be a musician.” The process by which Einstein arrived at his conclusions about the universe is certainly a difficult one to understand, but members of the Meadows family can probably draw corollaries between his process and their own. He’d most likely feel right at home at our school, where in addition to their studies in the sciences and humanities, students can receive a thorough education in

Einstein’s “other” preoccupation: music.

The Meadows School’s Peccole Center for the Arts (popularly referred to as the CFA) is home to comprehensive training in the visual and theatrical arts and to a thriving music program. On any given day, a visitor to the CFA may hear a string orchestra, a jazz band, or a virtuoso pianist playing a Beethoven Sonata or Liszt Etude. Often, the musicians being heard even include CFA faculty members themselves.

Denitza Larsen is a Bulgarian-born and trained classical violinist who has played on stages and in orchestra pits

for years. Today, her performances at the professional level continue even as she trains the next generation of string players at TMS. Ms. Larsen’s classes contain the very youngest of students from the Beginning and Lower Schools, straight through Middle and Upper School students playing advanced pieces from the classical literature. But that’s not all: her string ensembles also tackle arrangements of more modern music, from the Beatles to current pop hits. Nothing is off limits: TMS string ensembles are not even limited to on-campus performances: they regularly perform in various local venues like Container Park, Downtown Summerlin, The Bellagio Hotel, and the Smith Center.

Jenny Tolen is a clarinetist extraordinaire who has built a thriving band program to over 70 active participants in the 2016-2017 academic year. Like Ms. Larsen, Jenny proves that those who can, teach! (If you’re lucky enough to get them!) While she can regularly be found playing in showrooms and on concert stages, during the day she leads multiple student ensembles. Jazz and Concert Bands are among these groups, as is Meadows Pep Band – an ensemble that helps drive TMS sports teams to be their best on the court and field. As if Ms. Tolen’s band program isn’t already bursting at the seams, she is also founder and director of

Ms. Larsen working with Claire T. ’21

the Las Vegas Drum Camp. Currently in its fourteenth year, LVDC hosts groups from schools across the Las Vegas valley to work under world class percussionists in a variety of clinics, rehearsals, and performances.

Like his colleagues in the theater and music departments, David Kancsar is regularly engaged as a professional outside the TMS campus. Classically trained at the piano from a young age, he has served as pianist, music director and/ or conductor of local productions like Forever Plaid, The Producers, and currently, Le Reve. He often takes his skills into the CFA orchestra pit, where he serves as conductor for Middle and Upper School musicals. Mr. Kancsar also works with Upper School vocal groups and teaches classes in music theory. These classes range from beginning courses for new musicians, straight through to AP Music Theory for advanced student musicians seeking college credit.

In March, numerous Meadows musicians participated in the Clark County Solo and Ensemble Festival: all received a “superior” ranking from their adjudicators, and two are even in the running for the all-state level “command performance.” If selected, they will travel to Reno to perform among the best of the best from all across Nevada.

Ms. Tolen working with her Middle School Band students

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None of this high level music making by Meadows Mustangs would make for a fully integrated music program were it not for our new Lower School music teacher, Olivia Sirota. Olivia is a classically trained Mezzo-Soprano, and she brings a love of music and song to the Lower School music program. The music program is based on the Orff-Schulwerk approach, integrating movement, speech, song, instrumental play, improvisation, and expression. With her certification in Orff-Schulwerk techniques, she works to instill a lifelong love of music in our younger Meadows Mustangs. And, of course, she directs that group that is so iconic to Meadows life: The Meadows Singers, a choir made up of some of our most musically-talented younger Mustangs. Their April 5 concert was one of the highlights of the 2017 academic year.

Also in April of this year, TMS musicians embarked on a landmark trip to Reykjavík, Iceland, where they participated in the Worldstrides “Fire and Ice” Music Festival at Harpa Concert Hall. Our Mustangs will rehearsed and performed

with student musicians from all over the globe, under the direction of world-class conductors and clinicians. It was a rewarding experience that our musicians will cherish forever.

A quick perusal of the school calendar will yield a wealth of opportunities to hear Meadows musicians all year long.

(TMS string ensembles have been invited to perform at large-scale events during the summer months!) There’s even a student-lead Meadows Music Club that puts on additional performance events – as if there weren’t already enough offerings! Whether you prefer Rock, Pop, Musical Theater, Classical, or anything in between, you can find TMS students practicing, rehearsing, or performing in and around the CFA. Of course, this is probably right before or after they head off to physics class. Chances are, Professor Einstein would be proud.

Above: Mr. Kancsar and Sheen K. ’19 accompanying The Meadows Singers during the Winter Assembly

Mustang Update

by Rodney Vollan, Upper School Assistant Director of Student Life

T

he athletics program at TMS continues to adhere to the School’s motto “In Pursuit of Excellence.”

During the 2015-2016 school year, eleven of the fifteen athletics teams qualified for advancement to their sport-specific state playoffs. State championships were earned, in dominant fashion, in Girls’ Tennis and Boys’ Basketball.

Individually, 28 TMS scholar-athletes earned all-league, first team honors.

Additionally, TMS earned the NIAA Award of Excellence for the eighth time since the inception of the award in 2001. The NIAA Award of Excellence recognizes the school which best exemplifies the three major categories of interscholastic athletics: academics, athletic performance, and sportsmanship. The scoring system to determine the winner awards points for varsity teams’ performances in the classroom, at the athletic venue, and in the Citizenship Through Sports program. Each of these categories is weighted equally. The NIAA Award of Excellence is tangible evidence of the qualities that TMS requires of its students: excellence inside and outside the classroom.

Varsity Volleyball players, Eden M. ’17 and Dina K. ’18

The arrival of the 2016-2017 school year at TMS built on the athletic momentum from the previous year. All six sports teams qualified for state tournament action. The football team qualified for the state quarterfinals, while the volleyball team qualified for the state semifinals. Girls’ Cross-Country won the Southern Region and finished 3rd at the state meet. The Boys’ Cross-Country team finished 2nd at the Southern Region and 4th at the state meet, which was the best finish in recent memory. State championships were earned in both Girls’ and Boys’ Tennis. The girls won their fourth state championship in school history in dominant fashion. The boys earned their first state championship in school history by narrowly defeating Boulder City 10-8 in an exciting match. At the recent Fall Sports Assembly, 26 TMS scholar-athletes earned first team, all-league honors. The winter and spring sports’ athletes are eagerly awaiting their opportunities to contribute to this year’s athletic successes.

TMS alumni are also making their mark in college athletics. At last count, eight TMS alums are verified to be on athletic rosters this year. In addition to rigorous, collegeprep academics, TMS provides a pathway for those who are able and willing to compete at the intercollegiate level.

TMS values alumni support at our athletic events.

Your contributions help lay the foundations and traditions that guide and inspire current sports teams. Our coaches and athletes want and need to hear your testimonials on the value that interscholastic competition had in your lives. We would also enjoy the opportunity to share our vision for the continued evolution and growth of TMS athletics with those who paved the path. Jack Concannon, the Interim Athletic Director, and I look forward to hearing from you.

Rodney Vollan: rvollan@TheMeadowsSchool.org Jack Concannon: jconcannon@TheMeadowsSchool.org

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From Meadows Students to Meadows Parents

by Sara Carlson, Director of the Beginning School

A

s the Director of Beginning School I often have the opportunity to introduce young families to The Meadows School for the first time. It is exciting to assist parents of preschool age children as they research educational options for their little ones. Each year I have seen an increasing number of TMS alumni touring the School as prospective Meadows parents. The Beginning School did not exist when these parents were preschoolers so it always a pleasure to show them what we offer for our youngest students and see their reactions.

great to be able to say in recent years that we have legacy students enrolled.

In my early years at The Meadows I was a fourth grade teacher in the Lower School. My former students are adults and over the years I have taught their nieces and nephews and even a twenty-plus years younger sibling. I enjoy seeing folks I once sat down with for a parent-teacher conference return to Scholar Lane as grandparents. I also find it amazing how no one seems to have aged.

During the 2016-2017 school year we have ten children of Meadows alumni and former students enrolled in the Beginning School. A number of these parents have become reacquainted with one another through the shared experience of becoming Meadows parents. Our legacy students come to us as eager young Mustangs fans! It is always fun to hear, “My daddy was a Meadows Mustang.” On the rare occasions I have walked students through the Upper School, a few have been able to see a parent’s senior photo on the wall.

I was a young teacher with no children of my own in 1994, when I started at The Meadows. My own experience between generations became more personal in 2014 when my own son selected art as his middle school elective. His instructor was Ms. Martin, a wonderful colleague of mine. When my son asked if I knew Ms. Martin, I was able to say that, in fact, I do know her. I was her fourth grade teacher in the Lower School. In 2016, I became a TMS alumni parent, a proud distinction. It is gratifying to see my own child as part of the current generation of alumni.

When I meet prospective families from the East Coast they marvel at how “young” The Meadows is as a prestigious college-preparatory school compared to the schools in their own cities. I usually tell them while we are young as an institution we are “old” by Las Vegas standards. It has been

This year the “generational” nature of my Meadows years came full circle the day I offered an enrollment contract to a sweet three-year-old girl named Lyla. Lyla is the daughter of Danielle F. ’03, a student in my very first class at the School.

Above: Sara Carlson’s first class, fourth grade, at The Meadows School during the 1994-95 school year

Above: Sara Carlson’s current Beginning School class for the 2016-17 school year

A

Stacie M. ’98

Justin M. ’99

Allan C. ’97

TJ F. ’97

H

Adam G. ’00

I

K

Katie O. ’97

Harper

Allyn Marie ___

___

___

D. Kristine C. ’97 E. Allan C. ’97

___

___

G: 1, 2 H: 3, 4

C. Shana G. ’94

Jemma

11

9

Harper

12

Ben

Gabriella

16

13

Cole

17

Cash

Jonah

18

Jocelyn

F. Brian P. ’99

___

___

J. Matthew C. ’92

___

___

G. TJ F. ’97

___

___

K. Katie O. ’97

___

___

H. Adam G. ’00

___

___

I. Cheryl C. ’00

D & E: 15, 16 F: 12, 13

Reagan

Genevieve

8

Sloane

15

6

___

___

A & B: 7, 8, 9 C: 14

14

London

Vivienne

7

10

4

5

Can you match our alumni parents with their children?

Matthew C. ’92

___

Luella

J

Cheryl C. ’00

3

Brian P. ’99

G

I: 17, 18 J: 10, 11

Answer Key

F

2

Brooks

Fox

E

Kristine C. ’97

1

Shana G. ’94

D

A. Justin M. 99 B. Stacie M. ’98

C

B

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K: 5, 6

RETURN OF THE ALUMNI

BY MATTHEW SHACKLEY ’09, TEACHER-IN-TRAINING

T

hroughout the course of George Lucas’s original Star Wars trilogy, audiences watched, captivated, the journey of the orphan Luke Skywalker to become a Jedi Knight, culminating in the 1983 film Return of the Jedi just a year before the founding of The Meadows School. It is the powerful Yoda, a 900-or-so-yearold Jedi Master who mentors Luke through his period of training as he seeks, himself, to become a master of the force.

While no teacher at The Meadows is quite yet verging on 900 years of experience, the campus is jampacked with our very own Yodas, those we literally refer to as Master Teachers. Like their diminutive green counterpart, these teachers represent the pinnacle practitioners of their craft. Five alumni now walk among these masters, some already wonderful established teachers, themselves. As one of the more recent graduates, I find myself in the position of Luke Skywalker, studying

tirelessly under these great mentors in hopes of one day also being able to take on the mantle of a Master Teacher.

I believe the fact that a number of alumni have returned to The Meadows as teachers speaks volumes about the respect and admiration so many of us feel for the teachers who shaped our lives. Unfortunately, the profession of teaching is sometimes looked down upon in our society.

Adages such as “those who can’t do, teach,” reflect the attitude that education is a field populated only by those incapable of pursuing something more prestigious or worthwhile. Undoubtedly, there are teachers out there who rest on their laurels, recycling lesson plans from year to year. Those teachers do not work at The Meadows School.

As a TMS student, I looked up to my teachers as great thinkers and authorities in their field. Gary Handley is one of the greatest minds I have ever encountered when it

comes to discussing government, politics, and religion; a greatness only rivaled by that of his immense character and compassion. Jeremy Gregersen is a published poet many times over (and now coincidentally signs my paychecks). David Santo Pietro has a brilliance which would allow him to pursue a multitude of lucrative careers in science, yet he also possesses the ability to communicate the driest of physics topics in a way that inspires reluctant juniors. Just to name a few teachers whom I had as a student here, professionals like these are the very fabric of what sets The Meadows School apart.

For me, the opportunity to return to TMS as a teacher and join these ranks represented the pinnacle of the profession.

So I urge you, take a moment to consider your own Meadows experience. Regardless of where you find yourself in the world, of what career path you have chosen, consider how your life was shaped by the Yodas at The Meadows School.

Students in the Courtroom

by Tracy Neblina, Middle School History Teacher

T

he things I enjoy most about teaching at The Meadows School are the opportunities that are given to our students. For example, for the past several years our 8th grade students have been fortunate enough to have been invited to Judge Herndon’s courtroom for a mock trial. I realize this is something that Lower School students also get to do, but Judge Herndon and his staff create a case which allows students to analyze evidence and write their own questions for witnesses in order to support arguments they hope to make during the trial. As students are responsible for tackling how they intend to get witnesses to present evidence in a way that persuades the jury to find the defendant guilty or not guilty, they must engage in collaboration and critical thinking.

Jury members play the most important role because they get to determine what happens to the defendant; thus, they are instructed to analyze only the evidence presented during trial and use common sense to come to a decision. Jury members also collaborate during the deliberation process, which can become very animated. This is very exciting for me to watch and students always tell

me how much they enjoy the process.

More important than the trial experience, however, is the life experience students get while in the courtroom. In the morning before students have their mock trial, Judge Herndon conducts normal proceedings for the day; he sets trial dates, defense lawyers and prosecutors ask for extensions, explain why their clients are not present, or discuss what arrangements they have made for paying fines or getting services for their clients. In addition, Judge Herndon hands down sentences to several individuals who have already gone through trial and have been found guilty. This, to me, is one of the most important things our students experience. They see real people facing the consequences of their actions. Even more important, students also see how someone in a position of power treats people who have typically had far less education, far fewer opportunities, and have often made very poor choices throughout their lives. Judge Herndon, and all the people working in the courtroom, are very respectful to those in the courtroom and never condescending or belittling.

After experiencing the sentencing, students are encouraged to ask questions about what they saw in the courtroom or questions about the legal process in general. It is always interesting to hear what kinds of questions students ask, as they often reveal misconceptions about the legal system, and these are generally the same every year. Judge Herndon takes the time to explain what his job is, why things happen the way they do in the courtroom, and some of the most basic reasons why people end up in court in the first place.

The entire experience is invaluable for both the students and for me.

Students are able to see real people and have real experiences which add a level of humanity to their perception of courtroom proceedings without taking accountability out of the equation. I am able to see my students grow and learn in real time; the very expressions on their faces reveal a change in attitude or moment of insight that is profoundly rewarding. I cannot thank Judge Herndon enough for both the experience he offers our students and also for being a wonderful example of what a public servant should be.

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What is the TMPSA and how can I get involved?

by Donna Isaacs, TMPSA President, and Samantha G. Robbins Atkinson ’97, Director of Advancement

T

he Meadows School Parents Association (TMSPA) was created to facilitate a closer interest and communication between the parent and the School.

TMSPA plays an essential role in the life of The Meadows School. The group provides opportunities for the parent body to participate in a community of interests, acts as a resource for the School, and organizes special projects.

Above: The 2016-2017 TMSPA Executive Board

Once a child is enrolled at The Meadows School, every parent is automatically a member of TMSPA. Over the years, parents have played a vital role in the growth of the School.

TMSPA also serves as a resource to classroom teachers, community service programs, the school store, correspondence, performing arts, and hospitality, in addition to a multitude of other programs and events.

Involvement in TMSPA facilitates parents’ connection to each other and to The Meadows School.

MAJOR PROJECTS In addition to the continued annual work of TMSPA committees and executive board, the Association works on several major projects throughout the year to engage parents better with the School. The most notable of these are Fall Festival, Camp Expo, and the Fiesta Carnival.

Fall Festival is new to the purview of the TMSPA - an official vote to incorporate the event into the fold of the Parents’ Association happened after the success of this year’s event. Chairs Glenda Ninkovich and Donna Vinocur utilized Lower School classes to man the booths

made up of games, arts and crafts, and food options. They also earmarked the funds raised for campus beautification.

Camp Expo takes place in March every year and is run by the TMSPA President-Elect, Marci Riedy. Dozens of camps showcase their programs to the Las Vegas community and attract a crowd of hundreds of parents and students looking for enrichment opportunities for the summer.

Fiesta Carnival is in early May and is chaired this year by Sharlin Ahmed and Reshma Shah. Students and parents enjoy a festival of fun, games, and food. Every Lower School classroom manages a booth to raise funds for future TMSPA events. We hope you stopped by the dunk tank featuring Head of School, Mr. Gregersen!

TMSPA MAKE-UP Within the parent body, TMSPA is governed by an executive committee and is comprised of sub-committees.

The Executive Board meets to discuss TMSPA goals and strategy, as well as ways the parent body can help the School in its mission.

The committees help by volunteering their time throughout the year with

various events and projects. The Nominating Committee is actively recruiting volunteers for the 2017-18 school year. On the next page is a brief description of the committees.

CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE SCHOOL The Meadows School Parents Association contributes to the School through talent and treasure. In addition to all of the volunteer activities in which parents participate, TMSPA fundraising activities (events and spirit store) allow contributions to be made on a regular basis. TMSPA hosts two faculty appreciation lunches (this year chaired by Kristine Creel and Tracy Atamian) provides hospitality for all parent coffees, and donates items at the end of the year for division wish lists.

For the 2015-16 school year, TMSPA purchased colored benches and a play structure for the Beginning School, library carts and a sick bench for the Lower School, a gaga pit for the Middle School, and live streaming equipment and a camera for the entire School to use. These contributions are vital to the School so tuition and Annual Fund dollars can be used in other ways.

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TMSPA EVENTS AND VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES The Parents Association offers activities and volunteer opportunities that enhance our sense of community at The Meadows School.

Here are some ways you can get involved: • Volunteer to run a booth at Fiesta Carnival

• Donate gift-in-kind items to Fall Festival

• Serve on the planning committee for an event

For more information on how to get involved, please email TMSPA@TheMeadowsSchool.org.

• Volunteer for a TMSPA committee • Work concessions at a home game We encourage all parents new and old to the School to find an area they are passionate about and to volunteer!

TMSPA Committees ALL-SCHOOL RECEPTION

Plan the Welcome Back/All-School Reception prior to the start of the new school year. Prepare fliers, assist with the summer mailing, work with Hospitality Committee for refreshments and contact faculty, staff, and clubs to confirm attendance for table count and positioning on campus courtyard.

BOOSTER CLUB

Communicate with Athletic Directors.

Plan, organize, and support spirit events for each sport. Obtain parent volunteers for concessions for athletic events as needed.

Promote and build school spirit. Plan menu and stock and refill concessions. Thank parent volunteers!

BUDDY PROGRAM

Introduce current Meadows School families to new, incoming families. Organize and oversee fun and economical recreational activities for new and existing students to participate in together.

CLASS REPRESENTATIVES

Assist Middle and Upper School Vice Presidents when needed. Attend parent coffees with division director. Assist with Hospitality events and other activities in each division during the school year.

COMMUNITY ACTION COMMITTEE

Coordinate community service opportunities that are conducted by Meadows students and parent volunteers. Organize students

and parents to help with service projects for charities around the community. Each year your committee chooses different charities with approval from head of school.

FACULTY LUNCHEONS

NOMINATING COMMITTEE

Recruit parent volunteers for committee chair positions. Prepare the slate for the general election to be held at the Annual Open Meeting in May.

Organize two luncheons, the Holiday luncheon in December and the Faculty Appreciation luncheon in May in recognition of the faculty, staff, and administration.

Preparations include set up, serving, and cleaning up as well as contacting a restaurant or catering service for food for lunch in each of the faculty lounges.

PARENT RECEPTIONS

FIESTA CARNIVAL

Maintain the used uniform room in respective divisions by sorting and hanging donated items. Organize the lost and found in the Middle and Upper School Common so items can either be recovered or recycled.

Organize the carnival by first preparing for, budgeting and then working the event.

Order t-shirts, raffle tickets, toys/prizes, games, rides, food and drinks prior to the carnvial. Make fliers and order forms to sell t-shirts, game and raffle tickets. Organize parent and student volunteers to work the booths the day of the event. Oversee all of the activities for the day of the carnival which is the first Friday in May. Work with the TMSPA Treasurer to collect revenue for the event and reimburse vendors for costs.

HOSPITALITY

Assist Hospitality chairperson with TMSPA functions and various School events in each division, throughout the year. Obtain dates, times, type of refreshments, and amounts.

Set up, meet and greet attendants, and clean up after each event.

Host a “Parents Only” meet and greet designed to introduce parents with kindergarten, sixth, and ninth grade students to other Meadows School parents in the same grade. Faculty may be invited to these meet and greet events.

USED UNIFORMS

WELCOMING COMMITTEE

Arrange for new Middle and Upper School students to meet returning Meadows School students in the same grade by organizing an activity- i.e. potluck gathering, picnic, pool day with minimal cost.

Alumni A look at the alumni who took their passion for the arts and turned it into a career.

SpotlightS Aziza A. ’04

Diana F. ’08

Korbin C. ’07

Nikki S. ’09

Ali H.’09

Trace C. ’09

Chantel H. ’07 31

31

Aziza A. ’04 What are you doing now?

What are some of your favorite projects you’ve worked on?

I’m currently working as the Script Coordinator and Writers’ Assistant on the Netflix adaption of Lemony Snicket’s a Series of Unfortunate Events. As the writers’ assistant, I work in TV show writers’ rooms as we come up with and develop the ideas that will eventually end up on screen for a season of television.

In my role, I act as a sort-of “writer’s room apprentice” in that I help the writers track all of the ideas we discuss and help them in all creative capacities with the goal of becoming one of the writers myself on subsequent seasons. Sometimes, I get to pitch story ideas and dialogue that end up in the episodes which is ​very exciting and rewarding​for me​. As the script coordinator, I interface the writers’ room with the production team and the network to distribute and keep all of the scripts and revisions up to date, literally making sure we’re all on the same page.

Working in TV is rewarding and fun, but it’s also a lot of hard work. Each show I’ve worked on is special to me for different reasons and because of the lessons I learned and friends I’ve made. Previous to Snicket, I worked on Girlfriends’ Guide to Divorce, which was my first TV job in the writers’ room. I was lucky enough to work with a great set of writers who mentored me and showed me the ropes. I learned so much and carry those lessons with me through every show I’ve worked since.

How did you decide to go into your current field?

After college, where I studied radio, TV and film, I worked on sets for national commercial spots and documentaries before moving to Los Angeles and pursing an MFA in Producing at USC’s Peter Stark Producing Program. It was there I was able to recognize and narrow my focus to television writing and pursue internships with large studios and networks to gain exposure to the business. Through Stark I was able to make a lot of connections which helped me land my first job after graduation​as assistant to writer and director, Marti Noxon. I was really lucky to have a chance to work with her, and she’s been the best mentor and friend to me since. Now, I’m putting in my dues and working with a lot of writers to continue learning and absorbing as much as I can.

Later, I worked on my first big network show, Extant, starring Halle Berry. Being a sci-fi nerd, working on Extant was a bit of a dream come true for me. I learned a lot about writing for such high-end talent and working with visual effects and special effects from a story perspective. Again, I was lucky to work with such a generous group of writers who continued to mentor me and help me hone my skills. On Extant , we are lucky enough to have our writers’ room, sets and postproduction facilities all on the Paramount lot so I was able to visit the set with the show runners and writers to learn more about working with the directors and actors to hone a script for everyone’s needs and on the tight production schedules TV necessitates.

And what are your future aspirations?

I am working toward being staffed as a writer on a TV series.

Ultimately, my goal is to become a TV showrunner and create, write, and produce my own television series. I​ have a particular affinity for the sci-fi and thriller genres so I hope to tell stories in the vein of The Twilight Zone or more recently Black Mirror. ​

What are you doing now?

I am currently managing the product consulting team at Tubular Labs. We are an Enterprise Software company focused on online video data and analytics. Our customers are mainly media companies, brands, agencies, publishers and multi-channel networks.

How did you decide to go into your current field?

I have always been passionate about media and entertainment.

After business school, I was determined to find a role or a company that used data and analytics to inform creative strategies. Tubular sits at the nexxus of that-- aggregating data and making it actionable for our customers.

What are some of your favorite projects you’ve worked on?

Chantel H. ’07

Right now I work more on the sales side, but I have really enjoyed projects where we’ve worked directly with media clients to help them figure out how to optimize their digital video strategy.

And what are your future aspirations?

A tough one! To be honest, I am enjoying the path that I am on right now and am not quite sure where that will take me.

That being said, I hope to continue learning, growing, trying new things, traveling the world, and performing occasionally with my 80’s cover band, Young Me and the Moons. (pictured left)

What are you doing now?

I am the Director for Revolver Gallery in Los Angeles How did you decide to go into your current field?

It was all organic. I was working as an assistant at a talent agency and my boss wanted to buy a Warhol. He asked me to find him one and figure out how to get a good deal. We ended up starting a gallery, and I’ve directed all operations since that day. It has been four years since our first purchase, and we now have the largest gallery-owned collection of original Andy Warhol works in the world.

What are some of your favorite projects you’ve worked on?

In 2015, I moved to Toronto for the summer to produce the largest Andy Warhol exhibition in Canadian history. We took over the lease of an old Guess store, and it was super fun to convert the retail space to an Andy Warhol pop up.

Korbin C. ’07

And what are your future aspirations?

I’m starting school at UC Berkeley for my MBA this fall (Go Bears!) and hope to launch an educational art investment platform next year.

Learn more about Revolver Gallery at www.revolvergallery.com.

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What are you doing now?

I am working primarily in early childhood music and education. I am the music specialist at a preschool and also teach my own independent music enrichment classes to young children and their caregivers. On weekends I often perform at children’s birthday parties.

How did you decide to go into your current field?

Diana F. ’08

I moved to New York to pursue musical theater and ended up doing a lot of work at the New York City Children’s Theater. I worked for a while as a drama teaching artist in public schools and performed in a number of musicals that toured to schools around NYC. Through these projects I was very fortunate to meet children’s musician, Laurie Berkner, who basically became my mentor for the next few years.

She trained me in her philosophy of music education, and I started to teach her program throughout the city. From there I kept finding more opportunities in the children’s music world.

What are some of your favorite projects you’ve worked on?

I recently sang backup vocals on a number of songs on Laurie Berkner’s new album, which was a ton of fun. I am also loving the preschool where I work every morning and being able to work with adorable and hilarious children.

And what are your future aspirations?

I would love to focus on writing, recording, and performing my own original music!

What are you doing now?

I am currently acting professionally.

How did you decide to go into your current field?

I have had a passion for acting in community and school theatre since I was young so I can’t remember ever seriously wanting to pursue anything else as a career. I remember when Mr. Richardson interviewed me for TMS, I said I wanted to double major in Theatre and Psychology in college and then become a professional actor - and that’s what I did!

What are some of your favorite projects you’ve worked on?

Nikki S. ’09

One of my favorite projects I worked on recently was acting in the world premiere of a play that my friend wrote. He is a playwright in New York and one of his plays was chosen to have its world premiere at a theatre in North Hollywood.

It was a beautiful piece, and it was a stimulating experience to workshop a brand new play. It is unique to work with the writer so closely and hear his vision and inspiration for the show. I also just recently filmed a role on The CW show, Jane the Virgin, which was amazing!

What are you doing now?

I will be starting my Ph.D. in Cinema and Media Studies at the University of Southern California this fall.

How did you decide to go into your current field?

I went into film studies because it’s at the epicenter of some of the most compelling theoretical conversations happening in the humanities today. If you’re interested in the art of philosophy, film studies is one of the best disciplines to explore these topics and take them in a new direction.

What are some of your favorite projects you’ve worked on?

Trace C. ’09

I recently got back from working as a research associate at a communications institute at South Korea’s Hallym University where I also taught several classes on regional film history and theory. I’ve also done a lot of work on animation theory, which has led me to present my research in front of audiences of 400 fans at conferences attached to animation conventions (as seen on the left.)

And what are your future aspirations?

The most important step for me to take is to get started on my Ph.D. After that, I’m hoping to find a tenure-track position and continue working in academia.

What are you doing now?

I’m an actress in Los Angeles.

How did you decide to go into your current field?

Blind hope and a love of attention? I got my BFA in Theatre Performance from Chapman University and moved to Los Angeles after graduation. I was lucky that Chapman taught us the business of becoming an actor because it allowed me to approach my career in a much more strategic and productive way.

What are some of your favorite projects you’ve worked on?

I just shot an episode of Jane the Virgin on The CW, which was great. Before that, I worked on a series for ABC’s online platform with Iliza Shlesinger!

And what are your future aspirations?

Ali H. ’09

My biggest aspiration is to work consistently, which sounds simpler than it is in this industry. I’ve been lucky thus far which I think has a lot to do with my education and work ethic (Thanks, TMS!) But I’m currently setting myself up for a career in television which would be a dream come true.

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The Meadows Family from Scholar Lane to the Spartan Race

by Tim Burris, Theatre Teacher

T

he Meadows Family: a phrase I hear often and beam with pride at the sense of connection it refers to. It conjures, for me, an image of camaraderie and caretaking that I liken to the warriors at Agincourt in Henry V. Listening to the Saint Crispin’s Day speech and those famous words, “We few, we happy few, we band of brothers,” reminds me that the bonds we make here at The Meadows School are not a common thing, though they may seem common to us.

Every year I get the glorious opportunity to work on the stage during the summer with alumni from various years. Students who once upon a time worked as pupils of this craft, and now we are side by side in the field. Our connection does not end at the walk for graduation or during our bittersweet goodbyes when students move on. It is a lasting bond that stays with us through the years. We are, after all, family. I have been able to fill my years with experiences with alumni both on and off the stage, as a teacher, director, coach, fellow actor, and a friend.

This spring, I had a very rewarding and powerful experience with alumni from quite some time ago. When I first started teaching here seventeen years ago, I had a technical student named Nick D. ’03. He was very quiet, shy, and unsure of himself. We worked together during his entire time in Upper School. I watched him grow into a very strong and confident young man. We maintained contact throughout his time in college, the start of his career, and the building of his family. I even helped him move into his new home. When he graduated, he asked if he could join my brother and me in our trips to the gym. In that time, over the summer, he developed a passion for fitness that exceeded that of anyone else that I know. When he came back to Las Vegas, the student definitely became the teacher and began to push me to new limits in my own pursuits of fitness and health. This culminated in a very new challenge for me to face, The Spartan Race.

On March 18, 2017, Nick; my brother, Matthew; my cousin, Steven; my brother-in-law, Eric, and I ran side-byside through a desert, sand, and mud-riddled 8.3 mile run, with 30 extremely difficult obstacles. Back when Nick was a student here at The Meadows School, I had suffered an extreme leg injury, one that still haunts me today. Many times I fell. Many times I got back up. It would not be possible without my family by my side encouraging me, or in some cases actually picking me back up. We persisted carrying one another through obstacles and pain. It was humbling and exciting as we pushed through. I was filled with emotion as I fell face down in the dirt, bleeding, to see the hand of my once student reach out to me and repeat words that I said to him many times before, “I don’t care if you fall, so long as you always get back up.” I am so very proud to have had him as a student once upon a time and even more so to call him a friend and a brother.

You students, parents, and alumni who affect my life are such a powerful force. I look forward each year to new experiences with students whom I will have and students whom I once had. I will be forever grateful for my Meadows Family. The few years I dedicate to their growth is nothing compared to all that I get back in the years that follow. So I say once more, I am proud to count you as my family, as my blood.

Above: left to right - Matt B., Nick D. ’03, and Tim Burris

By the way, we destroyed that race.

ALUMNI N ews & N o t e s

M

y name is Archie Rufty, and I am a TMS alumnus from 2010. I’ve been a part of The Meadows community since I was in 3rd grade and have had many fond memories throughout my years here. After I graduated high school, I went to Elon University in North Carolina and then came back home to Las Vegas and became certified as a personal trainer. After a couple years of training clients here in town, I was asked by The Meadows School to help train the students.

I’ve been the strength and conditioning coach at TMS for a little over a year now, and it’s been going very well. It’s open to all students who want to learn

about fitness and working out not just for the athletes. The attendance has been increasing, and I hope it continues, especially with the nice facilities here at the School. This school year I also helped coach the Middle School boys tackle football team and the wrestling team.

In January, I began my tenure as the new Alumni Affairs Coordinator, and I look forward to helping keep our alumni up to date on the events and opportunities at The Meadows. This School has always meant a lot to me ,and I’m excited to continue to be a part of this community.

Are you a WordMaster?

The WordMasters competition is a staple of The Meadows Lower School. Every year TMS fourth and fifth grade students compete with students nationwide to solve complex analogies filled with sophisticated vocabulary. Test your skills and see if you are smarter than a Meadows fifth grader.

1. trickle : flood :: glimmer : _____ a. glee b. flicker

c. fringe

d. ordeal

e. glare

2. mournful : anguish :: jubilant: _____ a. ecstasy b. glimmer

c. loyalty

d. mishap

e. ordeal

3. coffee : dregs :: river :_____ a. sediment b. trickle

c. basin

d. bin

e. plateau

4. healthy : ruddy :: sick : _____ a. anguished b. sighing

c. ashen

d. declining

e. shuddering

5. singe : burn :: tingle :_____ a. grizzle b. throb c. scald d. extinguish e. kindle

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1. e

2. a

3. a

4. c

5. b

Class Notes 1997 Laura M. works for Leica Biosystems, a cancer diagnostic company, where she manages the corporate accounts, specifically the Government sector (VA hospitals, Department of DefenseArmy, Navy, Air Force) and the National Institute of Health. In addition, this summer she will celebrate two years of marriage to Colin M. and is expecting their first child this September.

1998 Ryan H. married Lisa H. on October 1, 2016, at the Lou Ruvo Brain Institute.

Ryan owns and operates an exotic and classic car dealership, Celebrity Cars Las Vegas.

Stacie M. was named one of Las Vegas Inc.’s 40 Under 40.

2000 Harmony L. was elected judge in Las Vegas Justice Court Department in November 2016. In January 2017, she began her six-year term where she presides over one of the criminal calendars.

2001 Patrick F. is an Assistant Professor of English and Director of the Honors Program at Fisk University. Patrick also welcomed a son into the world, Penn F., on November 8, 2016.

2003 Sean S. married Stephanie S. in 2009, and currently works as a software engineer in California. Stephanie is a

If you have updates you would like to share with the Meadows community, please email Archie Rufty III ’10 at arufty@TheMeadowsSchool.org

marketing and business development manager for Aspen Environmental Group. The couple has two daughters, Madeline and Hannah.

2009

2004

Vinay M. graduated with a Masters in Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Vinay now lives in San Antonio, Texas; working at the Texas Biomedical Research Institute.

Douglas S. currently works as a criminal defense lawyer and has a daughter, Madeline Harper Stamm, born in 2014.

Jasmine G. works in sales strategy at Salesforce.

Vanessa C. married Brent C. on March 3, 2017. Vanessa works in Hawaii as an assistant project manager at The Vertex Companies, Inc. She will also receive her Professional Architecture license this summer.

Chloe W. was promoted last year to A&R Manager at RCA Records in New York City. She works with multiplatinum artists like Sia, Pentatonix, and Martin Garrix.

Allison T. and Keaton T.married in 2014, and now both work as dentists in Las Vegas. The couple recently welcomed a son, Hawkins, into the world this past winter. They are opening their own dental practice soon.

2010

2006

Ashley L. currently lives in Ethiopia. She finished the Peace Corps in October and now is working for Bahir Dar University as External Affairs Coordinator.

Brandon E. is an emergency medicine resident at St. John Macomb-Oakland Hospital in Detroit, Michigan. Brandon plans on going into international emergency medicine after his residency.

Nolan Walsh co-founded Thursday Boot Company in 2014.

2007 Michelle D. is a program manager in the publisher quality Engineering department at Google.

2008 Ryan S. married Desiree S. December 24, 2016.

on

Elissa L. is currently running the Community Garden at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and is applying to law schools.

Monica M. is the Communication Director for Nevada Attorney General Adam Laxalt’s office. Monica is responsible for all communications with the media, including press releases, television and radio interviews, press conferences, press inquiries, and the production of public service announcements. She is also a member of the Attorney General’s Sexual Assault Kit Working Group and Home Again: Nevada Homeowner Relief Program’s board.

Lauren R. is currently attending Georgetown University Law School.

After finishing her first year, Lauren will spend the summer lobbying for adoption and foster youth rights. When she returns to school in the fall, Lauren

will be working for the Department of Health and Human Services.

Previously, she worked for the Senate Health Education Labor and Pensions committee where she worked on child welfare and education policy.

2011 Natalie B. works for Turner-Hunt Joint Venture Construction Company which is involved in building the Los Angeles stadium in Inglewood for the Rams and Chargers.

Alex R. received her BFA in Stage Management from the University of

Southern California. Alex has worked with various shows in Los Angeles from the World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios to the Los Angeles Philharmonic.

2013 Robert L. will be graduating this May from University of Southern California with a degree in Economics/Mathematics and a minor in Entrepreneurship from the USC Marshall School of Business.

Charles A. is working on his Bachelor of Science in Economics and Cultural Anthropology with a minor in Spanish Language/Culture from the University

In Memoriam

If there is anyone you would like included in our next issue of Scholar Lane, please email Archie Rufty III ’10 at arufty@TheMeadowsSchool.org

Alumni

Faculty & Staff

Justin S. ’97 worked as a sommelier and had a love of sports and fishing.

Judy C., mother of Alec C. ’03, worked at The Meadows School for thirteen years before her retirement.

She was responsible for The Meadows Mirror, Scholar Lane, the Student Art Calendar, and so much more.

Parents Suzanne D., mother of Melanie D.’17 and Samantha D. ’19, was a producer for NBC News 3.

Jennifer P., mother of Maya P. ’x18 and Ryan P. ’x20 was the chief marketing officer for Horizon Trust Company of Las Vegas.

of Michigan. This summer he will be working as a marketing intern with John B. Sanfilippo and Son, Inc.

Mitch C. was a longtime art teacher and art department chair at The Meadows School from 2003-2008.

Joe E. was a bus driver at The Meadows School from 1994-2016.

John H. taught English at The Meadows School from 1992-1998.

Jeanne K. worked in the Development Office at The Meadows School from 1990-1998.

Linda R. worked in a variety of positions at The Meadows School from 1999-2011.

Tony S. coached track and field at The Meadows School from 2013-2016.

Darlene P.was a longtime registrar and office manager at The Meadows School from 1990-2006.

Trustees Wendy P., mother of Brian P. ’95, Morgan P. ’98, and Jillian P. ’01 and grandmother of Coleman P. ’25 and Gabriella P. ’27, was a member of the Board of Trustees for fourteen years.

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For future generations of The Meadows Family www.TheMeadowsSchool.org/support-us