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THE ROEPER SCHOOL COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

Keeping In Touch

ROEPER ATHLETICS: More Than a Game VOLUME 8: 3 SPRING 2015

IN MEMORIAM

Leonna LeDuff, Class of 2002 Leonna passed away on March 30, 2015. Leonna, a

strong athlete, an accomplished scholar and a caring volunteer, was the proud mother of three beautiful children and the daughter of Evelyn LeDuff. She worked hard to give her children everything she could. When talking about getting her children to all the activities and programs she encouraged them to participate in, her younger sister Deonna LeDuff said, “She was like Superwoman.”

Faye Rosser, Middle/Upper Librarian Faye passed away on December 14, 2014. She was the

mother of Alex ’89 and Tim ’91 and the Librarian for the Middle and Upper School from 1980 to 1990. She ran the library with an iron fist, but dealt with every student with a soft heart and a warm sense of respect. For those of us who were fortunate enough to be students when she was here and all those who worked with her and knew her, this is a tremendous loss. However, this is also an opportunity for each of us to take a moment and look back at a wonderful person.

KIT

TABLE OF CONTENTS David Feldman Head of School david.feldman@roeper.org Denita Banks-Sims Director of Development denita.banks-sims@roeper.org Keeping in Touch Editorial Committee Katie Buchmann Editor Bonnie Schemm Art Director Contributors Lisa Baker Denita Banks-Sims Lisa Bottesi Gloria Despard Todd Dunfield David Feldman Christina Miceli Ernie Righetti Ed Sack Adam Smock ’87 Special Thanks Julie Gillikin Marcia Ruff

FEATURES FINDING FLOW . . . . . . . David Feldman, Head of School

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A BIG LEGACY/THE COACH’S RECOLLECTIONS . . . . . . . . 4 Gloria Despard, Senior Athletics Coordinator Ernie Righetti, Athletic Director REPTARS! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Denita Banks-Sims, Director of Development THE SCORE FROM THREE COACHES . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Todd Dunfield, Varsity Baseball & Cross Country Christina Miceli, Varsity Volleyball Ed Sack, Varsity Boys Soccer & Track and Field UNPREDICTABLE ADVERSITY . . . Lisa Baker, Upper School Director

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ANNUAL FUND UPDATE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Adam Smock ’87, Director of Alumni Relations and Annual Fund

ALUMNI MAKING NEWS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Adam Smock ’87, Director of Alumni Relations and Annual Fund

FUTURE ROEPERIANS .

PARTING THOUGHTS . . . . . . . . Denita Banks-Sims, Director of Development

THE ROEPER SCHOOL 41190 Woodward Avenue Bloomfield Hills Michigan 48304 248/203.7300 www.roeper.org

COVER ART: Stage II Artists from top — Levi Thomas-Taylor, Kaitlyn Gruber and Goni Wong

The Roeper School is an independent coeducational day school for gifted and talented children preschool through grade 12 and an equal-opportunity institution

KIT

David Feldman Head of School

FINDING FLOW

We describe these athletes as being “in the zone.” In his book Flow, the former University of Chicago professor and philosopher Mihály Csíkszentmihályi talked about that moment in our lives when we are engaged in work with such passion and intensity that it is no longer work. “Flow,” he said, “is the mental state of operation in which a person performing an activity is fully immersed in a feeling of energized focus, full involvement, and enjoyment in the process of the activity. In essence, flow is characterized by complete absorption in what one does.” How do we get there? And what happens to those individuals who never have the opportunity to discover their passions, to find out what it is that makes them feel fulfilled? It is the gifted teacher, the keen observations of a thoughtful coach, the parent who understands the individuality of his/her child that sets the stage for our children to discover flow. We begin with an understanding that children are not mechanical beings to be moved through a learning machine. They are individuals who deserve an educational experience that engages them in discovery and exploration. We are not born knowing what our innate strengths and gifts are. Most of our Stage I students didn’t come to Roeper able to dance, play an instrument, capable of performing a forensics piece, knowing the definition of a derivative, or able to dribble a basketball. But each of our students found a place here that gave him/her an opportunity — a school that didn’t cut them because they showed up lacking a certain set of skills. When we are at our best, Roeper is a place that not just provides opportunities to try new things, but also teaches and cultivates talents in our students that they didn’t know they had. Some Roeperians are gifted mathematicians, scientists, writers, artists, and athletes; they showed up at school, and things came easily to them. But as George and Annemarie would tell us, giftedness is asynchronous — we are not gifted in everything we do.

The athletic program at our school has a no-cut policy. That means if you want to try something new, if you want to be part of a team, and you are willing to make the commitment of time necessary to attend practices and games — you are on the team. Rarely do other schools do this. Other schools focus more on winning than on personal growth. They send the message to students that if you don’t have the talent on day one — don’t show up. I ask you, what does this philosophy have to do with being a place of learning? It is a joy to watch our students grow, learn and develop as leaders in our community. I am so proud that so many have chosen to wear our school colors and represent us on the playing field. While winning games, obtaining athletic scholarships, or having professional careers are pieces of playing on competitive teams — each of us knows that participation in sports is really more about life skills. Our work together is so much more than winning competitions; it’s really not even about sports at all. It’s about shaping character and learning; it’s about the identity of our students. I am by nature a pretty competitive person, so I love seeing us successful in our efforts; I love seeing Roeper receive accolades in the newspapers and the wonderful spirit our students show, supporting each other at games. But I also want our community to see the bigger picture and know that the time management skills our athletes learn, the relationships they form, the communication skills they build, the grit and poise they internalize will shape who they are with more clarity than the number of points they score or the record times they set. I think George and Annemarie would agree that by joining a team — by being part of a group that requires you to be interdependent — our students have come to better understand themselves, and the responsibilities they have to the broader community. Our athletes understand that sports is another way for them to live the philosophy; it’s another way to learn about themselves and the community in which they live.

MARK WRIGHT

A pitcher throws a no-hitter. A volleyball player serves 10 consecutive points. A basketball player hits three three-point shots in a row.

I think George and Annemarie would agree that by joining a team — by being part of a group that requires you to be interdependent — our students have come to better understand themselves, and the responsibilities they have to the broader community.

As Ernie Righetti prepares to retire from The Roeper School, I want to thank him for the work he has done to build, grow and shape our athletic program.

Our students find themselves experiencing flow in so many different areas of life that there is no single track for our students and alums. The opportunity to make choices allows for discovery of individual passions; it makes possible the self-actualization Annemarie described. Having adults in our community who understand their roles as mentors, facilitators, teachers and coaches make all that we achieve possible. And so, I want to make sure to share with our community a very special thank you to a leader who has experienced fulfillment in a long and

rich career. As Ernie Righetti prepares to retire from The Roeper School, I want to thank him for the work he has done to build, grow and shape our athletic program. His tenure as our athletic director has reinforced our collective understanding that athletics is a co-curricular element of our program that shapes the character of our students. Ernie, we are deeply grateful and thank you for you leadership, your vision, and your dedication to generations of Roeper student athletes. F

Ernie’s Sports Life – The Short Version TIME FRAME

WHERE

AS AN ATHLETE

1966 – 70

Wayne Memorial High School Wayne, Michigan

Football Basketball Track

AS A COACH

1970 – 74 Olivet College Football Olivet, Michigan Track

Coached at some small school districts in the Olivet area

1974 – 80 Wayne Memorial High School

Football Cross Country Track

1980 – 82 Wayne State University Cross Country Detroit, Michigan Track 1981 – 83 John Glenn High School Cross Country Westland, Michigan Track 1982 – 2015 The Roeper School Baseball (short term) Athletic Director Birmingham, Michigan Track Basketball

Ernie wishes to acknowledge the support, talent, discipline, dedication and friendship extended to him by

• the Roeper Administration for giving me the freedom to work toward a vision; • the late Mariann Hoag, my friend and mentor, who helped me understand Roeper; • all my Coaches, who have worked so hard to develop the growth of our athletes and the Athletic Program; • all the Players, who have participated and contributed to many successful seasons; • Gloria Despard, who took the department from yellow legal-sized note pads to the computer age; and • all the Parents, who have supported and worked hard for our student athletes over the years. F

KIT

Gloria Despard

Senior Athletics Coordinator

A BIG LEGACY

In 1982 the Boeing 747 was introduced, the appearance of Smurfs made us all feel blue, and Valspeak (“Grody to the Max”) colored our vernacular. It was, “like totally” a time of mall hair, big movies, and war. In 1982, a young Ernie Righetti walked into Roeper, took one look at the undersized, unadorned, Birmingham Campus gym, and thought, “What in the world am I doing here?” It must have been a very different world for the three-sport class of 1970 standout from Wayne Memorial High School. He was used to BIG — BIG wins, BIG successes, BIG program, BIG facilities, BIG high school. Even his early coaching experience was BIG: Wayne High, Wayne State, and John Glenn High School. But Coach Righetti was used to challenges, and from Roepers’ undersized gym, BIG things began to happen. Below are Ernie’s recollections — from then until now — highlights of a career well-played.

The Coach’s Recollections 1982/83

ERNIE ATTENDS FIRST GAME AS THE ATHLETIC DIRECTOR (AD). The Roeper Girls’ Basketball coach tapes numbers to the back of old soccer uniforms in preparation for the game. THE ROEPER BOOSTER CLUB IS FORMED. Thirty-two parents attend the first meeting. Al Hill is named President. Since that time, the Booster Club has raised over $500,000 in support of Athletics. THE “VARSITY CLUB” IS FORMED. Their first sponsored dance is a semi-formal affair with 139 in attendance. THE FIRST VARSITY JACKET IS ORDERED. Since then, hundreds have been purchased.

1983/84

ERNIE COACHES A ROEPER TEAM FOR THE FIRST TIME — Varsity Girls Basketball, and the bus breaks down — an omen for the season … the girls end that season with an 0 and 17 record. HIGH PERFORMANCE BASKETBALL CAMP IS STARTED.

1985 /86

THE GIRLS’ BASKETBALL TEAM ENDS THEIR SEASON 17 AND 3 — State ranked! The Boys JV & Varsity Basketball teams share uniforms. ALL MIDDLE SCHOOL GAMES, Volleyball and Basketball, are played at the Birmingham Campus. The players need to stop several times during the games to pound nails back into the floor. During Volleyball games, the ball would hit the lights, showering glass down on the girls. VARSITY AND JV VOLLEYBALL also play all their home games in the Birmingham Campus gym. The rules are altered to accommodate the balcony overhang. Stateranked Oakland Christian hated coming here. Their coach still complains to me today! BOYS BASKETBALL ATTEND THEIR FIRST TEAM CAMP at Grand Valley State College. They lose their first game 82 – 2.

1987/88

WE RAISE $15,000 TO PURCHASE PROFESSIONAL BASKETS for Derby Middle School, the gym that would be HOME to Roeper Basketball for many years. The baskets at Derby would tip over when the ball was dunked. Basketball games at Derby were not particularly easy. They required us to haul over all equipment: speakers, balls, tables, even the entire Spirit Shop, which was set up in a pop-up tent inside the gym.

1987/88

BOYS VARSITY SOCCER WINS DISTRICTS! THE WEIGHT ROOM IS BUILT ON THE GYM BALCONY.

ACCOLADES Career Victories as a Basketball Coach — 775 Conference Championships 16 District Championships Girls – 6 Boys – 9 13-Time MIAC Conference Coach of the Year BCAM Regional Coach of the Year — 1994, ‘96, ‘98, ‘99, ‘00, ‘04, ‘05 Associated Press Coach of the Year — 2008 Regional Athletic Director of the Year — Michigan Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (MIAAA) — 2012/13 Distinguished Service Award, Oakland County Athletic Directors Association — 2014/15

A group of 1980s’ Roeper staff members. Standing, L to R: Ernie Righetti, Faye Rosser, Pat Vance, Mariann Hoag, Dave Murdock and Mike Ruddy. Seated: Sandy Shoshani, Trina Fennell and Marilyn Rashid.

Ernie with alumni parent, Assistant Coach, former Booster Club President Jay Ewing at a recent Golf Outing.

Ernie pictured here with groom Paul DelGiudice ’04 at just one of the dozens of his students’ weddings he’s attended over the last 33 years.

Ernie honors Ryan Zinser ’10 on the occasion of scoring his 1000th point.

1989/90

THE ENTIRE MIDDLE AND UPPER SCHOOL BASKETBALL TEAMS go to see the movie, Hoosiers. BOYS VARSITY BASKETBALL IS THE FIRST TEAM TO WIN 17 GAMES IN A SEASON.

1991/92

GIRLS VARSITY BASKETBALL WINS THE FIRST-EVER DISTRICT TITLE — for girls, in any sport!

1993/94

BOYS BASKETBALL WINS FIRST DISTRICT TITLE IN 20 YEARS at Marine City. Boys Varsity Basketball wins six out of the next eight District titles. GOLF IS ADDED AS A VARSITY SPORT.

1995/96

BOYS VARSITY SOCCER PLAYS IN THE STATE FINALS in what becomes known as the infamous “Snow Bowl.“ Eight inches of snow blanketed Lowell in blizzard conditions, with only the sidelines plowed! BOOSTER CLUB HOSTS ITS FIRST GOLF OUTING.

1996/97

BOYS SOCCER WINS REGIONALS! AN ATHLETIC OFFICE ASSISTANT IS HIRED PART-TIME. For the first time, department correspondence is generated by computer versus hand-written. Envelopes and labels are still produced on the typewriter, however, and mass hard copy mailings are still the tool of choice for communications.

1997/98

BOYS BASEBALL ADVANCES TO STATE QUARTER FINALS!

1998/99

BIRMINGHAM CAMPUS GYM GETS A NEW FLOOR.

2001/02

RECONSTRUCTION AND REMODELING OF WEIGHT ROOM inlcudes new equipment.

2004/05

FIRST INDIVIDUAL GIRLS STATE TRACK CHAMPION — Sophie Braden ’05, Discus.

2005/06

BOYS BASKETBALL REACHES REGIONAL FINAL.

2007/08

GIRLS VOLLEYBALL ADVANCES TO STATE FINALS — the first girls’ team in the history of the school to play in the State Finals. THE COMMUNITY CENTER BUILDING OPENS! Roeper hosts Districts for the first time. GIRLS BASKETBALL RECEIVES THEIR FIRST STATE #1 RANKING, ending with a perfect regular season. GIRLS ATHLETICS WINS THREE REGIONAL TITLES — Volleyball, Basketball and Track.

2009/10

GIRLS BASKETBALL FINISHED THEIR SEASON 21 – 2. BOYS BASKETBALL WON MIAC CONFERENCE TITLE — their first since 1995. They advanced to Regionals with a 22 – 3 season record. BRIANA RATCHFORD ’12 WINS INDIVIDUAL STATE CHAMPIONSHIP — 100m hurdles.

2010/11

BRIANA RATCHFORD ’12 REPEATS AS STATE CHAMPION – 100m hurdles.

2012/13

VARSITY BOYS SOCCER REACHES STATE SEMI-FINALS.

2014/15

VARSITY BOYS SOCCER WINS FIRST STATE TITLE IN HISTORY OF SCHOOL! VARSITY GIRLS BASKETBALL WINS DISTRICT CHAMPIONSHIP. VARSITY BOYS BASKETBALL WINS DISTRICT CHAMPIONSHIP. ERNIE RIGHETTI RETIRES — in June. F

KIT REPTARS!

The genesis for The Roeper School REPTARS was decidedly modest in 1996. It began as an idea to gather students — Stage I and Stage II age — for recreational soccer and an opportunity to connect geographically disparate Roeper families from more than 60 area communities. The founders and first coaches were alumni parents Glenn Sims and Larry Zinser, and that first team took the indoor Total Soccer field in great anticipation and no way of knowing the impact it and they would have on the future of soccer at Roeper. An assemblage of miniature futbolers, this first team was proud and pleased to wear the animated REPTAR as their chosen mascot. Some have wondered, “Where did the name originate?” Of course, most folks with school-age children in 1996 did not require an explanation and were quite familiar with the Rugrats phenomenon. Today, the reference is not so clear, but not unlike that mysterious notion of the “DISCO DAY” schedule, you just learn to accept and not think too deeply about the significance. It is fair to say that among the existing recreational soccer programs of the day, the REPTARS were a bit of an anomaly at the time. In addition to the fun, fabulous and fierce uniform t-shirts created by Roeper’s own “design czar” Bonnie Schemm, other characteristics also seemed to set them apart. And the delightful mix of boys and girls of varying talent levels, races and ethnicities — where players had equal playing time — all came to exemplify the core principles of the program. Fun and skill building were the main focus, and the team achieved terrific success as it grew exponentially over the years. Glenn Sims and Larry Zinser coached for several years, and the ROEPER REPTARS started to weave its way into the fabric of the Lower School. Ultimately, there were many teams of varying ages, and Paula Romano and Deb Veillette deftly oversaw its growth and institutionalization. Fast forward to the all-school assembly and celebration of the 2014 State Championship, where Varsity Boys Soccer Coach Ed Sack took a moment in his remarks to acknowledge the impact of the REPTAR program. He noted that the caliber of soccer play and readiness was improved as a result of the program and how happy he was to observe the dozens of current Roeper students proudly wearing their REPTAR jerseys in a shared salute for the remarkable achievements of the State Championship Team. A modest start? Yes. An idea that should be applauded? Absolutely! F

The original (1996) Reptar soccer team.

… the delightful mix of boys and girls of varying talent levels, races and ethnicities — where players had equal playing time — all came to exemplify the core principles of the program.

KIT

Todd Dunfield, Baseball & Cross Country Coach Christina Miceli, Varsity Volleyball Coach Ed Sack, Boys Varsity Soccer Coach, Track & Field Coach

THE SCORE FROM THREE COACHES on the course. Recent graduates have attended prestigious universities such as Harvard, Stanford, and Washington University in St. Louis, just to name a few.

VARSITY BASEBALL

REGNIBLE GUOD CARRI HAMMERS

Along with coaching, Todd teaches P.E. and Health at the Middle/Upper School.

The Varsity Baseball Team won the MIAC Conference Title in the Red Division in the 2014 season (last spring). Senior Team Captain and returning First Team All-Conference MIAC member Logan Garlo is going to help lead the Roughriders toward the goal of winning back-to-back titles. This would help propel the team to move into the Middle Division in the MIAC. This year we have 21 players on the team — the most there has been in the last 10 years. Last year we graduated two seniors, Jon Kaufman and Daryl Hurley. Both were also First Team All-Conference MIAC members. Overall, we have 11 returning players and 10 new players. The boys have a tremendous amount of comradery and fun in practice and in games. The team believes that every player has a valuable role regardless of playing ability, and everyone is working together for a common goal. Please come out to support the team. Most home games are played at Memorial Park in Royal Oak.

The Varsity and Middle School teams train together throughout the season and even participate in some of the same events. It is a wonderful sight to see the different grade levels learn and mentor one another. The 2014 season was plagued with injuries which inhibited us from attending the State Finals. The Varsity team is looking to rebuild in 2015 without its four graduating seniors. F

VOLLEYBALL Jumping high, hitting hard, and diving for a big dig are the parts of volleyball that often look like the most fun — but even before a player has mastered those skills, being a part of a volleyball team can still be one of the most rewarding athletic experiences a student can take part in. In the Roeper volleyball program, we train athletes to be communicators, team players, and determined workers.

Christina is a Math teacher on our Birmingham campus as well as the Volleyball coach.

JULIE FROST

VARSITY AND MIDDLE SCHOOL CROSS COUNTRY

Roeper teams compete with schools in both our conference and beyond. Playing against more seasoned squads often means being ready for anything and trusting teammates in intense moments. F

Roeper’s Cross Country (a fall sport) program has shown steady growth over the years. The Middle School program began about eight years ago and has had steady participation ever since. This year we had 13 boys and girls participate. Sixth-grader William Hoover finished in first place in a meet hosted by Oakland Christian. The varsity program has been able to post full team scores for both boys and girls consistently over the last four years. There have been multiple athletes qualify for the State meet in the last 10 years. Our most recent State Qualifier was Liam Rybicki-Kler in 2013. On the academic side of this sport, the Cross Country team excels in the classroom as well as

NICK PUDAR

… we train athletes to be communicators, team players, and determined workers.

Volleyball is a true cooperative effort — each of the six players on a court is involved in each play, and constant and encouraging talk among teammates is essential. Through volleyball, athletes not only get a strong sense of their own strengths and challenges, but also how to use their skills in strategic and effective ways. Volleyball players are constantly tasked with making crucial, splitsecond decisions and then helping their teammates anticipate the next challenge.

This spring we anticipate doubling the involvement with a similar schedule to display the athletes’ abilities. Track and Field has something for everyone, with 16 different events ranging from the 70-meter dash upwards to the 3200-meter run, including relays, hurdles and field events. Everyone should be able to find a favorite event.

The Boys Varsity Soccer State Champions were honored at an all-school assembly. Here, they and their coaches watch a highlight video of their winning season.

The Middle School program is very flexible during this explorative time of the students’ lives. We strongly encourage everyone to give a sport a try and will actively make an effort to help them fit it in their schedules. VARSITY TRACK AND FIELD

VARSITY BOYS SOCCER Setting Records on the Field and in the Classroom Winning the school’s first team State Championship in Soccer appeared to be a feat impossible to follow. The 20-member team with 10 seniors showed the state shortly after their historic game that they are also leaders in the classroom. All 10 seniors qualified for Academic All State status, and the team compiled an eye popping 3.91 team GPA — the highest GPA on record in Michigan. The 2014 Champions certainly relied on stars that rose to every challenge put in front of them. Overtime wins, four- and five-goal performances by individuals in the State Semi-Finals and Championship game would seem like an easy indicator as to why this team found success. The truth be told, this team performed greater than the sum of their parts. Each individual on the squad served a purpose and made the team stronger. The 2014 State Champions represented the school and themselves with pride and class. They are the true definition of Student Athletes. MIDDLE SCHOOL TRACK AND FIELD The Middle School Track and Field team has been growing by leaps and bounds. Last year the athletes competed in six track meets and two invitationals. The boys had a self-proclaimed “Dream Team” relay that medaled in every meet, and the girls showed their strength in the sprints and long jump.

The 2015 Varsity Track and Field team will be looking to build on last year’s hard work and success. The boys team features seniors Michael Matthews (Hurdler) and Ian Solomon (Thrower). Both athletes just missed a trip to the 2014 State Finals by inches and look forward to a different outcome this year. Michael Deneroff, also a senior, will lead the team in distance events, and a very talented pool of first-time runners will make the sprints and jumping events very entertaining to watch. The girls will be led by All State Akwia Tilton (pictured right). Akwia has medaled at the championship meet every year and has set her sights on a State Championship in one or more of the many events she qualifies for each year. Sophomore Alexis Johnson is on the verge of a breakout season after qualifying in two events and narrowly missing an All State performance by 3” last year in long jump. Roeper has broken a school record every year since 1995 in at least one event. This talented crew of athletes looks to keep that streak alive. The 2015 season should be fun and very exciting! F

Along with his coaching duties, Ed teaches P.E. electives at the Middle/Upper School.

KIT

Lisa Baker

Upper School Director

UNPREDICTABLE ADVERSITY

Athletics provides a unique environment to learn much more than how to play a game.

We live in a time and culture driven largely by fear — fear of the unknown, fear of failure. Fear we will not provide the best or be the best. Fear that we will miss something and our children will suffer. Fear that we will not measure up and that our parents will be disappointed. This fear can freeze us, and it never frees us. A natural outcome of subsisting in a world saturated in fear is that we begin to protect against adversity or at least to believe we can prepare for it — to outwit it. We step more carefully and risk less. Intellectually we know that it is impossible to avoid adversity. In the end, no amount of preparation or planning, tutoring or private coaching, promising or strategizing can keep adversity at bay. On a daily basis I watch Roeper teachers and coaches, parents and students face this fear and challenge themselves and others to embrace possibility, authenticity, and excellence. Athletics provides a unique environment to learn much more than how to play a game. Because of our no-cut policy and the remarkable coaches who implement it, athletics provides all Roeper students the chance to experience and ultimately thrive in the face of unpredictable adversity where they must respond, sometimes under pressure, and with everyone watching. Our gifted students can be plagued with perfectionism and are often extremely intense. For some, academic learning is easy, and they have always thrived in the classroom where they can get the answer right or at least argue until someone

backs down. It is all the more important for these students to learn to function in a world where they cannot always win or get an A. Roeper athletes are taught to be prepared and to compete. Sometimes this preparation and competitive spirit results in a championship, sometimes not. No matter the score at the end of a game, our students have learned life lessons that are taught by going head to head in a race, by tearing down the field rather than focusing on the shot they just missed, by stepping up and throwing a runner out at third to end the inning, by patiently passing the ball until a teammate is open for an easy layup, by facing all the unpredictable moments of a game, surrounded by their teammates. Make no mistake, playing a sport at Roeper is much more than a game. Ask alums what they learned from their athletic experience, and they say things like, “Being an athlete at Roeper taught me never to back down;” “I learned to trust my instincts;” “I stopped selling myself short.” These lessons were learned by facing fears and by having individual coaches who reminded them of their worth and their potential — even as they might be failing — and who taught them they can perform and improve even in areas where they are not blessed with natural talent. Ernie Righetti has been at the helm of our school’s athletic department for over 30 years. He has been dogged in his support of athletes and his insistence that we demand excellence, competitive spirit and pride in our school. He has coached our novice athletes with the same energy and commitment as he provided the stars. He has encouraged and cajoled students to become pole-vaulters or hurdlers when they couldn’t imagine clearing a bar. Time after time he found ways to keep his team in the game. And make no mistake, Ernie knows that athletics is much more than playing a game. We must continue our tradition of excellence, and we must continue to support open participation in our athletic program. The next generation of Roeper athletes will face adversities that we cannot plan for or predict and will benefit from the resilience that it teaches. They will play their games, and the benefits will last a lifetime. F

JULIE FROST

DOUG ELBINGER

Athletics: Isn’t it just a game?

KIT

Adam Smock ’87

Director of Alumni Relations & Annual Fund

ANNUAL FUND UPDATE: GETTING TO THE FINISH LINE

I can’t express my appreciation enough to those that have given already, but for those who haven’t, now is the time to do so. We need your your participation. Supporting the Annual Fund impacts each and every Roeper student in tangible ways. The Annual Fund plays a key role in making the operation of our school possible — things like field trips, library books, classroom materials, art supplies, athletic equipment, facilities and grounds, and financial aid.

THE ROEPER SCHOOL IT’S

GOOD GIVE – make a difference every day

give every year

A N N U A L

F U N D

I think it’s very important to note that your support and participation in the Annual Fund is about more than just dollars and amounts. Many philanthropic organizations outside of our school evaluate participation numbers as an indication of how engaged the community is when making their decisions about where their financial support will go. Therefore, the participation factor is critical. It’s not WHAT you give, it’s THAT you give! Whether it’s $10 or $10,000 — the key is participation!

CARRI HAMMERS

Here we are in the final quarter of our fiscal year, and the finish line is in sight, but we need your help to get there. We’re at 75% of our goal… please be a part of that last 25%!

There are many ways to give. Maybe the easiest is to go to our secure website … www.roeper.org/ donate. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact me at any time — adam.smock@roeper.org F

HARDWARE & SOFTWARE

KIT

Adam Smock ’87

Director of Alumni Relations & Annual Fund

ALUMNI MAKING NEWS SAFE TRANSPORTATION FOR KIDS IN DETROIT Transportation is the biggest problem facing Detroit today. And a lack of it hurts our children most of all. Matthew Nahan ‘04 is a champion for transit solutions. He serves as Director of Development at the Detroit Bus Company, whose mission is to create equitable transportation opportunities for the people of Detroit. The Detroit Bus Company, powered with biofuel, provides engaging guided city tours and bus charters that are, as Matt says, “rooted in history and education. Not exploitation.” Matt’s work is primarily focused on the Bus Company’s Youth Transit Alliance (YTA). Across Detroit, there are hundreds of after-school programs, and many youth simply don’t have a safe mode of transportation to access these programs. The YTA provides a beautifully simple solution: It picks students up from school, takes them to their after-school programs, and then brings them home — right to their doors. Matt says it best himself … ”I’m amazed every day at how transportation has the ability to bridge the gap of the ‘macro,’ the ‘micro,’ and the ‘inbetween’ to impact people’s lives. With the Youth Transit Alliance we’re taking steps to break the cycle of poverty. It’s community safety; it’s community development; it’s youth development; and it’s economic development. If more and more children are safely transported and engaged, it creates greater economic security for families, local community, and the City as a whole.” To learn more about The Detroit Bus Company, please visit their page on Facebook or go to www.thedetroitbus.com.

A JOURNEY TOWARD HEALING In her new book Putting Out The Fire: Nurturing Mind, Body & Spirit in the First Week of Loss, Claire Schwartz ’87 (BA, CPC, RMT) has taken the most painful event of her life and turned it into an opportunity to help others. When she lost her mother suddenly at 24, she experienced a life-altering crisis and fell apart. She found herself unprepared, both personally and culturally, to cope with the emotional and physical trauma, the decisions, family stress, and legalities. After 20+ years on her healing journey, and over two dozen more losses, she brings you the Truths that no one will tell you and the Tools to truly bring you support and clarity in the initial hours and days following a death. Anyone who has suffered a loss will find practical and compassionate offerings in this unique and personal book. The book is available from Amazon. F

AWARD HONORS COMIC BOOK PIONEER Dwayne McDuffie ’80 broke through glass ceilings, dazzled millions with his television work and thousands more with his comics work, gave a hundred interviews about writing, art and multiculturalism, and served as the creative engine of his comics company, Milestone Media, which will forever be a beacon of multiculturalism. This incredibly gifted man died in 2011. The inaugural Dwayne McDuffie Award for Diversity was given at the Long Beach Comic Expo to Nilah Magruder for her action-adventure webcomic, M.F.K. F

LAUGHTER IS THE BEST MEDICINE Professional improv comedienne and writer Pam Victor ‘84 asked her improv heroes if they’d like her to write a book with them. These heroes are TJ Jagodowski and Dave Pasquesi of the awardwinning, internationally acclaimed Chicago duo TJ & Dave. Stephen Colbert says of TJ and Dave, “One of these guys is the best improviser in the world. And the other one is better.” Because TJ and Dave are improvisers, whose job it is to say, “Yes, and ...” they said just that to Pam’s request. After two years of work together, their book Improvisation at the Speed of Life: The TJ & Dave Book is being released in April. Amy Sedaris writes in its foreword to their book, “If you are considering reading a book about improvisation, read this one, because TJ and David are the best improvisers alive!” (She doesn’t say anything about Pam, but we know she was thinking something equally kind, like, “Pam held the door for me once when I was walking out of the bathroom at the Women in Comedy Festival.”) The book is available now on Amazon among other places. After the book release party on April 1st (no joke) at The Mission Theater in Chicago, Pam will go back to her regular life of teaching, performing, and writing about improv comedy. F

Whenever Rob Rahbari ’89 comes to town, a group of us jump at the chance to say hello and give him a hug. “The Boys” (L to R): Rob Rahbari ’89, Jason Hammond ’89, Rob Winkworth ’89, Dave Rahbari ’85, Adam Smock ‘87.

We always love it when alumni come and visit, especially when they can bring family to show off their former school. Abe Ellenburg ’72 did just that. Now living in Manhattan Beach, California, Abe returned to Roeper for a visit with his son Jason. Glad you could make it, Abe!

GETTING TOGETHER A group of alumni gathered in Chicago on January 30th to hear about what’s been happening at the school, the current and future projects planned, and to get the chance to mingle and visit with folks that some haven’t seen in years. It was a fun night of great food, conversation and friendship. F

The Chicago Gathering, January 30, 2015 at Tavern on the Park. L to R: Josh Pool ’06, David Golden ’06, Mike Ruprich ’02, Brent Collins ’98 Paul Rauch ’83, Nathan Evenson ’02, Dan Klein ’05, Philip Hague ’87 (back), Lindsay Scarlett ’06, Alexandra Sims ’06 and Head of School David Feldman.

KIT

FUTURE ROEPERIANS

Kristin Morris ’04 & Dale Smith gave birth to twins

LONDON & LOCKSLEY SMITH January 11, 2015 Born April 9 at 7 lbs, 2 oz

Jeremy (Silverstein) Xido ’89 & Amanda Burr welcomed

SOVANNI QAMAR BURR XIDO March 11, 2015 at 2:39am in New York City

According to Jeremy, “7 pounds & 6 ounces of luscious. Everyone is chilling at home, safe, sound & healthy”.

EMMETT SAMUEL RONIS cuddles here with big sister Nadia (6). Parents

Amanda (Pence) Ronis & Jason Ronis are both members of the Class of 2000

Send me info about your new addition(s)! adam.smock@roeper.org

YOUR INPUT AND INFORMATION REALLY HELPS!! The alumni survey still needs your participation. Please take just a short time to answer some pretty important questions. We’ve had some response, but I know there are so many more of you out there that could help and give feedback! The survey is online so PLEASE type the following website into your browser and fill out the entire survey. PLEASE don’t forget to include your updated contact information at the end. https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ roeperalum. If you’re on Facebook, check the Roeper Alumni Facebook page for a link as well! Your input is very important and appreciated! F

KIT

Denita Banks-Sims

Director of Development

PARTING THOUGHTS Never forget the bridge that brought you across! ~ Rose Rozier In a multitude of expressions too many to mention, the Roeper community never forgets their deep affection and gratitude to Roeper Faculty and Staff. The impact of these thoughtful manifestations comes in many forms. A most recent and stunning expression: The record level of cumulative donations — over $38,000 — raised for Professional Development for Faculty and Staff at the 2015 MOSAIC Auction. In support of this appeal, Stage III Teacher, Shannon Howell noted: The freedom given to teachers, the focus on innovation, and the continued commitment to professional development at Roeper is absolutely unparalleled. These community values help us continue to deliver a program we are proud of and rings true to our philosophy. I feel so fortunate to be a part of a community that encourages, and frankly expects, students and teachers to try new things, be creative, learn and grow … but also gives them the tools they need to make them successful in these endeavors. I speak for many when I say thank you. Not just for your generosity tonight, but for what you do for our school every day and the wonderful children you share with us. We are all so incredibly grateful. Some expressions are deeply personal: We continue to be rewarded by an extraordinary gesture of gratitude from Frank Crosby, Class of ’85. Frank adds a welcome monetary bonus for every person on the Faculty and Staff, in appreciation of the “remarkable education and support I received while at Roeper.”

… the Roeper community never forgets their deep affection and gratitude to Roeper Faculty and Staff.

Some expressions are gratefully consumed: A monumentally delicious feast is prepared and cordially presented to Faculty and Staff twice a year, courtesy of the RPC! The Staff Appreciation Lunches are an absolute treat and also serve as a rare opportunity for colleagues to simply connect and fellowship during the day. Some expressions are full circle: Maddie Stano, Class of ’05, delighted in “returning the favor” as the guest expert for the recent Earth Day activities at the Birmingham Campus. Her day ranged from a Tuna Talk interview to whole division assemblies to intimate discourse with our Constitutional Law classes and the Sierra Club. (Maddie is an environmental attorney and serves on the Environmental Justice Leadership Forum on Climate Change, Californians Against Fracking Steering Committee and the Bay Area Rapid Transit Title VI and Environmental Justice Advisory Committee.)

All expressions are deeply appreciated! Please stay in touch.

Upper School Science Teacher, Laura Panek, welcomes Alumna Madeline Stano, Class of 2005, as the featured guest for the Earth Day observance at the Birmingham Campus.

Congratulations to Roeper’s Chess Teams! 2015 Elementary & Primary Stage Team Championships, February 2015

K-5 TEAM: STATE CHAMPIONS! Nathan Ouyang, Aiden Song, Bryce Bottesi & Aristide Gardette K-5 TEAM 2: 3RD PLACE Ethan White, Luke Burmeister, Nick Keuten & Roshan Shah K-6 TEAM: 2ND PLACE Kayden Pierre, Dylan Stafeil, Zion Johnson & Sam Kramer K-3 RESERVE: 3RD PLACE Wesley Billings, Henry Billings, Lucas Maier & Sam Keuten

GOLD MEDAL: Nathan Ouyang & Aristide Gardette, Stage IV SILVER MEDAL: Kayden Pierre, Zion Johnson & Sam Kramer, 6th grade SILVER MEDAL: Bryce Bottesi & Aiden Song, Stage IV

United States Chess Federation National Junior Chess Championships,

April 2015, Atlanta, Georgia

K-9 OPEN: 15TH IN THE NATION Blake Bottesi & Josiah Smith, 6th Grade K-9 UNDER 1250: 10TH IN THE NATION Zachary Hooper (Grade 7), Kayden Pierre (Stage IV), Aristide Gardette & Bryce Bottesi (Stage III) K-8 UNDER 750: 16TH IN THE NATION Sam Kramer, Trevion Ross, Zion Johnson, Adam Levitt, Ethan White, Nick Keuten & James Sneyd — Stage IV KAYDEN PIERRE received an individual award: 13TH IN THE NATION, K-9 UNDER 1250

USCF National Championships, May 2015, Nashville, Tennessee K-5 CHAMPIONSHIP DIVISION 13th Place th K-6 UNDER 1,000 DIVISION 19 Place

K-9 CHAMPIONSHIP DIVISION 15th Place BLITZ K-5 CHAMPIONSHIP 5th Place

Special Thanks to Our Coaches!

Diallo Smith, Bryan Wilson Sr, Patrick Ratliff & Ellen Hoppe

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