The Jag Fall 2023 by Wellington

JAG

THE

Fall 2023

Dear Friends, Although we continue improving and expanding the learning spaces here at our campus on Reed Road, as you learned in The Jag Spring 2023, we have also been excited to get our students beyond our campus walls. The world has opened to student field trips and travel once again. Our global worlds are colliding in this inspiring issue of The Jag. We will take you on a trip that highlights how our

Experience (WISE) program. The stories, images, and student reflections from those trips are stunning, and I am sure you will wish you were a Wellington student. WISE is a gamechanger for developing students’ resilience, cultural competency, and global understanding.

department, and I enjoyed reading the reflections of Connor Weber ’17 on his soccer journey at Wellington. He helped strengthen the foundation for a program that went on to win a state championship, while also bolstering his confidence and leadership along the way.

How apropos that in this same issue, we honor and celebrate alumna Elizabeth Blount McCormick ’96, who has leveraged her entrepreneurial acumen and self-confidence to lead a global travel management company, Uniglobe Travel Designers. She continues to give back to Wellington, through service on our finance committee, while also being honored with a variety of

These stories heighten our commitment to this important work, and I have so much pride in the team of educators who make it all happen. I am also excited for you to learn about Louis Frank, our new head of middle school. Louis brings a rare combination of academic, athletic, and arts experiences, overlayed on his vast middle school teaching and coaching experience. Equally impressive to his pedagogical knowledge is his streetwear and sneaker game. I suppose not all heroes wear khakis and blue blazers like I do.

“WISE is a game-changer for developing students’ resilience, cultural competency, and global understanding.”

Go Jags!

Our commitment to global travel finally came together in the form of nine different international excursions as a part of our Wellington International Student

accolades for her business leadership in Columbus. As a student here, Elizabeth’s willingness to bet on herself was reinforced by our educational model that supports student autonomy and ownership. Those outcomes are also cultivated in our athletics

EDITOR:

Jessica Young CONTRIBUTORS:

Ivy Anderson Erin Cornett ’96 P ’34 Greg Davis Aaron Frim P ’19 Jennifer Frim P ’19 Kerrie Kirkpatrick Bill Miller P ’15 ’17 ’21 Cameron Petitt ’25 Chris Robbins P ’17 ’22 Jeff Terwin Kara Trent P ’26 Connor Weber ’17 Jessica Young COPY EDITORS:

Ben Anderson P ’28 Kim Catley Christine Conkle Melanie Eggleton Kerrie Kirkpatrick Amanda Pierce Brenda Porter P ’12 ’17 Laurie Beth Sweeney P ’29 ’33 PHOTO CREDITS:

DR. JEFF TERWIN

program priorities align with the outcomes and accomplishments of our talented and successful alumni.

THE JAG is published by Wellington for all members of its community. Please send any comments to Jessica Young at communications@ wellington.org.

Jeff Terwin Head of School

Warm regards,

Ben Anderson P ’28 Emily Berty Erin Cornett ’96 P ’34 Nick Fancher Aaron Frim P ’19 Jennifer Frim P ’19 Cristen Geary P ’35 ’36 Cat Hiller Morgan Humbert ’23 Amanda Pierce Chris Robbins P ’17 ’22 Zach Sagone ’23 Mark Schmitter Shannon Smith P ’29 Brandon Sullivan Jeff Terwin Avery Thielman ’23 Kara Trent P ’26 DESIGN:

Robert D. Brisk P ’13 ’15 Head of School

Bluewave Creative

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I never stop growing because I keep learning.” PAGE 4

ELIZABETH BLOUNT MCCORMICK ’96

Elizabeth Blount McCormick: When a No Leads to a Better Yes ON THE COVER: Elizabeth Blount McCormick ’96

FEATURES

GRADUATION

A CLOSER LOOK

ATHLETICS

When a No Leads to a Better Yes

ALUMNI

Alumni News 46

Cheryl Allen Remembered 48

WISE: They’ve Been Everywhere

Cherished Memories 20

Jaguars’ Fortitude Proves Their Integrity

Sparkling Futures: Wellington’s 40th Anniversary Gala

To the Finish: Upper School Swimming and Diving’s Historic Season 44

WELLINGTON • THE JAG

A Fresh Art

THE JAG • FALL 2023

Wellington community members are enjoying a newly installed mural collaboratively designed by Shannon Smith P ’29, Jaime Bennati, and upper school students with input from a variety of leaders, colleagues, and classmates. The mural’s motifs are a celebration of all things Wellington, honoring the school’s colors, mascot, and alma mater. It reminds us that “no matter where on earth we roam,” Wellington is our home. Wellington’s new mural was printed and installed by Orange Barrel Media.

WELLINGTON • THE JAG

FEATURE

ELIZABETH BLOUNT MCCORMICK:

When a No Leads to a Better Yes 4

THE JAG • FALL 2023

WELLINGTON • THE JAG

When Elizabeth Blount McCormick ’96, president and owner of Uniglobe Travel Designers, opened her email one fall morning in 2014, she discovered her biggest client would not be renewing their travel management contract. The message rattled her confidence just two hours before a meeting with another major client. But Blount McCormick used that time to compose herself and develop a plan of attack. She managed the meeting with poise, leading the client to ask, “Do you want to grow your business?” Blount McCormick responded with a yes. She jotted the name Vizient Inc. on a Post-it note. Then, after the meeting, she sent a proposal to the nation’s largest healthcare performance improvement company to manage travel for their 5,000 not-for-profit health system members. While most contracts of that size can take up to five years to secure, Blount McCormick signed just a few months later. Uniglobe Travel Designers’ business surged soon after. Blount McCormick’s grace under pressure comes from her deep-seated belief that “a no always leads to a better yes.” This ethos infuses how she runs her company and lives her life.

From Fashion Production Management to Travel Design After graduating from Wellington, Blount McCormick earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Spelman College, a historically Black women’s college in Atlanta. That understanding of human behavior and her ability to anticipate clients’ needs proved instrumental to her success as an entrepreneur. “In my work, relationships 6

THE JAG • FALL 2023

“In my work, relationships are key. My major taught me how to understand and interact with people with different backgrounds and perspectives.” ELIZABETH BLOUNT MCCORMICK ’96

are key. My major taught me how to understand and interact with people with different backgrounds and perspectives,” said Blount McCormick. As a senior at Spelman, Blount McCormick was unsure of what she wanted to pursue after college. She attended a recruiting session with Gap Inc.’s retail management training program and earned a coveted position in San Francisco. The program was a great opportunity to launch her career – successful participants had guaranteed jobs and could work their way up to positions in the New York City office.

Then everything changed. On September 11, 2001, shortly after Blount McCormick moved to the West Coast, terrorists hijacked four airplanes, crashing two into the World Trade Center. Being away from her family in such uncertain times was difficult. So, she decided to turn in her resignation and move home to Columbus, Ohio, to figure out her next steps.

PICTURED Blount McCormick (second row, third from the left) with the Black History Club during the 1995-96 school year

On her last day in San Francisco, however, she interviewed with the head of Gap’s Miami office, who offered Blount McCormick a role in Gap’s International Sourcing Office managing the garment manufacturing for their women’s denim line. Her experience with Gap later earned her a job as a production manager for U2 singer Bono’s clothing line, Edun, headquartered in New York City. After five years in the fashion industry, the daily grind was beginning to wear on Blount McCormick. That’s when she received a fortuitous call from her mom who was selling the travel management business she acquired in 1996. Blount McCormick moved back to Columbus in 2006 and assumed leadership of Uniglobe Travel Designers, the only Black woman-owned corporate travel management company in the country. Under her leadership, the business has expanded its clientele to include universities, health care companies, hospital systems, and celebrities.

She also steered Uniglobe through the COVID-19 pandemic when people stopped traveling and information on the virus was changing daily. Blount McCormick’s team had to quickly pivot as they received daily — and sometimes hourly — updates from airlines, hotels, and governments. Blount McCormick relied on her deep expertise and energy to steer her company through this tumultuous time. She was regularly featured in the Washington Post, providing advice to travelers on everything from local COVID-19 policies to how to handle rescheduled flights. She and her team also started hosting online sessions about travel and vendors so that clients would know what was possible when travel opportunities returned. The difficulty of this moment can’t be understated. But Blount McCormick’s determination, concern for her staff, and strategic decision-making caused Uniglobe to remain standing, even as her competitors went under.

PICTURED Blount McCormick with her mom, Elsie Blount, and husband, Lee McCormick celebrating her 2023 Distinguished Alumni Award

“I Have to Bet on Me” Blount McCormick attributes her success to her willingness to pursue her dreams with confidence. “I have to bet on me,” she said. “I have confidence in my product and what I’m doing.” This self-confidence can be traced back to age 14 when she joined the Wellington community as a 9th grade student. Her parents, Elsie and Wilbur Blount P ’96 ’98, knew she and her sister, Jacqueline ’98, needed something different. They were looking for a school where their daughters would be challenged and welcomed, tested and embraced. One major confidence-building moment took place in Ilona WELLINGTON • THE JAG

“I never stop growing because I keep learning. That’s one thing I will always do in my life – keep learning, growing, and pushing. You have to continue to advance.” ELIZABETH BLOUNT MCCORMICK ’96

Perencevich’s speech class where Blount McCormick honed her public speaking skills. She continues to draw on that experience today when she presents at national conferences or works on task forces.

project. As a member of the Ohio Youth Action Council, she spearheaded Wellington’s participation. The year before, Blount McCormick rallied more than 50 students and faculty members to clean up Franklin Park.

Wellington also provided leadership opportunities. As president of the Black History Club, Blount McCormick and her fellow club members planned a full series of Black History Month programming designed to educate and inspire the Wellington community. She was also encouraged to dream big when she invited the leader of Columbus’ branch of the Nation of Islam, Donell Muhammad, to campus. It was a bold move that paid off. The room was packed, and it was one of Wellington’s best-attended events at the time.

Due to her accomplished career and extraordinary leadership, Blount McCormick was awarded Wellington’s 2023 Distinguished Alumni Award. The award is displayed in her client-facing conference room, situated among other prestigious awards like her 2022 Columbus CEO of the Year – Small For Profit Business award. The prominent display is a testament to how much she values her Wellington experience in shaping the professional she is today.

Blount McCormick was also an avid volunteer during her upper school years. One of her favorite volunteer memories happened when she and 20 other Wellington students and six faculty members stacked, boxed, and distributed 250 books at a city health center as part of a Serve Ohio Month

THE JAG • FALL 2023

Blount McCormick is still passionate about volunteering and chooses to support Wellington with her time and talent. She serves on the finance committee of the Board of Trustees and her company, Uniglobe, secured travel arrangements for the spring 2023 Wellington International Student Experience (WISE) trips. Thanks to Wellington’s partnership with Uniglobe, 140 Wellington students

and chaperones visited nine countries, widening their perspectives and learning about different cultures while practicing empathy, curiosity, and resilience. While being president of Uniglobe Travel Designers is a major part of Blount McCormick’s identity, she’s also an avid practitioner of Pilates and a podcast listener. She and her husband, Lee McCormick, met in 2010 when Blount McCormick was dedicated to expanding her business. Yet McCormick, vice president marketing manager at JPMorgan Chase & Co., won her over despite her busy work schedule. Blount McCormick perfectly manifests what Wellington teaches — always stretch beyond your limits. “I never stop growing because I keep learning,” she said. “That’s one thing I will always do in my life — keep learning, growing, and pushing. You have to continue to advance.”

LOGAN VARGO ’24

WELLINGTON • THE JAG

GRADUATION

PICTURED Left: Katherine Kuttrus ’23 Right: Dr. Jeff Terwin, Kyler Sanders ’23

THE JAG • FALL 2023

WELLINGTON • THE JAG

Jaguars’ Fortitude Proves Their Integrity Wellington’s 35th commencement, held on Friday, June 2, was an affirming and earnest tribute to the joy, optimism, and generosity of the Class of 2023. Though much of their upper school years were characterized by adaptation, social distancing, and changed traditions, the Class of 2023 chose to control the controllable – how they treated themselves and others. Their commitment to presenting their best selves and taking advantage of every opportunity demonstrates their empathy and courage. After their time at Wellington, the Class of 2023 is poised for greatness. Amongst the graduates are future sports journalists, nurses, attorneys, and industrial designers. Applying their curiosity to tackle real-world problems, Wellington seniors were accepted to and matriculated at an array of schools, from Miami University to The Ohio State University to Yale University.

the metaphorical pursuit of a butterfly in a peaceful, verdant garden. As humans, we often focus on fruitlessly chasing the butterfly, missing moments to feel the breeze on our faces or smell the wildflowers. The poet contends that if we would simply sit still in the garden, observing the flowers, listening to bird sounds, and taking in the beauty of the garden, the butterfly might land on our shoulders.

The graduation ceremony, held indoors in Gard Gym, was in many ways a return to pre-pandemic ceremonies. As seniors moved from the staging area and processed through the lower school, staff and faculty lined the hallways and greeted them with loud cheers. Once the graduates entered the gym, they formed a tunnel to welcome the adults who shaped their Wellington experience. Head of School Dr. Jeff Terwin addressed the class. He urged graduates to view life as a journey filled with countless chances to identify and reflect with gratitude on the happy moments in life. He shared his favorite perspective on happiness, that of transcendentalist essayist and poet Henry David Thoreau. Thoreau frames the quest for happiness as

WELLINGTON • THE JAG

PICTURED Iyanuoluwa Nafiu ’23

“You can, of course, trust the transcendentalists, but most importantly, trust yourself. Because you are Jaguars, and you are mighty.” DR. JEFF TERWIN, HEAD OF SCHOOL

Approximately one-fifth of the Class of 2023 are Lifers, those students who have attended Wellington since prekindergarten, kindergarten, or 1st grade. To honor their commitment to the school, these students were given a blue honor cord at the Senior Celebration Dinner earlier in the week to wear at commencement. Zachary Sagone ’23, recipient of the Music Award, performed an expressive bass solo of Carl Ditters von Dittersdorf’s “Concerto No. 2, 1st Movement.” The Class of 2023 elected Student Body President Katherine Kuttrus ’23 to speak on behalf of the class. In her address, Kuttrus asked the poignant question, “If tomorrow wasn’t promised, what would you do?” Through celebrations of individual and collective accomplishments, Kuttrus answered that she would connect with and thank her classmates, teachers, and family. Head of Upper School Rishi Raghunathan P ’27 ’30 lauded the graduates’ resilience and leadership. “You have normalized being uncomfortable. You have learned to handle hard better,” said Raghunathan. While they can “go with the 12

THE JAG • FALL 2023

flow,” they are also ready to challenge the status quo and advocate for themselves and others. To commemorate Wellington’s 40th anniversary, alumna Anneliese Adkinson ’91 P ’23 ’26 spoke on Wellington’s history of producing well-rounded alumni who are ready to devise solutions to tomorrow’s challenges. As a student at Wellington when its doors opened in 1982, and as part of the third graduating class, Adkinson was uniquely positioned to show how Wellington has lived out its mission. “The world you live in is different than it was in 1991, and yet, you’ve made this vision a reality.” The Class of 2023 has had an ineradicable impact on Wellington. Their strength, kindness, and particularly their goodwill towards one another will never be forgotten. Their resilience, compassion, and smiles elevated Wellington’s community. “You are ready,” said Terwin to Wellington’s newest alumni. “You can, of course, trust the transcendentalists, but most importantly, trust yourself. Because you are Jaguars, and you are mighty.”

CLASS OF 2023 COMMENCEMENT

1: Deklan Burk ’23 2: David Groen P ’21 ’23, Mimi Ghosh P ’21 ’23, Jacob Ghosh-Groen ’23, Joshua Ghosh-Groen ’21

3: Jake Johnson ’23 4: Ava DiPaolo ’23 5: Daniel Kay P ’23, Ian Ziegler ’23, Sarah Kay P ’23 6: Max Winter ’23 7: Lillian Thompson ’23 and Kate Thompson ’23 with their families

Learn more about the Class of 2023 7

WELLINGTON • THE JAG

THE JAG • FALL 2023

CLASS OF 2023 COMMENCEMENT

1: Samuel de Lima ’23, Jingqi Sun ’23, Abigail Noritz ’23, Alexandra Pepper ’23, Caroline Nadalin ’23, Morgan Humbert ’23 2: Sophia Shihab ’23, Cheryl Brikho P ’23 ’25

3: Robert Shaver ’23 4: Christian Pargeter ’23 5: Zachary Sagone ’23, Maya Avery ’23, Annabelle Krygier ’23 6: Abdullah Amir ’23 7: Caitlyn Guy, Christine Taylor P ’23, Artie Taylor Jr. ’23, Artie Taylor P ’23

14 7

8: Tyrell DeBose ’23, Emelie Inderhees P ’33 ’35 9: Daniela Casline ’23 10: Jacob Ghosh-Groen ’23, Joshua Ghosh-Groen ’21, Caleb Wilson ’23 11: Siddharth Ganesh ’23, Alexis Ruma ’23, Sophia Shihab ’23 12: Ted Manley P ’21 ’24, Manning Norris ’23 13: Hanyu Pan ’23, Rishi Raghunathan P ’27 ’30 14: Rachel Lyden ’23, Ian Ziegler ’23 15: Olivia Robinson ’23, Renee Hutchins ’23, Katherine Zerbi ’23, Avery Thielman ’23

WELLINGTON • THE JAG

THE JAG • FALL 2023

CLASS OF 2023 COMMENCEMENT

1: Kyla Hammond ’23, Eric Albers ’23 2: Rishi Raghunathan P ’27 ’30, Thegn Penrose ’23 3: Vincent Kerler ’23 4: William Garner ’23, Vinay Garg ’23, Siddharth Ganesh ’23 5: Maura Stevenson P ’23, Allison Klingler ’23, Keith Klingler P ’23

10 6: Lauren Cashman ’23 7: Holden Adkinson ’26, Lilliana Adkinson ’23, Anneliese Adkinson ’91 P ’23 ’26, Chris Adkinson P ’23 ’26 8: Maxwell Schaeffer ’23, Dylan Ehlers ’23 9: Seijuro Deguchi ’23 10: Artie Taylor Jr. ’23, Benjamin Beckman ’23, William Garner ’23, SriHarsha Reddy ’23, Samson Mingione ’23

11: Cassidy Chenelle ’23 12: Erin Finn ’23 13: Olivia Cencer ’23 14: Anneliese Adkinson ’91 P ’23 ’26 15: Leah Dobres, Esther Fogler, Kim Dobres P ’23, Charlie Dobres ’23, Jacob Dobres P ’23, Melanie Ohlsen

Not pictured: Amethyst Kirwin ’23

WELLINGTON • THE JAG

AKIRA BOHM ’28

THE JAG • FALL 2023

WELLINGTON • THE JAG

FEATURE

Cherished Memories: A Farewell to Roberts Field By Connor Weber ’17 2023 ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE 2016 VARSITY BOYS SOCCER CAPTAIN

In the spring of 2023, Connor Weber ’17 was inducted into Wellington’s Athletic Hall of Fame in honor of his accomplishments as a soccer player and captain. He reflects on his senior year.

It was summer 2016 and the preseason was just around the corner. I knew all too well that this was the last season that I would stand on Roberts Field in my Wellington uniform. I could still feel the wrenching heartache and disappointment of the previous season, when our journey ended earlier than any of us expected. However, I promised myself that I wouldn’t let the previous year’s results define our team, nor would I let the pressure to succeed stop me from having fun while playing the game that I loved with some of my best friends. I knew that for us to be successful, two things needed to happen.

PICTURED Captains Connor Weber ’17, Ben Starker ’17, and Teddy Knowles ’17

THE JAG • FALL 2023

First, we needed to engage in competitive practices that would set us up for success when game time rolled around. I knew that J.J. Bain ’06, varsity boys soccer head coach, and Idin Pirasteh ’97, varsity boys soccer assistant coach, had that part covered.

PICTURED Ben Starker ’17, Connor Weber ’17, Sloan Howard, and Dom Ragusa ’17

Second, we needed to build on and solidify the collectivist culture that I saw begin to grow throughout my time on the varsity boys soccer team. While the groundwork had been laid out by my fellow teammates and the great players who had come before me, I knew that emphasizing this wouldn’t just be essential for this season but would also be beneficial for all the players who would come after me.

instead get burnt out and go through the motions. However, if you can get them to remember the “why,” then you can reignite their spark. Suddenly, attending practices, running those extra sprints, and putting in the extra effort no longer feels like such a burden.

While this may have seemed like an overwhelming task, I leaned on my parents and coaches and concluded that getting my teammates to remember the “why” and the “who” was the most effective and meaningful strategy.

Getting the team to remember “who” was also essential because reminding them who they were playing for made things even more important. We were playing for and with each other, and for some of us, this would be the last time we had the chance to do so. This meant that we had nothing to lose and needed to leave it all on the field.

I knew that getting the team to remember the “why” was important because the love of the game is what keeps players going. People can forget why they fell in love with the game, and

The team was extremely receptive, and it showed in the results. Not only did we win districts that year, but we also had a great time doing so. I can’t express enough gratitude

to my parents, coaches, and fellow teammates for the best four years. I truly look back with such admiration and pride at the experience, and for the lifelong lesson that my four years on the soccer team taught me: the only thing that is more satisfying than doing what you love is doing it with your best friends. To this day, I remain in touch with my coaches and teammates. Whether it’s to check in on how they are doing or play a pickup game with them when we are back in Columbus, I am grateful for the community that Wellington gave me. I can truly say that Wellington set me up for success both on and off the field, especially by instilling in me the importance of teamwork, hard work, and always taking a step back to remember the “why” and the “who.”

WELLINGTON • THE JAG

ADV

A CLOSER LOOK

RE S O U F T

M I FET

THEY’VE BEEN EVERYWHERE:

WISE Travelers Had the

Adventures of a Lifetime 22

THE JAG • FALL 2023

When students are young, they are more receptive to new experiences and growth opportunities. Getting out of the familiar — their home, school, and neighborhood — instills confidence and opens their eyes to new ways of doing things. Every trip, just like life, is filled with a few surprises and schedule changes. The ability to handle those twists and turns confidently promotes resilience. Confidence, empathy, and grit are all attributes we want Wellington graduates to have. After a successful inaugural year, we’re ready to think ahead to future opportunities and experiences. Next year, the Class of 2025 will explore France, Norway, and Zimbabwe.

By Aaron Frim P ’19 UPPER SCHOOL CHEMISTRY

This spring, nine locations around the world hosted 140 Wellington students and chaperones as part of the inaugural year of Wellington International Student Experience (WISE). During these unforgettable trips, travelers took in the sights, tried local delicacies, broadened their perspectives, and handled jet lag with cheery dispositions. Wellington has long emphasized the value of international travel experiences to help students develop global citizenship and resilience. In the 30 years I’ve worked at Wellington, we’ve sent students on countless international adventures. Students have practiced their language skills in France, studied regional ecology in Mexico, and more. Yet these experiences required additional financial obligations

from families. Confident that opportunities to travel abroad provide invaluable outcomes, Dr. Terwin, then head of upper school, spearheaded the creation of WISE to ensure experiential equity and facilitate international travel for all 11th grade students.

PICTURED Left: WISE Canada Above: WISE Spain and UK Below: WISE Brazil and Italy

WISE is designed to be a foundational part of a student’s upper school journey. During their 10th grade year, students enroll in a LEAP Day course called Global Engagement. This yearlong course is designed to dive into topics like culture and identity, communication styles, and empathy. Honing these skills will not only help them on their WISE trips but will also prepare them to adapt to unfamiliar and challenging experiences in a rapidly changing and interconnected world.

WELLINGTON • THE JAG

A CLOSER LOOK

WISE Ecuador

THE JAG • FALL 2023

By Aaron and Jennifer Frim P ’19 UPPER SCHOOL CHEMISTRY ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF TECHNOLOGY

This spring, nine courageous students and two chaperones ventured to Ecuador for thirteen days. Partnering with The Tandana Foundation, a non-profit founded by Anna Taft ’97, we assisted our host community with a few community-led construction projects, including an accessibility ramp at a local school. Excavating dirt and mixing and transporting concrete led to sore backs and happy hearts. Since we worked in the mornings, our afternoons were filled with incredible hikes to waterfalls, hot springs, and calderas in the Andes Mountains at an average elevation above 9,000 feet! Our travelers exhibited curiosity as they took part in several cultural explorations of cooking, embroidery, dress, music, and games. At the end of the day, the cultural immersion continued as they all returned to their host homes for the evening meal and family time. Thanks to their time in Ecuador, Wellington students stepped outside their comfort zones and formed deep and lasting connections to a community near the equator. PICTURED Left: Kaylei Johnson ’24, Logan Vargo ’24, and Eve O’Sullivan ’24 enjoying a waterfall Clockwise: Roarke Marincic ’24 and Arjun Tonapi ’24 gather ingredients for a cooking class Aaron and Jennifer Frim P ’19 with Anna Taft ’97, founding director of The Tandana Foundation Alex Fischer ’24, Arjun Tonapi ’24, Rowyn Hubbard ’24, and Kaylei Johnson ’24 hard at work on a construction project

“Ecuador was amazing. I had never been out of the country before, and I’m so glad my first time traveling internationally was with Wellington. The cultural immersion was different than anything I had ever experienced before and gave me insight into life in different countries and how family dynamics are so unique to each place and culture. It was also fulfilling to be able to help the schools in the communities we visited by helping build a ramp and spending time with the younger kids. I am so grateful for my experience.” ECHO REICHENBACH ’24

WELLINGTON • THE JAG

POMORSKIE A CLOSER LOOK

Gdańsk

ZACHODNIOPOMORSKIE

WISE Poland

KUJAWSKOPOMO

Toruń

By Greg Davis and Chris Robbins P ’17 ’22 MIDDLE SCHOOL LANGUAGE ARTS UPPER SCHOOL ENGLISH

Poznań LUBUSKIE

Many WISE groups traveled to stunning destinations with beautiful mountain vistas, tropical beaches, or other natural attractions. The Poland group chose an equally scenic but less popular route – Poland. So, why Poland? For teachers Chris Robbins P ’17 ’22 and Greg Davis the answer related to curricular connections. Both Robbins and Davis teach courses on the Holocaust and visiting Poland was an opportunity to develop a clearer understanding of context by learning about the complex history of Poland and its people. For students interested in history, the trip included stops like the Baltic port city of Gdańsk, where World War II began with the Nazi invasion on September 1, 1939. Many positive moments and individuals from Polish history were also highlighted throughout the trip. The contributions of Polish superstar scientist Marie Curie and master composer Frédéric Chopin were celebrated. The group also visited the childhood home of Nicolaus Copernicus, developer of the heliocentric theory of the solar system. For other travelers, this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit a place that is rarely shortlisted for family vacations, honeymoons, or travel occasions.

WIELKOPOLSKIE

DOLNOŚLĄSKIE OPOLSKIE PICTURED Clockwise: Max Winter ’23, Abdullah Amir ’23, Greg Davis, Chris Robbins P ’17 ’22, Abigail Noritz ’23, and Ethan Paider ’24 in Gdańsk Max Winter ’23, Abdullah Amir ’23, Abigail Noritz ’23, and Morgan Humbert ’23 Greg Davis, Abdullah Amir ’23, Max Winter ’23, Ethan Paider ’24, Morgan Humbert ’23, Abigail Noritz ’23, and Chris Robbins P ’17 ’22 in the Wieliczka Salt Mine near Kraków Davis learning Polish dance

THE JAG • FALL 2023

d WISE Polan their e r a h s s r e l trave ations: recommend

WARMIŃSKOMAZURSKIE

PODLASKIE

BEST DISH: pierogi MOST SCENIC HIKE: Zakopane

MAZOWIECKIE

MUST SEE NATURAL ATTRACTION: Wieliczka Salt Mine

Warsaw

BEST ACTIVITY: dinner with a folk dance performance LIBELSKIE

LÓDZKIE

MUST-BOOK TOUR GUIDE: Malgorzata Binkowska, Warsaw

Częstochowa ŚWIĘTOKRZYSKIE ŚLĄSKIE

Oświęcim Kraków PODKARPACKIE

BEST PLACE TO LEARN AND REMEMBER: Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum

MALOPOLSKIE

Zakopane WELLINGTON • THE JAG

27 27

A CLOSER LOOK

WISE Denmark NMA

By Erin Cornett ’96 P ’34 and Ivy Anderson UPPER SCHOOL HISTORY ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF COLLEGE COUNSELING

Like something from a postcard, Copenhagen, Denmark stunned our group with its picturesque views, in-ground trampolines, innumerable bike paths, open-faced sandwiches, and delicious desserts. Exploring the city with our tour guide, we learned about the kings and queens of the Danish monarchy and visited their residences. We discussed how the Danish government has reconfigured one of the oldest cities in Europe to support citizens with disabilities and preserve the environment. Teams of students used built-in time to explore parts of the city to answer essential questions about sustainability and hygge, spending time with friends and family away from the daily rush, areas where Copenhagen leads the world. Two student favorites were visiting Tivoli Gardens, the oldest theme park in the world, and sampling food from open-air markets constructed from shipping containers – both of which put hygge and sustainability on display. For the leaders, the best part was watching the students build community and authentic relationships, something that is often unique to experiences that happen beyond school walls. PICTURED Left: Matthew Dittrick ’24, Hank Humbert ’24, Kylee Craig ’24, Vinay Garg ’23, Natalie Allen ’24, Samika Varma ’24, Erin Conselyea ’24 using public transportation in Copenhagen

THE JAG • FALL 2023

What was your favorite part of the trip?

National Museum of Denmark

Sustainability

Different cultural connections

Unique architecture

by Vinay Garg ’23

by Natalie Allen ’24

by Samika Varma ’24

by Alexis Ruma ’23

The National Museum of Denmark was interesting, and I enjoyed learning about the different cultures Denmark has connections with. I was also excited to go to Denmark’s National Aquarium because it is the largest in Northern Europe.

I enjoyed engaging in a different culture. I loved getting to walk around Copenhagen, just taking in the city and the people. It’s so clean! My favorite part was learning about sustainability in Denmark and how the government ensures that.

Our tour guide said that the best way to get a feel for a country’s culture is to talk to the people. While we were eating some of the best churros that I have ever had, some friends and I talked to a Danish teenager. I thought it was interesting how even though we grew up in different environments, we still had many similarities.

My favorite part of the trip was having our own time to walk around the city and get dinner. I loved sightseeing and seeing the unique lifestyle and architecture Copenhagen has.

WELLINGTON • THE JAG

A CLOSER LOOK

WISE Bonaire

By Jeff Terwin and Kara Trent P ’26 HEAD OF SCHOOL UPPER SCHOOL SPANISH

THE JAG • FALL 2023

WISE Bonaire students gained a deeper understanding of the current state of coastal ocean systems, most notably coral reefs, and realized they can have a meaningful impact on these ecosystems. Bonaire is an ideal location for this work due to its robust conservation system that identifies and protects the island’s diverse ecological sites. While diving in reef sites, students gained an appreciation for biodiversity by working together to

identify marine species. Working with organizations such as Reef Renewal allowed the students to hear and see, first-hand, the important work that is being done to protect and reestablish coral reef habitats. The students met with conservation experts to learn about the profession while also gaining a comprehensive understanding of the balance between human activity, coastal protection, and environmental sustainability.

Highlights of the trip: “The feeling of weightlessness and freedom.” HENRY ALLEN ’24

“Seeing all the beautiful creatures and coral, and experiencing a whole new world.” MADELINE MEIMARIDIS ’24

“Seeing all the amazing creatures and being with my friends while doing it.” EMMA COOKE ’24

“Realizing how eye-opening international travel can be.” JACK SPICER ’24

“Watching students practice grit and resilience as they navigated significant obstacles as they went through the SCUBA certification process. I was proud that every student successfully completed the certification. The world now has 14 newly certified divers, each with an understanding of ocean dynamics and coral reef conservation priorities.” JEFF TERWIN

POT TED S S M S I ORGANE TRIP: ON TH tfish t Parro StoplinghSea Turtle Gree acuda e Barr snout Seahors g Lon fish Lion n Moray Eel Gree e Eel Snakmon Octopu s Com Tang Blue ted Eagle Ray Spot efish Ston ingo Flam

PICTURED Sophia Shihab ’23 and Rachel Lyden ’23 Olivia Cencer ’23, Sophia Shihab ’23, Emma Cooke ’24, Rachel Lyden ’23, Zach Sagone ’23, and Alexandra Pepper ’23 Sam Breyfogle ’24 holding a cowrie WISE Bonaire students finishing their diving certifications WELLINGTON • THE JAG

PHINNEAS PICKETT ’27

THE JAG • FALL 2023

Engagement, Community, and Belonging Guide New Head of Middle School capabilities and aspirations. That means getting to know students as learners and individuals to cultivate a sense of belonging. “Every child is entitled to dignity and care,” said Frank. “School should be a place where adults model what this looks like, and kids feel an authentic sense of belonging.”

As Wellington’s new head of middle school, Louis Frank will focus on elevating engagement, community, and belonging. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and Middlebury College, where he earned an M.A. from the renowned Bread Loaf School of English, Frank became interested in teaching because of his love for learning. His current pursuit of an M.Ed. in educational leadership and policy at Boston College exemplifies his curiosity and passion for serving students. Frank was drawn to teaching middle school because it is a critical time of growth and learning, coupled with tremendous joy. The joy he finds in his work is palpable when you meet him. His enthusiasm for education and engaging people manifests in conversations that spark connections. Frank’s leadership is grounded in the belief that educators should embrace the diversity of each student’s

When students are truly known, they can be challenged and supported appropriately. As an educator, he’s seen how his students have flourished when they’re respected and appreciated for who they are. “The students who have most successfully embraced and navigated challenge are the ones who have a clear understanding of why they’re doing it and feel safest in the room,” said Frank. Frank is a tireless advocate for ensuring equity, belonging, and inclusion in education. In his prior role as chair of the English department at Shore Country Day School, an independent school near Boston, he led their SEED (Seeking Educational Equity and Diversity) program, served on the Equity & Inclusion Committee of the Board of Trustees, and advised multiple student coalition and advocacy groups.

independent learners who have the academic skills and competencies they need to succeed in a less structured and even more challenging environment,” said Frank. Frank’s commitment to engagement, community, and belonging is a testament to his dedication to holistic student development and preparing students for tomorrow’s world. But, he said, his first step is getting to know everyone’s names. Once introductions are out of the way, be sure to ask for a book recommendation.

PICTURED Emily Ricci ’29, Will Rethman ’29, and Shea Reynolds ’29 at Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Frank’s expertise in transition programming will serve middle school students well as they progress to the upper school. He is confident that they’ll be ready for their next steps. “Middle school is about building WELLINGTON • THE JAG

A CLOSER LOOK

Sparkling Futures: A Gala for Tuition Assistance PICTURED

This page: Cheryl Fries P ’33 ’34 Opposite: 2: Allison Watts and Justine Smith 3: Ankit and Urvi Patel P ’34 ’37 4: John and Judy Chester P ’16 ’18 ’20 5: Pete and Michelle Scantland P ’30 ’34 6: Dr. Tanikka Price ’92 and Gal Ben Haim 7: Susan Littleton P ’32 ’37 and Peg Scantland GP ’30 ’30 ’32 ’34 ’35 ’37 8: Matt and Meara Scantland P ’30 ’35 9: Dr. Jeff Terwin 10: Barbie Holland P ’91 GP ’12 ’17 11: Alyson Thompson P ’23 ’27 and Lori Thomas P ’17 ’19 ’22 12: Caroline Charles, Jennifer Farmer P ’35, Kenpiya Fompun-Joseph P ’35

THE JAG • FALL 2023

By Kerrie Kirkpatrick ALUMNI & DONOR EXPERIENCE OFFICER

The Wellington School 40th Anniversary Gala was an unforgettable evening celebrating four decades of helping to shape students that will shape the world. Held on April 1, 2023, the Gala was attended by 250 members of the Wellington community. Current parents, faculty and staff members, alumni, alumni parents, friends, and founders gathered for an incredible evening honoring Wellington and raising money to build our endowment for tuition assistance. Through silent and live auctions, fund-a-need, sponsorships, ticket sales, and donations, a remarkable $388,000 was raised, opening the Wellington experience to more families. The resounding success of this evening signifies a brighter future for both the school and the families it serves. A special thank you to the 40th Anniversary Gala sponsors, Gala Committee volunteers, and every attendee who contributed their enthusiasm and support. Happy Birthday, Wellington! We look forward to celebrating with the Wellington community again for the 45th anniversary.

12 6

WELLINGTON • THE JAG

A CLOSER LOOK

Lynne Steger Retires

PICTURED Jingqi Sun ’23, Lynne Steger P ’04 ’09, and Jike Sun P ’23

After 24 years, associate director of admissions Lynne Steger P ’04 ’09 retired this summer. Steger was first introduced to Wellington in Suburban News, a community newspaper. She dismissed the idea of a private education for her children because of preconceived notions about what independent schools are like. But when she learned her eldest daughter would spend over 90 minutes a day on the bus to get to and from kindergarten, she quickly reconsidered. After her initial tour, she called her daughters’ father and said, “I found where I would have wanted to go to school.” Steger found Wellington so special because it was antithetical to her own experiences in school. She jokes that she was educated in the “dark ages” where students sat in the same seat all day, even for lunch. Science, music, and French were 20-minute radio programs from WOSU that played over the school’s PA system. Walking through the halls of Wellington was revolutionary. “The idea that students could learn while exploring, building, creating, temporarily failing and improving, was what I wanted for my children and still want for all children,” said Steger. Steger’s role in developing and growing Wellington’s community cannot be overstated. As the first person a prospective family and student got to know, she welcomed them into the Wellington experience. However, Steger’s 36

THE JAG • FALL 2023

commitment to students and families went well beyond acceptance letters. “Lynne’s unwavering dedication to Wellington has been a true inspiration throughout our professional journey together. She remembered students well after the admissions process and was invested in their success stories as they moved through divisions,” said Head of Early Childhood and Lower School Shelley Brown P ’32 ’33 ’37. Her favorite part of the job was seeing how life-changing a Wellington education is. “Becoming a Jag changes a student’s life and trajectory,” said Steger. “Witnessing this experience is profound. Being able to see, either in a moment or over a few short years, how Wellington has made a difference in the life of a child is so powerful.” Steger now looks forward to working on her passion project – to preserve the history of people who once resided on land that was taken by eminent domain to become a state park. Her paternal grandfather, and his neighbors, were displaced but still retain deep connections to the area. Working with the park’s superintendent, she will create a small museum to share the family histories and stories of the area. Steger will miss the connections she has forged with colleagues, families, and students, and most especially hallway conservations with students. The Wellington community will miss her wisdom, expertise, and commitment.

“Being able to see, either in a moment or over a few short years, how Wellington has made a difference in the life of a child is so powerful.” LYNNE STEGER P ’04 ’09

SOPHIA SCOTT ’29

WELLINGTON • THE JAG

A CLOSER LOOK

SPOTLIGHT ON GIVING By Kerrie Kirkpatrick ALUMNI & DONOR EXPERIENCE OFFICER

Thanks to the generosity of Wellington community members, we are able to make big things happen.

Wellington parents of alumni and current grandparents Cindy and Paul Keinath P ’94 ’95 GP ’27 ’29 chose Wellington for their daughters, Jeanna ’94 and Sonya ’95, because of the school’s commitment to providing opportunities for students to try everything – athletics, arts, extracurriculars – while obtaining a solid academic foundation. “The equal concept of balancing academics, arts, and sports and seeing how the teachers pushed students to be self-driven, we feel our daughters prospered, made great friends, and had a well-rounded exposure to all aspects of life.” Their appreciation for the education their daughters received at the school has transcended generations – two of their grandchildren are Lifers. In a display of their commitment, the Keinaths purchased an engraved brick as part of an Alumni Brick Campaign. The Campaign allowed alumni and parents of alumni to leave their legacy at the entrance of the new Roberts Field Gatehouse Pavilion. They look forward to seeing their brick during their favorite Wellington celebration, Grandparents and Special Friends Celebration, or any visit to Wellington that supports their grandchildren’s journeys.

THE JAG • FALL 2023

Jennifer Farmer P ’35, owner of Spotlight PR, has embraced her role as a new parent at Wellington. As her daughter enters her second year, Farmer has become involved through volunteering with the 40th Anniversary Gala and Marketing and Admissions Committees. “My family has been so impressed with the culture at Wellington and the educational experience the school offers that I was inspired to volunteer.”

Wellington Lifer Amy (Johnston) Estes ’99 loved her time at Wellington and describes her experience as more than an education. “I had an awesome time. It felt like a community – and still feels like that!” She regularly keeps in contact with her teachers and classmates, especially upper school chemistry teacher Aaron Frim P ’19, one of her favorite Wellington educators.

Not only was Farmer a sponsor of the 40th Anniversary Gala, but she also donated to the tuition assistance fund. “My initial gift was in service of furthering the hope that more students could attend Wellington,” she said. “I believe that education is not only for the person who receives it but for the people who will be impacted by that person’s life. Giving is not only a way to pay it forward but a means of touching more lives. I am so excited to continue this journey, and for the lives who will be changed through my daughter and her peers.”

Currently, Estes is an ophthalmologist in Augusta, Georgia, where she lives with her husband and two children. When searching for the right school for her children in Georgia, she sought out a school like Wellington. Estes is an active contributor to Wellington, supporting the Believing Campaign and the Wellington Annual Fund. “Wellington was a formative experience and prepared me well for college,” she said. “Because of that, it’s important to support the school so people can have that same experience.”

WELLINGTON • THE JAG

A CLOSER LOOK

Faculty News

Erica Clark P ’28 Ben Hirt UPPER SCHOOL FRENCH

Hirt spent the summer in Leysin, Switzerland, at Leysin American School where he taught French language courses in the mornings and led afternoon and weekend student excursions.

UPPER SCHOOL SPANISH

DIRECTOR OF STUDENT SUCCESS

Mixon received an International Latino Book Award for her second book, “When I Feel at Home,” for Best Children’s Nonfiction Picture Book. This is her second International Latino Book Award.

Clark was featured in a live webinar hosted by Jennifer Farmer P ’35 to discuss preventing summer slide, the loss of achievement gains made during the previous school year. She provided her expertise to over 300 attendees.

Chris Fischer P ’24 ’26 Jaime Bennati UPPER SCHOOL ART

Bennati is one of two Columbusbased artists selected for the Greater Columbus Arts Council’s 2024 Artist Exchange in Dresden, Germany. She will spend her two-month residency exploring baroque architecture and porcelain manufacturers to further a ceramic series that pays homage to female artists who have gone unrecognized throughout art history. 40

THE JAG • FALL 2023

Dia Mixon

EARLY CHILDHOOD AND LOWER SCHOOL

Shannon Smith P ’29

CONSULTING ENGINEER

UPPER SCHOOL ART

Fischer recently became an advisor to The Ohio State University’s HAMMER Engineering Research Center. HAMMER is a National Science Foundation funded 10-year project to develop and implement next-generation manufacturing process design technology by leveraging robotics and AI-driven process planning. Fischer was asked to join because of his knowledge of advanced computer simulation of metal forming processes.

Two of Smith’s paintings were featured in the Ohio Art League’s 2023 Fall Juried Exhibition at Capital University’s Schumacher Gallery.

Wellington Hosted International Expert-led Summer Math Institute

David Glover UPPER SCHOOL DEAN OF STUDENTS AND THEATRE ARTS DIRECTOR

Glover was awarded the Upper Arlington Civic Association Golden Apple, which recognizes excellence in education in Upper Arlington.

Greg Davis MIDDLE SCHOOL LANGUAGE ARTS

Davis published “What If Schools Started to Help Student Discourse Skills Earlier?” in Independent School Magazine. Davis shares how he and Victoria (Pang) Lirio, upper school history, helped middle school students engage in dialogue even amidst disagreement – an important skill for their development as students and citizens.

Chris Robbins P ’17 ’22 UPPER SCHOOL ENGLISH

During the summer of 2023, Robbins attended two professional development conferences. In early June, she participated in the Monsters as Mirrors of Humanity Conference hosted by Ohio University’s Ping Institute. She also received a scholarship for the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s Summer Institute on teaching the humanities through art.

This summer, Wellington hosted a Summer Math Institute focused on best practices in teaching math using the Singapore approach. Teachers from around central Ohio, including 10 Wellington faculty members, met with Susan Resnick, a national and international expert on Singapore Math who authored the K-8 Math in Focus 2020 and Primary Mathematics 2022 textbooks. Wellington faculty will continue to work with Resnick during the 2023-24 school year. She will visit three times to help further faculty’s understanding of how to support and stretch our students in math instruction.

WELLINGTON • THE JAG

A CLOSER LOOK

Wellington Welcomes New Faculty and Staff Wellington is pleased to welcome 10 new members to our community this fall.

Bob Causey P ’09 ’16 EARLY CHILDHOOD LEARNING GUIDE University of Maryland Eastern Shore

Looks forward to traveling to the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris

Jackie Butler P ’27 ’30 ’37

Vanni Castillo

MIDDLE SCHOOL HUMANITIES

California State University Los Medanos College

Fontbonne University Washington University in St. Louis

Climbed part of the Great Wall of China Favorite show is “Ted Lasso” because of its positive message

Favorite musical artist is Israel Houghton because his music is motivational and inspirational

MIDDLE SCHOOL SPANISH

Michelle Leininger LOWER SCHOOL LEARNING GUIDE AND ACADEMIC SUPPORT Mount Vernon Nazarene University University of Dayton

Loves animals and cherishes the many encounters she’s had, including swimming with whale sharks and working with chimpanzees Favorite children’s book author is Robert McCloskey because his words and illustrations are beautiful celebrations of everyday life

“The most exciting part of my job is that I get to teach my native language and culture to students and expand their perspectives.” Favorite show is “Little Fires Everywhere” because it takes place in Shaker Heights, Ohio

Caleb Dunn TECHNOLOGY AND SPECIAL EVENT TECHNICIAN Columbus State Community College

Grew up with eight dogs Favorite musical artist is Tame Impala because of the interesting ways the bass is played

Katie Lumbley P ’30 ’33 ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF ADMISSIONS University of Houston University of Texas

“The best part of my job is helping new families and students find their place in the Wellington community.” Loves the characters and soundtrack of the show “Big Little Lies”

THE JAG • FALL 2023

Putting Student Well-being at the Forefront Justin Newby

Amanda Valentine

EARLY CHILDHOOD AND LOWER SCHOOL COUNSELOR

EARLY CHILDHOOD LEARNING GUIDE

Indiana University University of Louisville

Union University The Ohio State University

Is a retired gymnast and loves doing flips for students Enjoys period dramas, especially “Downton Abbey”

Recently moved back to Columbus from Memphis, Tennessee, with her husband and goldendoodle Favorite movie is “Elf” and will watch it any time of the year

Catie Swendal EARLY CHILDHOOD LEAD University of Toledo

Has donated her hair four times – that’s four feet of hair! “The best part of my job is the students. They are adventurous, curious, and so much fun!”

Tara Zimmer UPPER SCHOOL COUNSELOR The Ohio State University Ball State University

Still holds her high school’s record for the 50- and 100-yard breaststroke “The most exciting part of my role is seeing Wellington’s mission and values play out and being able to bring my authentic self and fresh ideas into an already thriving educational environment.”

Wellington is committed to supporting the current and long-term mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing of our students. This summer, a group of 19 faculty members completed “Mental Health First Aid for Adults Assisting Children and Youth.” Me-Chelle Burkhalter P ’22 Karen Butler P ’12 ’16 Maria Cellino P ’27 Marianne Crowley Patty Dunn Louis Frank Dave Herrick P ’20 Christie Johnson Mikki Joseph P ’31 ’34 Alyson Lee Sloan Magliery Chris Robbins P ’17 ’22 Diane Schwendenman Sharla Starker P ’17 ’22 Laura Trubilowicz P ’27 ’30 ’34 Lissa Wade Matt Webber Becky Woodruff P. Jayne Young Participants learned the ALGE action plan to recognize and assess a student who is struggling emotionally to get them the help they need.

A. Assess, approach, assist L. Listen non-judgmentally G. Give reassurance E. Encourage

WELLINGTON • THE JAG

ATHLETICS

To the Finish: Upper School Swimming and Diving’s Historic Season

Q: What made this season such a standout? Our practice routine changed drastically! Our practice space of many years closed, but thanks to the athletics department, we were able to secure a new space. However, it required switching from our typical afternoon practices to morning sessions. Luckily, the majority of the team embraced the change, accepted it, and made the best of their practices.

By Bill Miller P ’15 ’17 ’21 EARLY CHILDHOOD AND UPPER SCHOOL PHYSICAL EDUCATION

The 2022-23 upper school swimming and diving team had an unprecedented season. Athletes set new school records, competed in the state competition, and set personal bests. Coach Bill Miller P ’15 ’17 ’21, early childhood and upper school physical education teacher, answered questions on what drove the team to their incredible successes. 44

THE JAG • FALL 2023

PICTURED Eric Albers ’23

Q: Which team members stood out? The team’s practice leaders – Katherine Armitage ’25, Ross Braswell ’25, and Kai Rozmiarek ’25 – were incredible at pushing themselves, their teammates, and the coaching staff to work harder, plan tougher sets, set better goals, and devise plans to achieve those goals. Our team undoubtedly benefitted from their commitment and drive. We also had some dedicated swimmers who inspired us all to keep pushing. Eric Albers ’23, Cameron Petitt ’25, Catherine Cartmell ’25, and Jack McCarthy ’25 performed at the top level in post-season meets and in the State Tournament.

Q: What about this past season made you the proudest? I was most proud of the commitment this year’s swimmers made to the team, especially considering the early morning time. They figured out how to manage, embrace, and own it. At the end of the season, the #1 question I fielded from the team was, “We are going to be swimming early morning again, right?” They ended up really liking the morning format.

Sectionals • 10 swimmers set 15 personal bests • 18 district qualifiers • 1st place winners

A Q&A with Cameron Petitt ’25 Q: WHAT WAS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE OF THE SEASON?

I think the biggest challenge of the last season was the uncertainty of where we’d be able to practice and convincing people to wake up early. Q: WHAT WAS THE BIGGEST SUCCESS OF THE SEASON?

The biggest success of the season was the number of Wellington swimmers who earned spots in districts and states. The team as a whole competed at such a high level this season and it was great to see everyone improve.

• Cameron Petitt ’25 (500 freestyle) • Eric Albers ’23 (100 breaststroke) • Ross Braswell ’25, Eric Albers ’23, Cameron Petitt ’25, and Kai Rozmiarek ’25 (200 medley relay)

Districts • Five school records • 20 personal bests • Two state qualifier divers • Jack McCarthy ’25 (1m 11) • Tyla DeBose ’25 (1m 11) • Cameron Petitt ’25 set school and district records • State qualifier for 500 free and 200 IM • District champion for 500 free and broke district record • 2nd place in 200 IM

Q: WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY FROM THE PAST SEASON?

Out-touching Bishop Watterson in the 200-medley relay at districts. It was cool to see Kai, Ross, Eric, and I be a part of Wellington’s first boys relay at the state level and have four swimmers at the state meet. Q: WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?

I am proud of how much the team has grown in our ability to compete and improve over the course of the year. The mixture of personal and team improvements was amazing to see in and out of the pool.

• Eric Albers ’23 set school and district records • State qualifier for 100 breaststroke and 200 IM • District champion for 100 breaststroke and broke district record • 3rd place in 200 IM

States • Jack McCarthy ’25 finished 13th in the 1m 11 dive • Cameron Petitt ’25 was state runner-up in the 500 free, setting a new personal best and school record • Eric Albers ’23 was state runner-

up in the 100 breaststroke, setting a new personal best and school record

PICTURED Katherine Armitage ’25

WELLINGTON • THE JAG

THE CLASS OF

2008

ALUMNI

Alumni News THE CLASSES OF

1991 & 1993

Tommy Gallo ’93, Doug Barrett ’93, and Nick Gallo ’91 enjoyed a quick visit while Barrett was in Columbus for work.

THE CLASSES OF

1993 & 2000 Greg Davda ’93 and John Paull ’00 represented the Ohio Asian community in March at the Ohio Chamber Diversity, Equity & Inclusion meeting where the Ohio Chamber of Commerce and the United States Small Business Administration (SBA) signed a strategic alliance memorandum to bring more small and diverse businesses, services, and support to the Ohio Chamber and SBA.

THE CLASS OF

1993

THE CLASS OF

2001

Brook Kohn and his wife, Nathali, had their first child in June. Sienna Maria was born on a sunny Seattle day at the University of Washington Medical Center. Only time will tell if she will be a yearbook editor like her dad or a techie like her mom! Chris O’Hara, a school counselor at Bishop Ireton High School in Alexandria, Virginia, was interviewed by a local news station to discuss National Teen Mental Health Day. THE CLASS OF

2011

Greg Davda was invited to speak at the White House’s Criminal Justice Summit in March. Davda shared best practices in supporting law enforcement with software development, design, and deployment as part of the White House’s Office of Science and Technology Policy and the administration’s commitment to criminal justice reform and making communities safer. 46

THE JAG • FALL 2023

Kelly (Tatum) Sayers, Bill Gourley, and Courtney Bower Lewis enjoyed a day at Atlanta Braves Truist Park with their families.

Anna Viragh and Chris Robbins P ’17 ’22 visited each other while Robbins was in Washington, D.C. at a conference.

THE CLASS OF

2013

THE CLASS OF

2019 Vanderbilt featured Savannah Childress in the article, “Vanderbilt senior Savannah Childress pursues passion to eliminate food injustice and promote sustainability through Immersion Vanderbilt.”

Tyler Sharp recently adopted a Pomchi named Cola.

Jackson Haney graduated from The Ohio State University with his B.A. in philosophy, politics, and economics and a minor in history. Recently, Haney fulfilled a lifelong dream and enrolled in Harvard Law School’s Class of 2026.

THE CLASS OF

2014 Lucy Caborn accepted a fellowship at Chapman University’s MFA program in creative writing for fiction. She was thrilled when author and faculty member Richard Bausch called her at work to extend the offer. Caborn graduated from Sarah Lawrence College in 2018 where she received the Nancy Lynn Schwartz Prize for Fiction Writing. THE CLASSES OF

2016, 2017, 2021 & 2022

Carina Dison ’21, Lexi Robbins ’22, Emma Hans ’17 (screen), Justin Cockrell ’21 (screen), Simone Robinson ’17, Sarah Schmitz ’16, and Sarim Siddiqui ’21 (not pictured) enjoyed visiting Jaime Bennati’s art class.

Mac Hammett recently graduated from Denison University and has accepted an invitation from the Peace Corps to travel to South Africa to work in HIV prevention and intervention programs for at-risk youth populations. THE CLASS OF

2020 Thorin O’Brien transferred to Kent State University. He plans to pursue a B.S. in computer science with a concentration in data analysis and will also finish a minor degree in classics.

Ellie Weinberg and Eli Burkhardt ran into Dr. Jeff Terwin on the streets of Rome, Italy.

Aidan Schumer, a student at the University of British Columbia, won the 2023 Cascade Collegiate Conference Men’s Golf Championship. THE CLASSES OF

2020 & 2022 Maya Hammond ’20 and Parker Haskett ’22 were featured in the article “7 Ways Our Students Create a More Sustainable World” in Ohio State Impact magazine. THE CLASS OF

2023 Iyanu Nafiu was hired as an usher and stage manager-in-training at the Yale School of Music.

Do you have a new job, recent publication, or did you receive an honor or award? Did you recently marry, have children, or travel? Did you have a mini Wellington reunion with your classmates? The Wellington Alumni Office wants to share your good news with your fellow alumni.

WELLINGTON • THE JAG

Cheryl Allen Remembered Cheryl Allen, middle school dean of students and math teacher, passed away on March 13, 2023. She enjoyed spending time with her husband, Geoffrey, and their children and playing tennis. Allen joined the Wellington community in 2008 and quickly became a beloved community member. Her students will miss her immense joy and kindness. “Mrs. Allen will always have a special place in my heart not just because of her happiness and joy, but because she made the world a better place,” said Rohan Patel ’29. Patel dedicated his end-of-year piano performance to Mrs. Allen. “I dedicated John Legend’s ‘All of Me’ to her because of how much she radiated her love and happiness to everyone around her,” he said. Lissa Wade, a colleague and friend of Allen’s since 2012, expressed the knack Allen had for making every student feel special. “She exuded positivity and joy. She always said, ‘I’m in it for the kids,’ and the kids felt this. Cheryl’s unconditional love and support for students was visible in the way her face lit up when she interacted with them,” said Wade. “We miss her deeply and will be forever grateful for the example she set for us as a loving educator and a generous friend.” The Wellington community came together to raise money for a new buddy bench in memory of Allen. The bench was installed as a part of the new Early Childhood & Lower School Playscape.

EMMA LUMBLEY ’30

THE JAG • FALL 2021 2023

WELLINGTON • THE JAG

Presorted First Class U.S. Postage

Wellington 3650 Reed Road Columbus, Ohio 43220 wellington.org

ELIZABETH COOKE ’27

THE JAG • FALL 2023

PAID

Columbus, OH Permit #3374