The Jag Spring 2024

JAG

Spring 2024

Dear Friends,

Writing my final opening letter for The Jag has been surreal, especially as I am reflecting on an article written about me. With a notable concern that this will lead to too much Terwin, I am excited to highlight that my time here at Wellington has exceeded my wildest pedagogical dreams. I’ve had the pleasure of working with outstanding educators to collaborate on an aspirational vision of what is possible.

campus. A further affirmation of that commitment is exhibited in the inspiring stories of our alumni who have served in the United States Armed Forces. We speak about our students shaping the world and this group is taking that literally. I want to extend a special thank you to each Jaguar who has sacrificed for others.

Wellington is a thriving educational ecosystem, and as my marine ecology research proved, more diverse ecosystems are stronger, healthier, and more resilient to outside forces. The elevation of our Affinity Groups is a positive indication that our community

“I am proud to have been a small part of this amazing and evolving Wellington story.”

DR. JEFF TERWIN

One of the most rewarding components of the job is celebrating our students realizing their potential. That manifestation could not be better articulated than through the story of Dave Wallingford ’96 whose path includes professional success, personal passion, and an investment in the greater good. His story demonstrates that our mission lives within our students, even as they leave our

continues to grow stronger and more connected. As the world changes, and students gain empathy for and knowledge of different cultures, we also want to make sure our academic program is equipping them to tackle new challenges and technologies. Hosting the Futurist Symposium was an important step in understanding where the world is headed. Our goal is to maintain a future-

focused academic approach because we know academic agility is our superpower.

Growth happens on and off campus. Our long-standing winter ski program continues to help students cultivate resilience and a growth mindset. Ohio ski conditions might not always be up to the standards of future Olympians, but the lessons learned on Mad River Mountain are invaluable. It is just one of many awesome examples where Wellington stretches students.

Wellington is a playground for new ideas. That will never change. I am grateful for the trust and partnership that has been shared with me. I am a better educator and human because of my time spent at Wellington. I am sure that I have learned more from our students than they have learned from me. I am proud to have been a small part of this amazing and evolving Wellington story, and I am confident that the next head of school, Eliza McLaren, will keep Wellington on that positive trajectory. Wellington is such a special place. I miss you already!

Go Jags!

Jeff Terwin Head of School

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

EDITOR: Jessica Young

CONTRIBUTORS:

Gerrie Brand P ’33

George Callanan ’21

Taso Callanan ’21

Cristen Geary P ’35 ’36

Kerrie Kirkpatrick

Jessica Young

COPY EDITORS: Ben Anderson P ’28

J.J. Bain ’06

Kim Catley

Christine Conkle

Melanie Eggleton

Amanda Pierce

Brenda Porter P ’12 ’17

Laurie Beth Sweeney P ’29 ’33

PHOTO CREDITS: Ben Anderson P ’28

Douglas Bolduc

Nick Fancher

Bebe Hida P ’29

Amanda Pierce

Laurie Beth Sweeney P ’29 ’33

Jeff Terwin

DESIGN: Bluewave Creative

•

GENEVIEVE VANDIXHORN ’26

DAVE

WALLINGFORD:

A Life Driven by Passion

What do theatre sound design, audio engineering for sports broadcasting, rally racing, and a nonprofit dedicated to providing adaptive motorsport experiences have in common? The answer is Dave Wallingford ’96.

Wallingford is a firm believer in diving into what excites him. “Follow your passions and you’ll get to where you need to go,” he said. His willingness to explore his interests, combined with his desire to learn and his openness to the discomfort of being a beginner, have led him down seemingly disparate paths throughout his professional life and ultimately, to success.

Following Passion #1 SOUND DESIGN

Wallingford’s love for music has been a lifelong affair. Flip through the yearbooks from his Wellington days and you’ll find him listed in band and choir, and experimenting with various instruments. But he humorously realized his lack of musical prowess when he recorded himself playing guitar.

What he did discover, however, was an interest in technology. Wallingford was an early adopter of using computers

to create soundscapes at a time when most people were still using CDs and cassettes. “I stole a computer from the computer lab and wrote a program to play a bunch of sound effects,” said Wallingford. He had access to computers thanks to Wellington’s focus on digital literacy, a foundational aspect of the school’s academic programming since its founding.

He soon built a reputation at Wellington for his sound expertise and became the “sound guy” for a variety of school events during his middle school years. He continued to expand his skills by experimenting with different speakers, microphones, and programs. During his senior year, Chris Robbins P ’17 ’22, upper school English, volunteered Wallingford to design and run sound for the Wellington production of “The Bird That Stays” that she was directing.

The request changed his life. As he described it, he “got the bug for theatre” and wanted to get more experience

in sound design, which combines storytelling through sound and the technical aspects of running a show.

After graduating from Wellington, Wallingford charted his own course,

PICTURED

Top: Wallingford competing in Climb to the Clouds in 2021

Below: Wallingford’s senior photo

“ Follow your passions and you’ll get to where you need to go.”

DAVE WALLINGFORD ’96

studying theatre at The Ohio State University (OSU). While the department lacked a sound design program, he seized every opportunity to fill the void, often guiding his professors through the nuances of sound design.

In his professional career, he has created soundscapes for productions for BalletMet, Columbus Children’s Theatre, Opera Columbus, Columbus Symphony, and more.

He is also one of five founders of Available Light Theatre, a fellowship of Columbus artists who present new and original theatrical productions. “Available light” refers to lighting sources not provided by a photographer or cinematographer. For the founders, it meant using the resources they had at hand, which at the time, were few.

Since its founding in 2006, the company has expanded to 16 members who direct, design, and perform in three to four productions a year. They operate

on an innovative model — tickets are “pay what you want,” out of their belief that now, more than ever, everyone should have access to great theatre.

Following Passion #2 AUDIO ENGINEERING

While Wallingford got his start in theatre design, his career has seen a wider application of sound design and production. Wallingford owns his own audio engineering company, Wallingford Audio, which specializes in live sports broadcasting. He counts ESPN, Apple TV, NFL Network, NBC Sports, and NBA TV among his clients.

During major sporting events, Wallingford can be found alone in a room, immersed in every facet of audio production and orchestrating microphones for announcers, sideline reporters, and crowd noise.

Amidst the chaos, he relishes the technical intricacies — a love he cultivated at Wellington.

For Wallingford, figuring out how to make everything run smoothly is like working on a puzzle that requires perfect timing, the ability to listen to multiple conversations, extraordinary focus, and teamwork.

“There is a lot to do, including configuring and coordinating complicated equipment,” said Wallingford. “We’re given just enough time if everything goes right. And nothing ever goes exactly right.”

The next time you tune into a Columbus Crew or Columbus Blue Jackets game, chances are you’re hearing Wallingford’s seamless orchestration.

Following Passion #3 RALLY RACING

In 2015, Wallingford was feeling burned out from his busy work schedule. He hadn’t taken a vacation in years. At the same time, he had just purchased his first “fast car,” a Tesla, and his brother, Jim Wallingford ’01, was

gently teasing him about learning to drive it. Wallingford enrolled in a fiveday driving school course that sounded like a fun diversion. After his first day at Team O’Neil Rally School in Dalton, New Hampshire, Wallingford was hooked.

In rally racing, drivers handle road-legal, factory-built cars as quickly as possible on closed sections of public and private roads. While there are many types of rally races, Wallingford prefers stage races on gravel roads — often old logging roads in remote areas. Races can be exhausting, with drivers covering more than 100 miles over several days with spurts of intense focus.

Wallingford exploded onto the rally racing scene. He won two national championships in his second year of driving, winning the Canadian and North American Rally Championships in 2017. He went from not knowing how to drive a manual transmission to beating racers who had been competing in motorsports since childhood.

In 2018, Wallingford was ready to take it to the next level and entered his biggest competition yet: Rally Mexico. On the third day of the four-day race, he encountered a washout he wasn’t expecting, hooked his left front tire into it and flipped his car.

The accident was severe and he required emergency surgery to insert two rods and eight screws to stabilize his spine. As he woke up in a postoperative room in a Mexican hospital, his first thought was, “How’s the car? I can finish the race.” What he hadn’t yet realized was that he had no feeling in his legs.

Throughout the two-year rehabilitation process, Wallingford never considered giving up racing. His goal of getting back behind the wheel helped push him through grueling physical therapy sessions. “At first, it was easy for me to fall into a mindset of, ‘I’m never going to walk again,’” said Wallingford. “In the early stages of a crisis, it feels like it’s never going to end. But getting back to racing kept me moving forward.”

Wallingford returned to racing in 2019. If you’re in Ohio this summer, you can cheer him on at the Southern Ohio Forest Rally, one of his favorite races of the season.

Following Passion #4 WHEELS TO WHEELS RACING FOUNDATION

During Wallingford’s 12 years at Wellington, service projects were a significant part of his experience. His involvement showed him the importance of giving back and instilled a sense of service that still drives him today.

That attitude, combined with his experience recovering from a spinal cord injury, led him to found Wheels to Wheels Racing Foundation in 2022. He started the organization with significant help from Derek Mortland, an instructor at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course who uses a wheelchair.

Wheels to Wheels is a nonprofit program that provides adaptive motorsport experiences to people with spinal cord injuries and other physical disabilities. They offer open houses where participants can use one of three simulators that have adaptive hand controls. They’re also building a rally car with hand controls that can be used by a driver in competition.

Whether Wallingford is racing cars, designing sound for theatre productions, or capturing the environment of sporting events, his varied life embodies the values he learned at Wellington — namely, to Be Curious. And with his desire to keep learning, he’ll only explore more passions in the future.

AYLA MAKKAR ’34

Leading with

While being interviewed for this article, hardly a minute went by without Dr. Jeff Terwin mentioning the students of Wellington. The outgoing head of school’s passion demonstrates his unwavering commitment to holding the needs of students at the center of all that he does.

Terwin came to Wellington in 2012 to serve as head of upper school, a position he held until becoming head of school in 2019. In his introduction in Wellington’s magazine, he expressed his commitment to “create and implement innovative learning objectives centered around projectbased learning, collaboration, creativity, and communication.”

Throughout his impressive 12-year tenure at Wellington, Terwin has done just that and more.

When asked about his proudest achievements, he highlighted three domains:

1. elevating off-campus learning experiences

2. embracing the diversity of Wellington’s community in ways that make us all smarter and better human beings

3. leading a collaborative process to define Wellington’s new mission and values

Transformative Off-campus Experiences

When Terwin arrived at Wellington, exciting global educational adventures to France and Chile were already available through the school’s language courses. As the head of upper school, Terwin sought to expand these offerings to spark connections between disciplines, passions, and external partners.

As a marine biologist with a Ph.D. in marine, estuarine, and environmental science from the University of Maryland, Terwin created a thoughtful international experience to Grand Cayman in 2014. Before traveling abroad to the Caribbean Sea, students enrolled in Terwin’s marine biology course and earned SCUBA certification thanks to a partnership with Larry Abbott P ’92 ’00 ’03, a former board member and owner of Aquatic Adventures Ohio. This experience affirmed for Terwin that Wellington can and should more broadly partner academic experiences with meaningful travel.

Building on that momentum, he received a proposal from the U.S. Embassy in Moscow to partner with schools in Russia. As part of the project, Wellington and Russian students jointly designed a business with the help of business and leadership professionals, including professors at The Ohio State University’s Fisher College of Business. Collaborating over Skype in a converted Wellington classroom set up with a new audio-visual system — a skill that later became relevant during the pandemic — Wellington students initially proposed a cold-weather clothing business. A sophomore in Russia politely pointed out that it was -35° Celsius and they still had outdoor recess, so clearly, cold-weather clothing wasn’t a problem. It was a moment of empathy-building and widening perspectives that was cemented when six Wellington students later traveled with two faculty members to Russia at no additional financial cost to their families.

Knowing that international travel opportunities provide invaluable outcomes, Terwin spearheaded the creation of the Wellington International Student Experience (WISE) to ensure experiential equity and facilitate international travel

PICTURED

Left: Terwin and Atarah Ceasar ’36

Right: Terwin and Olivia White ’19

for all juniors. “Jeff envisioned and championed the WISE program to make it happen. His vision will continue to have an impact on the lives of students for years to come,” said Jim Croft P ’17 ’20 ’22, chair of the Board of Trustees.

Every Form of Diversity Makes Us Stronger

Terwin helped Wellington clarify and amplify one of its core values: an intentional commitment to supporting a diverse and well community is an essential part of helping students thrive and reach their highest academic potential. When students feel rooted in their sense of self and connected to their learning community, they feel ready to flourish and grow academically. Time and time again, research has shown us that taking into account the whole student and their well-being — mental, emotional, physical, and academic — strongly contributes to their ultimate success in life.

For Terwin, Wellington’s diversity is one of the school’s greatest strengths. “I love the diversity of this community and I think it’s part of what makes Wellington so special. Being in a diverse educational community makes us smarter,” said Terwin.

During his time at Wellington, the school launched eight Parent Affinity Groups. These groups offer community members spaces to deepen understanding and create belonging through social events, cultural celebrations, and camaraderie (more on page 22).

A highlight for Terwin has been participating in Columbus Pride, a tradition that began in 2016. It’s been gratifying for him to witness how the event has grown to include Wellington families and alumni. Wellington’s involvement in the parade is student-driven, providing autonomy and leadership experience for upper school leaders in the Gender and Sexualities Alliance (GSA) Club. “Our participation serves the part of the Wellington community that needs to know that this is their school, too,” said Terwin.

The effects of Terwin’s efforts are evident in Wellington’s recent Portrait of a Graduate, created by all 150 Wellington staff, faculty, and administrators in the summer of 2023 to align school operations and pedagogy around a collective vision of student and alumni success. “We [alumni] value diversity. We thoughtfully seek to understand different perspectives, knowing that diversity of all kinds opens our minds and deepens our experiences,” the document reads.

PICTURED

Above: Terwin performing in “Hoopla!” in 2022

Introducing Updated Mission and Values

In fall 2020, Wellington’s Board of Trustees introduced a new mission statement and values after months of work sessions and workshops, brainstorming with stakeholders, and formulating ways of encapsulating Wellington’s essence. Terwin embraced the highly collaborative process with the board and school leadership, which ultimately aimed to communicate effectively and concisely the school’s fundamental purpose.

Still, the process wasn’t without its challenges. Wellington’s programming is strong in many areas, making it difficult to find common threads to tie them together. The community also struggled to narrow down a list of 20-plus resonant qualities and attributes to just five core, defining values.

The resulting mission and values reflect Wellington’s commitment to helping students find their purpose and realize their potential for tomorrow’s world, aligning with the school’s history of setting a precedent for others to follow. The values adopted by Wellington — be curious, be yourself, be ambitious, be empathetic, and be responsible — mirror the school’s dedication to fostering a supportive and innovative community. Terwin expressed pride in the emphasis on being oneself, recognizing the challenges students face in a digital, social media-driven world.

The new mission and values represented not just a symbolic change but a tangible promise to providing a holistic and future-focused education. The successful collaboration and buy-in from the board, school leadership, and community underscore the school’s ability to stay true to its roots while embracing what the future holds.

Once announced, Terwin made sure the mission was impossible to miss. He offered reminders at meetings and events, brought it up during everyday conversations, and kept it at the center of his heart and mind when making decisions. He even joked about starting pop quizzes for staff and faculty to see if they had it memorized. “Jeff brought our mission to the forefront of everything we do, and every decision we make. To walk through these halls is to see our mission in action. This keeps our focus on students,” said Laurie Beth Sweeney P ’29 ’33, chief experience officer.

Weathering the Storm: COVID-19

In his inaugural year as head of school, Terwin had ambitious visions for fostering unity and connection through events and relationships with mission-aligned organizations and experts. Terwin described the early part of the year as an attempt to “frame education as joyful exploration for students and adults.”

One of the last community events in February 2020 was the upper school’s performance of “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” in which Terwin was cast as Jesus. His last words before exiting the stage in a cloud of smoke were, ironically, “Wash your hands.”

Terwin credits Wellington’s successes during the pandemic to two factors: 1) the school had experience with creating specialized spaces for distance learning and collaboration opportunities thanks to programs like the U.S. Embassysponsored program with Russia, and 2) the staff, faculty, administrators, and COVID-19 Task Force members who he described as “incredible people who thought of students first.” Wellington quickly implemented hybrid learning

“ Find your optimistic mindset and hope. Your trajectory is not straight. You’re going to have challenges and setbacks but view those as opportunities. Follow your passions and what inspires your joy.”

models and integrated technology to facilitate remote learning, all while maintaining a semblance of normalcy for those attending in person.

As a leader during this challenging time, he found that his faith in the Wellington community was continually affirmed. “There’s a ton of trust and willingness to do what’s necessary to help the kids learn and grow,” said Terwin. “Everyone was willing to lean in, asking ‘What do you need?’ and ‘What can we do?’” In response to those questions, the Wellington community came together to create the Jags Together Fund, which ensured no member of the community financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic would have to make difficult decisions about their future at Wellington. Terwin is proud that lessons learned from COVID-19 would go on to shape how Wellington manages its tuition assistance fund, acknowledging that one-time hardships happen and shouldn’t interrupt a student’s Wellington experience.

Terwin’s dedication to a leadership style that puts people first steered the school through a challenging time for Wellington and the world. “Jeff’s leadership through the tumult of a pandemic was marked by an empathy, creativity, and tenacity that not only steadied our ship but propelled us forward,” said Ted Manley P ’21 ’24, past chair of the board.

Terwin shared what is perhaps one of his best stories about caring for students. During the winter of 2020-21, Mad River Mountain was closed, and the annual ski program was suspended. Looking for opportunities to get students and faculty engaged in outdoor activities and escape the oppressive walls of a winter spent indoors, he bought an ice rink that could be installed on campus. While logistical challenges in obtaining sufficient skates and helmets — and

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Terwin with Jaedyn Gaines ’19 during Senior Independent Project presentations

DR. JEFF TERWIN, HEAD OF SCHOOL

PICTURED

Two students diving in Grand Cayman

a surprisingly warm January — derailed his plans, Terwin’s noted fiscal responsibility ensured the school was able to get its money back. This perfectly highlights Terwin’s creativity and search for ways to ensure student learning and joy.

So Long, Not Farewell

All of Terwin’s accomplishments cannot be listed neatly in an article. Perhaps one of his most important is physically intangible but deeply impactful — bringing forth a culture of joy. “Education should be joyful for students and adults,” said Terwin. “If you’re not giving yourself the grace to be silly, find the joy, say yes to ridiculous things, make a fool of yourself in front of others, and model that for kids, you’re not getting what you deserve.”

His ability to find joy in the moment perfectly aligns with his advice to students as they consider their futures. “Find your optimistic mindset and hope. Your trajectory is not straight. You’re going to have challenges and setbacks but view those as opportunities. Follow your passions and what inspires your joy. I am a marine biologist living in Columbus, Ohio. And I’ve loved every step,” said Terwin. “Life is amazing. Enjoy it.”

Terwin is excited about Wellington’s future. Now that the school is 40 years old, it’s time to begin the next phase of strategic planning. He has the utmost confidence in incoming Head of School Eliza McLaren, who Terwin describes as “a thoughtful leader committed to putting students first. She is ready to take Wellington into the future.” Though he is moving to California to serve as head of La Jolla Country Day School in San Diego, he plans to stay connected to Wellington. As someone who exemplifies the term “student-centered” above all else, he’s willing to steal (and share) a few ideas to make the student experience better and prepare them for their next steps, no matter which school they attend.

Known for his love of music, and playlistcreating prowess, Terwin has gifted a final playlist to the Wellington community that represents the arc of a Wellington student’s experience:

Roar

Katy Perry

“You’re a Jaguar. You’re excited for a new experience.”

Brave

Sara Bareilles

“You’re here. Now what? You have to be brave and lean in.”

Don’t Stop Me Now Queen

“You’re being brave. Despite the setbacks, you have to keep going.”

Float On Modest Mouse

“Push through and enjoy the moment.”

Step

Vampire Weekend

“The lines ‘Wisdom’s a gift, but you’d trade it for youth / Age is an honor, it’s still not the truth’ shows the toggle between youthful excitement and getting trapped in what we know as we mature.”

Life is Beautiful

Keb’ Mo’

“Life is beautiful. Drift down the river.”

THANK YOU, Alumni Service Members

The Wellington community appreciates our alumni who have served or are currently serving in the military, including those featured here: Chase Guinn ’99, Dana Krull ’98, Casey Osterkamp ’01, and Solomon Pierre-Louis ’18. We honor the sacrifice and dedication they have made and thank them for their service.

Chase Guinn ’99

Chase Guinn ’99 applied to three colleges, hoping to play collegiate lacrosse. After receiving an acceptance letter from the United States Military Academy at West Point, he felt he couldn’t say no to the opportunity. Joining the Army hadn’t been a lifelong dream, but West Point’s history and traditions intrigued him. “It changed my life,” he said. “I grew up at West Point and it turns out that’s exactly what I needed.” To this day, Guinn is one of only two Wellington alumni who have graduated from West Point.

After graduating, Guinn was deployed to North Iraq in 2005-06 and again in 2009-10. Guinn left the military in 2011 as a captain and received a Bronze Star, given

for heroic achievement, heroic service, meritorious achievement, or meritorious service in a combat zone. Guinn now works in the State Department as a diplomat and has lived in various countries. He looks forward to moving to Chile in September.

Dana Krull ’98

Dana Krull ’98 didn’t intend to pursue a career in the military after graduating from Wellington, though he jokes his acting experience in a production of “A Few Good Men” his senior year set him on the path. Krull originally planned to become a lawyer but changed his mind after enrolling in the Army ROTC (Reserve Officers’

Training Corps) program at Ohio University, as well as witnessing the terrorist attack on September 11, 2001. He was commissioned in 2002 as an infantry officer. Following deployment in Iraq as a rifle platoon leader, Krull felt called to ministry and later served as an Army Ranger Chaplain.

Adjustment to civilian life took a toll on Krull, and he was diagnosed with PTSD. In 2022, he was paired with Spruce, a black Labrador retriever service dog, thanks to K9s For Warriors, the nation’s largest provider of trained service dogs to military veterans. Today, Krull is navigating post-military life with his wife and three sons, with an emphasis on being the best role model he can be. “Know and love yourself first. Only then can you truly give yourself to others,” said Krull.

Casey Osterkamp ’01

Hoping to eliminate college debt and follow in her family’s footsteps, Casey Osterkamp ’01 decided to enroll in NROTC (Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps) at Northwestern University. “My grandfather served for over 30 years in the Navy and I’m a sucker for tradition,” said Osterkamp. After graduating, Osterkamp spent four years in the Navy and found her time both humbling and challenging.

One of her earliest responsibilities was leading a team of enginemen. “In this effort, it became painfully clear to me that I was one of the very few who had the fortune of receiving a truly outstanding education. Along with my parents, Wellington challenged and supported me — an experience few of my sailors shared,” said Osterkamp. This experience led Osterkamp to a career focused on

educational access. Today, she is the chief operations officer for a tuition-free college prep charter school in Indiana.

During her time in the Navy, Osterkamp received the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, which is the highest non-combat decoration award for heroism given by the Navy.

Solomon Pierre-Louis ’18

After graduating, Solomon Pierre-Louis ’18 wanted to be in an environment that pushed him to be his best — much like the experience he had at Wellington. He found that in the Air Force. At the Air Force Academy, Pierre-Louis played varsity basketball, participated in the Academy’s African American Affinity Group, and enjoyed hiking the Colorado trails.

The Air Force is highly focused on aeronautical engineering, which was Pierre-Louis’ major of choice. Currently, he is a 2nd Lieutenant working as a systems engineer at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton, Ohio. After completing his current assignment, Pierre-Louis hopes to work in the Pentagon or the National Security Agency. Reflecting on why he chose military life, he said, “I admired the discipline and selflessness of service members. I felt compelled to be a part of that community.” Pierre-Louis is still a fixture at Wellington and often connects with current students and young alumni about his experiences in the Air Force, playing a varsity sport in college, and majoring in engineering.

SAKSHI PATEL ’31

A Glimpse Into Tomorrow’s World: Wellington’s First-ever Futurist Symposium

Since its founding by trailblazing entrepreneurs who wanted to see more creative, curious, passionate, and optimistic people in the world, Wellington has spent 40 years helping students realize their potential for tomorrow’s world.

To further advance its philosophy of shaping students with a forwardlooking perspective, Wellington held its inaugural Futurist Symposium on October 18, 2023. The event was an opportunity for the Wellington community to hear insights from industry and education leaders on where the world is heading.

The Futurist Symposium grew out of discussions among the Program Innovation Committee (PIC), a board committee established in 2019 to formulate valuable insights and recommendations for how Wellington can provide innovative education to all students. Dr. Jeff Terwin, head of school, and Bob Wheeler P ’20 ’22 ’25, board of trustees member, co-chair the committee and took on the challenge of creating the Symposium’s programming.

Dr. David Staley, an associate professor of history at The Ohio State University, served as the keynote speaker.

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Rehgan Avon and Ben Sloneker ’15

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Dr. David Staley delivering the keynote

instills a sense of hope, something he identified as lacking in his students.

Following Staley’s keynote, Terwin moderated a panel discussion with Matt Scantland P ’30 ’35, AndHealth founder and CEO; Rehgan Avon, AlignAI co-founder and CEO; and Ben Sloneker ’15, WalterPicks cofounder. The panelists discussed how entrepreneurs and innovators think about the future, with a focus on artificial intelligence (AI) and workforce development.

Staley has long studied the future — an interest that dates back to his reading of Isaac Asimov’s Foundation series. While earning his doctorate, he would meet up with fellow graduate students to read every newspaper they could get their hands on — from The New York Times to The Christian Science Monitor — and they wouild devise predictions on German reunification in the late 1980s and early 1990s. He soon realized the value of the long view and looking at current technological, social, and economic trends to think about the trajectory of what lies ahead.

In his lecture, Staley emphasized the transformative nature of the future, noting that it is not predetermined but actively created and should be approached with a proactive mindset. He shared insights into a process called idealized design, wherein individuals envision their desired future and then engage in reverse engineering to determine the necessary steps to bring this vision to fruition. This method, Staley explained, not only sparks inventiveness but also

Scantland, Avon, and Sloneker agree that as technology systems and AI capabilities evolve rapidly, they look to hire employees who don’t just know how to use existing technology but are willing to adapt to new tools. They seek people who are self-starters and are willing to identify problems and devise solutions. Creativity, a willingness to embrace challenge, and motivation were all rated as important qualifications.

A second panel featured Dr. Melissa Shivers, senior vice president for student life at The Ohio State

University, and Dr. Brandon Sullivan, Wellington’s director of innovative programs. Together, they talked about what a future-focused educational experience should be. Shivers explained how current college students are thoughtful, inclusive, and socially aware, yet they also need increasing social and wellness support. This aligned with Staley’s earlier observation that now, more than ever, students feel less hopeful for the future. Meanwhile, Sullivan contended that education should leave room to fail and allow students to be flexible and follow their passions.

The evening affirmed the daily efforts of Wellington educators and the school’s holistic approach that encourages students to be curious, be yourself, be ambitious, be empathetic, and be responsible. Wellington students are prepared academically, socially, and emotionally, and are empowered to channel their idealized thinking to make a positive impact on the world.

The Futurist Symposium proved to be an inspirational event, igniting discussions and sparking enthusiasm among participants. By embracing a futurist mindset, Wellington is championing a community that not only anticipates change but actively engages in the process. Wellington students and alumni embody the belief that the future is not a fixed destination but a landscape awaiting crafting by collective vision and action.

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Dr. Melissa Shivers

Cultivating Belonging: The Role of Parent Affinity Groups in Building a Thriving Community

By Gerrie Brand P ’33 TRUSTEE AND DEI COMMITTEE CHAIR

At Wellington, our community is a vibrant tapestry of diverse families, each thread representing a unique story and background. We don’t just value connection and shared experiences; we actively engage in them, creating a dynamic journey for students and adults. Understanding the importance of connection and shared experiences in the caregiving journey, our community recognized an opportunity to deepen ties, giving rise to an initiative that transcends traditional school-community boundaries.

Parent Affinity Groups emerged as a beacon of cohesion and support in response to a desire for deeper connections among families. These eight groups embody our core ethos of engaging every family in the school’s journey and fostering a

nurturing environment where diversity is celebrated and individuality is honored. They bridge gaps and create an atmosphere where every family feels like an integral part of the community, and that they are shaping a culture that thrives on empathy, respect, and collaboration.

The activities spearheaded by the Parent Affinity Groups are as diverse as they are engaging. From casual morning coffees that kickstart our days with spirited conversations to vibrant picnics that bring families together in a relaxed setting, each event is thoughtfully designed to strengthen our community fabric. A standout is the annual Heritage Festival, called the International Festival in 2023, where a kaleidoscope of families share their cultural heritage, creating opportunities to enhance global

awareness and appreciation. These events are more than just social gatherings; they are a platform for cultural exchange and mutual learning, enhancing our children’s educational experience and broadening their worldviews.

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Lisette Benitez Pagniano P ’27 representing Colombia at the 2023 International Festival

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This inclusive approach not only nurtures our students but also empowers parents and caregivers, providing a meaningful way to contribute to their children’s education and overall well-being.

Emlah Tubuo P ’27 ’29 ’32 described the MOSAIC Affinity Group as a shining example of community connection at Wellington. MOSAIC is a supportive space where Black students and their families can freely share ideas, experiences, and guidance, enriching each other’s journey in parenting and learning, and fostering a sense of empowerment and unity. MOSAIC’s purpose resonates with the school’s core value of driving change through community engagement.

“We harness the power of community within the MOSAIC group,” said Tubuo.

Here, wisdom is shared not only among parents but also imparted to our children, embodying the broader concerns of humanity as championed by Martin Luther King Jr.

From my first day at Wellington, the warmth of the school community has

enveloped me. It felt like more than a school; it was akin to a large family where each member, regardless of background, was welcomed with open arms. This profound sense of belonging was exactly what I yearned for throughout my daughter’s academic journey. Now, as a volunteer in this vibrant community, I am continually awestruck by the dedication and warmth of those around me. The unity we experience didn’t just arise by chance; it was carefully cultivated, partly through the efforts of our Parent Affinity Groups.

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An iftar dinner hosted by Muslim Parents Affinity Group

The AAPI Affinity Group’s 2024 Lunar New Year celebration

Slope-erstars: Embracing Life Lessons on Winter Wednesdays

By Cristen Geary P ’35 ’36 MIDDLE SCHOOL SCIENCE

“Immersive education happens here” are the first words you read when you go to Wellington’s website. Students in the lower school and middle school ski programs embody this statement every Winter Wednesday as they gear up and head out to the slopes to try new things and persevere through challenges.

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Left: Picking yourself up after a stumble is one of the many lessons learned during Winter Wednesdays

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Students skiing in 1989

The Winter Wednesday program, which launched in 1983, is for students in 2nd through 8th grade. It has been a cornerstone experience that our younger students anxiously anticipate, and our upper school students look back on with fondness. Every Wednesday for five weeks, students load onto charter buses and head to Mad River Mountain near Bellefontaine, Ohio, where they are partnered with peers of a similar skill level and take lessons from a certified instructor.

Life lessons are all around as students learn to embody the Wellington values we hold so dear. Students of all ages must Be Responsible and manage their gear — from gloves and helmets to ski pants and jackets — flexing their executive functioning muscles in an engaging and authentic way. Another core value is Be Ambitious. Each time we head out, there are conversations

about trying new things, taking healthy risks, and pushing themselves in new ways. While they may not realize it now, so many of these lessons translate to the classroom. From how they approach challenging skills to the growth mindset they fortify, teachers all see the correlation and use it to drive students to great places.

Middle school students head to Mad River as soon as the school day begins. Once they’ve loaded their gear, they get some time on the bus to socialize with their classmates in a tech-free environment. We know this is a valuable and desired time for our middle school students. Once we arrive, they gear up and move directly to their hour-long ski lesson. The lessons are broken up by level and taught by certified Mad River instructors, providing the chance to Be Curious about what new skills they can learn during the sessions. Students work to move through the levels from week to week, reinforcing the hard work and dedication they have put in. After lessons, they check in with chaperones, grab some food, and then have the rest of the afternoon to enjoy the slopes with friends.

Our 2nd, 3rd, and 4th graders follow a similar trajectory, but they leave for Mad River after lunch. The instructors and chaperones work hard each week to ensure that students are growing and developing in ways that are ageappropriate for each group.

On Winter Wednesdays, the hill is alive with the sounds of kids giggling and laughing and sharing encouraging words with one another. This last one may be my favorite, as often it is in the form of yelling motivating words from the lift chair. It’s so heartwarming to see peers uplifting each other and celebrating the successes of others, exemplifying Wellington’s value Be Empathetic. Often, it is even kids from different grades who may know each other through sports, Dives, or recess, further demonstrating the strong connections these days allow. And all of this happens in a way that allows students to Be Yourself.

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Bethany Gottesman Bowen ’05 and Meredith Siegel ’05 hitting the slopes in 1996

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WAYS TO STAY

CONNECTED

Give what you can at wellington.org/give. Your philanthropy fuels Wellington’s mission Email communications@wellington.org to let us know what you think about The Jag

Attend an event –from our Well Life Series to Founders Day to Athletic Boosters Spaghetti Dinner, we’re hosting an event that will spark your interest. Find our events at wellington.org/calendar

DJUNA TEWKSBURY ’29

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Above:

FOURTH ANNUAL Celebration of Black Voices

During the first Celebration of Black Voices in 2021, Upper School Dean of Students and Theatre Arts Director David Glover, Me-Chelle Burkhalter P ’22, middle school math and science, and Yolanda Johnson, lower school lead, sought to expand traditional Black History Month celebrations to highlight and uplift the heritage, achievement, and rampant joy of Black culture in our community and beyond.

Now in its fourth year, the month-long event offered a variety of lessons and activities to students, from Little Jags to the upper school.

In strong partnership with The Abbott Family Learning Center, Wellington students had access to works by a variety of Black authors, poets, and illustrators. For Martin Luther King Jr. Day, librarians Patty Dunn and Becky Woodruff created a special display for lower school students. Titles included Mark Weakland’s “When Martin Luther King Jr. Wore Roller Skates,” Alice Faye Duncan’s “Memphis, Martin, and the Mountaintop,” and more. Together, the selection of books shared a thoughtful look into Dr. King’s significance.

Student artists coloring images of Serena Williams and Kamala Harris

Top right: The Abbott Family Learning Center’s display for Martin Luther King Jr. Day

The Thomas Family Dining Room staff also helped the Wellington community celebrate. On February 20, Desiree Lajoie, food service director, and her team served piri piri chicken, saffron coconut rice, and blackened cauliflower. The sandwich of the day was Yardbird Biscuit, with chicken and pepper peach jelly, celebrating Yardbird Southern Table & Bar, a chain of restaurants that specialize in Southern cuisine.

Prekindergarten students in Catie Swendal’s class tapped into their love of music by learning about jazz, the quintessential American music genre that originated in Black history and culture. The class watched performances by Louis Armstrong, Melba Liston, Duke Ellington, and Ella Fitzgerald on the class’s interactive flat panel.

Swendal helped extend student learning through reading and activities. She selected books that highlight the contributions of Black musicians and celebrate the diversity of music genres that Black artists created and shaped. After reading, the class sang the songs mentioned and explored featured musical instruments.

The celebration culminated with an in-person program for middle and upper school students that included workshops and film screenings.

Marianne Crowley and Greg Davis, middle school language arts, hosted

two poetry workshops. For the upper school workshop, they read Natasha Trethewey’s poem, “History Lesson.” In the poem, Trethewey addresses racial segregation through the juxtaposition of two photos, one of her as a fouryear-old in a flowered bikini on an open beach in the Mississippi Gulf and a second showing her grandmother in a flowered meal sack dress years before on a tiny strip of beach marked for “coloreds.”

For the middle school workshop, students read two poems by Nikki Giovanni, “Nikki-Rosa” and “Knoxville, Tennessee.” In the first, Giovanni describes growing up in poverty but emphasizes the positive aspects of her childhood and the importance of family love. Giovanni highlights how people, often white, make negative assumptions about her childhood and how poverty affected her. In “Knoxville, Tennessee,” a list poem, Giovanni shares the many wonderful things about her childhood summers.

Columbus-based dancer and choreographer Myles Lawson taught a dance workshop in the Blanchard Performing Arts Center. In addition to providing an opportunity for students to move their bodies joyfully, it was also

a celebration of Black musical artists and their impact on American music.

Kara Trent P ’26, upper school Spanish, and Erin Cornett ’96 P ’34, upper school history, hosted a crossdivisional trivia session. Students were asked questions about Brown v. Board of Education, Rosa Parks, the Civil Rights Movement, Thurgood Marshall, and many other topics. The friendly and fierce competition saw close scores and frequent changes in the leaderboard.

Many faculty members held movie screenings in their classrooms. Students were able to choose from a variety of genres and topics. Selections included “The Hate U Give,” “Hidden Figures,” “Remember the Titans,” “Red Tails,” “The Wiz,” and more.

In its fourth year, the Celebration of Black Voices at Wellington has proven to be a dynamic and inclusive platform that encourages students to explore, appreciate, and celebrate the depth and diversity of Black history, culture, and joy. The event’s success underscores the ongoing commitment of the Wellington community to fostering understanding, empathy, and a shared appreciation for the stories that shape us all.

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Middle and upper school

students enjoying a dance workshop

ELEANOR KIRSNER ’26

Leap Into Letters:

A WELLINGTON WORD SEARCH

Puzzlemaker is a puzzle generation tool for teachers, students and parents. Create a more-using your own word lists.

Locate all 14 words in this Wellington-inspired word search and email communications@wellington.org. The first five respondents to submit a photograph of the completed word search will win a $10 gift card. Wellington employees and students are ineligible to receive a prize. A hint: words can go in any direction and share letters as they cross over one another. Happy spotting!

Leap Into Letters: A Wellington Word

ON GIVING SPOTLIGHT

By Kerrie Kirkpatrick

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

It’s hard to walk into Wellington without having the urge to visit the always kind Brenda Porter P ’12 ’17. Porter joined Wellington’s staff in 2015 and since then has been a friendly and welcoming face to students, alumni, staff, and faculty. The Porter family, including Brenda’s husband, Adam, and their children, Chanté, Brea ’12, and Adam ’17, feel the positive impact of Wellington’s values on their lives. Curiosity, in particular, resonates with how the family approaches answering questions and exploring emerging interests. They have given gifts to the Annual Fund for more than 15 years. “Kindness begets a ripple effect. Witnessing the profound impact Wellington has had on our children leaves us in awe. We are dedicated to contributing what we can to ensure that other children can share in the same transformative experience,” said Porter.

Brea ’12 and Adam ’17 enjoy giving back to Wellington as alumni. Brea is a member of the Wellington Alumni Association Board (WAAB), and Adam connects with current students. “While we acknowledge that we can never fully repay Wellington for its influence, instilling hope, and fostering goodness in our children, we aspire for our donations to serve as a stepping stone towards creating a positive impact.”

Doug and Gretchen Roginson P ’31 ’32 firmly believe that Wellington is a unique and dynamic school. Aware that their two children, Mason ’31 and Lauren ’32, have benefitted from the generosity of families that came before them, the Roginsons support Wellington by donating their time and treasure. Gretchen pays it forward as a Wellington Annual Fund (WAF) volunteer. “Connecting with families on One Wellington’s call night is always so much fun! I love working together toward our goal to ignite excitement for our causes within other families,” said Roginson.

To maximize impact, the Roginson family uses corporate matching to ensure that Wellington can benefit as much as possible. “Our family appreciates how the Annual Fund is specific — there are transparent and timely pillars of focus that get us excited about Wellington’s future.” Roginson also appreciates how funding for people and programs supports the well-being of their children and all Wellington students.

Currently working as chief of staff for the Speaker of the Mississippi House of Representatives, Clarke Wise ’06 understands the importance of cultivating Wellington’s community and service. Wise has donated to Wellington’s Annual Fund for the past ten consecutive years. “It’s important to build bridges so generations to come will have the vision to keep moving ahead. I have been fortunate to experience the blessings and benefits of a Wellington education and I am proud to be able to give back to help further the goals of lifelong service and learning,” said Wise.

Although Wise and his wife, Julia, and son, MacNeil, live in Madison, Mississippi, Wise continues to stay in contact with classmates and admires the significant impact that Jaguars are making in their fields. “Wellington graduates are all over the country and we have an incredible network to draw on for advice and serve as a resource for both current students and fellow alumni.”

Editor’s note: Kerrie Kirkpatrick was previously the alumni and donor experience officer.

Faculty News

Laura Trubilowicz P ’27 ’30 ’34

MIDDLE SCHOOL LANGUAGE ARTS

Mikki Joseph P ’31 ’34

MIDDLE SCHOOL LEARNING SPECIALIST

In August 2023, Trubilowicz and Joseph ran a relay-style race from Cincinnati to Columbus to honor Cheryl Allen, Wellington’s former middle school dean of students who passed away in spring 2023. Each team collectively ran 130 miles over 21 hours to raise awareness and funds for the American Cancer Society.

Tonderai Tomu P ’36 ’39

LOWER SCHOOL PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Tomu recently launched My Motherland, a nonprofit dedicated to providing Zimbabwean children in rural areas access to education that fosters curiosity, leadership, and creativity to empower them to forge their own futures.

Drew Eberly P ’36

UPPER SCHOOL ENGLISH

Eberly released his latest record “Bailiwick” on December 1, 2023. “The songs cover a lot of geography. They are steeped in the details of city parks, restaurants, and theaters,” said Eberly, who has been playing live shows around the region to support the album. Visit www.dreweberly.com to find ways to listen.

Christie Johnson

EARLY CHILDHOOD AND LOWER SCHOOL LITERACY DIFFERENTIATION SPECIALIST

Johnson became the store manager of Alicia’s Closet, a free store for children and families affected by foster care. The Dublin store provides infant to young adult sized clothing, shoes, coats, diapers, baby accessories, and other essentials at no cost to families.

Patty Dunn

HEAD LIBRARIAN

Dunn was elected treasurer of the Ohio Educational Library Media Association (OELMA). While serving her two-year term, she will help OELMA carry out its mission of supporting school libraries as they meet the instructional needs and personal learning of all students and teachers.

Brenda Porter P ’12 ’17

UPPER SCHOOL ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Inspired by her work with A Foot in 2 Places, Porter started a small business selling greeting cards that reflect the diversity of the Wellington community and the world.

Jaime Bennati

UPPER SCHOOL ART

Bennati had three ceramic pieces featured in the “On Her Shoulders: A Celebration of Women” exhibition at Cultural Arts Center.

Wellington Welcomes Elissa Francis

Wellington is thrilled to announce Elissa Francis as the new director of development.

For Francis, philanthropy is at the heart of what she does both professionally and personally. “Philanthropy is a group effort that gets us all in on taking care of our community,” said Francis. “It’s a practical way of making a difference and keeping things moving forward.”

A graduate of The Ohio State University and native of Stow, Ohio, Francis’ career has focused on inspiring philanthropy within the nonprofit sector. “Throughout my professional journey, my heart has consistently gravitated towards the nonprofit sector. There’s joy in being intimately connected to a cause,” said Francis.

Francis extends her philanthropy to a variety of organizations. She serves the community as a friend of the Columbus Metropolitan Library, a board member of the ROY G BIV Gallery, and a longtime committee member of the Columbus Museum of Art’s Wonderball event.

When she’s not working, she loves spending time with her family. Her husband, Andrew, is an estate planning attorney. The couple have a two-year-old son, Luke, who loves Mario, fruit snacks, and tumbling, or as Francis describes it, “launching himself off any piece of furniture.”

She looks forward to getting to know the Wellington community. “The art of creating meaningful connections is not just a part of my work; it’s the heartbeat of my career,” said Francis. “I have a genuine curiosity about people and the unique stories and perspectives they bring.”

She invites you to meet her, and when you do, be sure to ask about her favorite films. For the past ten years, she and Andrew have watched every Oscar-nominated movie for Best Picture, Director, Actor, Actress, and Screenplay.

Diving Into Success: The Callanans’ Journey to Princeton Athletics

By Taso Callanan ’21 and George Callanan ’21

Wellington provides student-athletes the opportunity to explore new passions and make a splash. Twin brothers Taso and George Callanan ’21 reflect on how Wellington’s swimming and diving team allowed them to try a new sport that they’re now pursuing at Princeton University.

Taso Callanan ’21

Before transferring to Wellington for upper school, my athletics career solely involved gymnastics. The flexibility offered by Wellington’s athletics program allowed me to compete in diving for the school team while continuing to compete in gymnastics at the club level. Balancing the demands of training, competitions, and academics taught me invaluable lessons in time management and strengthening my work ethic.

During my first two years at Wellington, I became a national champion in gymnastics on the floor exercise and attended the High School State Diving Championships. At the beginning of my junior year, I committed to the application process to continue diving at Princeton University. I transitioned to diving full-time by practicing with

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Taso Callanan ’21

Wellington and The Ohio State Diving Club. That school year, I finished in fourth place at the State Diving Championships. Soon after the competition, the COVID-19 lockdown brought my athletic career to a halt. Fortunately, Wellington athletics offered virtual strength and conditioning classes led by Pete Collopy, former director of sports performance, which allowed me to improve my fitness abilities while outside of the pool for the remainder of the school year.

Limited pool access due to COVID-19 during my senior year created both challenges and opportunities. Throughout the year, teachers and Wellington’s athletic department supported my goal of pursuing diving at Princeton. That year, I trained with the 2008 Olympic head diving coach and finished in first place at the USA Diving Open Championships. Wellington offered me the flexibility I needed to make improvements in my athletic abilities to become a top competitor at the NCAA level.

The connections I made at Wellington continue to play a pivotal role in my life, fueling my drive for success. From the importance of resilience in the face of adversity to the value of balancing athletic pursuits with academic endeavors, I thank Wellington for teaching me invaluable skills that have led to my success. I look forward to continuing my athletic career at Princeton while making the most of my education at one of the top universities in the world.

George Callanan ’21

Transferring to Wellington during my sophomore year was a pivotal moment in my life. The decision was influenced by academic considerations

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George Callanan ’21

and a significant shift in my athletic journey, coinciding with the end of my gymnastics career due to a medical retirement. After retiring, I started diving for The Ohio State Diving Club and Wellington.

During my first season of diving under the guidance of coach Ron Kontura, I earned fourth place at the state championship. I continued diving during the club season and qualified for the Junior National Championships. In my junior season, I committed to diving at Princeton University and won the High School State Diving Championship. In March 2020 the pandemic ceased all athletic and extracurricular activities.

During my senior year, Taso and I enjoyed Wellington’s unwavering support. Training alongside USA Diving National Team members under the guidance of a former Olympic head coach, I qualified for the 2021 Olympic Team Trials.

Now, as a junior at Princeton University, I am grateful for the

foundation Wellington provided me, both academically and athletically. Competing at the Ivy League Championship, NCAA Championship, and USA Diving National Championship, I continue to carry the lessons learned at Wellington. Beyond athletics, Wellington instilled in me a passion for lifelong learning and a drive to excel in diverse pursuits. As I embark on a career in private equity post-graduation, I am confident that the resilience, determination, and balanced perspective instilled in me by Wellington will continue to guide me on my journey ahead.

Wellington provided me with the flexibility and support to balance my rigorous training schedule with my academic commitments. If it were not for the countless chances Wellington gave me to find passions in areas I would not have otherwise explored, I would not be where I am today. Thank you to all the faculty, coaches, and staff for supporting my academic, athletic, and extracurricular endeavors.

Alumni News

1991

Ajit Chaudhari is the new president-elect for the American Society of Biomechanics. His term begins in August 2024.

1997

Catie (Gross) Daly and her husband welcomed James Timothy (“JT”) on December 7, 2023. THE CLASS OF

Idin Pirasteh and his wife, Julie, welcomed Beren into the world in September 2023.

2009

William Schumm married Olivia Ambrose and welcomed baby, Emma, to their Denver-based family in 2023.

THE CLASS OF

an Ohio State game.

Tova Seltzer is in her second year as an editorial assistant at the Neal Porter Books imprint of Holiday House, a children’s book publisher.

THE CLASS OF

Madison Hyzdu was invited to try out for Team USA in wheelchair rugby.

THE CLASS OF 2017

Evan Brandao started a new job at Novogradac & Company and will continue working in the multi-family real estate sector. He spent part of the winter traveling around Central America, Asia, and the Middle East.

Cassie Robbins is a secondyear Ph.D. student in Ohio State’s biochemistry program. Recently, Robbins joined the Poirier Lab in the physics department working on DNA transcription factors essential for the regulation of gene expression. Future plans include taking the qualifying exam and advancing to a Ph.D. candidate in December 2024.

Jonathan Robinson, Christian Braddy, Neale Snyder, Mira Syed, Jalen Perkins, Quinten Henricks, Abby Conger, Kayla Barton, Helen Fite, and Liz Zimmerman met for

Ben Starker graduated from The Ohio State University with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. Currently, Starker is working as a pavement engineer with the Ohio Department of Transportation.

Alumni Soccer Game and Gathering

On Friday, November 24, over 100 alumni met at Wellington for an alumni gathering. Alumni toured the new wing and caught up with classmates while watching their fellow alumni play soccer.

Brad Biehl has launched “good traffic,” a podcast that examines American urbanism through optimistic conversation on urban design in the United States.

Maithri Kora, Christina Armeni, Jakaysha Williams, Bob Faller, Abhi Ganesh, and Annie Taylor met in New York City to cheer on Taylor who ran the New York City Marathon.

Members of the Class of 2018 gathered for an Ohio State game in November 2023.

Jay Briggs co-launched the podcast “Code of the Craftsmen,” which discusses decoding the art of mastering your craft.

Evan Albers is currently pursuing his master’s degree in artificial intelligence (AI) at Northeastern University. Albers won the Men’s Fours at the 2023 American Collegiate Rowing Association National Championships at Bowdoin College.

Erin Anderson accepted a new role at Zeno Group as an assistant account executive in influencer marketing. Some of the brands that she is currently working on are Heinz Tomato Ketchup, Taco Bell, and Stella & Chewy’s.

Megan Johnson, Ian Frim, and William Roy attended Wellington’s Founders Day in September 2023.

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.

Jackie Hammond Remembered

Jackie Hammond GP ’13 passed away on September 5, 2023. Hammond was a member of the business office for many years, starting at Wellington in January 1985.

Jodi Porterfield, lower school lead, remembers Hammond as someone who loved being a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, wife, friend, OSU fan, and Jag. “I can still hear her laugh after a joke and see that smirk as she told a good story about her daughter, Jaime Kletzly P ’13,” said Porterfield. “Jackie is a woman who is remembered for her ability to make everyone who entered our doors feel like they belonged here.”

The Hammond family has many ties to Wellington. Hammond’s

Julia (Swaddling) Losee Remembered

Julia “Julie” (Swaddling) Losee ’91 passed away on November 30, 2023. Julie was a “day one” student, joining the fourth grade class in 1982, Wellington’s inaugural year. She loved her teachers, playing tennis and softball, and traveling with peers. For the 1987-88 softball season, Losee was awarded the Sportsmanship Award, and as a sophomore led the team in RBIs with 16.

Lauren (Aland) Morr ’91 recalls her classmate fondly, “I met Julie my freshman year when we played varsity tennis together. She was incredibly welcoming to me as the new kid in class and on the team. We were

instantly friends,” said Morr. “We spent countless hours at each other’s houses, going to the indoor Lane Avenue Mall, and bowling at Fiesta Lanes on the weekends to make the best of cold Ohio winters! I will always cherish those growing-up years we had together and will miss her tremendously.”

After Wellington, Losee attended Hillsdale College in Hillsdale, Michigan, graduating in June 1995 with a degree in early childhood education. Two of the highlights of her life were welcoming a daughter, Karleigh, in 2000, and a son, Aaron, in 2004.

granddaughter, Coleen (Kletzly) Anderson graduated from Wellington in 2013. “One of my fondest memories of Wellington was half-day prekindergarten and spending every afternoon with Meme. Every day, we had lunch together, and I would play in her office until it was time to go to my babysitter,” said Anderson. “I loved this time with her, and I will forever cherish those memories! She loved people, her job, and most of all Wellington.”

The Wellington community mourns the loss of “an incredible Meme” with the Hammond family, including her children, grandchildren, and greatgrandchildren.

Our thoughts are with the Swaddling family and Julie’s children, Karleigh and Aaron Losee.

DONOVAN OTCASEK ’25