The Jag - Spring/Summer 2016

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FE ATURES

GR ADUATION

ALUMNI

Richard O’Shaughnessy: Opening a New Window on the Universe

Setting the Standard for Excellence

Classes of 1991 and 1996 Where Are They Now?

Dear Friends, A century ago Albert Einstein predicted the existence of gravitational waves, or spacetime ripples that travel at the speed of light. By publishing his theories of special and general relativity, Einstein expanded on Newton’s law of universal gravitation first presented in the 1680s. Both Newton and Einstein shocked their contemporaries by introducing bold new rules for how the natural world worked, particularly because they had no way to prove the veracity of their claims. In 2016, one hundred years after his original prediction, Einstein finally had the proof he needed when a group of scientists detected gravitational waves caused by the collision of two binary black holes. Included in that small group of researchers was Wellington alumnus Richard O’Shaughnessy ’92.

to recall their most memorable moments as students. After all, no one changes the world without a little help. Just as Einstein built upon the foundation his predecessor Newton constructed, Richard O’Shaughnessy took us one step further by confirming their theories with real world evidence. Wellington graduates will make their own important contributions to science, medicine, law, politics, business, and the arts as they leave our school with the knowledge and confidence to change the world.

At Wellington, we understand the hunger within every child for more; an insatiable appetite for understanding that drives a young mind to explore endlessly.

There are no limits to the imagination of eager learners just as there are no limits to where a Wellington graduate may go in life. This June, the Class of 2016 joined excellent company like Richard O’Shaughnessy when they officially became alumni of The Wellington School.

Some graduates will continue work they began here as they matriculate at universities like Stanford, Vanderbilt, and Georgetown; while others will follow an interest in entrepreneurship at Babson College, just outside of Boston, and UC Berkeley, not far from Silicon Valley.

Every student at Wellington, past and present, has a story to tell.

ROBERT D. BRISK P ‘13 ‘15

Richard discovered physics and his lifelong passion for space while a student at our school. He remembers influential faculty like John Kruzan, Carol Goldsmith, and Sam Stewart for their lasting impact on him and his chosen career. Talented teachers, in fact, are mentioned over and over again when Wellington graduates are asked

A group of Wellington student athletes will continue their dedication and determination to succeed in sports at Fordham University, Kent State, Centre College, Ohio University, and Guilford College. The Class of 2016 also boasts a Robertson Scholar, the only awarded to an Ohio senior, which provides a full scholarship to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Duke University.

Every student at Wellington, past and present, has a story to tell. This magazine serves as your passageway into our great school and the amazing members of our community, from teachers and children to parents, grandparents, alumni, and alumni parents, who make it truly special. The most heartening part for me is that each experience we share with you is just the beginning, the beautiful beginning to lives filled

with purpose. Our students stand on the shoulders of their parents, teachers, and alumni before them with a powerful vantage point. What they do with that view will be unique to them as individuals, yet affect us all as one Wellington family. Together we will continue making history.

Warm regards,

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

is published by The Wellington School for all members of its community. Please send any comments to Yvonne Johnson at communications@wellington.org.

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Yvonne Johnson P ’25 ’27 Yvonne Johnson P ’25 ’27, Laura Cooke ’90 P ’21 ’21 ’24 ’27, Katz Kadlic ’19, Katherine Kennard ’16, Abbey Mayne ’16, Lindsey Smith P ’26, P. Jayne Young C OP Y E DI T OR S : Rachel Althof P ‘29, Laura Cooke ’90 P ’21 ’21 ’24 ’27, Melanie Eggleton, Caroline Haskett P ’19 ’20 ’22, Abbey Slee, Sally Stratton, Laurie Beth Sweeney, Jeff Terwin, Erin Noviski, Jill Webb P HO T O C R E DI T S : Rob Luikart, James Berry P ’18, Bob Causey P ’16, Chris Cooke P ’21 ’21 ’24 ‘27, Laura Cooke ’90 P ’21 ’21 ’24 ‘27, Melinda Gleissner P ’20, Caroline Haskett P ’19 ’20 ‘22, Sandra LaFontaine P ‘21, Sharla Starker P ’17 ‘22, Mimi Taylor P ’16 ‘18, Jen Tonapi P ‘24, Ryan Young ‘18 DE SIGN: Bluewave Creative E DI T OR :

CONTR IBUTOR S:

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I have always felt supported here.

Wellington’s focus on community and giving teachers the resources they need to be effective in the classroom is very empowering.

Ian Frim ‘19.

MARY POTTER P ’01 ‘04 PAGE 28

Potter Mania ON T H E C OV E R :

Temidayo Dairo ‘16 receives his diploma from Wellington Board Chair Nancy Kramer P ‘07 ‘09 ‘11.

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FEATURES

GRADUATION

A CLOSER LOOK

ATHLETICS

Setting the Standard for Excellence

The Code For Success Upper School Uses Time Wisely

Richard O’Shaughnessy: Opening a New Window on the Universe Meet Our Graduates A Flair for Food 19

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Spotlight Athletes Wellington Boys Basketball Slam Dunk Season

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Solving for Y Math Is Important

Connor Biernat: State Runner-Up

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Character Is Key

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ALUMNI

Alumni News Classes of 1991 and 1996 Where Are They Now? 58 THE WELLINGTON SCHOOL

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FE ATURE

Richard O’Shaughnessy: Opening a New Window on the Universe When asked if he would ever want to travel into space, astrophysicist and Wellington alumnus Richard O’Shaughnessy ’92 answered without hesitation, “No - space is very dangerous!”

He should know. There are few people living today more qualified to answer that question.

With a B.A. in astronomy from Cornell University and a Ph.D. 2

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in physics from the California Institute of Technology, O’Shaughnessy is currently a math and astrophysics professor at the Rochester Institute of Technology. And that’s just his day job. He is also a researcher for LIGO (Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory), a large-scale physics experiment and observatory. For the last 15

years, O’Shaughnessy has been working with a group of top scientists detecting gravitational waves. As a graduate student, most of his thesis work was dedicated to designing the LIGO mirror, accounting for the slight temperature induced fluctuations in the equipment.

In February of 2016, O’Shaughnessy was finishing

writing a grant proposal describing all the physics he and his LIGO colleagues could do after detecting binary black holes when he received an email that the discovery had, in fact, just been made. “I felt like I’d won the lottery,” he said.

The scientific historical moment in which O’Shaughnessy had been a part involved two binary black holes colliding and causing gravitational waves that confirmed Einstein’s theory of general relativity.

“We detected a new astrophysical source we had never seen before,” he said.

“For most people who are not physicists, I think they find that the most cool. It’s not that we’ve proven Einstein is right; it’s that we’ve opened a new window on the universe.

I think in the long run that’s why people will think it’s most important. Some have compared this moment to when Galileo first put his telescope in the sky. But I would say this is even more important. Imagine if the sky was completely invisible until Galileo put his telescope up to it. That’s basically where we are right now.”

The media attention surrounding the discovery must have felt like its own seismic shift in the universe as O’Shaughnessy’s work made the front page of The New York Times as well as television news coverage on every major network. In Columbus, O’Shaughnessy’s hometown, he was lauded as a local boy making good. Very good. In an interview with the Columbus Dispatch, he credited Wellington teacher and director of technology John Kruzan with changing his life by introducing him to physics in high school. O’Shaughnessy was quick to attribute his passion for pursuing knowledge to Wellington. “I had a lot of opportunities to create my own path,” he said. “I think that was one of the things I was really able to take advantage of most with the close

community having a rapport with the people who were instructing and inspiring me.”

Wellington’s diverse curriculum had a tremendous influence on O’Shaughnessy.

Classes like history with Sam Stewart and science with Carol Goldsmith thoroughly engaged him. “Wellington was the sort of environment that was conducive to learning how to be a self-directed person.

The experience of independent pursuit of knowledge is something you want to make sure you have when you’re facing the challenges of your own life. There is no book for life. You have to figure out how to learn.”

O’Shaughnessy is excited by the potential practical applications of gravity wave detectors. In building LIGO, scientists invented technologies that had never been used before. “A lot of the pioneering work in quantum optics, cavity mechanics for doing high precision measurements, and controlling system, which will have spinoffs for quantum computation, will be a new, super cool way that computers can work in the future.

We have wonderful, very prosaic, seismic isolation systems. If you want to build something that’s very precise, for example lots and lots of really big computer chips, you have to have very precise measurements and that means you have to keep things very

still for a very long time. And now we’re very good at that. So there are a lot of spinoff technologies that we can certainly expect to happen from the sort of stuff we’ve developed.”

Since making waves in the world of science, no day is typical anymore for O’Shaughnessy. He continues to teach at RIT and his days are made even busier with teleconferences and emails with his LIGO colleagues. What’s next for this group? They are attempting to predict how often binary black holes should merge. This is what helped them prove Einstein’s theory in the first place; but whereas they previously had been “broadly” right, they now want to “pin down the details because there are some other things that could possibly be true,” according to O’Shaughnessy. “To do that we need to have more events and extract more information from each one. It’s a process of collecting more events; then, from those populations, infer robust statements about how each one of them could have been formed because each of them will be unique.”

Married to wife Tamara and the father of six-year old twins Richard and Gretchen, O’Shaughnessy relaxes by reading or hiking when he can find the time. He does his greatest thinking when he is pacing or walking and considers the best part of his job the continual process of discovery.

“I think it’s really cool to learn about the universe. It’s good to live in interesting times.”

PICTURED Left: Richard O’Shaughnessy ‘92 at the Rochester Institute of Technology.

Below: Tamara, Richard, Gretchen and Richard O’Shaughnessy in Banff, Alberta.

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Setting the Standard for Excellence The Wellington Class of 2016 is prepared to use unique gifts and perspectives to make the world a better place.

The 28th commencement exercises at The Wellington School marked an important milestone in the lives of the Class of 2016. Gathered in the Gard Gym with family, friends, faculty, and administrators who played invaluable roles in their academic and personal growth, graduating seniors were lauded for their achievements as well as emboldened to change the world.

In his opening remarks, Head of School Robert Brisk P ’13 ’15 called the ceremony a celebration of the partnership between families and Wellington. He also said that while the purpose of the day was to say good-bye, graduates were always PICTURED Left: Obinna Adamswelcome to come back. “We come Johns ‘16, Gwenyth together today, not to congratulate Hughes ‘16. you for reaching your destination.

Right: Evan Rodgers ‘16. We gather to send you off with our fond farewell.”

The Class of 2016 had an impressive 19 Lifers, students who attend Wellington since prekindergarten, kindergarten, or 1st grade. They were given blue honor cords at the Senior Dinner earlier in the week to designate their admirable commitment to our school.

Senior Class President Lucie Kirk presented the class gift of a new mascot costume “to be the face of Wellington spirit in the future and a physical symbol of what we have built these last four years. We all hope that the spirit of our school will continue to grow in our absence and that our gift will be a reminder to always have pride in being a Jaguar.” The Class of 2016 was credited with greatly increasing school spirit at Wellington.

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Yearbook co-editors Quinn Coleman and Julia Doran, on behalf of the yearbook staff, thanked everyone who contributed to the book and expressed their gratitude for the continual support they received from the entire Wellington community. Coleman and Doran also announced that the 31st volume of “The Duke” was dedicated to Upper School English Teacher Kelly Zavotka. Doran said of their advisor and mentor, “She empowers us to bring our own unique vision and personal touches to each page. This book is only possible because of her. It is sometimes a difficult task, but Ms. Zavotka encourages every single one of us, and offers a helping hand whenever we need her.”

“We will need courage to laugh in the face of trials and to help with the sting of heartbreak. To the graduates of the Class of 2016, use laughter, kindness, and courage to change the world.”

– WILL TAYLOR ‘16

Selected by his classmates, Taylor brought both comic levity and heart to the day as class speaker. He spoke with moving candor about the impact of labels, names, and words as we each journey through the stages of life. He asked his fellow graduates to eschew the potentially harmful labeling of others. “Our lives are lived in moments, not as labels. We are living our lives in this moment, not according to the definitions stuck on us by others, or words we have attached to ourselves.” Taylor urged seniors to consider different words which would allow them to live in the moment and not be held back by the past. Words like laughter, kindness, and courage were examples he encouraged his peers to use as they moved beyond Wellington. “We will need courage to laugh in the face of trials and to help with the sting of heartbreak,” he said. “To the graduates of the Class of 2016, use laughter, kindness, and courage to change the world.”

The highlighted talents of the Class of 2016 extended well beyond oration when Music Award Winner Obinna Adams-Johns performed “Summertime” by George Gershwin on his alto sax, accompanied by Wellington junior Ian Woods ’17 on bass.

Assistant Head of School and Head of Upper School Jeff Terwin took a moment to thank teachers for their unwavering support and guidance in the lives of the new graduates. “Teaching is the ultimate profession because it provides the gateway to all other professions.

When it is done well, it can change the world. And you all do it better than well. The standards that you set and the excellence that you have nurtured has positioned these students for success well beyond Wellington.”

Terwin also shared a poignant reflection of the class’s last four years together. “We have seen great changes in each of you. You have found your voice, you have taken the reins of your path, and you have learned to lead. You are a unique group, truly owning your individuality and wearing it with pride. I respect that you have not 6

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been conformers; never pretending to be something you are not. You demonstrate what you value, and encourage others to understand your perspective, while also being open to differing views…Use your unique gifts and perspectives to make the world a better place.

Leverage the power that you discovered here, being a part of this beautifully diverse community.”

The topic of diversity resonated throughout the ceremony as outgoing Wellington Board Chair Nancy Kramer P ’07 ’09 ’11 spoke about our school’s commitment to greater inclusivity. Of all the advances Wellington has made through the years in our physical space, curriculum, and programming, Kramer said her most loved was the diversity of students. “We believe diversity is one of our superpowers, and we highly value the way in which it makes the Wellington experience more authentic to our changing world, and therefore, more valuable.”

Kramer was also presented with an honorary diploma from The Wellington School for her dedication and enthusiasm as board chair for the past eight years. Sharing that she considered herself, as a mother of three Wellington Lifers, a Lifer as well, Kramer said that she deeply believed in the mission of our school and the continued positive impact we will have on students.

As tradition, after seniors received their diplomas and officially became graduates of The Wellington School, they heard from alumni speakers. Ashley Fuller ’08 and Chelsea Price ’08, the oldest alumnae siblings of this graduating class, shared the many ways in which our school prepared them for life. “Everything I have done, every opportunity I have had, is because of what I learned while I was here at The Wellington School,” Fuller said.

Now the Class of 2016 will be on their way in life with the unwavering support of our Wellington community behind them. Prepared as critical thinkers, collaborators, and problem solvers, this extraordinary group of young men and women will to do their best to make the world a better place just as Wellington made them better people.

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CLASS OF 2016 COMMENCEMENT

Left: Austin Phillips ‘16, Max Muir ‘16, Abbey Mayne ‘16.

1: Keilah Causey ‘16, Cameron Edmondson ‘16.

2: Will Taylor ‘16.

3: Jordan Ashby ‘16, Katie Kennard ‘16.

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4: Derin Atekoja ‘16, Zoe Kiourtsis ‘16.

5: Temidayo Dairo ‘16, Roth Dehlendorf ‘16, Chris Doody ‘16.

6: Jacob Wobbrock ‘16, Mikhail Hunker ‘16.

7: Sarah Schmitz ‘16.

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8: Sara Brubaker ‘16, Paige Taylor ‘16.

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CLASS OF 2016 COMMENCEMENT

1: Cameron Edmondson ‘16, Bakari Brown ‘16.

2: Marcus Adams ‘16.

3: Regan Price ‘16, R.J. Sabatino ‘16.

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4: Roth Dehlendorf ‘16, Sterling Adiansingh ‘16, Obinna Adams-Johns ‘16, Jack Chester ‘16.

5: Gwenyth Hughes ‘16, Abbey Mayne ‘16.

6: Jordan Ashby ‘16, Derin Atekoja ‘16, Princeton Ball ‘16, Nate Beam ‘16.

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7: Luke Liu ‘16.

8: Katie Kennard ‘16.

9: Lucie Kirk ‘16, Nate Beam ‘16.

10: Matthew Xin ‘16, Jacob Wobbrock ‘16, Ted Wing ‘16, Franny Wiggins ‘16.

11: Will Taylor ‘16, Preston Fuller ‘16.

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12: Waymond Smoot ‘16.

13: Rachel Carr ‘16.

14: Alexis Hadjarpour ‘16, Quinn Coleman ‘16.

15: Matthew Xin ‘16.

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CLASS OF 2016 COMMENCEMENT

1: Alex Tannous ‘16, Julia Doran ‘16.

2: MadJo Hyzdu ‘16.

3: Luke Liu ‘16, Aria Kamian ‘16.

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4: Halle Jefferson ‘16, Chandler James ‘16.

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5: The Wellington School Class of 2016.

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Meet Our

Graduates Favorite Wellington MEMORY? What is your proudest Greatest BENEFIT of a Wellington education?

Biggest RISK you have taken as a student at Wellington? What ADVICE would you give to your lower school self? How do you plan to positively IMPACT the world? Here’s what they said.

ACCOMPLISHMENT?

Marcus Adams

Obinna Adams-Johns

WITTENBERG UNIVERSITY

OHIO UNIVERSITY

BENEFIT The ability to meet with teachers one on one.

MEMORY

Trying out competitive swimming for the first time.

Don’t run from responsibilities.

RISK

Playing with the Blue Notes Jazz Group.

ADVICE

Sterling Adiansingh GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY

Learning to be a critical thinker.

BENEFIT

Giving back to people who don’t have the same opportunities I had.

IMPACT

Jordan Ashby WOFFORD COLLEGE

RISK Joining two new sports my senior year.

Don’t be afraid to be different. Each person is uniquely made so there is no “normal.”

ADVICE

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Princeton Ball

Derin Atekoja SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY

FORDHAM UNIVERSITY

OHIO UNIVERSITY

IMPACT Running a nonprofit organization meant to help further the education for children who would not have access otherwise.

MEMORY Competing year after year with the varsity golf team at state championships.

MEMORY Trips with the lacrosse team to Pittsburgh and Cincinnati.

Being elected Student Body President.

ADVICE

ACCOMPLISHMENT

Sara Brubaker

Rachel Carr

CENTRE COLLEGE

SMITH COLLEGE

Getting into my top choice school.

theatre.

ACCOMPLISHMENT

Volunteering my time to help those with special needs or those less fortunate.

IMPACT

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Nate Beam

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MEMORY

Participating in

Taking Advanced Calculus.

RISK

Don’t wear so much camouflage.

Keilah Causey OHIO UNIVERSITY

Becoming a thespian while being ranked 3rd in the triple jump for states.

ACCOMPLISHMENT

Bakari Brown GAP YEAR

BENEFIT

The friendships and connections made.

Jack Chester UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA BERKELEY

BENEFIT Getting to know every single one of my teachers.

Develop technology that makes our society more sustainable.

IMPACT

Do all the things that you love, no matter what others think. Be in the musical.

Try that sport.

ADVICE

Quinn Coleman

Temidayo Dairo

Roth Dehlendorf

GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY

STANFORD UNIVERSITY

MIAMI UNIVERSITY

RISK Trying out for the school play as a brand new freshman with extreme stage fright.

ACCOMPLISHMENT Qualifying for states twice with the golf team.

Improving my improvisational skills in The Blue Notes.

BENEFIT Adopting a cultural relativist view of the world as early as 6th grade.

ADVICE

ADVICE

Don’t sweat the small

stuff.

Julia Doran BABSON COLLEGE

MEMORY

French exchange trip.

Being surrounded by people who care about you and your education.

BENEFIT

Cameron Edmondson

ACCOMPLISHMENT

Do your math homework!

Preston Fuller

Chris Doody KENT STATE UNIVERSIT Y

ACCOMPLISHMENT

Playing on the varsity golf team.

Alexis Hadjarpour

GUILFORD COLLEGE

OHIO UNIVERSITY

LOYOLA MARYMOUNT

Playing in Schottenstein Arena for basketball state final four.

ACCOMPLISHMENT

ACCOMPLISHMENT

ACCOMPLISHMENT

Being named second team all-district as baseball catcher my junior year.

Helping to build an aqueduct for a village in the Dominican Republic.

ADVICE

Don’t grow up too

quickly.

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Gwenyth Hughes HIGH POINT UNIVERSITY

Making it to district championship with the girls basketball team.

Mikhail Hunker COLUMBUS COLLEGE OF ART & DESIGN

Junior year Philly trip.

UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH

ADVICE

MEMORY

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UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI

Getting to do research at Nationwide Children’s Hospital.

ACCOMPLISHMENT

Become an infectious disease doctor so I can travel to places with high cases of HIV/AIDS, malaria, and hepatitis to give treatment to the locals for free.

IMPACT

Aria Kamian

LOYOLA UNIVERSITY CHICAGO

Don’t compare yourself to anybody else.

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MEMORY

Seeing Blue Man Group with my orchestra friends.

Chandler James

GRAND CANYON UNIVERSITY

MEMORY

MEMORY

Halle Jefferson

MadJo Hyzdu

Passing my FAA written test on the way to receiving my pilot’s license.

Great conversations that come from such a diverse student body.

BENEFIT

Zoe Kiourtsis

Katie Kennard BALLETMET BOSTON UNIVERSITY RISK

Stepping outside the traditional path by working to create a curriculum tailored to my interests.

OHIO UNIVERSITY

College Counseling Program.

BENEFIT

RISK

Joining the swim team.

Lucie Kirk

Luke Liu COLUMBUS COLLEGE OF ART & DESIGN

WASHINGTON UNIVERSIT Y

DENISON UNIVERSITY

Winning the Jaguar Invitational for basketball.

MEMORY

BENEFIT

Students have the ability to participate in sports, performing arts, and hold leadership positions without having to sacrifice one activity for the other.

You aren’t forced to pick, you can do everything you want.

Max Muir

Abbey Mayne

Austin Phillips

MEMORY

Class trip to Toronto.

Regan Price

ACCOMPLISHMENT Lettering in three sports all four years of upper school.

Evan Rodgers

WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY

UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI

LOYOLA UNIVERSITY CHICAGO

UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHAPEL HILL

Passing AP Chemistry and AP Calculus.

BENEFIT

Small class sizes and attention from teachers.

ACCOMPLISHMENT

ACCOMPLISHMENT

ADVICE Believe in yourself, the rest will follow.

The school community.

BENEFIT

MEMORY

2015 Prom.

Becoming a Robertson Scholar at UNCChapel Hill/Duke

Engaging in an ethical and socially conscious career and using my influence and resources to aid those less fortunate.

IMPACT

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R.J. Sabatino THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY

OHIO UNIVERSITY

ADVICE

BENEFIT The intersection of programs. People in the arts can also play sports.

Tuck in your shirt and study.

Alex Tannous UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSINMADISON

MEMORY

Ski Fridays.

Being a 4 year varsity starter in both soccer and lacrosse.

BENEFIT

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Sarah Schmitz

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Have fun and keep your head up.

ADVICE

Paige Taylor UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY

Getting into my dream school. All of my hard work paid off.

ACCOMPLISHMENT

Never say “I can’t” because you “can.”

ADVICE

Waymond Smoot DUQUESNE UNIVERSITY

BENEFIT

Getting to meet the most interesting teachers ever.

Will Taylor

Xin Su MIAMI UNIVERSITY

MEMORY

Choir.

Ruowen Wang

NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY

PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSIT Y

Class trip to Philadelphia.

BENEFIT

MEMORY

Life isn’t all about numbers and grades.

ADVICE

The ability to adapt to any environment very quickly.

Franny Wiggins KENYON COLLEGE

MEMORY Walking the streets of Taormina, Italy, eating gelato with classmates as we wandered to the town square overlooking the ocean.

BENEFIT A comprehensive education in an environment in which I could ask questions and discuss various points of view.

Jacob Wobbrock COLUMBUS STATE COMMUNIT Y COLLEGE

MEMORY

Aftercare in lower school, playing on the swing on the old playground.

Ted Wing COLUMBUS STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE

IMPACT

Working with veterans to preserve war history.

Matthew Xin VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY

MEMORY Swimming my last relay at districts.

Keep everything in perspective.

ADVICE

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College Acceptances for the Class of 2016 The Wellington School Class of 2016 is poised for excellence as they take their next steps in life.

Matriculating at schools immensely varied in location and student/faculty composition as well as curricular and co-curricular offerings, Wellington’s newest graduates are prepared to take full advantage of a vast array of opportunities to pursue their passions.

Most importantly, they will bring their individuality and unique talents to academic settings worthy of their capabilities.

The Class of 2016 has distinguished itself in many ways throughout the years, including the scope of their college acceptances. They boasted an impressive 94% acceptance rate at top tier schools* and 90% were offered scholarship dollars at colleges or universities at which they were accepted. Through the combined efforts of the students, parents, faculty members, and the Wellington College Counseling program, these graduates are more than ready to move forward in life with the tenacity and determination to succeed.

Congratulations to the Class of 2016 and their families for their extraordinary accomplishments!

American University Ashland University Babson College Baldwin-Wallace University Ball State University Bellarmine University Belmont University Boston University Bowling Green State University Bryn Mawr College Butler University Capital University

Case Western Reserve University Centre College Cleveland Institute of Art Cleveland State University College for Creative Studies College of Charleston College of William and Mary College of Wooster Columbus College of Art and Design Columbus State Community College

Davidson College Denison University DePaul University DePauw University Drew University Duquesne University Eastern Michigan University Elon University Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Emory University Florida Southern College Fordham University Furman University George Mason University George Washington University Georgetown University Georgia State University Goucher College Grand Canyon University Guilford College Hampton University Heidelberg University High Point University Howard University Indiana University John Carroll University Johns Hopkins University Kent State University Kenyon College Life University Loyola Marymount University Loyola University of Chicago Lynn University Marietta College Miami University Michigan State University Muskingum University Northeastern University Oakland University Ohio Northern University Ohio State University Ohio University Ohio Wesleyan University Otterbein University Pace University Pennsylvania State University Purdue University Queens University of Charlotte Roanoke College Santa Clara University Smith College

Denotes matriculation *Includes most competitive, highly competitive, and very competitive as ranked by Barron’s Profile of American Colleges.

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Southern Methodist University St. John’s University Stanford University Syracuse University Temple University Texas Tech University University of Akron University of Arizona University of British Columbia University of California Berkeley University of California - Los Angeles University of California - San Diego University of California - Santa Barbara University of Cincinnati University of Colorado - Boulder University of Connecticut University of Dayton University of Denver University of Dubuque University of Illinois University of Kentucky University of Miami University of Michigan University of Minnesota University of North Carolina University of Notre Dame University of Oklahoma University of Pittsburgh University of Richmond University of San Diego University of San Francisco University of South Carolina University of Southern California University of Virginia University of Wisconsin Madison Vanderbilt University Villanova University Wake Forest University Washington and Lee University Washington University Western University Widener University Wittenberg University Wofford College Wright State University Xavier University

FE ATURE

A FLAIR FOR FOOD Named a secret foodie city by Forbes Travel Guide and “a certified food lovers’ town” by The Washington Post, Columbus has transformed its image as a mere pass through city in a flyover state to a legitimate major player in the culinary arts. At the heart of its recognition by critics and customers alike are the individual small-business owners drawn to the industry for its entrepreneurial spirit, artisanal integrity, and community building.

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THE BROTHERS GALLO For Wellington alumni like Nick Gallo ’91, the strong sense of family and comradery he felt as a student led him on a career path in which he could feel a similar connection.

Now as co-owners of three Columbus-area restaurants, Nick and his brother Tom Gallo ’93 are local favorites on the food scene. The Gallo family has a long tradition of running small businesses. Grandfather Nick Giantonio was a baker and father Bo started the O.P. Gallo Tuxedo shop. When the brothers left Columbus for college, they worked in restaurants as students at the University of Akron. They fell in love with the work and, despite first pursuing careers in law enforcement and the brokerage industry, felt compelled to take a chance and open their own restaurant together, Gallo’s Tap Room, in 2004. The two

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easily fell into a yin and yang partnership in which Tom, having trained under famed Akronbased Chef Dave Russo (a mentee of Chef Emeril Lagasse), is responsible for the food side of the business while Nick watches over the front of the house. The brothers goodnaturedly insist that their relationship has only ever been positive and supportive.

Twelve years after opening their first restaurant, the Gallos have three locations, including the much-loved Gallo’s in Upper Arlington and an additional Gallo’s Tap Room recently opened in Powell on Liberty Street.

For Nick, the best part of running a business is having to answer only to himself. “If you can be your own boss in your hometown,” he said, “that’s the best. I feel deeply connected to Columbus and proud to provide a service to the people living here.”

This husband and father of three has found the secret to his success involves always putting his family first. Nick believes the best stress reliever at the end of a hard day is spending time with loved ones. For Tom, the work itself seems a creative outlet for a mind never at rest. He feels forever indebted

to Wellington for helping him channel his high-energy intensity into positive pursuits.

“I wasn’t the best student,” he admits, “but I was great at delivering speeches and presenting to an audience.”

Nowadays Tom uses his people skills to personally greet every patron of his restaurant and ask about their dining experience. The appreciative feedback he receives make all of the long hours and backbreaking work well worth it. He draws tremendous satisfaction from feeding people great food. The Gallos two most popular sauces are family recipes the brothers remember from growing up.

“Every Sunday we sat down for dinner with my father’s sauce,” Tom says. “It’s comfort food to me.”

When questioned about advice for future Wellington graduates, Nick cautions against putting too much pressure on themselves to know exactly what they want to do in life right away. “It’s okay to figure it out as you go along,” he said. “Wellington will prepare you with a solid foundation to design any type of house you want to build.”

THE FORBES FORGE AHEAD When brothers James ’02 and Duncan ’04 Forbes were growing up they helped at their father Bill’s wine distribution company and learned firsthand the ins-and-outs of the restaurant supply business, selling to chefs as well as gourmet and grocery stores.

“They learned it through osmosis,” mother Jane said. “They were also exposed to good restaurants at home and on travels from an early age.”

Now the owners of North Country Charcuterie, a hand-made cured meats company in Columbus, James and Duncan also reflect on their time at Wellington as a crucial component to their success. The diverse curriculum helped them in different facets of taking on the herculean task of starting their own business. Today, Duncan considers his English and speech classes as well as roles in theatrical productions instrumental to his ability to effectively communicate to large and small audiences.

“My time in student council gave me confidence in navigating the politics of large institutions,” Duncan said. “Wellington math classes gave me the foundation needed for creating cost models, budgets, and financial projections.”

James’s role in the business has benefited the most from Wellington’s adaptive learning and chemistry classes. “There’s an incredible amount of science and chemistry behind cured meats,” he said. “We have to ferment and hit certain pH levels, deal with water activity in products, and regularly have our products tested by food scientists.”

Calling James’s work one part science and one part art, Jane appreciated Wellington’s encouragement for students to try new things.

“The boys could be in the arts one minute and on the sports field the next,” she said. “They had a safe place to try and take a risk, even if it meant failure.”

James used that sense of fortitude in life as he gained valuable experience working in the restaurant industry before deciding to go to culinary school. While in the apprentice

chef program at Columbus State, James was a member of the competition cooking team which won states and placed 4th in the region.

All along, he had an interest in charcuterie that was further explored at Gallerie Bar & Bistro in the Short North. When the Forbes took a family trip to France, James immediately fell in love with all the charcuterie stores surrounding him. Having witnessed the growing interest in charcuterie in Columbus, James felt it was the perfect time in his professional life to open his own business. Jane felt a similar calling and the two decided to go for it.

and passions to the business. They have complementary skills and have found a way to work together and appreciate each other’s unique perspectives. That’s not an easy thing for siblings to do.”

With dad Bill also helping out with production, cleaning dishes, and tabling at the farmers market on a regular basis, separating family talk from business talk can be challenging. The Forbes put every bit as much effort into finding a healthy balance between work and family as they do building a solid company.

The Forbes’s North County Charcuterie uses heritage breed pork from nearby farms and cures everything at The Commissary, an inspected, certified, commercial kitchen, and sources 95% of its ingredients from Ohio makers. Both brothers and Jane make all of the meats by hand themselves. With a demonstrated commitment to buying their ingredients locally, it is no surprise that Duncan’s favorite part of running the business is the warm reception from the Columbus community. For James, seeing a clear connection between the time and effort he puts into the company and what he gets back in return is the best possible reward.

Jane has a parent’s perspective. “I really like seeing my sons apply their unique talents

“Be prepared for long hours and no days off,” James said when asked about advice for Wellington’s future entrepreneurs.

Duncan thinks that those considering making the leap should go for it. “Remember that you have a lot of people, including friends, family, and community members, who will help you if things go wrong.”

Jane cut to the heart of the matter. “Be kind to your parents.”

PICTURED Left: Nick ‘91 and Tom ‘93 Gallo.

Above: Duncan ‘04, Jane P ‘02 ‘04, and James ‘02 Forbes.

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LESGOLD GOES OLD WORLD Wellington graduate David Lesgold ’03 has also garnered local notoriety for his Columbus-based charcuterie businesses.

The owner and operator of the artisanmeat business Salumi Couture, Lesgold is a specialty market wholesaler with the ability to customize charcuterie boards for parties and events or ship to anywhere in the world.

“I think a lot of my passion for charcuterie and preservation techniques started just from having the privilege of going out to eat with my family,” he said, “and being encouraged to try different things and ask lot of questions.”

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Lesgold also credits Wellington’s culturally diverse atmosphere for giving him a very early developed palette.

After earning a culinary arts degree from Madison College in Wisconsin and gaining further training through an internship at Underground Meats in Madison, Lesgold worked as a line cook for a few years before deciding to go into business for himself and devote his time to learning everything he could about the old world hands-on technique. “After reading lots of books and traveling the country tasting and asking questions,” he said, “I started to understand and really love the charcuterie board concept of big bold complimentary and contrasting flavors but in small portions.”

Undaunted by learning an entirely new skill, Lesgold has now mastered the process

of curing meat. He begins with heritage pork, usually Duroc or Berkshire, and prepares it for grinding, mixing, stuffing, fermenting, and long term curing. His five different salumes take about 4 to 6 weeks to finish. A whole muscle cut like Coppa can take about three months. Lesgold’s product can be found at popular Columbus establishments like The Refectory, Wolf’s Ridge Brewery, and Muirfield Village Golf Club.

An inquisitive nature and dedication to his hometown community sustain Lesgold as a small business owner. “Every little success is mine…every mistake is mine. Doing your own thing is extremely difficult, stressful, lonely, and expensive but life is just too short not to try and do something special with a unique skill if you have one and try to share it with the world. I believe that people are reverting back to small batch handmade products not simply because it’s trendy but because it’s the right way to live and enjoy the fruits of life. I came back to Columbus to help set a trend and be part of the slow foods renaissance, not just to be successful with my business. Sharing and teaching about charcuterie and preservation techniques is just as important to me and a true chef has a responsibility to share and pass their knowledge to others.”

In his free time Lesgold enjoys spending time hiking or relaxing with his Weimaraner Adrienne. He also likes watching the Blue Jackets, Buckeyes, and Green Bay Packers as well as listening to live music, especially blues and country. Never far from the kitchen, Lesgold cooks with his girlfriend Kisha and her son Lane. They also have fun with their new vizsla puppy, Sunny. Undoubtedly named after Lesgold’s future outlook.

Wellington Celebrates Grandparents and Special Friends Day 1

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PICTURED 1. Karen Partridge, Anna Stewart ‘27.

2. Sharon Engel, Richard Engel, Carrie Kennard ‘19.

3. Truella Harper, Taylor Harper ’22.

4. Greco Cash, Gabby Cash ‘25.

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Wellington’s longest-running tradition, Grandparents and Special Friends Day, is a lovely celebration of the beautiful bond between family and community. This year, the day began with a continental breakfast served in the Borror Gym before Head of School Robert Brisk P ’13 ’15 welcomed guests and thanked them for playing such an important role in the lives of Wellington students.

“On behalf of Wellington, I want to thank you all for making the time and effort to be here with us today. I want to thank you for the support you give to your grandchildren and your children, and I want to thank you for the support you give Wellington in terms of your time, your talents, and your philanthropic support for the school.

You make us a better school as we try every day to create the best possible learning environment for your grandchildren and special friends.”

Student Body President Temidayo Dairo ’16 then spoke about his own love for his soon-to-be alma mater and how he always felt encouraged to stretch, both academically and athletically, further than he ever thought possible. “I am confident that as a student at Stanford University [in the fall], Wellington will have prepared me for success.”

Dairo introduced a program that included live music, presentations, and videos highlighting the wonderful work of Wellington students of all ages. The 2016 Grandparents and Special Friends Day Co-Chair Paul Kadlic delivered a moving tribute to the power of a Wellington education that he sees every day in his grandchildren, Katz ’19 and Reagan ’21 Kadlic.

Following the program, guests were invited into classrooms to spend quality time with their grandchildren and friends, providing them a rare opportunity to see a day in the life of their Wellington student. Families also had their pictures taken with school mascot Duke the Jaguar for a cute memento of the special day.

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WELLINGTON SCHOOL PRIDE

1: Kyle Tocci ’20, Will Humphrys ’20, and Sam Schwartz ’21 in Middle School Band performance.

2: Abigail Burkhardt ’22, Parker Haskett ’22, and Jake Browning ‘22 practice Middle School Botball.

1 3: Kate True ’19 speaks at the Ohio Supreme Court.

4: Prekindergarteners plant the seeds for future growth in their class play.

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5: Maddie Walker ’22 and Hannah JonesBeyene ‘22 construct an outdoor water table in math class.

6: Lavinia Eldridge ’29 at Arts Fest 2016.

7: Ninth graders visit the University of Michigan for a Place Out of Time.

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8: Upper school students in Stories on Trial class.

9: Samika Varma ’24, Kaylei Johnson ’24, and Jake Malloy ’24 perform in Music Moves Me. 10: Upper School Choir performance.

11: Upper School Band performance.

12: Lower School Maker Share.

13: Third grade celebrates states.

14: Middle School Orchestra performance.

15: Caroline Cooke ’21 and Grace Kellicker ’21 in science class.

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2016 Honors Convocation The Wellington Honors Convocation ceremony recognizes the outstanding achievements of students during the school year for their participation and excellence in the arts, athletics, community service, and academics. It is a celebration of students’ meaningful contributions to our community.

Alexis Hadjarpour ‘16, Julia Doran ‘16, Quinn Coleman ‘16.

CUM LAUDE SOCIETY Jack Chester ’16 Quinn Coleman ’16 Lucie Kirk ’16 Alex Tannous ’16 Matthew Xin ’16 Temidayo Dairo ’16 MadJo Hyzdu ’16 Katherine Kennard ’16 Evan Rodgers ’16 Ian Woods ’17 Neelu Paleti ’17 Elizabeth Kazemi ’17 Margaret Meeks ’17 Jasmine Haraburda ’17

2016 NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Commended Students: Jack Chester ’16 Temidayo Dairo ’16 Lucie Kirk ’16 Evan Rodgers ’16 Alex Tannous ’16 Finalist: Matthew Xin ’16 CERTIFIED WELLINGTON GLOBAL CITIZENS Princeton Ball ’16 Quinn Coleman ’16 Julia Doran ’16 Alexis Hadjarpour ’16 THE CONNECTICUT COLLEGE BOOK AWARD Margaret Meeks ’17

THE HARVARD BOOK PRIZE Neelu Paleti ’17 THE WILLIAMS COLLEGE BOOK AWARD Elizabeth Chester ’18

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THE PRINCETON PRIZE Ian Woods ’17 THE WELLINGTON PARENTS ASSOCIATION GOOD CITIZENSHIP AWARD Khalil Jallaq ’17 Mac Hammett ’19 THE GEORGE W. STEWART AWARD FOR COURAGE MadJo Hyzdu ’16 THE BROWN FAMILY BROTHERHOOD Will Taylor ’16

THE HOLLAND FOUNDER’S TROPHY Julia Doran ’16

THE RUSCILLI AWARD Lucie Kirk ’16

THE BOHM/BLANCHARD AWARD Jack Chester ’16 THE MINOT TROPHY R.J. Sabatino ’16 THE PATIL-CHAUDHARI FAMILY TROPHY Matthew Xin ’16

THE TENTH OBJECTIVE AWARD Quinn Coleman ’16

THE FACULTY AWARD Princeton Ball ’16 Halle Jefferson ’16 Austin Phillips ’16 Franny Wiggins ’16

THE RENAISSANCE AWARD Sarah Schmitz ’16

THE MUSIC AWARD Obinna Adams-Johns ’16

THE BORROR AWARD Derin Atekoja ’16

WELLINGTON MUSIC SOCIETY Obinna Adams-Johns ’16 Rachel Carr ’16 Keilah Causey ’16 Jack Chester ’16 Temidayo Dairo ’16 Roth Dehlendorf ’16 Aria Kamian ’16 Lucie Kirk ’16 Milan Parikh ’19 Evan Rodgers ’16 Sarah Schmitz ’16 Jacob Wobbrock ’16

ELIZABETH RICHMOND ENGLISH AWARD Rachel Carr ’16 THE SAM STEWART HISTORY AWARD Quinn Coleman ’16

THE MATHEMATICS AWARD Jack Chester ’16

THE DRAMA AWARD Lucie Kirk ’16 THE CAROL GOLDSMITH SCIENCE AWARD Matthew Xin ’16

SCHOLAR ATHLETE Alex Tannous ’16 Lucie Kirk ’16

WELLINGTON THESPIAN SOCIETY Derin Atekoja ’16 Rachel Carr ’16 Khalil Jallaq ’17 Miranda Johnson ’17 Bret Hairston ’17 Clare Jusdanis ’17 Chase Leino ’17 Jack Miller ’17 Ryan O’Neil ’17 Will Taylor ’16 Ian Woods ’17

THE ART AWARD Mikhail Hunker ’16

WELLINGTON ART SOCIETY Rachel Carr ’16 Bret Hairston ’17 Henry Gottschlich ’18

CHOIR AWARD Sarah Schmitz ’16

BAND AWARD Jack Chester ’16

STRINGS AWARD Aria Kamian ’16 DOWNEY SPIRIT AND SERVICE AWARD Princeton Ball ’16

A CLOSER LOOK

State of the School The 2015-16 school year contained many great accomplishments. Here are just a few of the highlights: SPORTS HIGHLIGHTS

David ’18 and Eric ’18 Jacques qualified for the state diving meet. David was the District Champion and Eric was the District Runner-Up. They finished 24th and 15th, respectively, in the state competition.

Keilah Causey ’16 was named District Champion in the 100 and 200 meter dash as well as the long jump. At the regional meet she placed 3rd in the 200, offering her the opportunity to advance to the state championship meet. At the state meet she finished 15th overall with a time of 26.54.

For more sports highlights, including boys basketball and tennis, refer to the Athletics section beginning on page 50.

With a focus on wellness, middle school students kept gratitude journals in their advisory groups this year and experienced a few “Grow Your Mind Days” where students and faculty were inspired to learn or try something new.

A group of 10 schools that learned about the study of student engagement conducted

by Wellington Head of School Robert Brisk P ’13 ’15 have been working together over the past year to discuss the topic and discover new ways to gather valuable feedback.

There are currently 4 schools utilizing the tool developed by John Kruzan, Director of Technology, and Wellington has over 9,000 data points from this school year alone.

The lower school math program translated the Stanford research in math education to strengthen students’ deep and critical thinking as well as continued our focus on the development of strong problem-solving skills.

Once again we have been at the top in the nation in the Online Math League with Henry Allen ’24 placing 1st in the country.

ACADEMIC HIGHLIGHTS

Wellington seniors boasted an impressive 94% acceptance rate to at least one of the top 3 tiers as defined by Barrons (most competitive, highly competitive, very competitive, or equivalent school).

The Independent Science Research program grew in both student participation and offerings. MadJo Hyzdu ’16 published her research for a scientific journal, and opportunities are planned for students to conduct experiments in our newly-renovated research lab for The Ohio State University. Dr. Brandon Sullivan will lead these projects.

For more academic highlights, refer to the Closer Look section beginning on page 38.

FACILITIES HIGHLIGHTS

The Wellington Research Institute lab was completed after receiving a Benedict Foundation grant and a gift from the Humphrys family. The lab will allow for much improved space for independent science research next year.

The Robotics Loft is now partially enclosed to allow for better workspace for students in both upper and middle school as a result of gifts from the Gleissner and Sierzputowski families.

Large areas of the building received new carpet and paint including the Jag Commons.

In the spirit of wellness, students and faculty are encouraged to consume more water by filling their reusable water bottles in the new water fountains which include a bottle filler.

FACULTY HIGHLIGHTS

Director of Technology John Kruzan and Head of School Robert Brisk P ’13 ’15 presented on student engagement at the ISACS conference.

Grade 6-12 Guidance Counselor Craig Jones presented at the 2015 NAIS People of Color Conference.

Head of Lower School Jill Webb trained new teachers at the ISACS New Teacher Conference.

Lower School Teacher Erica Foster presented the Growth Mindset Classroom at the ISACS conference.

Lower School Teacher Dorene Henschen presented to Delta Kappa Gamma, an organization that promotes the professional growth of educators and promotes excellence in education internationally.

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

We celebrate the racial diversity of The Wellington School. In 2015-16 school year, our students were 39% racially diverse including 15% African American, 10% Asian, 6% Asian Indian, 4% Hispanic, and 4% Middle Eastern.

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FE ATURE

Potter Mania It seems fitting that a literary icon to countless young readers should share the same last name as one of Wellington’s greatest treasures, Middle School Language Arts Teacher Mary Potter P ’01 ’04.

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A bonafide Wellington institution, she has a fan following that could rival Taylor Swift.

Walking through the school halls swarmed by students, with a dozen children at any given time telling MP, or Potts, or Potter, as she is called affectionately by her admirers, about their day, their dreams, their trials and tribulations through adolescence. Amazingly, she juggles all of the conversations with thoughtful responses. Mary Potter does not just nod and smile, putting on appearances.

She truly is listening and the students know it.

“I take them seriously,” Potter says of

her uncanny ability to hear so many voices at once and finding their individuality in what many other adults would consider chaos. “I always try to dig deeper and find out what makes them tick.”

For over 30 years, Potter has dedicated her life to finding out makes kids tick. She first came to Wellington not long after it opened as a favor to a friend and fell in love with the autonomy and respect granted to teachers. A graduate of Upper Arlington High School, she attended The Ohio State University before teaching in

“I have always felt supported here.

Wellington’s focus on community and giving teachers the resources they need to be effective in the classroom is very empowering.”

– MARY POTTER

Southwestern schools for a number of years.

When she got the call about an opening at Wellington, Potter had a two month old son at home and wasn’t necessarily seeking a full-time position. But the interim head of school at the time offered her flexibility in scheduling and Potter, who had experience teaching education students at Otterbein University about technology integration in the classroom, found herself instructing computer science at Wellington. She had also established herself as a leading expert in the field of children’s literature and writing.

Her visionary approach to education was a natural fit for the new school.

“I have always felt supported here.

Wellington’s focus on community and giving teachers the resources they need to be effective in the classroom is very empowering.”

Potter finds working with students on reading and writing most fascinating because there is no right or wrong answer. Examining text from multiple perspectives and asking questions about what they’re reading emboldens children’s innate curiosity about the world as they take their first steps toward adulthood. Students discover new ideas and identities in others and themselves as they learn freedom of expression. “They need to feel safe to be different,” Potter said. “They find that here at Wellington. We embrace students as individuals.”

The palpable compassion Potter shows for her students extends far beyond the walls of Wellington. With a commitment to service she learned from her father, himself

a school teacher, she has been a caregiver to many in need through the years. Potter never hesitates to volunteer her time or her home to someone struggling. From organizing clothing and book drives to personally delivering homemade peanut and jelly sandwiches to the homeless, she has been a longtime proponent of service learning for all ages. She also does not see it as an experience for only students, but the whole family as well. “My dream is for every Wellington family to find a way to serve the community,” she said.

Potter feels the most validation from her hard work when she sees how supportive students are of one another and how often they pay her kindness forward long after they leave middle school. It is not uncommon for former students who once struggled with reading and writing to come back and offer their assistance in Potter’s classroom.

The mother of two Wellington graduates, Sarah ’01 and Seth ’04, Potter is fiercely protective of her time with them. She likes travelling to the Dominican Republic with her daughter to practice her Spanish and looks forward to fishing with both her kids and brother every summer in northern Canada where she calls the night skies “amazing.”

More than anything, Potter is excited to teach kids how to fly, believing in themselves and their abilities. “I’ve seen a lot of cool things happen to kids around here. Sometimes students will leave and then come back because they miss it so much. They never find another place like Wellington.”

PICTURED Above: Mary Potter with 5th grade language arts students.

Right: Mary Potter with some of her former students.

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A CLOSER LOOK

FACULTY NEWS MIDDLE SCHOOL

UPPER SCHOOL

Victoria Pang

Dr. Brandon Sullivan

Middle school social studies teacher Victoria Pang was awarded a fellowship to attend the 2016 Klingenstein Summer Institute at Columbia University’s Teachers College.

Dedicated to affirming beginning teachers and encouraging their continued growth, the Klingenstein Summer Institute gathers 75 teachers from around the world for an exploration of teaching styles, educational philosophies, educational issues and personal development. The intensive program is especially designed to make teachers more effective leaders in the classroom and throughout the school. Participants come together in a variety of workshops, seminars, and collaborative exercises, and are guided by prominent education experts, college professors, and master teachers.

Upper school science teacher Dr. Brandon Sullivan collaborated on the book “Radioguided Surgery” with Wellington parent Dr. Stephen Povoski P ’18. Dr. Sullivan’s Ph.D. training was in protein engineering, specifically the manipulation of DNA genes to produce novel proteins with enhanced properties like function and stability. These projects gave researchers new data on native proteins, their structures, histories, and functions.

“My colleagues at The Ohio State University Thomas Magliery Lab and I leveraged these insights to engineer proteins with diagnostic and therapeutic impacts towards cancer,” Dr. Sullivan said. “One of these molecules led to a collaboration with Surgical Oncology at OSU, specifically with Dr. Edward Martin Jr. and Dr. Stephen Povoski. The molecule that led to our collaboration was an engineered antibody that bound specifically to a broad range of cancers but not healthy cells. A molecule of this nature has the potential to improve diagnostics, imaging, and therapies.”

Radioguided surgery is the state of the art technique where a molecule that targets cancer is radiolabeled with a radioactive isotope. This allows the cancerous cells to be imaged. In addition, surgeons can use probes to search for radioactivity, signaling cancer, during the operation.

“Picture a mini metal detector that beeps when it finds trace amounts of tumor,” Dr. Sullivan said. “The big question patients always have post-op is ‘did you get it all?’ Radioguided surgery is an attempt to improve the complete removal of diseased tissue and hence, patient outcome and survival.”

Zachary Cole Remembered Zachary Cole, former Wellington facilities staff member and son of former lower school teacher Bonnie Cole, passed away unexpectedly this May. A 2003 graduate of Hilliard Davidson High School, he was also an Eagle Scout who always looked to help others. Curious by nature, Cole was an avid history buff and great conversationalist.

“Nothing delighted him more than good conversation.” Lower School Physical Education Teacher and family friend Becky Fuller P ‘’08 ’11 ’16 said. “Zach had a terrific sense of humor and a great belly laugh just like his mom. He also had a lot of integrity and cared for everyone.”

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SYLVIA MARANTZ REMEMBERED Wellington mourns the passing of our dear friend Sylvia Marantz, the school’s first librarian. She will be remembered for her dedication to organizing a fully operational library for the students. School founder Jeff Wilkins P ’90 ’94 recalls Marantz creating a great experience for the children in spite of a lack of resources in the beginning. “I remember her being very kind. She had a warmth which was infectious and made all of our early students very comfortable with loving books.”

Marantz loved to travel and had many connections with notable names in children’s literature. She ingratiated herself with the youngest Wellington students by introducing a stuffed bear named Welli, on whose lap children sat as Marantz read aloud.

“Sylvia loved learning, and she loved people,” school founder Kenneth Ackerman said. “At a time when Wellington was new and small, she was part of the glue that held the school together. We will miss her!”

SARA HARRIS RETIRES

Wellington Fitness Guru Receives Golden Apple Award Lower School Physical Education Teacher Becky Fuller P ’08 ’11 ’16 received a Golden Apple Award from The Upper Arlington Civic Association this spring. The honor recognizes outstanding teachers within the city of Upper Arlington and nominations come from community members. “With her unwavering support of each student, Becky Fuller is a phenomenal educator,” Lower School Head Jill Webb said. “She is able to identify the unique strengths of all students and help them reach their personal best.”

During her 30 years at Wellington, Fuller has devoted herself to inspiring children to commit to a lifetime of healthy decisions. She talks with students about the importance of fitness and thinking about it as a choice they must make each day for the rest of their lives.

“We often discuss why I choose to teach them what I do,” Fuller said. “Why do we learn to jump rope? Can you carry an elliptical on an airplane? No, but you can receive the same benefits from a jump rope and it will fit in your suitcase. You can improve your cardiovascular endurance and agility almost anywhere by jumping rope.”

As early as 1st grade, students work on becoming independent in their ability to think about and plan for fitness. They are asked

to create their own physical activities and to find ways they can increase their upper body strength on neighborhood playgrounds.

The most important factor for Fuller is that children have fun while also getting fit.

By 3rd and 4th grade, Wellington students understand and can define terms like flexibility, strength, and endurance. They are able to identify their own strengths, weaknesses, and areas of growth in fitness.

They make plans to eat a healthy variety of foods and to increase their water consumption and sleep. Fuller organizes an annual Jump Rope for Heart event in which students learn to increase fiber consumption, decrease saturated fat intake, and increase healthy fats. They have written goals about an area of fitness they would like to improve, including why and how.

Health and wellness are not finite accomplishments to be achieved and then forgotten. Fuller encourages students to try continually to improve their performance.

“She models the power of respect and teamwork in the classroom and beyond,” Webb said. “She is a treasured colleague, a wonderful role model, and a deserving recipient of a Golden Apple Award.”

A reception was held for Lower School Science Teacher Sara Harris celebrating her 21 years of service to Wellington. Friends, family, and colleagues through the years joined members of the school community in wishing her a fond farewell and joyful retirement.

“We are so delighted and blessed to have had you all these years,” Head of School Robert Brisk P ’13 ’15 said.

While many memories were shared of Harris’s lasting impact on the lives of students, her sense of humor will not be forgotten. From bravely capturing tarantulas on the loose in her classroom to travelling to Alaska to learn more about the Iditarod to share with her students. Harris’s love of science and the natural world permeated everything she did for Wellington.

“I will miss the children the most,” Harris said. “I love the awe and wonderment each child brings with them to the science classroom.

I will miss sharing my excitement of a topic and watching a child get excited too.”

As for her future plans, Harris hopes to take some classes at The Ohio State University and learn a second language, possibly Spanish. She will also travel, spend time with her grandchildren, and play lots of tennis.

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WELLINGTON SCHOOL PRIDE

1: Alumna Cliona Howie ’93 speaks to upper school science students.

2: Noora Rajjoub ’21, Lauren Sabol ’21, and Christine Cooke ’21 at Stratford Ecological Center.

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3: Ella Noritz ’28, Ranvir Varma ’28, and Maxwell Smith ’28 learn in an outdoor classroom.

4: Rosemary Haskett ’20, Lindsay Harris ’20, Kate Hans ’20 at 8th Grade Moving Up ceremony.

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5: Alexa Ray ’25, Catherine Cartmell ’25, Donovan Otcasek ’25, Isaac Brady ’25, Christian Moulton ’25, and Elodie Ware ’25 in the 3rd grade play.

6: Lower School Family STEAM Night.

7: Ninth grade World History class visits the Ohio Supreme Court.

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8: Henry Allen ’24 shares his science experiment with Sophia Czekajewski ‘24.

9: Reagan Kadlic ’21, Elliot Roth ’21, Owen Roth ’21, and Serene Abdelbaki ’20 perform in the middle school play “Break a Leg!” 10: Jag pride at the boys basketball state championship at the OSU Schottenstein Center.

11: Upper School Orchestra performance.

12: Eli Erlanger ’24 at 4th Grade Moving Up ceremony.

13: Lower School Maker Share.

14: Zac Barton ’26 performs in the talent show at Arts Fest 2016.

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CELEBR ATIONS

THE PREMIERE: CASINO ROYALE Mystery, intrigue, and generosity made the 21st annual Premiere a captivating evening celebrating community and innovative independent education at The Wellington School.

Over 200 attendees arrived at The Premiere: Casino Royale at the trendy High Line Car House in the Brewery District to engage in a fun game of spy versus spy as they interacted with famous fictional secret agents like James Bond, Austin Powers, and Jason Bourne to uncover clues leading to a surprise gift. Guests also indulged in delicious food and drink as they enjoyed live music provided by internationally-known hip hop band Lt. Dan’s New Legs.

The evening provided crucial funds for Wellington.

A silent online auction leading up to the event, and lots of last minute bidding, successfully raised money in support of the school’s mission to further strengthen student engagement and to instill a lifelong love of learning for every child at Wellington. Next year, the main evening event for Wellington will be a 35th birthday celebration.

We hope you will join us on April 29, 2017.

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PICTURED 1. Regina and Jeurell Smith P ‘29.

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2. Bryan ‘95 and Jenny Stewart P ‘27 ‘30.

3. Erin Foster, Michelle Croft P ‘17 ‘20 ‘22, Alyson Thompson P ‘23 ‘27, Jim Croft P ‘17 ‘20 ‘22, Kerstin Humphrys P ‘20 ‘22.

4. Janelle Fedlam P ’29.

5. Lt. Dan’s New Legs performs.

6. The Premiere co-chairs Defne Kocak P ‘24 ‘27 and Laura Hall-Koethe P ‘18 ‘26.

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The Code for Success Last year there were more than half a million openings for jobs in computing and only 43,000 college graduates with degrees in computer science.

The market for highly trained professionals in technology-based fields is ever growing while current educational models continue to fail students by refusing to acknowledge the fundamental importance of tech literacy.

Students today need to understand algorithms, how apps are made, and how the internet works just as much they need to learn physics, chemistry, and mathematics. According to Marc Andreessen, the co-creator of the Netscape web browser, “In the future there will be two kinds of jobs: those that involve telling computers what to do, and those that involve being told what to do by computers.”

Wellington students will be well prepared for such a future. As early as prekindergarten, children are learning code, the sequencing of symbols that provide programming instructions for a computer. Teacher Pete Kaser ’96 P ’27 ’29 began working on the basics with his class on a 10X10 floor grid in which students gave each other directions, using a cardboard cutout directional pad to guide them, from one square to the next to reach a predetermined destination. It was a valuable lesson in the importance of detail. A simple instruction to walk would result in a body walking in place. It was necessary to tell the body to walk forward to make it actually move.

“Students learn the vocabulary of coding,” Technology Teacher Debra Parkes P ’26 ’28 said. “They understand now that an algorithm is a set of instructions and a computer can 36

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only take one set of instructions at a time.”

This newly acquired precision of thought is then applied to working with a Bee-Bot, a small bee-like robot, in which students practice sequencing, estimation, and problem-solving. Prekindergartners first map out a route for their Bee-Bots on paper and then program the device to follow the route. Kindergarteners work with an online curriculum in which they maneuver through a series of coding problems. First graders work with the same program at a more advanced level as they develop the fine motor skills necessary to create their own codes. By 2nd grade, students begin combining both coding and mechanics when they build a robot before they can program it. By 4th grade, students have the knowledge and experience to design greater challenges for their robots. They may decide to program their robot to draw a picture or navigate through a difficult maze; each step of the way learning valuable lessons in teamwork, collaboration, and resiliency.

“Our students really respond to problemsolving,” Parkes said. “After struggling through a challenge, they are so happy and triumphant when they finally succeed. Part of the lesson of coding involves students figuring things out on their own. They become that much more confident in their abilities. It’s beautiful to see.”

Above: Rhea Singh ‘22. Right: Samir Djafi ‘29, Allen Fedlam ‘29, Pete Kaser ‘96 P ‘27 ‘29.

Creativity, Collaboration, and Coding Wellington students expand their coding proficiency in middle school with courses like C-STEM, in which they learn lessons in science, technology, engineering, and math by using the three C’s of Creativity, Collaboration, and Coding. Programs like JavaScript are tools for them to create fun drawings and animation. Classes work with simple circuits and boards to create controllers for robots and guide their creations through complex physical challenges. Every spring, middle schoolers have the opportunity to compete at the National Robotics Challenge in events like Botball, MiniSumo, or the Interactivity Challenge.

Wellington students do very well at these competitions, winning a Honda Innovation Award and various competition awards in years past.

E5 REASONS

TO TEACH KIDS TO CODE

PROGRAMMING EMPOWERS KIDS AND GIVES THEM TOOLS TO EXPRESS THEMSELVES IN CREATIVE WAYS.

IT IS AS EASY AS LEARNING A LANGUAGE.

DIVERSE EARLY LEARNING BENEFITS KIDS.

FOSTERS FLUENCY WITH TECHNOLOGY.

THE WORLD NEEDS MORE PROGRAMMERS.

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SENIOR KATIE KENNARD TAKES CENTER STAGE Katie Kennard will make her professional dance debut with BalletMet this fall. She has deferred her admission to Boston University where she plans on majoring in political science.

My parents have always told me that as a baby I would bounce up and down to the rhythms found in Dr. Seuss books. As a toddler, I loved to spin and dance, and I constantly asked my family to watch me pirouette around the room. My parents made the decision to formally enroll me in dance classes at Dublin Dance Centre.

As a teenager, I decided to dedicate my non-academic life to dance. I knew that I needed to increase my training to be competitive in the cutthroat, perfectionpursuing world of professional ballet.

Attending a brick-and-mortar school limited my ability to schedule individualized training.

I developed an innovative proposal to satisfy both my rigorous academic coursework and my desire to spend extra hours in the studio.

I approached Wellington administrators and introduced the concept of replacing some morning academic classes with private ballet training. I articulated to Head of School Robert Brisk that I wanted to continue to excel academically while augmenting my ballet training. Thankfully, Mr. Brisk thought that, although the projected schedule was ambitious, it would allow me to flourish.

An English teacher offered to oversee my studies. Together we engineered an innovative advanced curriculum designed to focus on dance-themed literature and writing.

Since then, I have participated in two other independent research course offerings.

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As a sophomore, I took “Foundations of Independent Research” in which I studied the effects that ballet has on the brain, particularly the cerebellum. During the summer I applied and was accepted into The Ohio State University’s Humanities and Cognitive Sciences Summer Institute. My interest in both neuroscience and the humanities deepened.

I learned the importance of community service from a young age. Each year, the performing companies pile onto school busses and take our performances to inner-city schools. Nothing compares to the joy we see on the kids’ faces. We love nothing more than to show them our love of dance and the arts.

As a senior, I decided to participate in Independent Humanities Research and sought to answer the question: “How can the principles of dance work in conjuncture with education through the use of progressive education models?” I researched the correlation between dance and education. I taught children a few dance classes, exposing them to an art form in which they may not otherwise have had the opportunity to participate. Following the classes, I facilitated a discussion helping the students to analyze the principles of dance such as dedication, discipline, and commitment.

My IHR project utilized progressive education, a pedagogical movement, to emphasize experimental learning. I used discovery-based research as well as the

Curiosity Drives Self-Directed Learning

analysis of studies, dance technique, analysis of textual sources, and speaking with a physical therapist.

Verbal language and dance utilize the same mental processes and parts of the brain for conceptualization, creativity, and memory. Dancing helps develop critical thinking skills when teachers ask students to discuss or write about why they select specific gestural and locomotion movements in time or space. Children learn social, academic, and career skills at a young age.

Physically, dance acts as cardiovascular exercise, along with strength, coordination, flexibility, and endurance.

It focuses on fluidity of movement, self-discipline, and confidence. At a young age, kids learn how to accept constructive criticism, work cooperatively with others, and build language skills because ballet is taught entirely in French.

Dancers achieve peak performance by blending cerebral and cognitive thought processes with muscle memory and proprioception held in the cerebellum. Following years of intense ballet training, dancers are able to suppress signals from the balance organs in the inner ear linked to the cerebellum, allowing for more pirouettes without dizziness.

My goals were to achieve a high level of skill for ballet and maintain a strong academic program. The invaluable experiences I gained from advanced courses challenged me and allowed me to grow as an individual and a student.

Wellington’s commitment to providing students with opportunities to dive deeply into subjects of passionate interest culminates in upper school when juniors and seniors may choose to engage in independent research in a science or humanities related topic. The IHR (Independent Humanities Research) course involves experimental design, investigation, and information analysis. Students seek out experts in their field of study and are required to achieve research benchmarks, meet deadlines, and demonstrate core competencies throughout the year including an extensive research paper on their topic and culminating in a presentation to the Wellington community. Students may choose to continue to research or study their topic in college and postgraduate programs.

Quinn Coleman ’16 conducted research on the immigration process in the United States and the life of modern refugees and immigrants once they are resettled. Working with the Columbusbased organization CRIS (Community Refugee and Immigration Services), Coleman was able to interview refugees and immigrants about their experiences with integrating and adjusting to life in this country. “It was a very special experience for me,” Coleman said. “I spoke with people from many walks of life and found that we are not all that different. We may not speak the same language and may come from very different backgrounds, but we are all human. I found that this country only benefits from the addition of immigrants and refugees, who bring so much to the table in terms of our culture, diversity and economy. Only at Wellington would I have the opportunity to pursue my passions in this way. Participating in this research project has reaffirmed my decision to pursue a career in public service.”

Coleman will double major in political science and international relations at Georgetown University in the fall, with hopes of one day making the Unites States “a better place for those who have been here for generations and those just arriving.”

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UPPER SCHOOL USES TIME WISELY As thought leaders in academia continue to examine the current education model in the United States, an area of heightened focus has been on class schedules for adolescents.

What had once been successful for learning in the latter half of the 20th century, no longer benefits the students of today.

Wellington’s continued commitment to drive student engagement has involved a close examination of the upper school schedule by faculty and administrators. Over the course of one year, a group of dedicated Wellington educators investigated how schedule adjustments could potentially enhance academic performance as well as increase student engagement and opportunity. Through best practices research and feedback from teachers and students, a new upper school schedule was designed and implemented for the 2015-16 school year.

The primary goals for the new schedule were focused on the following: LARGER CLASS BLOCKS – 80 MINUTE CLASS PERIODS Longer class periods allow for a greater range of learning activities and student/teacher interaction. They also facilitate research and collaborative learning.

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FEWER TRANSITIONS/4 CLASSES PER DAY Research has shown that class transitions consume 13 minutes of class time. By reducing transitions, class time is more productive. Fewer classes each day create a less chaotic pace and allow students to focus on their preparation for a smaller set of classes.

LATER CLASS START TIME Backed by neuroscience research citing a need for adolescents to begin their day at a later time, the first class begins close to 9 a.m. Student attendance is not required for the “morning flex time,” but all teachers are on campus and available to upper schoolers for extra guidance. Students also have the option to study quietly or attend a club meeting.

OPEN/FREE BLOCKS Open time periods enable students to independently drive academic or extracurricular work, providing deeper and more meaningful learning experiences.

An extended lunch period of 60 minutes allows time for “brown bag” presentations and other student gatherings.

Assistant Head of School and Head of Upper School Dr. Jeff Terwin has found the schedule changes to be constructive and advantageous for both students and teachers. “We are very pleased with the new schedule,” he said. “Teachers, students, and parents have all reported that it has had a positive impact on the learning climate in the upper school. The days tend to have a more balanced pace and the teachers are utilizing the 80 minute blocks to incorporate more problem-based, collaborative instruction allowing for a greater depth of understanding by our students.”

EVAN RODGERS ‘16 AWARDED ROBERTSON SCHOLARSHIP

PICTURED Above: Dom Ragusa ‘17, Emma Ruck ‘17, Ben Starker ‘17 Below: Sarah Zimmerman ‘18, Jacquie Sierzputowski ‘18

“ Wellington gives you

an open opportunity to explore a wide variety of interests” —EVAN RODGERS ‘16

Wellington senior Evan Rodgers was accepted into the prestigious Robertson Scholars Leadership Program, earning a full-ride scholarship to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The program will also provide Rodgers unique access to the academic and extracurricular offerings at Duke University. The four-year scholarship will include three summers of domestic and international experiences, customized leadership and professional development opportunities, and an extensive community of Robertson Scholars, alumni, and staff.

Fellow Wellington alumni Robertson scholars have included Nandini Kumar ’05 and Jacob Robinson ’10.

Grateful for the support he received from Wellington as he pursued the highlycompetitive scholars program, Rodgers said, “Wellington gives you an open opportunity to explore a wide variety of interests.”

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SOLVING FOR Y MATH IS RELEVANT Almost one third of Americans would rather clean their bathrooms than do a math problem.

Finding the purpose of math has been an age-old saga for many students trapped in the traditional education paradigm. Why do I need to know this? When am I ever going to use this?

These are two of the most frequently asked questions by math students across the country as they are many times forced to navigate through complex mental calisthenics without a great coach to help. The experience can be so arduous that a child may develop a lifelong dislike of mathematics and problem-solving.

Wellington has solved the middle school math problem in education. Teachers have breathed new life into subjects like algebra and geometry by integrating valuable real world applications of their lessons. This spring, 6th graders worked with Math Teacher Me-Chelle Burkhalter P ’22 to design an outdoor water table for Wellington Little Jags.

Using a combination of math and engineering processes, middle schoolers were excited to apply what they were learning to a service project.

“Our Little Jags have an indoor water table for sensory development,” Olivia Vegas ’22 explained. “But they were hoping to have an outdoor water table that can give more students access.” To begin the project, 6th graders learned about NASA’s engineering design process in which the top engineers in the world brainstorm, collaborate, set criteria, design, create, redesign, and build with very 42

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A majority of middle schoolers nationwide have said they would rather eat broccoli than do a math problem.

specific guidelines and procedures. Using algebra and ratios to sketch out their concepts before building small models, students were inspired by their ideas coming together for a good cause. “We look forward to the ribboncutting ceremony when we get to introduce the preschool students to their new water table,” Kendhyl Wilder ’22 said.

An appreciation for mathematics and design is certainly not limited to math class. There is perhaps no better way to demonstrate practical applications of math than in a class seemingly unrelated. Middle school iLab students used the design process to construct a mobile innovation lab for prekindergarteners to engage in their own creative exploration.

When Lower School Teacher Pete Kaser ’96 P ’27 ’29 wanted to put together tools for his young students to be able to brainstorm and then actually build prototypes of their ideas, he knew exactly where to look for help.

“A collaboration with iLab students was a natural fit,” Kaser said. “We use many of the same processes in prekindergarten that middle schoolers use in iLab. Partnering with Middle School Social Studies Teacher Berc Backhurst, Kaser facilitated a meeting of the minds between 8th graders and prekindergarteners in determining the best way to inspire and equip some of the youngest students at Wellington.

They came up with the mobile innovation lab, a wooden structure on wheels with both

whiteboards (for brainstorming) and peg boards (for holding tools). Once the initial design was drafted, iLab students worked with Kaser and Backhurst to build their invention. When the prekindergarteners were first introduced to their new mobile innovation lab, just like their middle school mentors, they could not wait to get right to work. Discovering the advantages of math know-how beyond the textbook has empowered Wellington students to use their creativity and problem-solving skills to help other members of the school community. The combination of altruism and confidence in their mathematic abilities will guide students through a world in constant need of design thinkers to solve its problems. Watch out, broccoli!

Samir Djafi ‘29, Kendhyl Wilder ‘22, Madeline Weaver ‘29, Caleb Wooddell ‘22 stand over their newly designed outdoor water table.

GUEST ARTISTS BRING SKILL AND INSPIRATION TO THE CLASSROOM Wellington students have unparalleled access to the arts through visiting guest artist experiences. Many local experts in masonry, sculpture, and ceramics collaborate with students on large-scale art installations.

Further complementing the skills students learn from their teachers, professional artists provide a unique prospective on the creative process. Columbus-based ceramicists Terri Maloney-Houston and Eric Rausch both visited Wellington this year to guide middle and upper school students through the art of making tile mosaics.

In preparation for collaboration, Middle School Art Teacher P. Jayne Young introduced students to the Arts and Craft movement, explored connections to medieval guilds, Japanese and Islamic designs, and the impact of mass production and factories on artists and craftspeople. “We examined and discussed mission style products and concentrated on the process of creating clay relief tiles similar to tiles produced by Morris & Company,” Young said. “Every middle school student and faculty member created an Arts and Craft style tile featuring an Ohio native pollinator. The 288 tiles will be permanently installed in the Wilkins Courtyard for our community to enjoy.”

Some upper school art students were exposed to a variety of studio practices and developed their ability to critically think about artwork from diverse cultural backgrounds and historical time periods.

When first meeting with students, Rausch, ceramic studio manager and instructor at the Columbus Cultural Arts Center, shared the story of his collaboration with artist wife

Jen Kiko in designing a tile mosaic for the Columbus Convention Center. He discussed the importance of time negotiation and project management for working artists and candidly shared the challenges he had to overcome to complete the project.

Both Rausch and Maloney-Houston made several trips to Wellington to work with classes and mentor students during their own artistic journeys. The final pieces, individual tiles comprising large mosaics, were unique forms of self-expression that came together to form one cohesive work of art, much like The Wellington School.

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“Columbus is a very cool city for art. The decisionmakers here are very favorable to the arts.” ~ ERIC RAUSCH, ARTIST

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PICTURED 1: Artist Eric Rausch.

2: Kaylee Pinson ‘19, India Carter ‘19.

3: Art students piece together tiles.

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Character Is Key “The time is always right to do what is right.”

Volunteerism

MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.

Character education at Wellington fosters the development of ethical and responsible individuals by teaching students the importance of caring about people, honesty, and integrity. While academic growth is integral to maturation, not every challenge in life has an analytical solution. Character development affords students’ valuable skills in becoming thoughtful, compassionate citizens of the world.

Research has shown that a school environment based on empathy and positivity increases attendance and directly correlates to significant improvement in students’ academic performance. A classroom of understanding and inclusion also strengthens bonds between teachers and students.

Children of all ages are exposed to frequent opportunities at Wellington in which they are empowered to make a difference in the community, both on a local and global level.

Lower school students learn Wise Words of the Month that emphasize the value of character traits like respect, teamwork, and attitude. Regular guidance classes as well as involvement in service learning projects, including making blankets and collecting pop tabs, further emphasize the importance of mindfulness of others and lending a helping hand to those in need. In middle school guidance class, discussions about namecalling and the impact of words led students to consider their own word choices before speaking. The exercise required students to think about the worst thing they had said to someone else and the worst thing said to them. They were encouraged to ask themselves the following questions: How does it feel to see these words in writing?

Does everyone who uses a word know what it really means?

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In what situations do we call each other these words? Why? Why is it easier to say these words to someone than it is to put them in writing for all to see (even when it’s anonymous)?

Is everyone being honest in the discussion?

How does that make you feel?

Are the “bad words” the most hurtful (as opposed to “you have no friends”)?

Poverty Simulation Walking in the shoes of another also builds empathy. A poverty simulation introduced middle schoolers to the struggles of many families to make ends meet despite working multiple jobs. Facilitated by a representative from The Grow Together Service Learning Network, the workshop assigned students to “family” groups with specific background information on the jobs and salaries of their fictional alter egos. They were forced to make hard choices about how to budget to feed their families and keep them safely sheltered. Middle schoolers discovered the everyday frustrations of having to get to work without a car because they couldn’t afford to buy one, or how to pay increasingly high utility bills during the cold winter months when their salaries remained the same. It was surprising to many participants that a family could have two working parents and still not be able to pay their rent or buy adequate food. The simulation helped students gain a greater understanding of community and gave them insight on how they can best help those in need.

Character-building education can be seen in a variety ways in upper school.

Students often take the initiative to lead support efforts for causes close to their hearts. For example, seniors Princeton Ball and Quinn Coleman were moved to action after hearing a guest speaker from USTogether, a local nonprofit organization, share the refugee and immigrant resettlement experience here in Columbus. They organized a fundraiser collecting goods such as school supplies, winter coats, clothes, and gift cards for recently immigrated families. “We wanted to give back to people who need our help,” Coleman said.

Every Tuesday after school a group of upper schoolers accompanied Assistant Head of School and Upper School Head Dr. Jeff Terwin to the Boys and Girls Club in downtown Columbus. Wellington students volunteered at the center during its after school program for children in 1st-3rd grades on the east side. Homework help was provided as well as quality time playing chess or drawing.

“For many of the children, this program is an escape from rough things going on at home,” Sydney Wurapa ’18 said. “They always seem so happy to talk to someone who will listen to them.”

Wurapa found the experience equally as rewarding. She was surprised by children’s optimism despite any setbacks in their lives. Having taught her a great deal about resiliency and perseverance, the time Wurapa has spent with the boys and girls also strengthened her resolve to one day be a psychiatrist.

“I want to continue helping people when I’m older,” she said. “We have a lot of freedom in this country, but if you’re not happy what does it matter?”

PICTURED Above: Isaac Brown ‘21, Berc Backhurst, Sydney Belford ‘21

Students Giving Back For many Wellington students, the desire to give back to the community is so compelling they dedicate their time outside of school to causes of great personal interest. Fundraising and volunteerism are crucial to the success of philanthropic efforts. The example of empathy and altruism these students set for their peers will ensure future generations of compassionate citizens of the world.

At the age of 4, Daisy Howard ’26 was diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis, the most common type of arthritis in children under the age of 17. Her parents John and Lisa immediately became involved with the Arthritis Foundation of Central Ohio to help not just their daughter but others affected by the condition. The primary fundraiser the Howard family has devoted their time to each year is the Jingle Bell Run. They hold a “Doughnuts for Daisy” fundraiser for Team Daisy and, over the past 4 years, have raised nearly $15,000 for the Arthritis Foundation of Central Ohio. Daisy was named the Youth Honoree of the Jingle Bell Run in 2014.

“Not everyone can pay for their expensive medications and we can help them,” Daisy said. “Being involved is important so other kids like me can hopefully get their arthritis under control.”

Similar to Daisy, Nischal Chennuru ’21 became involved in fundraising after a cause personally touched his family. When his grandparents were diagnosed with cancer,

Nischal wanted to do something to help.

Although running was not a favorite activity of his, nor something he considered himself particularly skilled at, Nischal felt the need to make a sacrifice himself if he were to ask the same of others. So he trained for a 10k run and set up a website for family, friends, and teachers to donate to cancer research.

This spring he was able to present a check for $7,500 to The Ohio State James Cancer Center Breast Cancer foundation. Nischal’s hard work and commitment to the cause was so impressive to The James CEO Dr. Michael Caligiuri that he asked to meet with the 7th grader and give him a personal tour of the facility’s lab. Dr. Caligiuri said that he had never seen a middle schooler do anything like this in his entire career and invited Nischal to join his Pelotonia team in August. As much as he would love to participate in the bike race, Nischal is otherwise engaged. This summer, he will go to a biomedical camp at Northwestern University where he will follow his passion for research. He wants to continue fundraising as well. “It feels great to do something really close to my heart, like helping people,” he said.

For junior Spencer Rieser, philanthropy takes on a global scale. Last summer he travelled to the Dominican Republic and worked in small villages in the Jarabacoa mountain region. “The focus of the trip was water,” he said. “The projects included

installing and improving a black water treatment effort, and replacing the aqueducts that brought water to the villages. The pipes were outdated and corroded and not wide enough to support the flow of water, so the new ones were much wider and sturdier.”

This summer he will head to Southeast Asia to volunteer at a retreat dedicated to the conservation of endangered elephants and also work with orphans at a monastery.

Locally, Rieser has plans to help CRIS, an organization devoted to helping refugee relocation in Ohio. “With the world refugee crisis, I think it’s important to get involved.”

With more and more likeminded individuals also getting involved, today’s crises and diseases could one day become history.

PICTURED Above: Ginnylu Howard ‘25, Lauren Rigney, Daisy Howard ‘26, Bunt Howard, Emerson Koethe ‘26, Mary Claire Thompson ‘26.

Left: Nischal Chennuru ‘21, Dr. Michael Caligiuri.

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THE PLAY’S THE THING Shakespeare did not write the greatest plays in the English language to merely be read on the page. A thorough understanding of the complexities of his canon begs for live dramatization. When studying the Bard in English class this year, Wellington freshmen were invited to take the stage with professional actors to bring new life to centuries old text. Working with Columbusbased acting company Available Light Theatre, 9th graders were able to explore Shakespeare’s plays on multiple levels. The collaboration was made possible through the efforts of Upper School English Teacher Drew Eberly who wanted his class to have a more nuanced understanding of what they were studying. He directed an interactive performance between students and Available Light Theatre in which members of the drama company acted out scenes and monologues while 9th graders shared collage presentations introducing some of the themes they explored in their study of “Julius Caesar.” Students had fun demonstrating their mastery of the material by updating and re-envisioning Shakespeare’s prose and verse into a modern context, making settings, situations, and dialogue more accessible for the young performers. Shakespeare’s work was also in the spotlight in the upper school production of “Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead,” Tom Stoppard’s absurdist rendering of “Hamlet.” With tinges of Beckett’s “Waiting for Godot,” Stoppard’s work is a play on the concept of theatricality and artifice as the two main characters languish in existential confusion. But not without a great many jokes. The production was unique in that the Blanchard Performing Arts Center was transformed into an intimate 46

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purpose of bringing the audience and actors closer to each other and the “words, words, words” of the play. Theater Director David Glover chose the play to give students “the opportunity to perform a quick-witted and somewhat ‘heightened language’-filled play.

It was a way to ease them into the sometimes scary world of Shakespeare.” Indeed, all the world’s a stage at Wellington.

PICTURED Above: Ian Woods ‘17, Lucie Kirk ‘16.

1: Isabella Vegas ‘19, Kate True ‘19.

2: Ryan Wise ‘18, Keilah Causey ‘16, Ian Woods ‘17, Lucie Kirk ‘16.

3: Lucie Kirk ‘16, Ian Woods ‘17.

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4: Rachel Carr ‘16, Sarah Abdelbaki ‘16, Andrew Davis ‘19, Thomas Richter ‘19, Serino Nakayama ‘18, Sarah Schmitz ‘16, Miranda Johnson ‘17, Khalil Jallaq ‘17.

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5: Ian Woods ‘17, Lucie Kirk ‘16, Christina Armeni ‘18.

6: Sean O’Donovan ‘19, Alfonso BottaLopez ‘19.

7: Available Light Theatre actor.

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Moving Up to Greatness Wellington celebrated the many accomplishments and personal triumphs of the Classes of 2024 and 2020 at Moving Up Ceremonies on the last day of school.

Recognized for their personal and academic growth through the years, 4th graders and 8th graders took a moment to reflect on all they had learned and also where they would soon be headed as new middle and upper schoolers.

Head of School Robert Brisk P ’13 ’15 and Head of Lower School Jill Webb congratulated 4th graders on a job well done as learners and leaders. Webb told students that middle school would provide them lots of opportunities to use the knowledge they had acquired in lower school but also challenged them to enter the next phase of their education with a sense of adventure. “Try something new,” she said. “We’ll be here to cheer for you and also catch you if you should ever fall.”

The 3rd and 4th grade choir sang “Joy Inside” and “Ode to Joy” under the direction of Music Teacher Laurie Parsons. Teacher Yolanda Johnson received the Diann and John Yakscoe Award for showing outstanding, loving commitment and exceptional dedication to encouraging students to achieve their unique potential as positive and joyful contributors in all that they do. Retiring lower school teachers Sara Harris and Nadine Hinton received flowers for their many years of service to the school.

During both ceremonies, 4th and 8th graders shared some of their favorite memories over the years. From field trips to dance parties, from hating nap time to begging

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for its return, from facing formidable math problems to relishing the completion of major projects, no student was unchanged by their Wellington experience.

Eighth grader Zeke Lloyd delivered a Moving Up address about the many changes he and his classmates had gone through during middle school and the most important lessons they learned did not come from text books. “The real knowledge that changed us was not one of the Roman conquest or Newton’s laws. It was a skill [our teachers] gave us, resiliency…what inspired us to be resilient was the knowledge we could overcome, and we had to change to overcome.

And thanks to our teachers, we did.”

Middle School English Teacher Marianne Crowley was presented with the Horace Mann Award for her exemplary work as a member of the Wellington faculty and going the extra mile in service to her students. Awards for student achievement in academics, the arts, athletics, and mission were also handed out. Eighth graders Alexandria Parsons, Claire O’Shaughnessy, Adenola Atekoja, Ian Gleissner, Noah Jones-Beyene, Kath Olson, Grant Wheeler, Josh Woodell, and Elena Weinberg performed inspirational songs during the program.

By the closing of the program, the Classes of 2020 and 2024 were more than ready for their next great adventures; possessing both the drive and determination to succeed as well as the certainty that they will always be supported by their Wellington family.

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4: Sarah Anderson ‘20, Head of Middle School Erin Noviski.

5: James Epps-Ramsey ‘20, Maika Danford ‘20.

6: Sanjan Shanker ‘24, Matthew Dittrick ‘24, Jack Hyer ‘24.

7: Cira Tibbets ‘24.

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ATHLETICS

SPOTLIGHT ATHLETES

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WELLINGTON SCHOOL PRIDE

4 1: BOYS UPPER SCHOOL LACROSSE Alex Tannous ‘16 2: GIRLS UPPER SCHOOL LACROSSE Abbey Mayne ’16 3: BOYS MIDDLE SCHOOL LACROSSE Will Humphrys ’20

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4: GIRLS MIDDLE SCHOOL LACROSSE Anna Chester ’20

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5: BOYS MIDDLE SCHOOL TENNIS Trevor Ball ’20 6: BOYS UPPER SCHOOL TENNIS Connor Biernat ’18 7: UPPER SCHOOL BASEBALL Preston Fuller ’16

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8: UPPER SCHOOL SOFTBALL Cassie Robbins ’17

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9: MIDDLE SCHOOL BASEBALL Josh Wooddell ’20 10: MIDDLE SCHOOL SOFTBALL Rosemary Haskett ’20

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Wellington Boys Basketball Slam Dunk Season The Wellington boys varsity basketball team had an extraordinary season of inspiring sportsmanship, athletic skill, and unrelenting determination. Losing just four games, the Jags walked away with a Division IV District Championship before heading to the state final four. Competing against Willoughby Cornerstone Christian in front of a packed crowd at The Ohio State University’s Nationwide Arena, Wellington fought bravely through the game that ultimately ended in a 73-67 loss.

“I am incredibly proud of what these young men have accomplished this year,” Athletic Director Lindsey Smith P ’26 said. “They are truly a group of quality individuals. What they accomplished this season is much greater than basketball. They instilled a sense of accomplishment within the entire Wellington community and have reminded us all what commitment, dedication, and pursuit towards a common goal is capable of creating. In moments of adversity they responded with a relentless will to overcome, and in moments of victory they humbly and graciously marched forward.”

Smith would also have to agree with the boys on the team that Head Coach Artie Taylor was key to their enviable 24-4 record.

Using off-season training and team camps as opportunities for teambuilding, Taylor strengthened comradery between players

and got them working together, resulting in the boys’ positive influence on each other to push themselves to optimal levels of play.

“From the beginning of the season, I challenged these guys and dared them to be different and to write their own storyline,” Coach Taylor said. “Each week of the year we seemed to evolve and draw closer together.

Every program has kids that work hard, but it was the belief that we could actually do something special that drove us. I am so proud of their commitment to excellence every day.”

Team co-captain Cameron Edmondson ’16 used the skills he learned in training to bounce back after the team’s disappointing first loss of the season to Bishop Hartley and used it as motivation to work harder. As the season continued, and with the tremendous support of fans within the Wellington community, the Jags picked up a momentum that never diminished.

“I always saw us as a team full of winners,” co-captain Chandler James ’16 said. “But with each loss, Coach Taylor would tell us that it was on us because we had complete control of the outcome of every game. It taught us a lot about accountability.”

The boys learned similar lessons in their Wellington classrooms, along with the importance of hard work and perseverance.

“Every time you do well, whether on the court

Heads Girls Varsity Basketball Coach Bill Mitchin (top) and Head Boys Varsity Basketball Coach Artie Taylor P ’23 (bottom) were both named Central District Division IV coaches of the year. Congratulations to both men for their hard work and dedication to helping Wellington student athletes achieve their goals.

or in the classroom, you know that you earned it,” Edmondson said.

Sophomore guard Bob Faller made honorable mention All-District averaging 9.8 points per game and found his greatest inspiration from the senior leadership on the team. “Cameron and Chandler were really great leaders,” he said. “I admire their work ethic and want to be just as good if not better next year.” During their final game against Cornerstone Christian, the Jaguars shot 29-for-65 (45 percent) from the floor. James had seven points and seven rebounds. Junior Dustin Harder scored 21 points on 9-for-13 shooting and grabbed six rebounds against Cornerstone Christian. He averaged 13 points and 9.4 rebounds and was named SecondTeam All-District and Honorable Mention AllState. Wellington led 66-62 with 2 minutes, 56 seconds remaining before the Patriots closed the game on an 11-1 run. Both Harder and Coach Taylor were named to the Final Four All-Tournament Team.

“Wellington teaches you character,” James said. “It’s a special place. You learn to keep your head up and keep at it. Don’t ever give up.”

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CONNOR BIERNAT: STATE RUNNER-UP Sophomore Connor Biernat hopes to one day play tennis for a great college tennis program and win a National Championship. With an impressive season record of 25-6, losses only in tournaments, and having claimed the title of State Runner-Up this spring, Biernat is well on his way to making his dream a reality. He also really hates losing matches.

“The feeling you get when you lose is the worst part,” Biernat says of what motivates him while playing. “You have to deal with the disappointment. But then when you come back from a bad match, that shows mental resiliency.”

Having played tennis since the age of six and competing by age 10, Biernat enjoys the solitary nature of the sport. He likes figuring out his own problems on the court and having no one but himself to blame when things don’t go as planned. He also credits good communication with Wellington coach Tom Haddow in helping him to succeed. “We have similar game styles and that translates into winning,” Biernat said. “He knows exactly what to say to me to help me figure out a tough match.”

One such match was against Olentangy when Biernat was down 6-0 and then 2-0. He knew he was playing poorly and yet turned the game around to come back and win the second set and the third.

While he admits that it can be tough to balance tennis with schoolwork, Biernat is determined to succeed in both.

He aspires to study medicine in college. His determination and work ethic will undoubtedly take him far, according to Wellington Athletic Director Lindsey Smith P ’26.

“Connor is a strong young player who demonstrated great potential during his freshman season,” Smith said. “This year he returned as our #1 singles player and established himself as one of the most competitive players in central Ohio, advancing all the way to the State Championship match. He is supported by a strong cast of teammates and collectively they are redefining success among the Wellington boys tennis program. His competitive spirit and dedication to the game offer him limitless opportunity moving forward.”

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Student Athlete Leadership Scores Big Wellington’s Student Athlete Leadership Team (SALT) is focused on cultivating youth leadership by helping members reach their potential through monthly meetings, service projects, and outreach activities. They work toward becoming positive role models and influential leaders by making an impact within the Wellington community and beyond.

The athletes participating this year were selected through an interview process and demonstrated signs of great leadership qualities throughout their years of participating in Wellington’s athletic program.

“I think of this group as a bridge between the athletic department and all the athletes at Wellington,” Head Sports Performance Coach Zach Thompson said. “They should be the guiding voice of motivation and positive change among their peers.”

After seeing much-loved and appreciated Athletic Trainer Dom Davis P ’14 ’19 successfully battle cancer a few years ago, the group was inspired to help others going through the same experience. They decided to put together kits for patients at the OSUCC – James that included magazines, word searches, mints, and drawings of happiness done by Wellington preschoolers.

“We wanted to share some of the love that Wellington offers us every day,” Brad Biehl ’18 said. “Anything we could do to enhance their lives and put a smile on their

face. These people were going through some very rough and depressing times, and we wanted to try to ease some of their struggle, even if it was just for a few minutes.”

For Ben Starker ’17 visiting The James had a profound impact on him. “There was one patient that I talked with, and she was thrilled that we were there. Despite her condition, she was laughing and hugging us, so thankful that we were talking to her about her day and her interests. I walked out of her room very sad that I had to leave. The experience put life into perspective for me. This lady, who wakes up every day and has to fight for her life has the courage and hope to be happy and positive.

Whenever I think I am having a rough day, I always think of her, and she makes me feel better. Meeting her that day will forever remind me to take nothing for granted and will forever inspire me to be the best that I can be.”

SALT also worked on creating the first annual Jaguar Jingle Bell Jog and Walk, a 5K race that raised $1000 for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Columbus to purchase athletic equipment for their after school activities.

“Helping out, and making a difference is such an incredible experience,” Abbey Mayne ’16 said. “A lot of us are unaware of the need that is out there and the only way to understand is to go and experience it for yourself.”

TENNIS

Great Things Ahead for Boys Middle School Tennis

Boys Varsity Golf Coach Craig Mosier ‘01, Chris Doody ‘16.

WELLINGTON GRADUATES CHOOSE COLLEGE SPORTS Many young athletes develop a passion for sports that will stay with them for a lifetime. The Wellington Athletics Program strives to help our athletes reach their full potential and prepares them for participation at the collegiate level. A strong commitment to athletic achievement is not forgotten after students graduate from Wellington.

Congratulations to the following members of the Class of 2016 for pursuing their love of sport at college: PRINCETON BALL Fordham University golf SARAH BRUBAKER Centre College swimming KEILAH CAUSEY Ohio University track and field

Undefeated for two years, the boys middle school tennis team had a spectacular season and proved their dominance among tough competition, including Columbus Academy, New Albany, and Bexley. This group of young, yet highly committed, tennis players have tremendous potential to achieve great things in the years to come. It is not beyond the realm of possibility that these boys could be playing for the title of State Champions a few short years down the road. We are excited to watch them humbly make the transition to high school as they continue to seek dominance and success on the court.

CHRIS DOODY Kent State golf CAMERON EDMONDSON Guilford College basketball

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ATHLETICS

STUDENTS EXCEL PLAYING MULTIPLE SPORTS 1

Wellington students are encouraged to challenge themselves academically as well as athletically. Those who feel compelled to stretch their physicality by playing multiple sports are both celebrated and encouraged.

Requiring immense determination and strength of will, athletes choosing to play three sports at Wellington must take on back-to-back seasons of intense training while also displaying exemplary effort in maintaining academic achievement.

“In an age in which club sports and sport specialization are increasingly popular, we value the opportunity to support multi-sport athletes at Wellington,” Athletic Director Lindsey Smith P ’26 said.

The following upper school athletes distinguished themselves this year by playing three sports: Marcus Adams ’16 Zoe Kiourtsis ’16 Cassie Robbins ’17 Aquila Simmons ’19 Elizabeth White ’18 Anas Tantash ’18 Bret Hairston ’17 Kazimir D’Arms ’19 Gwen Hughes ’16 Ellie Kelleher ’18 Annie Taylor ’18

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SOCCER, BASKETBALL, LACROSSE

SOCCER, BASKETBALL, LACROSSE

ABBEY MAYNE ‘16

KATZ KADLIC ‘19

I decided to play three sports because I’m really into athletics and wanted to try out the ones that seemed interesting. After playing each, I found that I really liked all of them. Now, I’m used to the time commitment, and I like always having something to do. Trying to balance three sports with schoolwork, friends, and my other responsibilities is always a challenge. All of the relationships are the greatest reward. I have met so many great people and made a lot of friends through playing three sports.

Choosing to play three sports is something I’ve done for years.

I’ve been playing soccer and basketball since I was 4 or 5, and lacrosse since I was 8. Through the years, I gained a passion for playing these sports, and I don’t want to let that go. Wellington, unlike other schools, provides enough flexibility that I am able to continue playing all three sports. I have to balance long, tiring practices with school and homework. With the increase in competition and skill level, it has been much more of a challenge than middle school. However, I feel as if I have managed my time fairly well this year. Seeing how the school rallies around the different sports teams is the best part. In both soccer and basketball, school support and pride became greater as the season went on.

It really showed me how much everyone cares about Wellington and its sports teams.

SOCCER, BASKETBALL, BASEBALL

IAN FRIM ‘19 I have played baseball and soccer most of my life and have always wanted to play them in high school.

Basketball I started playing in middle school and decided to play in high school because I wanted to challenge myself. The most challenging part of playing three sports was balancing the workload, but it was great to create friendships with the upper classmen and always have something to do after school.

ALUMNI

THE CLASS OF

2003

Alumni News THE CLASS OF

1989

Cynthia Callender Dungey had the opportunity to speak to upper school students in January about how her experience at Wellington has positively impacted her life today.

Colin Brunton made his television debut in February on Tim Marshall’s TRT Insight program in the UK where he had a chance to talk about this year’s presidential race in the United States.

THE CLASS OF

THE CLASS OF

1996

20 Year Reunion The class of 1996 will host their reunion during Alumni Weekend, September 23-25.

More information will be sent out to the class as the date approaches. Please send alumni@wellington.org your updated contact information to ensure you receive information about the reunion.

Rebecca Spears Hinze and her husband Todd have been traveling to many places over the past few years. A few of their favorites have included Vietnam, Morocco, Argentina, and Singapore. Their most recent trek to Machu Picchu helped Rebecca reach her goal of visiting 40 countries by 40 years old!

Rebecca was recently named the varsity coach of the girls’ tennis team at Wellington.

THE CLASS OF

1997

THE CLASS OF

1991

25 Year Reunion The class of 1991 will host their reunion at Wellington on Saturday, August 20.

More information will be sent out to the class as the date approaches. Please send alumni@wellington.org your updated contact information to ensure you receive information about the reunion.

Alicia Althoff Juhl was married in August 2015 at a wine castle near Verona, Italy to Christian Valdemar Juhl.

Christian is from Denmark. They currently reside in Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic.

The happy couple is also expecting a baby girl in July!

2005

Joseph Ross is currently attending the School of International Affairs and Public Policy at Columbia University in New York as a graduate student.

He will receive his Masters of Development Practice in 2016.

THE CLASS OF

2007

Stefan Viragh will be leading a trip to Botswana this summer as a part of the “Coaching for Conservation Expedition to Botswana” sponsored by Walking Tree.

His passion for soccer and the ever important need for wildlife conservation inspired him to be a part of this great cause.

Anna Taft is excited to announce the Tandana Foundation’s “Ten Years of Joining Hands and Changing Lives,” a year-long campaign commemorating the 10th anniversary of the organization receiving nonprofit status and celebrates a decade of changing people’s lives through its work in Ecuador and Mali.

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ALUMNI THE CLASS OF

2010

THE CLASS OF

Michael Walsh will attend Harvard in pursuit of his Ph.D. in the Virology Program at the Medical School. He received his bachelor’s degree from Bowdoin College in 2014 and worked at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston before entering Harvard.

Lizzie Dvorkin and Annie Postle somehow both ended up in the same city in Peru where they spent their winter terms doing medical work in Cusco.

The two are currently studying pre-med in college.

2014

(L-R) Sisters Rebecca and Lisa Walsh, Rebecca’s husband Gavin Hayes, Michael, and Michael’s girlfriend Jen Helble, also a Harvard Ph.D. student.

Delaney Perkins just finished a year-long study abroad program in Rome, Italy where she took classes for her International and Rome Studies minor.

THE CLASS OF

2012

THE CLASS OF

CJ Hansen graduated from Northwestern University in June and began working as a researcher at the university where he writes code and works on the SOFIA project, an astronomical telescope based on a 747. More information about this project can be found on nasa.gov.

THE CLASS OF

2013

Erin O’Neil completed her junior year at Butler University on the Dean’s List. She also interned for a sustainability consulting company in Shanghai and travelled within China on the weekends.

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2015

Caiti Olberding will be transferring from High Point University to Towson University in the fall. Over the summer she will attend Georgetown University to take classes while living in the center of our nation’s capital.

Riley Barnwell will transfer from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh to The Ohio State University this fall.

STAY CONNECTED WITH WELLINGTON. UPDATE YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION TODAY BY EMAILING ALUMNI@WELLINGTON.ORG

Senior & Alumni Luncheon The annual Senior & Alumni Luncheon provided the Class of 2016 an opportunity to chat with recent Wellington graduates about what to expect during their first year of college. While enjoying an informal lunch of pizza and salad, seniors asked alumni questions about deciding on a major, adjusting to living with a roommate, getting involved with clubs, and budgeting time. It was a sweet send off for the new grads on their last day of school.

Many thanks to Riley Barnwell ’15, Alyssa Cook ’15, Jahi Dial ’13, Luke Hogan ’15, and Kate Miller ’15 for taking the time to share their experiences with the Class of 2016.

PICTURED ABOVE Luke Hogan ‘15.

PICTURED BELOW Jahi Dial ‘13.

SAVE THE DATE Alumni Weekend 2016

35th Anniversary Gala

FRIDAY & SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 2 3 & 24

SATURDAY, APRIL 29

SEND US YOUR NEWS WE LOVE TO HEAR ABOUT ALL OF THE WONDERFUL THINGS YOU ARE DOING, PLACES YOU ARE TRAVELLING, AND BIG EVENTS HAPPENING IN YOUR LIVES. PLEASE SEND YOUR UPDATES AND INFORMATION ALONG WITH A CAPTIONED PHOTO TO ALUMNI@WELLINGTON.ORG

ANTHONY JACKSON ’09 JERSEY RETIREMENT After the tragic passing of friend Anthony Jackson ‘09, classmates James Amos ’08, Kevin Herring ’07, Brook Kohn ’08, and Laura Wilkie ’09 were inspired to honor Anthony’s love for Wellington and basketball by retiring his basketball jersey, #30. During the annual Jaguar Invitational in January, the Wellington community came together for this poignant tribute.

Amos was joined by Anthony’s mom, Nina Jackson Miller P ’09, Coach McCants P ’03 ’06, Head of School Robert Brisk P ’13 ’15, and Athletic Director Lindsey Smith P ’26 on center court for the moving ceremony in which they shared favorite memories of Anthony and the impact Wellington had on him.

Brisk introduced the recipient of the 2016 Anthony Jackson Boys Basketball Award, Chandler James ’16. The award has been given since the 2013-2014 season to the student-athlete who exemplifies respect for his teammates and coaches, inspires his teammates to be better, embraces diversity, and is committed to the mission and goals of the team.

Following the program, a small reception was hosted in the Thomas Family Dining Room. Many alumni and alumni parents along with current and past faculty had an opportunity to catch up with one another and share their love for Anthony.

“While he is gone, he is never forgotten; even in his passing he continues to bring the Wellington community together.” A statement made by his dearest friends that was truly exemplified throughout the evening.

ELIZABETH BLOUNT MCCORMICK Elizabeth Blount McCormick ’96 has been making huge strides in Columbus as President of Uniglobe Travel Designers. The company recently announced a 5,500 square foot expansion in German Village and The Ohio Department of Administrative Services named Uniglobe the state’s designated full-service travel agent-broker.

Over the past year, Elizabeth’s name has appeared all over the state of Ohio for her remarkable leadership and direction both personally and professionally.

She was named one of Columbus Business First’s Forty under 40, 2015 Progressive Entrepreneur at the Smart Women’s Breakfast, 2016 Woman WELDing the Way calendar honoree, and most recently, as 1 of 15 Historically Black Colleges or Universities (HBCUs) Alumnae who are changing the game nationwide.

During her presentation at the annual All Things Wellington event, Elizabeth shared how she was president of the black history club while a student. “It was such a great experience for me just to be an individual and develop my leadership skills.” It is evident in all the accolades Elizabeth has received this year that she is a true leader and wonderful example of where a Wellington education may lead.

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ALUMNI

CLASSES OF 1991 & 1996 WHERE ARE THEY NOW? This year marks the Class of 1991 and 1996’s 25th and 20th reunions. Wellington took a moment to catch up with our alumni..

CLASS OF 1991 Sophia Baidya Mohr COLUMBUS, OHIO

FAMILY:

Husband, Ron; Jackson, 6; Beckett, 3

JOB AND INDUSTRY:

VP of Owner Experience

at NetJets B.S. and M.S. of Industrial and Systems Engineering at OSU COLLEGE(S):

Who makes up your FAMILY? What JOB AND INDUSTRY are you in now?

What COLLEGE(S) did you attend? How do you serve the COMMUNITY? Favorite Wellington MEMORY? Who was your FAVORITE TEACHER OR COACH at Wellington? What were you INVOLVED with at Wellington? What was your OPENING DAY experience at Wellington? What did Wellington best PREPARE you for? Wellington in THREE WORDS? What do you remember about your GRADUATION ceremony? Here’s what they said.

MEMORY: Many of my friends from Wellington are those who I still keep in touch with today.

I made many lifelong friendships there.

FAVORITE TEACHER OR COACH: I remember having a great time in AP Art with Mrs Mulick. We had a small group in the class (Jon Richardson, Amy Speilman).

THREE WORDS:

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Close-knit, Diversity, Caring

Ajit Chaudhari

I did attend Wellington on opening day. I remember feeling weird wearing a uniform, being very impressed by the gorgeous polished wood floor in Mrs. Conrad’s classroom, enjoying the familystyle dining, and having an incredible sense of opportunity and openness because everyone was new, everyone had to make new friends, and nothing was set or defined.

OPENING DAY:

COLUMBUS, OHIO

Wife, Lise Worthen-Chaudhari; Asha, 8; Casey, 7 FAMILY:

I’m a professor at Ohio State in Physical Therapy, Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, and Orthopaedics JOB AND INDUSTRY:

I attended Stanford University (B.S., M.S., Ph.D.)

David Downey

Nick Horiszny SUGAR LAND, TEXAS

FAMILY:

Wife, Jocelyn; William; and Juliana

I work for the Texas Department of Transportation, and I design bridges.

JOB AND INDUSTRY:

Rice University, Bachelors of Science in Civil Engineering

COLLEGE(S):

COLLEGE(S):

COMMUNITY: I’m the Director of Diversity and Inclusion for the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, so I spend a lot of time thinking about how to improve diversity in our student body and how to make sure our environment is welcoming and supportive for all students, faculty, and staff.

I’m also involved with the strategic planning process for Upper Arlington Schools.

MEMORY: In The Know team being quirky yet unstoppable.

FAVORITE TEACHER OR COACH:

Carol Goldsmith

What’s always been great about Wellington is all the things you could be involved with at the same time. Basketball, In The Know, Band, AP classes.

INVOLVED:

PREPARE: Wellington best prepared me by providing a great group of talented peers with a supportive and non-competitive atmosphere. Since then, I’ve always put myself in environments where I can contribute to and learn from a great peer group without fear of competition or overcomparison.

THREE WORDS:

Be Well Rounded

DUBLIN, OH

FAMILY:

Wife, Kirsten; Ethan, 7; Brooke, 4

JOB AND INDUSTRY: Director of Charter Services, Executive Jet Management

Graduated from The Ohio State University with a degree in Technology Education COLLEGE(S):

COMMUNITY : I have coached my son’s soccer team and my daughter’s basketball team.

I have taught both of their Sunday school classes at different times.

After graduating, the entire senior class went to Pete Waydo’s farm. I knew that I would miss every person there, and it was great to have one last fun time with them.

MEMORY:

FAVORITE TEACHER OR COACH:

Basketball camp at Haverford School in Pennsylvania

Sam Stewart

MEMORY:

FAVORITE TEACHER OR COACH:

INVOLVED: Basketball, Tennis, Soccer and Student Council.

Mr. Smith, College and all the activities I do outside of work.

6th grade

PREPARE:

Band, Basketball, Soccer (7th and 8th grade).

INVOLVED:

PREPARE: Wellington did a good job of preparing me for college classes.

THREE WORDS:

THREE WORDS:

GRADUATION:

Academics, Sports, Friends

Ajit’s speech.

Opportunity, Fun, Confidence

Shannon Brown playing a song he composed on the piano.

GRADUATION:

I was in 4th grade and there were 13 of us in Mrs. Conrad’s class.

Everyone was a little nervous because no one knew each other.

OPENING DAY:

I remember giving the graduation speech, it being a glorious sunny day, and Shannon playing an original composition.

GRADUATION :

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Ashley Koff

Pete Waydo

WASHINGTON, DC

FAMILY:

Just me (and my dog Rerun).

LOS ANGELES, CA

FAMILY:

CLASS OF 1996 Alicia Althoff Juhl

Mischa, 10; Mila, 8 PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC

JOB AND INDUSTRY:

Dietitian, nutrition/

health industry Duke University, New York University (graduate food studies)

I’m in Spacecraft Mechanical Engineering at the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL)

JOB AND INDUSTRY:

COLLEGE(S):

Work-related, I give talks to schools, students, parents, and churches on nutrition.

Mechanical Engineering degree from Northern Arizona University COLLEGE(S):

COMMUNITY:

MEMORY :

Too many to pick one - or I am not ready to admit to them?

FAVORITE TEACHER OR COACH: We were lucky enough to have awesome teachers and coaches, shout out to them all as I still use things I learned from each.

My friends, playing/watching sports teams, theatre.

INVOLVED:

PREPARE:

Going after what I wanted.

THREE WORDS:

COMMUNITY: These days it’s all focused on our elementary school!

Wow, too many to list, and some I wouldn’t put in writing! But I have fond memories of trips overseas with Mrs. McGary, shenanigans in Mr. Morris’ class, and of course, our band, Rubber Glove.

MEMORY:

Mr. Stewart, of course! Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrr! But Mrs. McGary, Mrs. Goldsmith, and Mr. Morris were also strong influences.

FAVORITE TEACHER OR COACH:

Band, photography, LAX, general tomfoolery.

INVOLVED:

Think, Try, Laugh College and aspects of professional life. Most notably, the command of the English language that was so painful to achieve at the time has been a huge asset.

PREPARE: GRADUATION:

Being really happy.

GRADUATION: A bunch of people thought the rubber gloves on Shannon’s, Justin’s, and my cap, which were an homage to our garage band, Rubber Glove, was some sort of political statement about AIDS or something. You gave us waaaaay too much credit, people.

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FAMILY: Husband Christian, Victor, Frida, and baby Emma on the way.

JOB AND INDUSTRY:

Education, Montessori

teacher COLLEGE(S): The Ohio State University (bachelor’s degree), Xavier University (master’s degree)

MEMORY:

Too many to pick just one!

FAVORITE TEACHER OR COACH:

Mrs. Bonvallet

I played on the tennis team for 4 years and I was the yearbook editor for 2 years.

INVOLVED:

PREPARE: Being a good writer and being articulate when expressing myself, which are both skills that keep on giving every day!

THREE WORDS:

Worth the work!

Elizabeth Blount McCormick COLUMBUS, OHIO

FAMILY:

Husband, Lee McCormick

B.A. in History at The Ohio State University, M.A.E. at Otterbein

COLLEGE(S):

President and owner of UNIGLOBE Travel Designers

COLLEGE(S): Spelman College, B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Spanish

United Way Board Member, mentor with the Women’s Leadership Council - e3 program, member of the UNCF leadership council, board member of the Columbus Chapter of NAWBO (National Association of Women Business Owners), board member of the Mansion Day School, mentor with Columbus State Community College, mentor other women in the community, we volunteer at my company as a team as well.

COMMUNITY:

MEMORY:

Ms. Perencevich’s speech class

Tie - Mr. Frim, Ms. Evans, Ms. Robbins and Ms. Mierzejewski FAVORITE TEACHER OR COACH:

FAVORITE TEACHER OR COACH:

Some organizations through work with students at Wellington, some adoption charities.

Pinson Day at the zoo – hanging out by the river with everyone.

FAVORITE TEACHER OR COACH: Way too many to name – each influenced me in different ways. Of course, I decided to become a history teacher because of Mr. Stewart.

Each of my teachers and coaches impacted the way I teach each day and the way I interact with students and families here at Wellington.

Soccer and softball, prom and spirit club, clubs.

INVOLVED:

Wellington best prepared me to interact and communicate with adults at a young age. I was easily able to articulate my point of view and be with a group of adults.

Wellington also prepared me to be a learner.

I was asked for my opinions and had to figure out how to formulate my thoughts. This has kept me learning every day.

PREPARE:

THREE WORDS:

Tennis team, black history club, community service and the first judicial review board.

Innovative, Exciting, Family

INVOLVED:

Being comfortable and confident in who I am.

Bice Garcia Dolciato

PREPARE:

THREE WORDS:

Challenging, Thoughtful, Open

Erin Cornett Griffing COLUMBUS, OHIO

Husband, Bryce; Willa, 2; Baby #2 on the way – no name yet.

FAMILY:

Mrs. Potter

INVOLVED:

Sports; lacrosse and soccer.

PREPARE: Explore the unknown without fear, and always find a way to be creative when you approach the unknown.

THREE WORDS:

Fun, Innovative learning, and

Diversified.

Rebecca Spears Hinze DUBLIN, OHIO

FAMILY:

Husband, Todd; Parker, 6

I help my husband rehab houses in Downtown Columbus and teach Varsity tennis at Wellington.

JOB AND INDUSTRY:

Rollins College, Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science

COLLEGE(S):

COMMUNITY:

YMCA Hilltop, Junior League of

Columbus.

Representing Wellington at the State Tournament and having so many friends encourage me.

MEMORY:

FAVORITE TEACHER OR COACH:

Ms. Robbins,

Mrs. Yakscoe, Mr. Stewart.

WORTHINGTON, OH

Husband Bob; Adriana, 11; Marissa, 10; Michael, 7

INVOLVED:

Student Council, Tennis.

FAMILY:

JOB AND INDUSTRY:

Marketing

COLLEGE(S): Gannon University and Ohio State undergrad and Franklin University for Master program in Marketing & Communications.

Worthington 5th/6th grade lacrosse coach, on the board of Central Ohio Women’s Lacrosse Officials, and New Directions Career Center mentor.

COMMUNITY: JOB AND INDUSTRY: History teacher in the upper school at The Wellington School.

Meeting my husband.

COMMUNITY:

MEMORY:

JOB AND INDUSTRY:

MEMORY:

PREPARE: Having a wonderful idea of learning and a well-established study/ work habit in college. The teachers were passionate about their students, Wellington, and their fields of study, which gave me courage to pursue things I was also passionate about.

THREE WORDS:

Diverse, Challenging,

Welcoming

THE WELLINGTON SCHOOL

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PRESORTED FIRST CLASS US POSTAGE PAID COLUMBUS, OH PERMIT #3374

3650 Reed Road Columbus, OH 43220 614.457.7883 www.wellington.org

The Wellington School is an independent, coeducational, preschool through grade 12, college preparatory day school dedicated to preparing citizens who achieve, lead, and find fulfillment in a global community.

SAVE THE DATE

Back to School Sunday

21 August

2–4 p.m.

Visit classrooms and teachers.

Meet new families and reconnect with friends.

Enjoy frozen treats.