A publication from the campus of Evansville Day School.
Summer 2016
Eagle Pride
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Ready for Everything. Discover Why.
Introduction
Heads Up
facilities and programs. Marking our 70th year pioneering educational excellence in the Trifrom the State, we feel confident our founders ead of chool would be proud of our school today and the vision we have for tomorrow. Over the last two years, we’ve invested more than $400,000 in campus improvements and have Head of School Jarin Jaffee and son Emerson, enhanced the student experience class of 2030. with an innovative approach to technology, experiential educational opportunities, and have aligned our rigorous curriculum with Portrait of a Graduate. Dear Friends,
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Back in April, I sent an email listing all the amazing things that happened at Day School in that month. Multiply that by ten more months of incredible achievements, and you can see how the 2015-16 academic year was one to remember. This edition of Eagle Pride highlights successes from Preschool through the class of 2016. Just as our graduates move on to impressive colleges, having earned unprecedented scholarships, Day School is also planning for the future with enhancements to campus
Hybrid Learning Consortium online classes, and are already dreaming of a redesigned school schedule, a formalized Humanities program in the Upper School, an SAT/ ACT prep class, and an Advanced Placement Psychology course. None of this would be possible without the support of the generous and passionate Day School community. I am thrilled to announce our Annual Fund increased by over 50% from a year ago, surpassing the $210,000 mark. For everyone who Raised Their Hands, please watch this student-made thank you video message. I hope you have had a terrific summer. We sure have!
By end of summer, Phase 1 of a major Preschool renovation will be complete, along with a new Upper School roof and a freshly paved driveway. Middle School faculty will have finalized details of the pilot “Bring Your Own Device” program. Warmest regards, Six classrooms will be equipped with new flexible and modern furniture. This school year, our faculty will receive training from an Earlham College professor on experiential education. They will roll out the
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Our Mission Evansville Day School, in partnership with parents, offers a student-centered, college-preparatory program supported by a challenging and comprehensive curriculum that encourages each student from Junior Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12 to strive for excellence in mind, body, and human spirit.
Our Core Values • Excellence : the pursuit of high quality, merit, and virtue
• Responsibility : the attribute of being individually accountable, reliable, & trustworthy • Integrity : the discipline to adhere to a code of moral, honorable, & ethical standard • Respect : the positive and supportive consideration for oneself and others • Personal Discipline : the initiative to establish & achieve personal goals that demonstrate favorable character & conduct • Compassion : the willingness to be empathetic & understanding of others 2 | DESIGN MGZ 6
Table of Contents Current Happenings
5
In the Spotlight
17
Philanthropy
21
Alumni
29
Board of Trustees Executive Committee • Chris Traylor 1990 – President • Dr. Lori Sieboldt – Vice President • Bruce Smith – Treasurer • Rob Foster – Secretary • John Cinelli – Assistant Treasurer • Helen Christian – Past President Board Members • Amy Romain Barron, Trustee • Fred Folz, Sr., Trustee • Christy Gillenwater, Trustee • Patrick Griffin, Trustee • Jarin Jaffee, Head of School • Alan Hoskins, Trustee • Jeff Kelsey, Trustee • Thomas Kissel 1978, President, Alumni Association • Paul Saunders, Trustee • Jenn Schultheis, Trustee
Discover Why.
Trustees Emeriti • Robert Guenther • Diane Foster Igleheart • James Long • Stephan Weitzel
Leadership Team • Jarin Jaffee - Head of School • Dr. Mary Jane Gibson – Head of Middle & Upper School • Robin Renschler – Head of Primary School • Karen Chatmon – Director of Admission • Leah Whitaker – Director of Advancement • Tom Dragon – Director of Athletics • Tiki Thompson – Director of Enrollment Management • Linda Vandiver – Director of Finance
Join the conversation...
publication credits: Tiki Thompson, Leah Whitaker, Amanda Bultemeier, & Angela Craft Photo top: Mason Morgan and Stella Brooks, class of 2034, pose with the Flying Eagle, while Ethan Vaupel (photo bottom), class of 2030, poses with the Flying Eagle and Chewbacca in Florida. See pages 38 & 39 for more photos from our summer contest.
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Board Transitions Evansville Day School is pleased to introduce the newest members of our Board of Trustees. Our community is fortunate to add this talented group of parents to an already impressive Board. Jennifer Schultheis graduated from Indiana University with a Bachelor of Science from the School of Public and Environmental Affairs, with a concentration in Urban Affairs. In 1998, she received her master’s degree in counseling from Butler University. Jenn is the operations manager for Ben Shoulders’s campaign for County Commissioner. Jenn is also a member of the executive team of TEDxEvansville and is facilitating the curatorial process for 2016. Previously, Jenn volunteered with Leadership Evansville before assuming the Assistant Director role. From 2011—2013, she was the political director for the Vanderburgh County Democratic Party. Married to Joab Schultheis, they have two children enrolled at Evansville Day School, Peyton, class of 2017, and Will, class of 2021. Paul Saunders 1997 is the founder and President of eLuxur ysupply. com, an e-commerce business specializing in the manufacture and sale of various bed, bath, and home soft goods. Their corporate offices and fulfillment center are located in Evansville. Paul founded the company out of his garage in 2010. In September 2015, INC. magazine named eLuxurySupply.com the fastest growing privately-owned company in Indiana, and the 15th fastest growing company in the United States. Paul graduated from the United States
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Naval Academy in 2001 with a bachelor’s degree in economics, at which time he was commissioned, and subsequently served seven years as an officer in the United States Marine Corps. In 2014, Paul earned a Master of Business Administration from Vanderbilt University. Paul and his wife, Emily, live in McCutchanville. Their twin daughters Brittain and Katherine, class of 2028, and son Graham, class of 2030, are all current Day School students. Jeffrey D. Kelsey is the franchise owner of nine Penn Station East Coast Subs ® restaurants, which he operates with his wife, Kendra. He is also President of parent company TriState Cheesesteaks, LLC. Jeff is a 1994 graduate of Vincennes University and has over 26 years of restaurant experience. He has been on the Penn Station Franchisor Advisory Council for 11 years and was recognized as “Franchisee of the Year” in 2008. Recently, Jeff was elected to the board of the Indiana Restaurant Association representing the Southwestern Region. Jeff, a native of Olney, Illinois, employs approximately 150 people and personally manages a $5 million annual budget within the company. Additionally, Jeff has run his company with the lowest controllable costs in comparison to all other markets in the Penn Station system for ten consecutive years. Jeff loves golfing, exploring interesting places, and spending time with his family. He also enjoys being active in a variety of EDS activities, including chairing the Friends of EDS’s Fall Festival booth. He and Kendra live in Evansville with their two children, Mia, class of 2026, and William, class of 2028, who both attend Day School.
Thank you for your years of service and dedication: • Denise Carmack 2005 - 2016 • Fred Folz, Sr. 2010 - 2016 • Gary Morris 1980, 2010 - 2016
CURRENT HAPPENINGS
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Current Happenings
2016 Commence
Congratulations Class of 2016!
The class of 2016 received $4.4 million in college scholarships, an unprecedented amount for any graduating class. Ninety percent (90%) of the students received merit awards, and nearly as many (86%) were accepted to their top-choice school. This fall, our graduates will be attending the following colleges and universities:
• Butler University • Cornell University • DePaul University • Indiana University • Lafayette College • Mount Holyoke College • Northwestern University • Southern Methodist University • Texas Christian University • United States Naval Academy • University of Evansville • University of Louisville • University of Southern Indiana • Utah State University • Wabash College • Xavier University
Alumni Award Sarah Leinenbach
Athletic Blanket Award Joey Ballard & Halle Sullivan Drama Award Rachel Lewis English Award Joey Ballard Fine Arts Award Gladney Hall & Sehal Shah Humanist Award Jake Somody Journalism Award Sarah Leinenbach Math Award Joey Ballard & Emily Shockley Mount Holyoke College Award Jessica Turner, class of 2018 Performing Arts Award (Instrumental) Zoe Renschler
The class of 2016: J Leinenbach, Rachel
Performing Arts Award (Vocal) Emily Shockley Helen Boettcher Science Award Gladney Hall Social Studies Blair Bucshon Technology Award Zoe Renschler World Languages Award (French) Ryan Clifton World Languages Award (Spanish) Joey Ballard Lifers Recognition Joey Ballard, Blair Bucshon, Graham Dunigan, Gladney Hall, Emily Shockley, Halle Sullivan
Kathy Stroube, retired Upper School STEM teacher high-fives the graduates during Senior Send-off. Eagle Pride 6 | DESIGN MGZ 6
Head of School Award Joey Ballard
The class of 2021: B Alcock, Jaylee Pease; Michael Niemeier, A January, Kenneth H (teacher), Neha Bha Elayna Zausch
ement Ceremony
Joey Ballard, Philip Brown, Blair Bucshon, Patrick Cinelli, Ryan Clifton, Graham Dunigan, Madison Edwards, Joshua Ford, Gladney Hall, Jordan Lamping, Sarah Lewis, Abbie McDaniel, Katherine Meacham, Danielle Morris, Zoe Renschler, Tyler Rodgers, Sehal Shah, Emily Shockley, Vincent Somody, Halle Sullivan.
Bottom row from left: Mackenzie Virgin, Ronyah Al-Abed, Andrea Reyes, Cecilia ; second row from left: Alyssa Elderkin, Jad Takieddin Allison Waller, Graham Griffin, Andrew Phillips, Laci Weinzapfel, Isabella Reynolds; back row from left: Makiya Hall, Dev Sanapati, Jordan Nouri, Griffin Sanders, Mason Hugues, Erin Deppe asin, Daniel Sharygin, Olivia Gibson, William Foster, Silmary Echevarria (teacher),
Lifers from the class of 2016: Halle Sullivan, Graham Dunigan, Joey Ballard, Gladney Hall, Emily Shockley. Missing from photo is Blair Bucshon. DESIGN MGZ 6 | 7 Eagle Pride
Current Happenings
Faculty Recognition
ISACS Equity and Justice Committee
Salt and Light Award
Upper School social studies teacher, Jose Mota, was selected to serve on the ISACS (Independent Schools Association of the Central States) Equity and Justice Committee beginning in the 2016-17 school year. The Equity and Justice Committee “provides leadership to the Board of Trustees, staff, and member schools while fostering equity and justice in core values, best practices, and standards of Jose Mota, Upper School social studies teacher. excellence through diversity, multiculturalism and inclusion.” This is a great honor and opportunity for Jose, and we are proud of his passion and leadership.
For the past 14 years, Evansville Day School has recognized an outstanding faculty member during graduation with the Salt & Light Award. In honor of Mrs. Helen Boettcher, a beloved teacher who loved Day School and was known to be the “salt of the earth” and the “light of knowledge for her students and inspiration for her peers and the school community,” this award was made possible by Helen’s generous contribution to our endowment fund.
“I chose to apply because I believe the educational system should be built around the needs of the local community and not tailored to or administered by large interests that go beyond their boundaries,” says Jose. “So, the question I ask myself then is, ‘How do I create an educational experience that fosters equity and excellence in light of our own demographics?’ This, I cannot yet answer, but I am hoping to speak with other individuals who are grappling with the same issue to find out more.”
This year’s recipient, Rebecca Tackett, leaves Day School after 14 years as an Upper School math teacher. “Rebecca is highly organized, efficient, personable, levelheaded, and popular with students, colleagues, parents, administrators, and Board members. Her hard work and leadership ensured a smooth school year,” said Jarin Jaffee during his presentation. “Rebecca is a rock star and losing her will have an impact on virtually every single area of the school and the Day School community.” Rebecca, her husband, John, and their five children, Kaylyn, Taylor, Quinn, Nolan, and Curran have relocated to Atlanta, where Rebecca will teach high school math at a local independent school. We wish the Tacketts all the best on their new journey.
As Evansville’s only independent school, Day School holds itself to the high standards required to be an ISACS accredited school. As an independent school, we have the flexibility to tailor programming and curricula around the needs of our students and allow faculty members like Jose to expand their passion for education through professional enrichment.
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I ask myself ‘How do I create an educational experience that fosters equity and excellence in light of our own demographics?’ ~Jose Mota, Upper School social studies teacher
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Upper School math teacher Rebecca Tackett, receiving the “Salt & Light” award at the 2016 graduation ceremony from Head of School Jarin Jaffee.
Faculty Transitions
Thank You for your Service! Dona Hayden began her career at Day School in 1986 teaching Middle and Upper School band. Most recently, she was the instructor for Primary School recorders and the Middle and Upper School flutes and strings. Over the years, her students have entertained during the annual holiday programs, Creative Arts Nights, graduations, and Promotional Assemblies. Dona is an avid fan of University of Evansville basketball and golf. She is eager to have more time devoted to playing golf, pursuing her interest in photography, and composing flute arrangements for publication.
Since beginning her Day School career in 2002, Rebecca Tackett has been one of the biggest cheerleaders for the Upper School division, serving as the Student Council and Pep Club Sponsor. We will remember all of the creative talents she employed to foster school pride, such as her famous paintings in the Commons before sectionals. Her passion for teaching was obvious to all who worked with and learned from her. Whether it was before or after school, or in the classroom, her love for math was contagious. Many of Rebecca’s students entered college having already obtained math credits because of her excellent instruction in AP Calculus, while so many others claim that Mrs. Tackett achieved the impossible by making math “fun” and “easy to understand.”
Anyone who has observed Kathy Stroube in action over the last 17 years would easily recognize the passion she brings to the math and science classrooms. Many would also say her dedication to students goes far beyond the STEM field. Kathy shared her love for travel with the Day School community. She chaperoned Intersession trips and took students to New York, Boston, Washington, D.C., and Hong Kong. In addition to coaching the Academic Bowl, she started the theatre club, which allowed students to attend plays and local events, and the apiary club, which taught students about beekeeping. Kathy will also be remembered for her hands-on approach to physics; some of the more noteable class projects she developed included disassembling cell phones and building bridges.
Debra Kiesel has always been a favorite teacher in Middle School because of her quick wit and her ability to make English and Literature engaging. Her role as the Middle School Speech Coach helped many timid students develop eloquence, poise, and confidence before they entered the Upper School. Debra’s students loved taking trips to Camp Carson and Holiday World when she chaperoned. We hope she will now enjoy trips like these with her grandchildren. Debra Kiesel shared her love of literature and the importance of grammar and spelling with our Middle School for 34 years, and we can truly say that her retirement marks the end of an era.
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Current Happenings Current Happenings
Primary School
The Giving Project
Day School delivers an educational experience that extends beyond the classroom and nurtures in our students a set of skills they need to navigate and succeed in the future global economy. The vibrancy of our educational mission is epitomized in the fourth grade Giving Project, an annual philanthropic enterprise and point of pride within the Primary School curriculum. Students tackle social justice issues, learn how to market a small business, manage volunteers and coordinate peer partnerships, execute short and long term budgeting and fundraising goals, and discover ways to direct their own passions and learning outcomes, all for $10 per student. Fourth grade teacher, Megan Collins (Polz) 2008, begins the second semester by giving each of her students seed money. Megan challenges students to use the money creatively to raise additional funds for their chosen charity organization. Throughout the project, she provides guidance and direction, but other than that, the success of their social ventures rests entirely on the students’ motivation and innovation. This year, the students used their seed money to buy ingredients and supplies to run bake sales and to make homemade bracelets, beanie babies, bookmarks, and lemonade. “My favorite part about the Giving Project is seeing a strong passion for a specific need within our community develop in each student. Their senses of pride, excitement, and dedication are truly inspiring,” extolls Mrs. Collins.
When Austin Boyle and Nate Phillips presented their $510 check to the S.M.I.L.E. on Down Syndrome organization, founder Nina Fuller commented, “I love the fact that a fourth-grade group of students and our S.M.I.L.E on Down Syndrome group of self-advocates are now friends. These friendships are formed when we include one another in each other’s activities and in the community, and we work together to make a better life for one another.” Some of the charitable organizations that benefited from this year’s Giving Project include, The Challenger League, S.M.I.L.E. on Down Syndrome, Cat Haven in Indianapolis, the Vanderburgh County Humane Society, Riley’s Children’s Hospital, PAAWS, and Easter Seals. In total, the 16 students in the fourth-grade class raised an astonishing $4,014.95 for the community.
Fourth grade teacher, Megan Collins (Polz) 2008.
Rosie Alcock used the $10 to orchestrate a matching campaign, donating her own money and challenging family members to do the same. By the end, Rosie had raised more than $600 for The Challenger League. Nathan Foster used his $10 to start a donut drive. Nathan purchased donuts through Krispy Kreme’s “Fundraising in a Box” program at a discounted rate, and even secured a few donated boxes that helped him maximize profits. Karam Rimawi and Jude Allaw partnered to raise money for the Islamic Center of Evansville. They pooled their start-up capital to run bake sales that not only brought in more than $250 in donations, but also introduced some in the Day School community to the delights of Middle Eastern desserts and sweets. Eagle MGZ Pride6 10 | DESIGN
Nate Phillips and Austin Boyle, class of 2024, present $510 to S.M.I.L.E. on Down Syndrome.
Middle School
Future Problem Solvers
In Middle School, students develop leadership and confidence, individuality, creativity, and a higher level of discipline they need to succeed in Upper School. One program, The Future Problem Solvers (FPS), provides the perfect opportunity to cultivate these qualities. Started in 2014 by Day School parent Carol Griffin, (mother of Emma, class of 2027, and Sara, class of 2030), FPS shares the tools and strategies students need to face the challenges of today and the future. Carol coaches fifth and eighth graders to think systematically about the world’s biggest problems, to gather information about a particular situation, and to evaluate multiple solutions in order to best address it. “To develop the ability of young people to design and promote positive futures using critical and creative thinking, how much more important can it get?” Carol asks rhetorically.
and opportunities they will encounter in college and life. The EDS students are a delight to work with and are well-suited for the FPS process,” affirms Carol. In the first year, only four students participated in the FPS program. This past year, more than 40 students competed on 13 teams at the state qualifier in Indiana. One of our eighth grade teams that competed that day placed in the top ten in state. Next year, Carol and the FPS students will work through the following problems: Practice Problem 1 - “Educational Disparities,” Practice Problem 2 - “It’s All in the Genes,” and to qualify for state, “3D Printing.”
The FPS curriculum is part of Future Problem Solving Program International. The program teaches students a six-step creative problem-solving process in which they research a topic, then, based on a one-page future scene, identify potential problems, define underlying problems, write solutions to the underlying problems, identify criteria to rank the best solution possible, and write an action plan. Throughout the year, the students explore highly complex global topics. This year, FPS students explored “The Global Workplace” and “Recovering from Natural Disasters.” “The EDS educational philosophy works effortlessly with Future Problem Solving. Learning how to think Future Problem Solvers work to find real-world solutions to existing problems using the design thinking process. and solve problems will prepare them for the challenges
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...the skills they’re learning can be applied anywhere! These kids are learning root cause analysis; they’re learning how to process complex problems using design thinking. Not only are these employable skills, but mastering this level of problem solving will help in college and even in human relationships. ~Carol Griffin, Future Problem Solvers Coach
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Current Happenings
Middle & Upper School
The Hybrid Learning Consortium (HLC) gives Day School students the opportunity to take courses online and to work with teachers and students from independent schools around the world. Founded at Barstow School in Kansas City, Kansas, the HLC creates a globalized learning community, immersing students and faculty in the 21st Century digital world through online courses that offer freedom of content, collaboration, and scheduling.
sizes and personal attention they would receive in an oncampus class,” says Head of School, Jarin Jaffee. Day School is also thrilled to announce that the Vectren Foundation, a committed business partner in support of cutting-edge education, has committed a two-year grant to underwrite the school’s annual membership in the HLC, as well as finance the cost of tuition for students interested in HLC courses but where course fees present a barrier to enrollment.
The National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), of which Evansville Day School is a proud member, has been engaged in online learning (often called hybrid/blended learning) since 2010. NAIS encourages and supports member schools to find innovative ways to offer quality online learning as a complement to their campus programming. Many of Day School’s peer schools, from Park Tudor in Indianapolis, to Louisville Collegiate, to MICDS in St. Louis, have been members of an online learning consortium since 2011.
The HLC is able to offer a range of core curriculum courses through a wide and expanding network of experienced online teachers. Some of the noted benefits of enrolling in the HLC are: • students have the opportunity to take courses not offered at Day School at a time which is convenient for the student. • HLC courses are small, rigorous, and incorporate experiential learning. • because of the Vectren Foundation grant, the program is even more affordable. • HLC courses prepare students for the increasing number of online courses required at the college level. • students can choose from a wide range of Advanced Placement and elective courses to further their ambitions and deepen their passions.
Day School’s faculty and administration recognize the importance of integrating varied learning platforms and methodologies into our students’ educational experiences. In the ISACS Community Survey, some Middle and Upper School students and parents said they wanted more variety in advanced coursework and the flexibility for further elective studies like foreign language and fine arts. Given students’ and teachers’ For more information about HLC at EDS, contact increased use of and comfort with technology, the Heather Heck, Director of College Counseling, or visit faculty and administration affirm this is the ideal time to evansvilledayschool.org/hybrid-learning-consortium. add online learning to Day School’s long list of forwardthinking programs. “We decided to partner with the Hybrid Learning Consortium because they have demonstrated industrycredibility with other independent schools similar to the size and scope of Evansville Day School. All HLC courses are taught by independent school teachers, so we are confident that our students will receive the same standard of rigor, as well as the benefits of small class Eagle Pride 12 | DESIGN MGZ 6
Upper School
Healthy Entrepreneurs When the Healthy Snacks program was in danger of closing down last fall, budding entrepreneur Maya Mchedlishvili, class of 2018, saw an opportunity and went for it. She organized a team of students and took out a small loan from her step-father to relaunch the business. Maya, and Sarah Ballard, class of 2018, have been successfully operating the venture since then. The Healthy Snacks program provides Day School students healthy food options during lunch. This semester, the girls added variety to their menu and started comparing how different products sold. They now offer options that are low in calories, sugar, and sodium. They also provide vegan and gluten free products, as well as seasonal fresh fruits.
Academic Leaders The Academic Super Bowl had another successful year and was recognized as a “top ten team” by the Indiana Association of School Principals (IASP), based on the cumulative scores of all six rounds at the area competition held on April 19th. At the competition, 15 Upper School students represented Day School in five teams, competing in literature, social studies, fine arts, math, and science. This year’s topic of “Hoosier Heritage” focused on people, places, history, and politics that connect the subject to the state of Indiana. The students independently studied the topics and prepared as a team for the competition. Our Academic Bowl Interdisciplinary Team advanced to the state competition at Purdue University’s Loeb Playhouse on May 7th. The team finished 3rd in their class, Interdisciplinary Class 4. Academic Bowl Coach, Kathy Stroube, says, “It has been a great honor over the last 15 years to have had the opportunity to be the Academic Coach and work with the great young women and men who’ve put in long hours and showed great competitive spirit as a part of these teams.”
Maya says, “The most important thing I have learned is that a wide variety of items appeals more to customers. During winter especially, our variety was lacking, and the business was not doing so well. However, when changes were made to offer more and different products, sales went up, slowly but surely.” All along, Maya’s plan has been to donate the profits from the Healthy Snacks program to a charity organization. At the end of the year, the team chose to donate the money to Day School. Inspired by Maya’s and Sarah’s leadership and social consciousness, the school will use the money to establish a small lending-fund for other studententrepreneurs who need a jumpstart on pursuing their passions. Applicants will have to pitch their ideas to a panel led by Maya and other students and teachers. The fund will be available this coming school year. Academic Bowl state competitors (left to right) Maddie McDaniel, Sarah Ballard, from the class of 2017, and Blair Bucshon, Danielle Morris, Emily Shockley, and Joey Ballard, from the class of 2016.
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Current Happenings
Upper School
Intersession is All About the Experience Each year, Upper School students have a unique opportunity to expand their learning through an intensive study, known as Intersession. These opportunities include adventures close to home and to destinations farther away. Some recent learning themes of Intersession have included an exploration of local art and architecture, community service, survival skills, as well as foreign language immersion. Last year, a group of students traveled to San Antonio, Texas, with Leilani Moore and Linda Huber. They learned about Texan culture through sightseeing at the Alamo, natural bridge caverns, and the Spanish Governor’s palace. Rebecca Tackett and Dr. Mary Jane Gibson took students spelunking and zip-lining on a series of day trips around the Tri-State and surrounding areas. In “Break a Leg,” Corrie Sarol immersed students in the theatre arts through set and costume design to lighting and stage fighting. They spent time learning from professionals in the Evansville area and from the University of Evansville’s theatre department. In addition to leading her own intersession, Corrie Sarol assumes the role of Intercession Coordinator, managing all of the scheduling and trip finances. Corrie is passionate about the Intersession program because students and teachers “let their walls down and get to know each other on a more personal level as people outside of the classroom.” As the Intersession program develops, teachers are empowering more student leadership. In planning for next year, students in grades 8 - 11 made informal proposals on what topics would interest them. Some suggestions being considered include learning selfdefense in an adulthood class, an historical sightseeing trip to Boston, a study of native Hawaiian culture, and a sound engineering trip to Nashville, where students can rent studio space, study music production, and make a demo. In 2016-17, Intersession will extend to five days, allowing for more travel time and in-depth learning. Students will also help plan and organize the trips by selecting tour sites, figuring out logistics, and searching for pricing and accommodations. This added
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experience will bolster student commitment and provide another level of problem-solving and real-world learning. Intersession is yet another program that sets us apart from other schools in Evansville. Day School is proud to offer this unique opportunity within our rigorous Upper School curriculum.
Intersession camping (bottom from left) Emily Shockley, Kate Meacham, Abbie McDaniel (top from left) Blair Bucshon, Danielle Morris, and Halle Sullivan, all from the class of 2016.
Max Lowery, class of 2018, is hosed down after a muddy spelunking trip.
Upper School
Ballard retires as Head Coach, Brooks Hired After 19 years, Kelly Ballard retired from his role as Head Varsity Basketball Coach. Kelly will continue his studentcentered, impressive career at Day School as a technology teacher and coordinator of the broadcast journalism and filmmaking programs. Coach Ballard’s tenure with the basketball program resulted in many successes on and off the court. His 201 wins are by far the most in school history, and Kelly coached several elite athletes, including Jeremy Willis 1999, Evansville’s all-time leading scorer and a member of the Evansville Basketball Hall of Fame. Day School won a sectional championship in 2012, and numerous student-athletes have continued playing basketball at the collegiate level.
of Youth Services. Austin’s coaching career includes assistant boys varsity basketball coach at Beaumont High School (2008-09) and Berkley High School (2011-2016) and head girls freshman basketball coach at Berkley (2010-11). According to retired Day School educator, Kathy Richardson, “This is exciting news for our basketball program. I’ll remember Austin’s humble attitude and unselfish team play, along with the other four seniors on the team. Those teammates were fiercely loyal to each other. I would imagine that Austin will inspire that same team spirit and loyalty at EDS.” The Brooks family includes Austin’s wife, Trinisia, a social worker/counselor, and their daughters McKenzie, class of 2027, and Paisley. Austin’s father, Reverend Adrian Brooks, Sr., is the Head Pastor at Memorial Baptist Church in Evansville.
After careful consideration, Coach Ballard and Athletic Director, Tom Dragon, selected Austin Brooks 2001 as the new Head Varsity Basketball Coach. Austin was a tremendous student-athlete during his tenure at Day School. Coach Ballard remembers Austin as “one of the best kids I’ve ever coached. He was a very talented player, but he was a better teammate and person. He was the kind of person that makes everyone around him better.” After graduating from Day School, Austin received a full scholarship to play basketball at Ancilla College and then at Southern Illinois University (SIU) Carbondale where he majored in sociology. Rodney Watson, one of Austin’s coaches at SIU and the current Head Coach at University of Southern Indiana commented, “Austin Brooks was one of my favorite student-athletes. His work ethic, desire, attitude and love for the game made him fun to coach every day. Austin was the ultimate teammate and team player. He gave everything he had to his team and his school. Evansville Day School is extremely fortunate to have Austin Brooks lead its basketball program. Congratulations on a great hire!” Austin relocated from the St. Louis area, where he worked as a regional family therapist with the Division
Former Coach, Kelly Ballard, and new Head Coach, Austin Brooks 2001, at the Platinum Ball.
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Current Happenings
Winter & Spring Athletics Review
The three class of 2016 co-captains pose with Coach Ballard.
Carter Deppe, class of 2021, in action against Good Shepherd.
Varsity boys basketball captains, Joey Ballard, Patrick Cinelli, and Tyler Rodgers, all class of 2016, led the Eagles to sectionals. Tyler was named “Spirit of the Eagle.” The team had several impressive wins over basketball power schools such as Heritage Hills, South Spencer, and Princeton. The boys won the last three games of the season as Humaad Khan, class of 2017, set a Day school record with ten three-pointers made against Washington Catholic. In Sectionals, the team lost in an exciting overtime game to 10th ranked Wood Memorial, 63-60.
The Upper School track teams also did a great job this spring. We are especially proud of our girls track team, who placed 4th overall at the City Reserve Championship track meet. At the meet, Amanda Wiley, class of 2019, placed 1st in both the 100m and 200m. Hannah Koch, class of 2018, placed a new meet record of 13’10” giving her 1st place in the long jump. Lawren Elderkin, class of 2017, placed 3rd in 100m hurdles, and our 4x100 relay team of Brittony Rodgers, class of 2017, Amanda Wiley, class of 2019, Madiya Farmer, class of 2018, and Rachel Lewis, class of 2016, placed 2nd. Track MVPs this year were Amanda Wiley, class of 2019, Joey Ballard, class of With 22 students, the cheer team had the highest 2016, and Tyler Rodgers, class of 2016. Most Improved number of participants since the sport’s resurrection were Madison Edwards, class of 2016, and Hannah in 2012. Day School’s cheer program has evolved over Koch, class of 2018. the years to include more high-risk stunts that students eagerly incorporate into the routines. The program is A special congratulations to Emily Shockley, class of coached by first grade teacher, Sarah Sutton help from 2016, who was selected as the Tennis Kiwanis winner parent assistant Amy Embry. from Evansville Day School.
Danielle Morris, class of 2016, and Hannah Murphy, class of 2017, cheer on the Eagle hoops team. Pride 16 | Eagle DESIGN MGZ 6
Eagle track team members Brittony Rodgers, class of 2017, and Amanda Wiley, class of 2019.
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In the Spotlight
Extracurriculars Aren’t E more specific. The purpose of education is “to prepare the global leaders of tomorrow,” who will be resilient, balanced, globally-minded, entrepreneurial learners. By focusing on who students are becoming, rather than the outcomes of standardized tests, Day School equips graduates with the “futureproof” skills they need to tackle the world’s most pressing problems. The opportunity then becomes how to align the curriculum, programs, and student to Portrait of a Graduate. How can we pursue practical and manageable change that revolutionizes our community’s approach to learning? What would happen if we changed our use of time?
Most people agree America’s education system is broken, and after years of failed attempts to fix it, we’ve finally Picture, for example, a generation of parents who spend figured out what doesn’t work. Public, parochial, and independent schools alike have tried their hands at juggling various solutions. All the while, international assessments and accelerating demands from the global economy have hurled new programmatic requirements at teachers and school administrators. The last 15 years have seen such initiatives come in the form of new technology programs, curriculum mapping, national education reforms, extended school calendars, new facilities, content-based initiatives, and an overuse of data in the name of teacher accountability. The hyperfocus on benchmarking these efforts has failed to engage students, achieve the desired outcomes, or reevaluate the fundamental purpose of education. So let’s start there. What is the purpose of education? A hundred years ago, the goal was to build a labor force equipped for a manufacturing-based economy, and education looked much like Henry Ford’s assembly line. As technology developed, and the workforce became more and more automated, the purpose of education and the manner in which we educate began to change. Almost 20 years into the new century, we’re back to the basic question. What is the purpose of education? As philosopher Jean Piaget noted, “The principal goal of education...should be creating men and women who are capable of doing new things, not simply repeating what other generations have done.” At Evansville Day School, our Portrait of a Graduate offers something
Resilient
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Balanced
Globally
Extra. They are Essential. We can boast some successes with this common-sense approach. Take, for example, the Future Problem Solvers (FPS) program in Middle School (read more about this on page11). What began in 2014 as a small, modestly attended club that met twice a week during a 30 minute lunch break has expanded and become a thriving part of the curriculum. Our forward-thinking teachers saw the value of FPS and carved out more time in the schedule to make a go of it. Over the last academic year, this extracurricular experience, combined with rigorous academics, has shown a positive impact on some Middle School students’ problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication abilities. hours shuffling children to and from sports practices, before-and-after-school clubs, field-trip excursions, weekend immersion experiences, and so on. This has become the norm for those who want more from their child’s education than standardized test-prep and rote memorization. Families are finding greater value in extracurricular experiences, investing more of their child’s time and their personal resources into these programs. Perhaps it’s time for schools to re-prioritize the value placed on these activities. Extracurricular activities prepare students practically for the future. The core curriculum can only go so far; academics and extracurriculars complement each other to develop a well-rounded, socially skilled, and healthier student - the whole child. If extracurriculars are treated as essential rather than “extra,” there will be an improvement in the entire education process. On the athletic fields and in Intersession, Student Council, the Scouts, Robotics, Chess, and others, students learn how to work in teams, exercise leadership, and take initiative. They learn responsibility and commitment, grit and determination, critical-thinking, problem solving, and so much more. This practical opportunity for reform has driven scores of independent schools to reconsider their use of time and devise a new schedule that promotes experiences aligned with Portrait of a Graduate. Imagine a school day in which the “extras” are integrated into the schedule. Without compromising academic standards, schools can reclaim lost footing on deep experiential education by mainstreaming extracurriculars.
Minded
Two years ago, Day School hosted our first Global Cardboard Challenge, and since then, it has become an invaluable part of the Primary School experience. Inspired by the short film, Caine’s Arcade, the Global Cardboard Challenge is a national movement dedicated to the celebration of child creativity and the role communities play in fostering it. This hands-on exploration into design and imagination enhances the fine arts program by weaving the “extra” experientiallearning into core academics. The Global Cardboard Challenge and Future Problem Solvers are just two examples of Day School’s venture in recognizing the value of “extras.” Our school is committed to providing a real-world, forward-thinking educational experience for the global leaders of tomorrow. If we can can use the precious time we have with students during the school day more intentionally, bolstering academics with practical, experience-based learning, our entire community will benefit from the outcomes. Join Head of School, Jarin Jaffee, at TedXEvansville on October 1, 2016 at the Evansville Museum for a presentation on this topic.
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“The principal goal of education...should be creating men and women who are capable of doing new things, not simply repeating what other generations have done.” ~ Jean Piaget
Entrepreneurial Learners
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DESIGN MGZ 6 | 19
In the Spotlight
Extracurriculars Aren’t Extra. They are Essential.
Explore some of our Co-curriculars
Chess
Academic Bowl
National Honor Society
Choir
Yearbook
Robotics
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PHILANTHROPY DESIGN MGZ 6 | 21
Philanthropy
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Portrait of a Donor
Portrait of a Donor In support of Day School’s mission, Gladys made a contribution to the A+ Raise Your Hand Annual Fund campaign early last year. Later, inspired by another opportunity to contribute, she and her family organized and funded the sixth grade’s Eco-Experience to Wessleman’s Woods - a daylong nature excursion for science exploration. “It has been a pleasure to be one of your donors. God willing, I will continue supporting the school for many years!” Gregory Hippely (holding the Flying Eagle), class of 2022, and his family visiting San Juan, Puerto Rico!
Creating and maintaining a vibrant culture of philanthropy is critical to the sustainability of any independent school. Fortunately for Evansville Day School, our community is full of generous people. We see examples of this every day. The hours teachers spend with students beyond class time, parents chaperoning field trips and bringing in lunch for sports teams on game days, the rush of volunteers to help at events, the Board’s leadership in giving generously to campaigns — and the list goes on. Current families sustain Day School’s culture of philanthropy from one generation to the next. As shown in the Portrait of a Donor, there are many ways to contribute to the well-being of the school, and our parent community has proven they’re up to the task. Last year, Dr. Gladys Lopez and Martin Hippely moved their family to Evansville from Washington, D.C. and enrolled Greg Hippely, class of 2022, in the Middle School. As new community members, it didn’t take long for the Lopez-Hippelys to find their niche. Greg thrived during his first year, making friends and participating in clubs and activities. It is safe to say, as evidenced by the Flying Eagle photos they’ve shared with us this summer, the Lopez-Hippely family found a new home at Day School.
Jeff and Kendra Kelsey have been at Day School since their eldest child, Mia, was in Junior Pre-K. Mia will enter third grade this fall, and their son, William, will be a first grader. Many among us know the Kelseys, not only for their restaurant enterprise, Penn Station East Coast Subs ®, but also for their humble, steady, and positive influence within our community. Each year, during the first week of October, you will likely find Jeff on the front lines of Day School’s Fall Festival food operation. He’s chaired the booth for the last two years, along with Melissa Troost, and other volunteers from Friends of EDS. Last year, Jeff helped arrange all the food donations and coordinated the daily operations from replenishing food stocks, to washing dishes, to dropping off ice and beverages. His own daughter showed up to sling “Walking Tacos” and loved it! Thanks to the hard work of so many parents like Jeff, and other volunteers, students, faculty, and administrators who donated their time, the Fall Festival booth earned an amazing $17,000 for the Friends of EDS.
“I’ve been inspired by the teachers and people at EDS and the way you can bring out the best from our children. Last year, I brought you an active child with ADHD, and I now have a motivated teenage boy with a strong willingness to be a conscientious and successful citizen of the world. I cannot wait to see him graduate from Upper School,” exclaims Gladys. Jeff and Kendra Kelsey with Mia, class of 2026, and Will, class of 2029. Eagle Pride DESIGN MGZ 6 | 23
Philanthropy
Portrait of a Donor
Jeff and Kendra also gave a leadership gift to the A+ Raise Your Hand Annual Fund campaign knowing this was the most critical area of support for the school. And if that wasn’t enough, the Kelseys sponsored the Platinum Ball through their business, helping bring in record sponsorships for the fundraising event. “My wife and I both believe there is nothing more we could give our children than the life-long values, memories and learning they attain each day at EDS. As their parents, Kendra and I truly enjoy contributing and being involved in their experiences here. Whatever we can do to help, we’re happy to do,” says Jeff. A marked area of growth in philanthropic engagement came from our alumni constituency this year. Everyone who attended the Platinum Ball remembers Dakri Sinclair’s 1986 artistic contributions and Tom Fischer’s 1994 Bourbon package. More than any other year, alumni stepped up to reconnect with their alma mater. Day School experienced an exponential increase in alumni participation in Annual Fund giving, nearly quadrupling last year’s participation rate.
tasting experience, and box seats to Churchill Downs, raising close to $8,000 during the live auction. It would not be a stretch to list Laurel Mills among Day School’s biggest cheerleaders: serving as an ambassador in the Evansville community, telling Day School’s success story to all who will listen. “Day School has had a huge impact on my life. It’s so much a part of who I am, and I want others to know and love the school as much as I do.” Thanks to many others such as Laurel and Chris, Jeff and Kendra, and the Hippely family, Day School is thriving. The list of parents, teachers, trustees, administrators, alumni, local businesses and foundations who contribute time, talents and money to Evansville Day School is endless. On behalf of all who receive, thank you for giving!
One alumna, Laurel Mills (Quirey) 1982, and her husband, Chris Mills, increased their involvement in the Day School community, showing leadership not only in their Annual Fund giving, but also in their volunteer support of the All-School reunion and the Platinum Ball. “I am so pleased with the direction Day School is headed. As an alumna who truly loves the school, it is an honor to be involved during such an exciting time in its history. I wholeheartedly believe in Day School’s mission, and I think the current Board of Trustees and administration are exactly the right people to continue our proud legacy,” says Laurel. Laurel’s school spirit shined during the All-School Reunion weekend. Along with the reunion leadership team, she organized the Friday night event on campus, donating all the food from the Mills’s Flying Pig barbecue food truck, and hosted the Saturday night dinner at Evansville Country Club. Laurel also contributed her time and connections to procure donations for auction at the Platinum Ball. Chris and Laurel personally donated an exclusive Flying Pig catering package to Tom Fischer’s 1994 Bourbon-
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Chris and Laurel Mills 1982, attending the 2016 Platinum Ball at the Old Courthouse Event Center.
SGO at EDS How does my donation benefit my student? Day School is committed to helping every missionappropriate family afford an education regardless of their income. Supporting the SGO program benefits every student, because it provides additional revenue to the school, freeing up other resources that can be reallocated to strengthen programing, student activities, technology, facility enhancements, faculty salaries, and so much more!
Evansville Day School encourages donors to take advantage of an incredible tax savings opportunity. In the state of Indiana, tax credit scholarships are awarded by Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGO) to missionappropriate students to help them afford private education. (This is not part of the School Choice vouchers). In fiscal year 2016-17 (July 1 - June 30), $9.5 million in tax credits will be allocated by the Indiana Department of Revenue for this amazing program.
For more information, contact Leah Whitaker, Director of Advancement: lwhitaker@evansvilledayschool.org or call (812) 476-3039 ext. 275.
How does it work? Individual or corporate donors who give to Day School through the SGO during this period will receive a 50% tax credit on the donated amount against their state tax liability. In addition, donations are also eligible for federal tax deductions on the net amount, after the credit is applied.There is no limit to the amount that can be donated under the $9.5 million cap. Day School applies your SGO donation towards the school’s operating account (Annual Fund) to offset the cost of financial assistance given to SGO-qualifying families. Here’s an example of how it works at the $5,000 level: • Donate $5,000 through the SGO • Receive a $2,500 (Indiana state tax credit) • Receive $825 (Federal savings on the net amount @ 33% tax bracket) = Total out-of-pocket = $1,675 (See the chart at the right for examples of tax savings at different levels of giving).
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You can double or triple your annual donation to Day School and spend less out of pocket!
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~ Leah Whitaker Director of Advancement
Watch an informational video on our website. DESIGN 6 | 25 EagleMGZ Pride
Philanthropy
Preschool Renovation
As Evansville’s preeminent early le School’s Preschool have grown by
The Preschool Renovation Project learning areas; and enhance the co
We have already raised $74,000 of the Advancement Office to learn h
Phase One Completed August 2016 • Junior Pre-K moves to new double room with new flooring, paint, & fixtures • New teacher workroom includes kitchenette & washer/dryer • Updated bathroom facilities with new sinks, toilets, and flooring • Science room moves to a new location with new flooring
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SGO at EDS
Here We Grow Again!
earning program, Day School is seeing growing interest from the community. Admission inquiries for Day an average of 10% per year. Tours, visits, new students, and retention are all on the rise.
will add space, utility, and efficiency; upgrade security and privacy; allow for more flexible curriculum-based ommunity environment for children, teachers, and families.
the $200,000 fundraising goal. The renovation will be completed in two phases. Contact Leah Whitaker in how you can become a lead supporter on this project.
Phase Two Completed August 2017 • New Early Learning Center entryway increases security & creates privacy • Wider, modern, kid-friendly cubbies replace industrial lockers • New flooring in Pre-K room • Living room created for community meetings & to welcome guests • Covered walkway to parking lot & refreshed hallway • “Early Threes” room established & science room relocated
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Philanthropy
Platinum Ball Review
Celebrating 70 Years of Educational Excellence! The Friends of Evansville Day School, in partnership with Legence Bank, hosted “The Platinum Ball - a celebration of 70 years of educational excellence” on April 9, at the Old Post Office. More than 200 guests including parents, alumni, faculty, community leaders and sponsors attended the event, which raised over $90,000 in tickets, sponsorships, and auction bids.
Frontier Liquors, Baker Auction & Realty, and Edward Jones. A special thank you to Acropolis Restaurant and Planning Forever Events for all your work. Evansville Day School is proud of its tradition of providing the best educational experience in the TriState. Here’s to another 70 years of excellence!
The proceeds went to support student enrichment programs, including science and technology enhancements, a Middle School aquarium, new classroom furniture, and ongoing volunteer and goodwill efforts provided by the Friends of EDS. Day School recognizes Gala Chairperson, Bianca Snyder (Gabe, class of 2026, and Crosbie, class of 2030), for her passion and leadership, as well as other volunteers who helped make the The Platinum Ball a success. Thank you to the local business leaders who sponsored the event: Legence Bank, Penn Station East Coast Subs, Escalade Sports, Kenny Kent Toyota, Diamond Galleria, Hollander Group Hilliard Lyons, Stanley Group Morgan Stanley, Holiday Health Care, Midwest Roofing Sheet Metal, Lux Motors, Women’s Hospital at Deaconess, AlphaGraphics, Kruckemeyer & Cohn,
Head of School Jarin Jaffee, Gala Chair Bianca Snyder, Brent Thorn, and Board of Trustees President Chris Traylor at the Platinum Ball.
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Tom Fischer 1994 emceed the event and donated a Bourbon tasting experience.
Amy Barron cheers as Julia and Constatine Scordalakes place a winning bid.
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Alumni
Leaders of Character
From left: Gary Morris 1980, Danielle Morris 2016, Lucas Hodge 2012, Jake Morris 2012, Will Hodge 2012, Dee Morris, Kate Hodge 2015, Gray Hodge 1976, and Nancy Hodge.
The United States service academies are federal academies for the undergraduate education and training of commissioned officers for the United States Armed Forces. All of the service academies have a shared mission to develop, “Leaders of Character.” In this regard, it is no coincidence that some of our own Day School alumni have chosen to take this path after graduation.
USMA’s purpose is to produce leaders of character who are prepared to provide selfless service to our Army and the nation. Students are addressed as Cadets. Graduates are commissioned 2nd Lieutenants in the Army. West Point is consistently ranked in the top five colleges in the country by well-respected publications and institutions and has an acceptance rate of 9.5%.
After four years of intensive training and rigorous education at the United States Naval Academy (Annapolis) and at the United States Military Academy (West Point), Jake Morris, Lucas Hodge, and Will Hodge (all from the EDS class of 2012), successfully completed their commencement exercises in May 2016. The Hodge and Morris families, longtime friends and now “friendly rivals,” attended both ceremonies to support the boys.
Lucas is a 2nd Lieutenant in the Army and was assigned to the 101st Airborne division at Ft. Campbell, Kentucky, after he completed his infantry training at Fort Benning, Georgia. Will is a 2nd Lieutenant in the Army and was assigned to the 25th Infantry Division in Ft. Richardson, Arkansas.
Jake Morris graduated from the Naval Academy with a degree in Systems Engineering and has been commissioned as Ensign in the U.S. Navy. The Naval Academy prepares young men and women to become officers in the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. They attend the Academy for four years, graduating with Bachelor of Science degrees and then commissioning as Ensigns in the Navy or Second Lieutenants in the Marine Corps. Students at the Naval Academy are addressed as Midshipman, an official military rank and paygrade. Jake moved to Norfolk, VA, to serve as the Communications Officer aboard a Destroyer. Brothers, Lucas and Will Hodge, both graduated from the U.S. Military Academy with honors and earned degrees in International History and Defense and Strategic Studies, respectively. Similar to the Naval Academy’s, the
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Walking in the footsteps of older brother, Jake, and her Day School brothers Lucas and Will, Danielle Morris 2016 began at the Naval Academy this June where she started her journey with “Plebe Summer” - an intensive 6-week program. The purpose of the program is to lay the foundation for the four-year professional development curriculum and to ensure a rapid transition into military life. Plebe Summer is challenging, stressful, and physically and mentally demanding. Danielle is enthusiastic and prepared for the challenges at the Naval Academy, giving credit to her formative years at Day School for that preparation in mind, body and human spirit. Day School joins the Morris family (Gary Morris 1980 & Dee Morris), and the Hodge family (Gray Hodge 1976, Nancy Hodge, & Kate Hodge 2015) to wish the boys, and Danielle, all the best on the journeys ahead. Thank you for your service!
Swimming with a Purpose
Adam and his aunt Susan, whom he honors with his swim.
Endurance athlete, Adam Ellenstein 1995, captured an unofficial World Record title by swimming the 105km (65 miles) length of Okanagan Lake, non-stop, from Vernon to Penticton, British Columbia, on July 25-26, 2016. His campaign, VictorySwim105, raised awareness and support to benefit those with Parkinson’s disease through a partnership with the Davis Phinney Foundation, which helps people with Parkinson’s, “Live Well Today.” Adam considers this event his most meaningful endurance challenge to date. “The swim had a greater meaning than simply going out to test my endurance limits,” said Adam. “I swam to support and honor my aunt, Susan, who has Parkinson’s disease. To her own amazement, my aunt trained to swim part of the lake with me. We hope people with Parkinson’s, their caregivers, and loved ones will also be empowered to take up the challenge.” Adam took along with him a support crew led by his wife, Amelia, who followed alongside in her kayak. At an average speed of 1.8 miles per hour, the swim took Adam 41 hours to complete and required 49,000 strokes! The VictorySwim105 campaign set a goal to raise $105,000 for the Davis Phinney Foundation. Adam is an accomplished ultra-distance athlete who has successfully completed Ironman (140.6 mile) and UltraMan (320 mile) triathlons, is a solo Race Across America Qualifier (400 miles), and completed a 30km (18 mile) swim across Lake Winnipeg in 2015 in preparation for his Guinness World Records attempt. Swimming with a purpose, Adam Ellenstein 1995. Eagle Pride DESIGN MGZ 6 | 31
Alumni
Class Notes
1972 Molly Newman is an Executive Producer for CBS’s drama series, Code Black. Molly earned her bachelor’s degree from University of Denver, where she launched her career as a playwright by adapting the book Quilters: Women and the Domestic Art to the stage. The musical, Quilters, performed at the Kennedy Center and on Broadway. It was nominated for a Tony Award in 1985. Molly Newman made a leap to the Silver Screen in 1993 and began writing for the Larry Sanders Show. From there, she wrote and produced for The Tracey Ulhman Show, Tracey Takes On (for which she won a 1997 Primetime Emmy Award), Frasier, Murphy Brown, and Brothers and Sisters. Looking towards the future, Molly says she would love to get back into writing for cable shows where there is more freedom and less demand than with network television.
1986 Chris Kensler is the Senior Entertainment Editor and Producer at FOXNews.com. Previously, he worked as the Editorial Director at Stylehive.com and was the Deputy and Entertainment Editor at Star Magazine. He has written and edited several pop culture and test prep books and is the author of ‘Newswriting: Unzipped’ (Peterson’s). Kensler currently writes entertainment blog posts for Fox News.
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Dakri Sinclair made local news this winter with her work at the Ark Crisis Child Care Center. Dakri transformed the space with murals of Dr. Seuss’ characters: the Cat in the Hat, the Lorax and Horton, as well as scenes from children’s books such as The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Goodnight Moon.
1989 Joseph Kim is part owner of Newburgh’s sushi restaurant, Ninki. Joe lived and worked in China for a number of years in the 1990s and 2000s during a time in which the Chinese government was violently opposed to Christian missionaries. While there, Joe and his family successfully built and funded an international network of missionaries that traveled to and from China to work in English-speaking, American schools. Joe returned to the United States in 2004 and finished his medical degree in psychiatry. The English education program Joe and his wife helped create in China is still active and funded through a network of Korean-American churches in the U.S. In 2012, Joe and his wife moved back to the Evansville area to be closer to his family in Owensboro, Kentucky.
Class Notes
1990
Chris Traylor, M.ASCE, co-president of Traylor Bros. Inc., was honored as one of five American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) 2016 Outstanding Projects And Leaders (OPAL) Lifetime Achievement Award winners. He received the award this March at ASCE’s annual OPAL Gala in Arlington, Virginia. Chris is copresident of Traylor Bros. Inc., one of the top ten heavy civil engineering contractors in the United States. Chris was recognized for participating in the completion of two major projects previously recognized by ASCE. One of them was the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of America Alliant Build America award-winning Huey P. Long Bridge Widening Project in Jefferson, Louisiana, an ASCE Outstanding Civil Engineering Achievement (OCEA) Finalist in 2014. The other was the ASCE 2014 Outstanding Civil Engineering Achievement Awardwinning Inner Harbor Navigation Canal Surge Barrier in New Orleans.
1993 Chris Bautista and his wife, Nazan, recently moved to their new home in the suburbs of Cincinnati, Ohio. They are happy to announce their four cats and their daughters, 4-yr old Mirai and 7-yr old Aycha, took the move well. Chris’s wife is a professor at Miami University of Ohio, and he is an engineering manager of a robotics automation company, Combined Technologies Group. Chris and Nazan celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary this year. Outside of their work and family lives, they both enjoy running and look forward to racking up the miles in 2016.
1994 Tom Fischer is a top Bourbon expert and the founder of BourbonBlog. com, the #1 online resource for Bourbon. com. He is a leading authority, presenter, and writer in the spirits industry. He hosts whiskey tastings across the globe and makes appearances as an expert speaker at festivals and events. He is also the co-founder of the first of its kind Whiskey Marketing School and Sommelier program in Austin, Texas. Since creating BourbonBlog. com in 2005, Tom has led production teams to produce hundreds of videos chronicling the rise of Bourbon and whiskey. He also judges spirits and cocktail competitions such as the Denver International Spirits Competition, American Craft Distillers Association Judging of Craft Spirits, Breckenridge Craft Spirits Competition and many others. In addition to Bourbon, Tom’s coverage on BourbonBlog.com is regarded as some of the most influential in the spirits industry with a highly socially engaged audience on libations.
Day School welcomed another family member, Hazel Barbara Hungate, class of 2034, on April 15, 2016. Congratulations to parents Michael & Margy Hungate (Schnakenburg) 1994, and big sister Charlotte, class of 2027. Congratulations also to aunt Diana Meddles (Schnakenburg) 1992 and cousins, Elayna Zausch, Wyatt Zausch, class of 2022, Lillian Zausch, class of 2024, and Owen Zausch, class of 2025.
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Alumni
Class Notes
1997 Dr. Mathew Powers, helped write and produce an episode for the online education site Crash Course. Mathew shared his knowledge of gaming with the production crew and was interviewed for the segment What is a Game #1, that went live on April 1, 2016. Mathew received his MFA in Digital Art in 2006 concluding a fouryear career as Webmaster of the SoFA website and as an Assistant Instructor at Indiana University, Bloomington. His teachings focus on 2D and 3D animation, virtual reality environment construction, and web design. He specializes in character, environment, narrative, and game creation. More recently, Mathew spent the last year and a half as a Flash Media Developer at the Bloomington based company, Option Six. Founder and CEO of eLuxurySupply.com, Paul Saunders, moved his manufacturing operations from Tennessee to Vanderburgh County in February, creating 104 new jobs for the area. Saunders, a Marine Corps veteran and U.S. Naval Academy graduate, says Evansville has an “excellent talent pool” to fill manufacturing, supply chain, and logistics openings. The company invested over $5 million to renovate its 60,000 square-foot headquarters to accommodate the move. The new operations now include manufacturing of bedding products, in addition to the e-commerce, wholesale customer service and distribution operations that was already being done at the Evansville headquarters. Paul founded eLuxurySupply.com in 2009, which was named the fastest growing company in Indiana in 2015 and the 15th fastest growing company in the nation, by Inc. magazine. Pride 34 | Eagle DESIGN MGZ 6
Julia “June” Diane Harris, was born to Keach Hagey Harris and Wesley Harris on May 22, 2016. One week later, June’s big sister, Belle, was a flower girl for her uncle Foster Hagey 2000, at his wedding. Keach and Wesley joined the wedding party as bridesmaid and groomsman.
2000 Susan Satar felt called to pursue a career in education during her graduate studies at New York University when she traveled to South Africa for a summer course titled “Education and Social Reform in Post-Apartheid South Africa.” Growing up in a multilingual household, Susan cultivated a love for language. After earning a double major in Spanish and Latin American Studies at Rhodes College and obtaining a master’s degree in International Education at NYU, Susan moved to Memphis to teach high school Spanish. She currently works at White Station High in Nashville, Tennessee and recently began an international language immersion travel experience. She and her global language students raised money through a GoFundMe campaign to fund their group travel experience through Europe this June.
Class Notes
2001 Austin Brooks was recently hired to lead Evansville Day School’s basketball program. After graduation in 2001, Austin received a full scholarship to play basketball at Ancilla College and then at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, where he majored in sociology. Austin’s coaching career includes assistant boys varsity basketball coach at Beaumont High School (2008-09) and Berkley High School (2011-2016) and head girls freshman basketball coach at Berkley (2010-11). The Brooks family includes Austin’s wife, Trinisia, a social worker/counselor, and their daughters McKenzie and Paisley. Austin’s father, Reverend Adrian Brooks, Sr., is the Head Pastor at Memorial Baptist Church in Evansville.
2007
Dr. Melissa Porter celebrated a successful first year owning and operating her very own chiropractic clinic in Denver, Colorado. Melissa graduated cum laude from Logan College of Chiropractic with her Doctor of Chiropractic degree in December of 2014. She received the prestigious award, “Who’s Who Among Students in American Colleges and Universities” for 2015. After graduating with a master’s degree in Sports Science and Rehabilitation at Logan College of Chiropractic, she moved to the Denver Metropolitan Area, where she opened Top Notch Chiropractic. Melissa earned her bachelor’s degree from Rhodes College in Memphis, Tennessee. Dr. Porter is certified in a multitude of techniques she learned through her years of school and continuing education seminars.
2009
Katie O’Neill married Stan Jackson, Jr. became Matthew Baxtar on engaged to Courtney December 31, 2015. A Brasher this spring. Stan number of Day School and Courtney met in alumni and families were 2011 while studying at present to help the happy Murray State. Their first couple ring in the New communication was Year. Attendees included through Facebook. Stan Matt Urbain 2006, Esther remembers, “I was so Thompson 2006, Taylor nervous before sending Binyon 2006, Audrey her a message, I asked Bernardin 2007, Meredith my sister to read it before Collins 2010, Morgan I sent it to make sure I Rudolph 2007, and alumni parents Rob Bernardin Sr. didn’t sound lame. I remember before we were together 1974, Cindy Bernardin, and Sophie Urbain. I told all my friends that if I ended up with her, she’d be my wife.” Stan and Courtney live in Evansville where he works in marketing for Old National Bancorp at the corporate office. Courtney graduated from Marquette with her master’s degree in Speech & Language Pathology.
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Alumni
2012
Class Notes and 70th Anniversary Celebration
Kevin Powell graduated from Indiana UniversityPurdue University’s College of Engineering with a bachelor’s degree in Engineering and Technology. He relocated to Toledo, Ohio, to work as an industrial engineer for I.E.T., Inc, a full service industrial and manufacturing engineering firm that provides consultation, in addition to hands-on support.
2015
Helen Fox won a concerto competition sponsored by Washington University in St. Louis this spring. Helen has been playing the harp since she was twelve years old. Day School’s flexibility allowed Helen to pursue lessons at Indiana University, which, according to Helen’s mother, Mary Anne Fox, “…was a tremendous help in developing her skills and passion.” Helen has continued her musical studies with a private instructor in St. Louis. She also played Karl Ditters von Dittersdorf’s Concerto for Harp and Orchestra in March with the Washington University Symphony Orchestra.
Celebrate with us! Join us on Thursday, September 29, 2016 at 3:30 p.m. in the Traylor Atrium for a ribbon cutting to commemorate the 70th anniversary of Evansville Day School. Eagle MGZ Pride6 36 | DESIGN
Looking Ahead
Mark Your Calendar! SCHOOL YEAR 2016 - 2017
CALENDAR AUG
July 2016 SU M
OCT
W TH
August 2016 F
1 8 11
Fall Sports Practices Begin New Faculty Orientation Faculty In-Service
12
PS, 5th, 9th Grade & New Student Orientation
1 3 4 5 6 7 8 10 11 12 13 14 15 17 18 19 20 21 22 24 25 26 27 28 29
15
Back to School Night
31
16
First Day of School
5 7 14 17-21 27 28
Labor Day (No School) Faculty In-Service (No School) End of First Quarter Fall Break (No School) Parent/Teacher Conferences (After School) Parent/Teacher Conferences (No School)
23-25 Thanksgiving Break (No School)
DEC
12-16 16 16 19-30
JAN
2 13 16
School Resumes Faculty In-Service (No School) MLK Day (No School)
16 17
Parent/Teacher Conferences (After School) Parent/Teacher Conferences (No School)
20
Presidents' Day (No School)
First Semester Finals End of Second Quarter and Semester One Holiday Tea & Programs (Early Dismissal) Winter Break (No School)
4 11 18 25
T
W TH
F
November 2016 T
W TH
F
SA SU
M
MAY
17 End of Third Quarter 20-24 Intersession 27-31 Spring Break (No School) 26
Commencement
29
Memorial Day (No School)
4 11 18 25
T
1 8 15 22 29
3 4 5 6 10 11 12 13 17 18 19 20 24 25 26 27 31
2 9 16 23 30
W TH
SU M
T
W TH
F
T
W TH
2 5 12
Faculty In-Service Summer Academy Begins
7 14 21 28
W TH
F
SA
1 7 8 14 15 21 22 28 29
December 2016
M
SA SU
M
T
W TH
T
W TH
7 1 14 5 6 7 8 21 12 13 14 15 28 19 20 21 22 26 27 28
SA SU
M
T
2 9 16 23
W TH
4 11 2 3 4 5 18 9 10 11 12 25 16 17 18 19 23 24 25 26 30
May 2017 T
SA
F
SA
2 9 16 23 30
3 10 17 24 31
F
SA
3 4 10 11 17 18 24 25
April 2017 F
1 2 3 5 6 7 8 9 10 12 13 14 15 16 17 19 20 21 22 23 24 26 27 28 29 30 31
SU M
F
5 6 12 13 19 20 26 27
February 2017
SU M
Assemblies/Final Day of School (Early Dismissal)/End of Second Semester
KEY
3 10 17 24 31
1 2 3 4 5 1 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 4 5 6 7 8 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 11 12 13 14 15 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 18 19 20 21 22 27 28 29 30 25 26 27 28 29
30/6-2 Exams JUN
W TH
3 4 5 6 10 11 12 13 17 18 19 20 24 25 26 27 31
March 2017 MAR
T
October 2016 SA SU
January 2017
FEB
M
2 1 2 9 7 8 9 16 14 15 16 23 21 22 23 30 28 29 30
1 2 3 5 6 7 8 9 10 2 12 13 14 15 16 17 9 19 20 21 22 23 24 16 26 27 28 29 30 23 30
SU M NOV
SA SU
September 2016 SU M
SEPT
T
6 13 20 27
F
SA
1 7 8 14 15 21 22 28 29
June 2017 F
SA SU
M
T
W TH
1 2 3 4 5 6 8 9 10 11 12 13 4 5 6 7 15 16 17 18 19 20 11 12 13 14 22 23 24 25 26 27 18 19 20 21 29 30 31 25 26 27 28
1 8 15 22 29
F
SA
2 3 9 10 16 17 23 24 30
Students Not In School Important Dates for Students and Families 2 hour delay: ISACS Self Study
Visit evansvilledayschool.org for up-to-date information.
Questions about the calendar or enrollment deadlines? Contact Tiki Thompson, Director of Enrollment Management at tthompson@evansvilledayschool.org. Eagle Pride DESIGN MGZ 6 | 37
Flying E
The Flying Eagle Photo Contest challenged th summer. The community answered the challe multiple photos from throughout the entire sum you to all who participated in this fun, comm
Greg Hippely, class of 2022, swimming with dolphins in Rodadero Acuarium, Santa Marta, Colombia.
Carson Newton, class of 2025, and Thomas Newton, class of 2029, taking a boat ride on the Danube River in front of the Hungarian Parliament.
The Traylor family building sand castles at Rosemary Beach, Florida. Eagle MGZ Pride6 38 | DESIGN
Livia Kuipers, class of 2030, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
Alex Albin, class of 2023 class of 2019, at the Colo
Luke, class of 2017, Lillia Cecilia, class of 2020, Sa 2022, and Rosemary Alc 2024, on Wailea beach in
Eagle Photo Contest
he Day School community to take their Eagle spirit with them as they traveled during the enge in a big way! Photos were submitted from near and far, with many families entering mmer! The contest winner will be announced on August 16, the first day of school. Thank munity engagement activity.
3, and Lexi Albin, osseum in Rome.
an, class of 2018, abina, class of cock, class of n Maui, Hawaii.
Alaina Clements, class of 2019, in front of St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City.
Erin Migdon, class of 2025, standing in line for a job at the FDR memorial in Washington D.C.
William Foster, class of 2020 and Brandon Foster, class of 2022, with Jamcs Bond 007 at Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum in London, England. Ellie, class of 2028, and Ethan Hilton, class of 2028, hiking around Bear Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park in Estes Park, Colorado.
Eagle Pride DESIGN MGZ 6 | 39
3400 North Green River Road Evansville, IN 47715
evansvilledayschool.org/Give360
40 | DESIGN MGZ 6