Tower Hill School Bulletin - Fall 2015

Fall 2015 Volume 51, Number 1

Bessie Speers Tower Hill’s New Head of School

Plus

Tech CEO Seval Oz ‘79 Author Jeff Hobbs ‘98 Homecoming 2015 Tower Hill Bulletin

Fall 2015

1

A Message from the Head of School

Dear Tower Hill Families and Friends, The Speers family moved into Hayward House in June, and we have enjoyed summer evenings on the lovely back porch overlooking that great lawn, which has, on more than one occasion, been strewn with whiffle balls, bats, flip flops and a football or two. We have already enjoyed hosting several events at the house beginning with a senior class picnic and the welcome back reception for faculty and staff. We look forward to seeing many of you at Homecoming in October. It is truly a privilege to now call Tower Hill and Wilmington home!

As we begin this Centennial chapter at Tower Hill, one thing is crystal clear to me: There is tremendous pride and love for this wonderful school, and all constituencies care deeply about our future success.

I have spent the summer meeting with as many faculty, staff and trustees as possible in order to listen, learn and create a robust vision for Tower Hill. To this end, I am also committed to spending time with alumni, parents and the extended Tower Hill community; your insights, hopes and dreams are important to me and the school.

So we count you right alongside us as we ring in the 96th year of Tower Hill School!

It is indeed time to stand tall as we open the 2015-16 academic year, having received a very positive and successful reaccreditation by the Pennsylvania Association of Independent Schools (PAIS). The rigorous accreditation process, which takes place every ten years, involves a comprehensive self-study and thorough visiting committee report on every facet of school life—from

the academic program to facilities and governance. The report commended Tower Hill for “Being recognized as an excellent independent school through its reputation and accomplishments of providing quality, mission driven education to its students since 1919.” Multa Bene Facta is surely palpable here on 17th Street, and Tower Hill’s mission is steadfast. Our school has a storied history and an ambitious future ahead. There is much to celebrate!

The PAIS analysis and recommendations, along with many thoughtful perspectives shared with me by faculty and staff via an online venue called “Bessie Briefings,” serve as a great rudder as we chart Tower Hill’s future. Some questions they have inspired as we consider Tower Hill’s future include: What distinguishes Tower Hill? What might innovation mean for Tower Hill? What are the possibilities to collaborate within and with others in the area, regionally, nationally and internationally?

Among the themes that have emerged as I have listened and read are: enthusiasm for the continued investment in innovative curricula and academic technology; and a commitment to global programs that ensures our students are poised to understand different cultures and engage as leaders in a flat and complex world. Faculty have been developing new electives such as “Inventions that Changed the World,” “Epidemics in Society” and “Culture and Language through Film,” and we have appointed a Director of Global Education to coordinate and lead international initiatives for our community.

This year we will also explore what it might mean for Tower Hill truly to be a school of Wilmington and of the world, while also celebrating a culture of gratitude for the school’s traditions, history and excellent reputation. In reading Forever Green: A Commemorative History of Tower Hill School, I am inspired by the longstanding role Tower Hill has played in shaping education in Delaware and beyond.

The profiles of alumni featured in this issue of the Bulletin are but examples of how Tower Hill graduates have gone on to challenge themselves, lead and make a difference in their communities and the world.

As Hillers past and present, we find ourselves at a crossroads in education—the status quo, business as usual or innovation, real-world problem solving, great possibility and promise. Tower Hill is well-positioned to be a national leader within the educational landscape. It is time to aim high and claim our history together, as we approach 100 Years of Tower Hill in 2019. Thank you for your continued loyalty to this great school. I could not be more honored—and eager—to ensure Tower Hill’s bold vision and success together.

Sincerely,

Elizabeth C. Speers Head of School

Head of School Elizabeth C. Speers

34

2015-2016 Board of Trustees Earl J. Ball III, Ph.D., Chair Ellen J. Kullman ‘74, Vice Chair William H. Daiger Jr., Treasurer Linda R. Boyden, Secretary Jon E. Abramczyk Theodore H. Ashford III Anthony R. Cucuzzella, M.D. ‘82 Régis de Ramel Benjamin F. du Pont ‘82 Charles M. Elson W. Whitfield Gardner ‘81 Laird R. Hayward ‘02 Eric T. Johnson, M.D. Henry C. S. Mellon Ann C. Rose David P. Roselle Michelle D. Shepherd Matthew T. Twyman III ‘88 Carmen M. Wallace ‘93 Gina F. Ward Development/Alumni Office Chief Advancement Officer Julie Topkis Associate Director of Advancement Kimberly A. Murphy Director of Alumni Programs and Development Office Special Events Kathryn R. Warner Advancement Services Manager Julie R. Goldston Communications/Marketing Office Director of Communications and Marketing Teresa Messmore Asst. Director of Communications and Marketing Grace Frazer Photography

Jim Graham Photography (cover)

Grace Frazer, Blair Isken ‘16, Teresa Messmore and Kathy Warner Design Grace Frazer

Submissions to the Bulletin, suggestions for articles, photographs and letters are welcome. Mail information to the Development Office, Tower Hill School, 2813 West 17th Street, Wilmington, DE, 19806 or email thalum@towerhill.org.

We reserve the right to edit submissions for space and content. Tower Hill School welcomes students of any race, religion, color or nationality.

The school does not discriminate in its administrative policies or in the administration of its program.

If you would like to submit Class Notes, check our updated sport scores or read about the latest events sponsored by the Alumni Council, please visit our website at www.towerhill.org.

27 16

8

40

Features

2

Bessie Speers Begins the Next Chapter at Tower Hill

6 Susan Miller Joins Tower Hill as Head of Lower School

22 College Bound: Navigating the Ever-Changing World of College Admissions Alumni 7 Forum Speaker Series 2014-2015 8 Author Jeff Hobbs ‘98: You Can Go Home Again 11 Driving Innovation: Seval Oz ‘79 12 Bob Downing ‘97: Social Networking Through Sports 13 Trial by Fire: Emily Schuckert ‘10

Graduation 2015 14 Tower Hill Legacies 16 Graduation

Division News 24 Lower School 25 Middle School 26 Upper School

Around Tower Hill 27 30 31 32

The Year in Photos Transitions New Trustees, Faculty and Staff New Assignments

Homecoming 34 Homecoming and Reunion 2014 36 Homecoming and Reunion 2015

Class Notes 38 Alumni Events 40 Class Notes 48 In Memoriam Tower Hill Bulletin

Fall 2015

1

Bessie Speers

Begins the next chapter at Tower Hill

By Teresa Messmore, Director of Communications

S

mart. Forward-minded. Approachable. A big thinker. Warm, yet demanding. Self-driven. Confident. Collaborative. These attributes may sound like a wish list for a school’s leader, yet they have all been used to describe incoming Head of School Elizabeth “Bessie” Speers—and reflect her demonstrated track record at independent schools over the course of 25 years.

Speers has been an English teacher, a tennis coach and an adviser. She has national and school-level experience with admission, marketing and strategic planning. As an administrator she has helped schools grow and navigate unchartered territory, from Episcopal Academy’s relocation to a new campus to Ethel Walker’s $50 million centennial campaign and celebrations. Her leadership is focused on defining and achieving goals that move an institution forward, while still honoring longstanding core values and traditions.

“The fact that she’s worked for really good schools and the National Association of Independent Schools gives her a perspective that really helps us,” Board Chair Earl Ball said. “She’s really well-regarded nationally.”

A Baltimore native who attended the Bryn Mawr School, Speers loved school as a child and excelled athletically at field hockey and tennis. She studied English at Middlebury College and knew early on that she wanted to work in education. After graduating, she began her career with the National Association of Independent Schools in Boston before joining the Loomis Chaffee School in Windsor, Connecticut, as associate director of admission. She returned to her alma mater, Bryn Mawr School, to serve for eight years as director of admission, English teacher and coach while earning her M.L.A from Johns Hopkins University. From there she helped Calvert School with placement, strategic planning and building a middle school, and she served as assistant head of school and dean of faculty at Episcopal Academy.

Speers took the helm at the Ethel Walker School in Simsbury, Connecticut, as head of school in 2007. She led the school through a renaissance, making significant programmatic advancements, updating Tower Hill Bulletin

Fall 2015

3

Continued from page 3... technology and launching real-world learning opportunities for students.

“Hallmarks of Bessie’s leadership have been her warmth, her commitment to students, teachers, and alumnae, and her love for the mission of Ethel Walker School,” said Ethel Walker Board Chair Stuart Bell. “These attributes, combined with her national reputation as an educator and leader, have helped enhance Walker’s status among independent schools, and attracted an exceptional team to the school and to the board.”

Through careful management, she advanced Ethel Walker’s financial position and created a rallying point around the school’s centennial. Signature programs created during her tenure at Ethel Walker include the Horizons Program, a nationally recognized academic outreach program for underprivileged students. She has a passion for ensuring that private schools create their own public purpose.

“In my mind, she’s a real school person,” Ball said. “There are people who just revel in being part of a school community, and she’s one of those people. She talks about games, she talks about plays, and she talks about encounters with students and faculty. She is one of those people who really likes to be part of a school, as is her husband, Tom.” On the national scale, Speers has been active with professional organizations that include the Connecticut Association of Independent Schools (CAIS), The Center for Spiritual and Ethical Education (CSEE), The National Coalition of Girls’ Schools (NCGS) and The Heads Network, of which she served as president. In aggregate, her experience encompasses what the Tower Hill community sought in a leader based on feedback gathered through meetings, surveys and interviews: a collaborative leader with a deep understanding of independent schools and broad knowledge of all aspects of a liberal arts education.

“What she brings is a commitment and a capability to develop the vision for this institution by first understanding where we came from—who are we, our traditions— and by getting plenty of input,” said Trustee Michelle Shepherd, who chaired the search 4

Tower Hill Bulletin

Fall 2015

committee of current and past parents, faculty, staff, trustees and alumni. “Bessie believes that an organization can be bold in imagining its future while also remaining true to itself.”

Speers is the tenth Head of School, and the first woman to hold the position, in Tower Hill’s 96-year history. Her husband, the Rev. Thomas G. Speers III, is a Presbyterian minister who worked at Phillips Academy in admissions and coaching crew before attending Yale Divinity School. Their daughter, Nellie, is a senior at Ethel Walker and their son, Guthrie, is a freshman at Tower Hill. The Speers have family ties in Delaware, Maryland and New England.

The family’s presence has been felt around campus since the spring, with an appearance at Evening of the Arts in April, attendance at an alumni gathering in New York and visits to athletic practices and summer programs. Speers has met with trustees, faculty, alumni and students at every opportunity, and her installation as Head of School on Friday, Oct. 2 during Homecoming Weekend is a celebration open to the entire Tower Hill community.

“I know that the Speers’ chapter at Tower Hill will usher in a time of great communication and collaboration,” Shepherd said. “We have loyal parents, alumni, educators and staff that are all really here for the same thing: We want our children to flourish and become citizens of the world— and to be responsible and welleducated. We do that best by doing it together.”

Above: Guthrie and Tom Speers; Right: The Speers Family, present day­­—Guthrie, Bessie, Tom and Nellie

Below: Guthrie, Tom, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Bessie and Nellie Speers in Cape Town, South Africa; Right: Bessie and Guthrie Speers courtside

Q&A

with Head of School

Bessie Speers

How did you come to work in the independent school world?

Left: The Speers Family— Tom, Guthrie, Nellie and Bessie

Left: Nellie (far left), Bessie and students on a service trip in Cabarete, Dominican Republic

When I attended Middlebury College, I worked in the Admissions Office and loved being an ambassador of the college. So after I graduated, I was interested in education and began my career at the National Association of Independent Schools representing schools across the country. I had the privilege of looking at schools through a national lens and in particular was focused on admissions and marketing— especially what made independent schools special and unique.

Then I realized I actually wanted to be in one of these schools and I wanted to teach, so that’s when I moved from NAIS into schools, which I’ve loved ever since.

Why are independent schools important to the educational landscape?

Independent schools tend to focus on community, on values, on character—and quite frankly, the world is short on these things. In independent schools we have a unique opportunity.

We have the freedom to be agile, and we have incredibly talented, dedicated faculty and staff who have made Tower Hill a priority in their lives. With this talent and drive, we are uniquely positioned to be a catalyst for change and to enlist students to make a difference in our communities.

What drew you to join Tower Hill?

Tower Hill has a terrific history, and when I came to visit, the sense of enthusiasm and community was palpable. Students seemed proud of their community, which is always something you look for as an educator. They were natural, they were confident, they seemed real and able to be themselves.

I also was attracted to Tower Hill because of its reputation as an excellent school and because I believe there is a unique opportunity for Tower Hill to consider how it can truly be a school of the Wilmington area and of the world.

I think finding the right school as a school head really is about chemistry; it’s about an ethos and a philosophy. When I walked on Tower Hill’s campus, the people I met, and particularly the sense of the students’ pride in this school, really spoke to me. Tower Hill is a strong community, and the Speers family already feels incredibly welcomed. Last Christmas, our son’s favorite present was the large box of Tower Hill gear from the Home and School Association. So thank you for the incredible welcome that this community has offered already!

What are some skills and experiences from your background that you’re looking forward to bringing to the school?

It’s a real honor to come to join the Tower Hill community not only as Head of School, but also as a parent with my family.

I think what I’m looking forward to is learning and leading.

There are many, many talented people here who know the school better than I do, and yet I think a fresh lens and the ability to create a collaborative vision for the future is really what I hope to bring to the table. Tower Hill has a proud history, and every member of the Tower Hill community is privileged to be part of the school’s centennial in four years.

We are called to take stock, to celebrate, and to be bold in our vision. The new chapter ahead of us is rich with opportunity.

How has being a parent informed your approach to education?

As parents, I think we all care about the education of our children from a visceral standpoint. We love our children, and we want them to be able to have opportunities to grow into their best selves and to be successful. At times, we need help and support as parents. There is no better community to provide this support than a school. Tower Hill is an amazing resource for all of us in the community. As parents, teachers and most importantly students, we all have the opportunity to help shape the future of our school. We want our children to be good human beings, and that is best accomplished by the love, support and high standards of a whole school community.

What are some of your interests beyond education?

I love reading poetry, and I try to write some poetry. I was an English teacher, and I will always be an English teacher at heart. I have an appreciation for the arts and marvel at the discipline required to play an instrument well, blend with a chorus and create a work of art. I love wandering in museums at my own pace (which is sometimes too fast for some!). I also enjoy browsing in consignment shops. Traveling, eating at fun restaurants, finding the perfect picnic spot and swimming in oceans and lakes are highlights for me. I also like spending time with family, I love the outdoors, I love playing tennis, golf and skiing, and I enjoy watching sports. I can’t wait to root on the Green and White.

Head of School Installation Oct. 2, 2015, 10 a.m. all are invited

Tower Hill Bulletin

Fall 2015

5

Inspiring a Love of Learning Susan Miller joins Tower Hill as Head of Lower School

By Teresa Messmore, Director of Communications

From a young age, Susan Miller knew that she wanted to work with kids. She would hold “art camp” for her stuffed animals as a child and daydream about one day helping orphans. Her early interest in assisting children blossomed into a fulfilling career in education as a teacher and an administrator, and she joined Tower Hill this summer as the head of lower school.

“Susan is a warm and engaging person who impressed us with her knowledge and love of children, as well as her interest in helping the Lower School to continue its educational growth,” said Assistant Head of School Harry Baetjer, who chaired the position’s search committee.

Miller graduated from Cincinnati Country Day, a college preparatory school very comparable to Tower Hill, and earned her Bachelor of Arts in Education and Child Study from Smith College. She went on to receive a Master of Education in Educational Leadership and a Principal’s Certificate from Miami University in Ohio.

Her classroom experience began as an elementary and middle school teacher in 6

Tower Hill Bulletin

Fall 2015

Cincinnati, and she joined Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy in 1992. There she became assistant principal in 2000 and then principal in 2002 of the academy’s nascent Otto Armleder Memorial Education Center, a prekindergarten through eighth-grade satellite school established to serve students who would not otherwise have access to independent education. Miller remained there until 2011, when she was recruited to help found the Meeting Street Academy in South Carolina.

Her professional background has provided a deep understanding of young students’ various needs, from academic learning styles to social and emotional development.

At Tower Hill she has been impressed by the eagerness of faculty and staff to provide students with individualized attention, and by a strong sense of community that resonates throughout the campus. Lower school, after all, shapes a child’s educational path for years to come.

“The job of a lower school is to certainly instill children with basic skills, but it’s also to inspire a love of learning that will last a

lifetime,” she said. “Lower school education is critical in laying a foundation that puts kids on a trajectory to make the most of a middle and high school experience.”

As a leader, Miller strives to foster an environment where learning is engaging and fun, with teachers guiding students to be self-motivated with the curiosity and initiative to explore new questions and topics. She values school traditions, which she has helped establish at other schools and finds plentiful at Tower Hill, but also continually looks to what else can be done to keep schools on the cutting edge. While no longer in the classroom herself, she enjoys investing in faculty and staff, who then in turn invest in children directly—in effect, reaching many more students.

“The faculty and staff become my classroom,” she said. “Teachers are the ones who make a school successful, so my job is to come alongside and support, coach and inspire creative problem solving. That’s really an exciting place to be.”

Speaking to their Strengths

Alumni share insights on demonstrating leadership through meaningful careers at the 17th annual Forum Speaker Series

The 2014-2015 Forum Speaker Series explored the theme of finding a career that achieves both individual fulfillment and societal benefit. With that, the series examined the nature of leadership—defined not in terms of holding a position or office, but rather as helping others reach their full potential and making a difference in the larger community. The speakers were all Tower Hill alumni, with one exception. Representing a vast range of career paths, their personal anecdotes and perspectives sparked valuable dialogue with students about the meaning of service and leadership.

Michael Useem, director of the Center for Leadership and Egan Professor of Management at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School, kicked off the series in September. He characterized the qualities of impactful leadership and challenged students to participate in his presentation on stage, using real-world examples from corporate America.

Business and politics collided when DuPont CEO Ellen Kullman ‘74 and former U.S. Congressman and Delaware Governor Michael Castle ‘57 teamed up for a conversation about their careers and

Ellen J. Kullman ‘74 and Mike Castle ‘57

finished the series with a presentation on how technology and creative software can improve education at inner city schools.

Our students, faculty, staff and alumni are grateful to these speakers for sharing their time and experiences with Tower Hill.

Many speakers spent time in classrooms to continue their discussions, and their messages provided motivation for our students as they set out to chart their own futures.

Marie Vayo-Greenbaum and Morgan Hendry ‘01

leadership in Delaware. Both shared how they defined good and bad leadership, advising students to listen, engage and value flexibility as leaders.

NASA engineer Morgan Hendry ‘01 spoke of his early interest in science and serendipitous path to the University of Southern California. He candidly explained how he found success through both hard work and failures in his efforts on the Mars Rover and other difficult projects.

Author Jeff Hobbs ‘98 described the process of writing his heartbreaking book The Short and Tragic Life of Robert Peace about his former Yale roommate, who was brilliant academically but struggled to overcome challenges of his rough Newark, New Jersey, neighborhood. (Read an essay about Jeff ’s experience as a Forum lecturer on the following page.)

A panel of three alumni—FBI agent Curtis Smith ‘99, educator Matthew Auerbach ‘97 and family planning coordinator Amanda Bayard ‘99—presented their lecture in the form of a conversation about living a life of service to the community. Paul Foldi ‘83, vice president of Professional Services Council, described his work in foreign relations and U.S. diplomacy.

Educational software designer Jeff Starr ‘94

Forum Speakers 2014-15: Michael Useem Egan Professor of Management and Director of the Center for Leadership, Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania Curtis R. Smith, Jr. ‘99 Special Agent, Federal Bureau of Investigation Matthew Auerbach ‘97 Assistant Principal, Mt. Pleasant Elementary Amanda Bayard ‘99 Coordinator, Family Planning Program, University of California at Davis Medical Center Jeffrey Hobbs ‘98 Author Ellen J. Kullman ‘74 CEO of the DuPont Corporation Michael Castle ‘57 Former U.S. Congressman and Governor of Delaware Paul Foldi ‘83 Vice President, International Development Affairs, Professional Services Council Morgan Hendry ‘01 Mass Properties Engineer, Jet Propulsion Lab Jeff Starr ‘94 Educational Design, Zearn

Thank you to the Rappolt family for founding the Forum in honor of their children Gabrielle ‘93, Sarah ‘96 and Bill ‘99 and in recognition of the dedication, scholarship and professionalism of the Tower Hill faculty.

Tower Hill Bulletin

Fall 2015

7

ALUMNI PROFILES

Jeff Hobbs ‘98

Author graduated in 2002 from Yale University, where he received the Willets and Meeker prizes for his writing. He spent three years in New York and Tanzania while working with the African Rainforest Conservancy. His first novel, The Tourists, was published in 2007. His latest book, The Short and Tragic Life of Robert Peace, about his college roommate received acclaim from The New York Times, NPR, The Washington Post and The Boston Globe. Jeff lives in Los Angeles and returned to Tower Hill in November 2014 to deliver a Forum lecture.

8

Tower Hill Bulletin

Fall 2015

Jeff Hobbs

You Can Go Home Again Reflections on Youth, Identity and Talking to Oneself

By Jeff Hobbs ‘98

The man sitting next to me on the plane, between sessions of pecking numbers into an iPad spreadsheet, glanced up at me like I was crazy. His expression was valid, being that I spent the entire flight from Los Angeles to Philadelphia sitting with my eyes closed, talking to myself under my breath.

And yet the advantage of strangers thinking you might be insane is that they don’t speak

to you, and so I was able to spend the entire five hours alone in my mind, contemplative and anxious.

I am a nervous flyer to begin with, and the flight was turbulent, but the real cause of anxiety—and the projection of psychosis— had to do with the task of speaking to the Upper School at the Tower Hill Forum the following morning. I was talking to myself in order to finalize what I was going to say that might possibly keep 200 or so teenagers engaged for 45 minutes.

During the past year, I have had the privilege of speaking to and working with students all over the country, in schools ranging from Ivy League universities to state universities to historically black colleges to bucolic private high schools to ailing innercity high schools to vocational schools to juvenile halls. I’ve addressed groups as small as one and as large as 1,200. I am always nervous; it is a self-conscious and at times selfish kind of nervousness that resembles the jitters leading up to high school football games. I simply want to do a “good job,” and maybe even make an impact, express an idea that might stay with a few young men and women for a time and help foster their own ideas. However, I worry that I will fail and end up being some random guy who showed up and droned on for a while.

The visit to Tower Hill held a different caliber of anxiety, which certainly had to do with the (again, selfish) desire to please former teachers and classmates’ parents, but more so with the immense, scattershot memories that accompanied returning to the nest of my formative years. Even though my parents still live seven blocks from school and I pass by it often during holiday visits, these were memories I hadn’t accessed in many years, memories that in some cases I didn’t even realize had been retained and for which I was unprepared. In no particular order: Hugh Atkins quietly reading Macbeth’s “Tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow…” speech, needing nothing more

than his voice to bring forward the power of the written word; Laurie “E-Bear” Edinger’s brain teaser exercises in 4th Grade, in which we solved such knotty problems as how to get the entire class through a tall net of strings without using the same hole twice; George Stetson talking about “the brick” during the morning and, at eighth-grade football practice in the afternoon, lining up across from us—without pads—and knocking us on our butts to illustrate what a low center of gravity means; Jack Smith, with a mathematician’s savvy for how numbers function, talking me through some out-of-the-box lineup changes for the track and field state championships (we won); Ellis Wasson somehow making the British House of Commons captivating day in and day out; John Robinson leading discussions on jazz music and literature with the improvisational genius of Monk; all these people who have spent lives, rather than the minutes I was stressing over, engaging young minds.

I could go on, and I will: football team dinners, junior high dances, a clumsy middle school romance and the clumsier fistfight that romance instigated with a fellow suitor, field trips to Washington, D.C., and Cape Henlopen, jeans days, assemblies, an unfortunate foray into glee club, team bus rides, being raised by an upperclassman to reach a higher branch on Tree Trim and years later raising a preschooler myself, preseason practices, final exams, home rooms, dodgeball games, the Field Day tugof-war (we won)…

As a storyteller, my life is fairly solitary and internalized; I spend much of each day alone in the garage writing not-great stuff in a black-and-white composition book while talking to my dog. The ascetic quality of this day-to-day can seem downright alienating in comparison to the hyperactively social culture of Los Angeles. I never feel insecure.

Upon reflection, the reason for that also derives from my days at Tower Hill, a place where students are encouraged to Tower Hill Bulletin

Fall 2015

9

ALUMNI PROFILES

Jeff Hobbs Why is it important? What value does nostalgia actually hold? This is the same line of questioning I struggled with on the cross-country flight regarding my looming remarks: What’s the point? What did I want to leave behind?

I didn’t quite come across the point until the end of my visit to Tower Hill, after I’d spoken to the Upper School and was nearly finished visiting various English and social studies classrooms. The last class was John Robinson’s. A few young men were wearing their football jerseys, amped with that end-of-Friday-before-big-Friends-game energy. Students asked questions, many of them quite incisive, and I answered as best I could. Beneath the discussion, I spent the period observing the dynamic between teacher and students.

Jeff Hobbs—THS Football

be themselves. This sentiment becomes less clichéd when you consider that the encouragement provided is so nuanced, so casually embedded in the culture and even the Multa Bene Facta motto, that it took me almost 20 years to identify that it had even occurred. In Mrs. Schultz’s first-grade class in 1987, we wrote and bound our own series of books, which I still possess. Since then, I have been beguiled by a craft. Whether it was drama, art or ultimate frisbee, I recall an awful lot of friends having been beguiled.

During my time at Tower Hill, Mr. Robinson’s classes were some of the most sought after, because we knew that in his presence, we would not only learn about great stories and how they are told, but we would also be entertained by his singular blend of a vast cultural knowledge, lowkey attitude and unrivaled wit (the English Department office being something like an

incubator for wit). Simply put, we knew we would hear many interesting things—some relevant to the class, some less so—and laugh a bit as well. We showed up early in his room to listen to music and take part in prelude conversation with the possibility— the hope—that at some point, somehow, he would venture into the profound.

In his classroom last November, 18 years after I graduated, I witnessed students regarding Mr. Robinson with precisely the same hope. And this made me so tremendously glad—and grateful. While I can never be sure what the students I addressed took away with them, I took this away with me: a strange (what Mr. Robinson might call “groovy”) epiphany, a connection to the fact that right now, there are many, many hundreds of former Robinson students out there in the world, living their lives, almost all of them strangers to me, and yet we share those hours in his classroom, the nourishment and privilege of simply listening to a wise man talk. That was powerful, timeless, and for a few fleeting moments that I hope anyone reading this might now access in some way, even profound.

And so what happened upon reentering the doors on West 17th Street was a sudden and overwhelming remembrance of having been a part of a community that formed my current life—not only professionally but in how I relate to my peers, my neighbors, my children. In trying to impact the THS community, I realized the degree to which that community had impacted me.

We forget these things as we move, often innocuously, through the day-to-day, and as we grow older and the distance between then and now widens (as one student proclaimed, wide-eyed last fall: “I wasn’t even born yet when you graduated!”). It is important, now and again, to remember.

Fourth-grade teacher Laurie Edinger (far left) and Jeff Hobbs (third row, second from the left) 10

Tower Hill Bulletin

Fall 2015

Seval Oz ‘79 discusses self-driving cars at TEDxNapaValley in 2014.

Photo Credit: Robert McClenahan

Driving Innovation Seval Oz ‘79 takes the wheel as CEO of self-driving transportation company

By Kathy Warner, Director of Alumni Programs

If you look on page 72 of the 1979 Tower Hill School yearbook, you will see a young woman staring and smiling back at you.

What you can’t tell from the picture of Seval Fatma “Mimi” Oz, Class of ‘79, is that the ocean and sand surrounding her is not

Seval Oz—1979 Yearbook

the Atlantic or even the Pacific—but the Mediterranean. The picture says a lot about Seval’s life while she was a THS student and her life following graduation. Her family and her family’s connection to their home in Turkey have always been a constant influence on this very independent-minded woman, who is currently the CEO of Continental Intelligent Transportation Systems and the former head of business

development for Google’s self-driving car program at Google X. While a student, Seval was an example of all things Tower Hill as she played basketball with teammate Wiz Montaigne Applegate ‘79, took part in cheerleading and thrived academically. She worked hard as a student and remembers teachers like Mr. Baetjer, Mr. Stetson and Mr. Pierson, who always encouraged her and told her she could do anything. She was interested in math and chemistry, as well as American History. Her family and her teachers told her to challenge herself and chart her course in life. She was not content to follow in the medical paths led by her father and older brother, Mehmet Oz ‘78.

Seval studied economics and political science at Wellesley College and MIT and earned a Master of Business Administration degree from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania in 1985. She has always been an independent thinker and passionately believes in the importance of women in technology. Women in STEM inspire and motivate people to build and use technology that will positively impact the world in a different way, she said. If anything, a woman’s viewpoint is different from a man’s perspective.

Always interested in the future, Seval remembers enjoying Star Trek, The Jetsons and Lost in Space on TV because, in

addition to being entertaining, those shows taught us that we should expect change in the future. The programs encouraged us to imagine how we could impact this change directly by creating our own future.

Seval created the award-winning video starring Steve Mahan, a man 95 percent blind and head of the Santa Clara Valley Blind Center who “drove” a self-driving car, which has over 7 million views on YouTube.

Continental opened a division that will merge computing with cars. CNET reports, and Seval agrees, that self-driving cars will dominate the roads by 2020.

“Can I challenge myself?” is a question Seval believes we should ask ourselves. “Is my goal so challenging that failure is imminent and I need to prepare to recover and pivot around failure fast?” Years of competitive sports on championship teams taught her to pivot fast and find another, perhaps a more clever, way to score. She remembers one of her quotes from her yearbook page that she still lives by: “It’s so nice to be insane, no one asks you to explain.” She is a talented and courageous woman who believes in and is passionate about “the clever car,” and she is confident that her previous work at Google X and her current leadership at Continental will jumpstart the technology for self-driving cars for future generations sooner than we might think.

Tower Hill Bulletin

Fall 2015

11

ALUMNI PROFILES

Social Networking—Through Sports Bob Downing ‘97 brings people together through Delaware Sports League

By Teresa Messmore, Director of Communications

Bob Downing ‘97 has always been good at three things: playing sports, making friends and having fun. When one of his friends suggested starting an adult kickball tournament together, with the potential for growth into a social sports league for Wilmington like those popular in other cities, he jumped at the idea.

“I realized that I was probably born to do something like this,” he said.

Eight years later, the Delaware Sports League (DSL) has expanded from 10 kickball teams at Rockford Park to a roster of 7,500 participants who play dodgeball, flag football, soccer, volleyball, field hockey, bocce, basketball, softball and kickball throughout the state. The league has attracted many young professionals who played sports in high school or college and missed the camaraderie of being on a team in their 20s and 30s.

Less serious than municipal softball leagues and more focused on fun than competition, DSL has connected thousands of Delawareans— Tower Hill alumni, faculty and staff among them. Others are new to Delaware and see the league as a way to meet people outside of work.

On the fields, and back at sponsor bars after games, “DSLers” make friends, network and let off steam. Romances inevitably blossom, too, leading to about two to four weddings every year. One couple that met through the league had a kickball-shaped cake complete with a DSL logo at their nuptials.

“When members involve us in such a special moment, it is just mindblowing,” Bob said.

Tapping into that social and emotional connection players find through sports—even ones like kickball that they haven’t played since lower school—has factored into the league’s success. Bob worked in 12

Tower Tower Hill Hill Bulletin Bulletin

Fall 2015

marketing before founding DSL, and he was always interested in the personal aspect of consumer motivation. Early in his career he brainstormed ideas via email with a Harvard professor, who then invited him to the university in 2005, and put his own theories into practice with his business. In the early seasons when the organization was just getting off the ground, he and his partners posted thousands of photos from DSL games online and on social media along with weekly highlights to help tell the league’s story.

Delaware Sports League has since been covered by USA Today and forged relationships with leaders in the social sports industry, from WIFFLE President David Mullany to Johnny “Kickball” LeHane of the World Adult Kickball Association. Bob himself now serves on the executive committee of the national Sport & Social Industry Association.

It all might not have happened without the love of athletics and sportsmanship fostered at Tower Hill. While Bob struggled academically as a student and has since been treated for attention deficit disorder (ADD), athletics were an outlet for him that helped him find success and confidence. A basketball star who also played soccer and baseball, Bob fondly remembers the impact Bix Bush, John Pierson, Jim Straub, Steve Hyde and other coaches had on his school experience.

“Tower Hill’s commitment to athletics was what made my time at the school successful,” he said. “The academic foundation I received while at Tower Hill made its presence felt later in life. It’s something that I value more as an adult than I ever did as a child.”

Trial by Fire

After graduating from Yale, Emily Schuckert ‘10 tests her mettle at a Texas oil refinery

By Leslie Sysko, English Department Chair

Emily Schuckert is a firefighter.

She’s scrabbled through Houston’s heat hauling a water cannon, through its subtropical humidity wearing bunker gear and across its flat terrain extinguishing flames. Of course these were flames she’d lit, fires she’d started—at Shell Oil’s Fire School. But she was there nonetheless. The fires were real. Ditto the cannon, mask and humidity. If we add a dark burning building exercise and six-day shifts during which she slept at the office to the mix, we’ll have a picture of Emily Schuckert’s brand of environmental engineering.

It sounds rather dramatic, but it suits Emily.

“I didn’t like being away from the action,” she said. That explains Fire School and the volunteer stint in Chemical Logistics, an operations role. She wanted to load chemicals onto rail cars and work with an all-male/all-Texan detail. She said, “There was a strike; I didn’t know what I was getting myself into, but I thought it might be a good experience.” She is serious.

But, then again, Emily Schuckert has always been serious. She was a serious English student when I met her on my

Emily, left, in Metamorphoses in 2010

first day at Tower Hill in 2008. Emily’s presence as a junior in Shakespeare class lent gravitas to the proceedings. She’s just that engaged. It was that way with athletics here (Delaware Lacrosse Player of the Year, First Team All-American Lacrosse and First Team All-State Field Hockey) and at Yale where she played Varsity field hockey and won a 2011 Ivy League championship.

It was that way in theater. She starred in Metamorphoses and Comedy Combat. It was that way with academics, where the awards are too plentiful to enumerate, but Cum Laude Society and major department awards dot her resume. After earning her B.S. in Environmental Engineering from Yale, where she received the Environmental Engineering award at graduation, Emily chose to work at a Shell refinery and chemical plant near Houston where she says the best parts of her work include “working on a site with manufacturing” where she “can see the things [she’s] studying.” I told you she was serious.

At Shell, Emily began her work in Air Permitting where new people start “so they can understand the basis for environmental standards and limits.” In February 2015, when a nationwide United Steelworkers strike began, Emily volunteered and was sent to operations training, which included fire school. Then she spent her time in Logistics: loading giant storage spheres (of 40 to 80 feet in diameter) of refined chemicals onto rail cars or trucks. Emily’s

focus was on “health, safety, and the environment (HSE).” That’s what engineers do with their days—in both Air Permitting and Environmental Compliance where she works now. She says HSE is one of Shell’s main objectives, and they take it seriously.

It’s no surprise that Emily and Shell get along.

When we spoke recently about her work, she used the phrase “fast forward” a few times: “fast forward six months and… I moved over to Compliance” or “I didn’t think I’d make it past that challenge, but fast forward…” Challenge tends to punctuate time for all of us, but Emily’s perceptions speed her along until she finds another challenge. For her, uneventful is unremarkable. It’s a good thing, too, because working in Compliance means responding to equipment failure or shutdowns. If emissions occur, the environmental impact must be calculated—to ensure safety of the site and the community. Agencies need to be notified in some cases and corrective actions must be developed. All for the environment and safety. Emily says this work is referred to figuratively as “fire fighting.”

It will come as no surprise to anyone who knew Emily at Tower Hill—teachers, friends, parents—that she’s successful. I’m not surprised that, in the midst of heat and potential danger, there stands Emily Schuckert—upholding standards. Seriously.

Tower Hill Bulletin

Fall 2015

13

GRADUATION

Jane Trapnell ‘15 with her father George Trapnell ‘66 and sister Sloan Trapnell ‘10

Ryan Simonton ‘15 with his father Jeff Simonton ‘75. Not pictured is Ryan’s grandmother Marguerite Gubelmann Simonton (Daisy) ‘46, who was also in attendance at Graduation.

Ben Greenberg ‘15 with his father Marc Greenberg ‘81 and brothers Sam Greenberg ‘10 and Harry Greenberg ‘11

14

Tower Hill Bulletin

Fall 2015

Carolyn Ward ‘15 with her father Rod Ward ‘83 and her grandmother Susan Hill Ward ‘54

Brooke Hayman ‘15 with her father LaMontz (Monty) Hayman ‘87, aunt Stephanie Hayman-Lambert ‘88 and sister Courtney Hayman ‘14

Sawyer Chilton ‘15 with her uncle Harold Murray Sawyer III (Chip) ‘93, great-grandmother Helen Lloyd Kitchel Gawthrop (Nonie) ‘40, mother Ann Sawyer Chilton ‘85 and brother Kitchel Chilton ‘14

Zoe Smith ‘15 with her grandparents Cynthia Fulenwider Denham ‘56 and Willard A. S. Denham (Sonny) ‘48, brother Will Smith ‘12, mother Cynthia Denham Smith ‘83 and aunt Susanna Denham Meserve ‘88

Raley Abramczyk ‘15 with her mother Jennifer Sinex Abramczyk ‘86

Tower Hill Bulletin

Fall 2015

15

Graduation T

ower Hill celebrated the Class of 2015 at the 95th Annual Graduation Exercises on Saturday, May 30, 2015. Then-Head of Lower School Jacquelyn Hamilton opened the ceremony with the Invocation, followed by a greeting from then-Head of School Harry Baetjer.

Class President Madeline Bartley Schwartz and the class-selected speaker, Ian Christopher Frazier, addressed the graduates and guests. Class of 2015 member Colby Richard Banbury introduced Kathryn Mary Kummer, Upper School English teacher, who delivered the commencement address.

Following the ceremony, the graduates and their guests celebrated with a reception on the lawn of the Hayward House. Congratulations, graduates!

16

Tower Hill Bulletin

Fall 2015

Tower Hill Bulletin

Fall 2015

17

GRADUATION

Congratulations Class of 2015

Class of 2015 Matriculation List

Madeline Blanchard Emory University

Sophie Sawyer Chilton Washington College

Ian Frazier Syracuse University

Jack Guan Wake Forest University

Luke Borda Colby College

Michael Ryan Cleary University of Delaware Honors

Maxwell Frietze The Johns Hopkins University

Jim Guan Duke University

Sarah Aurelia Abramczyk University of St. Andrews

Graham Bright Tufts University

Caroline DeSantis Franklin and Marshall College

Gillian Georigi Villanova University

Brendan Harris University of Delaware Honors

Sabrina Ahmed Bryn Mawr College

Andrew Brown University of Delaware

Derek Dubner New York University

George Gianforcaro University of Delaware Honors

Connor Hattersley Villanova University

Michelle Amorison Lehigh University

Madison Cann Boston College

Elizabeth Eppley Swarthmore College

Samuel Grant Tulane University

Brooke Hayman Boston University

Ariane Attix George Washington University

Andrew Capodanno Lebanon Valley College

Patrick Fagan Furman University

Benjamin Greenberg University of Alabama

Kalee Kennedy Wesleyan University

Colby Banbury University of Delaware Honors

Aurian Carter Barnard College

Barbara Fleming University of Georgia

David Grubbs Clemson University

Kelly Kollias Tufts University

18

Tower Hill Bulletin

Fall 2015

Andrew Lin New York University

Mckenna Polich Boston College

Jacqueline Siegfried UCLA

Jane Trapnell University of Alabama

Christof Wittreich University of Delaware

Emma Lynch University of Delaware

Taylor Polich Texas Christian University

Ryan Simonton Gettysburg College

Stephen Van Vechten Lebanon Valley College

Michael Xu University of California – Berkeley

Adam Mengden Pennsylvania State University

Whitney Polich Dickinson College

Blakeley Simpler Cornell University

Alisa Vidwans The Johns Hopkins University

Haley Yatzus University of Delaware

Henry Mette Muhlenberg College

Taylor Reese Washington and Lee University

Matthew Smith Yale University

Amanda Wakefield Rollins College

Rachel Minkovitz Bates College

Francis Schauber University of Delaware

Susanna Zoe Smith University of Delaware

Carolyn Ward Carleton College

Jacqueline Morton University of Kentucky

Drue Schwartz Pratt Institute

Kali Sullivan Georgetown University

Austin Wedo University of Delaware

Andrew Pettit Lehigh University

Madeline Schwartz Georgetown University

Zachary Swain University of Delaware

Nasir Wilson University of Delaware

Tower Hill Bulletin

Fall 2015

19

GRADUATION

Senior Awards Ceremony—May 29, 2015 Cum Laude Induction Seniors inducted at the end of their junior year: Ariane Attix Elizabeth Eppley Jim Guan Blakeley Simpler Matthew Smith Kali Sullivan Seniors inducted at Graduation: Graham Bright Aurian Carter Ryan Cleary Taylor Reese Jacqueline Siegfried Michael Xu Katherine Ann Darnell Multa Bene Facta Award Spencer Johnson Haon Award in Art Kali Sullivan Certificate of Honor: Jacqueline Siegfried David E. Scherer Dramatics Award Graham Bright George Gianforcaro

Hugh Atkins Award in English Rachel Allison Minkovitz Algard Mathematics Award Jim Guan Certificate of Honor: Matthew Smith Frank C. Ashby Language Award Kali Jessica Sullivan Certificates of Honor: Ian Frazier and Aurian Carter P. Edward Hughes History Award Kelly Kollias Crichton Science Award Matthew Smith William J. Carveth Music Award Henry Mette Matthew Smith Certificates of Honor: Graham Bright and Whitney Polich The Tower Hill School Community Service Award Kali Sullivan Brendan Harris

Dramatic Productions Award Drue Schwartz

Tower Hill School Athletics Awards Sarah Abramczyk Jim Guan Jack Guan Brendan Harris Spiller Achievement Award Stephen Van Vechten Trustees’ Award for Academic Excellence Matthew Smith Trustees’ Award for Service Jim Guan Alison Arsht Leadership Award Connor Hattersley

Certificate of Honor: Madeline Schwartz National Merit Semifinalists Graham Bright Andrew Lin Rachel Minkovitz National Merit Commended Students Raley Abramczyk Michelle Amorison Elizabeth Eppley Jim Guan Connor Hattersley Christof Wittreich

Parent Recognition

Faculty and Staff Recognition

The following parents are recognized for having accumulated 20 or more “student years” at Tower Hill School. Their last Tower Hill student graduated with the Class of 2015.

Tower Hill recognizes faculty and staff for their contributions during their years of service.

Mr. J. Clayton Bright and Dr. Starr C. Bright – 39 years Mr. and Mrs. Edmund R. Chilton – 26 years Dr. Walter S. Dubner and Dr. Jia-Ni Chu – 20 years Mrs. Ann L.M. Frazier – 28 years Mr. and Mrs. Stuart M. Grant – 25 years Mr. and Mrs. Marc L. Greenberg – 41 years Dr. and Mrs. David S. Grubbs – 35 years Mr. LaMontz M. Hayman and Ms. Renee Sumter-Hayman – 28 years Mrs. Karen Mengden – 20 years Mr. and Mrs. Mark A. Morton – 26 years Mr. and Mrs. Eric D. Schwartz – 41 years Mr. and Mrs. James G. Smith III – 25 years Dr. and Mrs. S. Gregory Smith – 39 years Mr. and Mrs. George H. Trapnell – 27 years

20

Tower Hill Bulletin

Fall 2015

Eric Perkins – 36 years Jacquelyn Hamilton – 9 years Laura Ouladdaoud – 9 years Susan Ribeiro – 7 years William Thayer – 6 years

Janet Kline – 5 years Darla Max – 5 years Ali Henkel – 2 years Robert Eliot – 1 year Amanda Rasbach – 1 year

Pictured left: Matthew Smith ‘15 and the Upper School band pay tribute to former Upper School band teacher Eric Perkins during the 2015 Spring Band Concert.

Class of 2015 By the Numbers

Athletics All-Americans: 1 State Championships: 1 State Runner-Ups: 4 State Semi-Finalists: 3 Conference Championships: 8 Individual All-State Awards: 5 All-County Awards: 2 Individual All-Conference Awards: 34

Academics and Arts National Merit Finalists: 3 National Merit Semifinalists: 6 Scholastic Writing Awards: 4 Scholastic Art Awards: 2

College Admission

More than $2 million in merit-based scholarships Admitted to…

Cornell University Duke University Emory University Georgetown University Johns Hopkins University

Serving the Community Jefferson Awards Lead 360 Challenge Award: 1 More than 3,000 service hours in Upper School

Swarthmore College Tufts University University of California – Berkeley University of St. Andrews Yale University… and more!

Tower Hill Bulletin

Fall 2015

21

College Bound Navigating the

ever-changing world

of college admissions

YES!

M D I U B T K C E

U C L A

T U F T S

U C Y N A Y D O L U E L E L B Y

By Jill Lauck, Director of College Counseling

Last spring, the College Counseling Office hosted a program for seventh- through tenth-grade families to learn about what to expect in the college admission process in the years to come. I spoke about logistics: which tests to take when, the newly designed SAT and timelines.

What I thought might be most useful to families, though, was to hear firsthand from parents who had recently navigated their own children through the college admission process. One father, whose son and daughter both applied in the past two years, decisively—and more accurately than any other description I’ve heard in 17 years of this work—declared, “The process most similar to The Price Is Right game Plinko,” during which contestants drop large, round chips from the top of a board filled with pegs, the disc bouncing its way down toward one of the slots at the bottom (in this case, one of the colleges to which a student has applied). All of us adults in the room laughed, and to me it may be the single best description of the uncertainty that has become a hallmark of this process.

I began working in college admission because as a high school student and college 22

Tower Hill Bulletin

Fall 2015

tour guide, I found myself fascinated by how admission officers compose a class.

Neither of my parents and none of my grandparents had gone to college, and so figuring out what to say in my college essays and what to articulate in interviews was both exciting and terrifying to me. Tower Hill students are far more familiar with how to put together a compelling argument in a long paper than I was at 18, and their academic skills are outstanding. College admission officers know that our students are well-prepared, smart, funny, engaged and well-read.

But the college admission process as we knew it 20 or 25 years ago has changed.

No head of school anywhere in the world can simply call a dean of admission and say, “These are the four you will admit this year.” It just does not work that way anymore. In some ways, the process has become a better, more thoughtful one: Colleges care a lot about students who once felt left behind, and the applicant pool is now far more diverse culturally, religiously, geographically, passport-wise and socioeconomically. My job is to help students understand how to best tell their own

stories and how to present themselves in the most interesting ways possible. The student who has lived her entire life in Wilmington may have just as compelling a story to write and to tell as a student who has lived on several different continents.

“The process most similar to The Price Is Right game Plinko.”

As a college counselor, I also interact professionally with my colleagues on the admission side, letting them know the kinds of things that make a student special.

Teachers and I spend hours writing letters of recommendation for each senior, and in these—much as in the student’s own writing—we can talk about the nuanced ways in which they can and will contribute to a university and the larger world.

Extracurriculars—from the sports students play to the acting, set construction, music, art hours they spend in the service of others—matter more than ever. There is no specific checklist, but a friend who works in the University of Pennsylvania admission

office offers perhaps the most sound advice of all: “Help your kids become the very best at whatever it is they are good at.”

SAT, ACT and SAT Subject test scores still matter for most colleges. Admission officers will say standardized tests are the one universal benchmark they have to compare a student from Tower Hill School to students across the world. How a student writes matters: The essays (and there will be more than one) should sound like the work and experience of a 17-year old instead of an educated parent who has polished it to a shine. All of these components come together to complete an application, and from there admission officers take over the challenge of putting together a class that reflects the priorities of a university or college.

Talking about this with a ninth- or tenthgrade student can be the fast track to

watching their eyes glaze over. Really.

Most just are not prepared to talk about college applications. More often than not, it is parents who want to discuss strategy and timeline and to make a plan. What families need to worry about in the younger years are good grades, challenging oneself in appropriate areas, developing good relationships with teachers and coaches, and being involved. There’s no science and no magic formula, and while there are a lot of self-declared pundits out there who will say they can help get you into your dream college, it really does still come down to hard work, a good attitude, and, yes, luck.

I cannot tell you how many hours some seniors have sat in my office, passing laptops as we review their applications one last time.

They all have their own stories to tell. They all land on their feet at really good places, and if they listen to the advice and plan we lay out together, they are lucky enough to

have many choices of places where they can have a fulfilling and happy academic and social existence. Any of the Plinko slots end up being a winner.

c

Our seniors this year are heading off to an unbelievably good roster of places, and if they are anything like the students of classes past, they will return or write to let us know how happy they are with their choices, unable to imagine themselves anywhere else. I can’t think of anything that makes us—or their parents—happier.

  

Applicatio n

Essay

Transcript

Director of College Counseling Jill Lauck, right, guides students and parents through the college admissions process beginning in Middle School.

Tower Hill Bulletin

Fall 2015

23

LOWER SCHOOL NEWS

Good, Better, Best!

Math Lab utilizes broader lenses to enhance mathematics instruction in the Lower School

By Jacquelyn Hamilton, Head of Lower School 2006-2015

“Good, better, best. Never let it rest, until your good is better and your better, best.”

While this saying is attributed to different sources, many of us heard it from parents and teachers as we grew. Many of us have internalized it.

Tower Hill’s Lower School faculty continually focuses on creating a program that captures the essence of what childhood and education can be at its very best: full of infinite possibilities, exploration, imagination and enchantment. We work to instill a love of learning and a sense of wonder in each one of our students. The development of the Math Lab is an example of building on something that is good.

Good In 2012 the Lower School faculty decided to create a space where “hands-on learning” in mathematics would occur, using a classroom in the preschool wing open to all faculty and students in Tower Tots through 4th Grade. Materials were to be contributed from each grade level in Lower School, and each teacher would use the space with the children in his or her class.

Reading coordinator Samantha Spruance shared that she would very much like to be the new Math Lab’s coordinator and learning specialist. Her graduate degree was in special education, and she had been on the faculty at the Lab School in Washington, D.C. She opened the Math Lab during the 2012-2013 school year.

Acknowledging that Lower School students appropriately reflect a broad spectrum of talents and abilities, and that most of a young child’s understanding is still connected to concrete experiences, the Math Lab uses manipulative materials as a foundation for teaching, enriching and 24

Tower Hill Bulletin

Fall 2015

Teacher Samantha Spruance works with Lower School students in the Math Lab.

supporting the Lower School students.

As students engage in mathematical investigations, they are encouraged to think of multiple solutions to ensure deeper understanding and cultivate their innate curiosity. Children are instructed in the Math Lab in whole class groups and in smaller grade-level groups for support or enrichment. Samantha also goes into classrooms to instruct with the classroom teacher.

the implementation of Singapore Math strategies in math instruction. She also completed a course at Harvard, Universal Design for Learning, which emphasized the importance of providing multiple means of representation, action, expression and engagement in the practice of teaching.

These same principles are at the core of Singapore Math and strategies that faculty had already begun to incorporate into math lessons.

Better A variety of STEAM (the interdisciplinary study of science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics) activities have been introduced in the Math Lab. STEAM education supports the idea that a balance of critical and creative thinking skills leads to success in many occupations. Two grade-level examples are as follows: In Kindergarten, students practiced building designs with five pieces of material. They were asked what they could build with five toothpicks and five marshmallows. In 4th Grade, students were given LEGO, marbles and pipe cleaners. They were then asked to design a miniature golf course.

Understanding that the concept of Singapore Math was new to many Tower Hill families, a series of meetings were designed to help them to better understand the Singapore Math process and method of instruction. Parents embraced this process, and the support that the students have received at home has enhanced their learning.

Best During the summer of 2014, Samantha spent time working with Sarah Schaefer, a Singapore Math trainer, to learn more about

We begin the 2015-2016 school year teaching Singapore strategies and incorporating the Singapore math framework, Math in Focus. The goal for the enhanced math instruction is for the children to perform well because they understand the material on many levels.

Then, we will have done our best as educators.

MIDDLE SCHOOL NEWS

A Bright Idea The Middle School’s new InDependent Enrichment Activities (IDEA) program gives students time to explore their own interests, from rocketry to writing

By Paul Capodanno, Head of Middle School

On a cold and rainy Tuesday morning, the culmination of many months of diligent work in the Experimental Rocketry Works club finally came to its pinnacle. Several rockets had been designed and built by an intrepid crew of Middle Schoolers, yet by the Woodshop teacher Rich Pierce and seventh-grader Sarah Stoupa during Rocketry Club. Inset: A finished rocket. end, it was seventh-grader Sarah Stoupa’s 18” blue and silver chariot—complete with work at their own pace through various concentration, patience, logic and mental a detachable rocket glider—that was ready challenges, including navigating through calculation. for launch. After preliminary static testing an “orchard,” stopping at a “traffic light” Math teacher Paul Mulvena oversaw two was done, it was time to throw caution to and rescuing a man from a “burning clubs: the Middle TV Club and Do-Itthe wind and light both fuses. 3... 2... 1... building.” Towards the end of the year, Yourself: Basic Concepts of Computer liftoff! Up, up, up, over sideways, tumbling students use their skills to engineer their Programming. The former, led by sevenththis way and that, and down this rocket went, own autonomous robots—including grader Daniel Petrykla and eighth-grader apparently a victim of improper center of color sorters, drag racers and claw arms.

Rajiv Shah, designed and managed a gravity—but spectacular nonetheless! The Science teacher Tim Weymouth said the website that was projected onto the Middle consensus was that this one ill-fated flight club gives students a chance to experience School hallway television. Participants was certainly worth all the effort. It is now, as STEM education in an engaging way while gained exposure to web design, computer they say, back to the drawing board to start learning key programming and design and marketing skills, video editing as well anew on a fresh design. skills. as creativity and teamwork in providing Through Tower Hill’s InDependent Another IDEA program group produced daily updates to classmates. Paul’s computer Enrichment Activities (IDEA) program, the Middle School’s first literary magazine, programming group empowered students students will have time to refine their Tiger Tales. The inaugural edition included to get involved with coding. Students designs and explore the physics and fun of students’ stories, poems, photos, artwork, investigated different coding languages experimental rocketry during the school articles and cartoons. Student editors culled including HTML/Javascript and CSS and day, as described above by woodshop through the submission piles to select other basic core programming concepts as teacher Rich Pierce. The club is one of benchmark pieces to showcase and created they handcrafted their own websites—all many offerings introduced last year to give a website for online publishing. Now all with a “Do-It-Yourself ” style and pace.

Middle Schoolers opportunities to delve Middle School students can submit work, into their interests during periods that I worked with students in the Spirit Club, read past issues and learn more about the would otherwise be used for study halls. writing process, said English teacher Jill who created colorful Tower Hill sports From rockets and robots to chess and Zehner. banners in the Middle School hallway and cartoons, students work independently with decorated seventh- and eighth-graders’ In history teacher Wiz Applegate ‘79’s mentorship from faculty members. lockers each season. As the IDEA program classroom, Chess Club members met this and interest grow, students and faculty In the LEGO Robotics Club, for example, year to flex their mental muscles. Research may create additional clubs to expand our students learn to design, build and program has shown that chess enhances scholastic Middle Schoolers’ horizons. I can’t wait to a robot using EV3 software. After getting abilities including test scores. This “exercise acquainted with the technology, students see what they come up with next. of the mind” provides a fun way to practice Tower Hill Bulletin

Fall 2015

25

UPPER SCHOOL NEWS

Leading the Way Upper School initiatives aim to inspire the next generation of leaders

By Dan Hickey, Head of Upper School and Assistant Head of School

This year’s Forum Lecture Series was titled “Finding Your Passion—Giving a Lead.” It profiled alumni speakers who have helped others reach their full potential and who see leadership in terms of taking responsibility for or making a difference in larger communities. While this theme enjoyed special attention this year in the Forum, it is one that we continually try to cultivate in the Upper School. In addition to providing a superior academic preparation, highlighting the connection between leadership and service is core to our character education program. Recently we have created some programs to foster leadership that, when coupled with our emphasis on (and requirements for) service learning, help to craft students who hopefully will follow a path where service and leadership intersect.

The Student Leadership Series was created to help foster and train students in their positions as student leaders in all aspects of school life. The series runs three times a year, welcoming guest speakers from among the greater community. After listening to each speaker, students are challenged to collectively solve problems, brainstorm for new ideas and think innovatively to enhance the Upper School experience.

In its inaugural year in 2013, students explored the theme of “Leadership Styles” and welcomed Michelle Shepherd, former Bank of America East Division Executive and Director of the Mary Campbell Center, as well as Tony Glen, President of Delaware Foundation Reaching Citizens with Intellectual DisABILITIES (DFRC).

The theme for the 2014-15 school year was “Finding the Leader Within.” Guest speakers were then-Head of School Harry Baetjer, Gulf War veteran and former MBNA Senior Executive Vice President Michelle Schwandt and alumna Gracie Firestone. Each of our speakers has addressed various topics on leadership, 26

Tower Hill Bulletin

Fall 2015

Pictured, left to right: Connor Hattersley ‘15, Dan Hickey and Madeline Schwartz ‘15 at the Senior Awards Ceremony. Connor and Madeline received the Alison Arsht Leadership Award.

such as core values, personal attributes, risk taking, cooperation, collaboration and implementation. Students are selected to attend this series if they are an active leader in Upper School.

In addition, the Senior Mentor Group was created to provide an opportunity for leadership and mentorship between seniors and our newest students. Senior Mentors are a select group of students who are nominated by the former Senior Mentors and chosen by the Dean of Students and Head Class Advisors to assist with the transition of new students entering Tower Hill. The group is led by a senior who coordinates activities throughout the year for the mentors and their buddy groups, giving the group a chance to bond and experience the ins and outs of school life together. Thus these students lead and serve.

We are fortunate to have many students logging countless hours of service. In fact, we recognize one student per month with a Jefferson Award for service. Two recent examples of impressive student service leaders (among many) are Ann Guzzetta and Jamie Spruance. Ann was recognized

by Delaware Governor Jack Markell and received the Outstanding National or Global Service by Young Americans award

for her Books for Children Charity, which collects new and gently used books that are then given to at-risk children. The organization now has chapters as far as California and London, with thousands of books having been donated to orphanages, community centers, schools and project housing areas. Jamie Spruance came in first runner-up in the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) Delaware Chapter’s Student of the Year competition. He was awarded the first-ever Mission Award for his exemplary commitment to the mission of the organization. With help from his teammates and the entire Tower Hill School community, Jamie raised awareness as well as over $36,000.

I’ve noted in our graduation award ceremony that the foundation of exceptional leadership is grounded in service. Those who faithfully and humbly serve others or serve an institution, rather than seeking to be served in their position of authority, emerge as effective and often beloved leaders, whether they intend to or not.

Tower Hill remains committed to preparing students for the rigors of college-level work and beyond. But we take our responsibility to inspire students to serve and to lead just as seriously.

The Year in Photos 1

4

1. Upper Schoolers tap-danced their way through the 2

spectacular spring production of the classic Cole Porter musical Anything Goes.

3

2. Tower Hill competed in the finals of the 2015 DIAA

Division II Boys’ Soccer State Championship, falling to Caravel by a single penalty kick.

3. National Geographic’s Giant Traveling Map stopped at Tower Hill. PreK through eighth-graders walked on the giant map, measuring 26 feet by 35 feet, to experience geography in a “hands-on, feet-on” way.

4. Tower Hill enrolled international students for the first 5

6

time in years, with the four Chinese students founding a Chinese Culture Club to help teach fellow students about their native country.

5. Lower and Middle School students took part in the “Hour of Code,” a worldwide effort to expose kids to computer science.

6. Children’s author Gloria Respress-Churchwell, a

former Tower Hill parent, visited the Lower School as part of the Week of the Young Child celebration.

7. Sam Barrett ‘16 was selected by PNC Bank as a winner in the Common Wealth Writing Contest. His winning essay explored how today’s generations use Wikipedia.

Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales, Jon Bon Jovi and Edward Norton were this year’s honorees.

7

Tower Hill Bulletin

Fall 2015

27

AROUND TOWER HILL

1

2

4

5

6

7

8

10

9

28

3

Tower Hill Bulletin

Fall 2015

1. Third-graders explored “the last great race” at Iditarod Day.

2. Tower Hill hosted the Independent School

Choral Workshop, directed by world-renowned conductor Andrew Megill.

3. Upper School students presented the results of their biology and physics projects at a mini poster session in May.

4. Second- and third-graders in the 11

ChessNuts After School Enrichment Program took first place in the United States Chess Federation National Elementary Championship in Tennessee.

5. The Tower Hill community celebrated the winter season together at Tree Trim.

6. The eighth-grade play festival Reality, Really? featured four works created specifically for Tower Hill by college playwrights, spoofing popular reality shows.

7. Students collected and delivered over 150

bags of food for Thanksgiving in a school-wide effort that benefitted Lutheran Community Services (LCS).

12

8. Home and School Association volunteers

shared delicious dishes and fabulous raffle prizes at the Faculty and Staff Appreciation Luncheon.

9. The girls’ tennis team won the state

championship for the sixth consecutive year.

10. Alumni Council President and Board

13

14

Member Anthony R. Cucuzzella, M.D. ‘82 presented the Alumni Association Achievement Award to Meredith Pettinaro at 8th Grade Moving Up Day in June.

11.

Seniors mentored eighth-graders for their entrance into the Upper School through a day of service and team-building activities.

12. Middle School science teacher Mary Hobbs ‘09 (center) with friends at the Green and White Club’s annual Casino Night.

13. More than 600 visitors delighted students with their presence at Grandparents’ and Friends’ Day in April.

14. Young guests experienced the imaginative student creations on display at Evening of the Arts.

15. The Green and White teams break ranks at

the beginning of Field Day in May. The White team won 146-130 during the last event, the tugof-war.

15

Tower Hill Bulletin

Fall 2015

29

AROUND TOWER HILL

TRANSITIONS Tower Hill thanks longtime leaders for their service Pierre (Pete) duP. Hayward ‘66 served on the Tower Hill Board of

Trustees from 1994-2015, leading as board chair from 2003 until 2006. He chaired the finance and executive committees as well as the committee on trustees and the building and grounds committee from 2006 through 2015. It was during his service on the board that the renovations of the athletic fields as well as the walks and grounds that surround the school were finished. The completion of the athletic campaign as well as the construction of the Math and Science Center transformed Tower Hill’s campus, and Pete’s leadership and extraordinary support for the school has been an important part of that transformation. Pete was instrumental in the purchase and renovation of Hayward House, which replaced the former Headmaster’s residence on 17th Street that was given to the school by his mother, Rosa Hayward MacDonald ‘39. The larger house and additional property provide a lovely family residence for our Head of School as well as gracious space for alumni events and entertaining other members of the community. The lawn offers the perfect spot for the Commencement tent and graduation exercises and other end-of-the-year ceremonies take place there.

Pete Hayward

Pete’s roots at Tower Hill are deep. He is an alumnus, and his two sons, Laird ‘02 and Brad ‘04, graduated from Tower Hill. But his legacy goes back to the founding fathers. His mother’s father, William Winder Laird, father of Rosa Laird Hayward McDonald ‘39, was a member of the group of eleven founders who gathered in 1919 and decided to move forward with the idea of building a new school. Pete’s siblings, Nancy Hayward ‘60, Rosa Hayward ‘58 and Nathan Hayward ‘61, attended Tower Hill, as well as many other family members. Though Pete’s time on the board is over, his son, Laird, will follow in his family’s footsteps and join the Board of Trustees in the fall.

Lance L. Weaver joined the Board of Trustees in 1995. He was board chair from

2006 to 2010, he was chair of the buildings and grounds and executive committees, and he led the committee on trustees from 2010 to 2015. Because of Lance’s leadership and vision during his 20-year tenure as a trustee, the school was able to invest over $50 million in the school’s campus. He, like Pete Hayward, oversaw the transformation of the facilities and grounds and is largely responsible for the vibrant and modern campus we enjoy today.

While Lance is no longer on the board, he and his wife, Karyn, continue to live here in Wilmington. Their two daughters, Loring ‘08 and Logan ‘10, are graduates of Tower Hill.

Logan lives in Boston and works for Virgin Pulse. Loring lives in Dallas where she works for Weber-Shandwick. She is engaged to be married in October.

Lance Weaver

Eric Perkins retired after 35 years at Tower Hill. “When Eric Perkins first took the stage

at Tower Hill in 1979, it was in front of a very small band on the very small stage of the 1919 Auditorium,” said Scott Zeplin in an article about Eric’s sabbatical in 2009. Eric was committed to music as an educational necessity. Under Eric’s guidance, as a member of the Music Department and later as the chair of the department, great changes have taken place in Tower Hill’s music program.

Jacquelyn Hamilton joined the THS

faculty in 2006 as the head of the Lower School. Jackie’s leadership brought about a Eric Perkins during his last Winter Concert number of academic changes to the curriculum in the Lower School. She launched a new approach to reading, added the Math in Focus program and introduced Spanish to the Lower School curriculum. Jackie also supported the establishment of the Math Lab and the Cultural Explorers. In 2013 the National Association of Independent Schools selected Jackie to receive the Diversity Leadership Award, which honors outstanding leaders connected to independent schools who have worked to advance diversity and inclusivity on a national and/or international scale.

30

Tower Hill Bulletin

Fall 2015

Jacquelyn Hamilton receives a special thank you from the Lower School at the year’s end town meeting.

Welcome NEW TRUSTEES

Gina Ward

Laird Hayward ‘02

Gina is an experienced healthcare finance professional who worked in consulting in Illinois before serving on the boards of St. Francis Hospital, Nemours Children’s Health System and the Delaware Health Resources Board. She graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a degree in accounting. She has been active with the Rodney Street Tennis and Tutoring Association, Tower Hill’s Home and School Association, the Right Hands Initiative and many other community organizations. Her husband, Rod, is Tower Hill Class of 1983. Her daughter Carolyn graduated in 2015, and her daughter Julia ’17 attends Tower Hill.

Laird is the co-founder and COO of Foxspring Labs Inc., a mobile app development company. He previously served as vice president of Integrated Home LLC and vice president of Robert Downs Nature Conservancy in Wilmington. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Delaware and lives in San Francisco, California.

Carmen Wallace ‘93

After graduating from Duke University, where he studied history and sociology and captained the men’s basketball team, Carmen became one of the founding members of Athletes First. He has 15 years experience in the representation field, having assisted with contract negotiations for NFL clients such as Carson Palmer, Aaron Rodgers, Ray Lewis and Clay Matthews. He resides in Tustin, California, with his wife, Leigh, and son, Jayden.

NEW FACULTY AND STAFF Liz Bielinski: Upper School Chemistry

Liz graduated magna cum laude from Bryn Mawr College with a B.A. in chemistry. She went on to earn master’s and doctoral degrees in inorganic chemistry from Yale University.

During her time at Yale, Liz was selected to receive the Yale University Chemistry Teaching Award three times for her work as a graduate teaching fellow. She also worked with the Johns Hopkins Gifted and Talented Program, the New Haven Gifted and Talented program and student science fairs.

Nicole Keith: Upper School Mathematics

Nicole received her B.A. summa cum laude from West Chester University. She began her career at Lawrence High School in Massachusetts and for the last two years has been teaching at a Mastery Charter School in Philadelphia.

Jennifer Meeker: College Counseling

Jennifer graduated magna cum laude from Tufts University with a B.A. in English and earned a master’s of education from Harvard University. She previously was an English teacher at Stone Ridge School and Sanford School, and she worked in college guidance at Wilmington Friends School and Friends’ Central School. She has also served as an application reader in the University of Delaware’s Admissions Office.

Andrew Keim: Upper School Band

Andrew graduated from the University of Delaware and earned a master’s degree in school leadership from Wilmington University.

In addition to teaching music at North East High School in Cecil County, Maryland, Andrew has coached, directed the marching band, played in the pit orchestra for musicals and been an active student adviser.

Tower Hill Bulletin

Fall 2015

31

AROUND TOWER HILL

IN TRIBUTE TO

Harry Baetjer

The Tower Hill community expresses our sincere gratitude to Harry Baetjer for his steadfast leadership as head of school during the 2013-14 and 2014-15 academic years. His longstanding commitment to Tower Hill as an administrator and teacher served to unite faculty, staff, parents, students, alumni and supporters.

“Harry Baetjer played a crucial role during an extremely challenging time,” Board Chair Earl Ball said. “His unwavering dedication and sound judgment proved invaluable in keeping the school community informed and making important decisions amidst transition.”

Harry arrived at Tower Hill in September 1970 to teach history in the Middle School, where he also coached football, basketball and baseball. In 1981 he became the dean of students and a history teacher in the Upper School, and four years later he was appointed head of the Upper School. Harry remained in this position until he became associate headmaster in the fall of 2008, and he was named head of school in 2013. He is the father of three THS graduates—Patrick ‘99, Katharine ‘02 and Sean ‘05—and he remains at Tower Hill as assistant head of school.

“Harry’s extensive knowledge of Tower Hill’s rich history and traditions is a boon to all of us,” Head of School Bessie Speers said.

“There is no one who cares more about Tower Hill’s success than Harry Baetjer. We are fortunate to be able to tap his mind and heart while building the school’s bold future.”

NEW ASSIGNMENTS Ann Hlabangana-Clay: After School Program Director

Ann will lead the After School Program after having taught 1st Grade in the Lower School. She will oversee the addition of differentiated learning support and additional enrichment to the After School Program to meet the needs of students. Ann will also continue teaching reading with the first-grade team.

Matt Kator: Theater Department Chair

After completing his B.F.A. in technical theater and design from Lycoming College, Matt held a multitude of positions including technical director of the New Jersey Ballet, technical director for Quinlan Scenic Studios and assistant technical director for ShowMotion, Inc., where he worked on the Broadway revival of The Sound of Music. Subsequently he spent 10 years as the technical director/production manager for the Upper Darby Performing Arts Center, home of Upper Darby Summer Stage, where he sharpened his skills as a teacher, designer and as a mentor of young theater professionals.

Rich Pierce: Visual Arts and Design Department Chair

Rich received his B.A. in English from King’s College and upon graduation began his teaching career as an English instructor at St. Mark’s High School. His interest in woodworking led to his involvement in various construction and design projects in the school environment. He joined Tower Hill in 2000, teaching woodworking and design to Lower, Middle and Upper School students.

Jill Roop: Prekindergarten

Jill joined the Tower Hill faculty in 2005 and taught prekindergarten, kindergarten and 1st Grade before leaving at the end of the 2013-2014 academic year to live in Germany with her husband. She taught 3rd Grade last year as a long-term substitute.

Jill holds a B.S. in sociology from Texas A&M and a and a Master of Arts in Teaching with certification in elementary education from Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee.

Jean Snyder: 2nd Grade

Jean joined the Tower Hill faculty in 2003 as a prekindergarten teacher and later joined the kindergarten faculty until she began teaching our Tower Tots in 2009. Jean holds a B.S. degree in elementary education from the University of Delaware and a Master of Elementary Education degree from Wilmington University.

32

Tower Hill Bulletin

Fall 2015

Gratitude

Word of the Year:

By Chris Morrow, Director of Service Learning

Poet and philosopher Henri Frédéric Amiel said, “Thankfulness is the beginning of gratitude. Gratitude is the completion of thankfulness. Thankfulness may consist merely of words. Gratitude is shown in acts.”

For the 2015-2016 school year, Head of School Bessie Speers has selected “gratitude” as the word of the year on which to focus character education and service learning initiatives school-wide. There are many things to be grateful for at Tower Hill: amazing faculty and staff, remarkable students, outstanding facilities, engaged and supportive parents, an alumni base that runs deep and is committed to the Green and White. Outside Tower Hill, we all have family, friends and other connections in our lives for which we are grateful.

Our goal this year is to foster an environment where we learn to take

challenging moments and within them find gratitude. Reflecting on the things we are grateful for does not need to be reserved only for momentous occasions or center on material things. We can show we are grateful for something as simple as a sunny day or by letting someone know that they are in our thoughts.

Often it is within an act of giving that one finds gratitude. Yet learning to express gratitude by giving thanks or giving of ourselves takes practice. Throughout the school year, we have small activities and service projects planned that will help us to strengthen our gratitude muscles so that it becomes a natural part of our lives and that we may reap the genuine happiness that comes from gratitude.

that people want to lead meaningful and fulfilling lives, to cultivate what is best within themselves, and to enhance their experiences of love, work and play. Studies show that we can deliberately cultivate gratitude and increase our well-being and happiness by doing so. In addition, gratefulness—and especially expression of it to others—is associated with increased energy, optimism and empathy. This year we will be inviting parents, alums and friends to participate using social media—and we would be most grateful if you took part!

ratitude

What are you grateful for?

The initiative is rooted within positive psychology, which is founded on the belief

—Tower Hill School

Join us for an Open House 2015-16 Open Houses: Tuesday, Oct. 6 Sunday, Nov. 1 Wednesday, Dec. 2 Tuesday, Mar. 1 Wednesday, April 6 *Tuesday, May 10 Tower Hill School provides an exceptional education serving students age 3 through 12th grade.

• College preparatory liberal arts education • Private, nondenominational • 23% students of diversity • Need-based financial aid provided to 24% of students • Admittance to top colleges and universities * Preschool and Lower School Only Tower Hill Bulletin

Fall 2015

33

HOMECOMING

Homecoming and Reu Beautiful fall weather with clear skies and moderate temperatures helped to make Homecoming and Reunion Weekend 2014 a great success. Alumni as well as other community members joined us for a day that included many new Homecoming activities and the traditional favorite events.

Reunion classes met casually on Friday evening at various locations around Wilmington. Our reunion years for 2014 covered classes ending in “4” and “9.” We are excited to say that we had alums from all eras, beginning with Robert Brown ‘34 who celebrated his 80th Reunion! Robert joined us for the picnic lunch, along with many of his family members who are also THS alums, under the Homecoming Tent on Saturday afternoon.

At the other end of the spectrum, the Class of 2009, with strong leadership from Mary Hobbs and Lindsey Edinger, showed up in great numbers for the 5K race, a tour of the new Math and Science Center, lunch and the Reunion Reception that evening at the Hayward House. Most classes enjoyed class dinners at private homes or restaurants around Wilmington following the Reunion Reception.

The Class of 1964 celebrated its 50th Reunion. Thanks to Alex Wise ‘64 and Wendy Ward Wise ‘68, along with 50th Reunion Committee members Susan Hinner Avesian, Deb Handloff Cornwall, Joan Rice Saxton and Shirley Griggs Bradley, the class enjoyed a welcome back gathering on Friday evening at the Wise home, a full day of activities on campus on Saturday followed by a class dinner at the Wilmington Club Saturday night.

34

Tower Hill Bulletin

Fall 2015

union 2014

Tower Hill Bulletin

Fall 2015

35

HOMECOMING

Don’t miss Homecom 2015 Schedule of Events

FRIDAY, OCT. 2, 2015

10:00 a.m. Installation Ceremony for Head of School Bessie Speers—Hayward House Lawn SATURDAY, OCT. 3, 2015

All Day Art Exhibit—Founders’ Gallery in the Pierre S. du Pont Theatre and Arts Center

8:30 a.m.

Kiddie Fun Run and 5K Run/Walk—Register on the terrace of the Alumni House. Kiddie Fun Run starts at 8:45 a.m. on DeGroat Field. 5K Run/Walk starts at 9:00 a.m. shotgun start on West 17th Street in front of the main entrance.

10:00 a.m. Class of 1965 Musical Gathering—Music Building All are welcome.

10:15-11:45 a.m.

Kids Make and Take: Arts, Crafts and More—Drop by and create fun Homecoming arts and crafts. Childcare provided by THS faculty for families attending Head of School Meet & Greet. Stabler Building, enter main entrance on West 17th Street and follow signs.

10:30 a.m. Meet & Greet with Head of School Bessie Speers followed by school tours—Location TBD

11:00 a.m. Boys Alumni Lacrosse Game on DeGroat Field (for more information email Brad du Pont ‘82 at bdupont@towerhill.org)

12:00 p.m. Balloon Creatures and Face Painting—Alumni House Terrace

Noon-2:00 p.m. Lunch—Homecoming Tent

5:00 p.m.

36

Tower Hill Bulletin

Fall 2015

Alumni Reunion Reception at the Hayward House for classes ending in “0” and “5” and all classes that previously celebrated a 50th reunion are invited. Group class photos will be taken throughout the evening.

ming 2015!

ATHLETIC EVENTS FRIDAY, OCT. 2, 2015

5:30 p.m. Volleyball (JV) vs. Wilmington Friends School—Weaver Gym

7:00 p.m. Volleyball (Varsity) vs. Wilmington Friends School—Weaver Gym

SATURDAY, OCT. 3, 2015

3:00 p.m. Field Hockey (Varsity) vs. St. Andrew’s—Richardson Field —JV game follows

3:00 p.m. Football vs. Tatnall School—DeGroat Field

5:00 p.m. Cross Country (Boys)—Rockford Park/Stoltz Alumni Stadium vs.

St. Andrew’s and Layton Prep

5:00 p.m. Cross Country (Girls)—Rockford Park/Stoltz Alumni Stadium vs.

St. Andrew’s

6:00 p.m. Soccer (Varsity) vs. Tatnall School—DeGroat Field

6:00 p.m. Soccer (JV) vs. Tatnall School—Nitsche Pitch

VISIT

www.towerhill.org/homecoming or call 302-657-8353 TO REGISTER FOR:

1 Head of School Installation 1 5K Run/Walk 1 Lunch 1 Alumni Cocktail Reception for reunion years “0” and “5”

Tower Hill Bulletin

Fall 2015

37

Alumni Events

2014-15

Alumni Holiday Reception at the Logan House— Dec. 22, 2014 Clockwise from top, left: Hugh Atkins, Tom Cofran and Paul Bryant ‘82; Chuck Durante ‘79 and friend; Joe Gayer and George Hering ‘49; Josh Tondreys, John Williams ‘94, Cole Flickinger ‘94 and Jonathon Sun ‘94

Washington D.C. Reception at Cosmos Club—Dec. 14, 2014 Clockwise from top, left: Assistant Head of School Harry Baetjer, Jack Morton ‘85 and Tracey Twyman ‘85; Gail Rothrock Trozzo ‘60 and Lisa Olson ‘76; Assistant Head of Upper School Megan Cover, Brad du Pont ‘82, George Stetson, faculty members Linda Ogden, Oremia Caimi and Wiz Montaigne Applegate ‘79; Paul Foldi ‘83 and Lynn Rusten ‘77

Alumni Tailgate Before the DMA Football Game—Sept. 19, 2014 Clockwise from top, left: Anjali Rao Martin ‘91, Deb Colburn ‘92 and Greg Martin; Monica Peddrick, Paul Peddrick ‘84 and sons, George ‘26 and Tate ‘24; Brandon Harper ‘07, Chrissy Flynn, Mary Elizabeth Snyder ‘07 and Elizabeth Capone ‘06

38

Tower Hill Bulletin

Fall 2015

New York City Reception at the Yale Club— May 5, 2015 Clockwise from top, left: Nancy “Sunny” Hayward ‘60 and Head of School Bessie Speers; Christina Wray ‘01, Maggie Giddens ‘02 and Landon Wellford ‘01; Peyton Bird Sise ‘63 and Assistant Head of School Harry Baetjer; Melissa Prober ‘93 and John Sise; Assistant Head of Upper School Megan Cover, Beverly Bachtle Pinzon ‘78 and Tom Speers; Erica Bickhart ‘08 and Megan “Meggie” Friedman ‘07

26th Annual Golf Outing at Bidermann Golf Club— June 8, 2015 hosted by the Alumni Council Clockwise from top, left: Tina Hayward and Pete duP. Hayward ‘66; Blake Rohrbacher, Ashley Altschuler ‘90, Bob Altschuler and Brian Faw; Deb Colburn ‘92 and Paula Janssen ‘91; John Edinger ‘11 and Athletic Director Jack Holloway; Wesley “Wes” Schwandt ‘86 and Olivia Schwandt ‘21; Tony Salva ‘94, Geoffrey Tremblay and Michael Cercena; One of this year’s winners, Dr. Douglas Palma

Tower Hill Bulletin

Fall 2015

39

CLASS NOTES

It’s a Boy! 1990 Kingston James Litterelle to

Todd J. Litterelle and Danielle

R. Litterelle on Sept. 2, 2014

2001 Boden Radley Winchell to

Tarra Boulden Winchell and

Kevin Winchell on Sept. 6, 2014

1997 Carter James Dickerson to Everett T. Dickerson on June 26, 2015

2005 Charles James Jackewicz born June 9, 2015 to Christina R. “Tina” Singles

Boden Radley Winchell

1995 Otto Phase Krapf to Benjamin Krapf and Caitlin Krapf on

Dec. 8, 2013 2000 Ryker Noah Arthur to Emily McConnell Arthur and Todd

Arthur on July 29, 2014

Proud parents Emily McConnell Arthur and Todd Arthur hold their son Ryker Noah Arthur.

It’s a

Kingston James Litterelle is the pride and joy of Todd J. Litterelle and Danielle R. Litterelle.

Charles James Jackewicz

irl!

1997 Brittany Sienna Kimmel to

Lawrance Spiller Kimmel and

Kimberly Kimmel on June 27, 2014.

1998 Catherine Elizabeth Kelty to Megan Callahan Kelty and Matthew Kelty

on Feb. 11, 2015. Her big sister, Eleanor,

age 6, is over the moon.

Lilian Maja Singles

1999 Reese Marie Boulden to Rory

Nathaniel Boulden and Melissa

Boulden on Jan. 7, 2015 2001 Lilian Maja Singles, 8lbs, 10 oz. born to

Kathleen “Katie” Singles in Munich,

on July 18, 2015

Brittany Sienna Kimmel

40

Tower Hill Bulletin

Fall 2015

Reese Marie Boulden

D

s

Weddings

Submit your news and high-resolution photos to thalum@towerhill.org Stay Connected

1975 Schuyler L. Borton married Faye

Harbottle on Oct. 20, 2014

1976 Daniel L. Weintraub married Nancy Fleming on June 7, 2014 1998 Margaretta Tobias Sacco married Steven Sacco on June 29, 2013

s

2002 Neely Qualls Newcomb married Daniel Newcomb ‘01 on Oct. 11, 2014 2007 Grier Tumas Dienstag married

Jonathan Dienstag on January 3, 2015

William du Pont Lassen married Francine Lizotte on June 13, 2015

Above: Will Lassen ‘07 was married in June 2015 to Francine Lizotte, whom he met at RPI. In attendance were Matthew Sanyour ‘07, Hannah Staley Hogan ‘07 (and her new husband Matthew Hogan—they were married out in Colorado May 22, 2015), Julia Miller ‘07, Madison Houff ‘07, Julia Durante ‘07, Alexis Aurigemma ‘09, THS teacher Coleen Hubler and Scott Nickle ‘07.

s s

Above: Neely Qualls Newcomb ‘02 married Daniel Newcomb ‘01 on Oct. 11, 2014 at Westminster Presbyterian Church, and the reception was held at Loch Nairn Golf Club. The wedding photographer is also a Tower Hill alum, Carly Abbott ‘97 of Carly Abbott Photography. The wedding dress was purchased from Anastasia’s Bridal, which is owned by Tower Hill alum Luba Gregorovich Campbell ‘94. Pictured above, front: Neely Qualls Newcomb ‘02, Daniel Newcomb ‘01 and Carly Abbott ‘97; second row: Jeffrey Carney ‘94, Jonathan Carney ‘96, Steve Phillips ‘00, Molly Wilcox ‘02 and Grant Dick ‘00. Back Row: Ryan Viner ‘94, Mac Measley ‘00 and James Reisch ‘00. Not pictured but in attendance: Christine Fields Esposito ‘00, Garrard Esposito ‘02 and Matthew Mascitti ‘02.

Above: Nancy Fleming and Daniel L. Weintraub ‘76 were married on June 7, 2014 at Westminster Presbyterian Church, where they are both members. The reception was held that night at the Delaware Museum of Natural History (a great facility for a reception). One of Daniel’s groomsmen was his longtime, very good friend John Taylor ‘76. His sister, Edie Weintraub Danovitz ‘79, as well as Katharine “Katie” McCoy Dubow ‘00 were in attendance.

Left: Grier Tumas Dienstag ‘07 married Jonathan Dienstag at the Hotel du Pont on Jan. 3, 2015. Grier received her M.B.A. from Harvard Business School in May 2015 and graduated with distinction. She will return to the management consulting firm McKinsey in September 2015. Grier and Jon live in Boston’s South End and have enjoyed reconnecting with THS alumni in the area.

Tower Hill Bulletin

Fall 2015

41

CLASS NOTES

1927

Elizabeth Baily Siner writes to us from Winter Park, Florida, where she lives just a few miles from her daughter, Renis Siner Paton ‘51. Elizabeth tells us that it has been 88 years since she graduated from Tower Hill with the class of 1927.

She had the chance to drive by the school on her way to Rehoboth.

Being near the campus brought back many memories.

Elizabeth Baily Siner ’27 She has some help with cooking and shopping in Florida, but at 106 years old, she is still able to take care of herself and feels very lucky. Her granddaughter, Katie Paton Cutlip ‘88 also lives close by. Elizabeth says she spends lots of time reading and watching Dr. Oz ‘78 on TV. They are planning another Delaware visit in June and will wave as she drives by campus.

1937

Margaret Porch Lounsbury ‘37 stopped by the Alumni Office and dropped off a picture of Ellen Christiane Thorrestrup Baldwin, who was the athletic coach at Tower Hill from 1919 to 1932. In the summers, “Baldy” ran a camp in Maine that many Tower Hill students and other members of the Wilmington community attended.

1947/1973

Jean Jamieson Lewis wrote to tell us that her son, James W. Morris ‘73, was recently promoted to President of Pixar Films!

1948/1949

John Hyde made remarks at the services of Platt C. Holden, who passed away on May 31, 2014.

The service was held in Bluffton, South Carolina, on June 4, 2014. John and Platt were dear friends John Hyde ‘48 and George Hering ‘49 with Director of Alumni Programs for 75 years. John Hyde Kathy Warner ‘48 and George Hering beautiful country, full of friendly people, great ‘49 stopped by the Alumni House this food, and the National Parks are incredible. past spring. John was in town visiting with It was a perfect car for narrow canyon roads George, and they attended the alumni (some with no guardrails), climbing the gathering at Hayward House where newly Rocky Mountains and Mount St. Helens appointed Head of School Bessie Speers and waterfront cruising. Our motto is travel and her husband, Tom, were introduced to light, have fun, and thank God for everyday the local community. blessings. I’m still running local road races,

1952

Arthur H. Hyde celebrated his 80th birthday in August 2014! Arthur is a loyal Tower Hill fan and is currently living in the snow belt of western New York. Robert S. Richards and Sally B. Richards have moved to a retirement community in Meridian, Idaho.

1954

Michael S. Beresford writes: I’m looking forward to celebrating 52 years of marriage in June 2015 with my beloved wife Judy.

We have three wonderful children and six delightful grandchildren. We love crosscountry travel by car; our best trip so far was in a red Porsche convertible, an adventure covering 17,000 miles. With no agenda, we rambled down the Eastern seaboard, across the South and West to the Pacific and Northwest, and six months later came back to our Boston-area home. This is such a

often winning my 70-79 age division because of no competition. Perhaps I’ll be even more successful next year, in the 80-and-up category! Charles Atkinson gave a talk for Cambridge Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in early October 2014 about his recovery from WNV encephalitis and polio.

Charles was not able to return to THS for his 60th reunion.

Michael S. Beresford ‘54 and his wife, Judy.

1959 Ellen Christiane Thorrestrup Baldwin

1938/1939 Lesley Bissell Hoopes ‘64 sent a photo of her mother, Georgina “Gina” Miller Bissell ‘38, and Robert C. Ackart ‘39 enjoying Thanksgiving dinner together in November 2014. Sadly, Robert passed away suddenly on Dec. 14, 2014.

42

Tower Hill Bulletin

Fall 2015

Georgina “Gina” Miller Bissell ‘38 and the late Robert C. Ackart ‘39

Louise “Fibbie” Schoonover Smith and her family were in Wilmington for a wedding and stopped by the Alumni House to say hello. Fibbie had her children with her, and she wanted them to see her grandfather’s (their great-grandfather’s) artwork. The paintings were conserved by Michael Neville. In 2010, in honor of their 50th Reunion, the Class of 1960 generously donated museum-quality lighting that greatly increases the impact of the paintings.

Submit your news and high-resolution photos to thalum@towerhill.org Stay Connected

Louise Schoonover Smith ‘59 and her brother, John Schoonover

Sallie Turner Bell ‘60 and her husband, Sheridan

Fibbie’s brother, John Schoonover, as well as Fibbie’s husband, George, enjoyed the art, a short tour and meeting with Assistant Head of school Harry Baetjer, Head of School Bessie Speers and her husband, Tom. Fibbie and her husband, George moved to California, the land of sunshine and family!

1960 55th Reunion Year

Director of Alumni Programs Kathy Warner, was invited to join a group of alumni from the class of 1960 recently.

Kathy worked with the class on their 50th Reunion. Now it is time to begin planning their 55th Reunion, which will take place over Homecoming Weekend 2015 on Oct. 3. The group met for dinner at the Back Burner in Delaware, and though not a lot of planning went on that evening, lots of reconnecting and reminiscing did.

Present for the dinner were Sallie Turner Bell and her husband, Sheridan; Margaret Thouron Harrell and her husband, Paul, who is a former faculty member at THS; Sydney Robertson Jimenez; Susan Yerkes Krewatch; Elizabeth T.B. Brown Pierson; and Gail Rothrock Trozzo and her husband, Chuck.

Sydney Robertson Jimenez has returned to live in Wilmington, Delaware, and is currently attending classes and teaching Spanish at Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at University of Delaware! Sydney’s life feels very full.

to host a gathering in Seattle, as he has in the past, to introduce Bessie and Tom to some of our alumni in the area.

1963

Elizabeth “Tibbie” Hoopes Field and Robert B. Field reported good news!

“We are now grandparents of two darling granddaughters, with another grandbaby due in early August 2015. This is a very special time of life.”

1964

Deborah Handloff Cornwall’s second book was released and is available through Amazon. Deborah shares this write-up: Cancer in the family, whether the patient is a child or an adult, poses the most difficult of psychological and practical challenges for adults who are challenged to deal with their own emotions while beginning to navigate the caregiving process. My second book in the TIWIK (Things I Wish I’d Known) series, Things I Wish I’d Known: Cancer and Kids, was just released, following up on my first book about cancer caregiving.

This short booklet offers a useful guide for anyone who needs to communicate with and manage the impact of cancer on children when there’s cancer in the family. It’s compact and filled with both guidance and resources

1962

Right is a photo of Randy Urmston, who had breakfast with Head of School Bessie Speers while Bessie and her husband were on a trip to Seattle in February 2015. The Urmstons and the Speers know each other from Martha’s Vineyard. Randy has agreed

to consult for finding help on this sensitive and critically important topic. The longer book addresses lessons in cancer caregiving to help first-timers in navigating the diagnosis, treatment and aftermath processes. Both are available from Amazon in both paperback and kindle formats or from my website (US only) in paperback. You can find them at thingsiwishidknown.com

Sad news to report from the class of 1964, which just last year celebrated their 50th Reunion at Homecoming. Alex Wise heard from Dave Cain that Everett “Rhett” Yelton passed away from cancer plus complications arising from treatments in June.

1966

Mary Virginia “Ginger” Smith is a Realtor licensed in Virginia with Weichert Realtors.

She is also starting her own company called About Seniors-Moving and Realty Services.

Ginger has attended our D.C. reception for the past few years with her husband, Jon Johnson. She often remembers her time as an athlete at Tower Hill during the 60s.

1969 Randy Urmston ‘62 and Head of School Bessie Speers

Charles “Chuck” Durante had an opinion piece featured in Sept. 13, 2014 issue of The News Journal.

Tower Hill Bulletin

Fall 2015

43

CLASS NOTES

1969/1970

Anne Marvin stopped by the Alumni House in March 2015. She was talking about the untimely death of Stefan Kozinski ‘70. Stefan’s brother, David ‘74, gave Anne copies of some of the materials that were given out at Stefan’s memorial service. Kate Edgar ‘73, Chris Byrne ‘74, Cindy Hackett Threet ‘73, Walt Banker ‘74 and David Rittenhouse ‘74 were in attendance.

1970 45th Reunion Year

Robert S. “Rory” DeGroat was surprised by his wife, Darlene, for his birthday by planning a meet-and-greet with rock star Alice Cooper in Atlantic City!

and beignets in City Park. The extra special evening ended with everyone in Larry and Mel’s blue mini following a wedding parade in the French Quarter. Julie noted, “We feel so fortunate to have seen New Orleans through the eyes of Larry and Mel. Loved our meal, and the parade was a perfect ending!”

1972

Edward A. “Ted” Harrington completed 32 years as a history teacher and coach at Greenwich Country Day School. Mr. Griesinger would be amazed! Peter B. Harrison is working in New York City as a set designer in the theatre and opera, having designed for the New York City Opera and companies around the world from Norway to Vienna to South Africa. With his brilliant pulmonary therapist wife and two great kids, he traveled through China this summer! He says, “Ni Hao to my Class of ‘72!”

1973 Rory DeGroat ‘70 and Alice Cooper

1971

During the CASE-NAIS conference in New Orleans in January 2015, Tower Hill’s Chief Advancement Officer Julie Topkis and Associate Director of Advancement Kim Murphy met with class agent Larry Durante and his wife Melinda, who provided an outstanding evening all over the town! Larry and Mel hosted both Julie and Kim with an amazing tour of the city, a delicious local-food dinner and then coffee

H. Cheryl “Rusty” Rusten recently started a new job with the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, an alliance of leading cancer centers across the country. Rusty is looking forward to this final set of new work challenges. Cynthia A. “Cindy” Williams is on sabbatical this year, writing a book and doing research on the Dutch Central Bank, which has hired organizational psychologists to try to affect banks’ cultures and ethics. She and her husband Franz Maritsch will split their time between Amsterdam and Austria. Visitors welcome!

1974

Ellen Jamison Kullman, DuPont CEO and THS alum/trustee, was honored with the 2014 Delaware History Makers Award!

Coverage of the event mentioned how Tower Hill history teacher Ed Hughes (THS faculty, 1958-1994) played a role in her decision to pursue a career in engineering.

Ellen was also was elected to the National Academy of Engineering in February 2015. This honor is noted to be among the highest of Roger Arrington ‘66 sent in this picture from Homecoming in October 2014 professional distinctions of the Hobbs family. From left: Chuck Hobbs ‘65, Jane Hobbs Griggs ‘68, Bill Hobbs ‘78, Anne Hobbs Arrington ‘67 and George Hobbs ‘75 accorded to an engineer.

44

Tower Hill Bulletin

Fall 2015

Larry Durante ‘71 and his wife Melinda

1974/1976

Martin W. Bond and Mary Fuller Bond’s eldest daughter, Louise, got married in May 2015, and their youngest daughter, Anne, will be spending the next two years in Malawi with the Peace Corps.

1975 40th Reunion Year

Schuyler L. Borton married Faye Harbottle in October 2014. She jokes, “No June brides here.” Schuyler continues to do bilingual work on development projects in Latin America and the Caribbean at the InterAmerican Development Bank headquarters in Washington, D.C.

1978

Charles L. “Charlie” Scott, Jr. is still practicing law at Scott and Scott in Elkton, Maryland, and sailing on the Chesapeake Bay.

1981

Chris Coons was elected in November 2014 to a six-year term as Delaware’s senator.

1983

Eric Brumskill reports that after more than 25 years in the Air Force, he has left Hawaii and now lives with Tracy and the boys in the High Desert of Victorville, California.

1987

Richard L. “Rick” Probstein credits athletics (soccer, wrestling, baseball), academics and Tower Hill for instilling high expectations and qualities for his success, such as “responsibility, competitiveness and communication.” His success story about his baseball card business was covered by The News Journal in December 2014.

Submit your news and high-resolution photos to thalum@towerhill.org Stay Connected

A group of moms who all happen to be alumni, at Field Day 2015. Left to right: Amanda Walker Friz ‘92, Lynne Miller Ratliff ‘88, Deborah E. “Deb” Colbourn ‘92, Dr. Catherine R. “Trina” Salva ‘90 and Melissa Wagner “Missy” Flynn ‘91

Helping Children” initiative that was launched in 2013 to bring our community together in support of the well-being of children. Ashlee Lukoff McCullough ‘97 is working for the YMCA of Austin as one of their membership directors.

1998

1990 25th Reunion Year

Ashley R. Altschuler and Shoshana “Shana” Altschuler have enjoyed living in Delaware after their move from New York City. Ashley now works at the law firm of DLA Piper LLP (U.S.) in Delaware and New York.

1991

Elizabeth Noseworthy Fitzsimmons is pleased to report that she has been selected for promotion into the Senior Foreign Service of the United States. We’ll be moving ‘home’ to the United States in July 2015 after three years at the U.S. Embassy Sofia, Bulgaria, where I have served as Counselor for Public Affairs. Beginning in August I will begin a new assignment as Director of the New York and Washington Foreign Press Centers.” Paula S. Janssen was featured in the January 2015 Out and About magazine “Local Grocers Up Their Game.

1996

We received this information about Amanda “Paige” Akin Mudd through the Richmond Times-Dispatch on May 8, 2015.

The Richmond Times-Dispatch has named Paige Mudd as the newspaper’s new editor— the first woman in that role in its 165-year history. Mudd, currently the newspaper’s managing editor, assumed her new role effective July 1. At 37, Mudd is the youngest editor at the newspaper in at least the past 50 years.

1997

Lawrance Spiller Kimmel was recently named managing partner of the law firm of Kimmel, Carter, Roman, Peltz & O’Neill.

Larry just completed his term serving as the president of the Delaware Trial Lawyers’ Association (DTLA). Larry and his wife, Kimberly, welcomed their third child, Brittany Sienna Kimmel, on June 27, 2014. Everett T. Dickerson held a Suicide Prevention Program at Tower Hill School on Oct. 29, 2014. The evening was part of our “Hiller Hearts: Our Community

Matthew O. Rossi lives in Dallas with his wife, Megan Smith Rossi, and one-year-old daughter, Olivia Marie. Matthew graduated from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University in 2007 and is a national account manager for Miller-Coors. Jeff Hobbs’ book, The Short and Tragic Life of Robert Peace, was featured in The New York Times under the “Books of the Times” section on Sept. 11, 2014.

2001

Adam Kalamchi, co-founder of Brilliant Bicycles was interviewed on Fox Business News on April 10, 2015 on the Risk & Reward Show. Nicholas A. “Nick” Krill and his Spinto band spin-off, Teen Men, are about to go national!

2002

Betsy Nickle was recently part of an article in ultrarunnerpodcast.com about using her meditative mindfulness during a recent 50k race. Kathryn R. Fortunato and Elizabeth M. “Lizzie” Fortunato were featured in an article in the May 2015 issue of Elle magazine.

2003

Margaret X. “Gogo” Lidz now lives in Seattle and is a staff writer for Newsweek magazine.

2004

Janet Saunders Nida has been busy caring for her young daughter, Emma Elizabeth Nida, down in Charleston.

2005 10th Reunion Year

Nicholas J. Rossi is presently finishing up his first year at the Darden School of Business at UVA and started a summer internship in Houston in June. In November he will marry his fiancé, Marshall Bush, in Boca Grande, Florida, and he will be finishing up his second year at Darden. Nick graduated from the Naval Academy in 2009 and was a nuclear power officer on the USS Harry S. Truman until July 2014, when his five-year commitment was up. At that time, Nick chose to go to business school instead of remaining in the Navy. Kiley E. Trott is a physician in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Kristin Phillips Smith is currently living in Hoboken, New Jersey, with her husband, Kevin. Our heartfelt congratulations and

best wishes to THS faculty member Frank Singles on the birth of his granchildren.

Here is the message he sent: Tina Singles delivered 7 lb. 5 oz. boy on Jun. 9, 2015.

Mom and baby doing well. We are all elated.

2006

Daisy Lidz now lives in Los Angeles and is a TV producer for Interlude, an interactive media platform with offices in Los Angeles, New York City and Tel Aviv. Elizabeth Glen Capone just finished her fifth year teaching high school Spanish at Sanford School. Beginning June 2015, she will study at Middlebury College Language Schools to pursue her Master of Arts in Spanish over the next four summers.

2007

Kathlyn Gamble is getting ready for her summer wedding to longtime boyfriend, Casey Rivers. Another summer wedding for the class of 2007 is William Lassen to Francine Lizotte, whom he met in college.

Scott Nickle trained part of the time in Delaware for the Boston Marathon as the weather in Delaware was better. It paid off as he emailed us that he did much better than last year despite the cold, rainy weather the day of the race. Kory A. Trott won the Best Oral Advocate (Midwest Region) in the Frederick Douglass Moot Court Competition at the 2015 MWBLSA Regional Convention Feb. 18-22, 2015 in Indianapolis, Indiana, where he represented the University of Wisconsin Law School. He said, “I was looking around the room at the banquet for another Kory Trott when they called my name.” The Frederick Douglass Moot Court Competition is an annual national moot court competition. The competition focuses primarily on public and civil rights law and topics of particular relevance to communities of color.

Competing in teams of two, competitors must submit appellate briefs during the fall semester and argue orally at regionals.

Kory holds a Doctorate of Law (J.D.) from University of Wisconsin Law School, a Master’s Degree in Public Health from Drexel University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Biological Anthropology from The George Washington University. Victoria Mita is now working in international education in Australia, promoting overseas programs for Australian students and supporting American students who are studying in Australia. She arrived there through an interesting means of networking, international experiences of her own and working very hard! She is glad Tower Hill supported global development Tower Hill Bulletin

Fall 2015

45

CLASS NOTES Kory A. Trott ‘07 (pictured third from left) Frederick Douglass Moot Court Competition in Indianapolis, Indiana.

2007 continued...

Pictured, left: U.S. Marine Sean Snyder ‘08 in class; right: Snyder, coach Brad du Pont ‘82 and Assistant Head of Middle School Carl Wismer.

for students with rich cultural events and forums, as well as the opportunity for exchange with THS language programs.

Victoria said: It changed my life for the better and I’ll always be grateful for the teachers I had and education I received at THS.

2009

2008

U.S. Marine Sean Snyder, son of teacher Jean Snyder and brother of teacher Mary Elizabeth Snyder ‘07 and Kathleen A. Snyder ’12, visited fifth-graders in Wiz Montaigne Applegate ‘79’s class in April 2015 and shared what life is like in the service: no cell phone, up at 4 a.m. and eating when told. You could have heard a pin drop! Connor Cuddy, who used to have Sean as his babysitter, gave an introduction to the class. Coach Brad du Pont ‘82 and faculty member Carl Wismer also served in the Marines.

Alexis Aurigemma screened her new film, The Seagull, as a part of a two-night special at the Theatre N at Nemours in February 2015 and followed up with a Q & A. Evan DeDominicis, a 2013 graduate of Williams College with a B.A. in Mathematics and Economics, received a Master of Science in Finance from the McDonough School of Business at Georgetown University in May 2015. Evan moved to Chicago in May as a financial analyst, where he sees classmates Max Timmons and Tim Saunders.

E. Bradford “Brad” du Pont ‘82 brought eight recent alumni to lacrosse practice in May 2015 to speak to the team. Pictured left to right: Sam Murphy ‘14, Devin Shorey ‘13, Jackson Banbury ‘13, Brett Hinckley ‘13, E. Bradford “Brad” du Pont ‘82, Stephen Kullman ‘12, Tyler von der Luft ‘11, Michael Pettit ‘12 and David Kullman ‘12.

46

Tower Hill Bulletin

Fall 2015

2009/2012

Meghan Lyons ‘09 sent us a class note about her sister, Faith Lyons ‘12: Hope you’re all having a good Wednesday so far!

I wanted to pass along this article about my sister, Faith, as she was recently selected as the University of Virginia’s Honor Chair — a huge honor: http://www.cavalierdaily.com/ article/2015/03/honor-finds-a-new-face. She was incredibly involved during her time at Tower Hill (student body president and honor board chair, community service chair... the list goes on) and it’s been really neat to watch her grow and flourish in college! Clearly, she was prepared for success.

2011

Sonia K. Luther was selected to speak at Cornell University’s Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering graduation ceremony in Bailey Hall. Her sister, Sabrina, is a member of the Class of 2017 at Tower Hill. Faculty member Sharon Reynolds writes to share some great news about two of our alumni: Four years ago Grace G. “Gracie” Firestone graduated from THS, and just a few days later she suffered—and survived—a major cardiac incident! On May 30, 2015, she graduated from the University of Delaware. Yay, Gracie!

Samantha Bush, daughter of our amazing Lower School music teacher Sara Bush, graduated from the University of Delaware too. Guess what she wore? The same dress she wore for 8th Grade Moving Up Day and THS Graduation. Love it! Both Gracie and Sam were biology majors. Tyler von der Luft graduated from Lehigh University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Architecture.

Submit your news and high-resolution photos to thalum@towerhill.org Stay Connected

2013

Above: Grant Firestone ‘06, Gracie Firestone ‘11 and Jeanie Firestone at University of Delaware 2015 Graduation; below: Samantha Bush ‘11, 8th Grade Moving Up, THS Graduation and UD Graduation

Mary Griffenberg von der Luft ‘79 wrote to tell us that in December 2014, Lindsay von der Luft made the 2014 Fall Season Academic All-Big Ten Award and in March 2015 she made the 2014 Gladiator by SGI/ NFHCA Division 1 National Academic Squad. She attends Northwestern University and plays field hockey. Wiz Montaigne Applegate ‘79, who coached both these girls when they played for THS, sent us this picture of Jenna Chodos, Williams College ‘17 and THS classmate Kathryn DeLillio, Trinity College ‘17. The picture was taken before they played one another in the NESCAC quarterfinals—Final score: Trinity 11 - Williams 10

Jenna Chodos ‘13 and Kathryn DeLillio ‘13

He graduated on May 18, 2015. Congrats Tyler! Nancy Bove tells us her daughter Margaretta L. “Gretta” Willemin graduated May 2015 from Colgate University magna cum laude with honors in English. She also received the award for Excellence in French Studies. She graduated in the top quarter of her class. In August she began work at Columbia University toward a master’s in fundraising management. Fifteen English majors were accepted to write an honor’s thesis. By May only eight were left to complete the challenge. Elise DeDominicis graduated with a B.S. in psychology, minor in biology, and magna cum laude in May 2015. In August 2015, Elise will enter the Doctor of Dental Surgery Program at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry, Class of 2019.

Ireland Gibson ‘14

2015

Andrew Behr Pettit takes offense to another level! Brad Myers of The News Journal wrote a great article in the June 27, 2015 edition of the paper, which can also be found on delawareonline.com. The article profiles Andrew, who is a three-time first-team All-State selection and a twotime Lacrosse All-America and this year’s Delaware Boys Lacrosse Association’s State Player of the Year. If you enjoy reading about high school lacrosse, you will enjoy this article as it contains some great comments from THS longtime lacrosse coach Brad du Pont ‘82. Andrew will play for Lehigh University’s Mountain Hawks next year. Andrew’s older brother, Michael was All-American at Tower Hill in 2012 and plays for Siena College. We will provide the link for the entire digital version of this article in the August Lookout.

2014

Rachel League sang at the White House with her a cappella group from Georgetown University in December 2014. New York University track and field team member Ireland Gibson was named the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Division III Metro Rookie of the Week in March 2015, after breaking the NYU team record in the 800m and setting a personal best of 2:13.95. Thomas Kitchel Chilton is attending Appalachian State University in the fall 2015.

2012

Christina Freibott was named the Ivy League Field Hockey Player of the Week and was in Sports Illustrated’s Faces in the Crowd on October 20, 2014. She was also named Ivy League 2014 Offensive Player of the Year in Field Hockey.

Rachel League ‘14 sang at the White House

Andrew Pettit ‘15 plays offense against longtime rival Friends during the 2015 spring season.

Tower Hill Bulletin

Fall 2015

47

In Memoriam 1933

1954

1968

1934

1955

1970

Bernice Gooding Karfgin on April 23, 2010 Barbara Bonham Dowling on Dec. 25, 2014

1938

Laurita Blatz Lauder on Dec. 4, 2014 Nancy du Pont Reynolds Cooch on Jan. 21, 2015

1939

Robert C. Ackart on Dec. 14, 2014 Carolyn Ackart Bussard on Feb. 1, 2015

1944

Carolyn Lindsay Stradley on May 4, 2015

1946

Sarah Bradford Gilchrist on May 27, 2012 Edith Blandy Taylor Roberson on Aug. 14, 2014

Leonard A. Yerkes III on Sept. 2, 2014 Donald A. Corkran on March 31, 2015 Mary Milus Yoh on June 28, 2015

1957

Rosalie Sellar Brainard on Sept. 6, 2014

1987

Katharine Roth Weston on Dec. 15, 2014

Former Faculty/Staff

1964

Richard C. Byrne on Nov. 18, 2014

Richard M. Robb Jr. on Dec. 5, 2014 Thomas J. Bulger IV on Oct. 15, 2010 Alan B. Nichols on July 6, 2013 Joseph R. Truesdale III on Oct. 4, 2011 Barbara Livingston Hilton on Sept. 17, 2012 Everett B. Yelton III on June 2, 2015

1965

John Patterson McKay Jr. on May 22, 2015

1966

1951

1967

Margaret Springer Marvel Denham on March 9, 2015

Stefan B. Kozinski on Dec. 11, 2014

1958

1947

William H. Fenn on Aug. 21, 2014

John G. Middleton on Oct. 10, 2014

Malcolm Coates on May 19, 2015 Patricia M. Owens on Oct. 2, 2014 David E. Scherer on May 12, 2015

Barbara Anne Todd on Dec. 17, 2014 Adah W. Unger on Sept. 9, 2014

James F. Cavanagh II on Oct. 2, 2014

Jonathan B. Bredin on Dec. 31, 2014

Remembering Former Headmaster Malcolm Coates The Tower Hill community is deeply saddened by the passing of Malcolm Coates, 89, of Boxford, Massachusetts, who served as headmaster from 1960-1976. Coates died on May 19, 2015 surrounded by his family following a courageous time with Alzheimer’s disease.

Born and raised in Wayne, Pennsylvania, Coates attended Episcopal Academy in Newtown Square. After high school he served in the Navy as an airplane navigator during World War II, attaining the rank of Lieutenant. He graduated from Williams College in 1948, then received a master’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania and was later honored with a Doctorate of Humane Letters from Williams College for his work in school communities.

48

Tower Hill Bulletin

Fall 2015

Coates arrived at Tower Hill in the fall of 1956 to teach English in the Upper School and served as dean of students before being appointed headmaster in 1960. He is credited with promoting creative thinking skills within the curriculum; increasing cultural opportunities for students; encouraging professional development for faculty; supporting students’ mental and emotional health; and overseeing significant construction projects. Many remembered Coates in his office studying pictures of new students, as he made it a point to know every pupil’s name.

Throughout his long, productive life, Coates enjoyed storytelling with children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, relaxing on Casco Bay in Maine, reading, skiing, hiking and playing tennis. He was the devoted husband of Deborah Lake Coates, with whom he shared over 38 years of marriage. Beside his loving wife, he is survived by daughter Carter and her husband James Donovan of Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts; daughter Judy and her husband Whitney Mitchell of Hanover, New Hampshire; son Malcolm Coates, Jr. of Phippsburg, Maine; son J. Webster Coates and wife Ryoko of Tokyo, Japan; and son, David L. Coates and wife Sophie of Baltimore, Maryland; as well as 11 grandchildren and three greatgrandchildren. Coates was a scholar and man of good works on behalf of those most in need.

Connect with Tower Hill’s social media accounts to stay updated on the great things that are happening every day!

Like us on Facebook

EverTrue—the Alumni App

Follow us on Instagram

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel

Follow us on Twitter

Follow us on LinkedIn

Show your support for Tower Hill by giving to the Annual Fund Visit www.towerhill.org/makeagift to show your support— every year!

Tower Hill S chool 2813 West 17th Street Wilmington, DE 19806

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage Permit No. 562 Wilmington, Delaware

facebook.com/thsde Please keep us informed with all updated addresses.

Meet Head of School Bessie Speers Details to follow in The Lookout alumni e-newsletter Wilmington, DE: Oct. 2-3, 2015 Installation/Homecoming Vermont: Oct. 2015

Palm Beach, FL: Jan. 25, 2016 Raleigh-Durham, NC: Feb. 5, 2016

Chicago, IL: Oct. 20, 2015

Napa Valley, CA: Feb. 2016

Greenwich, CT: Oct. 27, 2015

San Francisco, CA: Feb. 2016

Princeton, NJ: Nov. 10, 2015

Seattle, WA: Feb. 25, 2016

Washington, DC: Dec. 8, 2015

Boston, MA: May 2016