Vail Mountain School
Alumni Magazine A Year in Review
June 2021
A Year in Review | June 2021
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Vail Mountain School | Alumni Magazine
Features 4 5 6 11 13 18 20 25 26 28
Letter from Kate Blakslee Graduation Former Teacher News Current Teacher News Alumni Spotlight Alumni Survey Results What’s New at VMS? Then and Now Reunions Class Notes
A Year in Review | June 2021
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Dear VMS Alumni, Families, and Friends, This issue of the VMS Alumni Magazine is the first in a decade. In a year of a global pandemic, we are excited to provide an opportunity for you to reconnect with classmates and former teachers as well as reflect on your time at VMS. I have been fortunate to be the Alumni Liaison these last two years. We began the fall of 2019 with a ten-year reunion for the class of 2009. On a beautiful fall weekend, we welcomed graduates and their parents to a BBQ at the cabin and front row seats to cheer on soccer players on the Bandoni Alumni Field and volleyball players in the gym. A scavenger hunt through Vail Village had alumni singing the fight song with Mrs. Macsata, speaking Spanish with Sẽnor Gordon, and working on a math and physics problem with Mr. Sappenfield and Mr. Compton. As I look back at that time, I am reminded of the very special relationships that are central to VMS and how quickly our graduates can put up a tent! Early in the year, Mr. Carey joined a 20-year reunion Zoom call with the class of 2000. The class reminisced about baked potato lunches, raising money for their trip to Santa Fe, hut trips, double sessions, and a lost watch on the 5th grade overnight to Matawin. Laughter, compassion for each other, and a quick glance back at life in their younger days provided a smile for all. Walking down the hallway where your class photos are prominently displayed, we are all reminded of vibrant personalities and your time at VMS. We hope that you find a connection and a moment to pause and remember your time here as well as find inspiration in the good work our alumni are doing around the world. Cheers to a safe and healthy year ahead. With gratitude,
Kate Blakslee Coordinator of Alumni Relations and Community Engagement and parent of VMS graduates Annie ’16, Emma ’19, and Molly ’21
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Vail Mountain School | Alumni Magazine
Graduation The Class of 2021 was celebrated at a Commencement ceremony at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater on Friday, May 28. Thirty-eight graduates celebrated making it through a pandemic while cementing their dedication to each other, their education, and having fun. This talented, resilient group hung together through all of the adversity, and while they’ll all be in different places next fall when the school year starts, they’ll never lose the bond they shared as a group of classmates. In their welcome speech, Jessica Sherpa and Elliot Pribramsky talked about hope, “Hope is a frequently changing concept depending on circumstance. Hope is having trust in our community to create everlasting memories while having optimism for the future. Hope is a healer, a motivator, and it is contagious, so we encourage our class to embrace hope as we move on to the next phase of our lives.” “Every day I’m glad to share the lifeboat with the 37 of you,” said Molly Blakslee as she delivered the senior address. “And I’m glad for your endless laughter, determination, and presence that has enriched our every moment at VMS. I’m sure that as we step beyond the bounds of this valley, life will only present itself as more and more of a shipwreck of challenges, unexpected delights, and growth. As each of our lifeboats heads off into whatever direction we can possibly dream, it’s my hope that each of you finds a tune to hum that brings you laughter to lighten your journey wherever it is you’re going.”
Senior Awards Faculty Award for Citizenship: ............................................................Oliver Chantler Service to the School Community: ..................................................... Molly Blakslee Scholar Athlete Awards: .................................................Oly Holguin, Becker Dienst Faculty Award for Outstanding Evidence of Intellectual Curiosity: ...........Jessica Sherpa Sally Johnston Award: .............................................................................Hayley Bill
The Class of 2021 Matriculation List • Berkshire School Sheffield, Massachusetts • Chapman University Orange, California • Colby College Waterville, Maine • Colorado School of Mines (2) Golden, Colorado • Colorado State University Fort Collins, Colorado • Flagler College Saint Augustine, Florida • Loyola Marymount University Los Angeles, California • Montana State University (2) Bozeman, Montana • New York University (2) New York City, New York • Northeastern University Boston, Massachusetts • Skidmore College Saratoga Springs, New York • Southern Methodist University Dallas, Texas • Syracuse University Syracuse, New York
• University of Colorado-Boulder (6) Boulder, Colorado • University of Colorado-Denver Denver, Colorado • University of Denver Denver, Colorado • University of North CarolinaWilmington Wilmington, North Carolina • University of Oregon (3) Eugene, Oregon • University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, Pennsylvania • University of Rochester Rochester, New York • University of San Diego (2) San Diego, California • University of Southern California (2) Los Angeles, California • University of Utah Salt Lake City, Utah • Wake Forest University Winston-Salem, North Carolina • Williams College Williamstown, Massachusetts • Worcester Polytechnic Institute Worcester, Massachusetts
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Former Teacher News Peckie Peters
(Kindergarten Teacher, 1988-1995) I have stayed working in early childhood. I worked in a lab school for 20 years. I moved to Bellingham, WA 18 months ago. I still love to ski and be outside. I have lots of pets (dog, cats, chickens) and time with my own kids. I enjoy finding ways to connect with and support my new community.
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Deb Deverell
(Lower School Director, 1999-2013) I am in Denver and working as Head of School at Paddington Station Preschool and Kindergarten – it’s a great job!
David Schindel
(English, History Teacher & College Counselor, 1978-2006) After VMS I worked as English and Economics Teacher and College Counselor at Sandia Preparatory School for nine years and then retired from The Gregory School in Tucson, AZ after three years. I served on the executive board of The Rocky Mountain Association of College Counselors. In 2016, I was awarded RMACAC’s Roger H. Campbell award for outstanding service to students over my career.
Vail Mountain School | Alumni Magazine
Bob Carey
(8th Grade Humanities and Latin; 8th Grade Homebase, 1995-2000) After VMS, we moved to New Orleans, LA where I went into business with my father for 12 years. When we sold that business, I moved back into teaching. Next year, I will begin my 10th year teaching 8th grade English at Isidore Newman School, my alma mater. I have three children: Carter (22 at the University of Colorado), Grant (21 at the University of Virginia), and Joe (17 at Newman). Ashley and I have been married for 26 years!
Karen Spall
(Teacher and Coach, 2001-2010) I am enjoying watching my two boys, Tyler, 5th grade and Hudson, 3rd grade, go through their own VMS experiences. I love that they know, adore and look up to many VMS graduates who have found a way into their lives through coaching and family friendships. I substitute and tutor occasionally at VMS. The Bunny in the Basket game is being taught to a new generation of VMS Middle Schoolers. I also run a small embroidery company called Kikihats that specializes in custom designed trucker hats.
Former Teacher News (continued)
Alison Soule
(7 /8 Grade Humanities Teacher and Homebase Advisor, 2004-2007) After (sadly) leaving VMS and Colorado, I moved to Boston and stayed there for 13 years, 11 of which I spent at Thayer Academy in Braintree, MA. I taught middle school English for many years, but then had the opportunity to create and implement a brand new 5th grade program in 2018, which I taught for two years. In spring 2020, I moved back to my home state of Maine, and I am building a house that should be finished in a couple months! Moving during the start of a pandemic without a proper goodbye to my Thayer community was tough, but I’m happy to be back home, as I’d been trying to find my way back since leaving CO! My dog, Millie and I love the ocean and the snow, so we get the best of both worlds. I have four nieces and a nephew with whom I’m extremely close, and I see them often. I continue to raise money for various cancer foundations through triathlons and other events, and I am close to my own 10 year cancer survivorship date. I’m eager for the pandemic to end so that I can come back out to Vail for a visit!! And yes, I still enjoy catching gum th
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chewers and dress code violators, and I still LOVE grammar. :)
Susan Rapson Hilbert
(4 Grade Teacher, 1979-1998) I had a flower and gift shop in Vail Village for 22 years and even did weddings for some of my former fourth grade students. Since I retired three years ago, I have taken up pickle ball and I’m now devoted to the sport. I also hike and am planning to do a walk from Aspen to Crested Butte this summer! I am grateful for every day! th
William Haft
(Middle School Humanities Teacher, 1987-1995) What have I been doing since leaving VMS? Law school and charter schools, in a nutshell. I’ve been lucky to have my work take me all over the country and even around the world from Hawaii to Boston; Washington State to Florida; London to New Delhi; and even New Zealand.
Lauren Merrill
(Art Teacher and Yearbook Advisor, 2003-2008) After I left VMS I transitioned my art career by opening Alpine Arts Center, a community arts center in Edwards. I am very thankful for the experiences I gained at VMS that helped make it possible for me to start my own business. It is fun and rewarding to see former students and VMS families frequent the arts center and to remain a part of the VMS community in this way.
Mike Garvey
(PE Teacher and Volleyball Coach, 1997-2018) I am still in Gypsum, teaching and coaching volleyball at Eagle Valley High School.
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Former Teacher News (continued)
Amy White
(K-12 Spanish, Middle School Humanities Teacher, Upper School Homebase, 1997-2002) I just went back to teaching this school year! I teach Spanish to 4th, 8th, and 9th graders at Marshall School in Duluth. I have my daughter in my class :) Between 2002 and today, we have moved four times, had two children and three dogs, and I have had jobs as a translator/interpreter in medical settings, a development director for a non-profit, and yoga instructor. I have had the opportunity to reconnect with some of my former VMS students and it is always so great to hear how they are doing!!
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Kristine Oelberger Chalk
(4 Grade Teacher, Art Teacher and Department Chair, 2002-2007) I left VMS with plans to climb Denali and pursue a career in medicine. It did not take long before I missed teaching and went back to teach 4th grade at Red Sandstone Elementary School. After Denali, I went on to climb the seven summits with my climbing “buddy”, now husband, Brandon Chalk. We got married in 2009 and summited Everest in 2010 as our honeymoon. We finished the seven with Mt. Vinson, Antarctica in 2013. Our daughter, Sawyer, was born in 2014 and our son Thatcher in 2018. I’m now living in Edwards, teaching Art at Red Sandstone, and still climbing, skiing, and playing outside as much as possible – just closer to home and often with a 2 and 6 year old!!! th
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Sasha Bilow
(Lower School Spanish Teacher, Upper School Spanish Teacher, Recreational Nordic Instructor, 2011-2019) I’m finishing up my second year of seminary at the Episcopal Seminary of the Southwest in Austin, Texas. I graduate next May and hope to return to Colorado to serve as an Episcopal priest. Although I miss skiing, I’ve embraced mountain biking in the Texas heat. I will be marrying Josh, a fellow cyclist next summer – maybe we’ll see you on the trails!
Mary Frances Sabard Lilly
(Learning Resource Teacher, 1996-2001) After leaving VMS, I taught and tutored in Chicago for six years. In 2007, I got married to Steve Lilly and we moved up to Milwaukee where we have remained ever since, working and raising our two sweet kiddos, Graham and Mae. I recently returned to the classroom as an adolescent program coordinator at our children’s Montessori school. Since adopting our daughter in 2010, our family has been committed to helping support foster and adoptive family services in Wisconsin. We treasure our family time and especially enjoy movie nights, trail hikes, bike rides, playing tennis, lake time, and spoiling our dog, Dudley.
Former Teacher News (continued)
Julie Schlossinger
(4 Grade Teacher & Lower School Division Director, 2004-2018) Greg, Landon, and I moved to West Hartford, CT in 2018 to be closer to our parents in their later years and so I could start my doctorate. I am the Lower School Head at Renbrook School and proud to say in my final year working on my dissertation at UHart. th
cycling magazines in the US. I don’t even think I knew how to clip into pedals when I lived in Vail ;)
Tony Shawe
(Middle School Teacher & Middle School Director, 1994-2004) I left VMS in 2004. Moved to Washington, D.C., where I met my wife Torrey. After 12 years in D.C., my family (Nathaniel 14, Sarah 10) moved to Santiago, Chile for four years, and then in September of 2020 we moved to Paris, France. Working in middle school throughout it all.
Tina Wilson
(Kindergarten Teacher, 1996-1998) My husband David and I still live in Vail and have raised our two daughters here. Colby graduated in 2016 and Nicole in 2021. I am thrilled to say that they both loved their 13 years at VMS and I loved being able to remain a part of the VMS community as a parent volunteer and supporter.
Betsy Welch
(Spanish Teacher, 2004-2007) I left VMS and spent four months traveling in New Zealand. Then, I moved to Boulder and worked a few odd jobs before starting nursing school at CU. I worked as an RN in public and community health in Boulder for nine years before finally achieving a life goal of becoming a journalist! I used my flexible schedule as a nurse to do as much traveling and outdoor adventuring as possible, and I freelanced for various outdoor publications during that time. One year ago I was offered a full-time job at VeloNews, one of the oldest
Blair Holmes
(Middle and Upper School Homebase, English, Theatre, Math, 1990-1994) After leaving Vail, I moved to New York City where I was Head of Theatre at a private school. In 1999, I moved to Spain with my then wife and in these past 22 years I have taught ESL, was Head of Studies for Spain’s first BA program in Theatre Arts, exported wine and currently sell medical devices. I have three children (currently 14, 16 and 19), two dogs and two cats. In my spare time I do the odd TV commercial, voice work for TV and film, and act in local theatre productions and the occasional movie. At the moment I am dubbing myself into Spanish for the release of a feature film shot originally in English. I am in touch with many former students and colleagues on social media and that is a highlight.
I am enjoying watching my two boys go through their own VMS experiences. I love that they know, adore and look up to many VMS graduates who have found a way into their lives through coaching and family friendships. ~ Karen Spall
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Former Teacher News (continued)
Ryan Gray
(Upper School History, Soccer Coach, 2000-2011) From VMS, I went to Reykjavik, Iceland where I taught at Iceland International School. I then went to Wellington, New Zealand where I taught at Marsden. Finally, I am here in Oslo, where I am the director of Service Learning and head of the lower secondary geography departments. I have a beautiful three year old daughter named Maya, an amazing wife named Emilie and our passion is exploring Norway’s divine nature, hiking and skiing the Norwegian hut system (Den Norske Turisteforening). As always, my passion is keeping in touch with my family and friends in Colorado and dreaming of traveling with them when this covid thing passes. Another passion is my new job where I am in charge of creating a service learning program that is integrated for the k-12 community. We have partnered with amazing organizations, such as the International Organization for Migration (part of the United Nations), Katapult Ocean (an amazing innovative Ocean company advocating healthy oceans through business entrepreneurship), the Inter-African Committee (aiming to bring together African and Norwegian Cultures) and the University of Oslo, where we are producing a film through the eyes of a salmon, including ethical, environmental, economic perspectives,
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hopefully to be showcased in the first annual Oslo River Festival.
Oliver K. Compton
(Upper School Math, 1988-2015) For the past six years, I have continued to teach mathematics (Precalculus, Calculus AB & BC) primarily on a oneon-one basis to ski racers who miss a lot of school time due to the training and traveling demands of their sport. I have managed to take three trips to New Zealand since my retirement from full time teaching. I find that you just can’t beat the hiking, fly-fishing, and the seafood! And I still love baseball.
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Amy Gish
(Kindergarten & 2 Grade, 1994-1998) I have not gone far... I still live in the Vail Valley and have been fortunate in becoming a mom to four beautiful, strong, funny girls who are Gore Rangers. Allie (2016), Sammy (2019), Emily (2022), and Gaby (2022). I work in property management, and it is my pleasure to serve as a board member at VMS and The Hope Center of Eagle County. The community of VMS has been an integral part of my life, I have created life-long friendships with the women I taught with as well as the families I have met while raising children together. nd
Kristin Tang
(Kindergarten Teacher, 1998-2001) Since my time at VMS, I have raised four children who are now 20, 18, 16, and 13 years old and all attend(ed) VMS since Kindergarten. I own and run Gore Range Montessori which is a preschool in Edwards, CO, and I have had the pleasure of teaching a number of children of VMS graduates there. I have also served on the VMS Board of Trustees for eight years. I enjoy being involved with the school and sharing my passion for education. I continue to love living in Vail and taking advantage of all it has to offer – skiing, biking, rafting, etc.
Current Teacher News US Teacher Ross Sappenfield Receives Prestigious Award Upper School teacher Ross Sappenfield was named the 2019-2020 recipient of the Outstanding Biology Teacher Award (OBTA) for Colorado. Every year, the National Association of Biology Teachers (NABT) attempts to recognize an outstanding biology educator (grades 7-12) in each of the 50 states, as well as Washington, DC, Canada, Puerto Rico, and overseas territories. NABT recognized Ross as one of the best biology teachers in the country! As part of this honor, an NABT representative presented an award certificate to both Ross and Vail Mountain School. All 2019-2020 OBTA recipients were also honored at a special awards ceremony on Saturday, November 7, 2020, and at the NABT Professional Development Conference held virtually November 5-7, 2020.
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Current Teacher News (continued)
Mike Imperi Announces Retirement on June 30, 2022
Baby Boom in the Lower School • Congratulations to LS teacher Adrienne Bodmer and her husband Will Bodmer on the birth of their son, Rye William Bodmer. Rye was born on Monday, November 22 at 5:33 pm, weighing in at 7lbs 9oz! • Congratulations are also in order for Lauren Powell, LS teacher, and her husband Tony and son Eddy on the birth of Alice Rhea on October 18. • Congratulations to Kelly Enright, Student Support Services, and husband Mike on the birth of their daughter, Rory, on March 3, 2021.
In March, Head of School Mike Imperi announced his decision to retire at the end of the 2021-2022 school year. Mike has been at VMS since 2013 and has implemented many changes and upgrades to our school throughout his tenure. Anne-Marie Keane, former VMS Board Chair, stated, “Mike has taken VMS to the next level with his leadership and vision. He has prioritized the students by raising money to support the replacement of our athletic field, the transformation of our library into a 21st Century collaborative work environment, and the repurposing of space into a Maker Lab for students to create and build products of their own imagination. Our teachers have flourished under his leadership and reinvigorated our curriculum with the integration of Project-Based Learning and Technology. His stewardship has put the school on a more secure financial footing while expanding our course offerings, international travel, and athletic teams. Thanks to Mike, VMS graduates are more ready than ever to face the challenges of a world that needs innovative thinkers, empathetic leaders and collaborative problem solvers.” Mandy Jaffe, VMS Board Vice Chair, is leading the search process. Educators’ Collaborative has been named the search firm and a committee of ten has been identified to lead the search with an anticipated decision planned by Thanksgiving. We are grateful to Mike for his devotion to VMS and we look forward to the future!
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Vail Mountain School | Alumni Magazine
Do you know how many VMS alumni are also VMS teachers? And VMS parents? It is fitting for a school that treasures community that almost 10% of faculty and staff are also VMS alumni. The bonds of our community are interwoven throughout our special school. Eve Trumpower, Julia Walsh, and Elsie Macsata are all graduates of VMS who chose to return as a teacher or staff member. Additionally, Jaime Walker, Kate Drescher, Vali Wilcox, and Collins Canada Kelly not only returned to work at VMS but sent their children here too. Many of these alumni/employees have extended families who also attended VMS.
Alumni Spotlight Carlie Harrison ’16 Carlie Harrison ’16 spent the summer doing maintenance and trail restoration for the Colorado 14ers Initiative (CFI). Her work was focused on a variety of different projects ranging from rock work to timber work to constructing an entirely new trail, each project fun and challenging in its own unique way.
Tell us about your summer at CFI! One of our most memorable projects was a rock staircase that we built on Handies Peak that involved finding and moving large rocks to the trail and digging and setting them in place. Placing them exactly right is like putting together a puzzle with huge, heavy pieces! The most rewarding part of the job is getting to see what we’ve accomplished after spending long days and many hours of physically demanding work constructing our projects. It’s also really rewarding to get to talk to hikers about what we’re doing and why our work is important for the longevity of the trails and the alpine environment.
Have you done this type of work before? How did you find this opportunity? This is my first time doing trail work and I’m in an internship position that’s designed to introduce someone to trail work for the first time. It’s been an amazing learning experience so far!
How did VMS ignite your passion for this work? Was there a teacher or teachers at VMS who were especially influential? I’ve always loved spending time outdoors and VMS hut trips, orientation trips, etc. are some of my most cherished memories. There were so many influential teachers that made these memories really special, but Ms. Sideli and Ms. Mortensen stand out as two that come to the top of my mind. Over time, my passion for the outdoors started to transform into a passion for sustainability and protection of the environment which is what ultimately led me to this current position with an organization that works towards environmental preservation.
Where did you go to college and what did you study? I went to the University of Denver where I studied Integrated Sciences and Spanish.
What is next for you? I’m not sure yet, but ideally something where I can continue to work in the outdoors!
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Alumni Spotlight (continued)
John Rounds ’86 John Rounds, VMS ’86, is the founder of Adventure Bound On The Fly and Ellicottville Coffee Company in upstate New York. John grew up helping his parents when they owned Adventure Bound in the 1970s. He broadened his industry knowledge by working first as a manufacturer’s representative for many market-leading outdoor companies, later in senior sales management, and finally as a master distributor in North and South America.
John has fond memories of his time at VMS, especially his outdoor experience trips with Buck Elliott, Mr. Abuisi’s commitment to students, and Mr. Bandoni’s enthusiasm, energy, and commitment to the soccer program. He remembers playing games in the warm sun during midday breaks. John was inspired by Vail Mountain School in an overarching way and he continues to keep in touch with classmates and always looks forward to their updates.
John’s outdoor experience includes over 30 years of Latin American travel including Patagonia, Inca Trail treks, and a successful summit of Aconcogua. John has a deep passion for Latin America which was a catalyst for the addition of Ellicottville Coffee Co. which was added to the Adventure Bound shop in the fall of 2019.
He loves and misses the Vail/Eagle River Valley and hopes to expand his business back into the Vail Valley someday. We can only hope!
John has always had the dream of owning his own business and creating his own destiny. Both of his parents were entrepreneurs and business owners and he was inspired by their commitment to creating their own futures. What important lessons can he share with potential entrepreneurs? Learn to say NO and always plan for any initiative to cost more and take longer than planned!
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Vail Mountain School | Alumni Magazine
If you find yourself near the quaint resort town of Ellicottville, NY, be sure to stop in. They offer an artisanal coffee shop experience with an authentic outdoor store heritage. The freshest bags of Ellicottville Coffee Company beans are also available to purchase and ship! A portion of every bag sold goes to WNYMBA and Rock Autism.
Alumni Spotlight (continued)
Ellen Edgerton ’13 Ellen Edgerton is a 2013 VMS graduate. She is currently in her fourth year as a Naturopathic Student at Bastyr University of Washington. Here is a short except from a recent interview with Ellen.
Tell us about what you are doing currently? With my passion for understanding lifestyle medicine to optimize overall health, fitness, and longevity, I pursued my naturopathic medical degree after I finished college. I was driven to continue my education because I saw our current medical system as dysfunctional towards preventing and managing the chronic diseases that are manifesting in the majority of the American population, especially as individuals age. I didn’t understand how our high schools and medical schools were not being taught about how nutrition encompasses the biochemicals that build each of our cells, and it is up to us to choose what type of “fuel” we are putting in our bodies. I didn’t understand how our systems emphasized and encouraged “hard work” and long hours, to the point that individuals’ stress levels got so high it led to stomach ulcers, heart attacks, and countless diagnoses of anxiety. I wanted to better understand and learn from the people who aged well, found true joy in their daily lives, and found a meaningful sustainable lifestyle. Thus, I am in my 4th year of Naturopathic School at Bastyr University of Washington and currently doing an internship in Santa Rosa California. I’m working at a water only fasting clinic where I have seen hypertension, high blood pressure, be reversed in 10 days, unlike any other medication, seen cancer tumors stop growth, and type 2 diabetics come off of all medications. It is important to note that this comes from a complete lifestyle change focusing on nutrition, mindset, exercise, and the body’s ability to heal itself through a few days of water only fasting.
How did VMS prepare you for what you are doing now? VMS prepared me through its holistic curriculum and diverse mentorship. Having the ability to learn to appreciate not only the standard rigorous academic classes but also the arts, athletics, and community service projects, opened up my eyes to what type of work and activities are important for me to prioritize in my life. It taught me how to have a balance between school, friends, sports, and free time. The diversity of passions and interest from my teachers and peers also shaped me into being open minded and really listening to everyone’s individual story. I will also always have gratitude for the harkness
tables, for it taught me how to discuss difficult topics with the teacher and students, free of distractions of technology, all learning from one another in an equal circle.
What are your memories of VMS? When I try to narrow it down, my favorite memories from VMS come from the cross-age activities (seeing caterpillars go through metamorphosis with my 3rd grade partner, spending time with our book buddies, attending 50s day events, heading to the hill for all school ski days). I will also never forget the lessons I learned from volleyball games and telemark skiing competitions.
Do you stay in touch with other your VMS classmates? Yes, every winter our class does a hut trip and we get around a 50% attendance every year. I also do my best to stay up to date with what most people are doing with their current lives via phone calls and social media.
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Alumni Spotlight (continued)
Ashley Seeger ’88 Ashley Seeger ’88 is a psychotherapist specializing in couples counseling in Boulder, CO. Ashley works with women as they learn to break away from toxic relationships with sports coaches, family, and partners. Ashley has fond memories of Mr. Abuisi’s psychology class, where she was challenged to think about ethics and philosophy. Could that experience have led her to her current career path? Other happy memories include co-ed basketball and senior class hot dog lunches every Friday, which allowed them to raise money for a class trip to Spain. She fondly recalls haunted houses in the basement (!), field days, Home Tour, bake sales, and skiing every Wednesday and Friday. When asked about a teacher who made a difference in her life, Ashely mentions Mr. Bandoni. “I think that everyone who has had Mr. Bandoni believes that they were his favorite student. His caring, compassion, and passion were contagious.” Ashley often channels her inner Mr. Bandoni by telling her children to “fight becoming amoebas as you move into high school. Fight to keep your backbone!”
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Vail Mountain School | Alumni Magazine
I think that everyone who has had Mr. Bandoni believes that they were his favorite student. His caring, compassion, and passion were contagious.
~ Ashley Seeger
Alumni Spotlight (continued)
Addie Robinson Slack ’01 Can you explain your journey after VMS? The fall after high school graduation (2001), I began at Williams College in Williamstown, MA. I completed a four year Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish as well as completing all pre-medical requirements. Upon graduation in 2005, I moved to Cincinnati, OH and worked as an aide in radiology at Middletown Community Hospital. I worked in somewhat of an internship role alongside a physician radiologist who was quadraplegic. He had for his entire career employed young, aspiring students of medicine to initially aid in the physical demands of being a radiologist that were hindered by his quadriplegia and ultimately allow for continued passion for teaching, mentoring and completing academic projects. This year served as a year of learning and self-determination, so that I ultimately applied to medical school the following year. In the year that I applied to medical school, I lived in Bozeman, MT with two dear college friends skiing, biking and playing in the mountains. I matriculated the following year at University of Illinois-Rockford. I graduated from medical school in 2011. I then moved with my now husband to Denver, CO for residency in Family Medicine at the University of Colorado Swedish Family Medicine Residency. I completed residency training in 2014. I then worked for one year with Denver Health in their family medicine clinics and the Denver County Jail. We moved in 2015 to Salt Lake City, UT for my husband’s residency training in Emergency Medicine. I took a job with Community Health Centers, Inc. This is where I currently work seeing patients without insurance or with limited access to healthcare. I see patients in a family medicine clinic, deliver and care for newborns, and help lead our organization as Assistant Medical Director.
Were there any VMS teachers who ignited your interest in medicine? My VMS teachers across all disciplines ignited my intellectual curiosity as well as taught me how to be a critical thinker and bolstered my confidence in my own decision making abilities. This allowed my interest in medicine to grow in my years after VMS and ultimately to pursue with success my interest in medicine.
How did VMS help lead you on your current path? The intellectual confidence I developed in my adolescent formative years came from the supportive, respectful, engaging educational environment of VMS. This has afforded me the opportunity to achieve an advanced degree and now give back through medical care to an underserved community. The connection with a community from which I otherwise would have limited contact, for reasons of socio-economic, cultural and ethnic divisions in society, allows me to participate as an active global citizen, and this brings me satisfaction in my career.
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Alumni Survey Results We asked our alumni to weigh in on the future of VMS recently. We are using this information to help us chart a course for the next 10-20 years. Here is a sample of what you said:
1 Trades, Tax, Civics, Ethics, Climate
Grammar
What educational program do you think VMS should add to prepare our students for the future?
Commerce
PROP:
Power, Racism, Oppression, Privilege
Car Awareness
Math or Chess Club
Basic Digital Literacy
Professional Development: Résumé building, practice interviews, etc.
Outdoor Leadership Program
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Vail Mountain School | Alumni Magazine
Personal Finance and Budgeting Economics
2
Describe a “best day” at VMS. This could either be a reflection or experience you envision as part of a VMS education.
Senior project was an enjoyable series of days/weeks
3
What capital projects would you like to see implemented at Vail Mountain School in the next 5-10 years?
Hut trips Climbing wall/ bouldering cave
Finance course track
A more wholesome political perspective
Reduction/ reallocation of theatre funding
Improved diversity
Expanded parking for students
Ski lift from the parking lot to the top of Gold Peak
A parking garage at VMS
A restorative justice program
Hire more teachers of color
Expansion of classrooms
“Shark Tank” where alumni/ students could present ideas for project implementation with small funding
Computer Science department
Opportunities for students to get real-world experience through travel, internships
Anti-racism, body neutrality
The independent learning environment was super engaging I really believe every day at VMS is somebody’s best day
Ski Fridays
Days that focused on the arts, trips to the Vilar Center, school performances Orientation trips
Winter hut trips, summer camping trips. Any outdoor program!
Field Day
Holidays All school ski day senior year
Outdoor time each day Having lunch with Upper School stud ents and then playing soccer or ultimate frisbee during brea ks
Days when we got to do things with our crossage buddies
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What’s New at VMS? COVID-19 Changes Life at VMS But Not Our Mission The hallways of VMS look different this year: Every student wears a mask; lunch is socially distanced in the dining hall, gymnasium, and outside; everyone coming to campus must endure a health screening and temperature check; and hand sanitizer is everywhere! However, Vail Mountain School was one of the only schools in the state of Colorado to open for on-campus learning in August and stay open (with brief exceptions in November and December). Students and teachers were more than happy to adjust to new health protocols in order to make this happen. Lower School students formed a cohort of their Homebase and stayed in their own classrooms while special teachers came to them. This meant that many LS teachers were spotted roaming the halls pushing carts! While traditional events such as Homecoming, House, Bingo Night, and the Garage Sale were not able to happen, new and innovative events took their place: Upper School Fun Fest, a virtual Book Fair & Holiday Market, and our first ever unGala. The fall US theatre production of Puffs was performed live but the audience watched via livestream versus in person. By spring, the US and MS musicals were performed in front of a live audience in addition to being livestreamed. Progress! The 2020-2021 school year will be memorable for many reasons, but the essence of the VMS experience survived and thrived and we are grateful.
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Vail Mountain School | Alumni Magazine
What’s New at VMS? (continued)
VMS.EDU is getting a new look!
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice
VMS Alumni Committee
We are so excited to be redesigning our website, vms.edu. The new website will provide increased functionality for prospective families as well as current users. We are very excited about the alumni content on the new site. It will feature information about alumni events, an alumni directory, “then and now” pictures, alumni news, and more. Watch for information about the new VMS website launch in early July.
The 2020-2021 academic year has been one of tremendous growth in the area of diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, and belonging. We look forward to further developing the efforts started this year:
Social Media
• Dr. Amie Levesque is a Teaching Assistant Professor in the Department of Sociology and Criminology at the University of Denver. She has been teaching courses in gender, sexuality, childhood, schooling, and research methods for over 10 years. Dr. Levesque has been consulting with the faculty and administration to educate us about inclusive curriculum development.
We are excited to connect, locate, and engage alumni in purposeful ways at Vail Mountain School. We strive to bring alumni back in meaningful ways to enrich the lives of our current community as mentors, speakers, and professionals. We also hope to enhance the networking opportunities for our alumni through our new website to be launched this summer. Our alumni are valued members of our community and we are looking to further these connections in the years to come. Please reach out to us at kblakslee@vms.edu if you would like to be involved or have ideas or feedback!
Don’t miss out on daily life at VMS! Follow us on Instagram at @vailmountainschool and on Facebook @vail.mtn.school.
Alumni Panel 2021 In January, Dr. Drescher and Ms. Ferrara hosted four recent alumni to a panel discussion for the class of 2021. Olivia Manula, Luke McKeever, Sydney Sappenfield, and Luke Verratti covered topics from taking a gap year, to novel first-year college experiences, to words of wisdom. Created by feedback from VMS graduates, Senior Seminar – a personal growth and skills course preparing students for the transition to life after VMS – has become an important part of senior year.
• A few alumni reached out to us in the summer of 2020 asking to help support diversity initiatives at the school. This committed group has expanded to include current students, faculty/staff, parents, and board members. This work is meaningful and important and will be part of the strategic plan.
• Debby Irving also visited our campus (virtually) in 2021. She is a racial justice educator and writer and the author of Waking up White and Finding Myself in the Story of Race. She spent time with our Upper School students, faculty, and our parent community. Debby shared how she spent decades silently reaffirming harmful, archaic racial patterns instead of questioning the racial disparities and tensions she could see and feel.
Committee Members: • Liza Alrick • Kate Blakslee • Sylvan Ellefson • Amy Gish
• Joe Hanlon • Marisa Ferrara • Karen Spall • Ruth Worden
• Brian Sweeney, Ariel Levine, and Liz Sein are the faculty advisors for the Upper School Student DEI Committee. They have put together lesson plans for advisories and town meetings, and meet weekly. • The school created its first drafts of DEIJ mission and values statements. They are being revised and will be shared with the community once finalized.
A Year in Review | June 2021
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What’s New at VMS? (continued)
Outdoor Education Outdoor education is a signature program at VMS, a pillar of our curriculum. This year was no different, COVID-19 or not! Overnight orientation and hut trips were turned into day trips, sometimes multiple day trips. The 4th grade hut trips featured Stand Up Paddle relays at Bighorn Park and other activities, 9th grade students participated in team building exercises, students in 8th grade studied snow science, and the 6th grade went backcountry skiing. These are just a few examples of the many outdoor activities VMS students participated in! Despite the slight differences this year, the outcomes were the same: students learned empathy, perseverance, cooperation, and the joy of being outdoors.
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What’s New at VMS? (continued)
Athletics at VMS The 2020-2021 athletic landscape also changed dramatically. The Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA) reconfigured the sports seasons into four shorter seasons, A-D. VMS had Cross Country and Golf in Season A, Basketball and Skiing in Season C, and Girls Volleyball and Soccer in Season D.
Here is a recap of the athletic highlights this year: US Boys Golf: The team was runner up at regionals and placed 5th in the state championship US Boys Basketball: Won their division and made their first state tournament appearance US Girls Volleyball: Hosted the regional tournament MS Girls Soccer: Undefeated champions MS Alpine: Undefeated champions US Alpine: Boys finished 2nd overall, Girls finished 3rd overall in state championships US Nordic: Skate - Men 2nd, Women 5th, Classic - Men 7th, Women 8th US Girls Soccer: As of June 1, the team is 6-0 US Boys Lacrosse: As of June 1, the team is 6-1 US Girls Tennis: As of June 1, the team is 7-0 US Girls Golf: As of June 1, the team is third in the state and heading to regionals
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What’s New at VMS? (continued)
Community Service How lucky are we that we continue to help in our community even during COVID-19? We were fortunate to continue Middle School Community Day, MLK Jr. Day, and efforts for Adopt-a-Family. Thinking of others is key to a VMS education. At Loaves and Fishes, VMS serves dinner once a month to people in our area that need a meal. This year we averaged 75-80 meals in “to-go” style. We continue to partner with many nonprofit organizations and work to support the senior citizens in our area. An 8th grade team of students designed a Pack It Up Program; a plan for leftover soups to be donated to the Community Market. We have supported this initiative for the last two years. The Philanthropy and Service Group continues to donate school store profits to many nonprofits in Colorado and around the world.
Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’ ~ Martin Luther King Jr.
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Vail Mountain School | Alumni Magazine
THEN
Halloween
NOW
Halloween
Senior/Kindergarten Pumpkin Carving
Ski Days
Snow Days
Senior/Kindergarten Pumpkin Carving
Ski Days
Chess
Senior/Kindergarten Skiing – a NEW tradition
Chess
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Reunions
20 Year Reunion Members of the class of 2000 gathered via Zoom for a virtual 20-year reunion over the holidays. Classmates joined from Oregon, Colorado, San Francisco, LA, Maine and London to reconnect with friends and former teachers. On the call it was clear that you are never too old to laugh about old high school shenanigans and remember hours of four-square, chess, and favorite memories about teachers, classmates and class trips. Colby Ricci was the class emcee and kept the conversations flowing and the laughter alive. We are excited to gather this group again in person in the year to come. Stay tuned for details.
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Vail Mountain School | Alumni Magazine
Reunions (continued)
10 Year Reunion The Class of 2009 celebrated their 10-year reunion in 2019 on the steps of the cabin cheering on the Gore Rangers on a beautiful blue-sky September day. Highlights of the reunion included reconnecting with classmates, teachers, and parents, a scavenger hunt put on by Upper School teachers, pickleball, and dinner in Vail Village.
Holiday Breakfast and Alumni Coffee The Holiday Breakfast and Alumni Coffee in 2019 was also an event of celebration and reconnecting with over 50 alumni in attendance. What doesn’t change at VMS on this day? The chaos, the hugs, the reconnections, spilled OJ, and a round of the fight song, led by Mrs. Macsata. Alumni are the honored guests and an important part of the fabric of our community.
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Class Notes ’80s Ken Jaffe ’83 Married to Annette Jaffe. Father to Amanda Jaffe - Stanford University, Harvard Kennedy School, Grant Jaffe Dartmouth College - Football Team Long Snapper for Ivy League Championship Team, Blake Jaffe - High School senior headed to Stanford University this fall.
engineering projects. My husband, Mark, is a WA State Fish and Wildlife Officer who loves his job on the water and in the forest protecting our resources. My two cats thoroughly love the pandemic life as we are home more and our warm laps are more available. The one-eyed and totally deaf chocolate lab is just perpetually on the wrong side of the door.
Barrie Tyler Hillman ’86 I am in my tenth year and most challenging year as Head of School at West Sound Academy, an independent school just outside Seattle for students in grades 6-12. My daughter, Julie, graduated from WSA in 2020 and is attending Western Washington University in Bellingham. She is living in a rented house with three other WSA classmates and attending remote classes but loving her independence. My son, Tyler, is a sophomore at WSA and doing his best to get through the pandemic school year. He loves to ski and work on mechanical
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Dave Anderson ’88 I am currently serving as the Connections Pastor at Paramount Baptist Church. My wife Vanessa, son Trevor (17), and daughter Kaylee (15) are all great.
Vail Mountain School | Alumni Magazine
Steve Boyd ’88
Michele Clembury ’88
I was recently promoted to a Practice Leader of Construction for the Western Region of Rimkus Consulting Group which is an international forensic engineering firm that provides engineering and litigation support for private clients, corporations, insurance companies and attorneys. I am a licensed Professional Engineer in 15 states with more being added. I travel throughout the southern and western states, yet I still am able to work from home in Eagle, Colorado. My wife, Tania is the store manager for Kitchen Collage in Edwards. Rilee, my daughter, is a sophomore majoring in medical sciences at Colorado State University in Fort Collins and Peter, my son, is a freshman at Eagle Valley High School and made the varsity football team last fall.
I’ve been a public health nurse for the last few years in Bend, Oregon. Now a family of five after my mom moved in with us.
Nate Bryan ’88 I work in Salt Lake City as a physician. I enjoy skiing and climbing in my free time.
Nicolas Meyer ’88 I am a Director of AlignAlytics which is a consulting firm specializing in customer data analytics in Perth, Australia.
Class Notes (continued)
Thom Dunn ’89
Tom Boyd ’93
Meredith Rose ’95
Larry Castruita ’98
I am a full professor of psychological sciences at the University of Northern Colorado. I am also part time with Denver Paramedics.
I am the Senior Director, Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater and Communications for the Vail Valley Foundation. I live in Edwards with my wife Renee Boyd from Peterson, Iowa, and two children, Tyler, 9, and Alex, 7.
I live in Denver with my wife Anne and our dog, Finn. I’m a lawyer practicing appellate criminal defense at the Colorado Court of Appeals and Colorado Supreme Court. Anne and I love to visit my parents, who still live in Vail, for skiing in the winter and biking in the summer. I’ve attached a picture of me arguing a case before the Colorado Supreme Court from the comfort of my bedroom (thanks, Covid) last May.
We moved to Newport Beach right before the pandemic. At that time, I started working out of Laguna Beach. Very fortunate timing as the ability to get outside has been much easier from here than it was from our place in LA.
’90s Miranda Bailey ’91 I started an all female film critics site with movies, tv, and scores that women understand. Check out www.TheCherryPicks.com and sign up for our newsletter to see what’s new every week in entertainment!
Murph Gottlieb ’95 I am married to Jen Gottlieb ’95 and living and working over the pass in Dillon. Our two kids attend Summit Cove Elementary School.
Sunny Ricci Corrigan ’98 Piper Elliott Abodeely ’98 I am living in Sonoma and love exploring and traveling with the family!
This is my 19th year on the Vail Ski Patrol. I truly love what I do and being a part of the Vail Community. My husband Tom and I met on Ski Patrol when I was a rookie. We now have three children. Our youngest Scout will finally be in Kindergarten next year with his big brother and sister.
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Class Notes (continued)
Pepper Etters ’98 I am still working for CMM/Vail Health as a Physician Assistant. Excited to have our kids Kayla and Bodhi at VMS (they love it!). Enjoying being back in the Valley and spending as much time as possible on the rivers in the summer and on the snow and ice in the winter. Looking forward to a trip to Alaska this summer for Molly’s (08) wedding and to see my brother, Jon, and Riley Ebel.
We enjoy road tripping to National Parks, camping, hiking, and attending concerts all over the country.
Heidi Holzfaster Kostin ’98
Kyle Denton ’99
I currently live in southeastern Massachusetts with my husband and two children, Addison (13) and Christopher (10). I am a partner at a boutique law firm that represents major hospitals and hospital systems in Eastern Massachusetts.
I am living in Edwards with my family: wife Nikki, and two boys, Saige (7) and Kien (5). Saige is a 1st grader at VMS and Kien will hopefully be a Kindergartner next year at VMS. We love to play in the outdoors year round. I’m still a real estate agent, going on 16 years, and currently hang my license with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Colorado Property. The local franchise is owned by Michael Slevin, another VMS alumni.
Ryan May ’98 I am building homes for May Builders and still being a cowboy at Black Mountain Ranch.
Stacy Johnson ’98 Alissa Ferri ’98 This will be my 17th year working as a Mother-Baby Nurse at UPENN’s main campus in Philadelphia. Working during the pandemic has been challenging, but I still adore my job caring for new families! This year I will celebrate five years of marriage to my amazing husband Scott, who is an archaeologist specializing in MiddleAtlantic Native American Archaeology. We recently bought a house near the Wharton State Forest in NJ and have a 17-year-old Chihuahua named Baci.
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After VMS, I attended Cornell College for undergrad and the University of Denver for grad school. I have been working in grassroots and corporate marketing for the past 12 years in Denver. No kids, just three dogs and one cat.
Vail Mountain School | Alumni Magazine
’00s Neha Ahuja Bhalla ’00 I have been in Charlotte, NC for 15 years and have been working with Wells Fargo for approximately the same time. I have two boys (Romir, 12 and Neerav 9). Tennis is my new love and I can be found playing tennis when I am not working or spending time with my boys.
Class Notes (continued)
Lindsay Lessman Vargo ’00 I am living in the San Francisco / Bay Area with my husband Matt and our two year old daughter. We have a baby boy on the way. I am working for a developer in the Bay Area and focused on the redevelopment of Treasure Island / Yerba Buena Island - a former military base in the middle of the bay.
volunteer ski instructor at the Adaptive Sports Association. Outside the school calendar, I largely pack up the car and wander. My adventures have not yet led me as far as Martha Gold’s house, but I anticipate seeing new and fascinating birds there.
Michelle Rickert Arentzen ’00 I’m currently living in Longmont, CO. I’m a stay-at-home mom with two girls in preschool. We enjoy encouraging our girls to love the outdoors with skiing every weekend, adventures in our campervan, hiking and mountain biking.
Blair Ruder ’00 I’ve taken up birding, which complements the majority of my interests: biking, skiing, boating, and other outdoor adventures. During the school year, I am an occupational therapist living in Durango and a
George Streeter ’02 I moved back to the valley six years ago after almost 10 years of living in San Diego. My wife, Rebecca, and I live in Eagle with our two kids, Marley and Les. We also have an Australian Shepherd named Nelson who was our first child. After fourteen years of working in outside sales, I made a transition into Real Estate. I currently work as a broker associate for Slifer Smith and Frampton, specializing in residential real estate sales, and I could not be more excited. It is the perfect job for me.
Whitney Simmonds ’03 I’ve been teaching music in the greater-Boston area since 2007 (with the exception of a two-year stint at Colorado State University for grad school 2010-2012). During that time, I’ve taught choirs and music classes at elementary, middle, and high schools in Boston, Hingham, and Upton, and have directed several choirs at the Boston Children’s Chorus. I’m now in my fifth year as the Choral Director at Nipmuc Regional High School, in the Mendon-Upton School District (40 minutes southwest of Boston). Outside of school, I love to compose and arrange music for choirs/vocal groups and try to find as much time to write as possible. I also play ice hockey in a local women’s league. My family still lives in Edwards, so I take advantage of the teacher schedule and spend most of every summer in CO, which is always wonderful! Our music program stays involved with the community by performing at local senior centers and raising money/ collecting donations for food banks at several of our concerts throughout the year. We have partnered with the Ty Louis Campbell Foundation to put on a yearly “Rockin’ for a Reason” concert that raises money for pediatric cancer research. Over the past year, we have been producing digital music content to share out with the school and local communities since concerts
have been canceled: http://www. mendonuptonmusic.org/media-performance-archives.html
Drew Daly ’03 I am living and working in Sun Valley, ID.
Joshua Smith ’04
I worked for 10 years in electric vehicle development in Germany, California and China. I moved back to the Valley in 2020 to work for another VMS alum (Ellie Rubenstein) who started a company in town. I co-founded a nonprofit in early 2021 focused on redefining the definition of human health by focusing on nutrition and lifestyle to lower personal and institutional healthcare costs. I am married with two daughters.
Alex Biegler ’05 & Adi Slifer Biegler ’08
We just had a baby boy in August. We can’t wait for him to attend VMS in just a few short years!!
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Class Notes (continued)
Michael Busenhart ’05
My wife Sam gave birth to our daughter (Mary) this past September.
Sylvan Ellefson ’05
I live in Edwards. I married Sarah Ellefson in 2012. I retired from professional ski racing in 2014 and have two kids, Ryder (4.5 years old) and Aksel (2 years old). I have a property management company called E&H Property Management and also run a non-profit called the Fjellbarn Fund helping our local athletes. I coach cross-country skiing and also have a non-profit helping local athletes trying to make it to the pinnacle of their sport.
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Lani Bruntz ’07
Rob Fitz ’09
Molly Moffet ’09
Lani Bruntz ’07 and her college friend Mali Noyes recently completed The WURL (the Wasatch Ultimate Ridge Linkup), a course covering 36 miles and 16,000 vertical feet with multiple sections of technical ridge scrambling. Typically a running trail, Lani and Mali were inspired to ski the route and became the first team to complete a winter attempt last year with a 36 mile push over a period of four days.
I live in Fort Collins and teach skiing at Beaver Creek during the winter.
I just bought a house in East Vail and am the HR Specialist at the Vail Recreation District. I graduated from Colorado College with a degree in Creative Fiction Writing. I have lived in several other places and tried on many hats before boomeranging back to my hometown to put down my own roots. My dog Daisy and I can be found backcountry skiing or rafting on the Colorado River!
Will Foster ’09 This last year I got married!
Jackson Dowell ’08 & Holly Domke ’10 Dowell We live in Brooklyn, NY where Holly works as a bookseller and Jackson is an engineering manager. Holly earned her masters degree in nonprofit management from The New School in May 2019.
Vail Mountain School | Alumni Magazine
Carder Lamb ’09 My wife (Carsyn Bock a BMHS graduate) and I moved to Park City, Utah in March 2020. I am working with East West Partners as the Director of Finance for our development business in Utah.
Tony Ryerson ’09 Happily married to Madeline Ford Ryerson for nearly three years! We recently purchased a home in Wheat Ridge. I am now a Vice President at Fios Capital. I serve on the board of Applejack Wine and Spirits and Future Family, Inc.
Class Notes (continued)
Kaitlin Zdechlik ’09
Annie Blakslee ’16
I am in my final year of Physical Therapy school at Washington University in St. Louis (graduate May 2021). I have been volunteering at the STL food bank while in PT school and I plan to continue with community engagement once I graduate.
Since COVID-19, I moved back to Vail to live with my wonderful family and finished off my senior year at Bates College. Since then, I have spent time exploring the beautiful Vail Valley with my family and friends. I am working for Ski & Snowboard Club Vail this year in the Advancement office and learning a lot about the world of “adulting.” I also get to coach the future starts Nordic Program which is a highlight of my week. I ski with several VMS Lower School students, including Tyler Cilluzi who was my Kindergarten buddy.
’10s Kendall Dieghan ’12 I have spent the last 5 years working in fashion and events in NYC. I will be attending Georgetown’s McDonough School of Business to get my MBA this fall!
JP Elmblad (Laurent Treguier) ’16 I’m a lucky 2020 graduate who has had the privilege of working full time in downtown Manhattan for the past seven months. I have an analyst job with a disruptive multi-family office called Eagle Bay Advisors working with UHNW families. The funny thing is I told myself I would never live in a city and especially New York City! It’s not so bad in reality, but the city is definitely not what it used to be. We are currently working hybrid in-office at the World Trade Center and from home. Glad to see VMS is still going strong, but not unexpected from solid leadership. Mr. Sappenfield, I think your gut feeling was right.
Allie Gish ’16 I graduated from Colorado College and received a Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship to the Czech Republic in the spring of 2020. Because of COVID-19, the program was pushed back to the fall of ’21, but I’m hopeful that I will get to spend the next year working in a Czech high school. I spent the winter coaching a team of wonderful first-graders for the Telluride Ski & Snowboard Club.
Alec Girten ’13 I am about to graduate medical school on May 14th. After that I will be pursuing a career in pediatrics. Next step will be residency training at a location TBD.
Ryan Noell ’16 I have a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering.
Kendall Peck ’14 I am in my second year of dental school at the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine.
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Class Notes (continued)
Jake Singleton ’16
Colby Wilson ’16
Bora Basyildiz ’18
Lauren Dirvonas ’19
I will be going to graduate school for a master’s in statistics this fall!
In the fall I will be attending Goldsmiths University at the College of London pursuing my Masters in Luxury Brand Management.
I have been doing a lot of school work, and gotten into some super sick research! I have been working with a professor on cutting edge quantum computer science theory, and I am close to being published with him!
I am currently a sophomore at Colgate University in Hamilton, New York. I am majoring in International Relations with a minor in Peace and Conflict Studies. I hope to pursue international law as a career path. I will be studying in Geneva, Switzerland next spring, and hope that my courses and internship with the United Nations or other international institution will send me in that direction. Outside of my course work, I play inside center for Colgate’s Women’s Rugby Club and serve as the team’s Alumni Coordinator. I also dedicate my time to small acts of compassion through my role as co-leader of the Do Random Acts of Kindness (DoRAK) Club. Over this winter break I waitressed at Columbine Bakery in Avon, Colorado, telemark skied with my friends, snowshoed with my mother, and snowmobiled with my father. My sister, Amanda, is a senior at VMS and has just been accepted into multiple dance programs at excellent universities across the country. So proud of her!
Thomas Singleton ’16 After college I started a cold-calling sales job in Austin, TX. I really liked the people in that job and made some good friends, but I didn’t like working remotely! I made a change and started coaching tennis at a club here in Austin and have loved it. This fall I’m going to grad school for a Master’s in Sport and Performance Psychology (study of how psychological factors influence performance, especially in sports). Not sure which school I’ll attend just yet. I’ve really enjoyed life in Austin – my twin brother Jake (also from VMS ’16) is living here, too!
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Lily Rumford ’17 I am currently a senior at Pepperdine University in Malibu, California. I am a D1 cheerleader there and will hopefully be allowed back on campus to practice.
Vail Mountain School | Alumni Magazine
Olivia Manula ’18 I am continuing my education at Georgetown and am a member of the Georgetown Sailing Team!
We are here to support you, our valued VMS alumni. What can we do for you? Can we connect you to other alumni? Provide career connections? We want to be a valued resource to our cherished alumni.
Do you have an update for us? Has your contact information changed? Want to get involved? Email Kate Blakslee at kblakslee@vms.edu.
A Year in Review | June 2021
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3000 Booth Falls Road Vail, Colorado 81657
(INDICIA)