2021-2022 VMS Magazine

Dear VMS Alumni, Families, and Friends, Graduation

The 2021-2022 school year was a slow return to normalcy at VMS. We started the year in masks and we were ever-cautious about group events. am so pleased to say by the spring all of those measures had been lifted! With the return to a more normalized school day our students have thrived and am always thrilled to see their joyful faces and watch them share hugs freely.

Personally, have enjoyed every moment of my last year at VMS, taking nothing for granted. Vail Mountain School is in excellent shape: our enrollment is strong, our financial position solid, and our academics thriving. am eternally grateful for the opportunity was given to lead VMS. It is a special place and will treasure not only my experience but the connections made and the relationships built. owe a debt of gratitude to our students, faculty and staff, parents, grandparents, and alumni. You are a special community!

Thank you.

Mike Imperi

Head of School — 2012-2022

The Class of 2022 was celebrated at a commencement ceremony at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater on Thursday, May 26. Forty graduates took the stage as they celebrated their accomplishments, shared memories, and had distinct personalities. Six seniors were honored with individual awards. Stella Addis received the Faculty Award for Citizenship for her representation of the school’s values as she consistently supported her fellow classmates, passionately led the environmental club, and stepped up as a clear leader on the soccer field. Emmie Urquhart received the Faculty Award for Service to the School Community for going above and beyond as a leader of the Philanthropy Service Group and the prom committee, as a dance instructor, and for many other initiatives to make the school more fun and inclusive. Frankie Marston and Connor Provencher both received the Faculty Award for Scholar Athletes for their contributions and dedication in the classroom and on the field. Catie Reihe received the Faculty Award for Outstanding Evidence of Intellectual Curiosity for her commitment to the pursuit of knowledge and deep inquiry. Eight years ago, the Sally Johnston Award was created in recognition of a graduate who embodied and embraced the VMS mission and philosophy. Cami Johnson was the well-deserved recipient of this award for the class of 2022. Cami Johnson also gave the senior address where she celebrated the unique individuals who made up the class: “As we disperse into the world, and into the many remarkable directions that our lives will take us, our years at VMS and the relationships we built here will remain tightly woven into the fabric of who we are.”

This year’s commencement also provided an opportunity to celebrate and recognize Sally Johnston’s 44 years of board service, leadership, invaluable guidance, and vision for our school. Her compassion and community involvement helped to establish many events that have become beloved traditions. She is “the keeper of the history of Vail Mountain School” and her generosity and love for VMS live in the students and faculty.

The Class of 2022 Matriculation List

• American University

• Arizona State University

• Boston University

• Bucknell University

• Butler University

• California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

• Chapman University

• Colorado State University

• Dartmouth College

• Duke University

• George Washington University

• Lafayette College

• Montana State University

• San Diego State University

• The United States Naval Academy

• University of Arizona

• University of Colorado-Boulder

• University of Denver

• University of Georgia

• University of Miami

• University of Oregon

• University of San Diego

• University of San Francisco

• University of Utah

• University of Vermont

• University of Virginia

Thank You, Mike Imperi

By Mandy Jaffe, Board of Trustees

In March of 2021, Head of School Mike Imperi announced to our community that he would be retiring at the end of the 2021 – 2022 academic year. Since his arrival at VMS in the fall of 2012, Mike has navigated challenging economic times, steered the school through a pandemic, partnered with our community, and built a framework of dedicated and engaged faculty and staff that make VMS the place it is today. With a dedication to scholarly thinking, a fresh approach, and the abundant optimism we have all come to expect, Mike ushered in a time of strong financial stability for VMS, helping to raise more than $10 million for our endowment, VMS fund, and capital projects on campus, all while making sure the core of who we are and how we operate remains unchanged. Mike has taken our mission – Develop Character, Seek Knowledge, Build Community – and made it the heartbeat of our school.

Mike’s Impact

Mike Imperi has made a lasting impact on both the present and future of Vail Mountain School. Several VMS employees describe their views on Mike’s impact below.

Outdoor Education

“Mike has been visionary for VMS,” says Outdoor Education Coordinator Liana Sidelli, “in that he values and understands the importance of what experiencing the outside world can do for adolescent development. Mike has made great strides in unlocking the ‘beyond the walls’ learning opportunities for our students across all grades, through the expansion of orientation trips, Intraterm experiences, and international experiences. For example, in building a Mandarin program, K-12, we now have a corresponding travel experience to China in the Upper School. With the addition of Mandarin, we realized we needed a trip to China, similar to our Spanish program, and its corresponding trip to Costa Rica.”

Full-Time Athlete Program

Another area where Mike’s commitment to learning beyond the walls is highlighted is in VMS’s own original Ski Program – a program that has grown to include 50 students in 2022. This program attracts students who want to pursue their sport full time, but are committed to pursuing the academic workload of a VMS education. These students are motivated both in school and on the field, the ice, the snow, and in the pool, as the program is now referred to as the Full-Time Athlete Program, and is composed of 12 teacher tutors headed up by Adrienne Arnason. “Mike gives a lot of autonomy in being able to provide a plan for each student,” comments Adrienne, “and is now a reason many are looking at the program with various sports. He has been committed to building a strong partnership with Ski and Snowboard Club Vail, and this allows for our athletes to be a part of our community and continue to push themselves athletically and academically.”

Being

Student Support Services

“Mike brought fresh ideas to Student Support Services – he has struck a perfect balance of listening to faculty and providing the means to grow the two departments in which work,” says Kelly Enright, who joined VMS in 2008, and is currently a full-time teacher in Student Support Services and a Faculty Liaison for Technology Integration in the classroom. These two departments go hand-in-hand in support of our students, and Kelly’s position was an addition during Mike’s tenure. Student Support Services now includes six faculty and provides services to so many more students than ever before.

“With enrollment growth, Mike created a place where more teachers and families wanted to be,” says Kelly. “VMS is a school where teachers can put down roots and stay for their careers, and there is a culture of autonomy and trust between leadership and faculty. can do my job and am supported. You may not always get the answer you want, but Mike’s door is always open. It makes you feel like you are part of the process.”

Thank you for your leadership, most especially as came on board during those unprecedented Covid years. will hold dear some fond memories of the friendly banter that went back and forth during meetings and the laughter that ensued. wish you all the best and hope that retirement brings you adventures, peace, and joy.

~ Kristin Douthitt, LS Division Director

Tuition Assistance

Mike felt strongly about making a VMS education accessible to every family in the valley and it was a hallmark of Mike’s leadership. In Mike’s tenure, access to financial aid has grown by almost 50%. Mike was also influential in securing donations for the Taft Conlin Scholarship Fund, the school’s only merit scholarship, which provides full tuition for four years of high school to a student based on academic performance, commitment to the community, and character.

Long-time teacher and current Science Department Chair Ross Sappenfield credits Mike’s marketing philosophy in growing the school to what it is today: “By suffusing the school’s presence and unique offerings into the greater Vail community, we are seeing an increased number of families considering a VMS education for their children. This interest in the school has allowed for expansion in various areas of curricular programming and technology upgrades across many disciplines.” In the science department, Mike oversaw the construction of our greenhouse and full curriculum around sustainability and “farm to school” activities. VMS also offers the most updated biotechnology and lab equipment available to teach science in all divisions. “With the expansion of interest, Mike also moved the needle in broadening the demographic of students who attend VMS,” adds Ross, and credits the Taft Conlin application process, an Upper School merit-based scholarship awarded every two years to an incoming 9 th or 10 th grader, to opening the funnel of students who would otherwise not consider a VMS education. Access to VMS’s programs for all students has become a hallmark of Mike’s leadership. Funding for outdoor access, add-on trips, orientation trips, and extras outside of tuition, ensures that each student who wants to, can participate in all VMS has to offer. In Mike’s tenure, access to financial aid has grown by almost 50%, ensuring access to a VMS education is available to more families in the Vail Valley.

new to a leadership role, have benefited from Mike’s vast experience in education and I have appreciated his willingness to share what he has learned over the years. His steady hand and decisive leadership during a global pandemic was truly impressive as well. Thank you for your counsel and guidance, Mike!

~ Trevor Adams, MS Division Director

Athletics

Athletic programs at VMS have experienced unprecedented growth across all sports during Mike’s time as Head of School. When Athletics Director Bobby Ecker started at VMS in 2015, the athletics program was much smaller and included fewer students. Today, Bobby manages programming for 600 athlete experiences. Many play two or three sports and bring a wide range of athletic talent to their different teams. Players are lured in by the coaching talent and long-term commitment many have made to their teams. This year, every VMS US Varsity athletic team made it to post-season play – what an accomplishment! When asked for an example of how Mike himself has supported athletics, Bobby shared that coincidentally, he had just gotten off the phone with him. “It’s going to snow, and we host boys’ lacrosse against Battle Mountain this afternoon.” Bobby asked him if he could have his shovel and boots ready to help clear the field. Mike responded, “I’ll be out there!”

Mike Imperi saw beyond wins and losses and realized that the most important aspect of athletics at VMS was the importance of building character. Caleb Florence, US basketball coach, embodies this goal. “By building a relationship and rapport with my players and cultivating a specific role within the team, find individuals feel far more recognized, valued, and ideally possess a greater understanding of their unique specialized role within the team. It is my hope that through mentoring, consistency, and care, players will organically uphold the standards that they know our program expects of them, and a cascading and self-perpetuating culture of excellence will persist, one year to the next, pushing these players and students to be the best versions of themselves each and every day.“

Counseling & Speaker Series

During his tenure, Mike explored new ways of supporting students in their social and emotional health and well-being. Funded through a generous donation and parent support from a Gala Paddle Raise, Mike added a full-time counselor position in 2018. He also supported Dr. Kate Drescher’s desire to bring an animal-assisted intervention program to the school. Both additions have been invaluable in expanding the reach of assistance for students and providing more tools to help. Staff Psychologist Kate Drescher also notes the importance of the Speaker Series stating, “With the continued support of the Speaker Series, VMS is becoming a leader in parent education by bringing nationally-recognized speakers from outside of our community – events that are open to all in the valley.” Kate and Mike worked together to bring these valuable speakers to our valley. Mike has been a tireless advocate for mental health care and the wellbeing of our faculty and staff, ensuring there is a quality work-life balance to the schedules of our faculty. When Mike was asked what guided his leadership throughout his career, Mike responded with a quote from Lao Tzu, a 6th-century Chinese philosopher and the founder of Taoism: “When the best leader’s work is done the people say, ‘We did it ourselves.’”

Mike is a leader who carefully balances focus with those things you have to let go of. A lesson learned from Mike is that you have to carefully consider your priorities, focus on what matters most, and move ahead with confidence and clarity on those initiatives. Mike always sees problems and situations with a glass half full point of view.

He presents the optimistic side of a situation, and talks about ‘game theory’ when analyzing how to solve a problem or conflict. Mike and have run through many scenarios together, discussing the ‘what if’s,’ planning for best solutions and learning from mistakes. We often disagree and we find compromise through listening and committing to learning and improving as educators. I always appreciate Mike asking the difficult questions and his ability to listen to and consider solutions and possibilities.

Mike Imperi’s Accomplishments at VMS

“DEEPENING THE BENCH”

Expansion of faculty and staff positions

• Expanded Student Support Services by doubling staff

• Added the Student Psychological Support Counselor position

• Expanded the Orientation/Hut Trips/Outdoor Education program

• Created the Mandarin Program and hired two new teachers, added Language Chair position

• Added the US and MS Dean positions

• Created the School Resource Officer position

• Added the School Nurse position

• Added the Alumni Coordinator position

• Added a second College Counselor

“ENHANCING THE VMS EXPERIENCE”

Curricular and experiential learning expansion

• Built the Intraterm options to include global travel opportunities and an experience for every student, K-12

• Added programmatic choice in the Middle and Upper School

• Ushered in a new block schedule

• Focused on integrating and upgrading technology into the classroom and throughout the curriculum

“ENRICHING OUR SURROUNDINGS”

New additions to campus

• Doubled the size of the playground and added brand new equipment

• Created the MakerSpace

• Redesigned the Library

• Built the Greenhouse

• Improved the Fitness Room

• Resurfaced the Bob Bandoni Alumni Athletics Field

• Added Environmental Sustainability practices and facility additions

~ Maggie Pavlik, US Division Director

• Enhanced K-12 Community Building and Curricular Alignment

• Expanded the Full-Time Athlete program

Nine years is a remarkable tenure as Head of School. Throughout those years, Mike Imperi has seen Vail Mountain School through many changes, challenges, and successes. His commitment, passion, and steadfastness as the school’s leader has led us into the 21st century and has prepared us well for the future. On behalf of the Board of Trustees, would like to thank Mike for his service to Vail Mountain School and its community and wish him well in all his future endeavors.

~ Kristin Tang, Board Chair

Mike, for all you have done for VMS! Thank you,

Our Future: Introducing Steve Bileca

In August, the Vail Mountain School Board of Trustees announced that Steve Bileca was appointed as the next Vail Mountain School Head of School. At that time, Steve served as the Assistant Head of School for Academic Affairs at Hackley School in Tarrytown, NY. In that role, Steve oversaw all academic and curricular affairs, including curriculum review and development, teacher hiring and evaluation, professional development, institutional research initiatives, global education, sustainability, and wellness initiatives. In addition, he also lead the implementation of the academic aspects of the school’s Strategic Plan. Prior to his time at Hackley, Steve served as an Assistant Head of Campus/ Head of Middle School at the Brandeis-Hillel Day School, Assistant Head of School at The Marin School, and Dean of Students/History Department Chair at The Branson School.

Steve holds a BA in Modern Thought and Literature as well as History, an MA in History, and a PhD/ABD in Modern European Intellectual History from Cornell University. In addition, he has enjoyed academic affiliations with the University of Chicago, The University of California (Berkeley), and The Freie Universität in Berlin, Germany.

Before Steve began at VMS, he had this to say about taking on this new opportunity, “I am deeply honored to be joining the VMS community as the next Head of School. marvel at everything have come to know about Vail Mountain School – the inspirational way that the academic program is interwoven with wilderness and outdoor experience; the vibrant and distinctive school culture; and the remarkable quality of the students, families, faculty, and staff with whom met. The school’s mission to develop character, seek knowledge, and build community resonates profoundly with my core educational and personal beliefs, and am overjoyed at the prospect of helping the community further the promise of its aims. The most exceptional learning happens when we are in ethical relation with others in an environment that evokes awe. simply can’t imagine a better place to be!”

Steve and his wife, Angela, have two sons: Daniel, Bates College ’22, and Alexander, Hackley School ’22. They are a family of avid outdoor enthusiasts and enjoy mountain biking, skiing, and backpacking. Steve’s other interests include reading, foreign language study, ethnomusicology, and traveling.

Steve began as Head of School at VMS in July 2022. In his first few months, Steve’s eagerness to learn about our community and meet each student is felt daily. He’s hosted many parent events, joined in on Town Hall meetings, and is often seen in classrooms throughout the day. When Mrs. Evans, a first grade teacher, was asked about how it’s been with Steve as the new Head of School, she said, “As a teacher, see Steve engaged and genuinely interested in what goes on in each classroom. In his first few months, he has already made me fully supported and heard.”

What’s New at VMS?

Inaugural VMS Hullabaloo Event a Huge Success!

The first-ever VMS Hullabaloo was held on Friday, September 17, 2021 and was a huge success! Our incredible committee of parent volunteers stepped up to create this amazing event. The event included House relay races, carnival games, food trucks, and more! The entire community attended including students, parents, faculty, staff, and grandparents. There was a mechanical bull, inflatable Hungry, Hungry Hippos, a dunk tank (and several brave teachers stepped up to be dunked), spike ball, bracelet making, face painting, churros, tacos, and ice cream.

This event was free for the entire community – thanks in part to support from Alpine Bank – and is sure to be repeated in future years. After a very difficult 20202021 school year with limited chances to gather as a community, the VMS Hullabaloo was the perfect event at the perfect time.

What’s New at VMS? (continued)

New Additions at VMS

Congratulations to LS teacher Corky Evans and her husband Mike. They welcomed a baby girl, Emerson, on November 4, 2021. Emerson joins big brother Ollie.

Congratulations are also in order to Kindergarten teacher Jessica and her husband Matt who welcomed Henry Theodore Szmyd to the world on December 9. Henry weighed in at 8 lbs, 4oz. Big sister Ruby was thrilled!

Eve Trumpower ’04, is currently on leave but is often seen helping out at VMS. Eve and her husband Chris welcomed a baby boy, Sandy, on January 21.

Inclusion & Belonging

The Inclusion & Belonging Initiative continued through the entire 2021-2022 school year, supported by input from alumni, parents, faculty, students, and administration. This strategic initiative is important in order to meet the new requirements for independent school accreditation as well as remain current in a changing world environment. VMS partnered with a consulting firm to assess where we are currently and help guide our future efforts. The process included four stages: Understanding, Augmenting, Sharing and Refining, and Roadmap Creation and Future Implementation. As of spring 2022, we completed the Augmenting stage and moved into Sharing and Refining and Roadmap Creation and Future Implementation.

Parent Partners

Our dedicated and supportive Parent Partners group swung back into action after two Covid-limited years. Highlights of their events include parent hikes and ski days, Bingo Night, VMS Hullabaloo, the 46th Annual Gala, Book Fair & Holiday Market, and the Garage Sale. Homebase Parents kept families in each grade level informed with Sunday emails and provided support to Homebase teachers. The newly formed teacher appreciation committee provided treats and thoughtful gifts all year long as a show of support to teachers and staff. The reimagined family ambassador program graciously welcomed new families to our VMS community.

Parent Partners is an integral part of the VMS community, making us better in every way. The group was founded by Christina Lautenberg, who had the vision to make Parent Partners an essential source of support to our school. Christina’s last year as a VMS parent was the 2021-2022 school year. We are forever grateful for Christina, for the years and years of parent support and volunteer efforts that are at the core of who we are.

What’s New at VMS? (continued)

2021-2022 School Year Athletics at VMS

Boys Golf

The Boys Golf team won the regional tournament this year for the first time in school history, and competed in the state tournament with success.

US Girls Volleyball

The Girls Volleyball team finished their season at 7-12 and just barely missed qualifying for the regional tournament this season. They finished their season on a high note, beating West Grand in the last game of the season on senior night. We are proud of the team for handling adversity throughout the season with coaching changes and growing together as a team!

Boys Soccer

The VMS Boys Soccer team made it to the semifinal round of the 3A playoffs where they lost a hard-fought game to Jefferson Academy.

Climbing Team

The VMS Climbing Club fielded the largest group of climbers from both the Upper and Middle School ever. Competing in the American Scholastic Climbing League, the team included both seasoned veterans like Peter Falk who ranks in the top 30 high school boys in the state as well as novice competitors. Captain Maeve Vollmer led the team with support for the younger climbers.

Girls Basketball

The US Girls Basketball team completed their sixth season with the most wins ever, including a first-time win over Soroco and the always emotional victory over Vail Christian!

Boys Basketball

The US Boys Basketball team competed in the Regional Championship game vs. Lotus. While they lost this game, their playoff run was impressive. We are proud!

US Skiing

Overall the VMS Ski team had an impressive showing at the 2022 State Championship with overall team results of 10 th for the girls and 7th for the boys. Cami Johnson competed in the skimeister competition at states and finished 4th overall!

Tele Team

The Tele team competed at Wolf Creek, Copper, and Vail this year with podium results at each event!

Girls Golf

VMS took 8th place as a team in the State Tournament! Ava Crowley took 13th place overall individual! Big shout out to Madison Milligan and Annika Shikverg for competing in their first-ever state championship, and being responsible for getting us there with their outstanding results in the regional tournament. Also, big congrats to our other golfers who were not in the state tournament, but worked hard all year!

Boys Lacrosse

The VMS Boys Lacrosse finished their season as league champions and ranked 6th in the state with a record of 12-3 in 4A boys lacrosse.

Girls Soccer

The VMS Girls Soccer team ended their season after falling short to Lutheran in the quarterfinals game after an amazing 12-3 regular-season record and being ranked 4th in the state for the 3A division and league champions.

Girls Tennis

The VMS Girls Tennis was undefeated during the regular season for 3A, region 8. The team finished the season as the Regional Champions, sweeping all seven lines from #1 singles to #4 doubles. The team had a 4th place team finish at the State Championships out of 28 teams. This was the first time in history that two of our players reached the final, taking second place at #3 doubles (Jenna Elalayli). Individual State champions included third place finishes at #1 and #4 doubles. Sofia Brunner placed fourth in #2 doubles.

Christina Lautenberg and her friends

US Skiing Climbing Team

Soccer Lacrosse

Soccer Golf

30 th Anniversary Celebrations

Teachers Brett Falk and Ross Sappenfield both celebrate their 30 th anniversaries at VMS this year.

Brett Falk – Middle School Science

How did you come to work at VMS?

Shortly after moving to Colorado, was working for a National Wildlife Federation summer camp in Keystone, and one of my co-counselors landed a middle school science position at VMS. He ended up working for three years at VMS. Just prior to his departure, he encouraged me to apply, and began teaching at VMS in the fall.

How has your teaching evolved over the years?

Teaching is a constantly evolving entity. As we continue to learn more about the developing brain the better we can teach our students. My teaching has become more about the process and less about content over time – strive to engage students in active and discovery learning more than presenting concepts.

What are some of your fondest memories?

My fondest memories are usually about having fun with students and getting to know them on a deeper level. This often happens outside of the classroom on hut trips, field trips, and science fair competitions. One fond memory was decorating the science room with a couple of students for Halloween. recall wiring the skeleton’s eyes with lightbulbs that we could turn on and off.

What is it about VMS that made you stay for so long?

VMS is a dynamic place with many things going on. have always appreciated the value that VMS places on outdoors and the environment. moved to Colorado for the mountains and sharing that with students through orientation trips, ski days, hut trips and field trips is pretty special.

30 th Anniversary Celebrations (continued)

Ross Sappenfield – Upper School Science

How has your teaching evolved over the years?

Technology has played a major role in the evolution of my teaching. recall the early days of handwriting evaluations (report cards) and generating memos (memorandums) for science department meetings. Even our transition to using email as a tool was a big one back in the day!

While am still a big proponent of handwritten labs, homework and lecture notes, have embraced accessible technology, especially in labs. never would have imagined the ability to run PCR with students, the power of the modern Labquests, or the unlimited access to facts on cell phones. thought car phones were cool in high school!

What are some of your fondest memories?

So many of the community events stand out in my mind. Taking the whole school to the Denver Zoo without any buses, for example. Also, going to some pretty crazy locations for the all-school photo, like Piney Lake. Student-led lunches were always an adventure as well (Potato Lunch, Pizza Lunch, and even Subway lunch!)

What is it about VMS that made you stay for so long?

The students and staff. have been so fortunate to work with students who try hard, care about learning, and value the tremendous opportunities they have at VMS. They also fully embrace outdoor adventures such as countless ski days, Intraterm courses, orientation trips (so many great mountain biking adventures!) and even pick up ultimate frisbee. They keep me feeling young despite my years!

It has been an amazing career, and really can’t imagine my life journey without all of the inspirational students and colleagues have met along the way.

Thank You For Your Generosity

Gala

The 46th Annual VMS Gala was a smashing success. Nearly 400 parents, faculty, grandparents, friends, past parents, and alums came together for an evening of celebration to support our students and all that makes VMS so unique. The Paddle Raise was in support of a Safer, Smarter VMS Campus, and our community supported this vital effort by donating over $235,000. The overall event raised more than $600,000! Thank you to everyone who volunteered, donated, danced, and raised their paddle to support VMS. In addition, our community contributed in countless ways before, during, and after the event, exemplifying the volunteerism and generosity that makes this VMS tradition so successful.

New Stage

VMS Fund

During the 2021 Fall VMS Fund 87% of all VMS families participated in the annual VMS Fund campaign raising over $420,000! This fund is critical to our school’s financial stability, as tuition revenue alone does not cover the total cost of Vail Mountain School’s annual operating budget. The funds generously contributed to this campaign help our school bridge the operational budget gap, offer need-based financial aid, and support competitive teacher compensation. We want to thank all members of our community, including families, alums, parents of alums, grandparents, faculty, staff, and friends, that contributed during the 2021-2022 school year.

Mike Imperi Educational Opportunity Scholarship

In honor of Mike’s final year, we raised over $700,000 in support to continue his legacy of supporting students who otherwise would not be able to access a VMS education due to financial limitations. We are proud to begin sharing the generosity of our community with many deserving students in the future.

There is no better venue for teaching communication, collaboration, and self-expression than the world-class theatre at VMS. During the school year, our theatre serves as the classroom where our students learn the art and craft of acting. During the 2021-2022 school year, an anonymous donor donated the total cost of adding a new stage floor. Tony Bender, our Theatre Director, said this about the generous support his department received he said, “We are beyond grateful for the support of our community and look forward to working with students for many years to come creating high-quality productions on this state-of-the-art stage floor. In addition to being a wonderful artistic outlet, the theatre curriculum offers a chance for students to think creatively, ogically, and empathetically simultaneously, whether designing ights, thinking about how cabling at the soundboard needs to work, or getting into character in front of an audience, the Theatre program.”

Endowment

Gifts to the VMS Endowment provide dedicated and permanent funding for our school and allow VMS to plan for the future and support our students. Endowment funds, held in trust and invested in perpetuity, will be available to students for years to come. We welcome your questions and look forward to conversations about how we can partner to fund the school’s needs. Vail Mountain School’s endowment was just over $21 million as of June 30, 2022.

Ways of Giving

All gifts made to Vail Mountain School are essential to the continued advancement of the school. VMS Fund dollars, raised and spent each school year, enhance the educational environment at VMS. Charitable gifts provide personal satisfaction and may provide significant tax benefits. How can people participate?

Cash gifts

Tax deductible to the full extent of the law and payable with cash, check or credit card. Pledge payment schedules are available.

Matching gifts

Your employer may double or even triple your gift to VMS. Obtain information from your company’s human resources office to initiate a match.

Gala ticket/table purchases and Auction donations

VMS’s annual Gala and Auction provides funding for a myriad of school enhancements including outdoor education, the VMS Speaker Series, Intraterm scholarships, and community service funding.

Appreciated assets

Most often in the form of a stock gift, contributions of appreciated assets can save you tax dollars while benefiting Vail Mountain School.

Memorial gifts

A memorial gift to Vail Mountain School is a special way to honor family members and friends who have been important in your life.

A memorial gift made to VMS’s Endowment Fund could provide for an enduring tribute to someone special to you.

Bequests

Including Vail Mountain School in your will can help you plan for the future and provide a long term benefit to VMS.

In Memoriam – Pioneers of the School

Barb Schofield

Barb Schofield was the mother of current parent Jen Law, grandmother to a current student Emily Law, and longtime supporter of VMS. Barb chaired the VMS Home Tour from 1992 - 1995 and was also involved in the VMS Garage Sale during those years. She also served on the VMS Board of Trustees. She was an instrumental volunteer and supporter of the capital campaign to construct our current building. Barb knew that a normal teacher’s salary was not sufficient to live in the Vail Valley and she worked to provide a living wage and housing to attract great teachers. She was on the board at SSCV as well.

Jen remembers that her Mom was always driven to advocate for children. “I believe she could see the future in a child’s eyes. It almost seemed like she felt it was her duty to help kids, and she loved that duty. always feel that one of her greatest traits was the ability to focus on what was truly best for the kids and put all other influences aside. Several people join boards of this type for personal gain of some sort or another, Mom was only there to advocate for kids and, not just her own kids but for everyone’s kids.”

Barb was a mother to many students and a support to all. VMS was blessed to have her as part of our community. She cared deeply about our school and the community of Vail.

David Gorsuch

David Gorsuch’s passing in June 2021 was an enormous loss for the Vail Valley community and for VMS. David was a pioneer in Vail during the early years when people from all over came together to pursue a vision – and build families and a community. David was someone who recognized the need for choices in the educational landscapes of the Vail Community. He wanted his children to have a great education and he believed a strong Vail Mountain School would raise the quality of education for the entire valley. David served as chairman and for many years on the VMS Board of Trustees. He was among those early parents who provided leadership and vision for the school. As VMS prepared to build and move to the new Booth Falls campus, four family board members guaranteed the loan at the Vail Bank: Bob Lazier, Gordon Pierce, Carl Oppenheim, and David Gorsuch. The building began!!! David played an integral part in encouraging Peter Abuisi to come to VMS. Peter’s guidance of the core values of VMS continues today. David’s sons John, Jeff, and Davy all graduated from VMS as did his grandchildren, Luke and Zella Gorsuch. Granddaughters Violet and River are current students. David was so proud of the growth of the Vail Mountain School and its contribution to his community.

John Kaemmer

John Kaemmer passed away in July, 2020.

John is the father of Dr.

Psychologist and 1988 VMS Graduate, and Brad Kaemmer VMS class of 1990. Kate reflects on the impact her father had on VMS:

“My dad was connected to VMS for many decades, starting in the mid-1970s when the school was located in trailers near Dowd Junction. He helped paint the school when the new building was constructed in 1980, provided many lunches and baked goods for the home tour, and donated items from his toy store for the VMS Auction (now the VMS Gala) during the years was at school (and for decades thereafter).

My father believed in VMS’s mission, its studentcentered education, and its focus on community. think he was proud to support the school in whatever way he could, recognizing it was a special place. If he were alive today, he would say his contributions were not unique or especially noteworthy, as many parents chipped in, in whatever ways they could to support the school. It was an ‘all for one and one for all’ mentality. Both of my parents also had great respect and admiration for Peter Abuisi, believing in his vision of education and the importance of social- emotional learning. Peter remained a life-long friend of my parents.

My dad was truly proud he could send my brother and me to VMS and he was honored to support the school in whatever quiet, behind-the-scenes ways he could. am proud to keep the tradition going with my children, Ellie Drescher ‘24 and Luke Drescher, ‘26 who have been at VMS since kindergarten.”

Bob Lazier

Bob Lazier’s relationship with VMS started in the 70’s – he was one of the original founders and then became a longtime member of the Board of Trustees. Bob oversaw the construction of VMS with his firm, Lazier Construction, and donated his services. The original VMS property was designated for church purposes. The community decided that it would serve the community best as a school to provide education for the Vail Valley residences.

Bob had a great relationship with the Board of Trustees as well as Peter Abuisi. He was motivated to become involved because he wanted to provide the best possible education for his children. Like him, his children struggled with dyslexia and he knew that a good education would be important for their success. Bob saw that VMS could provide the entire community with the resources to help students with learning disabilities. He also took great pride in the fact that his children and grandchildren were able to attend the school, and even after many, many years, the school still offered the highest level of education and resources.

Kate Drescher, Staff

Alumni Connection

Dear Alumni,

The K-12 community that is created within these four walls and the connections that are made are truly special and unique and are what continue to appreciate. From the beginning, our building was intentionally designed to support the interactions of all ages by having a Lower School class next to a Middle School class next to an Upper School class. The organic cross-age magic that happens is apparent in the hallways during passing classes, at the 10 am break, and throughout the day much as you might remember.

We were lucky to turn the corner on COVID guidelines this year, and we had the opportunity to meet in our K-12 Houses. Houses might be new to you, but imagine your field day team that begins with bi-weekly fifteen-minute meetings in September to play games, exchanges gifts around the holidays, skis together on All School Ski Day, and ends with field day events. This is yet another way that we strive to create community and get to know each other in meaningful ways.

The 2021-2022 All-School Ski Day was the first after a two-year hiatus. To see and experience the joy of Lower, Middle, and Upper School students enjoying each other’s company both on and off the mountain was truly a highlight. treasure seeing the good care that our Middle and Upper School students provide for the younger members of our community. Hearing the transformation from “I am nervous about skiing with the older kids,” to “That was the best ski day ever!” reinforces that these traditions continue to bring out the best in everyone.

You may remember being a cross-age tutor, coaching a Lower or Middle School sport, or serving our community with students of all ages. hope these memories give you a moment to pause and remember your time at VMS and the connections that you made here.

Hearing from you remains a highlight for all of us. Please enjoy the pictures and updates and know that we look forward to hearing from you.

With gratitude,

Kate Blakslee VMS Alumni Coordinator

Alumni Connection (continued)

Alec Girten ’13

Dr. Alec Girten ’13 spoke with Upper School students in December 2021. Dr. Girten is currently in his pediatric residency at the University of Vermont. He spoke with students about the importance of finding wonder in all that you do as well as how his interest in medicine was inspired by his teachers at VMS.

Dylan Cunningham ’16 and Jake Singleton ’16

This fall, Dylan Cunningham and Jake Singleton stepped in to teach Algebra 2/Trigonometry and AP Calculus AB and BC due to a lastminute teacher vacancy. Dylan and Jake jumped in with very little notice and worked together to start these classes before the permanent teacher was assigned. This effort is a great illustration of the strength and depth of our community and it is impressive that our alumni so eagerly return to help our current students. After helping out at VMS, Jake left for graduate school at the University of Chicago and Dylan to Stanford University.

Devin Yarde ’21

Devin shared his excellent videography skills with VMS in January, producing the “Welcome to VMS” video sent to all newly accepted students. His eye for design, innovative editing, and project management resulted in a new take on the welcome video. In May, he also helped create a heartfelt video from the kindergarten class to their senior buddies giving sage advice on how to prepare for college. Devin was seen all over campus getting footage for his projects and we hope to see more of him in the future!

Peter Littman ’19

In February Peter Littman shared his senior project experience with current VMS seniors. He spoke about how the skills he learned from his senior project transferred to college. Specifically, he learned time management, how to write a long research paper, and the importance of communication with the outside world. He also talked about what he would have done differently and how he learned from the failures of his project as well.

Senior Projects Benefit from Alumni Expertise

VMS Alumni form an important relationship with a current senior when they accept the role of senior project advisor. This is a mutually beneficial connection that allows the senior to benefit from the expertise of his or her alumni advisor.

Ellen’s Reflections:

How did your expertise as an outside advisor enhanced Jessica’s senior project?

My expertise as an outside advisor comes from my lifelong passion for nutrition and health. am in my last year of Naturopathic Medical School, with a focus on oncology and toxicology. Nutrition always appears in all my treatment plans and is the foundation for healing for most of my patients. Brian Sweeney, Jessica’s Homebase advisor, reached out to me regarding Jessica’s senior project. I was honored to see another student interested in how nutrition, particularly whole food plant-based nutrition, plays an essential role in health and wellness. There is currently exponentially growing research in diet and health, and was excited to share what had learned in school and at conferences with Jessica. Particularly, Jessica was interested in neurochemistry and what nutrients are needed for optimal brain function.

What observations did you have about the process?

Being a senior advisor was a humbling experience. There was so much I realized didn’t know and had never even questioned about plant-based nutrition. However, it was rewarding to learn and work with Jessica as we both discovered new research and the latest updates about neuroscience and nutrition.

Did your connections go beyond the senior project?

Jessica’s senior project was only a catalyst for our connection and friendship. In fact, our mutual interest over biochemistry, health, and volleyball led us to additional coffee shop meet ups, volleyball games, and cooking meals. We check in with each other every once in a while, when we are reminded of each other.

Did you do a senior project, and if so, did it play a role in where you are today?

Yes, my senior project was the foundation for me choosing to attend naturopathic medical school over allopathic medical school. During my senior project, learned about the connection between nutrition and longevity. learned that what we put into our bodies is vital for optimizing health. Thus, learned that wanted to be a physician who focused on healing the whole person and use lifestyle medicine to optimize health of individuals.

Senior Projects Benefit from Alumni Expertise (continued)

Jessica’s Reflections:

What was your senior project about?

studied plant-based diets in relation to brain function. researched how common deficiencies such as B12, Omega 3, and Choline (nutrients typically found in animal products) impacted neurological development and neurodegenerative disease. Additionally, created a cooking show, Plant Power, where demonstrated how to make delicious plant-based recipes while educating the viewers on the importance of fueling brain health.

How did your advisor support you throughout the process?

Ellen immensely elevated my senior project. She used her connections to get me an expert interview with one of her professors, shared insightful information about plant-based foods, and taught me to take care of myself. Her passion for health and nutrition were so inspiring, which gave me the confidence to continue with my project during difficult times. In addition, we had bi-weekly meetings where updates were given. During those meetings she asked me questions that furthered the depth of my project and helped me realize a deeper meaning to my senior project.

What was the best advice your advisor gave you?

In our discussions of plant-based diets and nutrition as a whole, we touched on the current healthcare system and how it is heavily focused on treatment rather than prevention. Ellen shared that health is one of the few things we have full control over, so it should always be everyone’s number one priority. This advice was impactful because realized how easy it can be to neglect health in this society. It inspired me to want to make a change in the healthcare community.

Did your connections go beyond your senior project?

During the time of senior project it was also the time of college admission decisions. was stressed and anxious for the future. Ellen helped me talk through my thoughts about college and how my aspirations aligned with my decision. Having both experienced a VMS education, Ellen’s insights on her experience after graduating from VMS were extremely helpful. Hearing her thoughts gave me confidence in transitioning from VMS to higher academia. With the use of social media we stay connected to one another especially when there are great life milestones! am so thankful for Ellen for being an incredible mentor who not only improved my senior project but also taught me valuable life lessons!

Ellen Edgerton ’13 advised Jessica Sherpa ’21 on her senior project, Plant Power: Optimizing Brain/Gut Health & Preventing Neurodegenerative Diseases.

Alumni Event Recap

In a K-12 environment, the school year always brings a wonderful combination of rigorous academic demands, athletic commitments, and long-standing traditions. With a moment to pause and reflect on the vibrant community that exists at VMS, it is clear that there is limitless potential for connections, a shared laugh, and the power to be the best that you can be; in the classroom, on the stage, in the art studio, on the field, or in our beautiful backyard. Visits by alumni are a highlight of the year, whether we see you around town or hear from you via email, social media, or another method. Alumni are valued members of our community and we had the good fortune of welcoming many to campus on three different occasions.

Traditions are alive and well at VMS. The senior class cherishes time with their kindergarten buddies. This is built into our weekly schedule and occurs each Wednesday morning. Do you remember who your kindergarten buddy was? Your senior buddy?

Alumni Event Recap (continued)

Our Winter Solstice Breakfast event saw many alumni return to join in the joy of VMS traditions. What’s a visit to VMS without looking at class photos on the wall?

The

Homecoming weekend faces in the crowd included Lindsay Lessman ’00, Lauren Walker ’99, and Katie Mallouk ’01 cheering on the Gore Rangers in a volleyball game. These former teammates represent the early years of volleyball at VMS. Go Gore Rangers!

Georgia Wettlaufer, Sasha Windisch, Coulter Somes, Ellie Friedman

Vivi O’Brien ’31. Ripley Stone ’19, Georgia Wettlaufer ’07, Jaime Walker ’95

Jaime was Georgia’s senior buddy, Georgia was Ripley’s senior buddy, and Ripley was Vivi’s senior buddy.

good cheer continued through the day to an early evening gathering at a local establishment where alumni were greeted by VMS faculty.

Four Generations of Senior/Kindergarten Buddies

“Cross-Age” Traditions Over the Years

Former Teachers

Lauren Merrill

(Art Teacher; 2003-2008)

Since my time at VMS, am still in the valley, living in Edwards. opened Alpine Arts Center in 2010 and we have just celebrated our 12-year anniversary! We offer art classes, camps, drop-in studio use, exhibits, public events, team building, and outreach programs throughout the Vail Valley and beyond.

Favorite memory? The great community of teachers, families, and students is a highlight of my time at VMS. loved spending time with students getting creative in the art room, and outside of the classroom on hut trips, ski Fridays, and art excursions!

Brooke Noble

(Formerly Brooke Beebe) (Kindergarten Teacher; 2008-2011)

left VMS and went to teach at Fay School in MA as a first grade teacher and then back to teaching kindergarten for five years. also coached their field hockey and lacrosse teams. Then got pregnant with twins and married Troy Noble, whom I met at the Red Lion through colleagues at VMS. We live in Bolton, MA with almost six-year-old girls, Taylor and Callie, and our son who just turned four, Brock. Troy works as a Head of Grounds at a golf course and have since retired as a teacher and became an executive with Mary Kay. still love working with kids and worked in Kids Ministry in our church and will be coaching my girls’ soccer team this spring. We miss the mountains and the people of VMS but love to come back to visit!

Favorite memory? All the students, parents, and teachers. LOVED my three years there! Loved the whole community!

Renee Hill Wheeler (Sixth Grade Humanities Teacher; 2010-2015)

live in Carbondale, Colorado with my husband Miah and my five-year-old little girl, Hunter. am still teaching and working at Aspen Country Day School. My family loves to mountain bike and camp with my friends from VMS any chance we can get in the spring and summer. We spent a lot of time on Buttermilk this winter teaching Hunter how to ski and snowboard.

Favorite memory? Working with an amazing group of educators and wonderful kids who loved to learn.

Carrie Curtis Clancy (MS Science, Math, and Choir Teacher; 2005-2010)

After leaving VMS, moved to Greeley and got a masters in Music Education from UNC. From there moved to Australia to reunite with my Two Elk chef, Clancy. We got married in 2014 and have two rambunctious little boys, Tucker and McKinley, ages six and four. I’m teaching K-6 music at our local primary school. It’s a great community, but it’s just not the same as the connections that I made at VMS. There’s something really special about that school!

Favorite memory? loved connecting with students and staff during Ski Fridays and Hut Trips (Falkaritas!) – even just playing cards during recess out front of a roaring fire in the lobby was lovely. There was one year when regularly skied with a group of 6th grade girls. One day, they all brought in those short skiscan’t even remember what they were called now- figgles?- and Ellen Edgerton brought in an extra pair for the teacher. It was so much fun! Another funny memory was post-teaching. My husband and went back to Vail in 2014 for our honeymoon and we ran into former students at breakfast at West Side Café – think they may have had something to eat along with their Bloody Marys, though can’t be certain. got a very warm welcome from them! Lol! Hard

to believe they were in 8th grade when started teaching at VMS.

Renee Marcaccio

(Kindergarten Teacher; 2006-2007) am teaching first grade in Rhode Island and spending summers on the beach!

Favorite memory? Ski Fridays with Mrs. Robinson and the little ones!

Danielle Ballinger Loveless (General and Choral Music Teacher; 2009-2011) took a bit of a detour on my way to a PH.D in music, and instead found myself getting into nature-based education. got certified as a Cedarsong Forest School Educator and started a caregiver/ child nature-based learning program as well as the first forest school in South Carolina (Loblolly Adventures and Loblolly Forest School). Unfortunately the pandemic forced us to close, but still live the “forest school life” as homeschool my three kids in Charleston, SC, where also co-direct a local community choir and perform as a member of Taiko Charleston. My family spent a year traveling in our RV and we made it back to Vail for a few days, and we hope to get back on the road again in the future.

Favorite memory? For only working there for two years the highlights were countless. am still in awe of the caliber of students I worked with, and continue to maintain relationships with today. loved the cross-age opportunities, from Ski Fridays to all-school concerts to the general layout of the school that afforded natural interactions among all age groups on a daily basis. And the faculty was top-notch, and by far the best group of people I’ve ever worked

with. One of my favorite memories was putting together an impromptu faculty rock band one day when there was an actual snow day for students (but not faculty). We found ourselves jamming in the auditorium and created a band that we called “Snow Day,” and then a few weeks later we donned costumes and completely shocked the entire student body with a surprise performance of “Don’t Stop Believing’” as an end to our Week of the Arts. I’m pretty sure the video is still on YouTube somewhere! It was a perfect representation of what it felt like to work at VMS, and I’ll always be grateful for the time spent there.

Ryan Gray

(History and Geography teacher, Girls and Boys Soccer Coach, SStS Nepal Team Leader; 2000-2011) have lived in Iceland, New Zealand and now Norway.

Favorite memory? Working with amazing colleagues, all-school ski days, faculty hut trips, Nepal Service Trips, and book clubs.

Former Teachers (continued)

Kristen Brock

(US Math and Physics Teacher; 2004-2007)

Since VMS, I have taught in Taiwan, Poland, China, Bolivia, Guatemala, and now the Republic of Congo. am passionate about problem-based learning and service learning and even presented one of my projects at an AMLE conference in 2019. My husband is a US Diplomat, and we have two boys, Julius and Oliver (name inspired by the amazing Oliver Compton!) and am proud to say that they are growing up as multi-lingual world-citizens. We continue to value outdoor adventure and despite living in some tropical climates, we always make sure to get our family on skis each year, most recently in the French Alps. Even with all my travels, still think about my time at VMS and the Vail Valley so fondly and secretly wish I’ll make it back there one day!

Favorite memory? So many awesome memories! think my favorites were skiing with my students on Fridays and the rafting and fly fishing trips we took at the beginning of the school year. Such a great way to get to know students!

Matt Jones

(MS & US Visual Arts Teacher, Yearbook, Theater Design; 1996-2000)

After leaving VMS and Vail in 2000, ended up teaching in two more schools over the next eight years, first in Los Angeles, then finishing in Austin, TX in 2008. I was so fortunate to work with some wonderful mentors, teachers, and talented artistic minds during my time as a teacher. miss it very much!

During those years also followed my artistic passions in various forms, from founding a sketch comedy troupe in LA, to performing on many stages as an actor, dancer, or drummer.

After teaching, spent a decade as a construction manager in San Francisco, working on dozens of elaborate custom home remodels. My wife Ginger and just celebrated our 13th wedding anniversary, and love living by the ocean just south of San Francisco in Half Moon Bay with our son Ryder (12) and daughter Aspen (9). In an unexpected twist of events a few years ago, joined a product startup (as most members of the Bay Area are required to do). The company is called Pufferfish, the product is a sandcastle tool kit, and now get to build around 50 sandcastles/sculptures a year, run a sales tent with product

demos at beach events, and run our social media platforms (Instagram: @ pufferfish.fun). still play a lot of music, make a lot of art, ski as much as can, and love camping and being outside in nature with my family.

Favorite memory? Not enough room here! My highlight was honestly every moment spent as a member of that incredible staff and being a part of the VMS community. If ever have experienced a ’lightning in a bottle’ type of cohesion among a workplace staff, it was those years teaching (my first job out of college). It was a high bar in that regard that didn’t experience again working at other schools after VMS. There are so many memories think of, so I’ll just make a quick list: faculty hut trips, the “Into the Woods” production, learning Vail Mountain quickly to keep up with my ski groups on Fridays, pretending to be a French artist (costume + silly accent) for the first day of school, late nights rehearsing with Steve Stavisky and building for theater productions, seeing the ’99 World Cup races, making cartoons of the staff and passing them out to everyone’s mailboxes, putting up and rotating my students’ art around the school, teaching myself to play drums on the full drum kit in the cabin on many nights and

weekends, singing in a barbershop quartet with Bob Carey, Peter Oh, and Steve S., my infamous rolled-up newspaper architecture building project with 6th grade - always a favorite, and finally, performing for 50’s Day.

Traci Macnamara McCoy

(Upper School English Teacher; 2011-2013)

live in Edwards and still have pretty much the same off-work passions –skiing and cycling. ;) Plus...going on river trips with my husband, Antony. From 2013-2019, started up and worked for my own writing and editing business, and also co-founded SquidBooks. Since 2019, have been working full-time as Director of Content for SquidBooks, an educational technology company that makes science accessible for all students – with engaging content written at multiple reading levels, graphic organizers, vocabulary exercises, games, and game-like assessments (www.squidbooks.com).

Favorite memory? Llama trekking!!

Kate Alvord

(Physical Education Teacher, Volleyball Coach; 1994-1997)

live and work in Portland Oregon. While raising our children, Max, and Delaney, worked in two fields: education and graphic design as a project manager.

Both were rewarding in unique ways, however, changed things up and dove into real estate during the pandemic.

currently work with a fantastic group of people at Portland Works Real Estate. I’ve continued to hike, run and ski here –things I really miss from life in Vail.

Favorite memory? A favorite memory is 5th grade overnight camping trip with Katie Stoedefalke.

Andrea Buttine

(Music Teacher; 2015-2022)

I’m a student again! am taking prerequisite courses to become either a speech language pathologist or an audiologist (still deciding). When I’m not studying, I’m going after cycling dreams and racing my bike around the country.

Favorite memory? Both LS performances of “Revere” and when the Middle School choir got a “superior” rating at the state vocal competition. And lunch.

Former Teachers (continued)

Class Notes

’70s

Karen Braden ’79

am still living and working in Vail; moved back in 1995. I have had a lot of health issues since 2017. I am just grateful that can still breathe, walk, ski and dance! When you come to Vail, please look me up. My three children are all still in CO. Ian (VMS Class of 2011), bought a house in Denver with the assistance of his VMS classmate, Raymie Higgins, realtor extraordinaire.

After graduating from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Ian now works for an agriculture bank. My son, Alex got married last summer, his wife’s name is Alex. He also bought a place in Denver and works for Whole Foods. Lauren is in her last year at CSU and is studying Wildlife Biology. Time really passes quickly when you start growing older. My class turned, or are turning, 60 this year!

am very much feeling and mourning the loss of our ’79 classmate, Mark Briner. You touched so many lives Mark. You will be very missed and loved always. Say hi to Tommy for us. Class of ’79, let it shine! Tommy, Mark, Eric, Erik, Tim, Jim, Tina, Stacey and Karen.

’80s

John Rounds ’86

am the owner of Ellicottville Coffee and Ulrikes Cafe. My businesses support the Rock Autism Music Festival and the Western New York Mountain Biking Association.

Rhett Schober ’84

am living in Akumal, Mexico, and run my property management company Akumal Villas. spend a lot of my free time saltwater fly fishing and kayak camping. am very much involved in the Akumal community by financially supporting the community kids library, Hekab Be, the Akumal Arts Festival. I participate in several community development committees having to do with recycling and Eco-responsibilty.

support the CSU System’s mission statewide and beyond. was recently in an appointed role on Larimer County’s Behavioral Health Policy Council and now serve on the board of directors of SummitStone Health Partners to further mental health care in our region and help reduce stigma.

Winifred Lloyds

Lender ’86

live in Santa Barbara, California, with my husband, Daniel and our three children, Logan, Mason, and Cooper. am a licensed psychologist in private practice who works with adolescents and adults. enjoy hiking, tennis, and golfing and have loved spending more time in the Vail Valley since we purchased a second home in Beaver Creek. am also a recent past President of the Santa Barbara County Psychological Association and a past Vice-President of the Crane Country Day School Board. am a current Board member of the Santa Barbara High School Computer Science Academy.

Michele Clembury ’88

Nick Christensen ’85

founded Chrisland Companies nearly 20 years ago, after previously serving as head of real estate services for McWhinney and have since stepped away to pursue public service in local government and with non-profits. I am combining these interests in my current role as head of real estate services for the Colorado State University Research Foundation which helps further and

Vanessa White Bennett ’86

received my RN degree in 2017 and have been working as a circulating nurse in the operating room since then. I’m married and my husband and are celebrating 25 years in May.

I’m in my seventh year working as a Public Health Nurse for my county in Bend, OR. work with kids who have special health care needs and their families, using a lot of my education knowledge from my former teaching career. One of my teens graduated from high school last year and is taking advantage of a great program for free community college here in town. also have a junior in high school at home. My husband is an OR nurse and have a senior giant schnauzer to take up most of the bed at night. My mom is on her third year living with us. also organize food drives every two months at the County Health Department. drop off bags and drive between three county work buildings picking up food donations through the model of Bend Food Project to give to a local food pantry.

Health’s ethics committee. When the pandemic hit, there was a priority to sort out how to best use medical resources. was one of a dozen people who helped write Colorado’s Crisis Standards of Care for scarce medical resources. Had it been implemented by the state, all hospitals would have followed our guidelines about how to best serve the largest number of people.

’90s Jonathan Gegerson ’92

Thom Dunn

’89

am a Professor of Psychological Sciences. VMS really instilled in me a sense of service, be it the Catholic worker soup kitchen or guiding for the Colorado Ski School for the Blind. I sit on Denver

The last three years have been an adventure for me and my family. was diagnosed with a rare cancer in 2019 that out of four million people only 11-15 people get it every year. went through six surgeries, 66 sessions of radiation, and 20 cycles of chemo. The most important part of this battle is keeping a positive mental outlook and focusing on the strength one gains through suffering. Many of these principles were instilled in me while attended VMS. As during our time together with such mentors as Bob Bamdoni and Dave Schindel teaching us that we become stronger through struggles. Whether that was pushing our bodies, training for soccer, mentally pushing by engaging in strong debates, reading challenging books, or simply taking time to go on solos during the summer hiking or rafting trips. In addition to this have been writing a new book, presenting on my experiences with cancer and the importance of understanding there is strength through suffering. have four kids and the oldest has his own business. My next oldest is heading to New York in the fall which she was awarded a scholarship to the #1 performing arts school in New York. My other two are continuing their school with one an amazing painter and the other is a baseball player. We ski whenever we can, and

Class Notes (continued)

love living in Colorado. am involved in my community where I help my son coordinate events where we provide free grooming services to underprivileged families and the homeless. We also were involved in helping to create change for mental health and my daughter actually performed at the capitol building an original song about mental health and school shootings. My wife is a graduate of Stoneman Douglas in Florida and is involved in making change in school safety and mental health.

year term and continuing to serve our community with Sophia Rose. Stephen and will celebrate 19 years of marriage this year and we are excited to be taking the girls to Paris and Capri. If you find yourself in Dallas, please let me know!

is the greatest treasure of my lifetime and it truly fills my cup. Aside from that, have my own company where support/ guide people towards their best life by learning to live from a centered place of love and fullness. It’s spiritual/heart guided stuff and it’s super exhilarating!

Check me out and maybe even come play: www.brittanyjoylund.com.

Heather Centurioni ’94

Still loving life in Texas after 13 years! Eloise is 8 and Sophia Rose is 15. They keep us very busy between the barn and ballet studio. I’m coming up on year two of running my own life coaching and wellness company and love the opportunity to lift people up every day. was recently elected to serve as President of the Plano Area National Charity League. I’m looking forward to the 3

Knut Grevle ’94

am a Senior Managing Directory and Head of Equity Trading at B. Riley Securities, Inc. My son just turned five!

Erin MacGregor

Beauprez ’94

Brittney Lund ’94

have beautifully settled into my next chapter as a single parent to three awesome boys, Zachary (6), Sebastian (9) and Xavier (11). We live in Naples, Florida near my brother Chad ’92 and my twin Ryan lives in Tampa. Being a mom

am the Chief Human Resources Officer & Director of Operations for a large human services nonprofit serving western Michigan. enjoy volunteering on the scholarship board for our local community foundation. We love lake life in the summer and skiing in the winter (and yes, there is fun skiing in Michigan too!) Since my kiddos are 7th generation Coloradans, we visit our family’s bison ranch near Steamboat as often as possible.

Jennifer Pletcher ’94

own one of Colorado’s most successful event production companies that focuses on luxury weddings within the Vail Valley. We have been published and

awarded nationally and are so grateful for all our community and state support! Prior to this, was a dolphin and whale trainer all over the world, and retiring from Sea World San Diego. After a seven year hiatus as a Marine Biologist to focus on raising my son (who goes to VMS) while growing the event business, am THRILLED to be returning to Dolphins as a Marine Mammal Specialist II for DolphinQuest in Hawaii between events throughout the year as needed to support their staff and animals. They lost much of their experienced staff in Covid and asked if could be a contractor for them due to my years of experience both with dolphins and in Hawaii. We produce luxury events within the Valley and also try to help donate our time and services to support other events such as the VMS Gala this Spring. My husband is the VMS School Resource officer, Vail Police Officer and SWAT team member for the community. am thankful for my husband who also works at VMS for the support at home that makes this amazing opportunity possible.

Class Notes (continued)

Jaime Walker ’95

In the fall I will be returning to Vail Mountain School for my fourth year (this time around). VMS continues to be a vibrant and wonderful place. My son, Conor, will be entering fourth grade and loves our/his school.

Elizabeth Milam

Moreno ’96

I’m raising three very busy kids. Savannah, 13, William, 11, and Lucas, 8.

I’m also a freelance writer with a specialty in healthcare. My company is EM Ink. serve on both elementary and junior high PTA boards and have been a Girl Scout troop leader for six years. I’m also very involved with the Northwestern University alumni association, and helped plan our class of 2000 20-year reunion this past fall. My husband and also donate time and money to Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center, our favorite charity.

many of our local as well as global communities nonprofits. Independently, support quite a few different non profits and sit on the board of Alpine Initiatives. More importantly, have two kids who both go to VMS! We love the school and the community.

Lara Bossow Golos ’03

My husband and had twins in May of 2021, completing our family of five. continue to work as a realtor in the Kansas City, MO area, and live in an amazing outdoor, lake community, visiting Vail seasonally! am secretary on the PTA, a board member for a local triathlon, a board member for local swim team, and a member of an activities group in our small city, Weatherby Lake.

’00s

Slade Cogswell ’01

own a marketing agency in Edwards. We work with a wide variety of organizations in the non-profit and for profit space. We make custom websites, design beautiful brands, and offer fullservice marketing to organizations with a story to tell. We specialize in brands that are ready to be progressive. 970 Design does a lot of communication work for

Andrew Feldman ’03

live in Denver with my wife, Allison, and dog, Lilly. I’m a Partner & Private Wealth Advisor with Legacy Wealth Partners, a full service, independent financial planning firm. also sit on the Board of Directors with Denver Urban Gardens. DUG operates & manages 190 community gardens and 32 acres of green space around the Denver Metro Area. DUG is the largest independent network of community gardens in the nation, growing 650,000 pounds of food annually and serving 22,500 people through food access programs per year.

AJ LeGaye ’03

live in Rye, NY with my wife, Kelly, three kids – Tessa (5), Ava (2), Ryan (born in March) – and two dogs, Chloe and Henry. Family and friends keep me plenty busy! I’ve been at a variety of tech startups since graduating college, and now get to work from home full-time, which I love. I’m honoring my Colorado roots by raising my kids to be great skiers and diehard Broncos fans.

Class Notes (continued)

Sasha Windisch ’05

After returning to Vail in 2018, from Tel Aviv, Israel, joined Slifer Smith & Frampton in marketing before becoming a real estate broker with the company.

Adi Slifer Biegler ’08

My husband Alex Biegler ’05 and just had our second boy, Brooks Biegler in January. Brooks and his older brother Walker are growing up fast and can’t wait to attend their parents’ alma mater in a few years!

Lucy Sackbauer ’08

It has been a busy year so far! am still juggling the life of nursing and professional skiing. will have been a nurse for a decade this coming June and couldn’t love my job any more!

Ande Schuchard (Brill) ’09

Class Notes (continued)

Brigitta Gehl ’10

Cely Brinkmann ’06

got married in 2015 to a guy from Battle Mountain High School and we just had our first child in February, Jack Samuhl Brinkmann. He was two weeks early and weighed 4.1 lbs. but is quickly getting bigger and growing fast! He was born in Vail Hospital, the same hospital was born in back in 1988. still have my property management business here in the valley so am able to stay at home with him and raise him here in the valley.

Randi Foster ’08

I’ve been teaching elementary school since graduating college and have earned my master’s in elementary education. I’m grateful for the crossage experiences at VMS that gave me experience working with young children. This year, my wife, Laura, and got married! (See the marriage photo from our small ceremony at Grand Canyon National Park. am wearing maroon, and Laura is wearing green.) volunteer for Indiana Dunes National Park and the East Troy Railway Museum by writing elementary education programs for students visiting on field trips.

am working in a critical access hospital in Ketchum, Idaho in the emergency department and post-anesthesia Care unit. work part-time (six shifts a month) and when I’m not working am out playing in the mountains. am an Athlete for Arc’teryx, Nordica, and Anon Goggles. am an assistant coach for the mighty mites hockey team - 5 & 6-year-olds! This winter am filming with Matchstick Productions (MSP) and an all-female production company Nexus! Last fall purchased my first home, a 400 sq ft studio, and my dog Rustler and are loving life in the mountains!

live in Salt Lake City, Utah with my husband and two dogs, Monty and Gus. am a recruiter for Specialized Bicycle Components and enjoy pretty much anything outside. spend most of my free time mountain biking, rock climbing, and skiing.

This past year graduated medical school and started pediatric residency at Columbia - New York Presbyterian. also got married and moved to NYC with my husband and dog.

Juan Carlos Hernandez Barraza ’11

am a Licensed Professional Counselor and currently work as a Behavioral Health Provider for Colorado Mountain Medical.

Mike Wright ’13

Annie Blakslee ’16

Kaylie Evans ’16

’10s

Cynthia Edgerton ’10

am a special operations forces veterinarian for US Army.

Meredith White Lincoln ’10

live in Nashville and work in the music industry building and managing websites, fan clubs, and online stores for country artists. also specialize in design, ticketing solutions, and video. also recently got back into painting, and turned our loft into an art studio. Check out some of my recent work at MWLart.com – it’s a fun hobby! My husband and got married in March of 2019, and we bought our first house and got a puppy the first week of the pandemic. We now have a 2 year old Vizsla who keeps us on her toes, but she sure is a cutie!

am finishing up my fourth year of medical school at the University of Rochester in New York. just recently matched to residency. will be completing my Internal Medicine residency at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, NH. am not sure what want to do after residency, but currently am thinking of pursuing a fellowship in Pulmonology/ Critical Care or Cardiology. My fiancée, Heidi, also matched at DartmouthHitchcock in Dermatology. We are excited to be moving to the upper valley (and to be so close to skiing). have been involved in many community programs during medical school. have been working in the local Rochester food pantry, helping to improve access to healthy foods in downtown Rochester. have also been working with the main underserved health clinic, helping to see patients who are uninsured or unable to pay for their care.

am currently working at The Leadership School in Maine, teaching kindness and respect through a social-emotional learning approach. explore New England on the weekends (often visiting my two sisters) and play on the lake after school! volunteered this winter, with a Bates Skiing teammate of mine, for the local high school Nordic team.

For the past two years, following graduation from CU Boulder, have been working at Colorado Mountain Medical in the OBGYN department. Recently, was accepted into a graduate nursing program at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, where will pursue my Master’s in Nursing as well as become certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner. I’m very excited to move and explore Nashville!

JP Elmblad ’16

am working like a madman in NYC with the same multi-family office, getting a part-time MBA, and planning a wedding. would love to be with the tele team on the slopes right now! am involved in the God’s Way Foundation where we distribute over 1,000 free backpacks to kids in Freeport, NY annually. Additional volunteers are always welcome: www.godsway.com

Allie Gish ’16

I’m currently living in the Czech Republic, completing a Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship at a secondary school. Being immersed in Czech culture has been an incredible experience and I’ve really enjoyed teaching English as a foreign language and building relationships with Czech teachers and my high school students. also run an English conversation and American culture club for students after school, which has been a blast.

Highlights: PB&J tastings and VMS ice breaker games.

Michele Philippon ’16

am currently living in Los Angeles after graduating from USC last May, and recently started a full-time position at Ring at Amazon as a brand strategist. didn’t really know what wanted to do for work after focusing a lot of my time and energy in dance throughout high school, but am so happy I found a job that am good at and passionate about. Would be happy to talk to any VMS kids interested in LA, USC or work advice!

Thomas Singleton ’16

am studying for a master’s degree in Counseling and Sport Psychology at Boston University. work for Tufts and Brandeis University Athletics as a Mental Performance Coach.

Sean Weller ’16

After completing flight school, have accepted a job as a Flight Instructor in Lubbock, Texas. I’ll be training a variety of pilots as build up my hours with the ultimate goal of getting a job with the airlines, hopefully in about a year!

Over the past two years, have helped out with Battle Mountain baseball as a coach. just finished my fifth year of ski instructing at Beaver Creek.

Maddie Donovan ’17

graduated from Dartmouth College in June 2021 and now work at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston as a Clinical Research Coordinator.

Class Notes (continued)

Kevin Garcia Rios ’17

I am applying to medical school and working as a certified nursing aide (CNA) in a long-term care facility.

Sydney Sappenfield ’17

Cole Davis ’18 attends the Colorado School of Mines. This picture is of his senior project group, chosen to compete in the Over the Dusty Moon Over the Dusty Moon Challenge

Jake Singleton ’16

am almost through my first year at The University of Chicago where am pursuing an MS in Statistics. will be moving to Baltimore, MD this summer for a summer internship with the Baltimore Orioles before returning to Chicago to finish my degree.

Colby Wilson ’16

am currently pursuing my master’s degree at Goldsmiths, University of London, in London in Luxury Brand Management. will graduate in the fall and plan to work in London. have currently been immersing myself in British culture and the city while focusing on my studies, but am looking forward to having more time to get involved with a new community after graduate.

Peer Carnes ’17

recently finished undergrad in May 2021 and ended up moving to Bozeman, Montana. Up here was able to get a job at Murdoch’s Ranch and Home Supply working as a product data engineer. am also currently enrolled at the University of Denver working towards an MS in Data Science.

Flinn Lazier ’17

I’ve been racing cars and working for my family’s hotel in between races. graduated DU with a major in marketing and management. have been trying to eat well and feel good every day and continue to find ways to improve myself and be a better person every day.

Colin Rouaud ’17

I graduated from Bridgewater College in May 2021 with a Bachelors in Environmental Science. currently work as a flyfishing guide for Minturn Anglers and a hunting guide for Gypsum Creek Outfitters.

Team: Dust Busters F21 5

Client: NASA Dr. Angel Abbud Madrid aabbudma@mines.edu)

Faculty Advisor: Mark Florida (mflorida@mines.edu)

Consultant: Taryn Tucker tarynntucker@mines.edu)

After graduating college with degrees in Cognitive Science and English in May of 2021, moved to Salt Lake City and began working as a wilderness therapy guide with Aspiro Adventures. I just concluded 10.5 months of guiding with them during which time became the lead guide for one of their adult groups. At the end of May will be traveling to Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan for three weeks before teaching English in Istanbul for the summer. plan to return to Salt Lake to continue working in mental health, specifically with adults with ASD.

Declan Rooney ’18

increase engagement emerging from the Covid-19 pandemic. It was a rewarding experience to be able to actively learn with hands-on work, and also get to know more about the many needs a large city like Columbus faces each day.

Luke Verratti ’17 is in his final CU Men’s Lacrosse season. Luke will graduate in May with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering.

I’m currently in my junior year at Ohio State studying finance with a minor in economics. will be joining Ernst & Young this summer in Chicago as a Financial Services Consulting Intern and was most recently recognized as a “Pace Setter,” an award given to less than 5% of students in the school of business since the award’s inception in 1961 that recognizes students who excel in and out of the classroom and demonstrate leadership and scholarship in the Fisher Community. owe that dimension of myself relating to “global citizenship” to VMS! As a member & treasurer of the club hockey team, we qualified for the National Tournament for the first time in program history and we will be competing from March 14-18 in St. Louis. As a member of Students Consulting for Nonprofit Organizations, have worked with two local Columbus organizations on transforming information system data entry and a marketing scheme to

Emma Blakslee ’19 enjoying a high peak run and a snack. Emma is at Bates College.

’19, Katy Jane Hardenbergh ’21, and Molly Blakslee ’21 enjoy Carnival Season together!

Blake Bathum, Kate Kirwood

Class Notes (continued)

Maddy Cooper ’19

This photo is from exploring the mountains of Tahoe, CA with new college friends. I’m at UC Berkeley.

Sammy Gish ’19

am currently studying abroad in Lisbon, Portugal. attend ISCTE University, focusing on environmental justice and urban regenerative practices. I am doing a focused study on regenerative agriculture and I’m loving it! In the fall, I will be back at CU for my final year.

Sarah Evans ’19

Lauren Dirvonas

’19

attend Colgate University. The Colgate Women’s Rugby Team has become my family away from home. This game against Syracuse was particularly muddy!

have been in Maine working for the Bowdoin Outing Club, playing volleyball, and teaching telemark skiing with other students at a small Maine ski mountain! have enjoyed getting to bring my experience from VMS to Bowdoin and share my love of sliding on snow with a free heel. also got to meet up with Lauren Dirvonas ’19 in Barcelona over spring break while she is abroad. am a tele instructor for the BOC, part of the Conduct Review Board, a teaching assistant for the economics department, and I am on the volleyball team.

been super exciting getting to collaborate with local organizations, and I’ve been learning a lot about direct action and land defense. I’m excited to see how it will grow and shift in the future.

’20s

Lorenza Meza ’20

am currently studying architecture at a university in Spain and will be here for the next five years.

If you are planning on visiting Boston, or looking at a place to go to school, feel free to visit me on the Northeastern campus! am so grateful of the presence of the city, which has allowed me to grow and become my own self. While going to school so far away from home is hard, the distance allows me to be whoever want to be. am my own adult and advocate. The only impression anyone has of me is the impression that give when walk into a room.

John Verratti ’20

take part in Navy ROTC at CU Boulder. am double-majoring in Mandarin and International Affairs.

Bryce Johnson ’21

have been attending Flagler College in Florida and I’m loving every moment. I’m majoring in coastal environmental science and minoring in marine biology. I’ve joined the Scuba Diving club and Young Life also. I’m taking every moment get to take trips to the ocean!

Audrey

Howell ’19

have been involved in my Tri Delta sorority for most of my college experience at Chapman University. have been the Activities Chair where coordinated the Chapter’s participation in external events. have directed dance performances, raised money, choreographed a synchronized swimming routine, and much more. was also accepted into a Greek honors society, Order of Omega, where serve on the executive board as secretary.

Carly Lloyd ’19

I’m finishing my sophomore year at Western Washington University, planning on building my own major studying emergent strategy based responses to the climate crisis. I’m also minoring in Spanish and Salish Sea Studies. My brother lives a couple hours south which makes it easy for us to see each other. I’ve been loving the Pacific Northwest and the access to skiing, climbing, and rivers! I’m also working with a group helped launch called North Sound Forest Defense. We are working on protecting old forests in the region from logging. It’s

Millie Zhu ’19

The photo below is from Boston University’s biggest club recruitment event: Splash. am the the Marketing Director at Boston University’s Global China Connections, a club dedicated to connecting Chinese students to career opportunities in the United States.

Ansley Cooper ’21

just completed my freshman year at Northeastern University in Boston.

am currently studying for a combined Major of Data Science and Biochemistry at Northeastern University. The classes are challenging but engaging, and was able to transfer in with enough AP credits that am able to take mostly major specific courses from the get go.

In addition to studying, also enjoy going to local restaurants and shopping on Newbury Street with friends. As much as love finding new places to eat and shop, have found that little tastes as good as McDonalds fries after a late night!

Being independent is empowering, sure, but independence comes with responsibility. am responsible for my own success. This includes meeting with teachers, creating professional social media impressions, and asking for help. To anyone afraid of the future, can’t tell you not to. will tell you that your future is whatever you make it. So put in the effort to work and play hard. And if you do come to Boston, always remember, Boston is a walking town, people will walk in front of your car! So stay safe and take the T!

Becker Dienst ’21, Matt Gay

’21, and Luke Verratti ’17. Three VMS alumni are part of the CU Boulder Lacrosse team.

Sophia Lehmann ’21

am an Applied Psychology major at New York University! My favorite perk is always having the most amazing views.

Max Marston ’21

This photo was while on a camping trip to Hoodoo Ski Resort. attend the University of Oregon.

performed

Sergio Rodriguez ’21

am a student at the University of Denver. After an admissions information session and student-led tour, met a group of 10 th grade VMS students, shared my first-year experience, and answered questions.

VMS Alumni Committee

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 are always looking for networking and mentoring opportunities for our alumni, and we welcome your feedback. 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 if you would like to be involved, have ideas, or offer feedback!

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.

2021-2022

VMS Legacy Students

There are many current students at VMS who have parents

Carey Salvin ’21

at Carnegie Hall in December (I’m on the right). attend the University of Pennsylvania and am a member of the cast of Bloomers Comedy, a sketch comedy troupe.

Liza Alrick, Kate Blakslee, Sylvan Ellefson ’05, Marisa Ferrara, Amy Gish, Joe Hanlon ’88, Karen Spall, and Ruth Worden

Alumni Reunion in NYC during the senior class trip in April. We loved seeing Hannah Hardenbergh, Erica Charles, Quinn Kelley, Taylor Washing, Maddi Conlin, and Clay Kirwood (not in the picture) during our time in NYC.

Our Supporters

We are tremendously grateful to the following individuals, businesses, and organizations that have supported the school either financially

or through in kind gifts between July 1, 2021, and June 30, 2022.

ENDOWMENT The list below represents endowment gifts made over several years and is not limited to 2021-2022.)

Anonymous

Elizabeth and Douglas Alrick

Tracey and David Bentley

Amy Becher Gish

Borgen Family Foundation

Carla Aparicio and Javier Braun

Ann Smead and Michael Byram

Karen Spall and Gregory Ciluzzi

The Evans Family

Jennifer and Richard Geisman

Kathimarie and Michael Imperi

Amanda and Thomas Jaffe

Susanne and Theodore Johnson

Anne-Marie and John Keane

The Kerzner Family

Dr. Anne C. Kubik and Michael A. Krupka

Mike Krupka

Lautenberg Foundation

Levine Family Charitable Trust

Kaia and Misha Mortiz

Maria Xaviera Ordas and Jose Ortega

The Precourt Family & The Precourt Foundation

Anne Marie and Chris Rozzell

Gail Flesher and David Salvin

Charlene Chen and James Shim

Ann B. Smead

Gretchen and Zakary Stone

Storr Family Foundation

Kristin Tang

Kristin Tang and Jeff Leahy

The Tang Family

Susan and Tom Washing

The Wilson Family

LEGACY SOCIETY (BEQUESTS)

Ann Smead

Elizabeth Cole

VMS GIVING

UP TO $249

Anonymous Anonymous Anonymous Anonymous Anonymous Anonymous Anonymous Anonymous Anonymous Anonymous Anonymous Anonymous Anonymous Anonymous Anonymous Anonymous Anonymous Anonymous

Victoria and Trevor Adams

Brendan Addis

Adrienne and Allan Arnason

Dechen Dhakhwa and Samten Aungae

Lanell L. Avery

Nina and Bob Bandoni

Dylan Bankert

Lauren and Alex Barcza

Andrew Behrendt

Nancy Bellingrath

Liz and Tony Bender

Alison and Mike Biggers

Susanne Waibel and Jason Bigsby

Stacey and Chris Birtwhistle

Annie Blakslee

Emma Blakslee

Molly Blakslee

Carson and Gregg Blumenreich

Tanya and Stephen Boderck

Elizabeth and Erik Bolster

C.Keith Bolster

Shirley and Peter G. Bowen

Lindsi and Paul Bradbury

Gayle and Alan Braunholtz

Denise and Thomas Briner

Sherri and Jason Brumm

Kim Walker and Mike Callas

Jennifer Campbell

Tina and Daniel Chesney

Jennifer and Nicholas Christensen

Lorie and Ted Ciszek

Sarah Benjes and Aaron Ciszek

Joan and Don Corie Jennifer and Brian Counselman

Kim Davies

Jane and Matthew Donovan

Sandra and Dan Douthitt

Danielle and Doug Ebner

Robert Ecker

Kelly Enright

Julie and Brad Esty

Jody and Pepper Etters

Jan C. Etters

Kristen Evans Kathleen L. Fair

Noel and Brett Falk

Emily Fenske

Marisa Ferrara

Caleb Florence Caro Forsat

Margaret and Kris Furniss

Jane Geisman

Alice Goldman

Karen and Steve Gordon

Lisa Groves

Maggie Pavlik and John Halloran

Deb and Marc Harrison

Emily Heidelberger

Carys Highum

Lisa and David Hile

Jaime Walker and Scot Hunn

Nicole and Andrew Hustad

M.T. Imports

Annette and Kenneth Jaffe

Rebecca Kanaly

Joan Kelly

Melinda and Nathan Kiehler

Heather and Chris Knight

Nancy Kosloff

Andrew Lambert

KC Lasher

Lautenberg Foundation

Jennifer and Peter Law

Elisa Cohen and Jack Levin

Ariel R. Levine Steph Lewis

Sheila and Dennis Linn

Andres Lynch

Laura Kohn-Malka and Ben Malka

Lark and Jesse Masten

Melissa Mills McLoota and Fred McLoota

Angella and Dwight Merriman

Nicki Mills

Doba and Dovid Mintz

Patti Nelson

Rinzing Tashi Wangmo and Tsering Norbu

Tory and Travis Nottingham

Lauri and Jeffrey O’Brien

Susan and James Pass

Genevieve and George Peirce

The Perez Salazar Fernandez Family

Neha Peterson

Jennifer Pirog

Julie and Blakely Plumley

Kelly Alter and Fred Pope

Amber and Scott Prince

Jake Rainey

Janet Refior

Ashley and Sean Reynolds

Kara and Christopher Robinson

Anthony M. Ryerson

Carey Salvin

Mike Santambrogio

Heather and Ross Sappenfield

Ashley and David Saunders

Annalisa and Adam Savin

Britta and Christopher Scherpf

Gayle Schwartz

Johan Semaan

Karmen and Justin Serbinski

Kimberly and Oleg Shikverg

Liana Sideli

Lisa Knapp and Gary Silversmith

Thomas Singleton

Tian and Jason Smith

Carrie and Steve Solomon

Sarah and Andy Sotter

Patricia Kloehn and Cass Speer

The St. John Family

Katie Steele

Rose Stratton

Marie Paulette Strauss

Brian Sweeney

Jessica Szmyd

Amy and Marco Tonazzi

Ella Towle

Katie and Darin Tucholke

Eva Roepers and Eduardo Uribe Alison and Matthew Wadey

Reanda and Justin Walker

Lauren Walker

Sandra and Bob Walsh Kathleen A. Walsh

Lindsay Warner Ferrer

Vali and Michael Wilcox

Rebeca Mesa and Sasha Willimann

Colby Wilson

Anthony Wimberly Ruth and Cody Worden Linda and Mark Yare

Huining Zhang

$250-$499

Anonymous

Anonymous

Elizabeth and Eric Bankert

Meredith and Patrick Barrett

Margo and Roger Behler

Kate and Mike Blakslee

Fei and Brad Borton

Donna Abbey and David Brainard

Carla Aparicio and Javier Braun

Heidi and Casey Brunner

Kathryn and David Campbell

Ms. Collins Canada Kelly

The Chardoul Family Chris Clark

Travis Clem

Community First Foundation Colleen and Patrick Davis Nicole and Kyle Denton Kate and David Drescher Cory and Sean Glackin Julie and Fletcher Groff Susan and Ronald Gruber Kathleen and Dan Hogan Becca and Chris Hooper Amanda and Thomas Jaffe Mary T. Joseph Kristen and James Kenly Harold Leever II Sallie and Garrett Lodewyck Daniel MacArthur Jeanne and Bryan Macsata Stacey Boltz and Andrew Meltz Tammy and John Nordstrand Erica and Geoffrey Pass Maria and Jacques Payen Iva and Alexander Popov Lauren and Anthony Powell Irina and Henry Pratt Beth and John Richey Ann and Richard Siegal Kelly Billingsley-Smith and Chris Smith Courtney and Joe St. John Barbara and Lee Steele Rachael and Toby Sucich Kerri and Jeremy Thelen Colleen and Mark Zbrzeznj

$500-$999 Anonymous Anonymous Mary Anne and Charles Baker Kathleen and Michael Barron Vanessa Bentley Jessica and Brian Bevan Jennifer and Bryan Bill Bettina and Douglas Bosma Margaret Hanlon Brown and Richard Brown Heather Gilmartin and Chris Chantler

Tracey and Derek Clery Patrice and John Cogswell

Candice Collings and Jeffrey S. Gorsuch Allison and Joseph Cullan Kristin and Scott Douthit Jennifer and Danielle Ebner Channy and Scott Evans Elizabeth and Robert Foster Susan and Reginald Franciose

Kari and Shawn Gerber

Stacey Gillett

Taylor Gitcho

Nancy and Jon Goree

Joan and Timothy Grace

Colin Green

Tina and Mosses Irmakesen

Karen Jackson

Gail Jaffe

Heide Joe Jared Johnson

Pamela and Mark Kalkus

Catherine Karsh

Brenda and Jeffrey Kirwood

Eileen and Mark Kleiman

Robert Lewis

Charles Lipcon

Gia Fruscione-Loizides and Craig Loizides

Hilary and Kevin Magner

Travis Mills

Elizabeth and Jonathan Morath

Amy Novak

Maria Xaviera Ordas and Jose Ortega

Rachel and Jason Paez

Carol Pattison

Catherine and David Phillips

Lara Green Pryor

Kerry and Justin Roach Megan Rocha

Jay Sapp

Kristin and Benno Scheidegger

Douglas Schwartz

Ron Sege

Nancy Mast and Stuart Seller

Jamie and Myles Sibley

Elizabeth and Brian Sipes

Steven C. Stavisky

Gretchen and Zakary Stone

Zora Daniels and Jon Strickler

Sofia and Aaron Veith

Patricia and Gary Ventress

Linda and Jake Wells

Toko and Mark Wimberly

Liz and Chris Wright

Kelly and Chad Young

$1000-$2499

Anonymous Anonymous Peter Abuisi

Dana Addis

Rebecca and William Adochio

Lisa and Samuel Anderson

Bileca Family

Lynn and Matthew Blake

Karen Spall and Gregory Ciluzzi

Christina and Slade Cogswell

Sarah and Brad Cohn

Julie Conn

Sunny and Tom Corrigan

Kyle and James Deighan

Leslie and Alfredo do Pico

Suzy and Jim Donohue

Jane and William Fox

Laura and Leonard P. Frieder

Susanne and Paul Graf

Wendi and Joseph Hanlon

Jill and John Harty

Edward Hauser

Larisa and Tommy Haytmanek

Christianna and Timothy Howell

Melissa and Martin Huml

Marti and Greg Hurd

Kathimarie and Michael Imperi

Susanne and Theodore Johnson

Natalie Martin and Terrell Joseph

Geneva and David Kerstein

Becky and Toby Kinney

Emily and Craig Large

Candice Wilhelmsen and Ted Leach

Marci and Larry Leith

Carly Kleiman and Toph Leonard

Nicole Magistro and Zach Locke

Pat and Griff McDonald

Carla and Daniel MillerBrown

Tina and Robert Milligan

Laurie and David O’Connell

Cheryl and Guy Paschal

Carol and Jon Patten

Shannon and Brandon Peterson

Barrett and Reid Phillips

Rebecca and Jesse Pomerantz

Alicia and Mark Pribramsky

Constanza Briones and Felipe Recart

Jennifer and Brian Reed

Carolyn and Brian Reihe

Mandy and Todd Robison

Charlene Chen and James Shim

Samantha and Damon Snyder

Mondeen and Ray Snyder

Margaret and Steve Spiegelhalter

Gabrielle and Jesse Starr

Shelley Trzpuc and Hani Elalayli

Maria Ulloa

Jean and Alexander Urquhart

Kristina and Steve Vardaman

Daniel E. Virnich

Elizabeth Rountree and Robert Williams

Rhonda Woodruff-Stephanoff and Robert Stephanoff

Slifer Smith & Frampton Foundation

$2500-$4999

Elizabeth and Douglas Alrick

Georgia and Charles Baker

Tracey and David Bentley

Sharon and Bill Bernardo

The Bookworm of Edwards

Randi Borgen and Charles Holmes

Priscila Suinaga and Eduardo Braun

Sharon and Craig Cohn

Christina Mattar and Brian Cooley

Judy and Billy Cox

Diane and Richard Cunningham Susan and Erik Dorf

Michele and Christopher Evans Margaret and Andrew Forstl

Jennifer and Ryan Geller

Abbey Fox and Davy Gorsuch

Shelly and Johannes Gruner Heidi and Tom Havenstrite

Sarah and Tait Johnson

Sarabeth and Michael Keating

Melissa and Raymond Kim

Chafika and James Landers

Erin and John-Michael Liles

Stephanie and Rodney Linafelter

Katarinna and Scott McBride

Jody and Jeff Morgan

Kaia and Misha Moritz

Susan and Josh Orlinsky

Scott Pluzynski

Patrice and Marshall Ringler

Amy and Craig Roberts

Anne Marie and Chris Rozzell

Sanchez-Arriola Family

Gina Sege

Carter and Jeffrey Sharfstein

Fiona and Charles Stocker

Brielle and Tye Stockton

Jacquelyn and Darrell Watters

Allison Krausen and Kyle Webb

Claudia and Michael Winkleman

$5000-$9999

Anonymous Anonymous

Anonymous Alpine Bank

Adriana and David Bombard

Betsy and JD Childress

Alicia and James Deters

Summer and John Paul Elton

Amy Becher Gish

Sylvia and Carlos Hellmund

Serena and Mike Highum

Andrea and Matthew Johnson

McKinley and Matthew Lee

Tracy and William McCutchen

Cynthia and Philip Pillsbury

Jennifer and Kyle Pletcher

Anthony and Agatha Precourt & The Precourt Foundation

Melissa and Matthew Provencher

Ryan and Steve Silvers Elizabeth and Timothy Sinnott

John Sinnott

Elizabeth and Douglas Smith

Kerry and Jeff Starzec

Caroline and Neil Stewart Leslie and Armando Vidal

Elisabeth and Nicholas Waugh

Sarah and Dale Zurbay

$10,000-$24,999

Anonymous Anonymous Anonymous

Eileen Silvers and Richard Bronstein

Shelby and Raoul Buron

Kirsten Fink and Giorgio Cantele

Sidney and Don Childress

Stephen E. Conlin

Sarah and Will Cook Margaret Elliot Neal Groff

Anne-Marie and John Keane

Laurie Richer and Jeffrey Morris

Megan and Matt Otto

Jamie Pitt Miller

Sara and Eric Resnick

Kelley and Brendan Synnott

Samantha and Nick Thompson

Kristen and Gus Wakat

Susan and Craig Weissman

Tina and David Wilson

$25,000+

Anonymous

Anonymous Anonymous

Borgen Family Foundation

Haslam Family Foundation

Louise Ingalls

Sophie Feige-Martz and Jeffrey Martz

Kunkun and Richard Poe

The Tang Family

Brigid O’Connor and Kevin Vollmer

GALA SPONSORS

LEADERSHIP SPONSORS

Ann B. Smead and Michael Byram

Amy Becher Gish

ALUMNI SPONSOR

Ron Sege

BENEFACTOR SPONSORS

Alpine Bank

The Blake Family

GE Johnson The Lautenberg Family

The Liles Family

The Moritz Family

The Rozzell Family

Gina Sege

Meg and Steve Spiegelhalter

Jeff and Kerry Starzec

The Steadman Clinic and The Steadman Philippon Research Institute

Kristin Tang and Jeff Leahy

Vail-Summit Orthopedics and Neurosurgery

TEACHER TABLE SPONSORS

The Allon Family

The Baker Family

The Paez Family

Kristin Tang and Jeff Leahy

Vail Valley Foundation

BLUE & WHITE SPONSORS

The Havenstrite Family

The Fruscione Foundation

The Stewart Family

MUSIC SPONSOR

Vail Valley Foundation

WINE SPONSOR

Old World Wines

DESSERT SPONSORS

Two Elk Photography

GALA IN-KIND DONORS

Listed Alphabetically)

10th Mountain Whiskey & Spirit Company Action Jackson Auto Adrienne Arnason

AJR Alicia Deters

Alpenrose Anesthesia, LLC.

Alpine Wine and Spirits

Angela Daulton Antlers and Rosé

Ariel Levine

Athletic Club at the Westin (Spa Anjali)

Avalon Clothing Company

Aviator Nation

Avon Bakery & Deli

Beaver Divers

Becky Burgess

Bella Vida Santa Barbara

Bespoke Fashion Big Bear Bistro

Bliss Studio Blitz

Brenda Buglione - Snow Motion

Britta Scherpf

Bubbles Day Spa

Candice Wilhelmsen

Carla MillerBrown

Carrie Solomon

Chief of Police Dwight Henninger, Vail Police Department

Christi Howell

Christina Mattar & Brian Cooley

Claudia Winkleman

Corky Evabs

Cory Glackin

Cos Bar Vail

Craniologie Vail

Crosstraining Fitness of Vail

Cynthia Pillsbury

Darin Tucholke

Dave & Matt Vans

David Bombard

Dean Chambers

Denver Museum of Nature & Science

Dogma Athletica

Donna Lang Arenschield

Doug Abel

Dr. Jean Urquhart and Mountain Dermatology Specialists

DragonFly Gardening

Drs. Dan and Tina Chesney

Drunken Goat

El Segundo Elaine Kanelos Elevated Dental Eric Resnick Erin Liles Etown Event Rents Vail/Aspen Eye Pieces of Vail Fire Chief Mark Novak Vail Fire and Emergency Services

FOODsmith

FORM Attainment Studio

Frost Creek Gabrielle Starr Game Creek Club Georgina Baker

Go Trip Hero

GOAT Training

Gorsuch Gretchen Stone Grill on the Gore Healthy Young Minds Hygge Life Jake Rainey

Jeanne Macsata

Jen Mack Music

Jennie Iverson

Jennifer Bill Jennifer Pletcher

Jeremy Thelen Jess Szmyd

Jim Deters

Julia Walsh

K.H. Webb Architects Kara Robinson Karats

KC Lasher Kelly Enright

Kerry Roach

Kids Adventure Games

Kikihats

Kitchen Collage Kristen Kenly

Kristin Douthitt

Kyle Walker

KZYR, the Zephyr & KKVM, the Mile Lady Jones

Laurel Geraghty

Lauren Powell

Laurie O’Connell of Perch Vail Left Bank Restaurant

Lemon Rock Wines

Liana Sideli

Linda Wells

Lindsi Bradbury Lizzy Reed Loaded Joe’s Loro Piana Lululemon M2057 by Mario Pinto Maker+Stitch

Malka Family Mandy Benedict Mangat Copit Plastic Surgery and Skin Care Manor Vail Lodge Marci Leith Marie Bernardo Marti Hurd Matt Lee Mayor Kim Langmaid & Town of Vail McKinley Lee Mike Evans

Mild to Wild Rafting & Jeep Tours Moe’s Original BBQ Mount-N-Frame

Mountain Cascade Massage Therapy Mountain Cozy Mountain K9 Mountain Mud Ceramics Mountain Standard Neha Peterson Neil Stewart Nicole Magistro Oleg Shikverg (RNDC) Open Sky P.E. 101

Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort & Spa Pazzo’s

Performace Sports Vail Pete Pattison

Philip Pillsbury III Pierce Austin Architects

PixieLane Quinn Pinaire

Rick Cunningham Rocky Mountain Taco Root & Flower Russell’s

Ryan and Jenn Geller

SAGE Dining Services

Samten Aungae Sarah Johnson Sarah Sibila Sato Sushi Cafe 163

Shaeffer Hyde

Shakedown Bar Sign Gypsies

Sonnenalp of Vail Foundation

Splendido at the Chateau, Beaver Creek Squash Blossom

Stacey & Foster Gillett

Steph Lewis

Sunny Corrigan

Susanne Johnson

Sweet Basil

Tessa Clogs

The Gilded Spruce in Vail

The Golden Bear, Inc.

The Happy Painter

The Kind Bikes & Skis

The Liles Family

The Lindsey Vonn Foundation

The Paint Bucket

The Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch

The Silvers Family

The Tonazzi Family

The Tonazzi Family

Theresa Anders

Tim Sinnott

Tina Irmakesen TJ Jenkins Todd Harris

Todd Robison

Tommy Bowers Ski

Toph Leonard and Carly Kleiman

Town Hall Outdoor Co

Tracey Clery

Two Elk Studios

Vail Glam Squad

Vail Mountain Bike Camps

Vail Mountain Coffee & Tea Co.

Vail Resorts

Vail Valley Escape Room

Valentine Dog Training

Vendetta’s

Vin 48

Steve Bileca

Vollmer Family

VVSC

Walking Mountains Science Center

West Vail Liquor Mart

Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa, Vail Valley Avon, CO

White Water Express Car Wash

Wood & Steel Axe Company

Zakary Stone

Zino Ristorante

Parent Volunteers and Committee Members

We are so grateful to the many, many parent volunteers who served on committees during the 2021-2022 school year. Thank you for your time, passion, and commitment.

HOMEBASE PARENTS

Donna Abbey

Lynn Blake

Stacey Boltz

Bettina Bosma

Lindsi Bradbury

Tracey Clery

Nikki Denton

Liz Foster

Deb Harrison

Larisa Haytmanek, Coordinator

Greg Hurd

Susanne Johnson

Jody Morgan

Caro Moss

Laurie O’Connell

Brigid O’Connor

Haley Pearson Cathy Phillips

Jamie Pitt Miller

Kerry Roach

Anne Rozzell

Kimmy Shikverg, Coordinator

Liz Sinnot Samantha Snyder

Lee Steele

Rachel Sucich

Lissie Waugh

Emily Williams

ADVANCEMENT

COMMITTEE

Allison Biggers

Jen Bill*

Kate Blakslee*

Colleen Davis*

Suzy Donohue

Heidi Havenstrite

Larisa Haytmanek

Kathleen Hogan*

Mike Imperi*

Susanne Johnson, Chair

Sally Johnston

Nicole Magistro

Cynthia Pillsbury

Melissa Provencher

Carter Sharfstein

Karen Spall

Caroline Stewart

Kristin Tang

Jeremy Thelen*

Lissie Waugh

Ruth Worden

ALUMNI RELATIONS

Liza Alrick

Kate Blakslee*

Sylvan Ellefson

Marisa Ferrara* Joe Hanlon Sally Johnston Elaine Kelton

Karen Spall, Chair

Ruth Worden*

PARENT PARTNERS

Bettina Bosma

Sue Franciose

Wendi Hanlon

Larisa Haytmanek

Susanne Johnson, Co-Chair

McKinley Lee

N cole Magistro

Barrett Phillips

Kimmy Shikverg

Karen Spall, Co-Chair

ENDOWMENT COMMITTEE

Colleen Davis*

Mike Imperi*

Mandy Jaffe, Chair

Kristin Tang

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Liza Alrick

Amy Becher Gish

David Bentley, Secretary

Charlene Chen

Pepper Etters

Joe Hanlon

Larisa Haytmanek

Michael Imperi

Mandy Jaffe, Vice Chair

Susanne Johnson

Sally Johnston

Anne-Marie Keane, Treasurer

Nicole Magistro

Philip Pillsbury III

Melissa Provencher

Beth Richey Chris Rozzell Karen Spall

Kristin Tang, Chair

STRATEGIC PLANNING

COMMITTEE

Samten Aungae

Amy Becher Gish, Chair

David Bentley Collins Canada-Kelly*

Pepper Etters

Mike Imperi Kristen Kenly* Rebecca Kinney

Nicole Magistro

Laurie Mortensen*

Philip Pillsbury III Beth Richey Chris Rozzell

Kristin Tang Jaime Walker* Kelly Young*

FINANCE & INVESTMENT

COMMITTEE

Liza Alrick - Vice Chair

Amy Becher Gish

Charlene Chen

Colleen Davis*

Paul Graf

Joe Hanlon

Mike Imperi*

Mandy Jaffe

Anne-Marie Keane, Chair

Kristin Tang Kelly Young*

AUDIT

Liza Alrick, Chair

Mike Imperi*

Nicole Magistro

Katarina McBride

Kelly Young*

GALA

Andie Bombard

Sherri Brumm

Colleen Davis*

Heidi Havenstrite, Co-Chair

Brigid O’Connor

Jennifer Pletcher

Carolyn Reihe Liz Smith

Caroline Stewart, Co-Chair Ruth Worden*

FACILITIES

Bill Adochio

Amy Becher Gish

Dave Bentley, Chair

Dean Chambers* Brian Counselman*

Scot Hunn

Mike Imperi*

Anne-Marie Keane

Dominic Moriello

Greg Perkins Scott Prince Beth Richey Douglas Smith Matt Wadey Jaime Walker* Kelly Young*

Save The

Dat

Alumni

Family Day with Winter Solstice

December 16