Wakefield Epistula Summer 2006

Epistula

Wakefield School

Summer 2006

Faculty and Administration

Our leaders speak, Chris Mulligan sings... pages 4-6

Kudos For actors, historians, ethicists, linguists, artists, fundraisers, and athletes...

pages 7-17 Academics Math and technology, journalism, poetry, balloons ...

pages 18-23 The Arts Plays, performances, a nomination, a festival...

A Fairy-Tale Ending,

pages 24-28

A New Beginning

Part II

In the second of two articles, Mathematics Department Chair Tony Wilson, Technology Director David Yowell, and Librarian Mickie Burton reflect on their once and future empires: what’s been achieved in their dedicated tenures, and how their programs stand to benefit from the new Science, Technology, and Library building. page 18

The Larger World Bangladesh, Phillipines, Nepal, Mexico, Japan...

pages 29-31 From Development We get by with a little help from our friends...

pages 32-33 Alumni News So...What’s new?...

pages 34-35 Meet the Challenge!

See insert!

Rites of spring...

Some are old, some relatively new, but all are now Wakefield spring traditions: the Medieval Faire, Ocean Week,

Wakefield at the Gold Cup...

Knights and wenches, lords and ladies—and Mr. Quinn—enjoy the comely Faire at Wakeshire...Island music was the order of the day at the Ocean Week closing Luau, as everyone enjoyed trying to “see how low you can go”...and young racing enthusiasts follow the action from Wakefield’s tent at the annual running of the Gold Cup.

Page 2

Page 3

Summer 2006 ...Classics Day, Field Day—and, of course, that proverbial happy dilemma: construction!!

Tug-o-war, a field Day tradition that will never die...Spartans and Athenians alike show their game faces...Classics Day participants, just before the big kick-ball match...and a “No Parking” sign states the obvious!

Faculty & Administration

Page 4

Wakefield’s Leaders Reflect:

As Peter Quinn marks ten years as Headmaster, and seniors Rachel Squire and Laura Prahlad complete their Wakefield careers, all three take stock—of challenges, surprises, frustrations, and what makes Wakefield Wakefield

Epistula: How were your expectations of the job of Headmaster accurate?

How were they not?

Peter Quinn: The first few years were what I expected—they were not surprising. I knew I’d be cutting the grass and driving a bus—doing things the “old way,” i.e., the old Wakefield way. We were building the school, not just the curriculum but the ethic. The site suited the ethic, and I said to myself, we have a site, a goal, a faculty—the only thing missing is money. The task seemed to be answering the question, “What stands between Wakefield’s vision and arriving here with no money?” So, basically, yes, it was what I expected.

The changes began when it became important to arrive. Before, there had been no date for reaching 500. So that was one surprise. Also, other area schools emerged as competition. This influenced the perceived need to reach a critical mass on a schedule.

Epistula: What are some unique challenges of leading here?

PQ: One unique challenge is that we set ourselves up to be judged by a very

high standard. If we hadn’t written the Mission and Philosophy that we did, if we’d never come up with “Seek the challenge,” etc.—if we hadn’t done those things it would have been easier. When a neighboring school’s SAT average is 1180 and ours is 1287, people say, “Well— why wasn’t it 1300?”

People also say, “Well, you’re so great—they’re all going to Harvard, right?”

We aren’t a “collegeadmission” school. [That’s not the most important thing here.] We’re a collegepreparatory school. Our job is to prepare them to do well wherever their ambitions and interests lead them.

A part of our Rappahannock history is an agrarian, even a J e ff e r s o n i a n , i d e a o f “seeking the challenge.”

Jefferson expressed this

ideal in many ways (like his planting of peas)— but whatever it was, it was qualitative, not quantitative…The challenge, again, is growing—when old grads get together, they talk ideas and ethics, about quality of life. They see a duty to be active.

That’s what they got from Wakefield. Conserving this qualitative focus will be a challenge.

Epistula: What are the unique opportunities of leading here?

PQ: Unless you were starting with a brand new school, there would not be the opportunity to design that there is here.

There would not be the opportunity to know the school so well at a larger school. Of course, it is thrilling to have my kids here.

I think the campus itself is a unique opportunity.

In Huntly it was the same— there were those views of the mountains. They give a sense of reality and permanence. You think, they’ve been here for 40 million years—it keeps your Modern European History course in perspective. On an especially trying day you look out and see the mountains and realize,

“I can do this again tomorrow.”

The stakes are very high now—there is such competition, and there are so many places kids can go…The easy way out would be to be like [other schools]. But we must remain ourselves.

Epistula: How much of your efforts relate to communicating and c o n s e r v i n g t h e c o re elements of Wakefield, vs. how much is helping change to become manifest, to having a vision of the future that improves on what exists?

PQ: Those two are so mixed and intertwined that I am always doing both. I am constantly explaining either why Change X is consistent with out Mission and Philosophy, or why our core values are going to prevent a particular change from occurring.

There are so many takes—the understanding is so varied…we’re underemphasizing athletics, we’re over-emphasizing athletics—I’ll hear these comments from different parents in the same day.

Arts and sports and activities weren’t emphasized in Huntly.

We’ve always said we value these things—now it

Summer 2006

Page 5 must be true. They have to be important parts of what we do.

[Despite all the comments about the school’s changing,] there are so many measures that give evidence of people doing things right: our A.P. scores, our SAT scores, the success of Talisman, and the wit and energy of its contents…the kids are doing all we want them to do a lot of the time.

I often explain to parents why this is a great school by saying that when their child leaves here, on the inside of his or her eyelids will be a picture of what first-rate effort looks like. They have to know what it looks like, because they may not necessarily achieve it themselves while they are here—everyone develops differently. But if they have a memory of having witnessed it, of recognizing first-rate effort when they see it, then they will be able to draw upon that memory when they are ready. It is our job to teach that.

Epistula: What things do you value about Wakefield for your own kids?

PQ: This year, Lucas had Meg [Reedy, a famously exacting teacher]. He had a great experience. Did he do a lot of homework? Some nights. Was it hard? Yes, it was pretty challenging…

Well, guess what? It’s supposed to be challenging!

Lucas loves history—he loves anything old.

He’ll bring me a rock and say, “Look at this really old rock!” But if I say, “Lucas, all rocks are old,” he will say, “Yes, but let me show you the reasons this rock is particularly old.” Now he is acquiring the love of the subject and the expertise to go with it.

Epistula: Are there things you hope will become realities at Wakefield while your kids are still here?

PQ: Yes. I hope the activities for Middle and Upper School can grow and become a stronger reflection of the Mission and Philosophy.

I hope the Courtesies will become more important—that the faculty will really commit to teaching them, that they will become a more organic part of the school.

I hope that everything can come to require less thought—that we can reach the point where more things can happen correctly just as a matter of course. Then I can spend more time on those kids and parents who haven’t quite gotten Wakefield yet. That would be a good use of my time.

2005-2006 Student Government President Laura Prahlad and Vice President Rachel Squire, in their 7th and 14th years at Wakefield respectively, have long embodied an esprit de corps admired by both faculty and students.

Before they departed, Epistula sought out their insights—and their advice.

Epistula: What do you think makes Wakefield what it is?

Rachel: We just have these moments, when we just sort of step back and say, “That’s Wakefield.” They are these moments that you know wouldn’t be happening anywhere else.

Laura: You don’t have a defined idea of what it is. [pause, frown, tries to pin it down] You’re at the table in the breezeway…and you have your French book open, and you’re studying…and there’s no teacher…and you just say, “This is so Wakefield.”

Rachel: Or you’re sitting in the teacher’s lounge for half an hour talking to teachers, and no one minds or even notices there’s anything unusual…

Laura: It’s a feeling of being content, and safe, and not needing or wanting any other

situation—it’s all of our social oddities—it’s academics and it’s social, and it’s Wakefield— it’s just Wakefield.

Rachel: You know it exists when you try to explain it to someone else—how there were 40 people at Homecoming, and it was fun.

Or Field Day...

Laura: …or Classics Day! And how we ran around in togas and played kickball!

Rachel: …or how you can have a pep rally with no cheerleaders. [New junior] Laura Halley kept asking about how we could do that, then afterwards she said, “That was awesome!” And we said, “Now you get it! That was your ‘click!’ Wakefield moment!”

Epistula: What parts of Wakefield would you want to be sure were still here for your kids?

Laura: Well, every big project I ever did I would want my kids to do…and I know it sounds crazy, but I wish the people could stay the same...I would wish my kids could experience the same relationships with teachers.

Rachel: And how it looks… and that part of it is a house, and the closeness of that— that’s part of what Wakefield is, too… And the work ethic.

I worry about that. I think that is being lost. I worry about the growth.

Epistula: Any advice for Wakefield?

Rachel: Slow down, relax, and focus on a few things.

Laura: Focus on what’s important. A few solid things.

Faculty & Administration F

Page 6

Fine Arts Chair Chris Mulligan Performs at Lincoln Center

aculty as well as students find it easy to be inspired by Wakefield’s ubiquitous motto, and in January, Fine Arts Department Chair Chris Mulligan had what she calls “my extraordinary moment.”

As a member of the prestigious Cathedral Choral Society of Washington, D.C., Mrs. Mulligan performs frequently, as different members of the 200+ member choir are selected for various events.

But none of her previous performance experience really prepared her for the excitement and surprise of being selected as one of only four vocalists to accompany the celebrated Russian baritone Dmirti Hvorostovsky in two of the concerts on his U.S. tour: at Washington’s Kennedy Center, and at New York City’s Lincoln Center, a venue widely considered to represent the apotheosis of musical accomplishment.

As if this were not gravitas enough, instrumental accompaniment for the program was provided by the Moscow Chamber Orchestra.

“Dmirti Hvorostovsky is to Russia what Pavarotti is to Italy,” says Mrs. Mulligan. “He has a rare baritone voice, and performs both solo and in the opera.”

In his U.S. tour, Hvorostovsky performed excerpts from Russian opera, focusing on the music of post-World War II Russia, a time

Mrs. Mulligan says that the wait backstage at the Lincoln Center was an experience in itself. “There are pictures lining the hall of past performers, others who have stood in that hall waiting. You just look at those, and...”

of enormous sorrow in Russian history, with losses numbering over 8 million. Mrs. Mulligan was not prepared for the intensity of the audience response, which, because it came largely from Russians in the audience, felt culturally unfamiliar to the Americans present.

“People called out during the performance. They cried openly.

They threw flowers onto the stage, and reached out to touch him,” Mrs. Mulligan says, something not often seen at the Kennedy or Lincoln Centers. “I could not help but think, what in America would do this?” We have no cultural parallel for Russia’s World War II experience, she says, and you could see this clearly in the emotional reaction of the Russian audience to this national music. At one point, some people began to sing with Hvorostovsky, and Mrs. Mulligan looked over at the orchestra and saw the timpanist also singing along, and weeping.

While performing in such an event was amazing in every way, Mrs. Mulligan says that the wait backstage at the Lincoln Center was an experience in itself. “There are pictures lining the hall of past performers, others who have stood in that hall.

You just look at those, and…” Words fail her, mostly because she is modest, but Wakefield knows why Mrs. Mulligan happened to be standing there with those pictures of all of the greats: because she is one of them.

Chris Mulligan

Kudos

Summer 2006

Page 7

Sophomore’s Tribute to Rosa Parks Receives Historical Acclaim In addition to her performances for both local and regional History Day competitions, sophomore Jamie Davis was honored for her excellent writing and acting with the opportunity to give an additional performance: as part of the “Eyes on the Prize” series at the African-American Historical Association’s museum in The Plains.

“When I first heard that the theme of this year’s History Day was ‘Taking a Stand,’ I immediately thought that it would be neat to do something about Rosa Parks,” says Jamie, “but I didn’t really know what.

But then I told Mrs. Wyrsch about it, and she got really fanatic!!” [If one is acquainted with the remarkable Mrs. Wyrsch, one can only smile at this parlance, and quote it exactly!]

Jamie says she has Mrs. Wyrsch’s enthusiasm to thank for the shape the project took and the commitment she developed to make it really excellent. “I had no idea it would be this big!” she says.

Jamie comments modestly that the research—the heart of the academic part of the project—was not too hard for her, and that she enjoyed it. “But the writing!” she exclaims, as if still overwhelmed by it. “I was really concerned about how to start.

Noctua Is News!

Wakefield launched its first on-line newspaper this winter: Noctua debuted to great acclaim, and immediately established itself as a forum that welcomed all opinions, actively soliciting op-ed from students, faculty and administration to complement the

I didn’t want it to be too intense,” she says. She wanted her piece to celebrate Parks’ life, but not necessarily dramatize the hard times that led to Parks’ famous refusal to yield her bus seat to a white man, an act generally credited with touching off the modern civil rights movement.

As parents are wont to do, Jamie’s came through with two key assists. “My mom had the idea of doing the piece as a eulogy being given for Parks,” Jamie says. “It was great, because I really wanted what I wrote to praise her, and a third party could do that better than if I were speaking as Rosa Parks herself…And then my dad was able to find online a video of Rosa Parks’ actual funeral!”

By watching the video and using what she had learned in her research, Jamie came up with her own original eulogy to Parks, which she delivered as a dramatic monologue, complete with being costumed as a preacher at the pulpit.

“I really want to thank Mrs. Wyrsch for her help,” Jamie says.

“The day before Regionals I did not feel well. She postponed a test for me that day, so that I could be rested and not be stressed for Saturday. And she has attended every single performance! I really thank her for that.” news-writing of the student staff.

Watch the Winter Epistula for an article from Noctua’s editor detailing the story of the publication’s first year. In the meantime, check out the publication from the link on the Wakefield website, or at www.noctuanews.org.

Wakefield had 10 projects represented at George Mason University on Saturday, March 11, for the Regionals of the national History Day competition.

Two sophomore projects were recipients of awards: Kendra Riddleberger and Gillian Douple received 3rd place in Senior Group Exhibit, for their project, “The Journey of Ralph Nader and the Consumer Movement.”

And Jamie Davis received 3rd place in Senior Individual Performance for her original dramatic monologue, “A Tribute to Rosa Parks.”

“All of our students represented themselves and Wakefield well,” said History Department Chair Carolyn Wyrsch. “They were articulate and gave a positive impression.”

Jamie Davis delivers her dramatic eulogy to Parks.

Kudos

Page 8

Wakefield Team of Sophomore Ethics Students Named National Finalist in “Challenge 20/20” Program Wakefield’s team that has participated this year in the National Association of Independent Schools’ “Challenge 20/20” program was named a finalist in the inaugural 2005 competition.

“Challenge 20/20” is an international collaboration which NAIS has based on Jean Francois Rischard’s book High Noon: Twenty Global Problems, Twenty Years to Solve Them. Through conference calls and other exchanges with students at each participating U.S. school’s international “partner school,” the teams worked together on the problems they had chosen to tackle from Rischard’s book, and sought solutions that grew out of both cultures’ ethical climates.

Written reports on the groups’ discussions and the solutions they proposed were due to the NAIS in December, and finalists and winners were announced in March.

Wakefield’s “Challenge 20/20” team was composed of the 12 students in the sophomore Action Ethics class. Along with Wakefield’s partner school, Faringdon Community College in Oxfordshire, England, the Action Ethics class has been involved throughout the academic year in discussing the issues of peacekeeping, conflict prevention, and combating terrorism.

According to the NAIS, “a panel of experts in global issues and education reviewed the reports and selected…partner school teams that had shown particular skill in problem solving, team work, critical thinking, curriculum innovation, creativity, and written presentation of a solution.” A total of 50 teams from 32 countries took part in the program this year, of which 15 were chosen as finalists.

Wakefield’s sophomore Ethics class, accompanied by Wakefield Headmaster Peter Quinn (at left), Mr. Jon Meacham of Newsweek (center), and Wakefield Upper School Head Steve Davis (at right).

On Monday, May 8, Wakefield’s sophomore Ethics class visited the Miller Center of Public Affairs at the University of Virginia.

The Miller Center is an independent, nonpartisan institution devoted to understanding and improving the American presidency and the executive branch of government.

The students participated in the Forum Program, which brings together leading experts and thoughtful audiences for discussion of critical public policy issues.

The speaker was Mr. Jon Meacham, the managing editor of Newsweek, who discussed his latest book, American Gospel: God, the Founding Fathers, and the Making of a Nation. His book looks at how our founding fathers’ views on faith have shaped religion’s place in American public life as well as the role it has played in many of the major events in our nation’s history.

The day involved a tour of the Miller Center, an introduction to the Center’s White House Tapes Program, the Forum lecture by Mr. Meacham, a personal meeting and book signing, and an inside look at the Center’s Presidential Oral History Program.

Wakefield’s Ethics class is co-instructed by Headmaster Peter Quinn and Upper School Head Steve Davis.

Summer 2006

Page 9

Wakefield Artists Capture Awards at Congressional Show Five Wakefield Upper School students came away with awards in the annual 10th Congressional District Art Show, held this year on May 6 at the Ida Lee Recreational Center in Leesburg.

In Drawing, 3rd place went to ninth grader Chelsea Fischer, and 4th place to sophomore Ashley Marchi.

In a near-sweep of the Photography awards, 2nd place went to Matt Warner, 3rd place to MK Napier, and 4th place to Sarah Kim, all juniors.

Eleven Wakefield Upper School art students participated in the 2006 Congressional Art Show, entering a total of 22 works. All are the students of Wakefield Upper School art teacher Gary Genther.

Six French Students Nationally Ranked in Exam; Latin III Student Achieves Gold Medal

Five Upper School students and one Middle School student received a top-ten national ranking in Le Grand Concours, the National French Exam. Of these six, three also received top-five rankings in the Northern Virginia/Washington, D.C. chapter’s region.

In French II, winners were tenth graders Erica Eickhoff (national rank of 4, chapter rank of 3), Morgan Vandermast (national rank of 7, chapter rank of 6), and Nick Warzinski (national rank of 7, chapter rank

of 6), and ninth grader David Muss (national rank of 9, chapter rank of 8).

In French III, junior Lindsey Morgan received a national rank of 7, and a chapter rank of 5.

In a remarkable achievement for a Midddle School student, eighth grader Adam Koling, competing in French IV, received a national ranking of 3 and a chapter ranking of 3.

Top-ten national finishers received their prizes at a ceremony and reception at St. Stephen’s and St. Agnes School in Alexandria on Wednesday, May 24, at 7:30 pm.

Wakefield’s six winners are the students of long-time French teacher and native speaker Mrs. Jeannine McKee of Warrenton.

In the National Latin Exam, several students received medals for their results, and in Latin III, sophomore Erica Eickhoff received Summa Cum Laude, and a gold medal.

“Erica’s gold medal is especially noteworthy,” said Upper School Latin teacher Jeff Bussmann, “because the Level III Prose exam this year was exceptionally challenging.

The national average for that level was quite low, so her earning Summa Cum Laude is impressive.”

National language winners (left to right) David Muss, Lindsey Morgan, Erica Eickhoff, Adam Koling, Morgan Vandermast, and Nick Warzinski.

Rocketeers Update The team of five eighth graders who worked to design and build a rocket for entry into the national rocket competition did not make it into the finals in May—but their efforts were most impressive.

Despite the many and varied ways not to succeed in such a demanding endeavor—failure to launch, blowing up, flying only waist high, crashing—Wakefield’s well-engineered rocket did none of these things. Rather, the re-design needed to improve next year involves finding ways to rein in the rocket’s performance!

The rocket rose to an altitude of 1100 feet—300 feet beyond the target altitude of 800 feet. And it stayed aloft for 90 seconds, double the required 45 seconds. Also, in the final qualifying flight the parachute separated from the cone, so it actually came down with no parachute—but that did not affect the rocket’s success in one of the key element of the project: delivering back the cargo of a raw egg, intact.

Project coordinator and Middle School science teacher Dr. Bob Root said that he was well pleased, not only with the results, but with the learning that took place to achieve them.

“It was hard for them to figure out how to get started, and the division of labor changed quite a bit during the project,” he says. “But they got it done.” Project Manager Erin Kennedy stepped up and made sure of that, Dr. Root says, with the help of her teammates Anne-Marie Glenn, Brandon Gravett, Jack Byers, and Rachel Giampa. Now a strong foundation is laid for next year’s team to try, try again.

Kudos

Page 10

Wakefield Theatre Gives Itself a Night to Shine On May 12, Wakefield’s theatre community came together for an awards dinner, the first of its kind.

Tucker Withers received the Archwood Community Theatre Longevity Award for his long-time support both on stage and behind the scenes of Wakefield Theatre. The Archwood Community Theatre Newcomer’s Award was given to Andrew Clubb, for his wonderful musical theatre debut as Arthur in Camelot, and his continued support of Wakefield’s Theatre program.

Juniors Julia Petty and Julia Falcon received Upper School Theatre Achievement Awards. Julia Petty received her award because of her dedication to the building of the set

Clockwise from above, winners Julia Falcon, Julia Petty with Mr. Brown, Hunter Morrison with his mom (and his leg, and his crutch), and Kelsey Callahan with Mr. Guyotte.

for Blithe Spirit. Julia Falcon was honored because of her participation in all of the Upper School shows this year, as an actor, stage manager, light board operator and assistant director.

Hunter Morrison was awarded the Extraordinary Life Award because of his performances this year at the National Cathedral, the Kennedy Center, and at a luncheon for retired members of Congress. He truly is proof of our students’ striving to “seek the challenge, make a difference, and live an extraordinary life.”

The Middle School Theatre Achievement Award went to Kelsey Callahan for her work in Hush: An Interview with America.

The following students were inducted at the dinner into the International Thespian Society: Laura Prahlad, Rachel Squire, Julia Falcon, Jen Nicholaisen, Julia Petty, Elena Stock, Laurel VanLandingham, Jamie Davis, Lisa Hytner, Hunter Morrison, Ian Revere, Michael Byrne, Alex Floyd, Ian Fontaine, Chris Stone, and Gabriella Vazzana.

“The Society was formed to honor the work of students who do theatre well,” says Wakefield Theatre teacher Chris Guyotte. “The students above have not only done theatre well; most have gone above and beyond the call to help Wakefield Theatre not only to grow, but to thrive.”

Our Cappies Critic Team for this academic year was led by senior Rachel Squire, who did an excellent job of coordinating the shows that the critics would attend and keeping track of the details of the program. Laura Prahlad, Emily Watt, Georgina Buckley, and Kate Ludin filled out our critics contingent. Thanks for all your hard work as ambassadors to the greater theatre community from Wakefield School!

Summer 2006

Page 11

W

Sundowne on the Serengeti

akefield hosted its annual auction on Saturday, March 18, with unprecedented success.

Attended by over 400 guests, the evening shattered all records for the event, with the live and silent auctions, raffles, and ticket sales raising over $220,000 to benefit Wakefield.

Themed “Sundowne on the Serengeti,” the evening featured the lavish decorations the event is known for, a Safari Dinner buffet catered by Market Salamander, and dancing to the music of Powerhouse.

Sponsored each year by the Wakefield Parents Association and

Below, Holli Thompson, Auction Chair, with her husband Moses.

Right, Louis Puppo surrounded by, clockwise from top left, Elizabeth Finnan, Tina Boyd, Lisa Winick, and Libby Atkinson.

Left, Powerhouse performs. Above, Jim and Mary Lea Treptow. Top right, Peter Quinn.

Right, Karin and Mark Ohrstrom

many months in the making, the gigantic event is the group’s major fundraiser of the year for the school, and all proceeds go to programs that directly benefit Wakefield students.

This year’s Auction Committee was chaired by Holli Thompson of Middleburg.

Kudos

Page 12

Boys’ & Girls’ Varsity Basketball: The [Rest of the] WCDS Story

T

here is no doubt that Wakefield’s varsity basketball teams struggled this winter. Yet a night stands out in the minds of coaches and players as one to remember—February 9, when Wakefield’s varsity teams swept Wakefield Country Day on the road.

WCDS had swept the Fighting Owls at home on January 31, losses that were made more bitter by the boys’ hard-fought at-home win over Quantico just four days before—and by the fact that it had been the last home game for Wakefield’s senior players.

WCDS’s gym was filled to capacity on February 9, with a nearly-equal number of fans from both schools, all determined to scream, whistle, shout, and stomp their respective teams to victory.

“The best atmosphere for a game is a loud, supportive crowd,” says girls’ coach Paul Sipes. “The second-best is a loud, antagonistic crowd. This was the latter.”

Were our teams pretty primed for this re-match?

“We had it circled on the calendar,” says boys’ coach Scott Barron with a grin.

The boys’game “The first time we played WCDS we let them

play their game, which is a slow tempo,” says Coach Barron. “This time we pressed full court the whole game. Every three minutes we put in three fresh players.” This is no small feat with a team of eight. “We kept that up-tempo pace for 32 minutes.”

The strategy worked.

“In the 4th quarter we shot 17 free-throws,” says Barron. “They were tired.

They were reaching.”

Still the game remained close, with Wakefield never holding more than a six point lead, despite 18 from Ross Ozburn and 17 from Tim Oakes.

The double-digit lead did not come until the 4th quarter—and how it came about is what they sometimes call “the rest of the story.”

Brenton Lewis was on the bench with a sprained ankle, which he had in a brace. Three minutes into the 3rd quarter Aaron Phipps turned his foot in a painful way and had to come out. He iced it the rest of the third quarter, and Barron assumed he was out for the game.

But by the beginning of the 4th quarter, things were still too close to call, and to Barron’s surprise Aaron appeared at his elbow, announcing that he was ready to go back in.

“I looked down, and he had Brenton’s ankle-

brace taped to his foot,” says Barron. “His mother had taped it on for him!”

Apparently, our own Mrs. Phipps had come down from the stands and, convinced his foot could be made safe enough to play, taped him right up.

Aaron promptly hit two, and went on to score eight of his 10 points for the game in the 4th quarter, on what turned out to be a broken foot. They went on to win 54-43, one of the sweetest wins in history.

The girls’ game According to Coach Barron, though, the exciting girls’ game had set the tone for them.

Coach Sipes had only seven girls for the game, as Alex Barrett was injured.

The Owls maintained control of the game for the first 14 minutes, but WCDS had cut the Owls’ lead to almost nothing at the half.

Wakefield’s girls came back strong in the 3rd quarter and were again in charge—but then the drama started coming fast.

First, Sarah Lindner fouled out one minute into the 4th quarter—meaning Wakefield was down to only one sub. Moments later, Erica Eickhoff had a major collision that left her ear literally torn—she was clearly out for the game.

Now there were no subs,

and three players had three fouls apiece.

With six minutes to go, Lucy Hughes captured a rebound and was set upon by a swarm of WCDS players. As she tried to free herself, the referee called a technical—on Lucy.

WCDS made both of their two free shots and received possession—and the Lady Owls had “a minor meltdown,” says Coach Sipes.

Everything was in disarray: pointguard and back-up pointguard both out, everyone playing in the wrong positions, no semblance of organization, and no plan. Eventually, Ashley Marchi emerged as point guard, and Lilly Withers and Katie Wyrick both stepped up. Still, with under a minute to go the score had become tied, and after a Hughes lay-up and a series of foul shots,WCDS hit a 3-pointer, leaving Wakefield up by one with just seconds to play.

Then, with eight seconds on the clock, Lilly Withers got fouled. Despite the incredible adrenalin of the moment, Lilly made both shots, giving the Lady Owls the three-point margin by which they won the game. What a night!

Summer 2006

Page 13

Swimming!

Many coaches begin a season saying that they are working with a “young team,” but Wakefield swimming coaches Laura Ingoldsby and Jeff Bussmann meant it this year: their Varsity Swimming team consisted of one ninth grader and twenty-plus sixth, seventh, and eighth graders, all brimming with enthusiasm—and talent.

“They’re young—but in our first quad meet the girls beat two of the three other teams, which were made up mostly of upper schoolers,” says Coach Ingoldsby. “Even with our youngest we are competitive— [sixth grader] Haleigh Hutcheson beat many high school swimmers!”

As proof, the team finished 5th at the DAC Championships.

As early as early February, Wakefield’s Girls’ and Boys’ Squash players had reached some important benchmarks for the season: Wakefield’s Upper School boys’ team had tied Woodberry Forest JV 4-4, with two wins each coming from team captain Matt Bohn and Zack Power.

Their teammates Catzby Pitzvada and John Patton had scored their first ever squash victories in an 8-5 loss at Madeira. Matt ended the season having won 11 of 12 matches.

By February, the Upper School girls’ squad had combined forces with the Middle School to compete in JV girls’ matches, and Rachel Giampa had consistently come close to winning matches. For the boys’ Middle School team, team #1 Robbie Bohn, a sixth grader, won his first match 3-0 in convincing fashion in a match against Madeira, while Zander

Eighth grader Tatiana Duchak placed 2nd in the 200 Individual Medley and 2nd in the 100 yard breastroke at DAC Championships. She also qualified for the State meet in both events, finishing 7th in the state in 100 yard breastroke.

Ninth grader Lanie Alphin earned a 4th place finish in the DAC Championships, and qualified for

States in both 50 yard and 100 yard freestyle. Wakefield’s 200 yard freestyle girls’ relay team (Tatiana, Lanie, and seventh graders Madeline Sacripanti and Sydney Allen) placed 4th in the DAC meet.

Tatiana was named to the DAC All-Conference Swim Team for the 2005-2006 season.

Eighth grader Tatiana Duchak anchored Wakefield’s young and promising, swim team.

Squash!

Smith also won his first-ever match 3 games to 2. Cesar Peralta won his third match of the season playing in the #4 spot.

On February 11 and 12, a number of Wakefield squash players competed in the Bethesda Sport and

Health Club Squashempower Tournament against players from the D.C. area. Matt Bohn won 5 matches to take the Boys “B” bracket. Robbie Bohn won the Boys “C” bracket in an exciting well-contested final, giving him 4 wins for the tournament.

Left, Matt Bohn winds up to, well, squash the ball; above, Coach Obed practices with Zach Power and John Patton.

Kudos Boys’ Lacrosse!

Varsity Boys’ Lacrosse enjoyed another amazing spring, finishing 11-5. The defending 2005 DAC champs, the Owls surrendered the 2006 DAC title to rival Highland in an outstanding down-to-the-wire fi-

Page 14 nal, 12-10. Finishing 6th in the state also won the team a bid to the TILT State Tournament, where they lost in the quarterfinals to defending State champions Covenant School, who went on to win the State title again.

Choosing a high point in such

Goalie Zach Power was a key to Wakefield’s winning season.

With the Wakefield Varsity Girls’ Lacrosse team ending the season 3rd in the MCAC and 6th in the state, winning a bid to the state tournament, and having captain Jordon Ross named to the All-State Team, you would think that nothing could compare with the glow of the final results. But for many, the most exciting minutes of the season actually came in April: “April 5, 2006, was a great day for Wakefield lacrosse,” says girls’ coach Brianna Edwards, “as the girls’ team defeated Madeira 12-10. At one point in the first half, the girls found themselves winning 6-3, but Madeira evened the score shortly after play resumed for the second half. Soon roles had reversed, with Madeira winning 9-6 midway through the second half, but Wakefield’s girls were able to claw their way back to tie the game 9-9 by the end of regulation play. In

a season is tough, but Coach Patrick DeBenedictis seemed especially pleased by his team’s DAC semifinal victory over Seton, 15-2. “The defense dominated,” DeBenedictis said. “Seton was limited to 2 goals on 24 shots. Only 4 penalties were committed. Zack Power only had to make 7 saves…. The offense was patient and moved the ball extremely well.”

In a well-distributed effort, six Owls contributed to the offense’s high score: Michael Heim (1), Brad Bahnson and Matt Warner (2 each), Alex Fraser and Tim Oakes (3 each), and Angus Matheson (4). Matt Warner also contributed 2 assists, had 7 ground balls, and won 14 of 17 faceoffs. How sweet it is! Kudos indeed.

Girls’ Lacrosse! the first two minutes of overtime, Wakefield notched up three goals to take the score to 12-9. Madeira did their best to recoup the deficit and scored again, but they could not catch

up the remaining goals. Congratulations to Spencer Sherwood who clocked up seven goals, Jordon Ross with three goals and Lilly Withers who capitalized on two goals!”

Summer 2006

Page 15

Archwood Lax Tournament!

The Wakefield Girls’ Lax team captured the Archwood Tournament Championship, beating the McLean School 11-3 in the finals. The Lady

Owls avenged a defeat earlier in the season to the McLean girls, who are very well coached. The Lady Owls reached the Championship game by defeating the Barrie School 13-8 in the semifinals. McLean School advanced by defeating Mercersburg.

On the boys’ side Wakefield was winning the Archwood Tournament Championship game against Benedictine 6-1 when the game was halted at half by lightning. The boys advanced out of their bracket by defeating Massanutten Military 15-1 and Tandem Friends 6-4. Benedictine advanced out of a very competitive bracket by defeating Trinity School of Meadow View and McLean School.

Every game in this bracket was decided by only one goal.

Far left, Victoria Hinton stays cool under pressure; at left, Kris Genther holds off the Massanutten defense.

While Wakefield has enjoyed a strong Varsity Girls’ Soccer program for several years, everyone has been watching excitedly as the legendary Middle School team has begun moving up to varsity.

While Coach Seth Obed acknowledged the advantage of having players on the team with whom he has worked before, as well as veteran senior Tabitha Ward, he emphasized pre-season the greater importance of the direction they took as a team together this year.

None of the hard work or high hopes were wasted, as it turned out.

Wakefield played the end of the season particularly strongly, including a tremendous offensive match against Seton with a 3-3 tie in the regular season and a tough 2-1 loss in the teams’ DAC semifinal rematch. After the DAC tournament, the Owls’

Soccer!

12-3-2 record made them 6th in the state and gave them a berth in the state tournament, where the girls lost in the VISSA quarterfinals to BRC Champions Eastern Mennonite.

Diane Leggette (offense) earned 2nd team All-State. Leggette and Alex Barrett (defense) earned 1st Team All-DAC, while Sarah Lindner (goalkeeper) and Sky Cushman (forward)

earned 2nd Team All-DAC. The Owls ended the season 12-4-2, 3rd place in the DAC and State Quarterfinalists.

The team graduates one senior and looks forward to building on their success next season!

Above, Demi Genther; left, Sky Cushman and Tatiana Duchak.

Kudos Volleyball!

Page 16 “Our goals are pretty simple,” said volleyball coach Roz SarmientoWilliams pre-season of her seven Varsity Boys’ Volleyball players.

“Build a team, with team improvement and emphasis on basic skills.

Have a positive attitude, and create a positive experience for everyone.

Ian Revere stretches, Chris Stone digs, as the team puts up a skilled fight.

As coach of Wakefield’s smallest spring roster, the Varsity Boys’ Tennis team, Coach Breeden was quick to discourage comparisons to her DAC-Champion Girls’ Tennis team of last fall. “These boys are a good group of boys and are willing to work with me to get better, and they have a good time. That’s what’s important right now,” she said pre-season. And it’s not necessarily that the girls are simply better players—becoming good takes time, she emphasizes.

“The boys are competitive as well, but not at the level of the girls— yet! But the boys are stronger and can get to an upper level faster if they play enough…They don’t call us the Fighting Owls for nothing!”

This prediction held true—the young and inexperienced team finished the season 8-5, with five wins

coming at 7-0. An especially close win came over Seton 4-3, to whom the team later lost in the DAC quarterfinals.

But who would have dreamed

And have fun, with each individual able to shine, in his own way and at his own pace.”

These goals seem to have been achieved, despite the winless season.

Team members remained dedicated and determined, and Coach Williams remembers the match against Paul VI as an especially satisfying one: “Ian Revere played a great game, attacking, blocking and serving with perseverance,” she says. “Austin Knicely produced 11 consistently difficult serves. Hunter Morrison did a great job blocking, forcing Paul VI to back off the net. Alan Wunderlich surprised everyone with an amazing block that brought the necessary side out for Ian to score 4 aces in a row…

This young team promises to keep giving surprises and playing better at each game.”

Tennis!

that we would even be mentioning the quarterfinals come May? Well, one person did at least—Kristal Breeden.

The tennis team is, left to right in back row, Alex Daly, David Muss, Coach Breeden, Ian Martin, Brenton Lewis, and, kneeling, Brian Mascatello, Daniel Winters, Jack Byers, and Carter Dale.

Summer 2006

Page 17

2006 Winter Athletic Banquet Awards Girls’ Varsity Basketball MVP – Lucy Hughes Coach’s Award – Sarah Graham Most Improved – Katie Wyrick

Boys’ Varsity Basketball MVP – Ross Ozburn Coach’s Award – Arash Hadjialiloo Most Improved – Alex Floyd

Squash MVP – Matthew Bohn Coach’s Award – Rachel Giampa Most Improved – John Patton

Girls’ Swimming MVP – Tatiana Duchak Coaches’ Award – Haleigh Hutcheson & Rachel Cole Most Improved – Brittany Breeden

Girls’ JV Basketball MOP – Catherine Farr Coach’s Award – Jamie Davis Most Improved – Gabby Vazzana

Boys’ JV Basketball MOP – Brenton Lewis Coach’s Award – Ian Martin Most Improved – David Muss

Boys’ Swimming MVP – Andrew Boyd Coaches’ Award – Wally Covington & Bobby Breeden Most Improved – Theodore Guarriello

2006 Spring Athletic Banquet Awards Girls’ Varsity Lacrosse MOP – Jordon Ross Coach’s Award – Suzanne Gendreau Most Improved – Victoria Hinton Boys’ Varsity Lacrosse MOP – Kris Genther Coaches’ Award – Angus Matheson Most Improved – Zack Power

Girls’ Varsity Soccer MOP – Diane Leggette Coach’s Award – Alex Barrett Most Improved – Tabitha Ward

Boys’ Varsity Volleyball MOP – Ian Revere Coach’s Award – Austin Knicely Most Improved – Hunter Morrison Boys’ Varsity Tennis MOP – Ian Martin Coach’s Award – Jack Byers Most Improved – Brenton Lewis

Academics

Page 18

Fairy-Tale Ending, New Beginning:

T

Part II: The Math Department, the Library—and Yowellville

he new Science, Technology, and Library Building will house a library that long-time Wakefield librarian Mickie Burton could only have dreamed of, as she labored away over the years in one short-term space after another, most notably a small reception parlor in Marshall Manor nursing home. The current library seemed like a dream come true in itself, when the current Upper School Building was dedicated in 1999. But the facility that is about to come, with a circulation desk ap-

M

athematics Department Chair Tony Wilson is unhesitating when asked about the key element of growth in the Math Department. “Our greatest growth is in meeting the math needs of Wakefield students without compromising either students or academics,” he says firmly.

“We started with the Lower School, then moved to Middle and then Upper,” Mr. Wilson says. “The Lower School came to me for help in understanding why the Lower School math ERB scores were unusually low”—they seemed inconsistent with the amount the students were learning in class, he says.

“We made two important discoveries,” Mr. Wilson explains.

“First of all, the children didn’t know the ‘jargon’—the proper math terms the test was using. Secondly, their textbooks were what I call ‘math cookbooks’—give a term, give a procedure, repeat, move on. They were not learning process; there was no

propriately bearing her name, will finally bring to fruition goals she has been working towards steadily for more than 15 years, no matter how far-off they seemed.

As to teaching facilities, while it is true that the six classrooms in the new building are science labs, they and the new library and computer rooms bring with them the technological capability to run every academic bell and whistle now available, plus others that aren’t even thought of yet.

This lights up more eyes than just the

Science Department’s: Mathematics Department Chair Tony Wilson is eager to teach his math classes in his new physics lab, and to begin taking advantage of all of that new wiring to fuel the next step for a Department that has already grown impressively under his leadership.

In the second of two articles, the Summer Epistula examines recent growth in mathematics and in the library, and discusses the impact on these two programs of Wakefield’s latest phase of construction.

deductive reasoning involved in their learning. They must know process!”

The adoption of University of Chicago’s famed “Everyday Math” program in all grades from kindergarten onward addressed both of these problems. “The program requires much more deductive reasoning,” says Mr. Wilson, “and deductive skills can go into every area of aca-

demics.” Indeed, results showed up on the ERBs almost immediately.

The keynote of change in the Middle and Upper schools is flexibility—coupled with a deep and wise understanding of how differing students relate to math. For veteran observers of Wakefield’s former unvarying straight-line path through its math courses, the options now avail-

Summer 2006

Page 19 able, and what the choices offer to students, are all but miraculous.

In grades 6, 7 and 8, there are now three options in each grade level, allowing students to move towards Algebra 1 at their own paces. “This is the critical preparation,” says Mr. Wilson. Students’ success in beginning algebra hinges on their having absolutely solid skills coming in, he says. Rushing into higher level courses does no one any good.

Now that each Middle School student can tailor-make a curriculum, every student will enter grade 9 either enrolled in Algebra 1 or already having taken it, ensuring that students will graduate with a minimum of four solid years of Upper School math.

The Upper School offers a wide array of options as well. According to the Math Department’s written philosophy, “While many students continue on to Pre-Calculus and then follow that with AP Calculus, Wakefield also offers four courses to meet other individual needs. Typically, Finite Mathematics is designed for juniors needing additional concentrated focus on fundamental topics from Algebra 1, Algebra 2 and Geometry in order to strengthen their mathematics skills, thereby enabling them to move more comfortably on to Pre-Calculus.

For those students who have successfully completed Pre-Calculus and whose circumstances indicate a need for another course other than Calculus, one option is Statistics, either AP or non-AP. Applied Calculus is another such option; this is also a very good course to dovetail with Wakefield’s Physics courses. Finally, our independent study format allows optimized progress tailored to the individual student who has exhausted all of our mathematics offerings.”

As to the future, Mr. Wilson foresees only more of the same— growth and new programs to better meet the needs of individual students.

“We would like to see a math lab with smartboards, and a tutorial system set up—one where both teachers and upper level students can provide tutoring,” he says. “This approach helps both the student tutor and the one getting help.”

While a math lab will not be a reality in the new Science/Technology/Library building, its technological capabilities will enable much experimentation with how new technology will feed into the math program of the future, too. Smartboards, the ability to use TI Viewscreens for graphing calculators, and the like will open new doors.

But even without those things, the Mathematics Department has become increasingly a place of both challenge and support for its students—and as to those “math cookbooks” of the past, Tony Wilson says he now tells his Geometry students, “You make the cookbook!”

“To the best of my knowledge, Mu Alpha Theta is the first national honor society ever at Wakefield School,” says Tony Wilson.

Mu Alpha Theta is a national high school and twoyear college mathematics honor society. It was conceived in 1954 by a committee of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. The Mathematical Association of America has formally sponsored Mu Alpha Theta since January, 1958.

Under the leadership of Mu Alpha Theta faculty advisor Chandra Renade, eighteen Wakefield students were inducted into this society earlier this month: Yang Chen, Chris Collins, Erica Eickhoff, Julia Falcon, Suzanne Gendreau, Laura Halley, Sarah Kim, Ashley Marchi, Chris McElaney, Lyndsey Morgan, Hunter Morrison, Jen Nicolaisen, Jordon Ross, Taylor Stephens, Ryan Sullivan, Laurel Vanlandingham, and Nick Warzinski. They have had one meeting, and elected officers: President: Laura Halley; Vice President: Suzanne Gendreau; and Secretary: Julia Falcon.

“The mathematics door is now opened to state, regional and national conferences, visits and lectures by mathematicians from nearby colleges and universities, and mathematics journals,” says Mr. Wilson. “The opportunities are limitless.”

Academics

T

hat math is a cool and exciting, subject to the Lower School is apparent in the vibrant results. All of the academic and textbook changes to which Tony Wilson refers are delivered to the Lower School students with an imagination and a joie de vivre that are infectious.

If you are lucky enough to work at Wakefield in a capacity that involves being kept up to speed on current school events, then you get to receive emails like the following:

The 4th graders will be moving through the school measuring and calculating the perimeter and square footage of certain locations. They will also be drawing their bedrooms to scale and making templates of the furniture in their rooms…The 5th graders are also currently designing and writing a children’s math book.

They will read these books and use manipulatives to teach concepts from the book to the kindergarten and first grade students…The Sudoku contests were a grand success.

Twenty-three 2nd graders successfully completed… [etc.] --Cyndi Williams

Among the most telling math

' ThetouMh house onPerr-y Street has three children, and they get threeeg9S each. When multiplying o number by 9, tne first number in the W\$"wer is the number you are mul t iplying by 9-1 and the I'IUmbe,. multiplying by nint."

Ht in iklid answer is 10, the number you are

s~olld

t~t

from Santa’s New Job by Camille Smith

Page 20 projects is the 5 th grade’s write-a-math-textbook—a Wakefieldean endeavor if ever there was one. The books speak for themselves, showing equally excellent command of math concepts and language-—not to mention meticulous craftsmanship, and both creative and critical thinking: From Where’s Your Negative? by Evan Gendreau: “Once there was a city that was separated into two parts, the positive and the negative. This city was called Number Line.

“In Number Line the people are all either positive or negative numbers. On each side of Number Line there is a super-hero; on the positive there is The Power of Ten and on the negative there is The Negative Power of Ten. But on the negative side of town the only person there is The Negative Power of Ten. “The Negative Power of Ten was so lonely on the negative side of town that he decided to make all of the people in the city of Number Line move to the negative side. He could do this because it takes only one negative number to make a city of positive numbers negative.” [In case you’re wondering, he lured them over with a dose of Chanel No. Negative-5 perfume.]

From Super Seven

by Leland Polhe-

mus: “One day Super Seven was counting the number of houses in his home city of Paralleloville. He noticed that there was one more house than there was before…Upon arrival at the extra house, he realized that the new owner of this house was his arch nemesis, Evil Eight.

“You see, Evil Eight belongs to the group of even numbers. Over the years, the even numbers had been giving the odd numbers lots of trouble. They thought they were better because they were related to the Tremendous Two.” from Ruler in the Rainforest by Ava Marvin ::1.' Y;tt:~s::;::e~::e:~::h;:~~roneWlch II one ioch loog? Measure ar>dlhen lift

Page 21

B

ut no matter how well the new building complements the hard work of the Science and Mathematics Departments, no two people on campus will see more growth become manifest in their areas of expertise than David Yowell and Mickie Burton—and no two people could deserve it more.

Mr. Yowell has overseen every one of the school’s steps towards the technological future—from the baby steps of the early 1990s (replacing WordPerfect with Windows95 on administration computers) to the colossal strides in recent years. That he did so single-handedly from a small closet in the basement is something that can hardly be explained—unless you know Mr. Yowell.

David Yowell created the school’s electronic network, building the server and wiring the buildings himself, the Lower School one summer and the Upper School the next.

Until the school added high-speed internet access, he gave us our internet service by installing a one-way satellite dish on the roof. He now handles our email onsite, as well as all 160 computers on the Wakefield network and their vital contents.

And now for something completely different…

The key advantage of the new building, Mr. Yowell says, is that it is designed for technology—the proper wiring and sufficient power are there, and every room is prepared to be online. It is set-up for WiFi capability, and the server, which will be run from a spacious new room in the library complex, will be set up with proper power and cooling.

The challenge, though, he cautions, will be funding—to properly use the new facility, it must be kept

Summer 2006 up to date, with equipSCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY BUILDING ment replaced at the LIBRA.RY-REA.DING ROOM correct rate (about every four years), the server constantly updated and kept secure, and new technologies added as they become available.

He says, also, that much of the responsibility for taking full advantage of the new building’s capabilities and space issues than by the facility’s will fall to the faculty and the Curriculum Committee— potential as a research destination.

“They have to decide what they want With the Muss family’s donation of $10,000 in Diana Muss’ memory, and what they think they can use.” funding from the Archwood Circle, On space, light, and a new Library and formation of a Library CommitWhen Wakefield left its origi- tee to guide its growth, the library nal campus in Huntly, its library had boasts not only an impressive collecbetween one and two thousand books tion, especially in literary criticism and other curriculum-heavy areas, to call its own.

Today, it has over 10,000 vol- but also in electronic capability— umes catalogued, cards ready to put ProQuest, J-Store, Facts-on-File, another 671 into circulation, 400 InfoTrac were all made possible with waiting imminent cataloguing, and the addition of high-speed internet thousands more in boxes. And, boy, is access, and generous funding keeps there a library on deck to put them in. these expensive programs available.

The new library, then, will The monarch of this noble empire is, of course, Mickie Burton. benefit not so much from more books A separate Lower School library, a and technology as from the space to full-time reference librarian for Mid- spread out and use them, and from the dle and Upper Schools, computers guidance of a librarian, available to separate from the computer lab that help students navigate it all.

“I teach 15 times a week—I are exclusively for research, inviting spaces and comfortable furniture can’t help people!” says Mrs. Burton. that beckon students in to experience “With a reference librarian, with the the joys of an excellent library—all Diana Muss Reading Room with its of these have been her rallying cries comfy furniture and ambient light—it for years, and that we will now have will be a place they’ll want to come.

“I want them to love it because them is a testimony to her spirited of what’s in it,” Mrs. Burton says. hard work and faith in the potential of a library to anchor an academic “I want Wakefield students to understand the value of books, and for community.

In recent years that anchoring the Wakefield library to make books E has been limited more by logistics come alive for them.”

•

Academics

Page 22

The Ever-So-Lovely 5th Grade Poetry Tea One of the most overt examples of the civility of the Wakefield community is the fifth grade’s annual Poetry Tea. The culmination of weeks of poetry study each spring and timed to coincide with close of National Poetry Month in April, the event offers students the opportunity to memorize and recite a favorite poem, to read

one of their own poems out loud, to learn the decorum of a formal tea and practice the art of conversation, to exercise their command of the Wakefield Courtesies—and, perhaps, to see the subtle-but-important connections between these apparently disparate endeavors.

This year’s tea was held at the

home of Mary and David Oliverio in Philomont, parents of fifth grader EricaJoy. Amid flowers, students dined and, with great anticipation, gave their recitations.

Excerpts from some of the original poems deemed by the students to be their favorites:

It’s the fourth of July!

It comes only once a year!

The neighbors get together even ahead of time to inventory their wares…

From the heat and the colors and the loud booms We get filled with the excitement of togetherness and fun, laughter, spontaneous sound and wonder.

-–Kyle Higgins As an elderly man, He sits on the soft grass and sighs.

Sighs in sorrow, Sighs in love, Sighs in a cobweb of lies.

Penguins look very silly Dressed up to go to a party.

With a tiny black cane And a bottle of champagne With their miniscule feet Their look is complete Dressed up to go to a party.

SIGHS —Emmaleah Jones Nothing is everything, in its own special way.

Without nothing, there wouldn’t be any space For Anything.

There couldn’t be that cold chill up your back That gives you a little, delightful fright in the middle of The night…

You wouldn’t have any clear skies (nothing is nothing, nothing at all) Or any of the sun’s breathtaking good-byes.

—Samantha McClaugherty

—Phillip Dolan

Summer 2006

Page 23

Earth/Science Day Inspires Learning and Further Collaboration

On April 21, Wakefield’s Middle and Upper School students participated again in Earth/Science Day, a full Friday of mostly off-campus activities intended to inspire curiosity and enthusiasm about science and good stewardship of the earth.

Stream monitoring, trips to a working dairy farm, an organic farm, and a water treatment plant, birdhouse-tending and planting on campus, working on the science mural in the Middle School stairwell, a geology-study hike up Compton Peak—the day offered plentiful choices for hands-on activities.

Chemistry class invites 5th grade Science Department Co-Chairs Shannon Bowen and Amanda Gonczi had been thinking about ways to build enthusiasm for Earth/Science Day. Although the day was created for 6th through 12th graders, the 5th grade happened to be doing a unit on physical science at the same time—and, they reasoned, what better way to make the 5th grade excited about par-

ticipating in the event next year than to invite them into an activity with older students this year? Since the 10th grade’s “Build a Solar Cooker” activity fit in well with physical science—air currents, heat, and their relationship, for example—the idea for a collaboration was born. The 10th grade learned about light and solar energy and designed their cookers in the morning, and after a lunch the 5th grade was invited to critique the designs and then help build and test them.

Up, up and away The project was so successful, and so popular with students in both grades, that a new collaboration was off the ground—literally—the very next month: on May 16, the 5th grade and the chemistry classes came together once again to talk about air density and gases and to launch 5 foot hot air balloons on the front lawn that both classes built together.

“The chemistry students were studying gas laws,” says Ms. Bowen.

“The 5th grade was studying buoy-

ancy, lift, density, and air currents. It seemed like a great match-up.”

Asked if the collaboration didn’t mainly benefit the 5th graders (would flying the balloons really make gas laws any clearer to the chemistry class?), Ms. Bowen is quick to point out mutual benefits.

“Because they had to construct the balloons themselves, they were more likely to ask, ‘Why didn’t this work?’” she says. “And, of course, you learn by teaching. They had to be sure they knew the answers about the project! They had to be ready with information, because they didn’t want to be shown up by the 5th grade!”

The collaboration also furthers the department’s inquiry-based learning goals, says Ms. Bowen. “The 5th grade asks questions the 10th grade has forgotten how to ask,” she says.

“They look for answers so much in chemistry that they forget how to ask!” Learning how to collaborate is an important part of training for the real-science world beyond.

The Arts

Page 24

It Was Blithe Indeed!

Wakefield Thespians took the stage on Friday and Saturday, March 10 and 11, in the classic farcical comedy Blithe Spirit by Sir Noel Coward, Wakefield’s entry for the 2006 “Cappies” theatre competition of the national Capital region. The cast included Rachel Squire as Ruth Condomine, pragmatic second wife of the somewhat overwhelmed Charles, played by Chris Stone. Laura Prahlad played the slightly naughty ghost of Elvira Condomine, Charles’ first wife.

Madame Arcati, the off-kilter medium, was played by Lisa Hytner. Edith, the quickest maid ever, was played by Gabby Vazzana. Jamie Davis played

“The set decoration is detailed with real furniture, knickknacks, and vine-draped trellises just beyond the outside door, feeling somewhere between lived-in and suffocated — an apt environment for this ménage à trois of ectoplasm…The show’s pacing is great; increasingly frantic with natural flow of bickering, the interaction is passionate and energetic.”

by Hayley Rushing of Robinson High School

misspoken Mrs. Bradman, and Michael Byrne was the skeptical Dr. Bradman.

This year a student artistic team designed the show and ran everything behind the scenes: junior Julia Falcon served as stage manager, Laurel VanLandingham designed the costumes, Elena Stock the lighting, and Hunter Morrison the sound. Members of the Introduction to Theatre class served as the run crew, implementing most of the intricate technical workings, including the ghostly sound effects and the unforgettable mansion-collapse at the end!

Wakefield senior Laura Prahlad was nominated for “Best Comic Actress” by the National Capital Area’s “Cappies” program, for her performance in Blithe Spirit.

The Cappies Program seeks to promote excellence in both theatre and writing through student critiquing of member schools’ plays and performances. There are currently 58 participating schools in the National Capital Area, and 14 Cappies programs across the U.S. and Canada.

The nominations in 33 categories were determined by the votes of more than 300 critics who each reviewed at least five shows at other schools.

“Cappie” awards are presented at the annual Cappies Gala at the Kennedy Center Concert Hall in June.

Said Wakefield theatre teacher Chris Guyotte, “While we hope that Laura is the award winner, it is important to recognize that the nomination alone is a huge honor.”

Summer 2006

Page 25

Who Needs Four Tenors—When You Have Hunter Morrison?

H

unter Morrison’s favorite academic areas are physics and math, and he excels at both. But at 16, his energy and passion—and most of his would-be free time—are dominated by a different factor of his make-up: his extraordinary voice.

“I’ve been singing in church choir for 12 years, so really this is all familiar,” Hunter says, in his matter-of-fact way. But many would argue that his experiences in recent months are hardly the sorts of things to be calmly pigeon-holed alongside church choir.

Since the fall, Hunter has auditioned for, and joined, the Cathedral Choral Society of the Washington National Cathedral, performed (in Hebrew) with Leonard Slatkin of the National Symphony conducting, sung Carmina Burana (in Latin and Old German) at the Kennedy Center, and performed solo, by invitation, at the Congressional Club, at the annual luncheon for the Auxiliary for Former Congressmen.

At the end of that afternoon, Congressmen were coming up and asking Hunter for his autograph, so convinced were they that they were in the presence of a towering new talent.

As thanks for his afternoon’s offerings, Hunter will have a flag flown in his honor over the National Capitol Building—on the Fourth of July.

How in the world to even make sense of such a sequence of events, in so short a time, for one so young?

It is impossible to extract from Hunter any comments that seem to do justice to the magnitude of his accomplishments. In addition to the church-choir comparison, we have the following:

How was it to sing Bernstein’s “Chichester Psalms?”: “Well, I love the dissonance!”

What was it like performing with Leonard Slatkin?: “He conducts in circles!”

What about singing with such a large and distinguished choir, in a setting like the National Cathedral?: “It’s fun to sing with other people!”

Thwarted, we turned to Hunter’s music teacher, Chris Mulligan, who is fortunately more than happy to elaborate on Hunter and his endeavors.

“In July, Hunter will perform with about 60 other Cathedral members in a celebration for jazz legend Dave Brubeck’s 85th birthday,” says Mrs. Mulligan. “Mr. Brubeck will be there with his quartet, running things with those long fingers of his, like pencils attached to his hand. To think that Hunter can open his Music Theory textbook and read about Dave Brubeck, and then to think of Hunter up there performing under those long fingers—well, it’s something else,”

she says.

Others are free with their praise of Hunter as well. As reported by Mary Beth Martin of the Fauquier Citizen, the Cathedral’s choral master Todd Fickley states, “The color of his voice is like gold,” adding that Hunter fills a room with “good, solid, smooth” sound. J. Reilly Lewis, music director of the Cathedral Choral Society for 21 years, calls Hunter’s voice “beautiful and lyrical.”

“Providence has blessed Hunter,” says Mrs. Mulligan. “When an extraordinary student like Hunter comes along, it is hard not to think, ‘Oh, no! How can I ever meet this student’s needs?’ But really, no secondary school could meet his needs…We tell our students to ‘seek the challenge.’ For him to be able to sit among professional musicians as he has this year—that is how we could help create for Hunter the kind of challenge that he needed, to help build his extraordinary life.”

The Arts

Page 26

Middle School–Hush. Hey! I Said HUSH!!

A lion roams across the country.

An anchorwoman bursts through a TV screen for a bite of apple pie.

The FBI lurks in the microwave. A lamb wanders the Illinois countryside searching for her mom. A father is dizzy from trying to keep up with his little girl who’s quickly growing up. And under an apple tree in her backyard in the small town of Hush, Kansas, a twelve-year-old named Maggie is at the whirling center of it all.

Such is the world of HUSH: An Interview with America, the wonderful Middle School winter production.

“This play is about the wild ride of growing up, about struggles of fathers and daughters, and about inner vision and personal voice,” says director Chris Guyotte, and Wakefield’s Middle School thespians handled the difficult and often-obscure material with both humor and seriousness, just as it required.

Above, the chorus drives Maggie to flee.

Jake Vartanian deals with, clockwise from above, his daughter Maggie, played by Kelsey Callahan, a “visiting” T.V. anchorwoman, played by Brittany Breeden, and the F.B.I, represented by Adam Koling.

Members of our Middle School Chorus were privileged to be invited to participate in the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade and TV performance production in Washington, D.C., as singers in a large youth show choir. Below, Nia Genther braves the soggy day to give a spirited performance, along with her fellow chorus members drawn from selected schools from the eastern half of the U.S.

On May 16, the lovable hydra that is the Middle School Music Program gave a spring recital that, improbably, took even more “giant steps forward.” Among the most notable: a full complement of brass instruments, playing a beautifully realized “When the Saints Go Marching In” with proper New Orleans flair.

In the December recital, the class had been represented by a lone trumpet player. Kudos, indeed!

Summer 2006

Page 27

“What’s a Guy Got to Do to Get Some Food Around Here?”

In Chris Mulligan’s original score, the wolf comes into his own, and flowers advise Little Red Riding Hood to “stay on the path,” lest she become a “little red entrée” The 3rd Grade staged its annual musical on May 4 and 5. This year’s play, Little Red Riding Hood, was an original score by Mrs. Mulligan which created a comedy version of the beloved children’s story written around ideas supplied by 3rd graders.

The winning idea in this contest was supplied by Candace Craig, and Mrs. Mulligan chose elements from several winning essays. The new ending brought their musical to a surprise conclusion!

Clockwise from above left: Little Red herself, Sophia Vella; the wolf, played by Mary Clubb; a flower, perfectly represented by Caroline Kessler; the straight men, portrayed by Phillip Mulford, Lucas Quinn, and Juan Lizarraga; and the fearless trackers, led by Candace Craig.

The Arts Just for Fun, An Afternoon for Art On Friday, May 19, the Art Department held its inaugural Lower and Middle School Arts Fair, providing, in the words of Lower School Art teacher Teresa Duke-Dunnigan, “an awesome chance for Lower and Middle School students and their parents to sample the joys of making and experiencing art while spending some quality time together!�

The afternoon featured displays of student work, as well as a wide variety of art stations where families could make items such as mosaic stepping stones and salad spinner paintings, one-of-a-kind mono prints, even digital transfer tee-shirts.

The Middle School handbell choirs and chorus performed, and a grand finale performance by mime Mark Jaster completed the afternoon, courtesy of the Bluemont Concert Series.

Was it fun? See for yourself!

Page 28

The Larger World Page 29

Summer 2006

Wakefield’s Second “Class Day” Celebrates Making a Difference On Friday, February 10, Wakefield held its second Class Day of the 2005-2006 school year.

The theme of this school year at Wakefield has been “Making a Difference,” and on this Class Day, students worked together on projects that prompt thinking about the many ways to make a difference to others.

Activities included a service project for a Mexican orphanage, exploring games and art from around the world, writing to international pen pals, exploring our connection to those in need in Africa, and stacking wood for neighbors in need in The Plains.

In several activities, one could see the imprint of History Department Chair Carolyn Wyrsch’s recent experiences as part of the Japan Fulbright Memorial Fund (JFMF) teacher exchange program last fall.

Students in grades 4 and 10 were paired for the making of origami Peace Cranes to be sent to the Peace Park at Hiroshima. They also learned some Japanese script and were able to write brief messages to a Japanese pen pal, through a connection Mrs. Wyrsch has to a Japanese school.

Grades 3 and 9 worked on creating and decorating ceramic tiles to complement the “Peace Pole” that is to be created at the school as one of Mrs. Wyrsch’s follow-up projects.

Carolyn Wyrsch now has a webpage available in regard to the Japan Peace Education project, part of her follow-up to her JFMF program.

Says Mrs. Wyrsch, “I was working with a former colleague, Maggie Doyle, who was a 2002 JFMF participant. She had

developed a webpage for her geopolitical guide to Japan, and now my project is a link on that page. You can connect to the Peace Education Plan, see images from Class Day, and at the end of the page open my Fulbright Follow-On Plan...you will also see

a place where you can open my PowerPoint presentation on my experience in Japan.

“The website address is www.list.org/~mdoyle/japanindex.html.”

The Larger World

Page 30

Wakefield Students Travel to Mexico for Service, Learning

by Suzanne Gendreau, Grade 11

Last summer, I spent about a month living and working in Casa Ayuda, an orphanage in San Miguel, Mexico.

My experience at Casa Ayuda was so positive that I and nine other members of the Wakefield community returned over ski week to work. The group, which included my fellow juniors Nick Lamb, Elena Stock, Julia Falcon, and Matt Warner, Spanish teacher Karen Falcon, and my father, John Gendreau, did daily labor to improve Casa Ayuda. We painted two rooms, cleaned out and laid cement in an old bunny hut, built and painted three picnic tables, and created a walkway for the preschool.

In addition to the manual labor, the group took the kids from the orphanage into town to go shopping, and on a swimming trip to the hot springs.

Casa Ayuda is not a stereotypical Little Orphan Annie orphanage; rather, it is an extension of the home for many members of the community.

Founded by an American woman in the mid-ninties to support the misplaced children of San Miguel, the orphanage was taken over on her death by Victor and Alicia Gomez.

Previously, the couple ran a food and clothes distribution center, so Victor brought with him the idea of community outreach. Since the Gomez’s arrival, Casa Ayuda has thrived as a center for neighborhood support, offering food and clothing distribution, a preschool that instructs almost ninety kids, shelter for children who need it, and a Scouts’ program.

My cousin, Lauren Birge, knocked on the door of Casa Ayuda about five years ago with the intention

of teaching English to impoverished children while on a long summer vacation. She fell in love with Casa Ayuda, and became increasingly involved in organizing fundraisers and mission trips. In 2003 Lauren and her father formed the Ayuda Foundation, a non-profit that financially supports Casa Ayuda’s projects.

Recently, the Ayuda Foundation began working to help the orphanage purchase a Suburban. Casa Ayuda’s old truck was very important to the community because it transported the food from the market to the orphanage to be distributed, and allowed Victor to take the kids on field trips outside of the neighborhood. When the Wakefield group visited, it was on its last axel, and the students promised to send money to help Casa Ayuda get a new truck. [see sidebar] Although overwhelmed at first, theWakefield students quickly adapted to the environment of the orphanage and began to bond with the kids.

The many soccer games and hours of jumping on the trampoline improved our Spanish, and taught us all about one another’s cultures. The trip had a profound impact on each of us.

If you are interested in donating a tax-deductible gift to the Ayuda Foundation, the address is: 2980 S.Detroit Way

The Service Club hosted a Yard Sale in April to benefit Wakefield students’ service project with Casa Ayuda.

“The Yard Sale was an amazing success!” said Mrs. Wyrsch, advisor to the Service Club. “When it was all collected we had over $800 for the Ayuda Foundation!”

In addition to Mrs. Wyrsch, six students (Suzanne Gendreau, Rachel Samlall, Sarah Kim, Rachel Squire, Laura Prahlad, and Julia Falcon), the Gendreaus, Karen Falcon, and Cheryl Brindle pitched in that Saturday.

According to an update from Mrs. Falcon in May, “We have raised over $1300 just since February and there’s more coming! We received a letter from the Ayuda Foundation that, with the help of matching grants, the house has been able to buy a Suburban which will replace the rickety vehicle we saw in use.”

Summer 2006

Page 31

Fourth and Fifth Grade Sponsorships Yield Funds—and More The evidence is everywhere of the rich rewards—for all concerned—of the fourth and fifth grades’ sponsorship of four children this spring through Save the Children.

First there is the bulletin board summarizing the final tallies:  On behalf of Krisna Thakulia of Nepal: 49,084 minutes read $526.25 earned  On behalf of Cindy Lorque of the Phillipines: 57,765 minutes read, $618.07 earned  On behalf of Khokan Miah of Bangladesh: 65,404 minutes read $604.32 earned  On behalf of Bikram Dangaura of Nepal: 66,127 minutes read $549.25 earned But there’s other evidence, too. Sit in for a while on Joel Enoch’s class, spend some time talking with his students, and it becomes clear right away that the rewards have extended in both directions.

Skilled guidance “How do you ask questions that are sensitive without being intrusive?”

Mr. Enoch askes his class, as the students are writing to their new pen-pals for the first time. “You probably don’t want to ask them something like, ‘What’s it like not having running wa-

ter?’ but what do you ask?”

The students make suggestions, express concerns, eye their rough drafts with doubt. It is clear both that the subject has come up before and that the answer remains somewhat elusive.

“How to you feel compassion for a stranger?” their teacher asks them. “How do you really feel it?”

But when it is time to read the drafts out loud, there has been no shortage of wonderful solutions: What color do you like best? What is your ambition? Do you play a musical instrument? What is a typical day for you? What is your town like? Do you like animals? What are the top ten things for me to know about you?

hard choosing, because they all looked poor. You could try to figure out who might be the poorest….one picture had a house with no door—it looked like rain could get in…”

Tavish McDonald has a different perspective on studying the pictures, though. “The two boys from Nepal had on nice shirts, and Cindy had a nice dress—they looked like they had put on their best clothes for the picture.”

This brightens Nico right up: “Yes! I bet their parents wanted them to get chosen, so they dressed them specially.” This thought makes all four children glow with satisfaction.

Kate Crescenzo: “I am happy we are helping kids have food that we have too much of!”

Fourth grade speaks Interviews with small groups of fourth and fifth graders about their experiences with the project reveal genuine excitement and genuine learning, the kind no SOL can generate or measure.

Fourth has quite a bit to share on the process of choosing whom to help.

Tessa Zee: “Well, it’s nice helping…but it was weird—I mean, looking at all those pictures…some of them looked scared.”

Nico Benitz: “It was

Fifth grade speaks The fifth grade is no less vocal, but their concerns and thoughts are different.

The very first comment comes unhesitatingly from Brian Eybers: “Doing this was really important for my future. I know now that I can really help… when I am a grown-up I am likely to do more.”

Once the floodgates are opened by this unexpected insight, there is no turning back. Other excerpts:

Atty Benitz: “When I used to live in England I saw people with their hands out and I didn’t know why.

[Sponsoring the children] is like when I’ve helped with the ASPCA—when you give money you understand what it’s for.”

Av a M a r t i n : “ I think they feel lucky to be picked—now they are in communication with someone who believes in them.”

Meredith Butler: “When I help with the Animal Shelter, I know the animals and I can see I’ve helped them. This is like that. It makes you stronger.”

Hannah Patel: “There are whole cultures with these children—different musical instruments, different food—different cultures. These cultures aren’t here! We can learn that, and we can show them the good side of the U.S....

If you have no respect for poor people you have no respect for yourself.”

Hannah Zontine: “We are the same as them!

Sure, we are rich people to them. But you can still write to them and say, ‘I like to study,’ and they can write back and say, ‘Hey, I like to study, too!’

More people should stop and think, ‘What if I were poor?’ Then they’d probably think, ‘Hey, why don’t I care?’”

From the Development Office

Page 32

“SOARING TO NEW HEIGHTS” NAMING OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND LIBRARY PHASE Amounts stated are minimum amounts suggested to name a space or to endow a named fund.

Naming opportunities may honor the donor or anyone the donor wishes to name.

Pledges may be fulfilled over a two-year period ending June 30, 2008.

Science, Technology, and Library Building

Library and Research Center

Science and Technology Center Lobby (Atrium)

$1,000,000 $1,000,000 $500,000

– The Treptow Family

Lower School Library

$1,000,000

– Molly & Clarke Ohrstrom

Science and Technology Center – Upper Level Middle School Laboratories (2)

$100,000 Chemistry Laboratories (2) 100,000 Physics Laboratory 100,000 Biology Laboratory 100,000 – Pat & Steve Miller Faculty Office, Upper Level 50,000 Laboratory Prep Rooms (4) 25,000 Pentagonal Work Stations in Chemistry, Biology, Middle School Labs (20) 15,000 Teaching Stations/All Classrooms (6) 10,000 All Furnishings for Science Labs $100,000 Main Hallway, Upper Level 50,000 North Entryway, Upper Level 25,000 Library and Research Center – Lower Level Library-Computer Research Room $300,000 The Diana Muss Reading Room 250,000 Librarian’s Office/Workroom 250,000 College Counselor’s Office 100,000 Library Meeting Room (2) 50,000 The Michaela Burton Circulation Desk

30,000 Library Reading Room Furnishings 25,000 Library Catalogue Station 25,000 Library Stack (6)

10,000 Library Study Carrell (4) 2,500 Technology Classroom $100,000 Technology/Server Room 100,000 All Furnishings – Lower Level $100,000 Main Hallway – Lower Level 50,000

Wakefield Dining Room

– The Muss Family – Sue & Steve Lewis – The Fairfield Family

– The Noel Family

$300,000

Furnishings Naming opportunities for individual pieces of furniture in the Science, Technology, and Library Building and the Lunchroom are available from $500 to $5,000.

Note: Opportunities are also available to name facilities already in existence.

For information, contact Lindsay Jones, 540-253-9861, ljones@wakefieldschool.org

Summer 2006

Page 33

A SALUTE TO WAKEFIELD’S OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEERS

Over the last few years, volunteer participation in all our activities at Wakefield has simply soared! From the ever-present room parents to the industrious auction committee members to the gardeners who plant and disappear leaving beauty in their wakes, volunteers are working everywhere to enhance our school and help make our students’ and faculty’s experience a richer and happier one.

We want to take this opportunity to acknowledge as many of you as possible, listing you only in one category. If we should have missed you on this list, forgive us but let us know. All the many little things you do are important to our whole community!

Wakefield Parents’ Association Lisa Winick Stacey and Mel Lukens Libby Atkinson Debbie Trout Holli Thompson Elizabeth Finnan Tryna Golian June Zyontz Monica Marvin Tina Boyd Susan Oldfield Renee and Louis Puppo Linda Wine Marilyn Glen Dayle and Russ Butler Anjela and Ted Guarriello Stephen Ferrante Room Parents (keep in mind that many not listed here are constantly doing their parts for classroom events and activities) Joanne Smoot Anne Brown Frances Conrad Kathy Segmuller Jennifer Wolfson Wendy Gaines Lia Rensin Susan Reing Vicki Gray Kelly Kott Andrea Craig Donna Ray Shawna Noel Sue Southard Mimi South

Lisa LaBelle Mary Oliverio Kim Paris Linda Lounsbury Chryssi Benitz Gina Rose Arlene Vandermast Martina Boone Debi Alexander Ellen Samlall Kim Warden Laura Floyd Jane Eickhoff Linda Warner Booster Club / Team Parents Mary Ann and Tucker Withers Frances Heim Kris Ozburn Janet Danker Barbara Knicely Karen McElaney Pat Petty Leigho Wood Joanne Hytner Arlene Vandermast Lauran Power Vickie Currier-Rice Trish Plummer Mary Graham Gail Cushman Sonya Duchak Valerie Lee Mary DelBuono Auction Committee Holli and Moses Thompson Beth Ann Mascatello Juli and Richard Clifford

Anne Viega Laura and Paul Glennon Laura Becker Tina Boyd Cindy Bapst Cynthia Benitz Alix Coolidge Natalie Edens Leslie Ladau Ann and Roger Martella Elizabeth Norman Maryanne Quinn Susannah Randolph Veronique Smith Kerry Dale Marvelous Miscellany Mary Bartlett Maryanne Sparks Rob Bohn Pat Byrne Kathleen Callahan Andrew Clubb Pat Daly Teresa Enix Lesley Eybers Kathryn Gendreau Amy Hinchman Beverly Hyde Bob Martin Keith and Clif Stroud Tina and Jitu Patel Saskia Paulussen Paige Poss Bill Costis Ed White Mike Reing Anita Baldock-Bryant Donna Stone Ellen Squire Jennifer Sipes

Board of Trustees Mike Ozburn, Chairman Jay Adams Sandi Atkins Bob Burgoyne John Fairfield Sue Lewis Paul Mayer Pat Miller Molly Ohrstrom Peter Quinn Gary Squire Jim Treptow Adam Winick Capital Campaign Steering Committee Steve Miller, Chairman Chuck Kuhn Technology Committee Jim Gable, Chairman Frank Atkinson Jonathan Baker Eric Beller Jay Bryant Carole Davis David Finnan Steve Kennedy Mike McElroy Bill Paris David Rensin Doug Stock Ed White Scott Zimmerman Building Committee Bob Breeden, Chairman Guy Gravett Domenick Mingione Jay Norman Kevin Cole

Alumni News Class of 1983 Sarah Mattingly is involved in a project called Celebrating a Spirit, a new initiative celebrating the lives of children with life-threatening illnesses by providing patient’s families with professional photographs that capture the spirit and grace of their child, at Children’s National Medical Center (CNMC). The program stems from Soulumination, a non-profit organization founded by Seattle photographer Lynette Huffman Johnson a year ago to provide free photographs to families. Tina Lassiter, Managing Director of New Horizons, the arts education and cultural enrichment program at CNMC, credits Sarah Mattingly for bringing the concept to CNMC. Class of 1990 Congratulations to Jason Buratti who was engaged to Kimberly Oalican on December 23 rd, center stage at The Comedy of Errors (Shakespearean Theater)! Their wedding is planned for December 30, 2006. Jason is an attorney with the law firm Robins, Kaplan, Miller and Ciresi, L.L.P. Class of 1991 Laurie Tice Fox recently reported that she is living in Bristow, Virginia, and teaching second grade at Victory Elementary School. She has been married for almost six years and has a two year old son, Bailey Harrison Fox.

also reports that she was married in April to Scott Nadel who is a radiologist from New York.

Page 34 next several months. Allyson is currently living in New York City, but has plans to spend some time in Virginia over the summer before heading to Los Angeles to continue her increasingly successful acting career.

Class of 2002 Congratulations to Ashley Ozburn who graduated from the University of Virginia in May with a degree in architecture.

She was offered a job working at an architecture firm in Raleigh, North Carolina where she plans to move later this summer.

Class of 1996 The Alumni Office enjoyed a visit from Suzanne Carrier recently. She is living in Oakland, California, and is a Development Officer for Earthjustice, a non-profit law firm.

Class of 1998 Jeanne-Marie Stevens ecstatically reports that she was married on April 1, 2006, to Ken Peterson. The happy couple is residing in Charlottesville, where

Class of 1992 Wakefield faculty member and alumna Imogen Slade was recently engaged to Noel Ryan. Noel is from Ireland and has been in the states for just over 10 years.

He is a professional huntsman as well as a real estate agent. The wedding is planned for August 5, 2006, at Great Meadow in The Plains.

Jeanne-Marie is currently teaching and Ken is an engineer.

Jennifer Torneden just moved back to the United States from Switzerland and was accepted to the Executive MBA Program at Columbia University. She

Class of 2001 Allyson Floyd sends another exciting update. She is working on a film with Drew Barrymore and Hugh Grant for the

Class of 2003 Todd Fernandez, who attends Rochester Institute of Technology, writes that he is currently working for Remington Arms as a Process Engineer just outside of Utica, New York. At school he is involved with ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) and has built several humanpowered pumpkin launchers. Last spring, a device he designed and built with a group of friends, pedaling a bicycle, launched a five-pound watermelon 640 feet. He has been participating in the school’s hockey pep club and attends almost every game. He is also currently working with the Formula SAE team on several projects much like the kart he built for his senior thesis design. He reports that he did eventually finish the kart but never had an opportunity to run it. He plans to bring it to Rochester in the next year to finalize everything and hopefully race it a bit.

Class of 2004 Geneva Jann-Lewis has been nothing but busy. She is currently an Art History and French double major and Visual Art minor at Emory University in Atlanta.

This spring she had an internship at Blue Line Gallery in Atlanta. During the summer, she will be attending a 6-week Fashion Photography Program in London through Syracuse University. When she returns to Emory in the fall, she will be an intern at the Michael C. Carlos

Summer 2006

Page 35 Museum and also a docent in training; she is planning to study in Paris during the second semester. She had an absolutely fantastic experience this past winter break spending several weeks traveling through

India with friends. She was also voted by the Media Council to be Most Valuable Member of the publication Daydreamer’s Guide to Emory.

Valerie Lalonde and Geneva JannLewis (seen in photo below) enjoyed dinner with former Wakefield faculty member Maggie Doyle and current faculty member Connie Lalonde at the Hunter’s Head in Upperville. Also in attendance were Vicky Jann-Lewis, Director of Admission and Georgiana Watt, Assistant to the Headmaster.

Class of 2005 Congratulations to Sam Kott who was named to the Dean’s List at the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg.

Emily Phipps is home for the summer from Brigham Young University where she is currently studying Biology. She had a wonderful year and enjoyed playing pick-up field hockey with some friends in the fall. She is working this summer and looking forward to vacationing with her entire family before heading back to Utah in the fall.

Elizabeth Webb was recently inducted into the Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Society at Washington and Lee University. The award is limited to topachieving freshman students.

Will Napier ’05: Updates from Thailand

In July Will Napier will —sadly-—wrap up his amazing year as a Rotary Exchange student in Thailand. Here are excerpts from some of the enticing glimpses of his life there that he has supplied to family and friends while travelling.

8/23: I had my first day of school today.

I spoke, very simply, in Thai to my 4000 fellow classmates. ..I’m taking 2 lessons of Thai language a day, Buddhasavanna (the study of Buddhist thought and its implementation in Thai culture, government and customs), Japanese (!), Chinese (!!), Thai cooking, Thai sword fighting (the Thai word is “sworddancing”), and perhaps Thai boxing.

9/5: There’s a pretty great expression here: “mai bpen rai.” It means “you’re welcome,” “nevermind,” “it’s not that important,” “it’s alright” and every other easy-going expression in English you can think of. I use it a lot. It totally captures everything here. When I stumble all over the Thai language, whoever I’m talking with just says, “mai bpen rai” and it’s all good.

10/17: It’s nice, I think, to have so many people that treat you like you’re part of

their family…the teachers from a school in Udon Thani that I don’t even attend invited me to come have lunch with them and their “farung” [Western] students the other day. It was a nice meal, on a floating, thatched-roof raft where you sit on the floor at low-lying tables and a man brings your food out to you on a little canoe...

4/19: [In March] my parents arrived in Thailand to visit…On the last day of our time in Krabi, I took my parents on a religious pilgrimage to pay respects to some of the bones of Buddha, on top of a rather tall mountain near the coast.

Down below is a temple built into a cave, called Wat Tham Seua (the Tiger Cave Temple). My folks climbed the whole thing, braving wild monkeys, the heat and a rain storm, making it up the 2000 some stairs to the top of the mountain. I have to admit I was impressed…

…Of all the food in Thailand, Isan food (Isan is the north-eastern region of Thailand that I live in) is the best! With out a doubt. The best stuff is som-tam, a spicy salad made out of unripened papaya (which I eat almost everyday now), lab-mu, a minced pork salad with lemon and mint, and gai-yang, herbed fried chicken, all eaten with your hands and with sticky-rice… …[In April], the Songkran festival began, the Thai lunar new year. This is the hottest time of the year here…

But seeing as it’s so hot, part of the festivities of the lunar new year is to throw water on each other. So for three days, all my friends and I went out and threw water on each other and random passers-by, people on motorcycles and song-tows (pick-up trucks that are like public buses). It was a lot of fun.

Wakefield School 4439 Old Tavern Road Post Office Box 107 The Plains, Virginia 20198

Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage Paid The Plains, VA Permit No. 1

A New Math Tradition: Pi Day

Page 36

O

ne of the most eagerly-anticipated days of the Lower School year, Pi Day engages the fourth grade in a full day of celebrating the complexity, usefulness, and uniqueness of the world’s most bizarre number. Competition is the order of the day, as students jockey to correctly calculate circumference and area of various circular objects, recite the most decimal places, and so on. And the prize for winners? What else? A pi[e] in the face!

For more on innovation in the Mathematics Department, see Academics, page 18.