Insights Magazine 2022-2023

in s i g h t s

2022-2023

COLLEGE

CHOICE EXPERIENCE

I n sights: 2022-2023 Fall 2023 Dear Friends, One of the highlights of my first year at Whitfield—and one of my favorite Whitfield traditions—was seeing the seniors lined up along the sides of the front walk on the first day of school. Cheering and clapping, high fives and fist bumps—this is not how I remember my year starting when I was in school!

You see this same kind of community spirit in small ways every day at assembly, when we cheer students’ birthdays or a big win for a middle school sports team (or varsity team!).

And you see it—and hear it in ways that are almost deafening—each day during Spirit Week. Prospective parents feel it in more subtle but equally powerful ways when they come to visit, noticing the way our students act in the halls or interact with teachers and peers in their classes. As much as anything else I’ve come to know and appreciate this past year, it’s this Whitfield spirit and sense of community.

In our first year, Helena and I have also come to love St. Louis. We’ve become regulars at the Art Museum and the Botanical Gardens, and seen performances at the Fox, the MUNY, and Symphony. Although we haven’t yet made it to a Blues game, we’ve seen St. Louis City win and, unfortunately, the Cardinals lose (I’m beginning to think we may be bad luck…), and we’re doing our best to sample St. Louis’ great restaurant offerings. In short, we’ve thrown ourselves into the life of this amazing city.

On the opposite page, you'll find an article on a transformational gift from Kyle Kerner ’96 and Lauren Weissman Kerner ’96. This extraordinary gift will endow a full-time Learning Specialist position and expand the school’s Academic Success team, currently led by The Kerner Family Director of Teaching & Learning Mead Ploszay. The Kerners, who have been giving back to Whitfield for 13 consecutive years, both benefited from the personalized learning experience of a Whitfield education. Their gift will not only help to create equitable educational experiences for our neurodiverse students, but will also help us to expand academic programs and support for all students.

In the following pages, you’ll read about our outstanding College Counseling team, Amanda Henry and Ebony Sistrunk. With their focus on fit and student satisfaction, they guide our students and their families through an application process that can be bewildering and overwhelming. Amanda and Ebony meet each student where they are—in propria persona—to help them find those colleges and universities that will be the best fit and set them up for long term success. You’ll also read a small sampling of the inspiring things our students did last year—on and off-campus, in and out of the classroom. You’ll read about our winning sports teams—wrestling, esports, soccer, tennis, and basketball—documentary film-making, the full-throated (and mask-less) return of Whitfield performing arts, and the Glassman Leadership program.

Finally, in the year ahead, I look forward to sharing with you news about and updates on the school's new strategic plan, adapted by a unanimous vote of the Board of Trustees earlier this fall. In the meantime, I am pleased to share our Mission and first-ever Vision Statement (see right). Together, these two statements reaffirm touchstone Whitfield School values: community and trust, kindness and integrity. These words and ideas have always been at the heart of what we do. At the same time, these statements clarify our commitment to diversity and to providing a "small school" experience—to know each child and meet them where they are. And they clarify that the Whitfield experience is about discovery and transformation—intellectual, social, emotional. That it's about inspiring and empowering young people to become their best selves, to lead lives of meaning and purpose.

GO WARRIORS!

Chris Cunningham, Ph.D. Head of School

Whitfield Receives Transformational Gift to Expand Academic Success Team

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hitfield School has received a transformational gift from Kyle Kerner ’96 and Lauren Weissman Kerner ’96 to endow a full-time Learning Specialist position and expand the school’s Academic Success team, currently led by The Kerner Family Director of Teaching & Learning Mead Ploszay.

The Kerners, who have been giving back to Whitfield for 13 consecutive years, both benefited from the personalized learning experience of a Whitfield education. They care deeply about helping schools create equitable educational experiences for neurodiverse students, while at the same time, expanding academic programs and support for all students.

“At Whitfield, we empower all students to understand and leverage their cognitive and personal strengths,” said Head of School Chris Cunningham. “The Kerner gift will expand professional development opportunities for our faculty, deepening their understanding of learning differences and broadening their repertoire of strategies for teaching our neurodiverse students. But research shows that good teaching for neurodiverse students is just good teaching–so this gift will improve the academic experience for all of our students.”

Gifts of this magnitude allow Whitfield to be even more competitive in the independent school marketplace.

"Supporting neurodiversity means celebrating the unique ways in which we experience the world and recognizing that the contributions of our diverse minds can drive positive change and create a thriving, vibrant world," said Lauren Weissman Kerner ’96.

As active and engaged alumni, the Kerners’ commitment to advancing the school’s mission is an inspiration for our entire community.

“We are extremely grateful for the generosity of Kyle and Lauren Kerner,” said Director of Development Kelly Edwards. “Their extraordinary support will enhance academic programs for all students, providing more challenge, support, and learning opportunities.”

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Supporting neurodiversity means celebrating the unique ways in which we experience the world and recognizing that the contributions of our diverse minds can drive positive change and create a thriving, vibrant world.

-Lauren Weissman Kerner ’96, alumna

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Whitfield would like to dedicate this edition of Insights to Becky Marsh who served as the voice of the school for 29 years.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES • 2023-2024 MISSION: A small school community committed to kindness and trust, Whitfield inspires a diverse student body to lead lives of curiosity, integrity, and purpose VISION: Empowering young people to discover and become their best selves.

STATEMENT OF NON-DISCRIMINATION: Whitfield School is an independent, coeducational, college-preparatory day school for grades 6–12. Whitfield seeks to maintain a student body diverse in geographic, economic, racial and religious backgrounds. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion or color in administering its academic policies, admissions policies, athletic policies, financial aid program or other school activities.

Ron Fox ’74 (Chair) Derik King (Vice Chair) David Ressner (Treasurer) Karen Myers (Secretary) Andy Bryan Brian Chao ’08 John Corn Dave Cooperstein Tamara Estrill-Lett Jeffrey Evitts Corey Jones Kris Mannen ’05

Paul Minorini Melissa Howe O’Connor ’08 Asim Raza Scott Rhodes ’98 Geneen Von Kloha Philip B. Cady Jr. ’70 Bruno B. Schmitter Wayne L. Smith II Chris Cunningham, Ph.D. Head of School (Ex-Officio)

Questions or comments should be addressed to: Erin Walsh, director of communications and marketing, erin.walsh@whitfieldschool.org Whitfield School • 175 South Mason Road • St. Louis, Missouri 63141 • 314-434-5141 Visit Whitfield’s web site: whitfieldschool.org

I n focus

I n focus: 2022-2023

Whitfield’s College Counseling program is designed to help students understand their strengths, interests, talents, and needs in order to ensure each individual identifies the best fit post-graduation. Through a multi-year, individualized advising model, students are guided toward collegiate experiences that will continue to challenge and support their academic and personal growth.

COLLEGE

CHOICE EXPERIENCE

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ecognized locally and nationally for its exceptional program, Whitfield's college counseling team mirrors the school's student-centered approach by offering a tailor-made experience for students and their families. Director of College Counseling Amanda Henry and Associate Director of College Counseling Ebony Sistrunk build trusting relationships with their advisee families by carefully outlining expectations and roles for counselors, parents, and students, as well as maintaining frequent contact between home and school. Whitfield’s school size, with an average graduating class of 75 students, can be attributed to making much of this possible.

Intentionality is evident in all aspects of the college choice experience from caseload, to programming embedded in the school day, to expedited deadlines.

IMAGE BY GEOFF STORY

ON THE COVER: DIRECTOR OF COLLEGE COUNSELING AMANDA HENRY, COREY JONES, TARYN JONES '24, SHEILA JONES, AND ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF COLLEGE COUNSELING EBONY SISTRUNK. IMAGE BY GEOFF STORY.

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Director of College Counseling Amanda Henry and Associate Director of College Counseling Ebony Sistrunk

Like all departments at Whitfield, the college counseling program uses a spiraling curriculum with an emphasis on individualization. The college counseling program begins informally in sixth grade, becomes more detailed and strategic in the ninth and tenth grades, and evolves into a student/parent/counselor partnership in the eleventh and twelfth grades. Whitfield families value the personalization, professionalism, and low-stress approach of the school’s college choice process which distinguishes it from all other schools in the region.

In your estimation, how is Whitfield’s approach to college counseling different from other schools?

AMANDA: We prefer to use the phrase “college choice experience” as what we do is not transactional, but relational. It is important that we define the roles for all involved: the students drive the process, and the parents support. We are the ones who hold the students accountable. Additionally, we provide concierge-level service to our families—for example, a travel itinerary complete with appointments at area schools to complement your vacation to southern California.

The Gold Standard for a College Choice Experience • Clearly defined roles for counselors, students, and parents • Concierge-level service for families

EBONY: We also provide postgraduate support to our alumni. At most schools,

• Postgraduate application support for students

What are the department’s areas of strength?

Areas of Strength

once you apply to college, you are done with college counseling. That’s not the case here. For example, if a student is interested in applying to law school or medical school, we write letters of recommendation.

AMANDA: I would say that one of our biggest areas of strength is the essay writing

component of the college choice experience, which has become increasingly more important, especially in light of the test optional movement. Our students are uniquely situated to have really outstanding written materials to support their transcripts and other application documents.

EBONY: Our department is well-versed in current college trends. We are continually educating ourselves on the trajectory that colleges are going in regarding recruitment and admissions, especially post-pandemic. We share that information with our students and their parents and help them understand how that data might impact their college choice experience. We are also very connected with college networks around the country through travel, outreach, and professional development.

• Essay writing component of the college choice experience • Being "up" on college trends • Leveraging professional contacts and professional organizations/ networking

AMANDA: We are deeply embedded in our professional organizations. Ebony and I have been networking for years, and have relationships with college admission professionals at schools throughout the country.

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I n focus

I n focus: 2022-2023

Reducing the Stress

Applying to colleges and universities is traditionally considered to be a stressful process. However we often hear from Whitfield families that the College Counseling Department makes the experience very low-stress.

How do you accomplish that?

• Process is managed by the College Counseling Department

AMANDA: Families who have children at multiple schools have a very unique perspective, especially when they’ve had one student go through the college choice experience elsewhere. What we often hear is, “At my other child’s school, I had to do so much of the work.” At Whitfield, we take those tasks off of the plates of our families because we want them to enjoy the experience of choosing a college together with their child.

• College Choice Experience Program is a purposefully-designed, multi-year process • Students work ahead of deadlines

EBONY: The program is designed to alleviate stress. During junior year we work with students on the bulk of their supplemental application forms, including essays and resumes. Then our summer workshops for rising seniors really lay the groundwork for collecting and finalizing all of the necessary application materials. By the time students begin their senior year, they are ready to submit their applications. 100% of the class of 2023 completed at least one application submission by November 1, and many of them were already finished with all of their applications.

AMANDA: Prior to our initial meeting with each junior family, we have done an enormous amount of preparation. We have curated a list of schools that is tailored for each student and includes three different categories: foundation, target, and reach. A foundation school is one that a student will get into based on admission requirements. A target school typically has about a 50% acceptance rate. And, the reach school typically has between a 20-30% acceptance rate. During the meeting we discuss each school on the list and develop a good sense of preferences.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW Middle School

Senior Year

Awareness of college selection process begins for students and parents

Application logistics • Selective college admission: how it works and demonstrated interest • Letters of recommendation • Financial aid & scholarships • Application completion workshops • Line-by-line review of all application materials • Mindfulness and stress management workshops • Making a final decision • Transition to College Workshops: What to pack for a dorm room, understanding college lingo, self-care, the difference between high school & college academics

Freshman Year Understanding the Whitfield transcript • The importance of getting involved • Introduction to Naviance • Setting SMART goals Sophomore Year Revisiting SMART goals • Standardized testing and college admission • Practice ACT & SAT testing • Career & Major Exploration Program begins • Alumni conversations • University field trip • Establish a one-on-one connection with your college counselor Junior Year Standardized testing and college admission continues • Practice ACT & SAT testing • Career & Major Exploration Program continues • Alumni conversations • University field trip • Visiting colleges • College Knowledge coursework begins, with a special emphasis on: Researching colleges, crafting an activity list, brainstorming and drafting a personal statement, beginning work on the Common Application

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Grades 9-12 College Counseling Speaker Series: Athletics and the College Choice Experience, International Students and the College Choice Experience, Navigating the Ever-Changing Standardized Testing Landscape, Financial Aid, Portfolio-Based Programs (Musical Theater, Fine Arts, Music, Dance, Theater), First Generation College Students, Summer Programming • Curated kit of resources: scholarship lists, summer program opportunities, need-based financial aid resource, free ACT prep (strategy videos and practice exams) • Personalized college tour itineraries • Guidance on all elements of the college choice experience

How do you measure the success of your program?

Signs of Success

EBONY: Each year our office hosts the Career and Major Exploration Program,

• Career & Major Exploration Program

which connects sophomores and juniors with Whitfield alumni in a wide variety of fields. The 2023 program featured eight virtual sessions with 24 alumni. Students signed up for two sessions during their advisory periods. The stories that our alumni shared about how their Whitfield experience prepared them for college and beyond were so impactful, and demonstrate not only the success of the program, but the success of Whitfield School.

AMANDA: We have a very low transfer rate for our alumni. I think that’s a testament to the work that we do here. We guide students to start with the mission and values of the institution they are considering. We want each student to find a school where they will feel at home and become a part of that community for the next four years.

• Testimonials from graduates and their families • Low transfer rate amongst graduates

COREY AND SHEILA JONES (TARYN ’24) Sheila and Corey were initially overwhelmed by the thought of helping their daughter, Taryn, navigate the college admissions process. But after meeting with the Whitfield School's College Counseling Department, they quickly realized that they didn't need to worry.

"The majority of the work is taken care of within the program by the students, with guidance and direction from the college counselors," said Sheila. "From our very first meeting with Amanda, it was such a relief to see what had already been taken care of."

Corey agreed, adding that Amanda "already knew Taryn at a very deep level."

"She had three buckets of schools, places that would be a good fit for Taryn, ready for our consideration," he said. "It was amazing."

Sheila and Corey also appreciated the fact that the college counselors get to know their students personally. This, they say, helps the counselors make better informed decisions about which schools are a good fit.

"We see Taryn one way, and you guys see who she is at school," said Corey. "Amanda is able to give us advice on how to broach a topic with Taryn that we might not be able to do ourselves."

The family also praised the level of communication they received from the college counselors.

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The service is superior to other schools.

-Corey Jones, parent

"Just the opportunity, as a parent, to email Amanda on some thoughts or some updates (and you know) the level of response that we get is amazing," said Corey. "This is obviously a stressful time period, but the ability to have someone say 'OK, I got you,' so we don't even have to worry about it, just let it go."

Sheila and Corey are so impressed with the Whitfield School's College Counseling Program that they recommend it to other parents.

"When we talk to people about our experience and what it's been like for Taryn, they don't believe it because it sounds like it's a fairy tale," said Sheila.

"But you don't really know until you go through it."

Corey added, "The service is superior compared to other schools."

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I n focus: 2022-2023 JACK AND KRISTY FLOOD (NICK ’24)

the relationship that Ebony has built with our family.

She established trust early, and she told us that this would be an enjoyable process—that we could relax.

And, she has held up her end of the bargain! Ebony has done an amazing job with everything, even with the college visits."

Jack and Kristy Flood are in the midst of their college choice experience with son Nick '24. When asked about their experience to date, they were effusive with their praise, saying the program has been "a blessing" for their family.

"Beginning Nick's freshman year, the college counseling team started preparing us as a family for the college process," said Kristy. "Our other three children attended two different high schools that we thought were college prep schools—one was public and one was private. But when it was time for the college search process at those schools, there was no assistance or support for us as parents. Even in senior year, we really did a lot of the work."

At Whitfield, the Floods say, the college counseling process is very different.

The Floods give the Whitfield School's College Counseling Program a glowing endorsement: "If you're looking for a college counseling program that will take the stress out of the process, then Whitfield School is a great option," said Jack.

"With a team of experienced counselors who know your child personally, you can be confident that your child will find the perfect college for them."

In addition to the college counseling program, the Floods also appreciate the school's overall focus on college readiness.

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If you're looking for a college counseling program that will take the stress out of the process, then Whitfield School is a great option.

With a team of experienced counselors who know your child

"Whitfield does a great job of preparing students for college," said Kristy. "The curriculum is rigorous, but it's also engaging.

The teachers are really invested in helping students succeed."

personally, you can be confident that your child will find "There is so the perfect college for them. little work for us as parents -Jack Flood, parent that sometimes I feel like we are missing something!" said Kristy. "We Jack agreed, ask Nick, 'Should we be doing more?', 'Nick, do you adding that the school's focus on college readiness need anything from us?' And has helped Nick develop the skills he needs to he responds, 'No, Mom, everything is done!'" succeed in college and beyond.

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Jack agrees, saying that the college counseling team has "taken the stress out of the process."

"Our expectations were high, and I think Whitfield topped our expectations," he said. "Especially with

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"Nick is a much better writer and thinker now than he was when he started at Whitfield," he said. "And he's also much more confident in his abilities. I'm so glad that he had the opportunity to attend this school."

Alumni and Parents of Alumni Perspectives CARNIE AND PAULIE ROSE (NOA ’16, ZAKAI ’18, LEVI ’20, ELLIOR ’22) "We owe a deep debt of gratitude to Whitfield," said Carnie. "We can sit here for hours and regale you about the unbelievable experiences that we as a family, ourselves as parents and our children, had at the school."

Paulie agreed, adding that the college counseling program was "outstanding."

"I think that the college counselors really knew our kids, and they knew us as parents," said Carnie. "They knew how to say to us ’give the kid some space and a chance to think.'"

The Rose family also appreciated the fact that the college counselors were willing to listen to their specific needs.

"We came with very specific requirements for the kind of places that we wanted our kids to be," said Paulie.

"And the counselors made sure to do the work that was necessary to figure out what we needed and what places would align."

The Rose children, Levi ’20 and Noa ’16, also had positive experiences with the college counseling program.

"I had a great experience with college counseling," said Levi. "Mrs. Henry was able to answer any question I had and was always willing to spend time to help me think through tough decisions that came with the college process."

MARLA RUFF, ERIC ’20, CHAD ’22 "I have said multiple times to people that the college counseling department alone justifies the cost of Whitfield," said Marla. "It's not why we chose Whitfield, but I would say that is a place where Whitfield really shines. And obviously, it is so important."

Eric and Chad both agree that the college counseling program was a valuable resource.

"The one-on-one meetings and the individualized attention that we received from our college counselor really helped," said Eric. "They were always very easy to talk to and were always accessible. I could stop by any time and share an update or ask a question. That was very special and important to me."

Chad added that the college counseling team helped him build a list of schools that were a good fit for him.

"Building the list was definitely a team effort," said Chad. "One of the big things for both of us was the college visits. That was something that Ms. Henry helped us plan a road trip to look at schools. She helped put together a list of schools that weren't all exactly alike so that we could start comparing schools and start narrowing down our list."

Marla was also impressed with the way the college counselors treated her sons as individuals.

"I felt supported during the entire preparation/ application process and found that the office was always accessible," said Noa. "Whenever I had a question or concern, I knew my counselor would make time to speak with me."

"My kids are incredibly different," said Marla. "Eric is a person who is really good at asking for help. He has always come to Tim and to me for help, and so Amanda was able to work with him in a way that Eric appreciated. Chad has always been an, 'I can do it by myself' kind of kid. And he certainly doesn’t want my help! Amanda was able to recognize that in Chad and work with him in a way that worked well for him. She knew each of them well and then found the best way to work with them as individuals."

The Rose family's experience with Whitfield's college counseling program is a testament to the school's commitment to helping students find the right college for them.

I have said multiple times to people that the

"We really owe a deep debt of gratitude to the college counselors," said Carnie. "They were these additional family members who were really loving and caring and only wanted the best."

"We felt like we had additional cheerleaders–uncles and aunties who were along for the ride as well," said Paulie.

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college counseling department alone justifies the cost of Whitfield. It's not why we chose Whitfield, but I would say that is a place where Whitfield really shines. And obviously, it is so important.

-Marla Ruff, parent

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2022-2023 I n The study:of

I n The study of

Mass Crimes Documentary Film Project

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eniors in Dr. Michał Kwiecień’s Human Rights & Genocide course spend the last seven weeks of the academic year on the Mass Crimes Documentary Film project, an intense collaborative research, writing, and design capstone experience.

For this project students work in pairs, or groups of three or four, to create documentary films, 8-15 minutes in length, focused on a specific mass crime in modern world history, including genocides, ethnic cleansing campaigns, forced migrations, deportations, mass killings, kidnappings, and exploitations.

Once topics are chosen, students conduct in-depth research utilizing primary and secondary sources. Each person in the group is assigned a leadership role of researcher, script writer, and director. Before beginning their film, each group submits a thoroughly researched narrative script and storyboard for review.

Documentary Titles and Student Groups THE HOLODOMOR IN SOVIET UKRAINE LeLe Applegate, Eleanor McKown, Zoey Martinez, Fallon Whitworth THE EXPERIENCES OF “ASOCIALS” IN NAZI GERMANY Bee Storey, Charlie Staley-Brain, Kirin Lodhi, Char Baird “THE GRAVES ARE NOT YET FULL”: GENOCIDE IN RWANDA Abby Ressner, Nolan Simon, Juni Asikainen, Olivia Wolf THE HISTORY OF THE RWANDAN GENOCIDE Timothy Taylor III, Cadence Seim, Arlington Rhone, Jayden Williams THE ONGOING RUSSIA-UKRAINE WAR Sarah Schott, Amalia Norris, Treazure Jackson, Evie Doles THE NAZI PERSECUTION OF HOMOSEXUALS AND ROMA DURING THE HOLOCAUST Charlotte Bluestone, Juliana Dahlhoff, Ava Battram, Lucy Gallagher

To be successful, a film must meet several criteria including: a persuasive thesis, clear identification of the main historical actors, (victims, perpetrators, bystanders/witnesses), an explanation as to why the mass crime occurred, how the perpetrators justified it,

and how the international community reacted or did not react to it.

“The goal with each film is to educate the audience and raise consciousness in a culturally sensitive way,” said Dr. Kwiecień. “Students don’t use these films to shock and awe or traumatize the audience, but rather to educate and, hopefully, communicate a message of healing.”

Dr. Kwiecień challenges his students to look at aspects of each crime that extend beyond the physical persecution of the victims–cultural assimilation, being separated from family members, losing a home, fleeing due to human rights violations and to examine what happened in the aftermath, to discuss how to rebuild communities and reunite people.

“It’s really exciting to see my students responsible for their own learning,” said Dr. Kwiecień. “They know that I use these films as a teaching tool each year, so they are always excited to have me use what they create. For these seniors, the project is about leaving a legacy, commemorating the victims, and educating the community.”

GAMA Aviation Design Challenge

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tudents in Chris Sellers’ Accelerated Physics I course participated in the 2023 General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) Aviation Design Challenge, a real-world educational experience that promotes STEM education through aviation curriculum and features a virtual fly-off in high schools across the United States.

Schools that participated received complementary “Fly to Learn” curricula, which included flight simulation software powered by X-Plane. Two teams of Whitfield students operated the X-Plane software on new, high-end computers located in the balcony in the Intellectual Commons (IC). Team captains were Braydon Sellers ’24 and Oliver Hornstra ’24.

“When students can experience an immersive learning experience like this, it takes the study of physics to another level,” said faculty member Chris Sellers. “They walked into class and immediately asked if we were flying today. When they were working in their teams using the X-Plane software, it was really exciting to hear them engaged in this energetic dialogue of ’sciencing’—

as a teacher, that was rewarding.”

Using the “Fly to Learn” curricula, students learned about the science of flight and airplane design and then applied their knowledge and understanding by modifying the design of an airplane and competing in a virtual fly-off, which was scored on aerodynamic and performance parameters while flying a specific mission profile. After an internal competition between the two Whitfield teams, the winning flight was submitted to the GAMA judges who then selected the first and second place schools from across the country based on the virtual fly-off score and other factors.

Although Whitfield did not win in its inaugural year, Mr. Sellers plans for his students to compete in 2024.

“We will 100% do the GAMA Aviation Design Challenge again this year,” said Mr. Sellers. “The tie-ins to physics, math, biology, chemistry, and art are real and it’s all about scientific inquiry—there’s so much opportunity with this project.”

Each group presented their completed documentary to an audience of their peers the week of April 24, 2023.

Student Reflections “This project ties together skills we have learned throughout our entire time at Whitfield–perseverance, teamwork and collaboration, time management, research, writing, citing skills, and applying things we have learned in class. It also brings light to mass crimes around the world, which goes with Whitfield’s value of cultural competence.”

-Emma Casado ’23 “This project challenges people to think critically about what they think and believe, prepares you

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to have tough conversations about different topics, and educates people about topics they may not know anything about.”

-Jayden Williams ’23 “My group selected our topic because we wanted to learn more about the genocide, to remember the victims, and to educate other people about it.

People should care about human rights even though they feel far removed from a particular genocide or mass crime.”

-Fallon Whitworth ’23

The Story of America

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uniors welcomed family, friends, and special guests to campus on May 15, 2023 to debut their capstone humanities project: "The Story of America: Past, Present, and Future." This interdisciplinary project featured a collaboration of U.S. History, English 11, and Graphic Design courses showcasing Whitfield's commitment to student-centered project-based learning.

Elements of the project include a timeline of United States history, visual displays of student selected narratives featuring timely U.S. topics, and digitally developed stories tracing those same narratives into the future.

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2022-2023 I n The study:of

I n The study of

Glassman Leaders Graduate from Carnegie’s Leadership Course

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n 2020 Whitfield alumnus Robert Glassman ’02 established the Glassman Leaders program in the spirit of his own transformative experience. The Glassman Leaders program grants a promising group of upper school student leaders access to a Dale Carnegie leadership course each school year. Students then receive additional public speaking coaching from Whitfield faculty and staff and are provided multiple opportunities to practice these skills. “My dad put me in Dale Carnegie when I was a junior in high school. I was the only kid in the class and remember having to get up in front of all of the young professionals and give speeches. It was incredibly intimidating at the time but also one of the most beneficial things I’ve ever done. I’m so proud of this innovation and one-of-kind partnership between Whitfield and Dale Carnegie that will give these high school students the confidence and skills needed to do what Dale Carnegie set out to do: win friends and influence people.”

The Glassman Leaders recently completed Dale Carnegie’s innovative Generation.Next Youth Leadership Course. Generation.Next teaches teens how to strengthen interpersonal relations, manage stress, and handle fast-changing conditions in school and in life.

The goal of the program is to create persuasive communicators, creative problem solvers, and confident, enthusiastic leaders. Now more than ever, it is imperative to equip teens with the tools to think critically as they navigate a world of constant information overload.

Being thoughtful consumers and servant leaders in a global society is precisely where the Carnegie coursework intersects with Whitfield’s proprietary character education program, The Habits of Mind & Heart. Affectionately known as The Habits, this program focuses on the development of six key areas: ethical conduct, cultural competence, citizenship, mindfulness, leadership, and scholarship. Whitfield, like Dale Carnegie’s teachings, believes that

Sharing Stories and Creating Connections

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he sixth grade English curriculum is designed to guide students as they explore and develop their identities as readers and writers through a broad range of learning experiences. With a classroom motto of “Never a day without a line,” students in Ashley Eggebrecht’s course write every day in and out of class.

Earlier this fall, Eggebrecht’s students completed a unique assignment that strengthened their narrative writing skills and created connections with Whitfield seniors. For the assignment, each sixth grader interviewed a member of the class of 2023 and then wrote a three paragraph reflection on the interview.

Students prepared thoughtful questions in advance that encouraged the seniors to share their unique stories and practiced interviewing and recording the conversations Jenna Wasserman ’26, Winnie Murphy ’26, Sarah Wooten ’24, Linda Colvis (Dale Carnegie)

strength of character and selfconfidence are critically important to success in life. Participation in the Dale Carnegie course coupled with the existing leadership development curriculum offered at Whitfield helps develop Whitfield’s Glassman Leaders into confident, skilled, and resourceful students.

Whitfield Students Dominate Karaoke Competition

“Instead of having students write a personal narrative, I thought it would be really interesting to switch it up a bit and have them write an interview narrative,” said Eggebrecht. “It requires them to practice all the narrative writing skills like showing vs. telling, using description, using dialogue, and developing setting— all the objectives that I’m looking for—and it was a great way to continue to build community between the 6th and 12th graders.”

Student Reflections “This assignment was both fun and challenging. I usually write persuasive essays or essays about a topic that I’m interested in, and this was a different type of writing. I have also never interviewed anyone before—especially someone who is so much older than me who has been at Whitfield so long. I was very nervous at first because seniors are really big people, and I am a tiny little person many grades below them. But when I got out my notebook and asked my questions, Ivy was just so sweet about it.”

-Charli Richards ’29 “I volunteered to be interviewed because I can think back to when I started at Whitfield in 7th grade, and I was so nervous around the seniors! I think this assignment was such a cool opportunity for the sixth graders to talk with seniors and through the experience, know that it’s ’ok’ to have a senior as your big buddy. It was very easy to talk with Charli because she is so easy going. She is also so well-spoken—she seems so grown up.”

-Ivy Nissen ’23

“I think this was a cool assignment because I have never interviewed anyone in my life before, so it was a new experience. I was pretty nervous at first because, you know, with 6th graders and 12th graders there is a big age difference. As the interview went on, I was more comfortable and Danny told me a lot about himself and we discovered we had things in common. I really liked it.”

-Zaki Bari ’29

Jonah Stolker ’26: 4th place

“At Whitfield, I think we do a pretty good job of getting to know students in other grades but since middle schoolers have a different schedule and classes, I don’t have the chance to spend any time with them. So having the opportunity to meet a new middle schooler through this project was a really cool experience. It was fun seeing our similarities. We both really like math for example. Zaki had really good interview skills—I don’t know if I could have done that in 6th grade.”

EliAna Long ’26 and Layla Gammage ’26: 5th place

-Danny Radke ’23

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my Muggleton and the following Whitfield students dominated in the final round of the St. Louis Area Chinese Karaoke competition on April 16, 2023.

Cole Costantino ’27: 1st place Ana Struckhoff ’25 and Jack Lynch ’26: 2nd place

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with a peer in class. They considered the essential question: How does learning about people’s stories and sharing our own stories help us to build a stronger community?

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2022-2023 I n The study:of

I n The study of

Global Citizenship and Service Learning

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group of 14 Whitfield students and two faculty chaperones, Cipriano Casado and Rachel Gassner, engaged in an international servicelearning and language immersion trip to Panama, March 13 – 21, 2023.

The video game design project complements the traditional final exam review sheets, online vocabulary drills, and peer-topeer practice conversations in the target language.

Panama Oeste, where they were in charge of a construction project at La Candelaria Preschool. The group worked for five days alongside

Student Reflections I have been outside the country before but only as a tourist at hotels and resorts, so when I looked at the itinerary for this trip it quickly caught my attention. This trip gave me the chance to be immersed in a different culture while eating and living with the people there. I also got to strengthen my Spanish-speaking skills, which was a huge plus and only made me want to continue my education with the language. My time in Panama was truly one of the best decisions I made in my life, and I will never forget the thousands of memories I created. It was genuinely life-changing and something I recommend to anyone who has the opportunity.

-Alexis Albovias ’24 My favorite memory from Panama was when I got to spend time with the kids of La Candelaria; Raul (3), Elaina (11), Cristian (12), and so many more.

-Sophie Beracha ’24 My favorite memory from the Panama trip was doing Zumba in the park.

On the first night in Panama City, we went to a park to explore but when we got there, there was this large pavilion where all these people were doing Zumba. We were joking about all of us going, and then Sr. Casaso and Sra. Gassner decided that we should. We spent the next couple of hours dancing with all the people. It was incredible. Afterwards, Sr. Casado was so impressed with us that he decided to get us paletas, popsicles. They were very refreshing and a perfect ending to a perfect night out.

-Grace Cooperstein ’25

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tudents in Sara Paciorek’s French, Latin, and Introduction to Language courses created unique video games in their target language as a creative tool for final exam review and to develop the 21st-century skill of coding. Students followed a set of requirements and used Scratch, or another programming language of their choice, to create their games.

The trip was organized through Squads Abroad, the high school division of Global Brigades, an international development organization that mobilizes university and high school students into ’Squads’ that work collaboratively with community leaders to improve health, education, and economic outcomes in under-resourced communities.

Whitfield’s Squad traveled to La Candelaria, a small community of 753 people in the province of

World Languages Video Game Design Project

local members of the community to mix cement, assemble frames, and pour the concrete for a sidewalk that connected the school building with another structure.

They also painted the school’s bathroom and presented a dental hygiene workshop at the school.

In addition to working extremely hard, Whitfield students enjoyed a variety of cultural learning activities and field trips including making Panamanian food, a zip line tour, and an afternoon at a local beach.

To be considered for the trip, students were required to complete an application process and were vetted for their Spanish language skills, passion for service, and ability to be comfortable being uncomfortable.

“Our kids knew going in that the work was going to be very physically demanding and the conditions challenging,” said Cipriano Casado.

“The work we did in just five days is something that the people of La Candelaria will use and remember us for—it transformed their way of living. Our students made a significant impact on this rural community, and the community made a significant impact on all of us.“

“As a project-based teacher, I love to integrate other modes of assessment into my language classes, so creating video games in another language is a fun way to end the school year,” said Mrs. Paciorek. “This culminating project gives students the opportunity to be creative, practice their target language in preparation for the final exam, and to develop an important 21st-century skill. The best part is seeing the students who quickly grasp coding become leaders and help their peers problem solve. It was also pretty neat to tell my middle school students how much the high school students enjoyed playing their games!”

Sr. Casado was also impressed with Whitfield students’ language skills.

“The organization hired two young translators who were with us for the entire trip, but we never used them,” he said. “Our kids exceeded our expectations with their language skills—they were amazing! They not only listened and understood what they were supposed to be doing, but they also communicated with the locals.“ Student participants included Alexis Albovias ’24, Sophie Beracha ’24, Annika Capellupo ’24, Grace Cooperstein ’25, Anna Gau ’24, Noah Epstein ’25, Dawn Foster ’25, Daphne Hull ’24 Taryn Jones ’24, Katie Kuplent ’24, Oliver Niemann ’24, Cohen Panneri ’24, Kate Rose ’25, and Aanya Siddiqui ’24.

On their last day in La Candelaria,

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“As a project-based teacher, I love to integrate other modes of assessment into my language classes, so creating video games in another language is a fun way to end the school year.,” -Mrs. Paciorek, world language faculty

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us. Leaving the school that day was incredibly emotional.”

the Whitfield Squad enjoyed a special meal. “One of the community’s matriarchs made arroz con pollo (chicken and rice) for us,” shared Sra. Gassner. “It took her over three hours to prepare and cook it over an open fire. It was the most amazing dish and our favorite meal of the week. After we finished eating, she read a thank you note to

“I think a trip like this is extremely important because the students can see the direct impact that their work and time had on the community, “ Gassner continued.

“They broaden their perspectives and develop a sense of global citizenship. In just a short amount of time, our kids made authentic connections with the kids and the adults in La Candelaria—that human connection is just so powerful.”

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I n Spired: 2022-2023

I n Spired

Almost Maine

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hitfield’s Upper School fall play, Almost, Maine by John Cariani, ran October 27-29, 2022. The play, made up of vignettes that take place simultaneously, is a funny, touching, and bittersweet look at the power of love and the intricacies of relationships.

The Student-Directed One Acts

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he Student-Directed One Acts were presented February 2 and 3, 2023.

Jocelyn Kazmierski ’24 & Lorenzo Gray-Liva ’24, Sammy Parsons ’24, and Joey Sokolik ’23 directed this year.

Brain Matters 2023

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he Middle School play, Brain Matters 2023, ran March 8-9, 2023.

The show, written and directed by faculty member Keith Borzillo, is a humorous story about friendship, the inner workings of the adolescent brain, and the art of an apology. This year’s production was a reimagined version of the original 2011 production and the script was a collaborative effort with the cast.

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The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

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hitfield spring musical, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, ran April 27 - 29, 2023. This hilarious and heartwarming musical follows a group of quirky middle school students as they compete in an annual spelling bee set in fictional Putnam County, New York.

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I n Spired: 2022-2023

I n Spired

Hitting All the Right Notes

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hitfield students who were selected to the All-District Honor Choir enjoyed the choir’s clinic and performance on Saturday, November 12, 2022 at the Touhill Performing Arts Center on UMSL’s campus. In addition to the All-District Choir, Charlie Staley-Brain ’23 and Jacob Bae ’24 were selected to the All-State Choir. Charlie was selected as 1st Alternate and Jacob was chosen as an Honorable Mention.

Kira Glanton ’24 was the only timpanist selected for the All-District Honor Band. Her audition included etudes on marimba, snare drum, and timpani.

Kira Glanton ’24

Percussionist Colin Prakken ’23 earned a Silver Medal at the MSHSAA State Solo & Ensemble Festival.

Charlie Staley-Brain ’23 received a Gold Medal and Sammy Parsons ’24 a Silver Medal at the MSHSAA State Solo & Ensemble Festival.

Pictured with Whitfield vocal music director Mary Kate File (center): Hayden Hewgly ’25, Charlie Staley-Brain ’23, Jonah Stolker ’26, Jacob Bae ’24, Khang Lam ’24, and Sammy Parsons ’24.

Char Baird ’23

Lucy Gallagher ’23

Emma Casado ’23

Fallon Whitworth ’23

Student Work Accepted to Regional Art Show

Colin Prakken ’23

Noah Lett ’28 (alto saxophone) and Richard Heidenry ’27 (clarinet) auditioned and were selected to the Middle School Honor Band.

Juni Asikainen ’23

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Noah Lett ’28

Richard Heidenry ’27

Lai Jeon Williams ’24

he students listed below had work accepted to the inaugural Foundry Art Center Regional High School Student Show. Works selected for the exhibition were juried based on skill, decision making, innovation, and personal expression as is appropriate for the student’s grade level. The show opened with a reception on March 3, 2023.

Juni Asikainen ’23 Char Baird ’23 Emma Casado ’23 Linette Janowski ’25 Taryn Jones ’24

Hayleigh Kennelly ’23

Lucy Gallagher ’23 Hayleigh Kennelly ’23 Fallon Whitworth ’23 Lai Jeon Williams ’24

The following students received awards: ART IN MIND AWARD: Juni Asikainen ’23, Familial Connections

Tribute to Louise Nevelson

Linette Janowski ’25

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n seventh and eighth grade visual arts classes, students engaged in the creative problem-solving process through a variety of projects, gaining a greater awareness of craftsmanship and confidence with technical skills. They learn about the elements and principles of design and develop the vocabulary to express their thinking about not only artwork, but about design in the world around them.

Inspired by the large-scale, monochromatic wooden sculptures of Louise Nevelson, students created their own individual wood sculpture tiles. In doing so, they considered the compositional elements of emphasis, pattern, balance, and symmetry. After spray-painting their finished pieces in the same monochromatic style as Nevelson, students layered and assembled the individual tiles to create large collages.

“One of my goals with the seventh and eighth grade classes is to give students opportunities to find joy in making art and to start learning what it means to have

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FRAMATIONS AWARD: Emma Casado ’23, Perception

Taryn Jones ’24

JOSEPH & DIANNA MANNISI MEMORIAL ART AWARD: Lucy Gallagher ’23, Organic FOUNDRY STUDIO ARTIST AWARD: Linette Janonski ’25, Dino-Nugget

a good eye for composition,” said fine arts faculty member Keith Borzillo. “That process begins with them looking at something and asking, ’Why is this interesting to me?’, ’Why am I engaged by this piece of work?’

Understanding the elements and principles of design helps students put words to their feelings and express the ’why’ behind their opinions.”

Upon completion, the sculptures were on display above the lockers between rooms 305 and 306.

Senior Retrospective 2023 Whitfield students, families, faculty and staff attended the 2023 Senior Retrospective Art Opening Reception on Wednesday, May 3, 2023 from 7:30 - 8:30 AM. This annual show celebrates seniors who have dedicated four years to the study of art at Whitfield.

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2022-2023 I n the life:of

I n the life of

Whitfield Community Supports 100 Neediest Cases

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tudents, faculty, and staff continued the school’s long-standing tradition of supporting the United Way’s 100 Neediest Cases holiday assistance campaign. Students worked alongside Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri (BBBS) to ensure families have a happy holiday season.

This year, the Whitfield community provided gifts and gift cards for 41 families. In addition, the Community Service Club and Cooking Club teamed up to make and decorate cookies as a thank you to BBBS volunteers.

Homecoming 2022

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hitfield’s Homecoming festivities kicked off October 10, 2022, with Spirit Week. Each day at Morning Assembly, students competed for spirit points for “best dressed” costume judging, wall decorating, and by winning the spirit stick for their grade level.

Whitfield Community Takes Part in Day of Service

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he King Holiday and Service Act passed

by Congress in 1994 designated Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a national day of service, “a day on and not off.”

An Eerie-sistible Costume Party!

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hitfield’s Community Service Club co-hosted the annual LifeWise STL Costume Party on October 22, 2022. During the party held at LifeWise, Whitfield students distributed costumes collected during the Community Service Club’s collection drive, and facilitated fun activities with the children including face painting, decorating pumpkins, and playing games.

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Whitfield’s Community Service Club partnered with Forest Park Forever and the West County Ronald McDonald House to provide opportunities for members of the Whitfield community to take part in this day of service together.

Blood Drive is a Success

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hitfield students, faculty, staff, and parents supported the school's annual Blood Drive for the Red Cross on April 12, 2023. There were 46 people signed up to donate, 33 first-time donors, and 40 units of blood collected.

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2022-2023 I n the life:of

I n the life of

Valorant Esports Team Wins State Championship

Whitfield Welcomes the Lunar New Year

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unar New Year, also referred to as Chinese New Year, began on January 22, 2023, ushering in the Year of the Rabbit. The Whitfield community enjoyed two festive holiday traditions courtesy of faculty member Amy Muggleton, and students in Asian Student Union (ASU) and International Student Union (ISU). At assembly, Jack Jiang ’23 and Jason Chien ’26 shared information about Lunar New Year and invited Head of School Chris Cunningham to ’dot the eyes’ on the head of the ceremonial dragon. The dragon was created by 8th grade students in Curtis Erlinger’s visual arts class. Finally, in an evening celebration, students in ASU, ISU, and Mandarin classes gathered for dinner and traditional new year celebration games.

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hitfield’s varsity Valorant esports team won the Missouri Scholastic Esports Federation (MOSEF) small school division state championship on Saturday, May 6, 2023. The Warriors defeated Incarnate Word in the semifinals (13-0, 13-0) and Maplewood-Richmond Heights in the championship (14-12, 13-7). Whitfield was undefeated in regular and post season play.

Varsity Rocket League Takes Second Place in State

Super Smash Bros Win Third Place in State

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hitfield’s varsity Rocket League esports team finished in 2nd place in the small school division in the MOSEF Rocket League Fall Finals on November 19, 2022. The team was undefeated in their inaugural season.

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he varsity Super Smash Bros esports team won third place in the Missouri Scholastic Esports Federation (MOSEF) small school division state final on May 27, 2023.

Middle School Smash Bros Competes in Playoffs

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he Middle School Smash Bros team finished its season with a strong performance in the MOSEF Region 4 playoffs on April 22, 2023. The Warriors battled MaplewoodRichmond Heights in the first playoff match, the #1 team in the region, to come within one point of victory. In their second match, Whitfield defeated Chaminade College Prep.

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Celebrating Holi

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n honor of the Hindu festival of Holi, Whitfield’s Asian Student Union organized a mini powder throwing celebration after school on March 10, 2023. Holi, often called the Festival of Colors, is a vibrant celebration of the arrival of Spring that includes dancing, singing, and the playful throwing of colored powders at fellow revelers.

Holi is celebrated widely across parts of India, where it originated, as well as in other countries in South Asia and across the Hindu diaspora in Europe and North America.

Lai Jeon Williams ’24 Wins Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis Award

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ai Jeon Williams ’24, placed second in the 2022 Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis (BGCSTL) Youth of the Year competition. Lai Jeon was recognized for her dedication and service to the Mathews-Dickey Boys & Girls Club and her academic achievement at Whitfield. She received a $3,500 scholarship. Lai Jeon and three other finalists were honored at the BGCSTL’s Great Futures Gala on October 26, 2022.

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2022-2023 I n the life:of

I n the life of

Black History Month All-School Assembly

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n recognition of Black History Month, Whitfield’s Black Student Union (BSU) planned a special all-school assembly that was held February 28, 2023. Members of BSU shared original poetry, works by Black poets, narrative readings by Black influencers, and recognized the contributions of a number of Black St. Louisans. Additional highlights included a student-created video and the Upper School Choir singing “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” The program concluded with a celebration of the significance of dance to Black history and culture. In a community dance lesson, members of BSU taught two line dances: the Wobble and the Cupid Shuffle.

Junior Celebration Day

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n May 2, 2023, the Class of 2024 enjoyed a Junior Celebration Day that recognized the juniors’ transition to senior leaders. The day’s schedule included an awards ceremony and a leadership retreat at RYZE Adventure Park. Head of School Chris Cunningham and Upper School Director Sara Ringe shared inspirational messages with the class. College Counselors Amanda Henry and Ebony Sistrunk presented the college book awards, and each 11th grade advisor presented an award to the student in their advisory who most exemplifies the Habits of Mind & Heart.

Recognizing Women’s History Month

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n recognition of Women’s History Month, Whitfield’s Women’s Alliance planned a special program that was presented during an all-school assembly on March 31, 2023.

During the program, Whitfield students and Head of School Chris Cunningham highlighted influential women in their lives. In Advisory, students were encouraged to think about a woman who inspires them—someone currently in their life like a mother, sister, aunt, teacher, or friend, or someone from the past. Students wrote their selections on ’celebration sheets’ and added them to a Women’s History Month celebration gallery outside of the Intellectual Commons (IC). Students also enjoyed a photo booth and temporary tattoo station set up in the IC.

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Celebrating Pride

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ver 20 members of the Whitfield community participated in the St. Louis Grand Pride Parade on June 25, 2023.

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2022-2023 I n the life:of

I n the life of

American Youth Foundation “I Dare You!” Leadership Awards Jada Christina Griffin Nathan L. Fox

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St. Louis County Outstanding Youth Leader LaiJeon Miguel Williams

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Annual Awards Assembly 4

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hitfield’s annual Awards Assembly was held Thursday, May 18, 2023.

A recording of the ceremony is available on the Year-End Celebrations page on our website.

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1) Upper School Director Sara Ringe and Ilana Boyer ’23, recipient of the Peter Maack ’71 Ellis Senior of the Year Award

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2) World Languages Department Chair Rachel Gassner and Middle School Spanish Award recipient Avery Coons ’27

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3) Lola B. Goodwin Building Community Award recipient Sara Ringe with her family, Principal Ruth Greathouse, and Rickey Goodwin 4) Director of College Counseling Amanda Henry and University of Rochester Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony Award recipient Sydney Williams ’24.

5) Science Department Chair Heather Lavezzi and Middle School Science Award recipient Kayla Sellers ’27 8

6) Head of School Chris Cunningham and Philip B. “Flip” Cady Jr. ’70 with Caroline Dahlhoff ’25, recipient of the Philip B. Cady Scholar Award

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7) Fine Arts Department Chair Cara Foster and Erin Messias ’27, recipient of the Middle School Performing Arts Award 8) Principal Ruth Greathouse with Josiah Santiago ’24, recipient of the Principal’s Service Award 9) Head of School Chris Cunningham with Janet Esrock Spirit of Whitfield Award recipient Shanea Miles and her family 10

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10) Head of School Chris Cunningham and Ginger Newton Jacobi ’73 with George A. Newton Outstanding Teacher Award recipient Brandon Haynes and his family 11) English Department Chair David Records with the Nancy Clukies Middle School English Award recipient Gabi Gutierrez ’27 12) Computer Science Integration Specialist Andrew Asikainen with Nathan Chien ’29, the recipient of the Susan Shepherd Ittner and Charles T. Shepherd II Software Industry Award for Aspiring Talent

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13) Head of School Chris Cunningham with Emma Casado ’23, recipient of the Head’s Leadership Award

Missouri Scholars 100 Jackson Robert Courtney University of Rochester Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony Award Sydnie Elise Williams University of Rochester George Eastman Young Leaders Award Taryn Amaya Jones Jane Piper Gleason ’70 St. Louis Scholar Award Lucy Ellen Heidenry Nancy Clukies Middle School English Award Gabriela Gutierrez Upper School English Award Zoey Martinez Social Studies Awards Middle School - Haydan Amira Brown Upper School - Althea Nordlund Science Awards

Middle School - Kayla Marie Sellers Upper School - Anna Sophia Gau

University of Rochester Bausch + Lomb Honorary Science Award Oliver Timothy Niemann University of Rochester Xerox Award for Innovation and Information Technology Jefferson F. Downes Rensselaer Medal Lorenzo Gray-Liva Lois Banis Middle School Mathematics Award Richard Heidenry Upper School Mathematics Award Jackson Robert Courtney American Mathematics Competition 8 Award Aryan Sheybani American Mathematics Competition 10 Award Juhi Roy

American Mathematics Competition 12 Award Stephen J. Rosenberg Susan Shepherd Ittner and Charles T. Shepherd II Software Industry Award for Aspiring Talent Nathan Paul Teh-Gao Chien Susan Shepherd Ittner and Charles T. Shepherd II Software Industry Award for Technical Merit William David Rose Susan Shepherd Ittner and Charles T. Shepherd II Software Industry Award for Leadership Merit Abigail Jeanne Ressner French Awards

Middle School - Vincent Baiocchi Upper School - Juliana Christina Dahlhoff

Latin Award Cadence Alaine Seim Mandarin Awards

Peggy Gundlach Fine Arts Award Charlotte Morgan Baird Ruth E. Greathouse Achievement in the Arts Award Colin Prakken Class of 2023 Community Service Awards Suzanne Shapleigh Applegate Ilana Rose Boyer Mia Margaret Brandenstein Kennedy Alexandria Crisp Layla Rose Kline Austin Ray Renner Tri-Star Athlete Awards Benjamin Verness Carter Timothy Martin Taylor, III Quinn A. Hoerman Kaeden Anderson Nicholas Flood Cross Country Award Louis Paese

Middle School - Cole Costantino Upper School - Ana Claresita Struckhoff

James T. Costello Sixth Man Award Nolan Andrew Simon

Spanish Awards

Coaches’ Awards Benjamin Verness Carter Caroline Frederike Dahlhoff

Middle School - Avery W. Coons Upper School - Ilana Rose Boyer

Performing Arts Awards

Middle School - Erin Messias Upper School - Sammy Parsons

Amy Anne Pike Award Joey Sokolik Director’s Award for Chorus Evi Elizabeth Brandenstein National School Choral Award Charlie Staley-Brain Director’s Award for Band Joshua Aaron Harris John Philip Sousa Award Kira Leigh Glanton Visual Arts Awards

Middle School - Anna Katherine Hoette Upper School - Juniper Lily Asikainen

Purchase Awards Carter W. Beuc Bethany Storey Cover Design Award Riley Megan Querimit

Ginger Newton Jacobi ’73 Athlete of the Year Awards Tkiyah A. Nelson Alexander J. Rallo St. Louis Post-Dispatch Scholar Athlete Award Daniel James Radke Class of 2023 Scholar Awards Juniper Lily Asikainen* Charlotte Morgan Baird Carter W. Beuc Charlotte Faye Bluestone Ilana Rose Boyer Mia Margaret Brandenstein Benjamin Verness Carter Emma Sofia Casado* Jackson Robert Courtney* Kennedy Alexandria Crisp Donovan James Doles Evelyn Elizabeth Doles Ben Andrew Epstein Oliver John Ferris Maria Emilia Gervasoni Mariah Anne Hill Taylor D. Hobson Quinn A. Hoerman Sicheng Jiang Eliana R. Jick* Theodore Panos Kouvelis

Zoey Martinez Eleanor Elizabeth McKown Althea Nordlund Colin Land Prakken Riley Megan Querimit* Daniel James Radke Konstantin Radoman Brooklyn C. Rhodes William David Rose Stephen J. Rosenberg Josiah Maria Santiago* Sarah Martin Schott Nolan Schulte Nolan Andrew Simon Bryson Sutton Thomas Tlapek Jude Watkins-Wedel Fallon Jean Whitworth Jayden Williams Jorden Williams Olivia Edie Wolf

*Scholar Awardees for all 7 years Jamie Snow Pannebecker Award Jared Mason Odom Student Council Student of the Year Award Derrick C. Palmer Principal’s Service Award Josiah Maria Santiago Principal’s Community Award Mikaylah Grace Norfolk Philip B. Cady Scholar Award Caroline Frederike Dahlhoff Peter Maack Ellis ’71 Senior of the Year Award Ilana Rose Boyer Head of School’s Leadership Award Emma Sofia Casado Janet Esrock Spirit of Whitfield Award Shanea Miles Lola B. Goodwin Building Community Award Sara Ringe George A. Newton Outstanding Teacher of the Year Brandon Haynes

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2022-2023 I n the life:of

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Congratulations to the Class of 2023

College Choices for 2023 Graduates Suzanne Shapleigh Applegate

Juniper Lily Asikainen

Charlotte Morgan Baird Ava Leigh Battram

Carter Wentworth Beuc

Peter Blix

Charlotte Faye Bluestone

Annabelle Marie Bouchein Noah Bourke

Ilana Rose Boyer

Mia Brandenstein

Jackson Owen Brungart

Musa Butler

Colorado College Drexel University

Columbia College Chicago Butler University

Drexel University

Saint Louis University Miami University

Texas Christian University Lander University Elon University

University of Arkansas

Coastal Carolina University DePaul University

Braeden Calhoun Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology

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hitfield School awarded diplomas to 86 students during the school’s commencement ceremony held on Monday, May 22, 2023.

During the ceremony, Head of School Chris Cunningham presented the Louis Lazarus Award to Sabrina Carter (Benjamin ’23 and Caleb ’25.) Whitfield Board of Trustees Chair Ron Fox ’74 recognized outgoing Director of Development Kelly Edwards for her 23 years of service to the school. The Senior Class Address was given by Jorden Williams ’23 and the Commencement Address was given by Christopher Kline, class of ’92 and parent of Sarah ’21, Layla ’23, Joe ’25, and Robert ’28.

The Class of 2023: • The 86 graduates will be attending 69 different schools • 85% of students chose out-of-state or international colleges • 17 graduates have committed to play collegiate athletics Thank you to the 130 alumni who offered their medallions to our seniors for the evening. Your overwhelming response is a perfect example of the strengths and values of the Whitfield community.

A recording of the livestream is archived for viewing on the Year-End Celebrations page.

Benjamin Carter Missouri University of Science & Technology Emma Casado

Scripps College

Jacob S. Charmley Michigan Technological University

Jackson Robert Courtney

University of Denver

Kennedy Alexandria Crisp

Spelman College

Luca Christian Crang

Juliana Christina Dahlhoff

Donovan James Doles

Evelyn Elizabeth Doles

Benjamin Epstein Oliver Ferris

Lucy Grace Gallagher

Maria Emilia Gervasoni Kingsley Goodwin

Evan Hackmann Mariah Hill

Taylor Hobson

Quinn A. Hoerman

Lake Forest College

University of Houston

University of Rochester

Southern Methodist University Wake Forest University Benedictine College Kalamazoo College

Arizona State University Drexel University

University of Mississippi University of Denver University of Tampa Reed College

Treazure N. Jackson Savannah College of Art and Design

Sicheng “Jack” Jiang University of Illinois Urbana– Champaign Eliana Jick

Zachary Kampen

Xavier University

Augustana College

Hayleigh Kennelly Savannah College of Art and Design Layla Kline

University of Kansas

Theodore Kouvelis Washington University in St. Louis Yuheng Liu Santa Clara University

Kirin Sophia Lodhi Zoey Martinez

Eleanor Elizabeth McKown Stuart Michael McKown

University of Kansas Fordham University

Tkiyah Nelson Southern Illinois University Carbondale Ivy E. Nissen

University of Colorado Boulder

Caleb Joseph Norman

St. Charles Community College

Ava Althea Nordlund

Amalia Elise Norris Maxwell Ott

Louis Paese

Indiana University Bloomington Marymount Manhattan College DePauw University

University of Vermont

Colin Prakken Washington University in St. Louis

Riley Megan Querimit

San Diego State University

Konstantin Radoman

Chapman University

Daniel James Radke Washington University in St. Louis

Alexander Joseph Rallo

Austin Ray Renner Abigail Ressner

Brooklyn C. Rhodes

Arlington Michael Rhone William David Rose

Stephen Jonah Rosenberg Cowan C. Sanders

Josiah Maria Santiago

Bellarmine University

University of Mississippi Grinnell College

University of Arizona

Texas Southern University Boston University

University of Florida DePauw University William & Mary

Tyler Sargent Gap Year - Pursuing Soccer Career Sarah Schott

Nolan Schulte

Cadence Alaine Seim Nolan Andrew Simon William J. Sokolik

Indiana University Bloomington Virginia Wesleyan University Webster University

Central Methodist University University of Iowa

Charlie Staley-Brain Wheaton College Massachusetts Oneil Stanley Jr.

Virginia Wesleyan University

Isiah Strachan

Colorado State University

Bethany Storey

Bryson Tyler Sutton

Emerson College

Oklahoma State University

Timothy Martin Taylor III Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Drake Thompson

Truman State University

Jean-Paul Jacobus Mathias Jozef Vestjens

Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology

Thomas Tlapek

Jude Watkins-Wedel

Fallon Jean Whitworth

University of Arkansas

Miami University

University of Denver

Jayden Williams University of Illinois at Springfield Jorden Williams Olivia Edie Wolf

Thomas J. Wortham III

Maryville University Webster University

University of Missouri–St. Louis

Bates College

Loyola Marymount University

Emmett Musgrave Murphy University of Missouri– Columbia

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I n step with

2022-2023 I n step:with

Cross Country

The varsity boys cross country team finished second out of 16 teams at the MSHSAA Class 2 Cross Country Championships on November 5, 2022.

Jackson Brungart ’23 medaled with a 5th place finish and a season PR of 16:59. There were 167 individual runners in the race. The Warriors captured the Class 2, District 3 championship on October 29.

Future College Athletes Celebration

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ongratulations to the 17 Whitfield student-athletes (listed below) who have formally committed to continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level.

LELE APPLEGATE ’23 Colorado College (diving)

JACKSON BRUNGART ’23 Coastal Carolina University (cross country, track & field) NOAH BOURKE ’23 Lander University (wrestling) EVELYN “EVIE” DOLES ’23 Southern Methodist University (equestrian)

TKIYAH “TETE” NELSON ’23 Southern Illinois University Carbondale (basketball)

NOLAN SIMON ’23 Central Methodist University (basketball)

DANNY RADKE ’23 Washington University, St. Louis (tennis)

ONEIL STANLEY ’23 Virginia Wesleyan University (soccer)

KOSTA RADOMAN ’23 Chapman University (water Polo)

DRAKE THOMPSON ’23 Truman State University (soccer)

AJ RALLO ’23 Bellarmine University (wrestling)

JORDEN WILLIAMS ’23 University of Illinois, Springfield (basketball)

OLIVER FERRIS ’23 Benedictine College (baseball)

COWAN SANDERS ’23 DePauw University (soccer)

ZACH KAMPEN ’23 Augustana College (volleyball)

NOLAN SCHULTE ’23 Virginia Wesleyan University (soccer)

TOMMY WORTHAM ’23 University of Missouri, St. Louis (soccer)

The following pages highlight the athletic accomplishments of the 2022-2023 school year. Please visit Whitfield’s athletic social media accounts and the News section on the school’s website to read about current successes.

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On the girls cross country team, Juni Asikainen ’23 qualified for the Class 3 state championships with an 18th place finish in the Class 3, District 3 girls race. At state, Juni placed 46th out of 161 runners with a career PR time of 21:19.

Boys Soccer

The varsity boys soccer team won third place in the MSHSAA Class 3 Boys Soccer State Tournament on Saturday, November 19, 2022. The Warriors defeated Glendale 2-1 in penalty kicks and finished the season with a record of 19-4.

POST SEASON HONORS Missouri High School Soccer Coaches Association Class 3, Region 2 (Districts 3-4) All-State Honors PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Nolan Schulte ’23

COACH OF THE YEAR (PRIVATE SCHOOLS):

Charlie Noonan PLAYERS: Quinn Hoerman ’23, O’Neil Stanley ’23, Nolan Schulte ’23, Drake Thompson ’23, Jude Watkins-Wedel ’23, Tommy Wortham ’23 2022 St.Louis Post-Dispatch All-Metro 1ST TEAM: Nolan Schulte ’23

3RD TEAM: Quinn Hoerman ’23

3RD TEAM: Jude Watkins-Wedel ’23

Missouri Athletic Club North-South Senior All-Star Soccer Game Selections Nolan Schulte ’23, Quinn Hoerman ’23

POST SEASON HONORS MWAA All-Conference

2ND TEAM: Jada Griffin ’24

Girls Volleyball

The varsity girls volleyball team won the MSHSAA Class 2, District 5 championship on October 25, 2022.

The Warriors defeated Villa Duchesne in three games (25-23, 26-24, 25-23) to capture the district title.

Whitfield lost 3-1 (16‑25, 25‑21, 12‑5, 13‑25) in the sectional round against Hermann High School on October 27.

HONORABLE MENTION: Clare Carroll ’25

Class 2, District 5 All-District 1ST TEAM: Clare Carroll ’25 1ST TEAM: Jada Griffin ’24

1ST TEAM: Ashley Stoddard ’25 2ND TEAM: Taryn Jones ’24

HONORABLE MENTION: Brooklyn Rhodes ’23

USMC/AVCA Team Academic Award

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I n step with

2022-2023 I n step:with

Charlie Sherertz Accepts Head Coaching Position at Maryville University

W

hitfield’s Director of Athletics Mike Roth announced that legendary Whitfield Wrestling Head Coach Charlie Sherertz has accepted the head coaching position at Maryville University.

Boys Basketball

The varsity boys basketball team’s season ended with a 58-36 loss to MICDS in the MSHSAA Class 4, District 4 semifinal game on March 1, 2023.

POST SEASON HONORS All District (Class 4, District 4)

Nolan Simon ’23, Jorden Williams ’23

Nolan Simon ’23 and Jorden Williams ’23 Surpass 1,000 Career Point Milestone

D

uring the 2022-2023 season, Nolan Simon ’23 and Jorden Williams ’23 each surpassed the 1,000 career point scoring milestone. The two senior leaders were recognized before the Coaches vs. Cancer Paint It Pink Night game on January 31, 2023. The Warriors defeated Westminster 57-50.

Girls Basketball

The varsity girls basketball team’s season came to a close in the MSHSAA Class 5 Girls Basketball State Tournament quarterfinal game on Saturday, March 11, 2023. The Warriors lost 67-33 to Lutheran St. Charles, the eventual state champion. Whitfield played the second half of the game with just four players after senior TeTe Nelson sustained an ankle injury at the end of the first half.

Beginning in January, the Warriors—just five players strong—won eight of their last nine games including a 66-58 OT win over Parkway Central to capture the district championship. The team’s inspiring story caught the attention of local media and fans. Visit the Warriors In The News page Whitfield’s website to access links to print, radio, and TV coverage.

STATE MEDALISTS INDIVIDUAL CHAMPIONS: 126 lbs: Porter Matecki ’24

(3x individual state champion), 138 lbs: AJ Rallo ’23 (4x individual state champion), 150 lbs: Noah Bourke ’23 ADDITIONAL STATE MEDALISTS: 106 lbs: Jackson Bassett ’26 (2nd place), 132 lbs: Caleb Carter ’25 (3rd place)

144 lbs: Rome Tate ’25 (5th place) 120 lbs: Yashua Amen ’25 (6th place) POST-SEASON HONORS

Girls All District, Class 5, District 3

Missouri Wrestling Coaches Association

Amali McBride ’25, TeTe Nelson ’23 Girls District 3 Player of the Year TeTe Nelson ’23

Girls Class 5 All State TeTe Nelson ’23

1ST TEAM: TeTe Nelson ’23

2ND TEAM: Amali McBride ’25

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The varsity wrestling team won 2nd place in the Class 3 MSHSAA Boys State Championships.

POST SEASON HONORS

MWAA All Conference

Nolan Simon ’23, Boys Basketball Head Coach Chris Pitts, Jorden Williams ’23, Director of Athletics Mike Roth

Wrestling

TeTe Nelson ’23 Reaches Scoring Milestone

T

eTe Nelson ’23 reached the 1,000-point scoring milestone during Whitfield’s win over Riverview Gardens on March 2, 2023.

ACADEMIC ALL-STATE: Yashua Amen ’25,

Ben Carter ’23, Caleb Carter ’25

CLASS 3 STATE WRESTLER OF THE YEAR: AJ Rallo ’23 CLASS 3, DISTRICT 2 HEAD COACH OF THE YEAR:

Charlie Sherertz

CLASS 3, DISTRICT 2 ASSISTANT COACHING STAFF OF THE YEAR: Whitfield

St. Louis Post-Dispatch All Metro

1ST TEAM: Porter Matecki ’24, AJ Rallo ’23

2ND TEAM: Jackson Bassett ’26, Noah Bourke ’23

St. Louis Wrestling Officials Association

ALL-ST. LOUIS TEAM: Noah Bourke ’23, AJ Rallo ’23

PRESIDENTIAL AWARD OF EXCELLENCE: AJ Rallo ’23

RYAN GRIFFIN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP: AJ Rallo ’23

“While this is obviously a big loss for Whitfield, we are enormously proud of Coach Sherertz and happy for him to be honored in this way,” said Director of Athletics Mike Roth. “To help ensure the continued excellence of Whitfield’s wrestling program, I am pleased to announce that longtime assistant coaches Matt Politte ’98 and Buddy Smith will serve as co-head coaches for the 2023-2024 school year.”

“

While this is obviously a big loss for Whitfield, we are enormously proud of Coach Sherertz and happy for him to be honored in this way.

-Mike Roth, director of athletics

”

Since being hired in 1996 as the school’s wrestling coach, Coach Sherertz has built Whitfield wrestling into one of the premier high school wrestling programs in the country. Under his leadership, the Warriors earned 11 team state championships and 5 runner-ups, and have produced 60 Individual State Champions.

Whitfield’s wrestling program is in fourth place in all-time Missouri high school wrestling championships standings and second in the number of consecutive championships (since 1931). The Warriors are first in both categories since the program’s inception. In fact, no program since 1961 has achieved 11 state championships and six consecutive championships.

Coach Sherertz was also named the Missouri Wrestling Association Coach of the Year 12 times.

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I n step with

2022-2023 I n step:with

St. Louis Soccer Hall of Fame Bob Kehoe Future Star Honoree: Mia Devrouax ’23

Track & Field

M

ia Devrouax ’24 scored her 100th career goal as a Whitfield Warrior in the team’s 5-0 win vs. Gateway STEM on May 10, 2023. Mia was recognized at Morning Assembly and Head Coach Jeff Cacciatore presented her with a soccer ball signed by her teammates.

Four student-athletes qualified to compete in the MSHSAA Class 4 Boys Track & Field Championships held May 26-27, 2023.

Jackson Brungart ’23: 1600m Musa Butler ’23: 300 Hurdles Jack Courtney: 300 Hurdles David Goldstein ’24: Pole Vault

Mia’s goals by season: 29 (9th grade), 38 (10th grade), 43 (11th grade). In the girls soccer program’s 25 year history, no player has scored more than 48 goals in their career.

Jackson Brungart ’23 placed 7th in the 1600m and set a new Whitfield record of 4:22.72. Jack Courtney ’23 placed 7th in the 300 hurdles.

Girls Soccer

The varsity girls soccer team won 3rd place in the MSHSAA Class 2 Girls Soccer State Tournament on June 3, 2023. The Warriors defeated Pleasant Hill 6-2.

Whitfeld finished the season with a record of 16-2.

POST-SEASON HONORS Missouri High School Soccer Coaches Association OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: M ​ ia Devrouax ’24 GOALKEEPER OF THE YEAR: Taylor Gardner ’24

FIRST TEAM: Mia Devrouax ’24, Ella Rogan ’24, Taylor

Gardner ’24

SECOND TEAM: Perry Rogan​’24, Zoe Zotos ’24

All-State

1ST TEAM: Zach Kampen ’23, Maksim Serdotetskov ’24 2ND TEAM: Kaeden Anderson ’24, Max Ott ’23 ACADEMIC ALL-STATE: Kaeden Anderson ’24,

Quinn Hoerman ’23, Nick Flood ’24, Nolan Pinkley ’24, Cade Ott ’25, Max Ott ’23

ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH 2023 ALL-METRO:

Zach Kampen ’23

POST SEASON HONORS

Class 2 All State

POST SEASON HONORS

Quinn Hoerman ’23, Zach Kampen ’23, Stuart McKown ’23, Max Ott ’23, Nolan Pinkley ’24, Maksim Serdotetskov ’24

The varsity boys tennis team won second place in the MSHSAA Boys Tennis Class 1, District 3 tournament on May 10, 2023.

Danny Radke ’23

The boys volleyball team’s season ended with a five-set loss to Webster Groves in the Class 3 Missouri Boys Volleyball State Tournament semifinals on May 23, 2023.

Class 3, District 2 All-District:

Boys Tennis

ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH PLAYER OF THE YEAR:

Boys Volleyball

USMC/AVCA Team Academic Award

Boys Golf

Bryce Schultz ’26 shot an 83 in the Class 3, District 2 tournament to advance to the MSHSAA Class 3 State Golf Championships held May 15-16, 2023.

Class 2 Region 2 (Districts 3 and 4) PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Ella Rogan ’24

OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Mia Devrouax ’24 GOALKEEPER OF THE YEAR: Taylor Gardner ’24

WARRIORS IN THE NEWS

Class 2 All-Region 2 Team

Mia Devrouax ’24, Taylor Gardner ’24, Ella Rogan ’24, Perry Rogan ’24, Zoe Zotos ’24 COACH OF THE YEAR (PRIVATE SCHOOLS): Jeff Cacciatore ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH ALL-METRO GIRLS SOCCER: Mia

Devrouax ’24 (2nd team)

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Danny Radke ’23 defended his title and won the 2023 MSHSAA Class 1 Boys Tennis Singles Championship on May 20, 2023.

Danny finished his Whitfield career with a record of 56-3.

Check out all the great news coverage of Warrior Athletics by visiting: www.whitfieldschool/warriorsinthenews.

Follow us on Facebook @WhitfieldAthletics and Twitter @WhitfieldSports

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I n Support

I n Support: 2022-2023

2022-2023 THE REPORT ON PHILANTHROPY Dear Whitfield Community: The Board of Trustees is pleased to report that Whitfield School has had an outstanding 2022-2023 academic year, and our future is bright.

FOUNDER’S CIRCLE ($50,000+)

This past year has also been terrific in many other ways. Dr. Chris Cunningham has established himself as the

Anonymous (1) Ron ’74 & Dianna Fox Handi-Craft Company Jim & Jennifer Koman Scott ’98 & Kristen ’99 (Deffaa) Rhodes The Shepherd Foundation Susan Shepherd Ittner Susanne Ittner ’11 Charles Shepherd II Susanne Shepherd

possessing many skills our Head of School must have. As one board member described him, “He has the heart for

LEADERSHIP CIRCLE

and his wife, Helena. If not, please make an effort to do so soon.

Anonymous (1) Steve & Nan Fox Robert ’02 & Layla Glassman Tor & Jessie Hoerman Kyle ’96 & Lauren ’96 (Weissman) Kerner Derik & Jackie King Phil & Elizabeth Levy Ed & Margot ’00 (McMahon) Monser Stephen Tillery & Christine Moody Karen Myers Steve & Pearl Nordlund

There are so many positive aspects to Whitfield, it is hard to cover them in a brief letter. Fortunately, one stellar

component of Whitfield, our college counseling program, is featured in an article in the previous pages. In this past

year, the college counseling program has managed a huge senior class of 86 Warriors as they considered hundreds

of schools and decided to attend 69 different colleges and universities, 85% of which are out of state or international.

As parents of a rising senior, Dianna and I can attest to the amazing way in which Amanda Henry, Ebony Sistrunk, and Amber Rogan are helping our Warrior through the labyrinth of ACT/SAT tests, applications, and the entire college admissions and selection process.

outstanding leader of Whitfield School. He is not only a giving and good person but a multi-dimensional leader

teaching and the mind for business.” I hope that in his first year you have had an opportunity to meet Dr. Cunningham

The school’s advancement and development efforts produced a very successful Green & White Gala and raised over

a million dollars for the annual fund. Development was capped off with a generous transformational gift from Lauren Weissman Kerner and Kyle Kerner, both 1996 Whitfield graduates. Their remarkable gift will endow and expand the

school’s learning and academic success program, led by Director of Teaching and Learning, Mead Ploszay. Whitfield has always been a place where each student can become their best self, and this gift ensures we will advance that mission well into the future.

In the world of sports, Whitfield continues to compete at a high level. From a state champion tennis player to our

determined 5 player women’s basketball district champions to our men’s and women’s soccer district champions and our amazing wrestling program, Whitfield continues to excel in athletics.

Inside the building, Whitfield’s faculty administration, parent organizations, and trustees, have been busy working on the ISACS accreditation process, review of our mission and vision, strategic planning, and development of the next phase of our capital improvement plan. Whitfield’s financial position is solid and in the next few months, we hope

to announce another very substantial gift to the school. Our outstanding faculty will remain substantially the same,

keeping Whitfield’s academics rigorous. We will welcome a record breaking 7th grade class of 64 students. Of course, we are planning another fantastic Green & White Gala in the coming year.

Whitfield provides the premier, small, college preparatory school experience in St. Louis. This is the result of the strong efforts of every aspect of the Whitfield community. Whether you are a parent, alumni, a parent of an alumni, or a friend of Whitfield, we are grateful to all who have contributed. We welcome those who are joining our community in the 2023-2024 academic year, and we encourage you to join in supporting Whitfield.

GO WARRIORS!!!

Ron Fox ’74

Chair, Whitfield Board of Trustees.

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The Report on Philanthropy allows us the opportunity to acknowledge the support and generosity of our parents, alumni, parents of alumni, grandparents, faculty, staff and friends. The donors listed on these pages contributed to Whitfield between July 1, 2022 and June 30, 2023.

($20,000-$49,999)

WARRIOR CIRCLE ($10,000-$19,999)

Anonymous (3) Andy & Laura ’97 (Pollnow) Bryan Flip ’70 & Candy Cady Jim & Kendra Epstein The Hallas Family Foundation Larry & Peggy Hallas Lorien Hallas Butler ’97 Matt Hallas ’00 The Mary Ranken Jordan & Ettie A. Jordan Foundation Mark Leidy Asim & Saadia Raza Paul & Lucinda Santiago Strive Family Fund Ray & Laurie Van De Riet

•

•

PACESETTERS ($5,000-$9,999)

Anonymous (1) Al & Elizabeth Babusis Barry & Barbara Beracha Jim & Robin Blatt Tom & Laura Boldt Dick & Mary Burke Bill Cady II ’73 Murali Chakinala & Lisa De Las Fuentes Rudy & Samantha Crotser Roy Curtiss & Josie Clark-Curtiss Paul & Sheri Diemer Jeffrey & Danielle Evitts Joy Gebhardt Kevin & Laura Hewgley Matthew & Lisa Long Jean & Leigh Mason Jeremy Michelman & Laura Ceretti-Michelman Jason & McKay Mills Dheeraj & Mano Patri Lee Rhodes ’94 Dru & Debbie Schmitt

SCHOLARS ($3,000-$4,999)

•

Anonymous (1) Bill & Anne Chao Chris & Helena Cunningham Elia Ellis & Sharon Jick Dan & Darcy Glidewell Jonathan & Susan Goldstein T. Goodwin & M. Landi Eric Hurtte & Ashley Rufkahr Jan & Ginger ’73 (Newton) Jacobi Peter Kunz & Andrea Ligammari Richard & Erin Nissen Dan Parietti & Carmen Ubarri Dave Skarie & Laurie Hoff

•

•

GREEN & WHITE CLUB ($1,000-$2,999)

Anonymous (1) Adam Foster Fine Jewelry David & Ellen Amarnek Beau Ances & Elizabeth Wheeler Matt Badler Sam & Jane Bae Najia & Naeem Bari Jeff & Diane Barone Ron Bartels Elliot ’69 & Linda Benoist Raj ’86 & Mindy Bhuyan B’Nai Amoona Kitty Bollinger Jim ’70 & Karen Bruns Doug & Sharon Carroll Carrollton Bank Nick ’02 & Angie Casey Brian Chao ’08 Charles Crane Agency David & Erin Chien John & Julie Cochran Dave & Alisa Cooperstein Eric & Rachana Creeth Gerd & Andrea Dahlhoff Douglas & Barbara DeMaire Tim & Maria Desloge Peter & Bridget Desloge D.J. & Nancy Diemer Jason & Carrie ’04 (McCuaig) Dingman Troy & Sarah Doles Jeff & Jennifer Downes Mike & Shelly Edwards Andrew Edwardson & Yuriko Shinagawa Ryan ’93 & Mitzie Fenberg Chip & Ginny Fendell Kevin & Amy Fischer Suzanne Fischer Jason & Dawn Gilbertson Paul Gray & Stephanie Liva Ken & Ruth Greathouse David ’02 & Megan Greathouse Peter Greathouse ’05 Haffenreffer Family Fund

•

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I n Support

I n Support: 2022-2023 Gege Brightman Carolyn Kroenlein ’83 Kurt & Donna Hibler Tom & Suzanne Hough Hydromat Incorporated Bruno & Judy Schmitter Brian Jones ’00 The Jordan Family Todd Kaye & Sarah Yoselevsky Kaye Art ’69 & Rickie Kerckhoff John Key III Dave & Cheryl Lauer Ted & Jenny Lucas Bill & Barbi Macon MAI Capital Management LLC. Marco Mark & Helen Mihalevich Janey Miller Paul Minorini & Mary Shaffer Mistwood Made Gordon Myers & Thiago Moulin Andy & Cary Murphy Pat & Barbie Murphy Russ & Adrienne Murphy Ellen (Simons) Nahlik ’06 Tim & Debra Niemann Melissa Howe O’Connor ’08 Nicholas & Melika Panneri Matt & Susan Parker Bill & Susan Piper Mark & Jessica Portis Joel & Robin Prakken Elaine Renner Craig & Sara Ringe Dave & Amber Rogan Jeff & Amy Rush Andrew Scharf ’07 Shana Watkins Photography Ian & Heidi Silberman St. Louis Cardinals Michael Starkey & Christine Merryman Steve & Angela Strum Tim Temmen & Kumiko Shimoda Michael & Alicia Tessler Raphael & Jillian Thomadsen Tyler ’97 & Courtney '97 (Murphy) Trenary Frank & Carol Trotter Neal & Laura Vangerpen Roel Vestjens & Aukje Vestjens-Rijpkema

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Troy & Geneen Von Kloha W. Schiller & Company, Inc. Gordie ’70 & Susie Wiegand Calvin Williams Ned & Connie Williams Tom & Cindy Woolsey World Wide Technology Foundation

FRIENDS ($1-$999)

Anonymous (18) 2B Organized St. Louis Montize Aaron & Terrilyn Price-Aaron Tom & Lisa Acker Maria Ahern Samantha Alul Jovan Amos & Celeste Malfavon-Amos Mark & Nicol Anderson Rogerio & Denise Andrade Gabe & Nichole Angieri Andrew & Missy Asikainen Mark ’96 & Christina Baden Stefan & Sarah Baiocchi Jay & Dolly Baker Addison Barker ’21 Harold Barker & Laura Lotz ’95 Morgan Barker Olivia Barnes ’20 Robert & Sandi Barrett David & Jeannie Bassett Jay Baum & Cindy Follman Cindy Becker Doug & Laura Becker Jake Becker ’12 Jeremy & Amy Bedenbaugh Eyal & Hila Ben Abraham Kevin Bilchik Ken & Marci Bluestone Bond Architects Alex & Dana ’01 (Fromm) Borchert Keith Borzillo & Mary Kate File Bart & Nikki Bouchein Miller Boyd Ilana Boyer ’23 Adam & Erica Boyet Heather (Korman) Brackett ’06 John & Marie Brauer Bryan & Lauren ’98 (Davis) Brody Andrew Brown ’07

•

Eric & Michelle Brown Hayward & Danita Brown Jeremy & Kelli Brown Eric & Lorien ’97 (Hallas) Butler Rob Butler & Robyn Thomas Alex ’08 Cano & Sara ’08 Freund Mark Capellupo Chris Carson Carswell Charitable Fund at YouthBridge Community Foundation Jack Carswell ’18 Edward & Sharina Carter Rickie & Sabrina Carter Celina Casado Cip Casado Emma Casado ’23 Jeffrey Chapman & Amanda Henry Brad & Emily Chrysler Sophia Chrysler ’18 Ernie & Carolyn Clark Kory Clawson ’10 Liz Clawson Tori Clodfelter ’09 Coach Harder Driving School Chloe Colbert ’09 Patrice Colbert Bradley & Krislyn Coons Ritu (Singh) Cooper ’96 Robert & Amie Corley John & Laura Corn Matt & Stacey Coryell Jack Courtney ’23 Matt & Cathy Courtney Steven & Melissa Crang Orlando & Tracy Crisp Graham Crow Christian Cudnik & Jennifer Welch Cudnik Amos ’90 & Molly Curlee Juliana Dahlhoff ’23 Jim & Heather Daniels Kirk ’95 & Lianne ’00 (Lotz) Daues Billy & Jamie Davidson John Davis ’98 Jonathan & Molly Davis Susan Dean Delsee Creative Photography Dave & Corinne Denoon Ken Denson & Pam Triplett

2022-2023 Pledge Drive

E

ach fall, current families are asked to pledge their annual support to Whitfield during our two-week Pledge Drive. Early pledges to the annual fund help the school plan for the year ahead – all funds raised through the Pledge Drive are used during the current academic year, and benefit every Whitfield student, faculty, and staff member.

The 2022 Pledge Drive was an incredible success with 61% of our families pledging their support to The Whitfield Fund. To celebrate this amazing success, all students received a sweet treat from the advancement staff! Thank you, again, to all families who made gifts, or pledged their support, early in the year which allows us to enhance every student's experience.

PLEDGE DRIVE TOTALS!

PARENT PARTICIPATION

61%

TOTAL RAISED

(ANNUAL GOAL: $1M)

$313,158

TOTAL NUMBER OF DONORS

298

Tom & Kathy DeWoskin Blake Diemer ’10 Griffin Diemer ’12 Matt & Meghan DiGiulio GP & Laura Dorris IV Glenn & Amy Douglas John & Ashley ’06 (Miller) Doyle Matt & Liz Dulick Laura Eaves ’10 Van ’07 & Abby ’10 (Lefler) Eaves Rebecca Edwards Adam & Ashley Eggebrecht

Pappa & Teide Ehimare Harrison Elam ’73 Mark & Alisse Ellebrecht Zach Ellis ’12 Jay Engler ’73 Judy Epsten Curtis Erlinger Estel Foods, Inc. James & Janet Williams Lloyd & Connie Evitts Hailu Fentaw & Selamawit Newete Brad Fink & Anat Reschke

To kick off the two-week Drive, parent volunteers joined advancement staff during morning carpool to greet families, hand out Whitfield swag, answer questions and encourage participation.

Jim & Vicki Finn Jack & Kristy Flood Cara Foster Donovan Foster Four Seasons Hotel Nashville Witt ’71 & Cheryl Fowler Anthony French ’05 Brooks French ’90 Lucy Gallagher ’23 Michael & Martha Gallagher Richie Gallant ’08 Andy & Jackie Gambill

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I n Support

I n Support: 2022-2023 Rick Gamp Jenny (Chao) Gansner ’06 Juan & Elizabeth Garcia Dominguez Bradly & Rachel Gassner Brian & Megan Gau Luvell & Sophia Glanton Drew ’02 & Mary Goding Douglas & Elizabeth Goldenberg Rachel Goldman ’09 Chris Goodwin Rickey & Annie Goodwin Tim & Elana Grayem Scott & Danielle Green Benjy & Kelsie ’08 (Spann) Greenberg Rob Grimm & Deborah Finkelstein Billy & Angelica Gutierrez Erik & Zayda Gutierrez Pam Hall Rebecca Haller Bill & Bridgett Hanks Andrew & Ali ’10 (Hoeman) Hardee Kelly Hardy Richard & Regan Harkins Isey Harris Sam & Lashonda Harris Al & Quiana Harrold Alix (Grant) Hawes ’08 Brandon Haynes Larry Hays Jon Hazan ’02 Michael He & Fran Cheng Don & Lynn Heidenreich Matt & Cindy Heidenry Sara Hempfling Kevin & Alice Marie ’04 (Wolter) Henry Tom Herman Joseph & Jane Hill Lockwood ’70 & Nancy Hill Jim & Alice Hoette Sharon Hoffarth Rob ’97 & Katie Holton Ian & Emily Hornstra Tom Hough ’09 Britney Howard ’10 Jimmy Howe ’10 Matthew Hull & Tanya Fagaly Skip & Kathy Huls Melissa Irvin

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Jorie Jacobi ’07 Peter Jacobi ’10 Albert & Antoinette Jennings Jack Jiang ’23 Heaven John Casey Jolley ’03 James Jones & Me’Sha D. Woodard Marcus & Regina Jones Kim & Dawn Jungermann Gennadi & Alena Kaganov Matt & Rachel ’03 (Weiss) Kalina Sanjeev & Anjali Kamat Rob & Cassie Kampen Tim & Erinn Kao Sammie (Keller) Katzman ’08 Seamus & Kathleen Kelly Daniel & Lisa Kenkel James & Elizabeth Kennelly Hadley Key ’09 Tory Key ’04 Angel Keys Giuliet Kibler ’20 Devon Kinsella ’09 Lauren Kisling Brad Klages Greg & Emily Klimek Marty Knight ’82 Jeff Knipper ’03 Pat & Patricia Knipper Tim Kohler Panos & Helen Kouvelis Teddy Kouvelis ’23 Matt & Karen Kuppinger Abigail Kurten ’19 Nick & Nancy Kurten Michał Kwiecień Abhay Laddu & Rekha Ramanuja Ian Laffey ’18 Kelly Lake Heather Lavezzi Todd ’96 & Julie Lazarus Mark & Elaine Leach Lamar Ledbetter Tyrone & Shalon Ledbetter Danielle (Argyros) Lefever ’06 Mark Leslie Jearl Lett & Tamara Estrill-Lett Grace Leuther ’15 Demitriy Levin & Olga Rozin-Levin

Betsy Lewis ’98 Jeff & Julie ’96 (Schwarze) Linihan Joe & Lisa Litvag Imran & Roxana Lodhi Andrea Loiselle Reinhard & Charlene Lotz Anthony & Danita Love Olga Lubman Laurel Luckey ’96 Will Macon ’10 Ellie Margulis ’18 Jonathan & Melanie Marks Becky Marsh & Lisa Nesler Ana (Volarich) Martens ’08 Mark Matteson & Lovely Lady Lourdes Matteson Nick & Hannah Mayer Sheila McCarthy Bryan ’73 & Mary McDonald Dyan McGuire Tim & Danielle McKay Eleanor McKown ’23 Michael & Mary McKown Pat McLaughlin ’12 Denise Meckler Ruben & Lisa Mella Robbie Mentle & Jenny Hoffman-Mentle Erick & Nidia Messias Annie (Knapp) Migdal ’11 Shanea Miles Dan Miller ’12 Joe & Donna Milligan Evan Milnor ’06 Henry & Sally Mixsell Denny Moellenhoff Josh & Jo-Elle Mogerman Moneta Group Joseph & Vicki Morris Karen Mueller Amy Muggleton Chinya & Pratima Murali Neal & Hilary Murphy Razi Muzaffar & Sanaa Waheed Julia Myers ’16 Bryant Nelson Pete Noonan & Meg Halski Damon Norfolk Monique Norfolk Northern States Properties, LLC

Novel Neighbor Patrick O’Connor Orthodontic Consultants of Saint Louis Dave Ott ’91 Jason ’09 & Margaret ’09 (Ellis) Ott Jeff & Amber Ott Heather Overkamp Pete & Sara Paciorek Jeffrey Parsons & Candice Champion Johan & Jerre Parsons Alex & Maggie Pearson Kyle & Wendy Pinkley Mead Ploszay Kristin (Thompson) Poelker ’07 Matt ’98 & Katrina Politte Joe & Becky Porter Rick & Rosemary Postle Colin Prakken ’23 Jip Prapaisilapa ’09 Wayne & Diana Prichard John Pruett & Susan Culican Grace Pryor ’07 Michael & Ninette Querimit Riley Querimit ’23 Ranko Radoman & Mirjana Vustar Greg & Kristin Raeman Alex & Roberta Rahm Joe & Jeanette Rallo Joe & Lindsay ’06 (Rutledge) Randazzo Lee & Linda Rascovar Raymond James Charitable Endowment Fund Myron & Randee Jacobs Chris & Lisa Reatini David Records Jayce Reese ’08 Mike Reese ’06 Brock & Allison ’04 (Chao) Reichart James & Donna Reinhardt Ryan & Jenna Reinhardt Jeffrey & Christine Remming Abby Ressner ’23 James & Carrie ’95 (Rahm) Rhodes Phil & Kelly Rhodes Rachel Rhodes Arlington Rhone ’23 Eric & Angela Rhone Michael & Christine Riat Matt & Amber Richards Christian Roberts ’08

Steve Roberts ’06 Levi Rose ’20 Scott & Rachel Rose William Rose ’23 David Rosenberg ’62 Mike Roth Jonathan Rothman ’10 Sherman & Dora Rotskoff Yosef Rubanovich & Carla Nieman Bill ’60 & Andrea Rubin Sage Dining Saint Louis Zoo Stella Salvo Chris & Heather Sanders Josiah Santiago ’23 Rich & Stephanie Sargent Lamarko & Lynda Scales Frank & Eloise Schmitz Mary Schnitzler Joseph & Beverly Schraibman Kevin & Meredith ’04 (Bush) Schuh Jonathan Schultz ’05 Matt Schwab & Anya Gurevich-Schwab David & Laura Scobee Maddie Scott ’13 Jeff & Anna Seim Chris Sellers & Wendy Dillinger Ebonee Shaw Charlie & Shelley Sherertz Arsham & Elizabeth Sheybani Kent & Dawn Shuler Adnan Siddiqui & Mehreen Khann Noaman Siddiqi & Kerry Ryan Mark & Renee Siffer Ricky ’98 Singh & Channi Parihar Ebony Sistrunk Sallie (Primm) Skinner ’70 Austin Smith ’12 Buddy & Lisa Smith Lisa Smith Stephen Snipes & Sari ’00 Rotskoff Matt ’96 & Rachel Sokolich Steven & Julie Sokolik David Solomon ’02 Jeffrey & Carol Solomon Andrew & Jennifer ’00 (Hochman) Sonneland Mike ’03 & Carolyn ’07 (Cady) Spenner Cory Spielberg ’94

Tony ’90 & Lauren Spielberg Charlie Staley-Brain ’23 Kent Staley & Dianne Brain Mindy Steiniger Mark & Kathryn Stoddard Brandon Stoker Josh & Sarah Stolker Bethany Storey ’23 Sundberg Photography Bryson Sutton ’23 Ellie Walz Svenson Jim & Barbara Svoboda Jeff & Jeanne Swaney Jim & Nicole ’02 (Porta) Swarts Alejandro Tagle Dana Taylor Owen Taylor ’20 Timothy Taylor III ’23 Spencer & Michelle Templeton Carine Terras Matt ’95 & Rebecca Thayer Steven Thiel & Ferhana Zaman Kyle ’05 & Emily Tisone Steve & Cheryl Tlapek Ted & Whitney ’02 (Key) Towey Kristin Trenary Lisa Trout Raul Uribe & Lemya Sidki Geoffrey & Danielle Uy Eric Van De Riet ’12 Mark & Chris Varvares Voellinger, Simpson, Dolan & Assoc.

Jess (Smasal) Wain ’10 Mark & Donna Waldman Greg Wall Amy Wallis ’11 Delvin & Kimberly Walls Craig & Sarah Walseth Erin Walsh Chip Waltke ’73 Anna Warbelow Daryl & Keyla Ward Guy Ward Rob & Renee Wasserman Ben Weas ’20 Evan & Amy Weiss Steve & Batya Wertman Ursula Wesley Matt & Jess Whiat

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I n Support

I n Support: 2022-2023 Billy White ’05 James & Deatra Whitfield Max Wild ’20 George Wilder Paige Wilder ’19 Meryl (Koch) Wilhelm ’07 Mike & Amanda Wilhelm Miriam Wilhelm Chris & Susan Wilkins Jayden Williams ’23 Jorden Williams ’23 Michael Williams ’08 Bob & Joli Wilson Chris & Amanda Wilson William Wilson ’05 James ’70 & Belinda Wilucki Douglas & Amanda ’03 (Short) Winters Carter (Hartung) Wojteczko ’04 Erik & Megan Wolfslau Doug & Anne ’71 (Kerckhoff) Wolter Lawrence & Shirley Wooten Yutiancheng Yang ’20 Paul & Tammy Yazdi Allan Zhang Neal Zoellick Monica Zotos

Alumni by Class Class of 1960 Bill Rubin Class of 1962 David Rosenberg Class of 1969 Elliot Benoist Art Kerckhoff Class of 1970 Jim Bruns Flip Cady Lockwood Hill Sallie (Primm) Skinner Gordie Wiegand Jim Wilucki Class of 1971 Witt Fowler Anne (Kerckhoff) Wolter

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Class of 1973 Bill Cady Harrison Elam Jay Engler Ginger (Newton) Jacobi Bryan McDonald Chip Waltke Class of 1974 Ron Fox Class of 1982 Marty Knight Class of 1983 Carolyn (Brightman) Kroenlein Class of 1986 Raj Bhuyan Class of 1990 Amos Curlee Brooks French Tony Spielberg Class of 1991 Dave Ott Class of 1992 Anonymous (1) Class of 1993 Ryan Fenberg Class of 1994 Lee Rhodes Cory Spielberg Class of 1995 Kirk Daues Laura Lotz Carrie (Rahm) Rhodes Matt Thayer Class of 1996 Mark Baden Ritu (Singh) Cooper Todd Lazarus Julie (Schwarze) Linihan Laurel Luckey Matt Sokolich Kyle & Lauren (Weissman) Kerner

Class of 1997 Laura (Pollnow) Bryan Lorien (Hallas) Butler Rob Holton Tyler & Courtney (Murphy) Trenary Class of 1998 Anonymous (1) Lauren (Davis) Brody John Davis Betsy Lewis Matt Politte Scott Rhodes Ricky Singh Class of 1999 Kristen (Deffaa) Rhodes Class of 2000 Brian Jones Lianne (Lotz) Daues Margot (McMahon) Monser Sari Rotskoff Jennifer (Hochman) Sonneland Class of 2001 Dana (Fromm) Borchert Class of 2002 Nick Casey Robert Glassman Drew Goding David Greathouse Jon Hazan Whitney (Key) Towey David Solomon Nicole (Porta) Swarts

Class of 2005 Anthony French Peter Greathouse Jonathan Schultz Kyle Tisone Billy White William Wilson Class of 2006 Heather (Korman) Brackett Ashley (Miller) Doyle Jenny (Chao) Gansner Danielle (Argyros) Lefever Evan Milnor Ellen (Simons) Nahlik Lindsay (Rutledge) Randazzo Mike Reese, Jr. Steve Roberts, Jr. Class of 2007 Andrew Brown Van Eaves Jorie Jacobi Grace Pryor Andrew Scharf Carolyn (Cady) Spenner Kristin (Thompson) Poelker Meryl (Koch) Wilhelm

Jason Ott Jip Prapaisilapa Class of 2010 Kory Clawson Blake Diemer Abby (Lefler) Eaves Laura Eaves Ali (Hoeman) Hardee Britney Howard Jimmy Howe Peter Jacobi Will Macon III Jonathan Rothman Jess (Smasal) Wain Class of 2011 Annie (Knapp) Migdal Amy Wallis Class of 2012 Jake Becker Griffin Diemer Zach Ellis Pat McLaughlin Dan Miller Austin Smith Eric Van De Riet Class of 2013 Maddie Scott

Class of 2003 Casey Jolley Rachel (Weiss) Kalina Jeff Knipper Amanda (Short) Winters

Class of 2008 Anonymous (1) Brian Chao Sara Freund Richie Gallant Kelsie (Spann) Greenberg Alix (Grant) Hawes Sammie (Keller) Katzman Ana (Volarich) Martens Melissa (Howe) O’Connor Jayce Reese Christian Roberts Michael Williams

Class of 2004 Carrie (McCuaig) Dingman Alice Marie (Wolter) Henry Tory Key Allison (Chao) Reichart Meredith (Bush) Schuh Carter (Hartung) Wojteczko

Class of 2009 Tori Clodfelter Chloe Colbert Rachel Goldman Tom Hough Hadley Key Devon Kinsella

Class of 2019 Abigail Kurten Paige Wilder

Class of 2015 Grace Leuther

Owen Taylor Ben Weas Max Wild William Yang Class of 2021 Addison Barker Class of 2023 Ilana Boyer Emma Casado Jack Courtney Juliana Dahlhoff Lucy Gallagher Jack Jiang Teddy Kouvelis Eleanor McKown Colin Prakken Riley Querimit Abby Ressner Arlington Rhone William Rose Josiah Santiago Charlie Staley-Brain Bethany Storey Bryson Sutton Timothy Taylor III Jayden Williams Jorden Williams

Tribute & Memorial Gifts

Class of 2016 Julia Myers

IN HONOR OF

Class of 2018 Jack Carswell Sophia Chrysler Ian Laffey Ellie Margulis

Leander Ances ’25 Beau Ances & Elizabeth Wheeler

Class of 2020 Olivia Barnes Giuliet Kibler Levi Rose

Amy Allen Cano Joe & Lindsay ’06 (Rutledge) Randazzo

Juni Asikainen ’23 Sheila McCarthy Belle Bouchein ’23 Sheila McCarthy Mia Brandenstein ’23 Sheila McCarthy Flip Cady ’70 Bill & Barbi Macon

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I n Support: 2022-2023 Braeden Calhoun ’23 Sheila McCarthy

Emma Casado ’23 Sheila McCarthy

Nancy DeGreeff Jenny (Chao) Gansner ’06

Luke Cano Alice Marie (Wolter) Henry ’04

Jacob Charmley ’23 Sheila McCarthy

John Delautre Charlie & Shelley Sherertz

Cip Casado Carrie (McCuaig) Dingman ’04 Ilana Boyer ’23

Matt Coryell Abigail Kurten ’19

Rickey Goodwin Tony ’90 & Lauren Spielberg Ellen Svenson

Susan Dean Johan & Jerre Parsons

2022 Endowed Faculty Chairs

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hitfield Head of School Chris Cunningham awarded the 2022 Endowed Faculty Chairs at the annual Faculty & Staff Appreciation Dinner on Thursday, August 18, 2022. These awards bring community recognition and encouragement to exemplary Whitfield teachers. They also provide teacher-awardees with an annual stipend as a tangible sign of the appreciation of the entire Whitfield community for their hard work and leadership.

Currently, the School proudly awards a range of honorary faculty chairs. With the exception of the Athletic Chair, each is held for two years. Two humanities chairs are held concurrently, with each awarded in alternating years. Endowed faculty chairs are established through generous gifts to Whitfield's endowment.

Ken Greathouse Ruth Greathouse

Richard Jordan ’17 Rick & LaVona Jordan Zach Kampen ’23 Sheila McCarthy Spencer Kaye ’24 Todd Kaye & Sarah Yoselevsky Kaye Hadley Key ’09 John Key III

2022 ENDOWED CHAIR RECIPIENTS

Amy Allen Cano Performing Arts Chair:

Kent Family Language Chair:

Mary Schnitzler

Rick Gamp

Arthur & Helen Baer Foundation Visual Arts Chair:

Richard B. Kobusch Humanities Chair:

Cara Foster

Tom Herman

Catherine Marie Connors ’89 Science Chair:

William W. Daues Athletics Chair:

Jeff Cacciatore

Rob Kampen

Jeff Cacciatore, Tom Herman, Mary Schnitzler, Chris Cunningham, Rob Kampen, Cara Foster, Rick Gamp

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Kamiyah Jones ’27 James Jones & Me’Sha Woodard

Tory Key ’04 John Key III Whitney (Key) Towey ’02 John Key III Michal Kwiecien Steve & Nan Fox Kelly Lake Mark & Nicol Anderson Andy Leach ’09 Mark & Elaine Leach Peter Leach ’11 Mark & Elaine Leach Becky Marsh Mark & Nicol Anderson Dick & Mary Burke Bill Cady II ’73 Doug & Barbara DeMaire Chip & Ginny Fendell Steve & Nan Fox The Hallas Family Foundation Larry & Peggy Hallas Lorien Hallas Butler ’97 Matt Hallas ’00 Britney Howard ’10 Reinhard & Charlene Lotz Bill & Barbi Macon Ed & Margot ’00 (McMahon) Monser Rick & Rosemary Postle

Sheila McCarthy Peter & Bridget Desloge

Lola Goodwin Brandon Stoker

Eleanor McKown ’23 Sheila McCarthy

Sean Harris Isey Harris

Matt Politte ’98 Ellie Margulis ’18

Sally Key ’73 John Key III

Colin Prakken ’23 Joel & Robin Prakken

Ashland Tate Jonathan & Melanie Marks

Danny Radke ’23 Jim & Barbara Svoboda

Lee Wallace Dick & Mary Burke Flip ’70 & Candy Cady Ernie & Carolyn Clark Nick & Nancy Kurten

William Rose ’23 Sheila McCarthy Joseph & Beverly Schraibman

Bruno Schmitter Flip ’70 & Candy Cady

Latrice Williams Todd Kaye & Sarah Yoselevsky Kaye Jonathan & Melanie Marks Calvin Williams

Cadence Seim ’23 Sheila McCarthy

Julie Yoffie ’09 Tori Clodfelter ’09

Sari Rotskoff ’00 Tim Kohler

Charlie Staley-Brain ’23 Sheila McCarthy Darrett Thompson ’93 Pat McLaughlin ’12 Ben Weas ’20 Ellen Svenson Sophie Wilson ’25 Sharon Hoffarth

IN MEMORY OF Henry Chien David & Erin Chien Nancy Clukies Keith Borzillo & Mary Kate File Kevin & Meredith ’04 (Bush) Schuh Janet Esrock Van ’07 & Abby ’10 (Lefler) Eaves Christian Roberts ’08

Every attempt was taken to ensure accuracy in this report. However, it is possible for unintentional errors and omissions to occur. Please report any errors to the Development Office at development@whitfieldschool.org.

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Green & White Gala

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hitfield’s second annual Green & White Gala took place on Saturday, April 1, 2023 at the Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis. The event grossed an impressive $327,000 for The Whitfield Fund which supports key operations and initiatives benefiting faculty, staff, and students.

The gala was attended by 300 guests including Whitfield parents, alumni, parents of alumni, Trustees, faculty, staff and friends.

The evening included a VIP reception for honorees and silent and live auctions.

In addition to raising critical funds for the school, two key members of the community were honored: Ms. Becky Marsh, director of communications and marketing, who retired this June after 29 years of service, and Dr. Michał Kwiecień, social studies faculty and the 2022 George A. Newton Outstanding Teacher Award Recipient. Head of School Chris Cunningham emceed a special tribute program for the honorees which included moving video productions celebrating the accomplishments of both Becky and Michał.

Following the program, guests raised their paddles and collectively made donations to support faculty professional development totalling $135,000. The celebration continued with music, dancing and community building.

Thank you to everyone who attended the event and a special thank you to our gala sponsors.

PRESENTING SPONSOR

GOLD SPONSORS

Flip ’70 & Candy Cady

Dianna & Ron Fox ’74

SILVER SPONSORS

Bill Cady ’73 The Nan & Steve Fox Fund

Kyle ’96 & Lauren (Weissman) Kerner ’96 Derik & Jackie King

Phil & Elizabeth Levy Karen Myers

PATRON SPONSORS

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WHITFIELD ALUMNI NEWS

ALUMNI NOTES

Dear Alumni Community, Our Alumni Relations program grew a great deal this year: the number of actively engaged alumni more than doubled, and we added several new, well-attended events to our calendar. This growth would not have been possible without your support. If you gave of your time, talents, or treasure, you made a difference in the life of the school, and I thank you.

We accomplished a lot!: • we honored our Legacy families to begin the school year • hosted another successful Snow Fun family even

TO SUBMIT INFORMATION, PLEASE EMAIL ALUMNI@WHITFIELDSCHOOL.ORG, VISIT WHITFIELDSCHOOL.ORG/ALUMNI OR MAIL TO ALUMNI NOTES/INSIGHTS: WHITFIELD SCHOOL • 175 S. MASON RD. • ST. LOUIS, MO 63141

In Memoriam PAUL BRAUNER ’62 passed away on June 20, 2022, at the age of 78. Paul enjoyed volunteering, golf, the outdoors, and traveling. He was the loving husband of Betty Asher.

PETER EISENBEIS ’73 passed away on November 2, 2022. He loved spending time with his friends and family, including his wife, Cristy, and children, Cully and Oliver. He is remembered by classmates for his wit, humor, and kindness.

• celebrated the wrestling program’s 30th anniversary while developing a model to use for future sports anniversaries • gathered over 100 alumni donors in our Participation Challenge • recognized the classes of 1973, 1998, and 2013 for their milestones at Reunion • began hosting out-of-town alumni events from St. Paul to Chicago to Seattle with more to come in the 2023-2024 school year Throughout Insights and the Alumni News & Notes section, you can read about these and other alumni events and opportunities.

Speaking of the Alumni News & Notes section, you will notice that there are very few individual alumni notes submitted. This reflects the significant shifts in how we communicate with one another, the evolving ways we allocate our time, and possibly the information we wish to have printed. Regardless, this is not an anomaly; it indicates our shifting connectivity preferences, and we paid attention. At Reunion 2023, we launched Whitfield Connects, our new professional and social networking platform. I encourage each of you to use the QR code below to explore this network and reach out to those in your profession and/or your city. It is as simple as using LinkedIn, Google, or your email to sign up. Read more about Whitfield Connects on page 55.

We also continue to work on an Alumni Relations Strategic Plan, which focuses on four pillars: Communication, Experiences, Philanthropy, and Volunteerism. One major component of this work is establishing an Alumni Advisory Board consisting of representative alumni from across the country who will work with me to build the structure and identify the priorities of the AAB by the end of the 2023-2024 school year. Please consider what role you can play in this, and contact me if you’d like to learn more.

I look forward to both re-engaging with and getting to know even more of you in the coming years. As always, please reach out with ideas, questions, or to simply say hello. I am grateful to those of you who have offered advice and ideas throughout the last two years; keep them coming!

All the best,

1950s When BILL HASSETT '59 graduated, there were eight people in his class. Last year, Whitfield graduated 87 seniors. What a change! John Barnes, Allan Cole, Anna Mae, and Lola are among Bill’s favorite people as they were extremely kind and made everyone feel welcome. Bill shares that it really was “the best of times”!

MICHAEL DUGAN ’64 has been enjoying his retirement, living in Las Vegas and traveling with his life partner Joyce. This spring they visited Singapore and Japan and later England, Scotland, and Ireland, traveling with friends. They made their own itineraries and enjoyed meeting and socializing with locals, feasting on local cuisines, and enjoying the various characters, cultures, and traditions of each country.

One of these days he says he will again visit Whitfield, a campus that consisted only of the original ranch house, an adjacent small classroom/ locker room building, and a tennis court when he attended. The class was 13 strong.

2000s

2010s

DAVID PEPOSE '04 was named the new writer of Marvel Comics' PUNISHER at Comic-Con International in San Diego, along with the release of his new Marvel series MOON KNIGHT: CITY OF THE DEAD and the announcement of his upcoming original series THE DEVIL THAT WEARS MY FACE at Mad Cave Studios. He also recently proposed to his longtime partner Claire Hoffman, with their wedding scheduled for Fall 2024.

HEATHER (KORMAN) BRACKETT ’06 and husband David welcomed a baby girl into the world on June 1, 2023.

Welcome, Harper Rose!

ELLEN (SIMONS) NAHLIK ’06 is a pediatric speech-language pathologist at Ranken Jordan Pediatric Bridge Hospital. She and her husband Rob stay busy with their 2-year-old son, Henry, and their 8-monthold twin daughters, Claire and Emily.

SAMI FRIEDMAN ’14 was married on the 3rd of June, 2023 in Perth, Scotland, where her husband, David, grew up. David and Sami met in Glasgow in 2018 when she moved for her Fulbright grant year; Sami successfully defended her PhD in Psychology at the University of Cambridge earlier this year. Sami currently lives in Newcastle upon Tyne, England where she is an academic at a university, and David is a user experience designer for a tech consultancy.

RACHEL VAN DE RIET ’18 graduated in May from Saint Louis University with a B.S. in Public Health.

ABIGAIL KURTEN ’19 graduated in May from the University of Iowa with a B.A. in Journalism and Mass Communications and a double minor in English and Theatre.

Laura Lotz ’95 Director of Alumni Relations Scan for Whitfield Connects

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Celebrating Our Legacy Families

Homecoming 2022

hitfield School’s annual Green & White Legacy Luncheon was held in Schmitter Gallery on Monday, August 22, 2022. The event celebrates the Whitfield experience—past, present, and future— by honoring our alumni who have chosen Whitfield for their children.

hitfield alumni returned to campus Friday, October 14, 2022 for Homecoming. First, we hosted an Alumni Social celebrating our boys soccer, field hockey, and girls volleyball teams. Following the games, alumni gathered on the back lawn to watch Lip Syncs. Thank you to those alumni who came home to celebrate with the student body!

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2022-2023 LEGACY STUDENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES INCLUDE: Cody Baden ’27

Mark Baden ’96, Crissy Baden

Whitney Bryan ’25, Andrew Bryan ’27, Catherine Bryan ’28

Laura Pollnow Bryan '97 and Andy Bryan

Lucy Budke ’28

Erin and Andrew Budke '96

Lucy Budke ’28, Erin Budke

William Casey ’29 Angie and Nick Casey ’02 Garon Fenberg ’26, Mitzie and Ryan Fenberg '93 Caden Fenberg ’28

Martin Cueto ’21, Francisco Gervasoni ’21, Addison Barker ’21

Donny Diemer ’20, Matthew Harkwell ’20, Morgan Leake '17

Nathan Fox ’24 Dianna and Ron Fox '74 Reese Kerner ’27 Layla Kline ’23, Joe Kline ’25

Lauren (Weissman) ’96 and Kyle Kerner ’96 Lizzy and Chris Kline '92

Garon Fenberg ’26, Mitzie Fenberg, Caden Fenberg ’28 Hale Rhodes ’28, Kristen (Deffaa) Rhodes ’99, Anderson Rhodes

Amalia Norris ’23 Sandra and Jonathan Norris '00 David Payne ’26, Topher Payne ’28

Dorothy (Rhodes) Payne ’92 and Ben Payne

Fritz Rhodes ’26 Lee Rhodes ’94, Rachel Rhodes

Melissa (Howe) O’Connor ’08 and daughter Dottie

J.R. Rhodes ’24, Tate Rhodes ’26, Kristen Deffaa Rhodes ’99 and Hale Rhodes ’28 Scott Rhodes '98 Izze Singh ’26 James Trenary ’26, Paige Trenary ’28

Harmeeta Singh ’93 and Shakeel Khan

Flip Cady ’70, Laura Lotz ’95, Ron Fox ’74

Not pictured but in attendance: Fred Simms ’76, Scott Rhodes ’98, Briana Luster ’12, Andrea Battram ’21, Alec Mella ’22, and Jimmy Milgie ’22.

Mark Baden ’96, Cody Baden ’27

Courtney Murphy Trenary '97 and Tyler Trenary ’97, Kristin Trenary

Winter Break Welcome Back Scott Rhodes '98, Kristen Deffaa Rhodes ’99, Hale Rhodes ’28, J.R. Rhodes ’24, Tate Rhodes ’26

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Laura Pollnow Bryan '97, Whitney Bryan ’25, Catherine Bryan ’28, Andrew Bryan ’27

Nathan Fox ’24, Dianna Fox, Ron Fox '74

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oung alumni from classes 2016-2021 came back to school on December 16, 2022 to see one another and celebrate the season. They enjoyed hot chocolate and cookies in the Barnes & Cole Alumni House before visiting their favorite faculty and staff throughout the school.

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Whitfield Goes To… ST. PAUL

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n November 2, 2022, Head of School Chris Cunningham met up with alumni in the St. Paul area in between sessions of the ISACS conference.

CHICAGO

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Head of School Chris Cunningham, Steve Mura ’91, Krystal Dopson ’03, Logan Wesolowski ’19

hursday, January 26, 2022, a group of Chicago alumni attended a social hosted by Head of School Chris Cunningham, Director of Development Kelly Edwards, and Director of Alumni Relations Laura Lotz ’95. In addition, some alumni unable to attend Thursday's event met up with Laura Lotz on Friday. In total, 21 alumni along with their spouses and partners enjoyed reconnecting and networking with fellow alumni in the windy city! This will be an annual event, so Chicago Alumni, mark your calendars for Thursday, January 25, 2024!

Alumni in attendance:

Top Row: Wright Sibbald ’10, Jesse Axtell ’94, Tim Woolsey ’94, Charlotte Ferguson ’08, Kezmen Clifton’08. Bottom Row: Laura Lotz ’95, Amy (Axtell) Fettig ’95, Jayce Reese ’08

SEATTLE

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hanks to our Seattle alumni who attended our alumni social on Tuesday, June 20, 2023, hosted by Director of Alumni Relations Laura Lotz ’95.

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Max Alper '15 Griffin Barone '22 Jonathan Elkins '17 Sara (Bomze) Gawenda '04 Kaitlyn Hoffner '21 Tory Key '04

Jared Klutke '15 Andy Leach '09 Michael Levy '17 Ryan Mango '09 Meg Maune '17 Emily Moss '14 Logan Pernikoff '09

Julie (Harber) Poznicek '04 Jonathan Rothman '10 Julie Schnidman '04 Whitney (Key) Towey '02 Shaun Vaid '08 Jessica (Smasal) Wain '10

Thank You 'Snow' Much!

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hank you to the 28 alumni families who attended Snow Fun on Saturday, December 3, 2022! With over 60 children and multiple grandparents in attendance as well, a fun-filled morning was enjoyed by all!

MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR

D ECEMBER 2, 2023

Register for Snow Fun 2023 using this QR code.

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Alumni Help Students Explore Careers and Majors

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he Career and Major Exploration Program, designed and hosted by Whitfield’s college counselors and supported by the school’s Alumni Relations department, connects sophomores and juniors with professionals in a wide variety of fields including allied health and nursing, arts and design, business and entrepreneurship, communication and professional writing, sales and real estate, engineering and computing, law and criminal justice, and medical doctors and scientific research.

Whitfield Wrestling Celebrates 30 Years

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n Friday, January 20, 2023 the school celebrated the 30-year anniversary of Whitfield’s Wrestling Program. Over 30 alumni, 39 parents of alumni, and current wrestling families and program supporters gathered in the school's Dining Room to share stories and recognize the history of Whitfield wrestling. In total, over 180 people attended this event. Hosted by Whitfield’s Alumni Relations and Athletics departments, the event included a dual meet, alumni recognition at the meet, dinner, and remarks.

Whitfield’s College Counseling program is designed to help students understand their strengths, interests, talents, and needs in order to ensure each individual identifies the best fit post-graduation.

Through a multi-year, individualized advising model, students are guided toward collegiate experiences that will continue to challenge and support their

academic and personal growth.

This year’s program featured eight different virtual sessions presented by 24 Whitfield alumni professionals.

Students signed up for two sessions during their Advisory periods.

THANK YOU TO OUR ALUMNI PRESENTERS!

“This program is a wonderful opportunity for alumni to engage with current students and share their educational and professional experiences with the next generation of Whitfield Warriors,” said Director of Alumni Relations Laura Lotz ’95.

“By giving back to the school in this way, our alumni are both positively influencing our students and modeling the spirit of generosity. I am so grateful to our alumni who participated in this program, and I look forward to growing this program and developing other opportunities for students and alumni to connect in future years.”

Amanda (Freedland)

“ ”

By giving back to the school in this way, our alumni are both positively influencing our students and modeling the spirit of generosity — Laura Lotz '95, director of alumni relations

Chris Kline ’92 Natalie Hundhausen ’96 Andrew Servini ’96 Nesselbush ’04

Whitney (Key) Towey ’02 Jonathan Buck ’03 Brandon Smart ’03 David Pepose ’04 Peter Greathouse ’05 Rubin Baskir ’06 Jay Gard ’08 Christian Roberts ’08 Rachel Goldman ’09 Matt Jordan ’11 Rachel (Kent) Shlien ’11 Caroline Baer ’12 Zach Ellis ’12 Darrion Harris ’12 Frankie Lugo ’12 Darci Roberts ’12 Abby (Kelly) Gualdoni ’13 Beca Dennis ’15 Sally Sneider ’19 Logan Weslowski ’19

Hallas Family Foundation Goes to the Mat for Whitfield Wrestling Program in Honor of its 30th-Anniversary

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hanks to a generous challenge issued by the Hallas Family Foundation, alumni, alumni parents, current parents, and friends of the program raised a total of $27,000 in support of the wrestling program at the 30th-anniversary celebration. In addition to purchasing a new, full-customized wrestling mat for the 2023-2024 season, the program will also receive needed updated equipment.

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New Alumni Networking Platform

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lumni, join Whitfield Connects, Whitfield's new professional and social networking platform! You can sign up using Google, Facebook, or LinkedIn, which makes signing up simple and efficient. With over 125 members since May, our network is growing and primed to support alumni, whether you are a new graduate, an established professional, a full-time parent - whatever your role might be!

Welcome To Our Newest Alumni

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Looking for a new job?

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Searching for a great a new hire?

Want to support young alumni?

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Interested in mentoring a senior during their Capstone (senior year project) experience?

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Just moved to a new city and need advice on where to live or school options for a child?

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Want to share your college advice with a student interested in your collegiate alma mater?

Sign up for Whitfield Connects!

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lumni Induction was Friday, May 19, 2023. We celebrated with words from Director of Alumni Relations Laura Lotz '95 and Head of School Chris Cunningham, brunch, Smoothie King treats, the signing of the alumni book, and a new tradition: the awarding of alumni pins designed with the help of senior leaders. Congratulations to our newest alumni!

Want your very own alumni pin?

Come back and see us!

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Reunion Weekend

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eunion 2023 was a wonderful celebration of the alumni community! From our milestone Reunion celebrations to the family-friendly picnic to the culminating evening event on Saturday, Whitfield alumni celebrated one another and being together as Warriors once again. Approximately 200 alumni, family, and guests attended one or more of the following Reunion Weekend events: • The Class of 1973’s 50th Reunion coffee • Saturday's Alumni Family-Friendly Picnic • Saturday evening’s Old Guard Social • Saturday evening’s Reunion Celebration highlighting all classes ending in 3’s and 8’s

Scan this QR to see photo galleries for each of these events. If you see a picture you'd like, right click on the image and download/save.

YOUR FEEDBACK IS NEEDED Whether you attended Reunion or not, we would like your feedback as we plan Reunion 2024. Questions vary based on your attendance and take only a few minutes to answer.

SAVE THE DATE!

Here's to another fun-filled Reunion Weekend

May 4-5, 2024! Mark your calendars now;

we look forward to celebrating all classes ending in 4’S & 9’S , including 1974 (50TH) , 1999 (25TH) , and 2014 (10TH) .

Thank you in advance for your feedback!

If you would like to help on any way, please email laura.lotz@whitfieldschool.org

Thank you to all of the alumni who helped plan these events; we could not do it all without your selfless volunteerism. Thank you, too, to all the alumni who attended these events. We hope you enjoyed reconnecting with one another, former faculty and staff, and the Whitfield campus!

175 South Mason Road St. Louis, Missouri 63141

Please Note: In an effort to be environmentally conscious, one copy per household has been mailed. Additional copies may be acquired by contacting the Whitfield Development Office at (314) 434-5141.

Whitfield_MagazineAd.pdf

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