Fall-Winter 2015-16 RCDS Bulletin

Fall-Winter 2015-16

Inside:

Leadership Education inthe Divisions Page 2

RCDS

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Fall-Winter 2015-16

RCDS Fall 2015 - Winter 2016 Bulletin

Editor: Susan Nelson

Editor Alumni News: Lisa Hotte Young ’74

Proofreading: Lynette Gioffre, Consuelo Hager, Sarah Istwany, Eliza McLaren, Kelly Melandro

Contributors: Eric Biddulph-West ’16, Meredith deChabert, Lori L. Ferguson, Jay Gerlach, Cili-cia Payne ’17, Ann Sullivan, Jared Scott Tesler, David Townley ’16, Christina Weir

Photography: Aurelie Graillot Studio, Michael Pressman Photography, Pedro Garcia Photography

Design: Chave Designwww.chavedesign.com

Rye Country Day School

Printed with soy inks on paper sourced from well-managed forests and recycled wood or fiber.

2015-2016Board of Trustees

Lee H. FlanaganPresident

Andrea SullivanVice President

Peter J. Crowley Treasurer

Laura MattsonSecretary

Lisa AllenBrad AsnessNina CheighKaren CohnHillary Hoffenberg Comora ’91Edward Dunn ’83Gregg FeltonJeff Hammel ’87Blanca HiraniRichard KimMichelle KroinMichael Lazar ’87Tammy LevineSanford LoewentheilEric MedowDennis Parker ’73Juan PujadasJonathan Resnick ’85Fernando RivasCindy Ganis Roskind ’90Vik SawhneyKaren SobelBirgit TownleyLynne Wolitzer

Trustees EmeritiEdward B. DunnFrederick A. KlingensteinMichael C. MurrCarmen Ribera-Thain ’75Edgar Wachenheim, III

2015-2016Alumni Executive Board

Michael B. Lazar ’87President

Lauren Fortgang Mandell ’87 Secretary

Vanessa Kroll Bennett ’94Kristin Pisacano Casale ’85Ashok Chachra ’95Jonathan C. Goldstein ’99W. Dyer Halpern ’98Abby Kohn ’08David Lamont ’99René N. Lumley-Hall ’96Brendan McGuire ’06Suzanne Cannistraro Napoli ’92Andrew S. Nathanson ’09Jonathan Ostrau ’80Robin Quittell Ponticelli ’94Max Schapiro ’04H. Oliver Smith ’94Daniel Wallance ’00Scott Weiss ’96Rebecca Wohl ’06

Ex Officio: Honorary FacultyGil Castagna

Ex Officio: Alumni TrusteesHillary Hoffenberg Comora ’91Edward B. Dunn ’83Jeffrey G. Hammel ’87Dennis D. Parker ’73Jonathan Resnick ’85Cindy Ganis Roskind ’90

Ex Officio: MembersScott A. Nelson Headmaster

Lynette GioffreDirector of Development and Alumni Affairs

On the cover: The entire school assembled for the Opening Ceremony in September.

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1 www.ryecountryday.org

Learning to Lead:• Notes on the Inaugural Leadership Retreat and Student Reflections • Character Education & Leadership Development in the Middle School• Meet the 4th Grade Leadership Squad

Leadership in Action - Alumni Profiles in Leadership • Fred Watts ’75• Brett Funck ’90

Fall Sports

Winter Sports

Wildcat News

Fall Drama: Where the Wild Things Are

Student / Faculty Musical: Legally Blonde

Faculty & Alumni Art Show

Festival Chorus 2016: Songs of Migration

New Trustees

Arts Festival & International Fair

Headmaster’s Circle Reception 2015

AEB Update & New Members

The Power of Connection

Reunion 2015 - Wildcat Weekend

Headmaster’s Reception - Reunion Dinners

Reunion Classes

Thanksgiving Games

Class Notes

In Memoriam

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Table of Contents

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Learning to LeadA new faculty committee was formed in 2014 to examine the intersections of leadership, character, and ethics with education, and to discuss the ways that these traits can be taught and modeled on a daily basis. Under the guidance of Ann Sullivan, Associate Head of School, the committee met during the academic year to brain-storm various ways to introduce these topics to students in all divisions.

recommendations was a two-day retreat for Upper -

cially started. The group comprised members of student government, peer leaders, team captains, club presidents

and leaders of various student organizations. To guide them through the process, a dozen faculty members volunteered their time and talents, and Dr. Michael Thompson, clinical psychologist and school consultant,

In the pages that follow, Ann Sullivan highlights mem-orable moments from the leadership retreat, and three Upper School students explain what they personally took away from it. As the year continues, leadership education will expand into the Middle and Lower schools as well, and educators will continue to introduce

...highlights of memorable moments from the leadership retreat...

Leadership Retreat


3www.ryecountryday.org

from theInaugural Leadership Weekend

“Think back right now to a senior leader you watched and admired here at Rye Country Day School when you were younger, and describe the quali-ties they demonstrated.”

Psychologist Michael Thompson led the Friday evening meeting, taking 80 students and a dozen faculty members back in time to analyze the leaders they knew so well. It wasn’t to be someone in the room, he said. Dr. Thompson then asked questions:

“How did that make you feel as a member of the dance group, team, student government, or club?”He asked others to comment on the actual behaviors:

“You have been watching leaders all your life and evaluating them-now it’s your turn.”

most impressed them:

“She always asked how we were; she always asked our opinion of a dance.”“He always carried the water bottles and picked up the equipment.”“She encouraged me to play ice hockey—even though I had never actually tried it before.” “He cared about us.” “She was excellent in all she did but ‘normal’ in her friendships.”“As a captain, he was hard on us but fair in every way.”

by Ann Sulllivan

In sum:

“They were older students but they paid attention to us!”During that memorable opening session, which was attended by student government members, admissions tour guides, club organizers, publication editors, and Peer

of leadership they aspired to; they looked at the ethics of some bad choices students can

leadership; and they took an on-line quiz analyzing their own leadership style. Then, at last, they wrote an individual leadership plan to be shared with the moderator, coach, or adult with whom they work most closely.

The weekend also included an independent Whale Rider, about a Maori girl who

tribe “inspiring even better discussions than outright admiration,” according to Upper School Principal Paul Wieman. Following the retreat, a survey was administered to the

the attending faculty and administrators, as well as with student government members, peer leaders, team captains, and club lead-ers. A second evening in November and a third in the spring were planned to follow up

in August.

Not

esLeadership Retreat



Eric Biddulph-West ’16Head Peer Leader; President, Gender-Sexuality Alliance; Co-President, Philosophy Club; Bass Section Leader, Concert Choir

When Dr. Thompson led the discussion about how to support peers in dangerous situa-tions, to my surprise, he did not endorse going to a teacher as soon as any infraction of school rules occured. He claimed my role as a student leader was not to be a whistle-blower; rather, I had to realize that supporting the student was more important. Perhaps there was something more serious going on with a troubled student, and I’d need to build up more trust by supporting him, not humiliating him. This theme of setting a safe space really hit home for me when I sat down to apply these lessons to my Leadership Plan for the coming year. Dr. Thompson encouraged us to think about the aspects of a leader and how we might manifest them in tangible actions to reach con-crete or personal goals. As the president of the Gender-Sexuality Alliance (GSA), my Leadership Plan included goals like “send a personal email” and “make sure that people see me as an ally they can approach with concerns.” These would help me reach my main goal to create a safe space of honesty and authenticity. Before that conference, I didn’t understand how crucial that trust and safety really was. Later, as I re-examined my Leadership Plan, I realized that to make a safe community for LGBT students, the trust and support had to start with the club and expand to the whole community.

During the Leadership Conference hosted by Michael Thompson, I learned about important traits of leadership that I had overlooked in the past. As a leader, I tended to focus on personal conversations and relationships. I personally found it very hard to speak in front of large groups, so when I had to do so, I learned that scripting my speeches helped with the anxiety. One goal that I had going into the conference was to have at least one personal conversation with each person on my email list–the people I was leading. While this was a good, measurable, if not very ambitious goal, the Leadership Con-ference changed my reasoning behind that goal. During the conference, one point that came up a few times showed that a leader is someone who is accessible to others. This point reminded me of my earlier goal, but it applied to more than just one-on-one relationships. Dr. Thompson was not talking about accessibil-ity as a separate form of leadership from public speaking; rather, he meant the attitude a public leader conveys. The public leader would strive to show all of the listeners his authentic thoughts, enticing the listeners to lean in closer. I real-ized that I could lead better if I conveyed more authenticity. In fact, my public speeches might benefit from less scripted structure so my ideas are more accessible. I still planned to meet every-one personally, but I realized that just because I spoke to multiple people at one time, my strategy didn’t have to change. The goal in both settings is the same: to make the listener feel safe and on the same page.

Student Reflections

Cilicia “CeCe” Payne ’17Student Body Vice President & Peer Leader

It is often said that a good leader should not only be able to lead, but also show the way. As an incoming Peer Leader and member of student government, the key during this retreat was to discover how to improve the leadership skills re-quired for my various leadership positions. While I was able to leave the retreat with a leadership plan and a list of different, important qualities that one should strive to possess as a leader, I also learned from Dr. Thompson that a lesson didn’t necessarily need words to be taught, it simply needed actions. While I came into the retreat preparing to make note of a set way to be a good leader, Dr. Thompson stressed the idea that like people, no two leaders are created equal. While the group took time to create a list of leadership qualities by reflecting on the defining qualities of different leaders, we drew the conclusion that leaders, even in the same position of leadership, display differ-ent qualities that allow them to have the influence that they do. There is no set equation to produce the perfect leader, but it is rather a balance of many different qualities that allows an individual to succeed in that role. In addition to the leadership qualities that Dr. Thompson described, he also was able to show how to be a good leader in a format similar to that of a classroom. For a Peer Leader, uncomfortable situations are inevitable now and then, whether during a scheduled discussion or a casual conversation with a student outside the

classroom. Dr. Thompson showed us how to address difficult topics in a way that allowed us to get the most out of the discussion. While he had an idea of where he wanted to take the conversa-tion and the major points that he wanted to make to us, the students, he approached the meeting with flexibility that allowed him to underscore those points with the input that we gave, no matter how “off-script” any one situation may have been. This idea of flexibility and open-mind-edness was something that I was sure to take with me going forward. To be able to build on a discussion at any given moment, while still hitting the major points, is a skill that, of course, takes practice and a great deal of trial and error. Dr. Thompson gave a starting place for how to approach these discussions.



Student Reflections

David Townley ’16Captain, Boys’ Varsity Soccer Team; President, Drama Club; President, Choir; President / Founder, Math Club

As the Leadership Retreat this past August neared its endpoint, and my co-captains and I began preparing our personal Leadership Plan for the upcoming soccer season, we made sure to include objective goals, such as winning our league and post-season tournaments. However, number one on our list of priorities was something not as easily measured: the fostering of a tight-knit team. One of the greatest issues for soccer teams is that, even when filled with great talent, they can fall into playing as a group of individuals, rather than as one cohesive unit. This year, we were eager to break that trend and use our influ-ence as captains to encourage our teammates to create bonds off the field that would translate to improved chemistry on the field. The biggest challenge to overcome in any high school team is the age gap. It can be easy for upperclassmen to overlook the under-classmen, with their only interactions being orders to get the water or other equipment. While the underclassmen in that type of system certain-ly occupy a specific place in the team dynamic and may still feel a part of the team, they are relegated to a lesser role. As a result, it can be-come more difficult to motivate a younger player to improve his game when he is also expected to give way to older teammates. The soccer captains this year wanted to actively promote an atmosphere where everyone was treated as equals. Rather than asking fresh-men to bring up the water, we split the team into subgroups that included players from every grade. These subgroups switched off each week bringing up the equipment to practice. In addition to the formal team dinners held each season, we set up multiple informal meals where the team members could spend more time outside of practice getting to know one another. For the first time, we began having team lunches before every game. Throughout all these activities, the underclassmen were not a side note but a central aspect to our team. Rather than treating them as inferior, the team members held them to the same standards as everyone else, expecting them to work as hard and provide as much to the team’s success. Bolstered by these expectations and belief in their abilities, this year’s underclassmen were able to contribute more than anyone could have

previously imagined. When early season injuries impacted the starting lineup, the freshmen and sophomores stepped up and provided valuable minutes. Even when we returned to full health, the underclassmen continued to push the whole team to work harder. While the team was led throughout the season by a commanding group of juniors and seniors, we would never have been able to reach as high as we did without the energy of the younger players. From the underclassmen I learned the most important role of being a captain: believing in every player to allow him to become the best he can be. It’s tempting to use a captaincy as a means of demanding respect. However, by focus-ing first and foremost on showing others respect, I in turn received respect from my teammates. As I looked around the table at each teammate’s face during our final team dinner before the Fall Sports Awards, I knew that throughout the course of the season I had been able to connect with each and every player on my team. We had intended the emphasis on team bonding to strengthen us as a team, allow-ing our collective talent to transcend that of any single player. However, by building up our team’s cohesion, not only did we have a season to remember, our team became a family that will remain in our memories long after goals and individual highlights have faded.



Character Education & Leadership Development

in the Middle School by Meredth deChabert



Middle schoolers are at a unique and truly fascinating stage of cognitive and socio-emotional development – their brains are developing increased capacity for abstract thought, and they are learning to manage the emotions that come along with more brain power and hormonal changes associated with their physical growth. They have a keen and passionate sense of justice and fairness, and they are eager to share their views! As they enter full swing into the process of identity formation, they push against the adults in their lives, seeking greater independence, but at the same time they cling to their friends and peers so as to “fit in.” So how does one go about teaching leadership skills to students whose lives can feel a bit kaleidoscopic? For us, teaching students about and how to be leaders is built into our everyday practice through the curriculum and beyond, and it cannot be separated from the character education that is essential for young adolescents.

The SEEK program, taught by Middle School Counselor Carrie Donahue, helps students to grow as responsible and respectful members of our community and helps them to develop positive self-esteem and self-efficacy. All students in grades 5-8 have SEEK classes, and the sequence explores many facets of character and leadership. A small portion of the topics covered during the middle school years includes: being an “upstander,” self-advoca-cy, decision-making skills, communication and listening skills, substance use and abuse, peer pressure, digital citizenship, and self-examination of prejudices/stereotypes.

Special days like Diversity Day in the fall, alongside new programs like service learning, offer students in all grades a chance to practice good character and leadership. On Diver-sity Day, students learn to take risks, be comfortable with and celebrate difference, gain a better sense of self, and speak in front of others. Through the service learning (Public Pur-pose) program, students learn how to write proposals, generate ideas, present ideas, carry out a plan, speak and present in front of peers, and speak to organization leaders and local businesses.

In Grade Five, students are engaged in character and leadership education both inside and outside of the classroom. Works of literature are an excellent and age-appropriate means of engaging students in discussions about what makes a good citizen and good leader. Beyond the classroom, character and leadership are at the heart of every teachable moment. In the cafeteria, they help students learn strategies to navigate seating – what to do if you are not sitting with your best friend, how to be inclusive and welcoming, etc. In phys-ical education classes, teachers instruct students in sportsmanship and how to treat their teammates and classmates with respect and encouragement. In study skills classes, students learn to self-advocate properly, followed by lessons on advocating for others. In sixth-grade Social Studies, students examine more than just the accomplishments of leaders. They look to uncover the characteristics of good leadership. For example, during the unit on Islam, an introductory lesson asks students to brainstorm qualities they believe all good leaders possess. Then, in small groups, they read documents about Mohammed written from the perspective of different

SEEK

Diversity and Public Purpose

Character and Leadership in Grades 5 & 6



people who knew him and are asked to create a document citing evidence of Mohammed’s leadership. Through reading, discussions, and writing, students become invested in the characters of the novels they read and in the characters’ struggles. Moreover, students draw connections to their everyday world and current events and grow to understand how great leadership can rise from adversity.

This year, the Middle School redesigned the Student Leadership Council so that it would work as a collaborative team of eighth graders who are passionate about aspects of the Middle School and who want to gain practice in peer leadership. Members of Student Leadership Council are expected to conduct themselves with the highest level of integrity and remain in good standing academically. They must exhibit leadership and examples of respect and responsibility throughout their tenure. Through the Student Leadership Council, students learn to write proposals, speak to the administration, communicate effectively with the student body via email and Morning Meetings, conduct themselves in classrooms as model community members, lead clubs like Diversity Club and Debate Club, coordinate and organize meetings/develop agendas, and plan events. They also attend area conferences on student leadership, such as the Youth Leadership Conference sponsored by the Westchester Coalition of Drugs and Alcohol Free Youth.

Middle schoolers love their causes and have the passion and energy to pursue them. Our students regularly participate in clubs such as the Green Team, the Garden Club, the Diversity Club, the GSA Club, and the Debate Club. In all clubs, student leaders work with advisors to plan and carry out agendas and activities. They make announcements at Morning Meeting and learn to inspire their peers to positive action.

The Women in Science Club, new this year, links girls in grades seven and eight with girls in the Upper School whose mission it is to advocate for equal education, ex-posure, opportunity, and recognition for women in the STEM fields. The program is designed to expose middle school girls to the world of science through intriguing experi-ments and the “science buddy” program, with the hope of fueling their passion to become a female leader in the sciences. The middle school girls who participate in the program gain confidence in their skills as scientists, learn from Upper School female student and teacher role models, and learn about female scientists connected to the labs that they execute.

As middle school students’ capacity for abstract thought increases in grades seven and eight, discussions in classes, particularly history and English, focus on both character and leadership. Students analyze the qualities of leaders throughout history, and using the excellent resources from Facing History and Ourselves, discuss and analyze events like the Holocaust through the lens of ethics and leadership. In English classes, texts like I Am Malala focus on essential questions such as “What leads a person to become an activist?” “How do activists take a stand against injustice?” and “What responsibilities do we have to combat injustice?” Ethical questions abound in their study of multicultural short stories, as well as To Kill a Mockingbird, Of Mice and Men, Lord of the Flies, and Inherit the Wind.

The Student Leadership Council

Student Clubs

Grades 7 and 8 Curriculum

Building on the Foundation inGrades 7 & 8



Meet the Fourth-GradeLeadership SQUAD

During the summer months, RCDS fourth-grade teachers Nicole Leath, Aundrea Smith, and Christina Weir met to discuss how they could create an authentic capstone experience for their students that focused on embodying and practicing the values of kindness, service, and leadership.

The outcome of these discussions led to the creation of the Fourth-Grade Leadership Day, when 51 students gathered to explore the ethics and values of leadership through experiential and cooperative activities. The students discussed the character

Cooperative, Determined, Self-Aware

unique wish for the entire Lower School

Together, they voted on a slogan, “Keep

their role in the Lower School. After this engaging and in-

spiring day, Mrs. Weir suggested to the fourth graders the idea of creating a

Photo Credit: Mary Staudmyer

by Christina Weir, Gr. 4 Teacher

special squad of volunteers who would put these values into action in the Lower School. The Fourth-Grade Leadership Squad formed with 21 students and a commitment to meet half an hour before school every Thursday morning. The Squad’s intention, in collaboration with the Responsive Classroom teacher

reinforce the messages of good charac-

Control.

design and paint two ‘Buddy Benches’ for the Lower School playground. These benches help children realize when a friend is in need of someone to play with. Currently, the Squad has focused on building Respect in the community; the members wrote and produced a rap song that the entire community now sings at Lower School Morning Meet-ing. Other Squad members created a Pledge of Respect and a logo design that will be displayed throughout the

Lower School. Still others created super-hero characters called “The Respectables,” who visit the Lower School via video, promoting Respect.

Although it’s easy to focus on the products of this squad, the real value for this group of children is what they are learning every Thursday morning. Unbeknownst to them, the squad fosters an authentic experience

thinking, collaboration, creativity, and communication.



Frederick J. Watts ’75

Executive Director of the Police Athletic League of NYC.

Leadership in ActionAlumni

by Jared Scott Tesler

At Rye Country Day School, nearing the close of Gerald N. LaGrange’s 22-year tenure as headmaster and roughly a quar-ter-century before the opening of the Scott A. Nelson Athletic Center, former baseball and basketball coach John Sabia H’02 was instrumental in modeling leadership for a young Frederick J. Watts ’75.

“Leadership requires you to inspire others to excellence,” remarks Watts, who rhapsodizes about a lesson learned outside of the classroom: “I can vividly recall Coach Sabia discussing how some people hold back on giving full effort as a way to create a built-in excuse for a subsequent failure. What he urged instead was to give maximum effort and develop the character to live with the results, even if you fall short.”

That lesson of engagement and commitment to the task at hand, Watts maintains, is central to leadership—and to a longstanding career in government, public service, and law enforcement deeply inspired by his mother, once a special education teacher, and his father, a retired New York City Police Department officer.

Following the conferring of his Bachelor of Arts (economics) and Juris Doctor degrees from Brown University and Columbia Law School, respectively, Watts spent more than 30 years investi-gating and trying criminal cases in the New York County District

Attorney’s Office, which he most recently managed as Executive Assistant District Attorney for Finance and Administration.

“After so many years in one office, I was open to a new challenge,” he confesses.

The Bronx-born pillar of his community says the caring mentor-ship he received from positive adult role models as a boy, cou-pled with an enduring interest in education, athletics, and youth development, led him to his current post as executive director of the Police Athletic League (PAL) of New York City—in the midst of its 2014 centennial celebration. No stranger to support-ing charitable causes, Watts volunteers his time and talent to the Summit Area YMCA board of trustees’ executive committee—youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility are its lifeblood—and previously coached local youth sports teams.

“The opportunities I have had for meaningful and rewarding professional experiences are all founded in a great education. This basic truth, when combined with an interest in service, led me to be interested in providing educational opportunities for kids, which in turn would give them a better chance at success,” Watts says. “My years as a prosecutor gave me a front row seat to the actions of people who made mistakes and the often

“Leadership requires you to inspire others to excellence,” remarks Watts...

Fred Watts second from left, and coach John Sabia (far right) in the varsity basketball team photo from 1975.



irreparable harm those mistakes caused. Giving young people the tools to avoid those mistakes is a great challenge but provides great rewards, not only for the children we serve, but for the communities where we live and work.”

Backed for over 50 years by former New York County District Attorney Robert M. Morgenthau, who chairs PAL’s board of directors, the nonprofit provides inner-city youth throughout all five boroughs with safe, structured, and supervised program-ming that supports every stage of their growth and develop-ment—from Early Learning to Child to Adolescent Services, even Juvenile Justice Services designed to reduce the likelihood of recidivism among past and present teenage offenders. Together with youth development professionals and members of the local law enforcement community, Watts works to inspire preschool-ers, high schoolers, and everyone in between to realize their full potential as productive members of society.

What essentially began as a systematic plan of action to keep young people out of trouble by focusing their energies on a wide range of educational, cultural, and social games, sports, and activities enjoyed after school, in the evening and over the weekend has evolved into so much more. It’s a citywide move-ment and national model of cops helping kids helping commu-nities originally developed by PAL’s co-founders, Police Commis-sioner Arthur Woods, who converted vacant lots into playground blocks which he called playstreets, and Police Captain John Sweeney, who formed an organized recreational program, the Junior Police, for boys between the ages of 11 and 16.

“[Back then], the New York City Police Department accepted that one of the best ways to address crime problems in inner cities was to engage children in positive behaviors, with positive role models, with the goal of preventing crime,” Watts says. “If you give children positive alternatives, they will use their time productively, rather than engage with each other in destructive behavior. They will follow the lead of caring adults. We simply need to accept their reality, find their potential, and create op-portunities for success.”

As the head of an organization that prides itself on being “The Best Friend a Kid Can Have,” Watts must exemplify positive and effective leadership always, in all ways—not only for his staff and volunteers, but for the thousands of at-risk, underprivileged youth they serve. To this day, along with Coach Sabia’s con-siderable contributions to his future self, he credits one RCDS faculty member in particular with ultimately sowing the seeds of success.

“Mrs. [Ann] Chapin helped me develop the skills to be an effective oral and written communicator,” Watts says. “Most importantly, she showed confidence in my ability to succeed academically, which in turn gave me—a shy kid from a complete-ly different economic and cultural background—some measure of confidence that I ‘belonged’ as a student. Those seeds of communication skills and confidence were certainly vital to later developing leadership skills.”

“The opportunities I have had for meaningful and rewarding professional experiences are all founded in a great education. This basic truth, when combined with an interest in service, led me to be interested in providing educational opportuni-ties for kids, which in turn would give them a better chance at success.”



Colonel Brett Funck ’90

Although Garrison Commander at Fort Bragg, the largest military institution in the country by population, Colonel Brett Funck ’90 is guided by a simple, four-word mantra: ‘Jump first, eat last.’ “That approach was drummed into me from an early age,” he observes with a smile in his voice. “Whatever my position, my goal is to lead by example, ensure that my soldiers and families are taken care of, and never ask anyone to do anything I can’t, or won’t, do myself.”

And in his position, that’s not a proposition to be taken light-ly—Funck bears responsibility for 53,000+ troops and oversees an installation that constitutes the fourth largest city in North Carolina, even encompassing an entire school district. The base is also the training ground for such renowned entities as the Army’s Special Operations Command, the XVIII Airborne Corps, the 82nd Airborne Division, and the U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team.

Funck’s ‘all in’ philosophy has served him well over the years, leading him from Rye Country Day, which he attended from the 7th through 12th grades, to West Point, and then into a suc-cessful military career. A veteran paratrooper, Funck’s tenure in the Army has encompassed seven deployments and a series of increasingly demanding leadership roles, including Opera-tions Officer and later Executive Officer of 1st Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, within 4th Brigade, 82d Airborne Division. Upon completing this assignment, Funck moved to the Joint Special Operations Command and subsequently assumed Command of 2nd Battalion, 22nd Infantry at Fort Drum. He held that position until returning from Afghanistan in September 2013. Most recently, Funck served as the Division Operations Officer (G3), 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), and as a student at the Canadian National Security Program. In July 2015, he assumed his current role as Fort Bragg’s Garrison Commander.

Yet despite his burgeoning responsibilities, Funck asserts that he always approaches new leadership roles in the same way. “On the first day, I sit down with my direct reports and say, ‘Here’s what you can expect from me, and here’s what I expect from you.’ I explain who I am and what makes me tick as a leader.” Next Funck spends a day or so with his direct subordinates, listening to what they have to say about the environment and their roles within it. Finally, he sets up meetings with those he describes as external actors, those he’s not in charge of, and solicits their perception of his organization. “I always glean a lot of valuable information from these conversations,” he notes.

No matter the audience, however, Funck says that he approaches everything with his ‘three P’s’ in mind: professionalism in words and actions; a proactive attitude that enables him to anticipate

Leadership in Action

Brett, Sheelagh, and their three children at West Point in 2014.

by Lori L. Ferguson

“...Colonel Brett Funck ’90 is guided by a simple, four-word mantra: ‘Jump first, eat last.’ ”

Alumni



problems and opportunities; and a positive frame of mind. “That last ‘P’ is always the most challenging,” he concedes. “Many people tend to look at the negatives and dwell on those, but I always try to focus on the positive, as I’ve found that it creates a better learning environment.”

Additionally, Funck relies on a framework of five traits that he believes define an effective leader. “It’s critically important to be a good listener,” he notes. “My mantra is ‘slow to speak, quick to listen.’ Most of your solutions will come from the grassroots level, from the people who are doing the jobs every day, if you’re just open to hearing what they have to say.” And the flip side of that coin, he says, is communication. “To be an effec-tive leader, you must be able to understand your audience and shape your message accordingly. You have to be able to talk to everyone, from the lowest private to the highest general, and convey your message appropriately.” An action-oriented stance is also essential in leadership, Funck asserts. “As a leader, I need to be the one pulling the sled rather than pushing it. It’s my responsibility to be out front, establishing the goals and communicating the vision.” That said, Funck also stresses the importance of empathy in leadership. “You have to be able to understand the people you lead and maintain a sense of where they’re coming from.” And lastly, Funck asserts, an effective lead-er is value-based. “Your behavior and decisions must align with the values on which you operate.”

And it is on the playing fields of Rye Country Day, Funck says, that he learned many of these valuable leadership lessons. “I played hockey and lacrosse throughout my time at Rye Country Day and again at West Point, and I firmly believe that athletics played a critical role in developing my leadership skills.” When you’re out on the field, you’re fighting to win, Funck observes, and that requires leadership and rising to the challenge every single day. “In sports, you learn by leading your peers, and that’s the hardest form of leadership, because you have no rank, no authority. As a result, you come to understand what works and what doesn’t.”

Many argue that as a leader, your most precious resource is time, Funck observes, but in his experience, it’s the people who work for you who must be most zealously guarded. “Take care of them and you’ll be taken care of,” he counsels.

Funck also says he would be remiss if he did not acknowledge how critically important a strong family is in helping to shape a leader. “I couldn’t have done half of what I’ve done without a supportive spouse,” he asserts. “Sheelagh and I have been married for twenty years now, and she has played a pivotal role in helping me to become who I am today.”

“Whatever my position, my goal is to lead by example, ensure that my soldiers and families are taken care of, and never ask anyone to do anything I can’t, or won’t, do myself.”

“My job is very special in that it’s one that allows me to care for hundreds, if not thousands, of people every day: soldiers, spouses, families, children, and civilian employees,” Funck concludes. “Running an organization of this size is challenging and there’s definitely a learning curve, but I wake up every day knowing that I can make a real difference in the lives of others, and if that’s not exciting, I don’t know what is.”



Fall Sports

14

L TWBoys’ Varsity Cross Country 7 11Girls’ Varsity Cross Country 6 18Varsity Field Hockey 11 7JV Field Hockey 3 5 1 Varsity Football 4 4JV Football 6 0Boys’ Varsity Soccer 8 5 2 FAA Champions

Boys’ JV Soccer 4 3 2Girls’ Varsity Soccer 10 4 7 FAA Tournament Champions

Girls’ Varsity Tennis 7 2 2Girls’ JV Tennis 2 4 1

2015 Team Records & Awards



All-League Recipients Boys’ Cross Country Ben Arquit ’15 Aldo Stefanoni ’20, Honorable Mention

Girls’ Cross Country Elena Kim ’17, Honorable Mention

Field Hockey Natalie Alpert ’17 Charlotte Cooper ’16 Olivia Friedberg ’20 Melanie Mandell ’16, Honorable Mention

Football Matthew Farber ’16 Billy Grossman ’16 Sean Price ’16 Ryan Wolitzer ’16 Evander Jackson ’17, Honorable Mention

Jared Jones ’17, Honorable Mention

Boys’ Soccer Felipe Gómez ’17 Michael Karr ’16 Cole Price ’18 David Townley ’16 Noah Swan ’17, Honorable Mention

Girls’ Soccer Elizabeth Mastoloni ’16 Cilicia Payne ’17 Taylor Regan ’17 Sophia Wilmer ’18 Samantha Kost ’16, Honorable Mention



Individual HonorsBoys’ Cross Country Coaches Award: J.J. Shulman ’16Wildcat Award: Ben Arquit ’16

Girls’ Cross Country Coaches Award: Amanda Cutler ’16Wildcat Award: Elena Kim ’17

Field Hockey Coaches Award: Melanie Mandell ’16 Wildcat Award: Charlotte Cooper ’16 WNEPSA All-Stars: Charlotte Cooper ’16, Melanie Mandell ’16 Journal News Honorable Mention All-Stars: Natalie Alpert ’17, Charlotte Cooper ’16, Olivia Friedberg ’20, Melanie Mandell ’16NFHCA High School National Academic Squad: Natalie Alpert ’17, Charlotte Cooper ’16, Kasey Luo ’17, Catherine Mollerus ’17, Natalie Needle ’16, Ella Sternberg ’17

Football Coaches Award: Senior Class Wildcat Award: Ryan Wolitzer ’16 NEPSAC Class C All-New England Team: Evander Jackson ’17, Ryan Wolitzer ’16 NYSSWA All-State Team Class B: Ryan Wolitzer ’16 (2nd team), Billy Grossman ’16 (4th team), Matthew Farber ’16 (Honorable Mention) Journal News All Westchester & Rockland: Ryan Wolitzer ’16 (1st team), Billy Grossman ’16 (2nd team), Matthew Farber ’16 (Honorable Mention), Sean Price ’16 (Honorable Mention)

MSG All-Hudson Valley: Ryan Wolitzer ’16 (1st team) Golden Dozen Scholar-Athlete: Matthew Farber ’16 & Ryan Wolitzer ’16

Boys’ Soccer Coaches Award: Patrick Neafsey ’16 Wildcat Award: David Townley ’16 WNEPSAA All-Stars: Michael Karr ’16, David Townley ’16

Girls’ Soccer Coaches Award: Charlotte Boehning ’16 Wildcat Award: Samantha Kost ’16 WNEPSPSAA All-Star: Elizabeth Mastoloni ’16, Taylor Regan ’17

Girls’ Tennis Coaches Award: Kate Kassin ’16 Wildcat Award: Jasmine Kitahara ’16



Winter Sports 2016 Team Records & Awards

Boys’ Varsity Basketball 6 14Boys’ JV Basketball 10 5Girls’ Varsity Basketball 16 10Boys’ Varsity Fencing – Foil 5 12Girls’ Varsity Fencing – Foil 6 13Boys’ Varsity Fencing – Epee 11 6Girls’ Varsity Fencing – Epee 6 13Boys’ Varsity Fencing – Saber 9 7Girls’ Varsity Fencing – Saber 9 9JV Fencing 4 2Boys’ Varsity Ice Hockey 4 15 1Boys’ JV Ice Hockey 2 0Girls’ Varsity Ice Hockey 4 12Boys’ Varsity Squash 13 42nd Place, 3rd Div., US High School Nationals

Boys’ JV Squash 3 5 Girls’ Varsity Squash 15 6Varsity Wrestling 14 5

L TW



All-League Recipients Boys’ BasketballEmmanuel Chukwu ’16, Honorable Mention

Girls’ BasketballEmily Moran ’17Melanie Mandell ’16, Honorable Mention

Boys’ Ice HockeyWilliam Dodge ’18 Ryan Jaeger ’16 Patrick Kissell ’16Frank Tedeschi ’17, Honorable Mention

Boys’ SquashCarl Shuck ’16 Jared Yanis ’16 Kyle Eagan ’16, Honorable Mention

Girls’ SquashCatherine Kimmel ’17 Ashley Manning ’19 Julia Chai ’20, Honorable Mention

WrestlingRichard Antoine ’18Hannes Boehning ’17 Cameron Coleman ’19 Riley Faulk ’16 Peter Sanchez ’16Sean Chan ’16, Honorable Mention



Individual HonorsBoys’ Basketball Coaches Award: Robert Newman ’16Wildcat Award: Emmanuel Chukwu ’16

Girls’ Basketball Coaches Award: Emily Moran ’17Wildcat Award: Melanie Mandell ’16NEPSAC All-Stars: Melanie Mandell ’16, Emily Moran ’17

Boys’ Fencing Maureen Hartman Award: Jonathan Shulman ’16 Wildcat Award: Max Pil ’16

Girls’ Fencing Coaches Award: Niamh Kernan ’18 Wildcat Award: Kasey Luo ’17 ISFL League Standing: Isabelle Koh ’18, second place

Boys’ Ice Hockey Maria Effinger Award: Jeremy Regan ’16 Stahlin Award: Ryan Jaeger ’16

Girls’ Ice Hockey Coaches Award: Olivia Weaver ’17 Wildcat Award: Charlotte Fleischman ’16

Boys’ Squash Coaches Award: Hunter Chun ’17 Wildcat Award: Carl Shuck ’16

Girls’ Squash Coaches Award: Cristina Johnson ’17 Wildcat Award: Madeleine Pierpont ’16

Wrestling Coaches Award: Hannes Boehning ’17 Wildcat Award: Peter Sanchez ’16



Photo Credit: Corey Rubel

RCDS parents, administrators, and members of the Alumni Executive Board gathered on a Sunday afternoon at the start of the year to celebrate diversity at RCDS. A special thank you to the Parents Committed to Diversity committee of the Parents Association for sponsoring the event.

CelebratingDiversity

NEWSWildcat

National Merit Recognition The National Merit Scholarship Corporation announced the names of eight RCDS seniors chosen as Finalists in the 2016 National Merit Scholarship Competition, as well

and 18 recognized as Commended Students. Congratulations to Finalists Jack Alpert, Kyle Eagan, Matthew Farber, Michael Karr, Daniel Kozek, Ruiy Shah, Carl Shuck, and David Townley JacksonAdler, Amanda Cutler, Kate Kassin, Talia Mandell, and Alexandra Zuber; and Commended Students Ben Arquit, Christian Caliboso, Sean Chan, Charlotte Cooper, Madeleine Cooper, Matt Fensterstock, David Hauben, Edward Kim, Samantha Kost, Brandon Levine, Casey Linehan, Melanie Mandell, Caroline Nicholson, Max Pil, Kyle Price, Zach Silverman Guffey, Kimi Spilo, and Jared Yanis.

InternationalCoastal Cleanup Day

Nineteen members of the Rye Country Day community participated in the International Coastal Cleanup Day at Edith Read Wildlife Sanctuary in September. Those involved included members of the varsity cross country team, as well as students in the Marine Ecology and Environmental Science classes, the Environmental Club, and members of the faculty’s Sustainability Committee. Altogether, Rye Country Day collected over 91 pounds of trash from the shore. Students used the waste collected to record data that will become part of an international database. The trash most commonly found by the group included cigarette

bottle caps, foam pieces, and plastic straws. Participating in the cleanup was a great way to give back to the local community while getting involved in an international effort to clean up the shorelines.

Front row: Ruiy Shah, Kyle Eagan, and David Townley.Back row: Matthew Farber, Jack Alpert, Daniel Kozek, Michael Karr, and Carl Shuck.

Photo Credit: Ethan White

Integrated Elective

In October, seventh and eighth graders enrolled in the Integrated Elective in Choral Music and Theater Arts had the chance to work with Clay Thomson, an original member of the Broadway company of Matilda.Mr. Thomson taught them original choreography from the musical number “Revolting Children” and then answered students’ questions about his career.

Choral Musicand Theater Arts

Photo credit: Paul Wieman

Ryan Wolitzer and Matthew Farber at the Golden Dozen Dinner.

Rye Country Day School seniors Ryan Wolitzer and Matthew Farber were two of the twelve honorees at the National Football Foundation’s Golden Dozen dinner at Westchester Country Club. Ryan and Matthew were

in the classroom, and in the community. Matthew Farber gave a wonderful speech on behalf of the 2015 Golden Dozen recipients.

Golden DozenRecognition

The RCDS community was treated to the annual Alan and Jacqueline Stuart Concert in Memory of Priscilla Liebman, this year featuring the Total Praise Ensemble from the

Annual Concert in Memoryof Priscilla Liebman

Abyssinian Baptist Church in New York City. Members of the Upper School choir then enjoyed an inspiring workshop with the performers.



Members of GoPink, and the varsity football team participated in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk at Manhattanville College.

GoPink WALKMaking Strides Against Breast Cancer

NEWSWildcat

The All-American High School Film Festival took place at the AMC Theater in Times Square in October and fea-

school students from around the world.

Harvesting

Middle School students, families, and teachers spent a beautiful fall day

New King Street Garden in White Plains. Participants harvested the last of the tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant,

-tion of the upcoming frost; prepared the garden for winter; and began construc-tion of a raised garden bed. Our New

gardens to educate the public about locally and naturally grown food and to increase access to healthy organic produce to those who otherwise would not have access to such foods in their communities. All produce from the New King Street Garden is donated to the Carver Center Food Pantry in Port Chester.

YoungFilmmakers

Photo Credit: Alison Doernberg

Charlotte and Cooper with RCDS video teacher Casey Hallen (center) at the awards.

Solving Global Challenges The Engineering Survey class hosted a lunch seminar with Marcelle Wood, the Director of Engineering at UConn Regional Campuses. The seminar was open to interested juniors and seniors and focused on the ways that engineers

major global challenges. The discussion was followed by a Q&A session on college-level engineering curriculum and career paths.

Photo Credit: Kaori McManus

Headmaster Scott Nelson welcomed the Brown University Football team to RCDS in November. Mr. Nelson, a former

game against Columbia that evening.

Photo Credit: Wendy Haft

Brown University Football team Visits RCDS



It takes

ALL OF US

Every g i f t make s a

d i f f e r ence in

suppor t ing the nex t

genera t i on o f

RCDS s t ud en t s .

Annual Giving allows us to recruit

and retain outstanding faculty, offer

financial aid to deserving students,

and fund programs in the arts,

athletics, community service, and

sustainability, to name a few.

PLEASE MAKE YOUR GIFT TODAY!

To make your gift, go toryecountryday.org/giving,

call 914-925-4523, or use theenclosed envelope.

2015 -20 16

RCDSAnnua l Fund



NEWSWildcat

RCDS Mock Caucus

Seventy Upper School students participated in a mock caucus in February. The students split up into Democrats and Repub-licans, and while one group gave speeches and voted, the other group watched, and vice versa. Attendees tried to sway unde-cided voters by explaining their candidate’s positions. Caucus captains, volunteers from all different grades, prepared speeches for the candidates and organized caucus participants into their

Student caucusing.

The RCDS Sustainability Initiative, under the leadership of faculty members Kerry Linderoth and Clemmie Everett, has received a $2000 grant from the Whole Kids Founda-tion. The funds will be used to repair a preexisting campus garden that had been created as a senior project in 2010. In addition to maintaining the garden with Middle and Upper School classes throughout the school year, the garden will be cared for throughout the summer by Middle School students participating in the school’s ACTION program. Whole Kids

respective groups. Ultimately, Sen. Bernie Sanders beat Hillary Clinton with 87 percent of the vote to her 12 percent. Marco Rubio and John Kasich were tied with 12 votes each until repre-sentatives from the Ted Cruz and Jeb Bush camps switched their votes to support Rubio. By the end of the back and forth debate, Rubio beat Kasich by one vote, ending with 44 percent.

Sustainability Grant Award

Foundation, founded by Whole Foods Market, “is devoted to improving children’s nutrition and wellness with the goal of ending the childhood obesity epidemic.” Rye Country Day has an ongoing relationship with Whole Foods Market: As

-ated posters about what different food labels mean and then spent a morning at the store, educating customers; and the Upper School Marine Ecology class visited the local Whole



FALL DRAMA

The Drama and Dance Department was honored to

Where The Wild Things Are

WHERETHE WILDTHINGSAREby Jay Gerlach



By Jay Gerlech

B L O N D E

2016 STUDENT/FACULTY MUSICAL

LegallyBlonde

-

-

-

Legally Blonde The Musical-

by Jay Gerlach



FACULTY & ALUMNI ART SHOW

Samantha Black ’03, acrylic on canvas.

Casey Hallen, Upper School Filmmaking teacher and Videographer, with her wool and silk handcrafted scarves.onART

CAMPUSA new event this year - the Faculty & Alumni Art Show - debuted this fall, and a special alumni reception was held on the Saturday of Wildcat Weekend in October to celebrate.

Spearheaded by Art Department Chair Linda Greenhouse, this special show included artwork from alumni from the Classes of 1971 to 2006, and the works displayed ranged from photography to jewelry.

Alumni artists who participated in this inaugural event included Barbara Siebel Thomas ’71, Mary Beth Gruber ’78, Laura Segal ’84, Tich Duong Huynh ’87, Rita Colimon ’98. Matt Farah ’00, Carly Otness ’01, Gillian Knox Powell ’01, Samantha Black ’03, Casey Keeler ’03, Taylor Brandt ’04, and Matt McGrath ’06.

“I am excited to have so many alumni artists joining this show and thrilled to see the outstanding work they have created since they graduated,” Mrs. Greenhouse enthused.



onART CAMPUS

Tich-Duong Huynh ’87, oil-on-canvas.

Associate Head of School Ann Sullivan (left) with Lower School Art Fellow and artwork contributor Natalie Bolden.

Matt Farah ’00, digital Iris print.

Lower School art teacher Anne Bedrick with her contribution, oil paintings with cold wax medium.



FESTIVAL CHORUS 2016

Under the direction of Mary Marcell, this year’s Festival Chorus concert, Songs of Migration, explored migration and change through music and text, as the Program notes explained:

With an increasing presence in the news, migration has

become more central in our collective thoughts. It compels us

to think about what represents home and how we have come

to be in the place where we are. Preparing for this concert

has offered the opportunity for many people in our choir to

explore the stories of their family and learn or revisit stories

of how and why we find ourselves “here.” It has been such a

gift for us all to share and hear some of these family stories in

rehearsals, and I have included a few of them in the program.

The rehearsal process has also encouraged us to consider

the many different ways migration affects people, not only

in terms of physical movement, but also the intellectual and

emotional impact that comes with such a transition. I hope

this concert honors the bravery and hope with which we step

toward all change in our lives.

Alumni who participated include: Sarah Ahmed ’08, Debbie Coffina-Klein ’89, Michael Fackler ’62, Nicole Granston ’96, Andrea Greer ’83, Barbara Howard ’67, Casey Keeler ’03, Audrey Shuman Nathanson ’74, Cynthia Paredes ’90, Dennis Parker ’73, Arika Madouros Prime ’06, Katie Sandling ’10, Jane Shuman ’69, Ellen Sluder ’95, Shayla Titley ’98, Stephanie Victor ’81, and Beth Wolfson Winters ’02.

Songs of Migration





Alumni Advisor Network

Set your availability. Set your topics. Sign up today.

Interview practice with feedback over the phone

Written feedback on resumes.

30 minute informational interviews on the phone.

Become an advisor today

alumni a career boost



Nina Cheigh

Dr. Cheigh earned her Doctorate of Pharmacy degree from the University of Illinois. After completing her residency at Rush Medical Center in Chicago, she worked as a clinical pharmacist and assistant professor at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Dr. Cheigh then completed a Fellow-ship of Teaching Excellence at the University of Illinois Medical Center and became an Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice, spending most of her career in aca-demia and higher medical education. She received the Outstanding Teacher of the Year award at the College of Pharmacy, and has published multiple book chapters in pharmacy textbooks, as well as numerous peer-reviewed journals. After moving to Rye, Dr. Cheigh worked as a contributing editor for The Medical Letter, Inc., which is known to be the only unbiased publication of pharma-ceutical use. Currently, she is a personal health advisor, working with clients one-on-one to focus on lifestyle and nutrition to help prevent chronic disease and reduce medication use. She has given numerous wellness pre-sentations and has been interviewed on both radio and television. Dr. Cheigh and her husband, Jon, have three children at RCDS: Justin (Class of 2020), Andrew (Class of 2023), and Emily (Class of 2025). She has served as a class liaison and volunteered at various school events.

Blanca Hirani

Ms. Hirani was born and raised in Bogota, Colombia. She holds a BS in Business Administration with a concentra-tion in Finance from Universidad del Rosario in Bogota, Colombia. She moved to New York City with her husband, Sunil, in 1994 and worked in the trading of Eurobonds at Vectormex, a Mexican Private Banking firm in New York. Ms. Hirani then worked at Thomson Reuters in the Latin American Investor Relations division. She later co-founded i-advize Corporate Communications, LLC, a consulting firm that handles the financial communication of Latin-American-based, publicly traded companies in the US and in Latin America. Ms. Hirani sat on the Board of the YWCA of Greenwich and twice co-chaired the Persimmon Ball, one of the primary fundraisers of the organization. She has been involved in not-for-profit organizations such as Americares, for which she helped organized the first event dedicated to raising funds for mobile clinics in the slums of Mumbai, India. Since 2010, Ms. Hirani has organized the Welcoming Reception for Newly Admitted Students into the incoming class of Washington Universi-ty in St. Louis. At RCDS, Ms. Hirani co-chaired the 2013-2014 Book Fair and the 2015 Spring Benefit. She is currently a member of the Parents Committed to Diversity Committee and a Grade 6 Liaison. Ms. Hirani and her husband, Sunil, live in Green-wich with their three children: Camila (Class of 2019), Maya (Class of 2022), and Sameer (Class of 2024).

New Trustees



ARTS 2016 &International Fair

Arts Festival



International Fair



Headmaster’s CircleReception 2015

The Headmaster’s Circle Reception welcomed more than 150 guests who

had made leadership gifts of $2,500 or more to the 2014-2015 Annual Fund.

Many thanks to RCDS Board President Lee Flanagan and the co-chairs of

Annual Giving, Hillary Hoffenberg Comora ’91 and Laura Mattson; to the

Class of 2015 Senior Gift co chairs, Karen Sobel, Beth Stevens, and Lisa

Tananbaum; to the Alumni Fund co-chairs, Rebecca Calman ’03 and W.

Dyer Halpern ’98; to Ted Dunn, chairman of the Grandparents Fund; to past

parents Tom and Patricia Lovejoy, who encouraged many former parents

to support the Past Parent Scholarship Fund; to Ginny Black, Gil Castagna,

and Donald Kyle ’81 for their service as Faculty & Staff Gift co-chairs; and

to former Parents Association President Lynne Wolitzer, who supported and

coordinated the PA’s successful fund-raising efforts.

Vinay and Shonu Pande.

Sarah Smith and Kim Pinkham.

Parents Association President Lisa Allen with Trustees Andrea Sullivan and Laura Mattson.

Carol Yang and Charles Jin (center) with Meredith deChabert, Middle School Director & Assistant Head of School, and Matt Suzuki, Director of Admissions.

Jon Mattson, Stanton Green, and Rob Kost.

Pat and Tom Lovejoy, Co-Chairs of Past Parent Annual Giving.

Highlights of the report presented:The Annual Fund raised $4,241,198 - the tenth consecutive year over $3 million.

Over 98 percent of current parents contributed to Annual Giving, including 100 percent of Senior Class parents.



The Alumni Executive Board kicked off the first meeting

of the school year by welcoming two new members,

Michéle Lallemand Brazil ’92 and Melissa Mahoney

Wirth ’97. Headmaster Scott Nelson reviewed the success

of the 2014-15 year before discussion turned to strategies

for networking and for building alumni support.

Seated Front: Brendan McGuire ’06, Kristin Pisacano Casale ’85, and Daniel Wallance ’00.

Seated Middle: Robin Quittell Ponticelli ’94, René Lumley-Hall ’96, Suzanne Cannistraro Napoli ’92, Lauren Fortgang Mandell ’87, Vanessa Kroll Bennett ’94, and Scott Weiss ’96.

Standing: Gil Castagna (Faculty Representative), Dyer Halpern ’98, Lisa Hotte Young ’74 (Assistant Director of Development and Alumni Affairs), Michael Lazar ’87 (AEB President), Jonathan Goldstein ’99, Abby Kohn ’08, Jonathan Ostrau ’80, and Lynette Gioffre (Director of Development and Alumni Affairs).

Alumni Executive Board 2015-2016

New MembersMichèle graduated as a “lifer” from RCDS in 1992 and received a BA from Wellesley College, where she double majored in French and Political Science. After graduation, she worked in various positions in the entertainment industry before settling in television and live event production. Once she had her first child, Michèle decided to focus her energies on her family. Currently, Michèle sits on the Board of Directors of Fiver Children’s Foundation, a youth development organization that makes a 10 - year commitment to children from under-served communities in New York City and Central New York.

Michèle lives in Manhattan with her husband, Joseph, and their three children: Jeremie, Rhys, and Cameron. She says she is happy to be back on the AEB, creating new and exciting programs for the RCDS community.

Melissa is also a Rye Country Day “lifer.” A graduate of Middlebury College and Teachers College, Columbia University, Melissa served as Dean of Students at the School of the Holy Child in Rye and as Assistant Director of Admissions at RCDS before taking time to focus on her young and growing family.

Now working part-time at RCDS as an admissions interviewer, Melissa also coaches Middle School soccer and lacrosse. She and her husband, Chris, reside in Greenwich with their children Zachary, Emily, and Mason. On the AEB, Melissa is focused on building support for the Alumni Annual Fund and revitalizing our Class Agent Program.

Michèle Lallemand Brazil ’92

Melissa Mahoney Wirth ’97

In an effort to better represent the geographical

make-up of the AEB, two meetings this year will be held

in New York City. Special thanks go to Scott Weiss ’96,

who agreed to chair the Alumni Annual Fund campaign,

and to Abby Kohn ’08 and Brendan McGuire ’06, who

will lead this effort with young alumni.

AEB Update AEB Update / New Members



The Power of Connection

Alumni and Parents Making a Dif ference in a Multicultural World

Every other year on Wildcat Weekend, the Alumni Executive

Board has hosted the Alumni Multicultural Dinner, bringing

together alumni who share both their RCDS experiences

and a commitment to the School’s mission of diversity and

inclusion.

This year, the AEB partnered with the Parents Committed

to Diversity Committee for a Saturday afternoon forum

entitled “The Power of Connection” to explore how these

two groups together can help mentor and build networks

for students and young alumni.

Over 40 alumni, trustees, parents, and faculty got to know

one another under the guidance of Dr. Meredith deChabert,

RCDS Middle School Director and Assistant Head of School.

Participants then broke into groups of eight to consider

such topics as “What do you – as an alum or a parent –

hope the Alumni Association can provide for you or your

child?” and “What can you –as an alum or a parent – of-

fer to alumni in terms of career mentoring?” The younger

alumni agreed that they would love to connect with

alumni with career experience for mock interviews and

résumé writing advice, and to ask questions about whether

certain college majors might lead to work in specific fields

or internships. Both parents and older alumni volunteered

their expertise on these topics and also on issues such as

navigating corporate politics, how to make the most of a

job interview, and the importance of personal presentation.

As the Alumni Executive Board, working with the Develop-

ment and Alumni Office, seeks to build a robust program

to connect alumni of all generations, watch for more events

focusing on this area.



Alumni and Parents Making a Dif ference in a Multicultural World

Tristan Ortiz ’15, Twyntia Thompson ’15, and Elena Conn ’13.

Upper School Principal Paul Wieman with Fred Watts ’75.

RCDS Trustee Dennis Parker ’73 Michele Lallemand Brazil ’92.

Vanessa Jackson ’05 and current parent Sarah Dodds-Brown ’91.



Generations of Rye Country Day School alumni, from the Classes of 1958 to 2015, came home to RCDS on Wildcat Weekend in October. On Friday night, members of the Class of 1965 enjoyed a Golden Alumni gathering at the Headmaster’s house. Saturday’s events started with an all-school campus Fun Run to raise money for the Carver Center, followed by the annual alumni soccer game, then Fall Fair, varsity sports contests, an alumni and parents Diversity Forum, the traditional Headmaster’s Cocktail Reception in the afternoon, and finally, Reunion Dinners celebrating classes that end in “0” and “5.”

Front Row: Judith Ireland Tripp ’60, Penny Ireland Low ’58, Tippy Walker ’65, and Nancy Brookfield Burke ’65.

Back Row: Matthew Myers ’65, Headmaster Scott Nelson, Doug Casey ’65, Lyle Hammond ’65, James Rafferty ’65, Jan Endresen ’65, Wood Struthers ’65, and Bill Todd ’65.

On Friday evening, Headmaster Scott Nelson and his wife, Sue, hosted a beautiful Golden Alumni Dinner with a strong turnout from the 50th Reunion class of 1965. Friends who hadn’t been together since leaving RCDS and others who have stayed in close touch reminisced about their school days, recalled memories of the campus before the construction of I-95, and shared class photos from lower and middle school in the 1960’s.

Alumni Soccer Greats

Kneeling: Henry Townley ’14, Leo Gomez ’15, Brian Rowe ’03, and Andrew Potkewitz ’95.

Standing: Coach Dick Pike, Rob Levine ’95, Todd Forman ’85, Andrew Mondschein ’94, Julia Rosenfeld ’96, Michael Lazar ’87, Robert Herbst ’76, Dean Melitsanopoulos ’05, and Coach Gil Castagna.

Dick Pike and Gil Castagna coached the alumni “Greats” soccer players, who represented 39 years of Wildcat teams. Julia Rosenfeld ’96 and Rob-ert Herbst ’76 happily earned MVP honors at the conclusion of the game.

2015 Reunion

Golden Alumni Dinner



RCDS trivia questions projected on a screen in the tent prompted cries of “Oh, wait, what was that teacher’s name?”

“Oh, I remember when that was built,” and “Always my favorite!”

Mike Lazar ’87 presenting Jan Endresen ’65 with the award for the Reunion Class with the highest percentage of participation in the Alumni Annual Fund.

Adam Comora ’90 right receives an award from Mike Lazar ’87 honoring the Reunion Class that raised the most money for the Alumni Annual Fund.

Seated: Rachel DeRosa ’10, Jane Ostrau ’10, and Ted Marks ’10.

Under the tent on Saturday eve-ning, reunion year alumni gathered for class photos wearing nametags featuring their senior yearbook por-trait, while the RCDS trivia ques-tions projected on a screen in the tent prompted cries of “Oh, wait, what was that teacher’s name?” “Oh, I remember when that was built,” and “Always my favorite!” The evening culminated in Reunion Dinners in the Middle and Upper School Dining Room, where Alumni Association President Michael Lazar ’87 presented an award to the Class of 1965 for the highest participation of a reunion class in the Alumni Annual Fund and to the Class of 1990 for the highest dollar amount raised for the Fund. He also recognized Tim Quinson ’80 for traveling from London for Reunion 2015. Special thanks go to current and former faculty whose presences always enhances alumni gatherings, and to the numerous Class Agents and Reunion Chairs who tirelessly reached out to class-mates and built anticipation and excitement through social media. Together they made Reunion 2015 a most special event.

Standing: Hannah Loewentheil ’10, Nealy Nimocks ’10, and Zack Tax ’10.

Former faculty Terry Lott and Carol Lichtenfeld with Robert Herbst ’76.

Headmaster’s Reception & Reunion Dinners



Nikki Kria ’08, Anthony Henry ’08, Michellee Nelson ’09 and Jacquie Butera, Upper School Dean of Student Life.

Derek Mahoney ’00, Burt Weiss ’00, and Billy Duberstein ’00.

Alumni Executive Board President Mike Lazar ‘87 recognizing Tim Quinson ‘80 for having traveled the farthest for Reunion 2015.

Maggie Garces-Shapiro ’70, Diana Lewis Feldman ’70, Nancy Freedman Peters ’70, Claudia La Motte Hull ’70, and Andrea Graham ’70.

David Lamont ’99, Devin Chamberlain ’06, Josh Bennett ’06, and Thomas Alston ’05.

Meghan Kelly Davidson ’05, Lily Beck ’05, Ashlyn Lovejoy ’05, Julie Kohn ’05, and Vicki Williams Hennes ’05.

Seated: Former Classics Department Chair David Tafe, Aparna Shetty Parekh ’00, Sarah Reed Dlugokencky ’00, and Casey Fisher ’00.

Standing: David Leaf ’00 with his wife, Rebecca Karp Leaf, and Ian Webber ’00 with Aletheia Weiyi Chay.



Reunion Classes 1965-2010

from left: Somerset Waters, Lyle Hammond, Anne Kolker, and Jan Endresen.

Class of 1965

Seated: Martine Mallary, Nancy Freedman Peters, Andrea Graham, and Maggie Garces-Shapiro.

Standing: Diana Lewis Feldman, Claudia La Motte Hull, and Ross Zucker.

Class of 1970

Seated: Cindy Sternberg Thomas, Shawn Holmes, and Kathy Hubbard.

Standing: Greg Katz, Tim Quinson, John Hogan, and Rob Williams.

Class of 1980

Class of 1975Seated: Diana DeBrito, Robin Neimark Seegal, Julie Pretzat Merchant, Lauren Goldfarb Steiner, and Amanda Carlin Sanders.

Standing: Peter Altman, Clem Paulsen, Steve Otis, Fred Watts, and Andy Klauber.

Generations of Rye Country Day School alumni, from the Classes of 1958 to 2015, came home to RCDS on Wildcat Weekend in October.



Generations of Rye Country Day School alumni, from the Classes of 1958

Class of 1985

Class of 1990Seated: Liz Robins, AnneMette Jurgensen Bontaites, Bonnie Field Besner, Keelin Cassin Pye, Lisa Schneidman Licht, Jackie Mintz Cohen, and Cindy Ganis Roskind.

Standing: James Madan, Adam Comora, Evan Licht, Scott Roskind, Brett Carrey, and Amy Salerno.

Seated: Carolyn Paul Simpson, Stefanie Feldman Finkelstein, Liz Ross, Jessica David Godwin, Kristin Pisacano Casale, and Kathy Schwartz Swart.

Standing: Todd Forman, Rick Lipsey, Deb Singer, Michael Rogers, and Dan Leon.

Class of 1995Seated: Andrew Pokewitz, Rob Levine, Meredith Cammaker, Karen Buck, Jessica Fields, Ellen Sluder, Emily Vides, and Jory Benerofe.

Standing: Brian Hartman, Chris Stevenson, Ben Selzer, A.J. Hoffman, Rich Cahill, Gary Benerofe, and Evan Schapiro.

Reunion Classes



to 2015, came home to RCDS on Wildcat Weekend in October.

Class of 2000Front row: Ian Webber, Marc Zawel, Nick Webb, Aparna Shetty Parekh, Sarah Reed Dlugokencky, David Leaf, Casey Fisher.

Center: Lauren DiPaolo Johnson, Elena DeBellis, Jennifer Tisser Eisenberg, Hayley Benerofe Burrows, Kappy Oleson Frano, Daniel Wallance, Caroline Shea Deck, and Rebecca Avrutin.

Back row: Grant Savage, Burt Weiss, Chris Dickson, Peter Khoury, Derek Mahoney, Peter Sherman, Billy Duberstein, Bub Cathcart, and Richard Lichtenstein.

Class of 2005Front row: Joe Raho, Brittney Noris, Sam Rosen, Tom Segal, Nick Gorey, Vanessa Jackson, Julie Kohn, and Thomas Alston.

Center: Liz White, Madeleine Kennedy, Jessica Speiser, Meghan Kelly Davidson, Vicki Williams Hennes, Lily Beck, Jamie Herbster, Ashlyn Lovejoy, and Ryan Moses.

Back row: Keith Goldman, Ben Kornblum, Anthony Amicucci, Marian Golden, Dean Melitsanopoulos, Mike Hudson, Casey Dwyer, Joe DiChiaccio, DJ Hennes, Avery Woods, and Brendan Mooney.

Class of 2010Front row: Zack Tax, Hannah Loewentheil, Katie Sandling, Adam Colombo, and Deelan Ayhan.

Center: Zachary Thain, Jake Sternberg, Rachel DeRosa, Chris Seter, Caroline Holden, Laurina Santi, and Ayelén Rodriguez.

Back row: Teddy Mark, Nealy Nimocks, Jane Ostrau, Joe Ramsawak, Samantha Reznik, Alexander Zavoluk, and Renyelle Jimenez.

Reunion Classes



Standing: Angelo Fazio ’80, Andy Hennes ’06, Ryan Coughlin ’08, Jonathan Dubin ’08, Will Baine ’08, Billy Cooper ’83, James Hutchins ’08, Joey Connor ’09, and Athletic Director Wendy Haft.

Kneeling: DJ Hennes ’05, Greg Katz ’80, Adam Sharaff ’07, Alex Gardner ’84, Ryan Herbst ’11, and Ian Baine ’11.

Billy Cooper ’83 accepting his MVP award.

Under the guidance of Athletic Director Wendy Haft and coaches Gil Castagna and Frank Effinger, over 40 RCDS alumni-athletes took to the ice and the basketball and squash courts at the annual Thanksgiving Games. Three sets of siblings - Andrew Collingham ’07 and William Collingham ’04; Brendon Nimphius ’14 and Erek Nimphius ’06; and Matthew Toth ’99 and Scott Toth ’96 - competed on the hockey rink, while brothers Ian Baine ’11 and Will Bain ’08, and Andrew Hennes ’06 and DJ Hennes ’05 shared the basketball court. Robert Herbst ’76 was back and forth between games with son Ryan Herbst ’11 on the court and son Eric Herbst ’14 on the ice. The youngest player was Winn Metrailler, RCDS Class of 2026 (Grade 2), who joined his mother, Blair Endresen Metrailler ’96, on the squash court. Hockey MVP honors were shared by Ryan Burke ’04 and Kyle Flik ’87, and basketball honors went to Billy Cooper ’83 and Jonathan Dubin ’08. Long distance honors also went to Ryan Burke ’04, who was attending from San Francisco, and Scott Toth ’96 from Florida. Kyle Flik ’87 arrived from Loudonville, NY, Michael Zody ’86 from Cambridge, Mass., and Tim Schliftman ’01 from Washington, DC. Special thanks to Wendy Haft, Gil Castagna, and Frank Effinger, who were joined by former coach and Grade 10 Dean Ted Heintz, Athletic Trainer Steve Norman, Rink Manager Tom O’Grady, and the biggest Wildcat fan of all, Headmaster Scott Nelson. Their gift of time over the Thanksgiving holiday is what makes this tradition come alive year after year.

Thanksgiving Games

Jonathan Dubin ’08 acceping his basketball MVP congratulations.

2015 Alumni Basketball Team


2015 Alumni Basketball Team

Ryan Burke ’04, hockey MVP with coaches Gil Castagna and Frank Effinger.

Standing: Scott Weiss ’96, Andrew Wiener ’93, Joseph Forstbauer ’05, Frank Effinger, Tim Schliftman ’01, Michael Ince ’12, Michael Pisacano ’87, Jordan Kemp ’09, Kyle Flik ’87, Jacob Marcus ’04, Ted Heintz, Erek Nimphius ’06, Andrew Collingham ’07, Matt Toth ’99, Ryan Blatt ’09, Ricky Lipsey ’85, Scott Toth ’96, Brendon Nimphius, Will Collingham ’04, Rick Pinkham ’94, and Coach Gil Castagna.

Kneeling: Robert Striar ’90, Gabe Regan ’14, Eric Herbst ’14, Michael Zody ’86, Daniel Lavsky ’99, Larry Paredes ’86, Ryan Burke ’04, Geoff Exum ’03, Michael Schumaker ’09, Chase Jaeger ’14, and Michael Mossman ’14.

Kyle Flik ’87, hockey MVP, with Coach Gil Castagna.

2015 Alumni Hockey Team

Thanksgiving Games


Class Notes 1948-1970

1948Ambassador John L. Loeb Jr. founder of the Loeb Visitors Center on the Campus of Newport’s historic synagogue (the Touro Syn-agogue built before the American Revolution) has endowed the Loeb Institute at George Washington University in our nation’s capital. Ambassador Loeb said, “To pass the baton of our edu-cational efforts in Rhode Island to GWU is immensely reassuring. The university will inherit the academic resources we’ve created and the relationships we have built with our partners”. Dean Ben Vinson III, of the Columbian School of the Arts and Sciences at GWU welcomes the Loeb Institute’s new approach to teaching religion. “Ambassador Loeb’s gift will be transformational for students and faculty across academic disciplines as they address the pressing issues of religious diversity and freedom in contem-porary society,” Dr. Vinson said.

1958Congratulations to Joanna DeHaven Underwood, who was hon-ored in September 2015 by NGCAmerica with a Lifetime Achieve-ment Award. NCGAmerica is a national organization promoting natural gas as a clean, domestic, safe, and abundant transpor-tation fuel. A pioneering figure in the environmental movement since the early 1970’s, Joanna is the president of the non-profit Energy Vision. Joanna received the W. Lee Pierson Distinguished Alumni Award in 1995 and was the guest speaker at Graduation 2008.

1964Roberta Price wrote from her home in New Mexico, “Sorry to have missed Reunion; I was on a boat in the Aegean. All is well here. I am an intellectual property lawyer pinch hitting as an au-thor-photographer. Beinecke Library at Yale University purchased my photo archive! Please check out my books, Huerfano: A Mem-oir of Life in the Counterculture (U. Mass Press 2004), and Across the Great Divide: A Photo Chronicle of the Counterculture (U.N.M. Press 2010). (I thank Mr. Mayer and Ms. Lucas for transmitting the wonder of the word!) I am married to John Boyd, an attor-ney, and my son Walker and John’s son Jesse are also lawyers. I sometimes represent tribes on intellectual property issues and also do election work with John. We live in Albuquerque – I have been in love with the West since graduating from Vassar and doing PhD work in English at SUNY Buffalo. (See books for full story). My best to all in the Class of 1964!” You can also read more about Roberta at: www.robertaprice.com

196550th Reunion

The Class of 1965 enjoyed a festive evening on Friday night of Reunion weekend at the home of Headmaster Scott Nelson and his wife, Sue. Jan Endresen was especially helpful in locating the men in the class, and Nancy Brookfield Burke helped locate many of the women. (See photos on page 38.)

Gail and Jan Endresen welcomed their fourth grandchild in November 2015 with the arrival of Paige Leigh Morrison, daughter of Gavin Morrison ’01 and Leigh Endresen Morrison ’02. Their grandson, Winn, son of Edouard and Blair Endresen Metrailler ’96, is in Grade 2 at RCDS.

Pauline Gibbons Green wrote just before Reunion to say, “Sorry to take months to respond to RCDS ’65 Reunion, but it was touch and go on a Nepal trek. I am sure it will be a great weekend. For Class Notes, I am alive and well in Denver. Just retired from ten years at REI, which was FUN. Traveling a lot. In June, Central Asia’s Pamir Mountains for a trek – it was great. I was there in 1985, and the changes surprised me. Still go to Nantucket in the fall – after Labor Day to Columbus Day – no crowds and delightful. In the same 1890’s farmhouse since 1980 and hate to say the neighborhood is changing with mega-man-sions and traffic! But everything is close by – theater, symphony, family, and car repairs, so it is convenient – though the big yard and horse chestnut tree become more and more work, as does the vegetable garden. But I love it here! I spent 1989-1999 in the North Pole, Alaska in a 24 x 36 foot log cabin with no plumbing and a sod roof. It was wonderful. I have been back kayaking and canoeing in the Arctic. My sister, Carolyn Gibbons Abernathy ’66, has moved to Stamford, Conn., and my brother, George Gibbons is in City Island, NY, so no family left in Rye. Cheers to a great Reunion!”

1967Novella Adoue writes, “My mother’s house, my home at 34 Griswold Road in Rye, was sold in March 2015 to an architect/designer who is a Harrison, NY resident. I have moved up to the vacation home in Vermont that is now my permanent home, at least for the time being. Since retiring from Bell Atlantic, now Verizon, after 21 years and keeping busy as a Property Manager/Executrix of my mother’s estate and now self-employed again, I keep busy with community activities and volunteer where and when I can. My mother passed away in July 2013, then my sister, Pauline Adoue Scanlon ’65 died in October 2013. I missed them both. I am a great aunt to my niece, Meghan Scanlon Roach and her two children, Eleanor McCall Roach and Deaglan Cawood Roach, who live in Chattanooga, Tenn. Best wishes and good health to my Class of 1967 from RCDS.”

197045th Reunion

Special thanks to Ann Breakey Billik and Maggie Garces-Shapiro who worked tirelessly to bring the Class of 1970 together for Reunion 2015. On Sunday, October 24, Maggie hosted a brunch at her home in Weston, Conn., which included several class-mates who couldn’t make it to RCDS the evening before.Nancy Freedman Peters writes, “We’re concluding our 30-year mortgage in Greenwich, Conn. this year! Kids are scattered, but busy and happy. David (Yale ’05) is in Seattle and engaged to Karin Reiss, a Columbia law school classmate. He was formerly with McKinsey and now with a start-up, like so many of the generation. Alex Peters ’04, and Princeton ’08, is in a Surgical Residency at Weill-Cornell Hospital in NYC, and Diana is a balle-rina with Texas Ballet Theater in Dallas, where she lives with her husband, Jonathan Crowder. They were married this past summer at the St. Regis in NY. We’re thrilled for all of them. Steve and I hold down the fort, with the dogs, working hard and playing hard. We are frequently in New York City for the theater, opera, and ballet. Here’s hoping this winter will be milder.”

The Democratic Party in Harrison, NY, nominated Betsy Schaper as their candidate for Mayor/Supervisor of the Town in the recent local elections. Writes Betsy, “Despite my loss, which I anticipat-ed in this heavily Republican based town, I enjoyed the process and learned a lot about local politics.”



Ross Zucker’s article, “What Type of Political System is the U.S.?” was published in March 2016 in the Journal of Political Power, a publication of the International Political Science Association.

1971Barbara Siebel Thomas writes, “My red snapper painting was blown up to a giant size and heralds the fish department at the beautiful new Gourmet Garage on Lower Broadway!”

1972Eric Booth Miller reports, “I was honored with the highest award in American arts education, the Americans for the Arts ‘2015 Arts Education Leadership Award,’ and recently named ‘One of the 50 Most Powerful and Influential People in the U.S. Arts.’”

1973Susan Blair Brew wrote that she “just got hired by Uhl-Melanson Investment Services as a Marketing Coordinator, for the most part working from home...just what I wanted. Busy!”

The national election cycle may be in the spotlight, but many RCDS alumni are active in local and state politics. Jimmy Golub won a seat on the Town Board in Cazenovia, NY, in November, 2015.

Dennis Parker was the featured speaker at the Harvard Club on October 5, 2015, as part of the Club’s series of programs on race relations. Director of the ACLU Racial Justice Program, Dennis’s topic was “Combating Racial Bias in the Criminal Justice

System.” In announcing the program, the Harvard Club noted, “In his recent study of the ‘School-to-Prison’ pipeline, Parker documented a disturbing national trend of funneling children of color out of public schools and into the juvenile and criminal justice systems. He reports that ‘this transformation of schools from institutions of learning into places more reminiscent of prisons exacts a daily toll on all students.’”

1974Debbie Baum has made the move from fashion design to real estate. She was profiled in the mid-summer 2015 edition of Hampton Sheet: hamptonsheet.com/midsummer2015/feature2.htm

Laura and Duncan Hennes became grandparents for the first time on Monday, November 30, with the arrival of Frances Williams Hennes, daughter of their son and daughter-in-law, DJ Hennes ’05 and Victoria William Hennes ’05.

Amy and Corey Shanus’s daughter, Julie Shanus ’13, spent fall 2014 studying in Milan. Over the Thanksgiving break Corey, Amy, and Maggie, Class of 2017, met up with Julie in Prague for a family visit.

197540th Reunion

Congratulations to Mary Tooley Parker, who was inducted in November 2015 into the National Association of Woman Artists at the Rubin Museum in New York City. Members are selected through a juried process, and Mary’s work was part of the New Member’s opening show which opened on November 19.

Frederick Watts is the Executive Director of the Police Athletic League of NYC. (See story on page 10.) Fred joined alumni and parents at our Diversity Forum during Wildcat Weekend to dis-cuss networking and building connections between alumni and parents to further the career goals of our young alumni.

1979Tracy Suitt Keogh is the executive vice president of human resources at Hewlett-Packard Co. In October 2015, Tracy was awarded HRE’s highest honor, Human Resources Executive of the Year. Read more in HRE Daily: bit.ly/1Ri4s6r


The Class of 1970 gathered at the home of Maggie Garces Shapiro the day after Reunion 2015. Seated: Dale Fredston, Ann Breaky Billik, and Andrea Graham

Middle row: Marcy Eisenberg, Diana Lewis Feldman, Nancy Freedman Peters, Maggie Garces-Shapiro, and Jon Salkin

Back row: Pat King Gerleit ’71, Neil Maxwell, Claudia La Motte, and John Greenwood

Tracy Suitt Keogh ’79, center, recipient of the Human Resources Executive of the Year award from HRE Daily.



1980Pianist Susan Merdinger Greene and her family live in Highland Park, Ill. On November 16, 2015, Susan, an acclaimed Steinway Artist, performed in California for the first time, along with her daughter, the prize-winning violist, Sarah Greene.

1982Congratulations to Brad Kimmelman, who was sworn in in December 2015 as the president-elect of the Greater Fairfield (Connecticut) Board of Realtors.

198530th Reunion

Andrea Horvath Link was unable to get to Reunion this year from her home in Houston. Much of Andrea’s work with Health-care for Homeless Houston focuses on women and human trafficking. In an op-ed piece featured in the Houston Chronicle on November 23, 2015, Andrea and her co-author focus on com-passionate ways to view and address prostitution and human trafficking: bit.ly/1YERJyX

1986Pam Hess reports, “I am excited to let all my friends know I am now the executive Director of Healthy Waltham. I can’t wait to get to work-anyone in Waltham who has ideas for me on where they think I should start-send them my way. I know, I should be careful what I wish for!”

Congratulations to Robert Yaffa, who has been inducted into the David Rockefeller Fellow Program. Launched in 1989 by the Partnership for New York City, “This program groups senior exec-utives from a wide range of industries who display a passion for corporate civic engagement, and presents Fellows the opportuni-ty to discuss key issues affecting New York City with top leaders in the public, private, and not-for-profit sectors.”

1988Congratulations to Charles Fields. In April 2015, he was appoint-ed by Governor Cuomo as New York State Deputy Secretary of State for Business and Licensing. Read more about Charles’s career at: bit.ly/ICCSmb

Maria Los is the Deputy Chair and Head of Client Advisory at Christie’s in New York City. She recently secured the winning bid for a Norman Rockwell painting on behalf of her client, the fourth highest price ever paid for a Rockwell painting. Congratu-lations, also, to Maria and Nikos Notias, who were married on January 16, 2016. Read more at: prn.to/1MXsyzb

1990 25th Reunion

Congratulations to Colonel Brett Funck, who assumed command of Fort Bragg, NC, on July 24, 2015. (See story on page 12.)

1991Wedding bells rang on October 17, 2015, for Courtney Cooper and Craig Benerofe, who were married at the Lighthouse at Chelsea Piers.

1993From Ryan and Javonne Paul Stuart we received this good news: “Just like that, a little princess bundle of joy infiltrated the Stewart household! We are so excited to welcome Morgan Sarah-Marie Stewart to the world. She weighs 8 lbs. 6 oz. and is 20 inches long. God is so good!!” Morgan was also welcomed by her big brothers, Mason and Myles.

None other than Kelly Ripa was featured on the cover of the August 31, 2015 issue of Woman’s World magazine promoting the detox cleanse developed by chiropractor Daryl Gioffre bit.ly/1NqUcK6

Jeff and Kareen Zahr Walsh have relocated to Highlands Ranch, Colo. Kareen writes, “I recently released an iOS app that allows parents to centralize the village it takes to help raise their kids on a digital platform. It allows them to have one centralized schedule, link their network to their child’s profile, and monitor activities via GPS when they are not the person in charge of the pick up or drop off. We found there was a gap in the digital market for parents with kids who are pre-cell phone age.”

199520th Reunion

Michael Cavino reports: “My wife, Nicole, and I welcomed our first child, Emilia Frances, on July 9th. Emilia entered the world at 6.5 pounds and 19 inches long in New York City. We look forward to bringing her to next year’s Fall Fair!”

Congratulations to Mike and Amy Wachenheim McCaffery, who welcomed their son, Fletcher Charles, on September 11, 2015. Fletcher joins older sisters Rylan and Parker.

Congratulations to Carrie and Erik Sherman, who welcomed daughter Brooke Emily Sherman on September 19, 2015. She joins her big brother, Chase.

David Winter was featured in the November 17, 2015 “30 Minute Interview” in The New York Times. Read more about David’s career in commercial real estate at: bit.ly/21sGRGw

David and his wife, Annelise, welcomed their daughter, Maude Sadelle Winter, known as Maddie, on November 24, 2015. Maddie’s older brother, Charles Marvin Winter, or Charlie as he is known, will turn 8 years old in February 2016.


Carrie and Erik Sherman ’95 with son Chase and daughter Emily.



1996Congratulations to Jennifer Barry and Matthew Schliftman, who were married in Gettysburg, Pa., on September 26, 2015.

1998Congratulations to John and Carla LoPinto-Khoury, whose daugh-ter, Serena, was born on October 25, 2015. Carla and her family, including daughter Lia, age 4, live in Abington, Pa. Carla is Assistant Professor of Neurology at Drexel College of Medicine.

Jonathan Lipnick is living in Jerusalem with his wife and three daughters. Jonathan is a certified tour guide, specializing in Christian sites, and he is also a lecturer for eTeacher.

1999Kait and Ben Turshen are thrilled to announce the arrival of their daughter, Remy, who was born on November 24, 2015, at 1:19 a.m., weighing in at 7 pounds, 4 ounces. Said Ben, “I’ve never witnessed anything so amazing in my entire life. We fell in love instantly. Mother and daughter are both doing well. Thank you all for your kind words and thoughts. And thank you to all the wonderful doctors and nurses who helped bring this beautiful spirit into the word.”

200015th Reunion

Congratulations to Derek Mahoney and his wife, Molly, on the arrival of their daughter, Daisy Pinkney Mahoney, on February 9, 2016.

Ashley and Grant Savage are thrilled to announce the arrival of son Cooper Murray Savage on November 23, 2015. Cooper was joyously welcomed by his older brother, Cole.

Congratulations to Dana Viltz and Cairo Garuccio, who were married on November 15, 2015, in New York City.

2001 Noah Lipnick is teaching Chinese and coaching at the Williston School in Easthampton, Mass.

Congratulations to Chris McGuire, who has been appointed Associate Counsel for Strategy, M&A, and Corporate Develop-ment at VISA.

Gavin Morrison and Leigh Endresen Morrison ’02 are thrilled to announce the arrival of their daughter, Paige Leigh Morrison, on November 5, 2015, joining older brother, Grant. The Morrison family recently moved to Harrison, NY, from Manhattan.

Congratulations to Benjamin Tresser and Samantha Sichel, who were married on September 26, 2015 at Boscobel House and Gardens in Cold Spring, NY. Classmates Seth Weissman, Jill Bottomley Kunkes, Whitney Richey Rubenstein, Stefanie Gordon, Jillian Kelleher, and Jared Pruzan were all in attendance, and Samantha’s sister, Lindsey Sichel Rubenstein ’98, was Matron of Honor.

Chad Singer and his wife are living in Spain where they have started a business manufacturing folding bicycles. Check them out at www.ossby.com

Congratulations to Peter and Elizabeth Pandich Tufano on the arrival of their daughter, Cora Emily Tufano, on August 17, 2015.

2002Congratulations to Leigh Endresen Morrison and Gavin Morrison ’01, whose daughter, Paige Leigh Morrison, was born on November 5, 2015. Leigh, Gavin, Grant, and Paige have recently moved from Manhattan to Harrison, NY.

In January 2016, Chris Younge was thrilled to welcome classmate Dana Kornblum Beckerman and her husband, Jared, to his new restaurant, The Little Lion, in Philadelphia.

John Khoury and Carla LoPinto Khoury ’98 with daughters Lia and Serena.

Gavin ’01 and Leigh Endresen Morrison ’02 with their children, Grant and Paige.

At the wedding of Samantha Sichel ’01 and Benjamin Tresser. L-R: Jill Bottomley Kunkes ’01, Stefanie Gordon ’01, Samantha Sichel ’01, Jared Pruzan ’01, and Seth Weissman ’01.




2003Congratulations to Leigh and Jim Farah, whose daughter, Jane Alexandra, was born on February 13, 2016.

Congratulations to Jacques and Andrea Valdes Jenny on the birth of their son, Jacques Parker Jenny, who arrived on June 30, 2015. Parker and his parents are currently residing in Manhattan.

2004With a focus on bringing a positive message to black youth, and inspired by his own three children, Jacob Carter has recently self-published his first children’s book, Who Am I? Learn more about this project at www.cartersbooks.com

2005 10th Reunion

Congratulations to DJ and Victoria Williams Hennes, who welcomed their first child, daughter Frances Williams Hennes, on November 30, 2015.

Cara Rock-Singer is working on a PhD in the Department of Religion at Columbia University. She and her husband, Aaron, have a one-year-old daughter, Liora.

2006In February 2016, Karen Eibacher was featured in T Cradle The-atre Company’s MALEFACTIONS, a new play by Matthew Minnici-no, directed by Lauren Z. Adleman. Karen played the role of Io in an all-female cast, and all performances were sold out.

Daria Miyeko Marinelli is the founder and artistic director of The Unsoft War (theunsoftwar.org) Her most recent project was Untameable, An Immersive Diamond Heist, which she wrote and produced in November 2015. The premise? “There is a diamond as big as your fist, heavy as your heart, and touring through Buenos Aires, Argentina. It’s time to steal it. Or it’s time to keep it safe. Untameable offers an immersive romp between a criminal den and a modern museum, where the audience, like the char-acters, must decide between love and diamonds, honesty and victory.”

Rodney Reynolds writes, “I’m officially the dedicated Dream Director at Leadership Institute High School in the Bronx, NY.”

2007 Courtny Bannerot is in her second year of graduate school at Yale University, where she is pursuing her MBA-MPH degree.

2009Wedding bells rang on September 19, 2015, for Emily Arons and Chris Lannon who were married at The Hartford Club in Hartford, Conn. After graduating from RCDS, Emily attended Bryn Mawr College, where she majored in Psychology. She now works as a Senior Marketing Analyst in Cigna’s Marketing Leadership Development Program. Chris graduated from the University of Colorado Boulder and is a CFA charterholder. He currently works as Regional Investment Director at Goldman Sachs.

Jackie Baron is currently a student at Teachers College at Columbia University, where she is studying Communication Sciences and Disorders.

2010 5th Reunion

Caroline Holden writes, “My first feature film screenplay, ‘Liza’s Lizards,’ made it into the second round of the 2015 Austin Film Festival Screenplay and Teleplay Competition. I’m in the middle of starting my first live variety comedy show (which premiered November 14, 2015) and I have spent the last year taking Improv classes and Sketch Writing classes at The Peoples Improv Theatre in NYC.”

2012Tim Peterson is in year four of his five-year, dual-degree program at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, where he is study-ing composition at the School of Music, Theatre, & Dance, and comparative literature in the Honors Program at the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts. Last year, he received Univer-sity of Michigan’s Jack Meiland Scholarship, which is awarded to the outstanding Honors junior. He continues to love foreign lan-guages, travel, and music. He has interned as a translator and interpreter at the NYU/Bellevue Program for Survivors of Torture, which provides comprehensive health and social services to Francophone refugees and asylees. He has also studied Carnat-ic music in Mysore, India, participated in Yo Yo Ma’s Silk Road Ensemble’s Global Musician Workshop, and studied Afro-Cuban drumming in Havana, Cuba.

Frances Williams Hennes.

Chris and Emily Arons Lannon ’09.


Jacques Parker Jenny.



2013Julie Shanus writes from Milan, where she is spending the fall semester, “I have had an incredible semester studying abroad in Milan, Italy. I have learned the Italian way of life, immersing myself in a new culture while still traveling every weekend to visit new cities. Milan is the ‘business hub’ of Italy. It is amazing to walk around the famous shopping streets and gaze at the beautiful window designs. I go to Bocconi University, which is a business school in Milan. Unlike the University of Pennsylva-nia and many other schools in the United States, Bocconi does not have a campus, but rather, just a few buildings where we have classes. The night life is very fun in Milan, with tons of elegant clubs and venues. Some of my favorite places I have visited are Capri, Venice, Amsterdam, Vienna, London, Barcelona, and Prague. I had the best pasta and pizza in Capri, loved the majestic feel of Vienna, was amazed when I saw Gustav Klimt’s famous painting “The Kiss” at the Belvedere, and had an incredi-ble weekend in Prague with my family for Thanksgiving!”

Congratulations to Andres Soto, who is one of the first two inductees in the Alumni Hall of Fame at Childcare Learning Center in Stamford, Conn. Read more about Andres’s journey: bit.ly/1MDdrOZ

2014Ahtiya Liles made her directorial debut in March 2016 withOrchestra Seats, presented at Purchase College. Orchestra Seats centers around Louella Mackenzie, a successful and hardworking curator who is also engaged to the man of her dreams. When Louella’s ex-boyfriend comes back to town, she is now chal-lenged with balancing the two men in her life and navigating this newfound dynamic. According Ahtiya, “This play explores the complexities of interracial dating and how society has taught black people to think of themselves when it comes to the work place and relationships.”

2015Jourdan Layne shared this exciting news in August, 2015: “Out of about 40 dancers, I won 2nd Place at International Teen Talent 2015 in Cleveland, Tenn. I am speechless. This is so unreal to me. This was one of the hardest weeks ever. Through tears and physical pain, I did my best. After three years, I finally got it. Believe me, you don’t know the cost of my praise. Thank you to my 3 angels and my support system. I am grateful and humbled.”


Reunion & Homecoming 2016

Special Reunion Dinner for the Classes of

1966, 1971, 1976, 1981, 1986, 1991, 1996, 2001,

2006, and 2011

Save the Date

Saturday, October 29

For more information, visit Ryecountryday.org/

reunion2016 or Call (914) 925-4525.



In Memoriam

Alumni Camilla Vivien Wanlass Perkins ’37, a resident of Long Beach, Calif., died on January 21, 2015, after a brief illness. A graduate of Cornell University where she was a champion athlete, Vivien joined the Navy WAVES in 1942 and was among the first group of WAVES to be trained at Harvard University. She is survived by her husband, Robert, two children, and two grandchildren.

Anne Dennison de Jong ’38 died on September 13, 2015. Following her graduation from Bennington Col-lege and SUNY Brockport, Anne joined the US Navy and became an aviation machinist. Upon honorable discharge, she returned to New York and received her MA in Education from Colombia University. Anne is survived by her four children, five grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.

Silas Keehn ’43 died on February 14, 2016, at his home in Evanston, Ill. Raised in Westchester County, Silas graduated from Deerfield Academy and Hamilton College and earned his MBA at Harvard Business School. After a career that included serving as vice chairman of Mellon Bank, Silas was named the seventh president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, where he served until his retirement in 1994. Following his retirement, Silas devoted his time to his family, sailing, and his many community activities. He is survived by his wife, Marcia, three children, eight grandchildren, and his sisters, Nora Keehn ’43 and Gretchen Keehn Thomas ’44.

RCDS Alumni Hall of Fame member Allan Scott Woods ’47 died on April 24, 2015. A graduate of Lafay-ette College, Allan was a life-long supporter of amateur sports, specifically men’s field hockey. For the better part of six decades, he was involved with field hockey as a player and administrator, travelling to more than 30 countries across 6 continents, attending in a variety of official capacities. In addition to being a former national team player, Allan served as president of the Field Hockey Association of America, was a director of the Pan-American Hockey Federation, a council member and chairman of the Equipment Committee for the International Hockey Federation, and a member of the United States Olympic Committee. He was a past president of the New York Amateur Sports Alliance and a development organizer for the Sports and Arts in Schools Foundation. Allan is survived by his wife of 49 years, Pamela, his daughter Amanda, his grandsons, Will and Hugo, and his sister Ruth Woods Frothingham ’44.

Stuart Todd Kagel ’62 of Brooklyn Heights, NY, died unexpectedly August 18, 2015, at his summer home on Skaneateles Lake. Stuart’s survivors include his partner of 27 years, Celeste Gudas, four children, and three

grandchildren.

Former Faculty/Staff & Friends

John P. Cooney, Jr. passed away on November 2, 2015, surrounded by his family. A former Assistant United States Attorney in the Southern District of New York, Jack spent his entire career in the field of white-collar crime, and devoted his free time to his family and outdoor sports. He is survived by his wife, Jane, his six children, including John P. Cooney III ’87, Brian Cooney ’91, Anne Cooney ’01, Luke Cooney ’12, Nathaniel Cooney ’14, and Emma Cooney, and two grandchildren.

Maxwell Felton, MD, passed away on August 5, 2015. He is survived by his wife, Rhetta, four children, including RCDS current parent Gregg Felton and his wife, Marla, and eight grandchildren, including Andrew Felton ’21, and Nathalie Felton ’18.

Irving Harper, father of Elizabeth Harper Williams ’71, died at his home in Rye on August 4, 2015. A revered Pop Art furniture designer, Mr. Harper is perhaps best known for creating the iconic “marshmallow sofa,” and for his work on the Chrysler Pavilion for the 1964 World’s Fair in Queens. In his later years, Mr. Harper became known for his remarkable paper sculptures that were the focus of an exhibition in 2014 at The Rye Arts Center.

Gary Hirschberg died on January 4, 2016. He is survived by his daughters, Stacy Hirschberg ’89 and Amanda Hirschberg ’92, and their husbands; by his wife, Virginia; and by five grandchildren, Phoebe, Parker, Zachary, Brady, and Skylar. His first wife, Peggy, pre-deceased him.

Ruth Moore passed away on August 17, 2015. She was a former RCDS faculty member, who, following her teaching career, devoted herself to teaching private piano lessons in Bergen County, NJ.

Jack Nathanson, father of former RCDS parent Bruce Nathanson, passed away on October 10, 2015. Jack is survived by his wife, Florence, his three children, and his grandchildren, including Andrew Shuman Nathanson ’09.

Dani Sonnenblick, mother of Micki Sonnenblick Hirsch ’69, died on October 11, 2015. Mrs. Sonnenblick is survived by her three children, seven grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.

Richard Yaffa passed away on January 21, 2015. He is survived by his sons, Robert Yaffa ’86 and current RCDS parent Richard Yaffa ’84, as well as by his wife, Claire, and three grandchildren, including Jessica Yaffa ’19.



Alumni Event Calendar 2016 April 7, 2016 Alumni On The Road/Washington, DC.

April 14, 2016 Young Alumni Reception

May 19, 2016 AEB Meeting 7:00 p.m. Dining Room

June 1, 2016 Blue and Gold Dinner to Honor the Class of 2016.

June 6, 2016 Prize Day – Alumni Book Prize Presentations8:00 a.m.

June 10, 2016 Upper School Graduation 4:00 p.m.


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Documents

Fall-Winter 2015-16 RCDS Bulletin