Reflections on Respect

27 Pages·2009·2.68 MB·English

Reflections on Respect
Alumni Reunion &
Graduation 2009 Recap
Alumni Profile:
TODAY
Harumi Rhodes ’97, Founding Member, Trio Cavatina
Class Notes
FALL 2009
Your Commitment
to Excellence
ANNUAL
HEAD’SMESSAGE
FUND
Respect. Respect takes many forms: respect for others, respect for the environment, and respect for self. We show our respect for
others by being considerate and attentive to their needs and wishes. In a diverse community such as ours, it is especially important to
respect our differences and celebrate our diversity. We show respect for the environment by taking good care of the world around us.
We act to preserve the beauty and resources of our campus, our community, and our planet. Finally, we show respect for ourselves by
appreciating our strengths, taking care of our bodies and minds, and doing what we know to be right.
A faculty dedicated to seeking
excellence…The environment to
pursue your passion... Innovative
habitats for lifelong learning… proves the more challenging (and their efforts, we offer campus recycling,
elusive) pursuit. And, as vital as respect our dining hall uses locally grown
is to the strength of our community, I find produce and second helpings are
The D-E Annual Fund provides that for many of us learning to respect – encouraged to help reduce food waste.
each other, our environment, and The food waste we do create is
additional resources the school
ourselves -- remains an ongoing composted and used in our new Middle
needs to innovate, change and grow. challenge throughout our lives. When it School garden and chef’s herb garden.
comes to respect, Ralph Waldo Emerson We are regularly installing energy
Your gift supports continued
summed it up best when he wrote: “Men efficient lighting and looking for new
professional development for faculty are respectable only as they respect.” ways to reduce our carbon footprint.
Dwight-Englewood, too, is respectable We all know the oft-repeated phrase that 9
and staff, makes possible financial 0
only as we respect. we are borrowing this earth from our 20
aid for talented students, and children. So we must not only teach our all
F
In a diverse community such as ours, it children to respect the environment, we
sustains our facilities and resources 1
is especially important to respect our must take the lead in doing so for the
that enhance student learning. differences and to celebrate our sake of their future.
diversity. I have heard others say that
tolerance implies a respect for another But we must also learn to respect
Regardless of the size of your gift, person. I would suggest that respecting ourselves. Part of our mission as
others requires more than tolerance, it educators and parents is to help our
your participation in the
requires knowledge and appreciation. children learn to appreciate their
D-E Annual Fund demonstrates In a growing global community, learning uniqueness, strengths and even their
the importance of respecting others is weaknesses. They need to learn to take
your commitment to excellence at O
nce again, I am pleased to vital. Author Annie Gottlieb wrote that care of their bodies and minds, and
Dwight-Englewood School. use our alumni magazine “respect…is appreciation of the to do what we know to be right.
to highlight our School’s separateness of the other person, of the
Six Core Values; in this ways in which he or she is unique.” Our President Lincoln said that the United
community is filled with examples of this States is a great country because it is a
issue, we focus on Respect. One of
-- those who have reached out to learn good country and that if we lose our
the many privileges associated with
about and appreciate the uniqueness goodness our greatness will quickly
my role include observing student
of other people. By doing so, each is follow. The Dwight-Englewood community
exchanges, interacting with our
constantly learning how best to respect is great because we strive to respect
faculty and staff, tagging along on others. D-E alumni demonstrate each other and our environment; it is
field trips, sharing meals in the continuously how they have come to also great because our core values
Dining Hall and much, much more. embrace the idea of respect on all levels demand that we first respect ourselves.
I am proud to write that ongoing through their professional and personal That respect – for self, each other and
conversations about respect for pursuits. A look at the Class Notes the world around us – is at the heart of
section (see Page 24) offers proof of our goodness.
others and respect for our
this too, while the “Spotlight” section
environment are not only alive
on Page 14 speaks to how many of our On behalf of Dwight-Englewood School,
and well at D-E, they continue to
current students and faculty are rising I sincerely thank you for your interest
comprise the very cornerstones
Visit www.d-e.org and to this challenge. in our activities and efforts, and hope
of our community. that you enjoy reading this issue of
You should also know that our current D-E Today.
support D-E today! Respecting others and our environment community of students is diligent in their
may be the easy part, however; it’s efforts to improve the ways in which we Dr. Rodney V. De Jarnett
learning to respect ourselves that often respect our environment. Because of Head of School
TABLEOFCONTENTS
4
Feature Story
TODAY
10
Alumni Profile:
Harumi Rhodes ’97
D-E Today is published by :
12 Dwight-Englewood Communications &
Snapshots of D-E Life:
Publications, in partnership with the
Development & Alumni Relations Office.
Spring –Early Fall 2009
Comments are always welcome. Please
address them to:
Editor, D-E Today,
Dwight-Englewood School
315 East Palisade Avenue,
Englewood, NJ 07631
phone: [phone], ext. 3408 or
fax: [phone] or
14 Student Standouts & email [email protected]
Faculty Endeavors Editor/Director of Communications
and Publications:
Liz Tausner
22
Contributors:
Alumni Reflections Susan Abramson,
Lower School Assistant Principal
Ann Emmons Petri, ’47
Will Greenbaum, ’09
23 Joe Iwanski, Upper School Faculty
Karen Pugliese
Bulldog Bookshelf
Maria Sanchez-Gardner ’78
Graphic Design:
Peapod Design, New Canaan, CT
Photography:
Front and Inside Back Cover by
John McCabe, Upper School Faculty,
Fine & Performing Arts Dept.
Inside front cover by
Len Rubenstein; Alumni Reunion &
Graduation 2009, Summer Connections
2009, and other photos by Harrison Co ’10
and John McCabe.
24 Our Mission
Additional photography supplied through
Class Notes
D-E Alumni, Faculty/Staff, Parent, &
Student Submissions
As a community of learners, Dwight-Englewood
Printing:
42
School strives to fostter in each student a passion for Albert’s Printing, Long Lsland City,
In Memoriam New York.
life-long learning. We seek excellence, honor, integrity,
Proofreading:
and embrace diversity in order to develop the skills, Karen Pugliese
46
Connecting Our values and courage to meet the challanges of a On the front cover:
Upper School students take M.A.G.I.C., the
Community changing world and make it better. annual intramural sports competition, by
storm. Photo by John McCabe.
On the back cover:
Amnesty International Club members
participating in a human rights rally in
Manhattan (see Spotlight feature on P. 19).
Where They’re
Headed…
FEATURESTORY
This Fall our 2009 D-E graduates
will be relocating to an impressive
Spirits Soar During 2009 array of colleges and universities
across the country. Here’s just a
sample list of where they’re going:
Alumni Reunion & Graduation Weekend
Barnard
Boston University
The Commencement for the Dwight-Englewood School Class of 2009, held at Leggett Field on Sunday, May 31, capped off a whirlwind
Carnegie Mellon
weekend dedicated to celebrating the accomplishments of a gifted graduating class as well as welcoming back legions of loyal D-E Columbia
alumni eager to re-connect with friends and faculty. Cornell University
Duke University
Emory University
George Washington University
Seniors prepare for their march into the big tent.
U Johns Hopkins
nder brilliant blue skies, the
Lehigh
Highlights included readings and about Upton Sinclair’s writings and also
ool 106 members of the Senior remarks by Seniors Amina Yamusah, about Sinclair’s Helicon Hall commune, New York University
ch Class, along with their Daniel Gorman and Tarquin Schwartz, located on North Woodland Street, which Northeastern University (NU?)
d S families, D-E alumni, faculty, respectively, as well as performances was a sanctuary for writers and artists in Oberlin College
o
wo members of the Board of Trustees and by the Upper School Chorus, Dwight the early 1900s. Pitzer College
gle distinguished guests, basked in the sun Mix & Senior Treblemakers and The Princeton University
En as they soaked up the inspiring words Senior Jazz Rock Ensemble. Other The weekend also included two Rhode Island School of Design 9
ght- of Commencement Keynote Speaker memorable moments included the poignant memorial ceremonies. Family Stanford University 200
Dwi Lisa Diaz Nash, ’76. presentation of the School’s most and friends of Elias Katsaros ’89 joined Syracuse University Fall
prestigious awards to three standout D-E Coach George Van Haasteran for Tufts
4 5
“Live every day like it’s your first one Seniors by Head of School Dr. Rodney the installation of a bench overlooking UCLA
and your last one,” exhorted Nash, D-E V. De Jarnett, including The Senior Leggett Field in his memory. Meanwhile University of Maryland
Class of 1976 and the CEO of Blue Citizenship Prize to Amina Yamusah, the Class of 1984 dedicated a tree and University of Michigan,
Planet Run, who used the occasion to The Bailey Award to Gabriella Porrino, plaque in memory of their classmates University of Pennsylvania
remind members of the audience, and The Trustees’ Award to Will Tina Weiss, Faranak Fatemi Moir, and USC
young and old, of the need to enjoy the Greenbaum. The Commencement Christine Heath. Villanova
beauty of a single moment. She also concluded with the Presentation of Washington University in St. Louis
encouraged students to “do something Diplomas by Upper School Principal Wellesley
that tests you and makes you feel like Joseph W. Algrant, President of the Wesleyan
you’ve really done something when it’s Board of Trustees Karen Aboodi, Dr. De
over.” Nash herself can attest to the Jarnett and Senior Class Dean Joan
…And the D-E
power of her words: She barely survived Maffetone, and the traditional
a freak accident several years that left Recessional March by Handel. Legacy They
her paralyzed and needing to re-learn
how to walk. Today, this accomplished While the Commencement may have Represent
executive and devoted mother of two is been the pinnacle of the 2009 Alumni
also the CEO and founder of Blue Planet Reunion & Graduation Weekend — billed
The following graduates of the
Run, an internationally-renowned as “one of the most celebratory
Class of 2009 are “Legacy”
nonprofit organization dedicated to weekends of the year at Dwight-
students whose families have an
providing safe drinking water to 200 Englewood School” by Dr. De Jarnett –
alumni relationship with the school:
million people by 2027. the plethora of activities geared to
alumni and their families did not
Jenna Byron
Nash’s inspirational remarks were in disappoint. Kicked off by spirited alumni
perfect harmony with a ceremony soccer and lacrosse matches at Graham Alana Davis
punctuated by stirring words and soaring Field, the weekend was packed with William Greenbaum
music. The graduation exercise, which popular events including a Coffee for the Christina Guidera
began with the faculty and seniors’ Class of 1984 (the 25th Reunion Class), Robert Mayer
ceremonial march ’into the big tent’ an Alumni Luncheon, and Tea with Dr. De Samuel Oliff
accompanied by bagpipe, then Elgar’s Jarnett. An Alumni Author Reading Sydney Schwartz
Pomp & Circumstance, paid tribute to the featuring Salvatore Moretti ’58 was Amina Yamusah ’09 is presented with the
newly-minted graduates and the nearly another high point. Mr. Moretti is the Senior Citizenship Prize by Head of School
7,500 alumni who came before them. A new ’09 graduate basks in the sun...and her achivement. author of Uppie’s Shangri-La, a book Dr. De Jarnett.
FEATURESTORY
Another highlight of the Reunion DE Athletic Hall of Fame Honors New Inductees
Weekend was the Distinguished Alumni
Awards Ceremony honoring Lisa Diaz
“Our Hall of Fame is an anthology of New York to serve as the school’s Athletic Winner of numerous awards at the local,
Nash ’76 held on Saturday, May 30 at
highly revered former coaches, players Director. He remained at Union until his state and regional level, Chubinsky was
Leggett Field. Established in 1997 to
and contributors to our entire athletic retirement in 2000. During this time, also the Winner of the Bergen County Golf
pay special tribute to alumni of the
program. I’m honored to have the Sakala also served as President of the League Championship in ’94; a medalist
Dwight School, the Englewood School
Soccer Team of 1978 to be included ECAC, President of the Liberty League in the NJ State World Optimist Qualifier in
for Boys, and the Dwight-Englewood
among this prestigious group.” -- Athletic Conference and was a member ’93 and ’95; and Champion at Preakness
School, the award recognizes
Coach Chris Schmid, Reunion 2009 of the NCAA Football Committee. Hills Country Club in ’05 and ’06. “David
exemplary professional and/or
worked at his craft, spending countless
volunteer accomplishments. It honors
On Saturday May 30, 2009, under a Former ESB football player, Peter hours at the practice range or golf course
alumni whose achievements deserve
brilliant blue sky, Coach Richard “Dick” Balakian ’69, was unable to attend honing his game,” said Curry. “He
special recognition by the school
Sakala, David Chubinsky ’94and the the ceremony due to a book tour (see epitomizes all that is good about the
and fellow graduates.
1978 Boys Soccer Teamwere inducted Bulldog Bookshelf on page 23 for game, always conducting himself as a
in the D-E Athletic Hall of Fame, details), but sent poignant remarks sportsman and a gentleman.”
Also of note was the Athletic Hall of
recognizing their significant which were read by D-E Middle School
Fame Induction Ceremony honoring
contributions to the school’s athletic faculty member Rob Carson. Balakian The1978 Boys Varsity Soccer Team,
Coach Richard “Dick” Sakala and David Family and friends from the D-E class of 1984 helped plant the memorial tree honoring their
program. The Hall of Fame was spoke to Coach Sakala’s coaching as which captured the State Prep “B” soccer
Chubinksy ’94, as well as the Boys classmates Christine Heath, Faranak Fateni Moir, and Tina Weiss.
established in 1996 to honor those being defined by “high demands, and title, was also inducted into the Hall of
Varsity Soccer Team 1978. The Bulldogs
individuals who have achieved a high relentless pursuit of the best you were Fame as a group. Their overall record was
(formerly the Hilltoppers) Hall of Fame
level of success during their careers capable of.” In Balakian’s words: 13-4-0. The team scored 50 goals, with
was established in 1996 to honor those
as student athletes and coaches. goalies Bruce McKenna and Dan
individuals who have achieved a high
ol level of success during their careers as “He drove us hard, he taught us how to Viederman yielding only 20. High scorer
o
ch student athletes and coaches, or Richard “Dick” Sakalacoached varsity play the game, position by position, and Jed Lans scored 20 goals and 6 assists,
d S through significant contributions to the football, basketball and baseball and as a team. He instilled in us a sense of with Mark Liebowitz scoring 18 goals and
woo school’s athletic programs. See related taught math at ESB in the late 60’s and pride about our work on the field…As 7 assists. Both players made first team
gle story on page 7 for more details. early 70’s, and is widely credited with we got to know him better, we also saw all-state, while Bruce McKenna and Howie
n being among the fine coaches who was that he was a warm and witty guy Greenstone received all-division
E 9
ht- Two special and much anticipated instrumental in bringing Englewood underneath—smart, and alert to his recognition. Coach Schmid credits this 00
wig events, the Reunion Soirée and the School for Boys into a new era in which players’ personal growth and inner lives.” team, as well as members of the 1977 all 2
D scholar athletes were prized for their team, with establishing the foundation F
50th Reunion Class Dinner, a gathering
6 of the Class of 1959 from Dwight performance both on and off the field. Fellow D-E Athletic Hall of Famer Tom for the tradition of success that D-E 7
After a memorable season of 13 wins and Curry calls golfing phenom David experiences in soccer to this day.
School and Englewood School for Boys,
two losses for ESB baseball in 1970, Chubinsky ’94“a credit to Dwight-
provided alumni with plentiful
Coach Sakala moved on to coach football Englewood, his family and to himself.” See photo collage next page for even
opportunities for reminiscing and
Members of ESB ’59 celebrated their 50th reunion! Pictured from left to right are:
and baseball at this alma mater, Chubinsky, who competed against the more photos and reflections from the
re-connecting, and offered a fitting Jackson Kytle; Peter Rousselot (class agent); James “Jim” Phyte; Rick Rosner; Don Provost;
Columbia University. In 1977, he was best high school golfers in the 90s, more Reunion and Gradution 2009
conclusion to a perfect weekend. Richard “Dick” Vann (class agent); not pictured is Kurt Johnson, who also attended.
tapped by Union College in Schenectady, often than not, emerged victorious. celebration weekend.
ARC Chairman Marc Jerome ’85 (far left) joined fellow alumni and their children for a morning lacrosse game on Gaham Field.
Coach C. Christian Schmid “Schmiddy” (4th from right) also joined in. Members of the 1978 Boys Varsity Soccer Team joined Coach Chris Schmid (center) to receive their Bulldog Hall of Fame honors.
ALUMNIRECEPTION&GRADUATIONWEEKEND
Picture-perfect weather contributed to the festive environment already in place at this year’s 2009 Alumni Reunion and
Commencement celebrations. The photos here provide a small sampling of the wonderful new memories created during the
weekend’s events. For more photos please visit www.d-e.org/alumni
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today. “Musically, I’ve been shaped by
the role models I’ve had in my life. There
were several teachers at D-E that I loved
and looked up to, and of course, my
parents are huge role models. I have so
ALUMNIPROFILE The May 22 performance by Trio Cavatina on the D-E campus is just one of the
much respect for them,” says Rhodes.
exciting concerts being offered as part of this year’s 2009-2010 Head of School Series.
In addition to a faculty she felt deeply Initiated last year to showcase exceptional professionals in the fine arts (with plans to
connected to, Rhodes says her time at eventually feature presentations on literature, history, philosophy, and more), the
D-E Alumna Soars with a ’Full Heart’ Dwight Englewood taught her how to be an Series will once again provide live performances of the highest caliber. The calendar
independent thinker. “Dwight is such a of upcoming events currently includes:
high-powered prep school; I never worked
For chamber musician Harumi Rhodes, ’97, the key to her success is simple: “I try to do everything I do with my full heart,” she says. as hard as I did at D-E,” she said. “My November 20, 2009: 315 East A Chamber Ensemble performs “Classic
“That way I know I’ll learn something along the way and also represent myself well.” senior year was all about outside projects Masterpieces with a Gypsy Spirit” featuring the works of Dvorak, Ginastera and
– the faculty of D-E encouraged me to map Brahms; Schenck Auditorium
my own course, and to be responsible for
January 15, 2010: Jazz Vistas, Hajjar Auditorium; Sounds of Africa
my destiny. I credit D-E with teaching me
how to be curious on my own.” April 9, 2010: 315 East A Chamber Ensemble, Schenck Auditorium; the Carnival
R of the Animals
hodes, an accomplished,
Curiosity, and her ability to trust her
classically-trained May 22, 2010: Trio Cavatina, Schenck Auditorium
instincts, led Rhodes to the Juilliard School
violinist, and a founding (where she studied with Ronald Copes and Visit www.d-e.org in the coming months for more information on other
member of the critically- Earl Carylss), and then on to the New upcoming Head of School Series events.
ol acclaimed chamber music group, England Conservatory of Music where she
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ch Trio Cavatina, has been doing graduated with the highest honor as a
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d everything with her ’full heart,’ for recipient of the Gunther Schuller Award. “I
o Trio Cavatina has won acclaim from chamber music aficionados
o moved from New York to Boston for a
w as long as she can remember.
e teacher – Donald Weilerstein – and it was worldwide for their classical and romantic repertoire. Following
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En In fact, she says she and fellow trio the best decision I ever made,” she said. is a partial schedule of appearances for the upcoming season. 9
ght- mates – cellist Priscilla Lee and pianist For more information, visit www.triocavatina.com. 200
wi Ieva Jokubaviciute – who met eight years Today, this impresario is a self-professed all
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ago at the Marlboro Music Festival in “freelancer” whose hectic schedule leads
10 Vermont, and formed Trio Cavatina three her to points near and far. November 1, 2009 at 4pm February 9th, 2010 11
Performers of Westchester San Francisco Performances
years later, were drawn together by a
What’s next for this hugely talented Guest artist: Andy Simionescu, violin www.performances.org
similar outlook and approach. “Our
musician? Trio Cavatina will make its San Burchard Tang, viola
personalities are very different, but our
Francisco debut next season as well as its www.performersofwestchester.org/ February 21, 2010 at 3pm
musical values are the same,” she
Philadelphia debut as one of the youngest Union College Concert Series
acknowledges. “We all throw ourselves
ensembles to perform as part of the December 6, 2009 at 4pm Schenectady, NY
into our work with a single-minded
prestigious Philadelphia Chamber Music Douglaston, NY www.union.edu/concertseries
passion.” That single-minded devotion to
Society concert series. (See accompanying http://www.communitychurchofdougl
her craft has paid off handsomely; most
article for a complete schedule of aston.org/ March 15, 2010
recently the members of Trio Cavatina
upcoming performances.) St. Francis College
were honored to win the prestigious –
December 9, 2009 at 1pm Brooklyn Heights, NY
and highly coveted – 2009 Naumburg
Trio Cavatina. will also release its first CD Dorot http://www.stfranciscollege.edu
Award Chamber Music competition.
this fall, and of course, there’s the trio’s New York, NY
performance at Carnegie Hall. “Because http://www.dorotusa.org March 16, 2008 at 10am
Rhodes, who as a seven-year-old
we won the Naumburg, we have the December 11, 2009 at 8pm Queens College Chamber Music Live
“begged” her mother to allow her to play
opportunity to make our debut at Philadelphia Chamber Music Society www.qc.cuny.edu
the violin, said she and the other
Carnegie Hall,” says Rhodes, who notes Samuel S. Fleisher Art Memorial
members of Trio Cavatina were so
that the trio will perform the world Philadelphia, PA May 22, 2010 at 7:30pm
excited to learn they’d won this well-
premier of a composition to be written www.pcmsconcerts.org, Dwight-Englewood School
known competition. “We felt we had
for them by Richard Danielpour – a Schenck Auditorium
bared our souls; we played from our
much-anticipated honor. Trio Cavatina’s January 31, 2010 at 3pm www.d-e.org
hearts,” said Rhodes. “Priscilla had
Carnegie Hall performance takes place Brooklyn Friends of Chamber Music
just had a baby and we were all
on May 26, 2010 at Weill Recital Hall at Brooklyn, NY May 26, 2010
energized to go for it,” she exclaimed.
Carnegie Hall. Trio Cavatina is also www.brooklynfriendsof Carnegie Hall, Weill Recital Hall
That energy has been the driving scheduled to perform on campus at chambermusic.org New York, NY
force behind Rhodes’ success since Schenck Auditorium on May 22, 2010 as http://www.carnegiehall.org
her D-E days. part the school’s Head of School Series. February 7th, 2010
Brooklyn Library as part of the May 30, 2010
Rhodes credits her parents (violist World premieres and CD debuts may Carnegie Hall Neighborhood Series Millbrook Assembly
Samuel Rhodes and violinist Hiroko sound like life in the fast lane, but not for http://www.carnegiehall.org/article/ Millbrok, NY
Harumi Rhodes ’97 (far right) is pictured here with the internationally-acclaimed Trio Cavatina. Yajima) and several members of the D-E Harumi Rhodes. “I make projects for explore_and_learn/
The group will perform at Dwight-Englewood on May 22, 2010, as part of the Head of School faculty for helping her to become the myself – I like to be busy,” she says. “I art_neighborhood_concerts.html
2009-2010 series. For more information visit www.d-e.org. musician – and the person – she is want to do it all.”
Snapshots of D-E Life:
SPRING–EARLY FALL2009
From an original co-ed Middle School production of literary classic The Lord of the Flies and the beloved Lower School Puppet
Parade -- To the annual 5th Grade Original Opera production, the Upper School Michael A. Glowski Intramural Competition (M.A.G.I.C.)
and the 2009 Faculty, Staff & Trustee Dinner – D-E school life in the Spring to early Fall 2009 timeframe was busy, bustling and
filled with energy! Enjoy the photos below for a sense of campus life during this particular time of year.
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Rising Star Shines in
Musical Production
One hundred and nine Armenian
STUDENTSTANDOUTS&FACULTYENDEAVORS
orphans, later known as The
Georgetown Boys, arrived in
Georgetown, Canada on June 30th,
1923, the beneficiaries of government
Every day D-E students demonstrate how they understand and live the core value of “Respect”! Here are just a few examples of these
support and the generosity of ordinary
student standouts.
Canadians. It was a singular event in
Canadian history – often regarded as
Canada’s first humanitarian act on an
international scale.
Senior Mobilizes -D-E Community To Walk For A Cure
Now more than 80 years later, their
story is a subject of a musical, called
Last Spring, D-E senior Aaron to converse with and engage more people me personally since my mother is an appropriately enough, “The Georgetown
Boys.” The play is being performed by the
Fleischauer took an important step in in a positive way,” said Fleischauer. “The ovarian cancer survivor. I was so proud of
Hamazkayin Youth Theater Group of New
the fight against cancer, mobilizing day of the walk was incredible. Before the the D-E community; their respect for the
Jersey which was created in 2005 by the
the D-E community to participate in a walk took place, there were several very speakers and their support of the cause
Hamazkayin Armenian Educational and
walk for Gilda’s Club of Hackensack dynamic speakers who shared their couldn’t have been more evident,” he said.
Cultural Society, and is made up of
ol (www.gildasclubnnj.org), a support group personal stories about their battle against
o children and teenagers ranging from 8 to
h that helps women and families affected cancer. It was a very moving and This Fall 2009, Fleischauer will be
d Sc by cancer. Approximately 20 D-E faculty, inspirational experience.” pounding the pavement and leading the 18 years of age from within the Armenian
oo students and their families joined the way again, organizing another walk in Community of Northern New Jersey.
w
e cause, helping to raise almost $7,000 Fleischauer added that listening was an Ridgewood, NJ. Proceeds from this walk will
gl Starring D-E Senior Varak Baronianas
n to help fight ovarian cancer. important part of showing respect that day benefit CancerCare, another organization
ht-E because each of the speakers opened her that aids people whose lives have been Afton Thomas ’10, pictured at one of her recent swim meets. Michael, the musical chronicles the lives of 009
Dwig “eOxprgearineinzicneg ftohre m wea; lIk e wnajosy ead d tifhfee roepnptortunity hanea imrt ptoo rsthaanrte e ave pnetr fsoorn maly sftaomryi.l y“ Tahnids wfoars avifsfeitc wtewdw b.cya cnacnecrecra. rFeo.or rmg.ore information, D-E Swimmer Tests Competitive Waters twhheo 1 w0e9r eA romrpehnaianne dc hdiuldrrinegn ,t hvaer Ayirnmg einn iaagnes, Fall 2
Genocide. It’s about how they were brought
14 15
over from regions of historical Armenia to
Michael Phelps and Dara Torres notwithstanding, most competitive
Georgetown, Canada, a farming community,
swimmers aren’t born, they’re made. Just ask D-E Senior Afton
and how they were urged to assimilate into
Thomas, whose love of the water inspired her to take her competitive
the Canadian society, struggling to keep
swimming to the next level.
their identities in their new home. The play
centers on Michael, one of the first of the
Thomas, who had previously confined her pool time to the summer season
boys who returns to visit Georgetown after a
only, decided to kick it up a notch last fall. She joined GBCY TIDE, a YMCA
ten-year absence. As enthusiastic reviewers
team based in Hackensack, and began her quest to become a competitive
note, “Michael recalls the experiences of
swimmer. From September to April, she attended daily three hour practices in his youth: the games they played, their
order to prepare for the team’s dual and invitational meets. caretaker Mrs. Farmer, happy moments
they shared including their first real
“Not only did I find great coaches who fine-tuned my techniques and pushed Christmas, their Armenian teacher Mr.
me to the limit, I found a group of supporting and hardworking teammates Alexanian, and Michael’s first love.”
which would soon become my second family; the bond that our team has
formed is unbreakable,” says Thomas. Her experience on TIDE has also taught The musical is written and directed by Dr.
her time management, discipline, and the importance of teamwork, she said. Herand Markarian who has written 25 plays
By the end of the season, Thomas was named “Rookie of the Year”. and previously directed several Off-Broadway
productions. Sold-out performances locally in
This past summer, her new “off season,” Thomas swam her fourth season Northern New Jersey, Southern New Jersey,
with the Englewood Field Club Sharks. “Transitioning into a different league, NY’s Queensboro College, and at Andover, in
from the BCCCL to the NJSwimSix meant our team had to step up in order to Massachusetts drew rave reviews, as have
compete at a higher level with longer distance races,” she said. This summer, additional performances in cities including
Thomas was undefeated in 50m butterfly and the 200 IM [individual medley] Montreal, Toronto, and Washington DC, (at
in her league, and set new personal records. She also received the MVP award the Kennedy Center). Most recently, the
for the third year in a row. theatre group was invited to perform in
California in December 2009. There will
Thomas reports that she’s very excited for the 2009-2010 season to start and be 2 performances, one in Los Angeles,
that she has many goals for the upcoming season, including swimming in the the other in San Francisco.
Sunkissed National Championships in Charlotte, NC in April. “I am currently
looking at several Division I and III colleges, and can’t wait to compete at the
collegiate level,” she says.
Aaron Fleischauer ’10 (top row, 3rd from left) was joined by family and friends in his efforts for Gilda’s Club.
STUDENTSTANDOUTS
Young Illustrator Publishes First Book Siblings Offer HOPE to Children in Need D-E Senior Gives Back
to Help Those in Need
For anyone who’s ever doubted that Whether in English, Spanish or pictures,
persistence pays off, consider D-E this story is full of heart.” Glass also W
hile most kids spend school
seventh grader Isabel Levin. When praised the Spanish translation (by the
and summer vacations soaking
she was just 10 years old, Isabel worked author’s husband, Victor Amezcua) and
up the sun, D-E Senior Ashley
diligently over the course of an entire recommended the book for bilingual
Goldenberg had something else in mind.
year to illustrate a children’s book. families with kids, as the English and
Recently, that book, called Gruffy’s New the Spanish translation are in kids’
Last spring, this talented tri-sport
Sister, written by Julie Catton Amezcua, colloquial lingo.
(volleyball, basketball and softball) athlete
was published.
decided to accompany her uncle, a plastic
Proud father, Robert Levin, is a
surgeon, on his annual trip to a village in
Gruffy’s New Sister is a bilingual drumming/percussive expert who has
Honduras. Every year for as long as she
(English/Spanish) children’s story about been sharing his talents with D-E seventh
could remember, her uncle had joined a
an adorable dog named Gruffy and the graders for the past 18 years. (Most
team of experts who donate their services
hardships he endures when his family recently, he participated in the Spring
at an orphanage called Las Flores. There,
adopts a new kitten as his sister; H.O.P.E. concert (see related Spotlight
young boys ages 6 -17 await life-changing
reviewers note that the “complexity of feature) and he taught drumming at D-E’s Amanda Harris ’11 and Sabrina Garcia ’09 at the HOPE benefit concert they organized.
surgeries – cleft palate repair, ear and
Gruffy’s down to earth character, and the Summer Connections Camp program. He
hand reconstruction and burn/scar (skin
age-appropriate content make this an also arranged a theme that Isabel It’s not everyday that an older sibling inspires a younger sister to follow in
graft) operations. For Ashley, this trip was
appealing book for upper elementary composed for an 8-piece student pit his footsteps, but in the case of Sam ’08 and Amanda ’10 Harris, that’s
also a life-changing experience; she
school and middle school students.” orchestra, developing an original exactly what happened.
learned that many of patients’ injuries
ol Gruffy’s New Sister is available for percussive underscore for the Middle
o were a result of simply trying to survive –
Sch purchase via www.bilingual-bilingual.com. School’s spring 2009 co-ed performance Three years ago, Sam founded an organization called H.O.P.E. (Helping Out by heating food or trying to heat
d of Lord of the Flies.) People Everywhere) after spending three weeks in Cape Town and being very
o themselves over open oil cans (in the
wo Isabel’s fifth grade Spanish teacher, affected by the poverty he saw there. Sam wanted to build a basketball court street). To Ashley, the realization was
gle Señora Janet Glass, who last year won Robert acknowledged that Isabel is very in the township, but quickly realized that without the support of an organized troubling, and the reality tragic.
En the honor Best Foreign Language excited about the book, but she’s also administration, getting it done would be difficult. He turned to two groups to 9
ght- Teacher of the Year from the American eager for people to see her more current help his dream become a reality — Starfish Charity (www.starfishcharity.org) With her Honduras experience still weighing 200
Dwi CLaonugnucail goens ,t hreec Teenatlcyh rienvgi eowf eFdo rtehigen book, wviosirtk h. eFra nwse bo fs Iistea baetl and her artwork can and the Cape Town SOS Village (www.sosvillages.org). heavily on her mind, Ashley elected to Fall
spend spent six weeks over the summer at
16 noting that “Isabel Levin’s illustrations http://mysite.verizon.net/vze3mnfv/ to Fast forward to last Spring when Sam tapped little sister Amanda (along with her 17
the Amigos de las Americas in Cruz del
greatly enhance the story. The deep, check out a treasury of more than 20 pal Sabrina Garcia ’09), to continue the work begun by HOPE the year before.
Nino, Mexico, teaching English, Health and
saturated colors are reminiscent of drawings from this prolific and very Amanda and Sabrina sprang into action, holding a bake sale, conducting a table
Hygiene classes to children. Most recently,
homes in Mexico and the expressive talented young artist. D-E student Isabel Levin displays her beautiful tennis tournament that involved more than 50 students, and staging a concert –
she and pal Rachel Chinman, daughter of
faces underscore the strong emotions. original art. all of which helped to raise $1,500 to support HOPE. Says Amanda, “The money
Linda Reiter ’78 and Jeffrey Chinman, and
raised this year is being used to help cover the cost of refinishing the basketball
a fellow senior, started a new Upper School
court surface, and the money raised last year paid for the installation of basketball
Club, “I Care for Kids.” The club collects
hoops; it’s amazing to see the work my brother started finally come to fruition.”
money and clothing for those in need.
The most recent beneficiary was NY’s
Amanda also traveled to Cape Town this summer and volunteered in the
International Hospital for Children and
townships, helping to paint a high school that was in serious disrepair. Her time
the Good Shepherd Foster Home.
there convinced her that the situation in the townships is dire and she is vigilant
about ensuring that money raised makes its way to the cause it is intended to
What’s next for this caring and
support. Notes Amanda, “These children need help, and they also need hope;
compassionate senior? Ashley’s goal is to
together, we can help make a difference.”
become a doctor. This past summer she
also shadowed a neurosurgeon at the
Cornell Weill Medical center where she got
to experience neuro-surgery firsthand. She
tells us, “I witnessed many operations
including the removal of pituitary tumors
and mapping the location of where
epileptic seizures stem from.” She’s
definitely on the right track, with her favorite
subjects being science and math. Her
experience at D-E has been an enriching
one, noting that she considers all her
teachers her favorites. She also likes how
D-E allows “me to be (more) independent
and develop or do things that are
Faculty member and D-E parent Robert Levin (3rd from left) organized an energetic interesting just to me.” Her teachers
percussive performance for the concert, featuring D-E Lower School students. couldn’t agree more.