Tatnall Today Spring 2016 by The Tatnall School

Unleash Your

BRAIN Creativity Centers Nurture Innovation

Spring 2016

TODAY

M A G A Z I N E

During the 2016 Penn Relays, the team of Onyi Osuagwu ’17, Kayla Woods ’18 (above, foreground), Tori Knox ’17 (above, background) and Lexxie Mathis ’18 set a school record in the girls 4x100, with a time of 50.59 seconds.

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Interim Introduction Meet Timothy M. Burns, Ph.D., Tatnall’s interim head of school for the 2016–2017 school year. Page 8

No Student or Teacher Left Inside Tatnall faculty and students utilize the school campus during the 2016 Delaware Association for Environmental Educators Conference. Page 18

Spring 2016

Table of Contents

FEATURES

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Unleash Your Brain From a school-wide Innovation Day to the building of a new ID Lab, Tatnall fosters two important 21st-century skills: creativity and innovation.

Feel the Beat Cross-curricular artist-in-residence program introduces students to West Africa.

Global Citizenship Starts Here Tatnall’s new Center for Global Understanding and Engagement prepares students to find success in and make an impact on the wider world.

Cool Dudes, Mean Girls and a Musical Tatnall students embark on a Sundance Film Festival– inspired journey, complete with screenwriters, costume designers and lighting specialists.

All Eyes on the Goal

He Does the Math

Lacrosse coaches Jim Trowbridge and Eric Bartlett lead the future of Tatnall’s lacrosse program.

Doug Ross ‘80 makes a habit of supporting Tatnall, and it counts!

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Passion, Soul and Creativity Architect Drex Patterson ’69 proves Tatnall was a building block to a great future. Page 30

Foreword MA GAZINE

Nurturing the Creative Impulse for 85 Years

TODAY

A MESSAGE FROM CHARLIE

Eight years after Mrs. Tatnall opened the doors of her new school in 1930, the American philosopher and educational reformer John Dewey published his book “Experience and Education.” In this groundbreaking work, Dewey suggests that students often learn best whenever they make their own knowledge and create opportunities to test and apply their learning. Of course, Mrs. Tatnall knew this right from the start as she shaped her new school to value curiosity, creativity, public demonstrations, collaboration and real-world experiences. Creativity, imagination and innovation have been driving forces at The Tatnall School for over eight decades. And this is vitally important given the pace and volume of change and challenges our students will face in the evolving workplace and their world in general.

The Tatnall School 1501 Barley Mill Road | Wilmington, DE 19807 (302) 998-2292 | www.tatnall.org

Not long ago, I read an article highlighting the four key criteria Google relies on to hire new employees: creative and entrepreneurial inclinations, high character, effective communication skills and talents as a collaborator. Throughout the pages of this issue of Tatnall Today, you will appreciate how all of these attributes infuse teaching and learning at Tatnall. Our students learn how to ask great questions, design experiments and experiences to test their ideas, create art and ensemble, collaborate, serve, solve problems and take on leadership roles both here at school and out in the community. The practice of these 21st-century skills provides deep learning here on campus and clearly inspires our Tatnall alumni to craft purposeful lives in college and beyond.

2015–2016 BOARD OF TRUSTEES

It has been a privilege to serve Tatnall and to create deep connections in this wholehearted school community. As the Tierneys refocus on the care for family members, we expect to maintain our excellent ties to our friends and colleagues. Dr. Tim Burns joins a vibrant, forward-leaning school, and he is sure to further the exciting momentum and to honor Tatnall’s distinctive history and valued traditions.

Head of School, Charles A. Tierney III | Head of Upper School, Timothy J. Quinn | Head of Middle School, Rebecca Rollinson | Head of Lower School, Deanna L. Bocchetti | Head of Preschool, Aimee C. Neff

It is so very clear to me that the world needs The Tatnall School and all of its creative, innovative, resilient and collaborative students. To that end, I request that all Tatnall School alumni, parents, grandparents and friends join Gina and me in supporting The Fund for Tatnall and the Red Oak Legacy Society. Without a doubt, your support fuels the Tatnall lamps for all our remarkable current students and all those future students who aspire to a transformational Tatnall journey.

Charles A. Tierney III Head of School

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Tatnall Today is published twice a year by Tipton Communications. Copyright by The Tatnall School. Alumni and faculty articles encouraged.

EDITOR Nicole Fullerton, Tipton Communications, (302) 454-7901

DIRECTOR OF ADVANCEMENT AND COMMUNICATIONS Michael J. Talarico, (302) 892-4333, mtalarico@tatnall.org

DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI RELATIONS Anita Marcial, (302) 892-4337, marcial@tatnall.org

ADMINISTRATION

Business Manager, Paula L. Hager | Director of Athletics, Patrick L. Jones | Director of Enrollment and Financial Aid, Allison M. Price | Operations Foreman, Barry T. Kintz

The Tatnall School admits students of any race, color, gender, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin and ancestry to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate in the administration of its educational and admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.

Around Campus

You Will Be Floored! As part of The Tatnall School’s continual investment in campus facilities, the 2,520-square-foot Beekley Gymnasium floor was renovated during spring break. The wooden floor was completely sanded, court lines and designs were updated and repainted, and multiple coats of finish were applied. The new floor is brighter and better than ever!

Middle School Ice Hockey Team Skates to Victory Tatnall’s talented Middle School ice hockey team took home the school’s first Middle School Ice Hockey Championship this March! Throughout their winning season, the Hornets successfully competed often with only eight skaters and a goalie. During the state championship, however, the team was truly put to the test, as it entered the tournament with only six skaters. Despite facing off against teams with as many as 18 players, the Hornets demonstrated true Tatnall teamwork, athleticism and perseverance as they triumphantly secured the 9–4 victory against Team Delaware during the state championship game.

Hitting All the Right Notes Eight Tatnall musicians were selected for this year’s Delaware All-State Music Ensembles. Ben Zong ’17 (violin) and Yujie Slinkard ’18 (cello) will play with the orchestra; Charlotte Brown ’17 (clarinet), Dan Murphy ’17 (oboe), Austin Leshock ’17 (tenor saxophone) and Teresa Pan ’16 (timpani) will perform with the senior band; and Bennett Atwater ’16 (guitar) and Austin Leshock (tenor saxophone) will play in the jazz band.

Spring 2016 :: Tatnall Today ::

Around Campus

Nationally Recognized Artists and Authors After national adjudication, Emilie Ginn ’16 has been awarded a Gold Medal in the National Scholastic Writing Awards for her essay “Lost in Translation,” in which she discusses key components of Albert Camus’s “L’Etranger” and investigates the various discrepancies in the translation of the novel. Remarkably, Emilie also received a Gold Key, the competition’s highest award, for both art and writing during Delaware’s Scholastic Art & Writing Awards competition. Tori Knox ’17 and Isabel Edstrom ’17 also have been awarded national Silver Medals in the arts portion of the competition for their pastel drawings titled “The Recital” and “Marmalade,” respectively. Emilie, Tori and Isabel’s work represents the top 1 percent of art and writing submitted to the 2016 Scholastic Awards.

Math Students Measure Up Throughout the fall and winter, members of Tatnall’s math team traveled across the state to compete in a series of competitions. In the ninth grade division, Rachel Cohen ’19, Julia Goodwin ’19, Emilia Onuonga ’19, Ryan Sun ’19 and Michael Zheng ’19 earned first place in the region. Individually, Teresa Pan ’16 and Michael Zheng earned second place in the region, while Emilia Onuonga and Ryan Sun placed third. Congratulations, Tatnall mathletes!

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Tatnall Students Sweep Scholastic Art & Writing Awards Tatnall’s talented authors and artists swept the competition during the 2016 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, the nation’s most prestigious recognition program for creative teens. In the visual arts categories, Tatnall won more individual (121) and portfolio (9) awards than any other school in the state! Tatnall was also the most awarded school in Delaware in the literary portion of the competition, with 24 commended pieces of writing.

New Website to Wow During the summer, Tatnall’s Website Steering Committee will complete work on a new learning management system to replace TatnallNet and Hornet Homeroom, as well as a new Tatnall website. The state-of-the-art platform will feature an updated design and an intuitive, user-friendly interface. The new site will launch by the start of the 2016–2017 school year.

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Around Campus

Crossland ’16 Named Male Swimmer of the Year…Again! David Crossland ’16 completed his phenomenal high school swimming career with a splash. During the state championship swimming meet, David placed first in the 100 Butterfly with a time of 48.65 seconds, and first in the 100 Backstroke with a time of 48.24 seconds,

beating his record-setting win from last year by over a full second! David finished the season 1st Team All State and was named Swimmer of the Year for the third time in a row by the Delaware Interscholastic Athletic Association. In the fall, David will swim at Auburn University.

Whether they traveled near or far, Tatnall’s students, parents and faculty members made sure to display their Tatnall pride during this year’s spring break. Colin Sullivan ’19 played a game of tennis with his mother, Danielle, in Tubac, Arizona.

ameron Wright ’22 represented C Tatnall on the beaches of Punta Cana!

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Emily Wilson ’26 showed off her Tatnall spirit at the Red Caboose Motel, set on 10 acres in Amish country.

Two Tatnall families linked up for a trip to the Grand Canyon and the Hoover Dam. The Finemans (Michael ’28, Matthew ’26 and Sarah ’24) and the Catalanos (Jimmy ’24 and Josephine ’24) enjoyed taking in the sights!

Tatnall Students Pay it Forward:

Philanthropy by the Numbers 1,533 sandwiches

collected for The Ministry of Caring’s Emmanuel Dining Room during Lower School Sandwich Days.

$1,183 raised

$1,000 raised

for the Boys & Girls Club in Bear as a result of Tatnall Field Day, organized by David Klemens ’16.

14 hours volunteered by the entire eighth grade during the Make a Difference Day.

for Easter Seals Delaware & Maryland’s Eastern Shore thanks to the Preschool Hop-N-ing program.

2,700 canned goods

donated to the St. Stephen’s Food Pantry by Lower and Upper School families.

1,022 canned goods

collected during the Middle School Tatnall Harvest.

153,000 pop tabs

collected by Preschool families for the Ronald McDonald House.

65 local children

supported through the Lower School’s Ministry of Caring service project.

75 caps

knitted by the Upper School Knitting Club and donated to local hospitals. Spring 2016 :: Tatnall Today ::

Around Campus

Interim Introduction

Meet Timothy M. Burns, Ph.D., Tatnall’s Interim Head of School Q: What are your priorities as interim Head of School?

Q: What drives your passion for education?

As interim, I am committed to establishing the Head of School’s presence in a way that confirms confidence that the school is in capable hands throughout the transition. In addition to working toward fulfilling the goals set by the Board of Trustees, which includes attention to elements of the strategic plan, I plan to immerse myself in the school’s culture, getting to know the school, its students and its faculty. In addition, I plan to participate in activities that typically involve the head, such as fundraising and admissions, in an authentic way.

Observing and participating in the growth and development of human beings from children to adults drives my passion. Education is a profession that concentrates on helping students (and teachers) to develop a sense of their talents and passions. I’d like to think that my career, in some small way, has contributed to helping launch young people to take their places in the world, ready to be committed, caring, lifelong learners and human beings with informed consciences that inspire them to help humanity.

Q: What attracted you to The Tatnall School? I was attracted to Tatnall because of the school’s distinctive mission and national reputation for having a strong collegepreparatory program within the context of being a “family-oriented” school. In the 1980s, I had an interview with a teacher at La Jolla Country Day School who had previously worked at Tatnall. I vividly remember her passionate appreciation of a sense of togetherness within the Tatnall community. It was the first time I had heard the school’s name, and I have never forgotten the teacher’s description of its sense of community.

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Q: Can you share two fun or interesting facts about yourself? A few years ago, I answered the call of a high school drama department in distress and stepped in to take on the role of Mr. MacAfee in “Bye Bye Birdie” so that the show could go on. I had a particularly good time with the song “Kids.” My interest in how children learn reflects my own appreciation of childlike wonders that include chocolate, ice cream, magicians, carnivals and, particularly, roller coasters.

Timothy M. Burns, Ph.D.

Headships Burns began his head experience

at Columbus Academy in Ohio, where he worked as an English teacher and Lower School head. Later, he served as head of

school of Mayfield Senior School, an all-girls Catholic day school in Pasadena, California, for four years. For nine years, Burns served

as the head of school at La Jolla Country Day School, a private school for students age 3 through grade 12, in La Jolla, California.

Interim Experience In 1990, Burns began lending his

expertise to a number of schools in transition, serving as interim or transition head of independent schools in New York, Illinois, California and Washington state. To date, Burns has served as interim head of 10 schools.

Education A graduate of John Carroll

University with a bachelor of arts in English, Burns moved to Washington, DC, where he completed a master of arts in English literature before moving on to earn his doctorate at Ohio State University in educational administration and early childhood education.

Reporting Live from The Tatnall School From behind a digital reporter’s desk created using the Ederic Library’s green screen technology, Alex Popescu ’24 and Michael McGinley ’24 had breaking news to share with the Tatnall community. “A tornado has struck the tri-state area!” said Alex. “And some say it will be the worst tornado in all of history!” added Michael. Although Alex and Michael’s delivery rivals that of seasoned news anchors, the boys’ report was not a real weather alert. Instead, the newscast was the final step in the fourth grade Extreme Weather Project, a research-based and technologically driven group assignment that challenged students to uncover the science behind extreme weather and geological disturbances. In their quest to discover what causes extreme weather, including twisting tornadoes, devastating earthquakes and volcanic

eruptions, the students relied on their research skills developed during Lower School librarian Heather Brooks’s reading class. “Research skills allow students to go beyond surface learning,” says Brooks. “In checking sources, asking good questions and using keywords, the students are gaining a deeper perspective, developing judgment and learning how to communicate their findings.” To begin, the students read nonfiction books and magazine articles and studied weather charts and world maps. They also identified typical nonfiction text structures, including subheadings and glossaries, and recorded notes using the “boxes and bullets” method, a note-taking technique that allows students to provide supporting ideas and examples. As a result, the students learned about the locations in which disruptive forces of nature typically occur, scientific tools of measurements, including the Fujita, Richter and Mercalli scales, and important weather-related safety tips. Armed with their research, the fourth graders were eager to share their new knowledge. The students first converted their annotated notes into a scripted summary and collected images, graphs, maps and charts to support the research. They also planned costumes, created props and made cue cards before stepping in front of the green screen for their “live” broadcast. According to Brooks, the Lower School’s implementation of technology is a natural motivator for learning. “Student and teacher roles are evolving,” she says. “At Tatnall, technology enables students to take an active role in their learning and make choices about how to generate, locate, manipulate or display information.”

View the broadcasts: www2.tatnall.org/LSLibraryPortal/sites/fourth-extreme-weather/mainpage.html Spring 2016 :: Tatnall Today ::

In the Classroom

Earth Day: Making a Difference in Our Community Thanks to an educational grant awarded by the Association of Science-Technology Centers, Tatnall’s seventh grade environmental specialists recently partnered with the Delaware Museum of Natural History to create an interactive event in celebration of Earth Day. The program, “Making a Difference in Our Community,” allowed Tatnall students to become teachers for a day and design environmentally-minded projects for more than 200 Title 1 elementary school students. “Our education team [was] excited about mentoring the Tatnall students as they developed and created the activities for Earth Day,” says Jill Karlson, director of public programming. “The Earth Day event is a perfect fit for the museum’s purpose: to help develop a caring society that respects and values our planet.” The partnership wasn’t just a perfect fit for the museum. Tatnall’s environmentally focused studies, which include environmental awareness, a birding unit and an Adopt-a-Spot project, dovetailed nicely with the museum’s project and provided students with a great opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge in a near-peer format. “[Though] this is the first time for a partnership of this kind, it fits within our study of environmental concerns,” says Middle School science teacher John Evans. “Tatnall’s main goal is for our students to learn more about individual environmental or global issues and relate them back to local issues.”

Earth Day Themes In order to introduce their peers to a variety of environmental issues, Tatnall’s students selected a number of themes for their Earth Day presentations: Powerful Pollinators Climate Change Isn’t Cool Green Team - Recycling Earth Invaders - Invasive Species Water Works - Water Use and Conservation Nature’s Silverware - Animal Adaptations Are Dinosaurs Fueling Your Car? Fossil Fuels vs. Renewable Energy Make Extinction Extinct Pesticides: Harmful or Helpful?

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Jack Wilkinson ’21, who helped prepare a presentation titled “Powerful Pollinators,” visits Tatnall’s on-campus apiary.

In order to educate their peers, the students brainstormed various environmental issues before breaking into teams to conduct indepth research about their selected topics. “We asked the students to become experts in their subject so that they were prepared not only to teach but also answer questions,” says Middle School science teacher Karen Barker. After becoming experts, the students were tasked with designing fun, interactive presentations that would appeal to students in the first through third grades. In order to demonstrate the impact of animal extinction, pesticides, pollinators and water conservation, the students tapped into their creativity and developed educational bean bag toss games, dances and relay races. Weeks of hard work culminated on April 21, as the students presented their projects to students from Delaware, Pennsylvania and Maryland, inspiring environmental awareness in the minds of their young audience. While this was certainly a great learning experience, the opportunity benefitted the Tatnall students in more ways than one. “The students quickly realized that although they are only in seventh grade, they have enough knowledge to make a difference in our environment,” says Barker. Evans agrees. “The students now know that they can make an impact by not only making environmentally conscious choices themselves but also fostering those ideas in a younger generation.”

Wandering Words of Wisdom An apple a day keeps the doctor away. Curiosity killed the cat. You can’t have your cake and eat it too. There are countless clichés in the world, and endless metaphorical, insightful teachings that we all know and love. Although these adages have become commonplace, one major question still remains: do we actually live by these familiar proverbial sayings? As part of their second term curriculum, eleventh graders in Charles Umiker’s Latin IV Honors class decided to tackle that very question. By implementing a mission known as the Wandering Latin Project, students selected a philosophical quotation from the teachings of Lucretius’s “On the Nature of the Universe” or Marcus Aurelius’s “Meditations” and proceeded to live their quote to its deepest meaning. They did this by keeping a journal, practicing meditation, discussing their weekly findings and thoughts aloud, and periodically wandering out into the halls to spread their wisdom to other students and faculty members. “The idea was to experience the fear of the unknown and to overcome it with rational action, to realize that the fear is our own creation,” Umiker says. “When we overcame this fear and shared the wisdom with others, we found that most people loved hearing it and were grateful for the conversation.” While the project did focus on sharing the students’ new wisdom, the endeavor was also about being present. The class even celebrated a “Present Day,” during which they dedicated an entire morning to living in the moment and instilling a sense of power and freedom in one another. “I found that my students took to the philosophy very quickly and eagerly, as if it was something they were waiting for all along,” Umiker says. “It was a chance to connect with each other; reflect on life; experience silence, solitude, joy and play; and find kinship with people long ago who experienced their humanity as we do now, and strove to use it for good.”

From the Students: What Was Your Favorite Quotation? “ Today I escaped from all bothering circumstances—or rather I threw them out. They were nothing external, but inside me, just my own judgements.” (Meditations 9.13)

“ No! You do not have thousands of years to live. Urgency is on you. While you live, while you can, be good.” (Meditations 4.17)

—Lillia Schmidt ’17

—Karl Holler ’17

“The best revenge is not to be like your enemy.” (Meditations 6.6) —Elyse Messick ’17

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Unleash Your

Brain Miniature motorized cars blur as they zip down the hallway. Amazing shapes and other-worldly creatures arise from piles of Lego pieces. The aroma of freshly baked cake wafts through the air, as students proudly decorate their first-time culinary masterpieces. There’s nothing quite like Innovation Day at Tatnall, when students unleash their brains and make their ideas come to life.

Tatnall’s

Creativity Centers Nurture Innovation

The entire day was dedicated to passionate, self-directed learning. Inspired by members of the Tatnall faculty who attended the 2015 International Society of Technology Educators conference in Philadelphia, Innovation Day enabled students to participate in handson, project-based activities that included creating cake and candy sculptures, practicing photography and learning about computer programming. “The aim was to give the students a sense of ownership and voice, to motivate them with an experience of autonomy, mastery and purpose,” explained Head of Middle School Rebecca Rollinson. “It was exciting to see and experience how the students and teachers leveraged the opporuntity and permission to focus on trying, doing, creating and innovating,” added Head of School Charlie Tierney. While Innovation Day, held on April 8, was a first for Tatnall, creativity has long been an important part of Tatnall’s curriculum. Spring 2016 :: Tatnall Today :: 13

A rendering of Tatnall’s new Innovation and Design Lab set to open in September

“ It reminds me of when we were little and played with Legos,” says Zachary Narimanian ’20, who, along with Max Leary ’20, created a car using PVC pipes, duct tape and bicycle wheels. “Innovation Day has helped us take our ideas to a bigger scale.”

“Tatnall always has been a hive of creativity,” says Tierney. “Supporting students as they learn to ask great questions and create their own knowledge has been a hallmark educational focal point across our campus. Tatnall students enjoy powerful educational experiences daily, and many learn best through doing and creating and making.” Tatnall teachers recognize that in today’s evolving global economy mastering one specific skill set does not have the value it once did; and, as a result, they have implemented numerous programs including Creative Stations, Tinker Labs and Creativity Clubs designed to encourage exploration, creation and invention. These new initiatives have been designed to support creativity and innovation, important 21st-century skills that allow students to explore their whole skill set, preparing them for college and beyond. In order to provide its students with yet another center for excellence, the school is in the process of designing the new Innovation and Design (ID) Lab in the Beekley Building. The new space, in conjunction with Tatnall’s libraries and technology labs, complements the curiosity and creativity sparked in Tatnall’s classrooms. According to Tierney, the lab is intended to serve as a unifying hub along the Upper School’s science and math corridor. “Students and teachers will create and build projects or house longer-term, longitudinal projects. The state-of-the-art space will feature a flexible start-up concept with modular and portable furniture, power equipment, tools and technology.” Upper School science teacher Josh Gates adds, “We want to give students a place and time to pursue interesting projects, especially those that are cross-disciplinary and creative, and that engage their skills in problem solving. In these maker spaces students learn transferable skills, from technical to design skills, that will serve them for the rest of their lives.” As Tierney says, “From the beginning, Tatnall has been a maker space and a maker place.” However, with the recent success of Innovation Day and the upcoming launch of the ID Lab, Tatnall is at the forefront of the creativity and innovation movement. Adds Tierney, “In these creatively focused spaces, Tatnall teachers and mentors inspire their students to create new questions, new experiences and new knowledge.”

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Creativity Is Critical for Future Success Creativity isn’t a buzzword. Tatnall’s focus on unleashing student minds is helping develop an essential skill, according to top college admission teams and leading company CEOs. “More than rigor, management, discipline, integrity or even vision, successfully navigating an increasingly complex world will require creativity,” according to a 2010 IBM survey of 1,500 CEOs. Consider Harvard. Their admissions team wants to know the following when evaluating new applicants, according to the college’s website: H ave you reached your maximum academic and personal potential? D o you have a direction yet? What is it? If not, are you exploring many things? H ow open are you to new ideas and people? Tatnall helps students thoughtfully explore these questions each day by requiring academic excellence but also nurturing curiosity and creativity and encouraging students to grow in maturity and self-esteem.

INVESTORS IN THE MAKING

“ The biggest takeaway is the financial literacy the game engenders in our students.” — Heather Brooks, Lower School librarian

Would you trust two fourth graders to invest your money? You might rethink your answer after meeting Connor Warren ’24 and Spenser Neidig ’24. They won the State of Delaware’s fourth to sixth grade Stock Market Game competition by earning $2,094.98 in just 10 weeks on a hypothetical $100,000 investment. With the goal of increasing students’ financial literacy, the Stock Market Game, a Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA) program, pairs virtual investing with real-world learning in order to bolster students’ research, math, language, critical thinking and collaboration skills. “The biggest takeaway is the financial literacy the game engenders in students,” says Lower School librarian Heather Brooks, who has been a Stock Market Game coach since 1990. “This is the first time I’ve coached a team that has placed first in the state,” she adds. “It’s a real accomplishment for our students.” Over the course of the 10-week simulation, Connor and Spenser developed an online portfolio and began investing their $100,000 as they competed against teams from across the state. Throughout the game, the boys quickly became familiar with the ups and downs of investing and increased their understanding of the financial world. “You have to buy low, sell high and be calm and patient while you wait for the stock to go up,” says Spenser. “You also can’t be scared to sell,” advises Connor. In January, the boys were recognized for their work during an awards ceremony at the University of Delaware. During the ceremony, the boys shared their winning advice with friends, family, students and administrators from across the state. While the boys are not yet sure whether they see a future on Wall Street, they would like to work together again. “Spenser was looking at a lot of stocks even when we weren’t together,” says Connor of his dedicated teammate. Spenser adds, “Connor was supportive and helpful. He knew what he was doing when I didn’t.”

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FEEL THE BEAT Artists-in-Residence Bring West Africa to Tatnall

Along with the steady beat of a drum and a joyful xylophone melody, Tatnall students clapped their hands and stomped their feet as the international music group Rhythm Griots brought the sounds of traditional West African music to the Laird Performing Arts Center. The assembly was the culmination of a campus-wide program focused on African dance and drumming. Wearing colorful clothing and playing instruments made from various woods, Rhythm Griots impressed Tatnall students with their confidence in improvising, moving loosely and having fun with their performance before inviting students to hop on stage and participate in the performance by playing drums, xylophones and bells. Together, the performers and students literally rocked the house as they filled the theater with an uplifting, harmonious rhythm. “I felt lucky to see such experienced performers, and I could have never learned as much by reading a textbook,” says Chaily Derecskey ’21.

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This was the goal of Middle School instrumental teacher Mary Margaret Wilson, who secured the Delaware Division of the Arts grant that made this interdisciplinary and multicultural program possible. When Tatnall decided to perform the African-inspired song “Turn the World Around” for Founder’s Day, Wilson wanted to find a way to further expand students’ understanding of other cultures. “The program provided experiences outside of Tatnall’s normal routine,” she says. “I wanted the students to realize the many connections humans have, no matter who they are or where they are from.” Thanks to the grant and a partnership with the Delaware Institute for the Arts in Education (DIAE), the program kicked off in February with students learning African dance moves from DIAE teaching artists Dee Faison and Ashley SK Davis. The students then applied these moves to tell West African stories. They used their new moves to demonstrate Tatnall Daisy Values such as respect and compassion as well. “It was also a bonding experience with our friends,” says Jack Wilkinson ’21 about an eight-beat “secret” handshake the students learned during the session. “Everyone really enjoyed it. Tatnall is very lucky, because not many other schools get to have this experience.”

During the second part of the program, Senegalese percussionists and dancers Tony Vacca, Massamba Diop and Abdou Sarr from the Rhythm Griots came to Tatnall to teach students from all divisions about new rhythms and a different culture. The seventh through twelfth grade French students used their language skills to ask Diop about his culture, food and politics. And Diop answered in the native French dialect commonly spoken in Senegal. The tenth grade world history classes also discussed the impact of French culture on Senegal with Diop and Sarr. Even precalculus students met with Vacca to learn how math and geometry related to complex polyrhythms. “They described how they made the materials they were wearing by beating the hide, skinning it and rinsing it 10 times,” says Wilkinson. “It was definitely more involved than just going to a store and buying clothing like we often do.” After the clinics, Kayla Woods ’18 said she and her sisters from other Tatnall divisions practiced the dances together and performed them for their parents. “That makes me so happy,” Wilson says. “I wanted students to be impacted, so when they went home they would be excited about these experiences and they could share with others.”

A Snapshot of West African Folklore Below are some of the stories that Tatnall students read and then acted out in dances:

Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People’s Ears When a mosquito lies to a lizard, the lizard puts sticks in his ears and frightens another animal, which down a long line causes a panic. The mosquito hides to avoid punishment, and it now constantly buzzes in people’s ears to find out if everyone is still angry with it.

Anansi the Spider Man: “A Story, a Story” Anansi, the spider man, wanted to get all of the world’s stories, which belonged to the Sky God, and caught three sly creatures to get them.

Zomo the Rabbit A clever rabbit asks Sky God for wisdom but must accomplish three difficult tasks before he can attain it. Spring 2016 :: Tatnall Today :: 17

No Student or Teacher Left Inside

Embracing the Value of Environmental Education “Let our high school students play in the sandbox again.” This was the message Upper School science teacher and keynote speaker Dr. Dean Goodwin shared with environmental educators attending the 7th annual Delaware Association for Environmental Education (DAEE) Conference. Hosted on Tatnall’s stunning 110-acre campus, the 2016 DAEE Conference provided educators with the opportunity to network and participate in hands-on activities designed to enrich students’ connection with the outdoors.

Alex Richmond ’17 spoke with conference attendees about Delaware’s invasive plants.

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While many students, particularly high school–aged students, experience a strained relationship with nature, those at Tatnall explore the “sandbox,” or natural world, each day. Citing their teaching experiences in Tatnall’s nearby outdoor spaces, Dr. Goodwin, along with four members of Tatnall’s awardwinning Environmental Science and Field Studies Team, prepared conference workshops that emphasized environmental science instruction in both the lab and the field. “The outstanding environmental resources found on our campus provide our students with numerous opportunities to bridge laboratory investigations with

“ The outstanding environmental resources found on our campus provide our students with numerous opportunities to bridge laboratory investigations with field experiences.” — Greg Mentzer, Lower School science teacher

field experiences,” says Greg Mentzer, Lower School science teacher. “Few schools have this unique combination of natural resources readily available to engage students, provide field experiences and encourage the pursuit of scientific investigation.” Making use of Tatnall’s environmental wonders, Mentzer, along with Middle School science teacher Karen Barker, co-presented “Creating a National Wildlife Federation Certified Habitat at Your School.” Together, the two discussed and demonstrated the process of designing, installing and certifying a habitat on school property before leading tours of Tatnall’s very own nationally certified Lower and Middle School habitats. “Learning facts in the classroom is important, but connecting these ideas to real-life applications, in a garden or the woods, makes the learning real and relevant,” says Barker. Preschool science and technology teacher Nancy Flanagan also took advantage of Tatnall’s outdoor classrooms as she led engaging explorations in the Preschool’s Certified Habitat and the meadows, streams and vegetable gardens across campus during her presentation, “Exploring Nature – Teaching Science Outside.” “Students at other schools read a book or watch a video, but Tatnall students are fortunate to walk a few steps out their classroom door to learn about the environment,” says Flanagan. Tatnall’s environmental lessons and experiences are not limited to the school campus, however. Along with her husband, Gary, Upper School science teacher Sharon Kreamer prepared “Green Eggs and Sand,” a session created to help educators connect their students with the compelling story of the Delaware Bay horseshoe crab–shorebird– human controversy. The story of the horseshoe crabs has impacted a number of Tatnall students, particularly Yiying Sheng ’15, who traveled to an international horseshoe crab conference in Japan with the Kreamers last summer. While the conference certainly gave the teachers an opportunity to learn and share with local environmental educators, Tatnall’s AP Environmental Science students also showcased the knowledge they have gained as a result of Tatnall’s curriculum. “I was so excited to demonstrate all of the knowledge I had learned,” says Alex Richmond ’17, who completed a project about Delaware’s invasive plants. “I definitely feel like the experience was beneficial since I could talk to professionals and really display everything I have learned,” she adds. Each of the individual conference presentations demonstrated Tatnall’s commitment to providing students with a comprehensive program that invites them to learn about their surroundings and inspires them to become enlightened and environmentally focused citizens. “It’s very important for students to have a relationship with the outdoors because they themselves are part of the natural world and will one day be stewards of the environment,” says Kreamer. “As educators, we need to continue providing opportunities for students to have adventures outdoors and grow in appreciation of the ecosystems they are a part of.” Dr. Goodwin agrees. “I believe we can challenge students to do great things in school,” he says. “We just have to give them the opportunity to do so.”

“ Climate Change for Beginners” In addition to serving as keynote speaker, Dr. Goodwin signed copies of his recently published book, “Climate Change for Beginners,” during the conference. A fluid narrative, “Climate Change for Beginners” takes a balanced approach in explaining the history of global climate monitoring and change, and the whos, whats, whens, wheres and whys of the interaction between human activity and recent trends in the Earth’s climate. In the book, Dr. Goodwin challenges readers to gain a better understanding of the science behind environmental problems and provides a list of 50 action items that can help slow the effects of global warming.

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Global Citizenship

Starts Here Tatnall introduces the Center for Global Understanding and Engagement

Tori Knox ’17

Juanita Jayaprakash ’19 Andrew Sontchi ’19

GLUE Maddie Callahan ’16 Edward Saad ’18

Chase Reid ’18

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U.S. Senator Chris Coons addressing Tatnall’s Upper and Middle School students on the responsibilities of global citizenship.

Before answering questions about his global travels, Syrian refugees and the upcoming presidential election, United States Senator Chris Coons had this important advice to share with Tatnall’s Upper and Middle School students: “My hope for you as you spend time at Tatnall is that you’ll take the opportunity to get to know someone who is as different from you as you can imagine.” With his visit, Senator Coons officially kicked off Tatnall’s State of the World Speaker Series, a component of Tatnall’s new Center for Global Understanding and Engagement (GLUE) programming. Coons’s experience and anecdotes perfectly supplemented the GLUE mission: to prepare Tatnall students to find success in and make an impact on the world. “Thank you for launching this global initiative and for recognizing the importance of global understanding,” said Coons. Although still in its infancy, GLUE provides opportunities for students of all levels to become more involved, global citizens. In addition to developing an enhanced understanding of other cultures on campus, GLUE will help students gain an appreciation for both diversity and similarities among individuals and empower them to engage in global problem solving. “Becoming a global citizen requires students to step out of their comfort zone, take risks and try new things, such as visiting with different cultures,” explains Head of Upper School Timothy Quinn. “Global citizenship entails more than simply learning facts about other cultures and knowing your geography. Instead, it requires the deep understanding of differences between people and cultures and the building of empathy, both of which are contingent upon providing students with genuine experiences.” In order to give students these genuine experiences, a number of engaging, real-world activities fall under the realm of GLUE, including the speaker series, student exchange programs, student organizations such as Model United Nations and the Global

Youth Leadership Institute, international travel and study abroad opportunities, and local community involvement. While students can look forward to increased opportunities for global experience and understanding as the GLUE program continues to expand, they have already benefitted from two springtime GLUE initiatives. Following the visit from Senator Coons, New York Times best-selling author Andrea Wulf visited campus on April 14 to discuss her book, “The Invention of Nature: Alexander von Humboldt’s New World.” Wulf discussed the fascinating and sometimes forgotten life of visionary and globe-trotting German naturalist Alexander von Humboldt and gave students an opportunity to consider von Humboldt’s revolutionary environmental ideas. Additionally, several Upper School students recently participated in GLUE’s Denmark exchange program. After welcoming 17 Danish students from Tatnall’s sister school, Skive Gymnasium & HF, last fall, Tatnall students had the chance to travel to Denmark this spring. During the trip, the students lived with host families, attended classes at Skive Gymnasium and visited local points of interest, such as Rosenborg Castle in Copenhagen and the Moesgaard Museum in Aarhus. While travel is an important component of GLUE, equally important to the mission is active student engagement at the local level. GLUE will link up with the already robust community service offerings at Tatnall to demonstrate that the global world is evident right in our own backyard. Students will be challenged to solve global problems while serving nearby communities in Wilmington and Philadelphia. Whether they’re traveling abroad or considering global problems at home, the GLUE program exposes students to the globally focused experiences required for 21st-century success. According to Coons, “Tatnall is giving students the unique opportunity to consider their role in the community.”

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All Eyes on the

GOAL Veteran Coaches Selected to Lead the Future of Tatnall’s Lacrosse Program

Jim Trowbridge knows that turning around Tatnall’s boys lacrosse program won’t happen overnight, but there is one thing he can do right away: Make it fun and purposeful. “My number one goal is to make the game fun again,” says the newly installed head coach. “If I do this the rest will follow, and as a result we will win more games. I try to run a practice the way I would want to play. I ask myself, would I want to do this? Would I stay engaged? The best part is that I get to jump in and play with them, showing the athletes by actually doing.” Trowbridge, who previously served as assistant coach at Garnet Valley High School, is joined by new assistant coach Eric Bartlett. Trowbridge was a four-time letter winner at Syracuse University, and in 1983 he was part of its first National Championship Team. Bartlett was a varsity twoyear starter for Kutztown State University and AllAmerican finalist. Bartlett has also played with the Onondaga Nation and in the Lacrosse World Championships for Team USA. “What attracted us to these coaches was their total professionalism and respect for the game of lacrosse,” says Patrick Jones, director of athletics. “Jim and Eric understand that life skills can be taught while playing the game of lacrosse. They understood that we were looking for someone to come and create a full program, not just coach

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“ Next to parents, I believe coaches and teachers have the most impact on character development during these crucial adolescent and early childhood years.” — Jim Trowbridge

the varsity team. We have a rich history of boys’ lacrosse at Tatnall that spans over 30 years and numerous state championships. We were looking for coaches who not only understand the game, but, more importantly, can inspire our boys.” For Trowbridge, coaching lacrosse is an opportunity to help Tatnall’s student athletes learn leadership and collaboration skills, and prepare for college and life. “Next to parents, I believe coaches and teachers have the most impact on character development during these crucial adolescent and early adulthood years,” he says. “I intend to encourage a player to be creative and try new things.” Bartlett adds, “Our plans are to bring the love and passion of the game to the boys while instilling life lessons and building the program to a high level, all while enjoying the game.”

“ Our plans are to bring the love and passion of the game to the boys while instilling life lessons and building the program to a high level, all while enjoying the game.” — Eric Bartlett

Meet the Coaches: Simon Peppiatt and Dave Taylor Tatnall welcomes two new coaches to its tennis courts— Simon Peppiatt and Dave Taylor. Simon, who is ranked in the Top 6 regionally, has taught tennis in the tri-state area for more than 20 years and started the Excellence Tennis Academy in 2009, which trains some of the area’s best juniors. By his side is Dave Taylor, who is a certified teaching and coaching professional who has been running tennis and paddle programs for the past eight years. Welcome to Team Tatnall!

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Student-run Tatnall Filmmakers Guild produces movie parody and more.

Cool Dudes, Mean Girls and a Musical “Go back to your cheerleading, backstabbing, shoe-shopping besties and enjoy the rest of your typical high school experience.” With that line, Scott, one of the “cool dudes,” dismisses Emily, a wannabe mean girl, in Molly Soja ’17 and Robb Dehney’s ’17 short musical film, “Cool Dudes, Mean Girls and a Musical.” A parody of several Hollywood teen movies, the film is one of the first productions of Tatnall’s student-run Filmmakers Guild. Through the guild, 25 talented and adventurous Tatnall student filmmakers are distributed among two production companies that will each create a short film under 15 minutes. Each production company includes an editor, a cinematographer, a sound and lighting tech, a screenwriter, set designers and a costumer.

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“The most impressive part is that this is entirely student-run,” says Dr. Bruce Chipman, head of Upper School English, of the guild, which is led by Soja and Dehney. More than 30 years ago, the first film class at Tatnall used a college textbook to study film as a visual medium. Fast-forward to 2010, and the Tatnall Film Society is born. Upper School students with a common passion for film still come together twice a month to view and discuss classic films. Rooted in academics, Tatnall’s film studies and the Tatnall Film Society have generated a school-wide passion for filmmaking. “I gave them several books on filmmaking and sent them on their way,” says Chipman. “An ambitious endeavor, I have witnessed how the students not only grow as filmmakers but also develop their creative and collaborative skills.”

How did the Filmmakers Guild come to be? Molly Soja: Robb and I were part of a short-film extra credit project in Honors Chemistry last year, and after we were finished we realized we wanted to expand our filmmaking careers. We formed the Filmmakers Guild to allow Upper School students to discover and learn about the filmmaking process.

How do the production companies work together? Molly Soja: We have two official companies, but we are a cohesive guild that works collaboratively to create the two films. For example, I am directing one film and acting in another. Many of the students will cross between companies for cinematography, lighting or sound. It serves as a learning opportunity for each individual to play a key role in various stages of filmmaking— their talents are never restricted. Will Copeland: Similar to Hollywood, the production companies share talent, equipment, and crew members across the films. We bounce ideas off one another each time a fresh thought comes to mind. I believe each guild member has contributed in some way to the making of each film.

Furthermore, he allowed us to figure out certain filmmaking uncertainness on our own and encouraged us to collaborate to execute common goals. Sometimes, that can be the best way to learn.

Dr. Chipman mentioned you are developing skills beyond the camera and film studies. Can you highlight some of those skills? Will Copeland: The importance of good communication and teamwork. Although cliché, those skills are necessary to get the film off the ground. Clearly communicating with actors and crew to shoot the desired scene or emotion was essential. We continuously put our ideas together in order to maximize the efficiency of the shoot. Taylor Goodwin: Time management. I never knew how much time it would take to write, film and edit a feature-length film! Beyond time, I learned that when you put your heart into making something and doing the absolute best that you can, it ends up being incredible, and the memory will last a lifetime.

What has been your biggest achievement so far?

Taylor Goodwin: All guild members want the best for one another’s films, and we give each other feedback; it helps us to grow as filmmakers.

Molly Soja: Witnessing how many students from various backgrounds have come together to create original, honest and entertaining content.

How has Dr. Chipman helped your film advance over the past several months?

Will Copeland: Beyond growing as a filmmaker, collaborating with Taylor Goodwin and coordinating with local businesses for the perfect bike store location was something I will never forget. In addition, I learned how to accept the loose, run-and-gun filming style—no matter how meticulously we planned our goals, most changed to fit our gear limitations, including the weather and dozens of other variables with personnel and location.

Molly Soja: Dr. Chipman attended several of our filming excursions and guided our goals with his extensive expertise in camera setups, location and lighting. In addition, he has shown the guild several excellent short films so that we can gain inspiration and techniques from professional films. When we need motivation to persevere, we look toward Dr. Chipman. Taylor Goodwin: Dr. Chipman has been extremely helpful with constant feedback and advice. He pushed everybody to meet a deadline for our scripts and gave us tips on film strategies.

Taylor Goodwin: I think our biggest achievement so far has been the script. The writing and finalizing process took a while, but once we read through our final version we knew we had written a strong and entertaining script. I am very proud of what we have created and even more excited to see our story on the big screen!

Individual Film Projects Molly Soja ’17 and Robb Dehney ’17 are codirecting a high school parody titled “Cool Dudes, Mean Girls and a Musical,” which includes humorous concepts from well-known movies, including “High School Musical” and “Mean Girls.” “ In watching your basic high school movie, there’s always a stereotypical cheerleader, jock, and nerd. We wanted to create a film that would play off those themes,” says Soja. “We wanted to create characters that not only fit those stereotypes but also would involve the entire Tatnall student body. The characters featured in the film clearly poke fun at cliché personality traits and behaviors.”

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Student Spotlight

Meet Elijah Jones This fall, Elijah Jones, an incoming student poised to cook up recipes for success, will begin his high school career at The Tatnall School. Elijah comes to Tatnall from the Thomas Edison Charter School in Wilmington, where he participates in the Leading Youth Through Empowerment (LYTE) program. “The LYTE program was established to provide seventh and eighth grade students with increased access to rigorous academic preparation for admission into the top local private and public schools,” explains LYTE Founder and Executive Director Ankur Arya. As a participant in the LYTE program, Elijah attends summer and after-school sessions where he studies for placement tests, works on admission essays, researches and compiles student presentations, and receives mentoring and leadership opportunities from program staff.

For Elijah and his family, Tatnall was their top choice school from the very beginning. The Joneses were impressed by the active learning environment on campus and delighted by the friendly, personable staff and students. At Tatnall, Elijah especially is looking forward to tackling new academic challenges in his science classes, learning a new language (French) and participating in sports. “I am so grateful that I was accepted to Tatnall and so look forward to experiencing high school there,” says Elijah. While Elijah enjoys all things related to science and technology and looks forward to a future career in engineering, he also has some unique talents. In his free time, he frequently plays chess and was a previous national chess champion. He was also a regional finalist in the recent MasterChef Junior competition in Philadelphia, wowing the judges with a savory sautéed pork chop dinner. Welcome to the Tatnall family, Elijah!

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Alumni Connections

Stephen P. Esmond Fund Carries on Ideals of Tatnall Teacher, Coach and Middle School Head Before there was a fund in his name, former Middle School Head Steve Esmond based his career on living and teaching the values of civility in the world outside the classroom. In appreciation of all Steve has done for The Tatnall School, Caroline Tatnall Ketcham ’58 and her husband, Rob, recently renamed what was known as the Ketcham Fund to the Stephen P. Esmond Fund in Steve’s honor. The fund, which is rooted in supporting the concepts of honor, civility and respect through targeted projects and activities, aims to amplify a critical component of Tatnall’s mission statement: “to help students discover what is true, pure, lovely and of good report.” “It’s a very modest nod of recognition to a teacher whose example we would all do well to follow,” says Caroline. Steve joined Tatnall in 1989 as an Upper School history teacher and assistant varsity coach for football and wrestling. A dedicated teacher and hard worker who welcomed new challenges, Steve wore many Tatnall hats, including Middle School teacher of an innovative social studies and language arts program, head football coach, and advisor and dean of students. He became Middle School head in 2002. Crucial to Steve’s teaching philosophy was his belief that education often happens outside the classroom. As a teacher, coach and mentor, Steve instilled this belief in all of his students. “His teams played the way he was,” says Fred Palfrey, Tatnall’s athletic trainer and a close friend of Steve’s. “His kids always do their best, play with sportsmanship and respect, and represent Tatnall extremely well.” In addition to being an inspirational and respected member of the Tatnall family for 26 years, Steve was instrumental in getting the Ketcham Fund off the ground. He helped shape how the fund allocates resources and recommended programs that would allow Tatnall’s students to develop new physical, emotional, social and technological identities.

“ The concepts of honor, civility and respect embody The Tatnall School, and I am proud to have my name associated with those qualities,” says Steve Esmond. “It means so much to me and all the people I had the chance to work with during my time at Tatnall.”

“Steve jumped right into the whole concept of enriching the curriculum with the Ketcham Fund, as it was certainly a reflection of what he had been doing with Tatnall students for more than 20 years,” says Caroline. To date, the fund has supported various programs, including the Center for Spiritual and Ethical Education, the Center for Sport Psychology and the recent African drumming and dance artist-inresidence program. Says Caroline, “We hope that this fund will carry on the values Steve so powerfully embraced at the school for many years to come.” The Tatnall community continues to send its support and positive healing thoughts to Steve and his family. For more information on how you can support the Esmond Fund, contact Tatnall’s Advancement Office at (302) 892-4335 or development@tatnall.org.

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Alumni Connections

Alums Give the Gift of Experience It all started at a basketball game. While attending a local sporting competition, Chris ’13 and Catherine Jones ’15 were struck by the number of empty seats in the arena. The two were familiar with Delaware’s foster care system as a result of their mother’s work as a court appointed special advocate and wondered why the empty seats couldn’t be donated to local children in need. “We saw the empty seats as an opportunity for foster children and children in poverty to have great life experiences,” says Catherine, who was a sophomore at Tatnall at the time. “Poverty is so much more than a lack of money; it is also a lack of experience. In experiencing a basketball game, a children’s theater event, or a musical performance, children can see options for their own future.” The idea sparked Chris and Catherine to action, and soon the Kind to Kids Foundation was born. That was back in 2008, and since then the Jones family has expanded the organization. To date, they have served over 10,000 children across Delaware, and this year they celebrate their five-year anniversary as a nonprofit. “It was actually in the Tatnall environment that they came up with the idea,” says Caroline Jones, Chris and Catherine’s mother and the president and founder of Kind to Kids. “The values of compassion and understanding that Chris and Catherine learned at Tatnall have enabled them to follow this dream. Their motivation and drive fostered the idea that there could be a better way, enabling the birth of Kind to Kids.”

The Jones family: Catherine ’15, Mark, Caroline and Chris ’13.

Today, Kind to Kids provides local children in need with life experiences and delivers birthday gifts and holiday toys to children in foster care. Through the My Blue Duffel program, they also provide a blue duffle bag with a blanket, a book and a stuffed animal to comfort children who have been removed from their home due to abuse and neglect. Recently, the organization developed LifeSkills Education, an evidence-based program that provides teens with the vital skills they need to become responsible and productive youth. “Originally, I don’t think any of us saw the foundation growing and succeeding as well as it has,” says Chris. “The success of the program is really a result of the effort of the entire community, and Tatnall has been a huge part of that.” Over the years, Tatnall has partnered with Kind to Kids on numerous occasions. Each year, Tatnall supports the foundation’s toy drive, and, most recently, the Tatnall Preschool collected dozens of stuffed animals for the My Blue Duffel program. Tatnall parents Cindy Wilkinson ’88 and Sandra Battaglia ’69 as well as Upper School history teacher Marc Scott ’96 have been instrumental in helping to engage students and local community members. The organization’s community focus is very close to the Kind to Kids mission. “Something we are most proud of is the fact that Kind to Kids is a story about how each of us can make a difference,” says Catherine. “Tatnall is a place of community, and it taught me just how important community is in learning, growing and succeeding in life.” Adds Chris, “Tatnall has been such an integral part of my education and experience, and it helped to shape the person that I am today. It is inspiring to see how the Tatnall community comes together to impact the lives of Delaware’s children in need.”

Tatnall’s Preschool students collected dozens of stuffed animals for the My Blue Duffel program this spring.

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To learn more about how you can support the Kind to Kids Foundation, please visit www.kindtokids.org.

“ Tatnall is unique,” says Doug. “The school brings an individualized approach to learning you can’t find anyplace else. I give to the annual fund to help others have the same experience I did.”

Thanks to Tatnall, He Does the Math Microsoft Consulting Manager Doug Ross ’80 makes a habit of supporting Tatnall “I was incredibly prepared for engineering school, way ahead of most other students,” says Doug Ross, a member of the Tatnall Class of 1980. “Tatnall set me up for success in academics and the interests I continue to explore.” As a student at Lafayette College, Doug quickly grew to appreciate the edge his Tatnall education gave him as he addressed the academic rigor. In order to provide current students with similar opportunities and experiences, Doug has supported The Fund for Tatnall since his career began more than 30 years ago. “Tatnall is unique,” says Doug. “The school brings an individualized approach to learning you can’t find anyplace else. I give to the annual fund to help others have the same experience I did.” It wasn’t just the learning, however, that influenced Doug’s decision to support Tatnall after his graduation. It was Tatnall’s inspiring and enthusiastic faculty members that made a lasting impression. “I always felt a connection to the teachers and coaches,” says Doug. “They are there because they love teaching and the students. I give to help them realize their ideals for the school.” In supporting The Fund for Tatnall, Doug has helped to carry on Tatnall’s legacy and provide students with the opportunities and breadth of programming that he was exposed to as a Hornet. In the classroom, Doug benefited from Tatnall’s rigorous math and science curriculum. Additionally, with the school’s individualized approach, he “doubled down” on engineering and technology—fundamentals that have served him well throughout his career. Today, Doug works at Microsoft, where he is responsible for managing a consulting group in the financial regulatory marketplace.

On the athletic grounds, Doug competed during all three seasons, earning 10 letters. “I appreciated the ‘let’s get you on the field’ mind-set of a smaller school,” he says. Nowadays, he, his wife Jill, and their sons, Grant, 20, and Christian, 22, stay fit, preferably at Kiawah Island, South Carolina, a favorite vacation spot. “We’re so appreciative of alums like Doug who continue to support The Tatnall School,” says Director of Giving Yvonne Deadwyler. “It is so important that the entire community participates in order to help us reach our yearly goal. The work of our school is not possible without the many faculty, staff, alumni, parents, grandparents and friends who provide support.” Anita Marcial, Tatnall’s director of alumni relations, adds, “Supporting the annual fund gives our alumni an opportunity to pay it forward and continue the opportunities that shaped their Tatnall experience and their lives.” In addition to giving back, Doug, who has lived in the Washington, DC, area for the past 20 years, is committed to staying connected to his roots. Over the years, the DC alumni chapter has provided a touchpoint with Tatnall. “DC attracts college students and international professionals, making it very diverse and intellectually alive,” says Doug. “The meetings draw multiple generations of Tatnall grads to hear about the school, share ideas and memories, and network.” Tatnall is enormously grateful for the generosity of alums who make a difference in the lives of our students and in the quality of our programs. For more information on how you can support Tatnall’s future, contact the Advancement Office at (302) 892-4335 or development@tatnall.org.

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Alumni Connections

The Building Blocks of Passion, Soul and Creativity:

Drex Patterson, Tatnall School ’69 It’s been a while since Drex Patterson, RA ’69 roamed the halls of The Tatnall School; however, there is no doubt in this architect’s mind that his education at Tatnall was a building block to a great future. The 1969 alumnus lives with his wife Susan in La Jolla, California, but he recalls fondly where he came from back east.

Drafting a Passionate, Creative Life Patterson, a successful business owner, principal architect at San Diego-based Island Architects and Pratt Institute graduate, continues to grow the creative roots first nourished at Tatnall by shaping dream homes across California, the country and the world. “Our firm always has been considered more of a family we want to nurture, cultivate and inspire through challenging our emerging talents and strengths,” says Patterson. Patterson’s career highlights include a chance internship under the King of Nepal’s architect in 1972; designing a private residence on Little Saint James, an island of the U.S. Virgin Islands;

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and completing Mitt and Ann Romney’s beachfront home. “The exposure of that adventure in Nepal never ceases to inspire me,” Patterson says.

The Original Foundation: The Tatnall School From novels read to music created, Patterson recalls fondly how the teachers and administration at Tatnall engendered a sense of creativity and drive during his time at the school. Some of his major influences include Mrs. Stephens, Mrs. Hadley, Mrs. Gallagher, Mrs. Kaufmann, Mr. Pratt, Mr. Clark and Mr. Felch. Of his passion, Patterson recalls his senior year English teacher, Mr. Mingus. “He challenged me to write my thesis on Le Corbusier, which helped galvanize my interest,” says Patterson. In the business of architecture, the base foundation can’t be forgotten—and Drex Patterson has not forgotten the cornerstone that The Tatnall School afforded him.

Lower School math teacher Chris Holler

Ann Hamilton, Dr. Siohban Irwin and the Honorable Christopher Sontchi ’85

Mike Nestor, Dana Nestor, Kim Zuleba and Peter Zuleba

Monte Taylor ’13 and his mother, Vilma Allende.

Head of School Charlie Tierney with hosts Tracy Pettinaro Crowley ’86 and Dave Crowley

Deepak Doraiswamy with Abby Mrozinski ’98 and Kevin Mrozinski.

Founder’s Society and Red Oak Legacy Society Reception On November 12, 2015, Tatnall parents David Crowley and Tracy Pettinaro Crowley ’86 hosted the Founder’s Society and Red Oak Legacy Society reception at their home. During the reception, Deanna Bocchetti, Tatnall’s Head of Lower School, and Monte Taylor ’13, an engineering student at the University of Delaware, spoke to the crowd about their unique Tatnall experiences. While Bocchetti discussed her family’s transition into The Tatnall School family, Taylor spoke of the many supportive faculty members who guided him throughout his high school journey and prepared him for his college career.

Caroline Tatnall Ketcham ’58 and her husband, Rob, with Phoebe Craven.

Held annually, the Founder’s Society and Red Oak Legacy Society reception recognizes individuals who have made planned gifts to the school or who have made a leadership-level gift of $1,000 or more during the fiscal year.

Founder’s Society: Become a Member When you become a member of the Founder’s Society, you join parents, alumni, past parents, faculty and staff, and friends who support Tatnall’s efforts to make a direct impact on students and help champion Tatnall’s rich tradition. Membership and participation in the society demonstrates an advanced level of commitment to The Tatnall School. Founder’s Society members’ names are included in the Annual Giving Report and on

a plaque in the Beekley Lobby, and they are invited to attend the Founder’s Society cocktail reception, hosted by the Head of School and the Chair of the Board of Trustees. To join the Founder’s Society, please contact the Advancement Office at (302) 892-4335 or development@ tatnall.org, or submit your gift of $1,000 or more today! Thank you to all of our current Founder’s Society members for your generosity!

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Alumni Connections

Tom Uebler ’99, Tom (Bucky) Payne ’98, Will Buckley ’00, Christine Buckley, Kevin Sweet ’98

Alex Davis ’08, Jody Russell, Rob Pamm ’08 and Chris Pamm ’06

Thanksgiving Eve Reception Each year, on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, Tatnall graduates gather in celebration of the holiday season during the annual Alumni Thanksgiving Eve reception. This year’s reception, which was held at Kid Shelleen’s in Wilmington, allowed alumni who were home for the holidays to connect with former classmates and Tatnall faculty and staff members.

Planned Giving Leaves a Lasting Legacy

Classmates Chris Debnam ’81 and Linda Hill ’81

Providing our students with access to new and improved facilities, maintaining our outstanding faculty and expanding our horizons to offer great resources require ongoing support. A planned gift helps uphold the mission of The Tatnall School and creates an environment that engages and inspires our students. To support our legacy through an easy-to-make gift, please consider: I ncluding Tatnall in your will—a gift that costs you nothing now.

Zach Reese ’08, Margaret Selsor ‘08, Todd Reese ’08 and Amanda Reese ’08

reating a charitable gift C annuity—a gift in which the donor receives a fixed dollar amount in return during his/her lifetime. esignating Tatnall as a D beneficiary of your IRA, 401(k) or life insurance—a gift that could reduce your tax liability.

Abby Williams Schneider ‘97 and Betsy Ciconte

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Ryan Martin ’07, Elizabeth Grant ‘07, Rebecca Litwack ’07 and Thomas Anderson ’07

The Red Oak Legacy Society welcomes Charlie Tierney, Gina Onuscho Tierney, Lee Sparks and Joan Sparks as its newest members this year. Thank you for supporting The Tatnall School.

Tatnall Grandparents Throughout the school year, a number of events have given our dedicated grandparents the opportunity to spend time with their grandchildren and connect with fellow Tatnall grandparents. Most recently, a number of our grandparents attended the annual Holiday Coffee event in the Laird Performing Arts Center, where, in addition to the warm beverages, they were treated to wonderful musical performances from students across all divisions. Preschool teacher Marty Owens with her grandsons Luke Morgan ’24 and Peter Morgan ’25.

Marie Rapposelli with her grandson Rocco Rapposelli ’24.

Owen Mrozinski ’27 with his grandmother Barbara Riley.

Interested in becoming more involved? Consider joining Tatnall’s Grandparents Association. Chaired by Al and Suzanne Smith, grandparents of Kate Finio ’15 and Allie Finio ’19, the Grandparents Association allows grandparents to participate in their grandchild’s educational experience. “Al and I believe that grandparents add a special magic to the events they attend,” says Suzanne Smith. “There is nothing better than seeing grandparents light up when they hear the music of their grandchildren’s voices. Each and every grandparent knows that if they want to be in their grandchildren’s memories, they need to be in their lives today.” For more information about upcoming grandparent events or Tatnall’s Grandparents Association, please contact the Advancement Office at (302) 892-4335.

ictoria Clark celebrating V with her granddaugther Brenna Knox ’27. nn Marie West with her A grandson Corbin Brumfield ’20.

Every Hornet Makes a Difference As we continue to celebrate Tatnall’s 85th anniversary year, we invite you to show your Tatnall pride! In the spirit of giving and supporting a quality education, we ask for your participation in the Tatnall Hornet Challenge. This year, The Fund for Tatnall’s goal is $600,000, and every gift, regardless of the size, makes a difference. Thanks to support from our community, Tatnall has been able to offer the experiences and breadth of programming that prepares all of our students for their lives and their world. Ready to take the Hornet Challenge? Simply make a gift to The Fund for Tatnall online, by text or by check before June 30. To thank you for your support, a hornet will be placed in your honor on the Hornet Giving Wall of Fame, which has been created just for this challenge. Show your Tatnall pride by making your gift today!

www.tatnall.org/support-tatnall

Spring 2016 :: Tatnall Today :: 33

Class Notes ’32 On March 31, 2016, Carobelle (Carol) Sutton Hanssmann ’32 celebrated her Carobelle Sutton Hanssmann 101st birthday with Director of Alumni Relations Anita Marcial, who presented Carol with a bouquet of daises. Carol was a member of the first class to be given diplomas from The Tatnall School.

’49 “We are enjoying our two greatgranddaughters, Cora Marvel Shafer and Adella Weirman Carpenter,” says Maggie Marvel Sanger ’49. (Molly Sanger Carpenter ’78 and her husband Preston are the girls’ happy grandparents.) “I stay active in real estate, working with Brandywine Fine Properties in Centreville, Delaware. Dixie is busy with Triad and Wilmington University, my back office and much more. We are with our son Peter Sanger ’75, his wife MJ and their sons Andrew and Jackson whenever possible. They are in Florida. Our oldest son Christopher, his wife Jane, and their daughters Annie and Mary are in town and we see them lots. Back to our great-granddaughters: Cora’s mom, Maggie, is a nurse, and her dad is an ironworker. Adella’s mother Vickie works in DC for the USDA, and her husband (our grandson), Ben Carpenter, works for the US Patent Office. We are so very proud of all our family.”

’64 During the groundbreaking ceremony for the middle school wing at Sussex Academy, a charter school in Georgetown, Delaware, Joe Schell was congratulated by fellow Tatnall alum and president of the Tatnall Board

34 :: Tatnall Today :: Spring 2016

of Trustees, Caroline Brown Lintner ’83. Joe is a founding member of Sussex Academy’s executive board.

’66 Henry Ball is in the process of putting together a band to record a sequel to his 2004 CD, “Father Time Remembered.” Henry also fondly remembers Susan Sargent, his wife of nearly 32 years. Henry describes Susan as an “all-around good person.” He adds, “She is missed.”

’70

“Things are good here in Philadelphia,” says Pam Reeves McCue ’71. Pam has been enjoying spending time with her sonin-law Ethan, son Hank, daughter Alison, granddaughters Louise and Katherine, and, of course, Henry, the baby of the family!

Pam Reeves McCue and family

Julia Burrough writes, “Greetings to all of my 1970 classmates!” Julia lives in Greenfield, Massachusetts, where she works as a nurse with women who have recently been released from jail. Julia would love to correspond with her former classmates and encourages them to get in touch with her at juliaburrough2@gmail.com.

Graham ’77 Showcases Greenland and Iceland Photos

Faith Tomases with her daughter, Julia

’71 Faith Tomases ’71 writes, “My daughter, Julia, became a Bat Mitzvah at Congregation Beth Shalom in Wilmington on April 25, 2015. Participants included aunt Ruth Tomases Joffe ’74 and cousins David Schutzman ’70 and Daniel Schutzman ’74. Classmates Linda Archangelo Sygowski ’71 and Laurie Ettinger ’71 were among the guests.”

In April, Tatnall’s Environmental Science Leadership Team invited noted photographer and twotime Pulitzer Prize nominee Jim Graham ’77 to campus to showcase photos he shot during several trips to Greenland and Iceland. Since 2007, Graham has traveled to Greenland and Iceland documenting the movement of the glaciers with an artist’s perspective. The informative and inspiring program blended the art and beauty of the landscape with the recent environmental changes to the glacier ice fields.

Lee Gregory with former NFL quarterback John Elway

’79 As the Executive Vice President of McCalls Catering & Events in San Francisco, Lee Gregory ’79 was extremely busy catering a number of events connected to Super Bowl 50 this fall. Lee’s company catered events for the NFL Players Association, the Super Bowl 50 Host Committee and Wheels Up, a membership-based private jet company. Lee is most proud of the three events she coordinated for The Trust, an organization that supports the well-being of former football players.

’84 Lance Fargo ’84 writes, “In December, I went to Ardmore, Oklahoma, to compete in the Weimaraner Club of America’s National Championship Field Trial and won the National Amateur Field Championship with my Weimaraner, Sarge.” For Lance, who is also a triathlete, the win marks his third national championship in the past three years, having claimed a title at the USA Triathlon Age Group National Championship in 2013 and 2014. Neil Woloshin ’84 has 13-year-old twin girls—one in seventh grade at Tatnall and another who will be starting eighth grade at Sanford School in the fall. Neil, who has three dental practices in Delaware, is also preparing to open a dental assisting school in Dover in the fall. Neil and his wife have recently started an investment company and are helping investors make consistent returns buying discounted mortgage notes.

Devon Grenda Carley and family

’88

’02

Tereska E. James ’88, recently founded the Brown Skin Too Foundation in memory of her sister, Tanya A. Haman, who passed away last year after a battle with melanoma. In addition to providing education and awareness of melanoma, Brown Skin Too promotes skin wellness among people of color.

Matthew Kohler ’02 writes, “This summer I will be completing my training in anesthesiology/pain medicine at Columbia University Medical Center and am excited to start a new job at Hudson Spine and Pain Medicine in New York.”

’93

Nick Matarese ’03 was recently inducted as a member of the DBT40 Class of 2015, otherwise known as the Delaware Business Times’ 40 Under 40. Each year, the publication honors a select group of Delaware’s most influential achievers under the age of 40. A true innovator, Nick is the president and creative director of The Barn, a creative design and branding firm that counts Disney and Adidas among its clients.

Timothy Huang ’93 received a 2016 Richard Rodgers Award for his musical, “Costs of Living.” Administered by the American Academy of Arts and Letters, the Rodgers Award is intended to “nurture talented composers and playwrights by enabling their musicals to be produced in New York.” The Richard Rodgers Awards are the only awards for which the Academy accepts applications.

’98 Sam Knowlton ’98 moved to Austin, Texas, in 2012, and in 2015 he was invited to join the resident professional acting company of the Austin Playhouse. Sam is the vice chair of the Austin Actors’ Equity Liaison Committee and the founder and CEO of inLeague, a boutique software company that specializes in youth sports and charter school admissions for the Success Academy network in New York.

’03

Dave McNamee ’03 recently became engaged to Megan Gardner, Esq. The couple met at American University and will celebrate their wedding this September in Vermont. Dave also recently started a new job at Expedia, serving as the company’s director of public relations. Dave was previously vice president at HL Group, a public relations agency in Manhattan.

’04

’01 Devon Grenda Carley ’01 enjoys spending time with her husband, Darrell Carley, and their children. The Carleys live in Alpharetta, Georgia, where Devon is a stay-at-home mom to four-year-old Preston and two-yearold Addison. Ashely Whiting Grzybowski

On January 24, 2016, Ashley (Whiting) Grzybowski ’04 married Matthew Grzybowski. Ashley is currently working as the laboratory supervisor at Ultrachem Inc. Spring 2016 :: Tatnall Today :: 35

Class Notes Annual Mini Reunion In February, alumnae from the Tatnall classes of 1979 and 1980 gathered in Rehoboth for their annual mini reunion. The event brought together Eliza Stevens Gow ’80, Stacey Whiteman Freeman ’79, Lynn Slovin ’79, Lisa Mellen BenShoshan ’79 and Barbara Dombrowski DiBiase ’79, who enjoyed the chance to reconnect and reminisce.

’08

’11

Laura Saad ’08 is currently working at a preschool in Germany. On New Year’s 2016, in Prague, Laura became engaged to her boyfriend, Bruce Voelker. The two plan to move to California this summer.

After completing an internship at the White House at the end of 2015, Timothy Rabolt ’11 accepted a fulltime position with Altarum Institute. Timothy was an opening speaker at the 7th National Collegiate Recovery Conference in Atlanta this April. Timothy’s speech followed Nathan Deal’s, the governor of Georgia, and came just days after President Obama visited Atlanta to speak about similar topics at the National Rx Drug Abuse & Heroin Summit.

Laura Saad with her fiancé, Bruce

Dr. Larry Lincoln ’64 Named 2016 Commencement Speaker Dr. Lawrence “Larry” Lincoln ’64 will speak at Tatnall’s 85th Commencement ceremony, held on Saturday, June 11. As a board-certified internist and infectious disease specialist, Dr. Lincoln experienced tremendous success throughout his 35-year career in medicine. Inspired by the work of Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, a Swiss-American psychiatrist and pioneer in near-death studies, he created “Growth and Transition,” a program for caregivers that is sponsored by the Tucson Medical Center, and he was the Tucson Medical Center’s first hospice medical director. In addition to his impressive career, Lincoln holds a special place in Tatnall’s history. A member of the Tatnall Class of 1964, he was part of Tatnall’s first co-educational class. Dr. Lincoln attributes much of his success to his Tatnall experience. “Tatnall was my home, an island of safety where I could develop physically and intellectually at my own ideal pace,” he says. “The faculty challenged me with just the right blend of encouragement, compassion and accountability. They modeled a passion for learning, a commitment to discipline and a strong work ethic.”

36 :: Tatnall Today :: Spring 2016

In May 2016, Maximilian (Max) Thornburn ’11 will graduate from UCFB, a unique university in the United Kingdom Max Thornburn that offers undergraduate and graduate degrees and executive education in the soccer business, sports and leisure industries. In February, Max visited with the Real Madrid soccer team and was delighted to be selected as one of only two students from across the university to represent UCFB for a work placement opportunity at Figueirense Football Club in Florianópolis, Brazil. After graduation, Max aspires to bring his knowledge and experience back across the pond, seeking employment with an MLS club or other US sports organization.

’13 Alexandra Pettinaro ’13 is currently working as a beauty advisor and blogger for TV personality Lilliana Alexandra Pettinaro Vazquez from “Today.” Be sure to check out some of Alexandra’s work on the beauty section of www.thelvguide.com.

In Memoriam Faith Vandever Madarassy, a former Tatnall first grade teacher, passed away on Sunday, April 3, 2016.

Homecoming 2016 Friday, October 14

Saturday, October 15

We heard you! At the request of the Tatnall community, we’ll be bringing back Kristen and the Noise for this year’s Friday evening celebration. See you on the dance floor!

When fall is in the air, that can only mean one thing … Tatnall Homecoming! Please join us on campus to enjoy good food under the big tent, support our athletic teams and reunite with fellow classmates.

Athletic Schedule:

Volleyball (vs. St. Andrew’s School)

Field Hockey (vs. St. Mark’s High School)

Tatnall Freshman at 3:45 p.m.

Tatnall Varsity at 11 a.m.

Tatnall JV at 5:15 p.m.

Tatnall JV at 12:15 p.m.

Tatnall Varsity at 6:45 p.m.

Boys Soccer (vs. Conrad School) Tatnall Varsity at noon Tatnall JV at noon Football (vs. Red Lion Christian Academy) Tatnall Varsity at 2 p.m.

1501 Barley Mill Road Wilmington, Delaware 19807

NON-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 224 Wilmington DE

(302) 998-2292 | communications@tatnall.org

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Summer Each summer, The Tatnall School invites children age 3 through grade 12 to attend its summer camp programs—themed day camps, sports camps, amazing specialty camps and enrichment classes—on its beautiful 110-acre campus. Whether they’re swimming in one of Tatnall’s outdoor pools, helping to build the school’s first-ever tree house, taking a field trip, exploring computer programming or learning how to shoot hoops from players on the 76ers basketball team, campers will meet new friends and develop new skills that will last a lifetime. Sign up today for an enriching and unforgettable summer: visit www.tatnall.org/summer, (302) 8924347 or EnrichmentPrograms@tatnall.org. Before- and after-camp care is available.

2016

Starts Here! June 20 through August 26