Tatnall Today Fall/Winter 2016 by The Tatnall School

Fall/Winter 2016

TODAY

M A G A Z I N E

STUDENT ATHLETE ARTIST Prepared for the Future

In January, several Upper School students will have artwork on display during a special exhibition at the Delaware Art Museum in conjunction with the temporary exhibit “Truth and Vision: 21st Century Realism.” The exhibition dates are Friday, January 13, through Monday, January 30. :: Tatnall :: Fall/Winter 2 Upper Pictured: SchoolToday art teacher Stephanie 2016 Silverman working with Miao Liu ’17.

A Tatnall Welcome

Friday Night Lights

Head-Elect Christopher R. Tompkins discusses his vision for The Tatnall School and passion for education.

The varsity football team makes its mark in Tatnall’s athletic history with a monumental win under the lights.

Page 8

Page 16

Fall/Winter 2016

Table of Contents

FEATURES

12 14 18 22

Racing to the Junior Olympics Laila Muhammad ’25 is just like any other 10-year-old Tatnall student— except for one major difference. Page 26

All Aboard! Tatnall’s globally minded students set sail on the adventure of a lifetime aboard the historic Mystic Whaler.

Tatnall Transformations Walls were painted, floors were replaced and new centers of excellence were unveiled. Learn more about Tatnall’s recent facility upgrades.

A Violinist, Starting Quarterback and AP Student Walk Into a School… At Tatnall, students have unlimited opportunities to participate in outstanding athletics, unparalleled arts and exceptional academic programs.

Independent Scholars Explore Their Passions From gluten-free cooking to drones to music theory, Tatnall students direct their own learning.

Putting an Arts Career on Center Stage Thanks to Tatnall, award-winning playwright Timothy Huang ’93 builds a career doing what he loves. Page 29

Meant to Mentor Ashley Deadwyler-Jones ’94 returns to her roots and founds the Shangazi Mentoring Program. Page 30

Foreword

Since arriving at Tatnall in late June, I have been struck by our school’s spirit and mission. Mrs. Tatnall’s words—“Tatnall is not just a school. It’s a way of life.”—are illustrated each day as I walk across campus. I am continuously inspired by the imaginative and talented students and faculty who participate in rich, engaging opportunities, and have

MA GAZINE

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

been impressed by the bonds that tie alumni,

Page Pepper McConnel, (302) 892-4333, pagemcconnel@tatnall.org

families and friends to the school.

DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI RELATIONS

Over the past several months, the school has undergone several changes. During the summer, the campus buzzed with repairs and refurbishment projects (see page 14)

TODAY

A MESSAGE FROM TIM

Anita Marcial, (302) 892-4337, anitamarcial@tatnall.org

PHOTOGRAPHY Jim Graham ’77, Pat Crowe and Tatnall Staff

and, more recently, our Board of Trustees announced the unanimous appointment

2016–2017 BOARD OF TRUSTEES

of Christopher R. Tompkins as Tatnall’s 11th Head of School (see page 8). The

President, Caroline Brown Lintner ’83 | Vice President, Frank J. McKelvey, III | Vice President, Stephen D. Marvin ’88 | Secretary, Caroline Tatnall Ketcham ’58 | Treasurer, Thomas P. Ferry

Board also unveiled a comprehensive Strategic Plan (see page 3). With five Strategic Priorities and a new Tatnall Promise, I am confident Tatnall will continue to affirm its position as one of the most distinctive college preparatory schools in America. In the midst of all of this change, however, Tatnall’s mission and values have remained true. Exceptional academics, outstanding athletics, unparalleled arts and authentic relationships are still at the heart of all we do (see page 18), and our students have thrived. From our impressive Independent Scholars (see page 22) to a junior Olympian (see page 26), Tatnall students have proven to be innovative, remarkable and engaged.

ADMINISTRATION Head of School, Timothy M. Burns, Ph.D. | 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

Being a part of Tatnall has been an extraordinary opportunity, and I feel privileged

Business Manager, Paula L. Hager | Director of Athletics, Patrick L. Jones | Director of Enrollment and Financial Aid, Sarah Dalton Quinn

to live and work within this community. As the year progresses, I look forward to

ALUMNI COUNCIL

continuing to meet with our students, faculty, staff, families and alumni, and welcome the opportunity to learn more about Tatnall’s rich history of excellence.

Timothy M. Burns, Ph.D. Interim Head of School

:: Tatnall Today :: Fall/Winter 2016

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 The Tatnall School Strategic Plan: Engaging the World with Courage, Intelligence, Passion and Purpose In September 2016, Tatnall’s Board of Trustees unveiled a new Strategic Plan. Guided by The Tatnall School mission and a comprehensive internal and external assessment of the independent school landscape, the Board outlined five Strategic Priorities that will direct school-wide planning and operational efforts in the coming years.

TATNALL’S STRATEGIC PRIORITIES: 1. Educational Excellence 2. Authentic Relationships 3. Inspirational and Extraordinary Campus 4. Tatnall in the Community and World 5. Ensure Financial Sustainability and Strength

These Strategic Priorities link Tatnall’s school and community strengths to current and future opportunities, and identify areas for improvement—all of which serves to strengthen Tatnall’s programs, brand clarity and competitive position in our evolving educational marketplace. In addition to the plan, the Board also revealed a new Tatnall Promise, which anchors the plan and serves as a cornerstone for branding. The Tatnall Promise: At Tatnall, we inspire students to explore and excel so they can engage the world with courage, intelligence, passion and purpose. We provide a strong, balanced foundation with exceptional academics, outstanding athletics, unparalleled arts and authentic relationships. We develop minds, build character and create community—one student at a time.

Birds of a Feather Flock Together As is tradition, Tatnall’s Middle School hallways were once again filled with sparrows, herons and crows as the seventh-graders prepared to present their annual bird projects. Each fall, after being assigned a specific bird, each student becomes an expert on a bird’s habitat, eating and mating habits, and distinguishing characteristics. The project culminates with a presentation for classmates during which students adorn themselves in feathers and come to school dressed as their birds.

Emotions Matter in the Tatnall Preschool Inspired by the lessons learned during “Emotions Matter”—a conference hosted by the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence— the Tatnall Preschool has implemented RULER skills in all of its classrooms to help students become more emotionally intelligent. RULER—an acronym that stands for Recognizing, Understanding, Labeling, Expressing and Regulating emotions—is an evidence-based approach for integrating social and emotional learning into schools. Using RULER tools, including a Mood Meter that helps students identify and express their feelings, the Preschool is teaching students crucial emotional skills that are essential for sound learning, decision making, and mental and physical health.

Fall/Winter 2016 :: Tatnall Today ::

Around Campus

Ready, Set, Build During Tatnall’s summer programming, campers enrolled in A Tatnall Summer made history and climbed to new heights as they assisted in the creation of Tatnall’s first-ever tree house. Led by Director of Auxiliary Programs John V. Noel II ’93 and Assistant to the Director of Camp Jacob Weyer ’15, campers participated in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) activities that supplemented the construction of the tree house during A Tatnall Summer’s “Ready, Set, Build” trimester. With help from Tatnall’s Operations Team, tips from local scientists and engineers, and lessons in LEGO-building and robotics, each camper played a role in assembling and decorating this new outdoor classroom constructed by students, for students.

Common Sense: Tatnall Focuses on Digital Literacy To increase students’ digital literacy in today’s technology-drive world, Tatnall has teamed up with Common Sense Media—a nonprofit dedicated to helping children make educated media choices—to become a Common Sense Certified School. Over the course of the year, Tatnall must demonstrate that it is fully committed to fostering online responsibility by creating a digital citizenship vision for the school, providing professional development and engaging students and parents. “Working with Common Sense Media will impact the entire Tatnall community,” says Colleen Hoban, Lower School technology teacher and Common Sense certification project lead. “Our certification will empower students to think critically, behave safely and participate responsibly as they interact with technology.”

:: Tatnall Today :: Fall/Winter 2016

Checkmate! Henry Boswell ’27 Makes Moves in NYC Chess Tournament Recently, Tatnall second-grader Henry Boswell ’27 placed in a rated section of the 2016 New York City Chess Kids Tournament. Henry, who at only seven years old is a rated chess player, credits Tatnall’s Extended Day program with introducing him to the game. Through his participation in Extended Day, Henry met Gregory Rogers, Chess Masters of Delaware coach and founder, who has been working with Tatnall’s students during in-school, Extended Day and summer programs throughout the past year. Henry now travels with the Chess Masters of Delaware team and will head to a national chess tournament in Nashville, Tennessee, in May!

State Champs! Cross Country Teams Race to the Delaware State Championships In November, Tatnall’s cross country program concluded its season by competing in the 2016 Delaware Division II State Championships. During these races, the Hornets ran against more than 25 other teams in the DII/small schools classification. Tatnall’s boys’ and girls’ teams both won this year’s meet, which was held at Brandywine Creek State Park—one of the toughest interscholastic courses on the Atlantic Coast. Tatnall’s girls’ team, captained by Caroline Foley ’17, Savannah Pankow ’17 and Quinn Teklits ’17, scored 21 points to win the meet, while the boys team, captained by Cole Bottorff ’17 and Brad Keen ’17, won the title with 60 points. During the meet, Keelin Hays ’19 secured her second Division II title with a time of 18.41, and Brendan Balthis ’19 placed second overall with a time of 16.30.

Tatnall Playbill Brings It On

Cultural Exchange Brings Guatemalan Students to Tatnall This fall, the Tatnall community welcomed Upper and Middle School students from Faces & Our Cultures, a Guatemalan exchange program that promotes bilateral cultural enrichment. During the cultural immersion, the Guatemalan students lived with Tatnall families, attended classes and visited local attractions. In March, Tatnall students will complete the exchange when they travel to Guatemala for ten days. During their travels, they will live with sponsors from the Faces & Our Cultures program and visit Tikal (a site of Mayan ruins), the colonial city of Antigua and a coffee plantation.

This year, Tatnall students wowed the crowd with the 2016 Playbill production, “Bring It On: The Musical.” In this musical adaptation of the popular movie by the same name, Campbell, a senior cheerleader, is redistricted to a school with no cheerleading squad. As she tries to convince the hip-hop crew at her new school to start a cheer team, Campbell must deal with issues relating to race, class, self-expression and authenticity. “Playbill students bring out the true values of Tatnall, the Family School, in this show,” says Noelle Picara, Playbill director. “’Bring It On’ doesn’t gloss over the challenges we face in a community. Instead, using comedy and catchy, inspiring pop music, it deals head-on with stereotypes and competitiveness, showing that true friendship is all about being cheerleaders for one another.” Fall/Winter 2016 :: Tatnall Today ::

Around Campus

New Faces in Our Learning Spaces Though they may be the new kids on the block, Tatnall’s recently hired administrative staff members are far from new to the education scene. Learn how they are incorporating Tatnall’s values and community into their lives, and how they practice “Omnia in Caritate.”

Page P. McConnel

What is your favorite pastime?

Position: Director of Advancement

You can find me on a fly-fishing stream—it’s a goal for me to get there every single year!

Main responsibilities: ■■

I ncreasing engagement among alumni, parents and friends of Tatnall

■■

urthering the mission of the school through F stewardship and cultivation

■■

elping lead the team to achieve their alumni, H fundraising and communications goals

What drew you to Tatnall? A lot of people may not know this, but I have a long history with Tatnall! I have four generations of family members on my mother’s side all tied to Tatnall in some way, so I was aware of the uniqueness of the school long before accepting my position. I’m drawn to the traditions and mission that were set in place by Mrs. Tatnall, and the family feel is reminiscent of The Shipley School where I attended. During my 11 years at Penn Medicine, I honed my development and alumni relations skill set, and I look forward to building on my successes of increasing engagement and philanthropy for the students to further develop the communityoriented atmosphere here at Tatnall.

If you could create one course at Tatnall in which you would be the teacher, what would it be? Modern and Contemporary Art History. Having always studied the concepts of art, I fully developed my love of modern and contemporary art while I worked at the Museum of Modern Art. I feel it can be easily misunderstood.

What is your favorite part about your job here at Tatnall? Everyone embraces Tatnall and takes pride in showing their black and gold. Parents, students, faculty, alumni and administration all hold Tatnall near and dear to their hearts. I love working with people who are committed at this level and demonstrate it through their involvement with the Advancement Office. Their enthusiasm at Founder’s Day and Homecoming celebrations is infectious! How do you instill Tatnall’s values with your position? I truly believe that Tatnall shapes everyone it touches in some way. As I spearhead the advancement efforts at Tatnall, I see people give their time, talent and treasure all to benefit the school and its students. It is beyond impressive, and that engagement is shaping Tatnall students in every sense.

:: Tatnall Today :: Fall/Winter 2016

Sarah Quinn, Page McConnel and Molly Elton model Tatnall’s new Hornet sunglasses!

Molly Clark Elton Position: Associate Director of Admission Main responsibilities: ■■

orking with prospective students throughout W the visit, application and enrollment process

■■

erving as the coordinator for the International S Student Application process

■■

uilding relationships with peer schools to B share the mission of The Tatnall School

■■

verseeing and implementing all technological O initiatives associated with the Admissions Office

What drew you to Tatnall? My family and I moved to Delaware last year from North Carolina. I discovered Tatnall as I was looking for a school for my children to attend. When I arrived on campus for my visit, I was struck by the passion and enthusiasm the faculty and parents felt for this community—the feeling was contagious. When the job opened up in admissions, I was thrilled! The students here have such incredible balance; Tatnall really helps students become good human beings who are inspiring contributors to our world. That is what I want for my kids— and how I want to spend my days here. What is your favorite part about your job here at Tatnall? I love interacting with people and hearing their stories. I get to spend every day getting to know amazing students and their families—it is just so rewarding. In my role, I get to identify and encourage students’ strengths and see their excitement for Tatnall grow. How do you instill Tatnall’s values with your position? Tatnall’s values are affirmed for me every day. I both implement them and witness them here at work. In interviews with prospective students, I practice the art of listening, thus promoting their public speaking and comfort, and encouraging their true selves to shine. When giving tours, I see how passionate every single member of the faculty and staff is; the school values are displayed when they open their classrooms and talk to prospective students and their parents, inviting prospective students to experience Tatnall. What is your favorite pastime? I have a newfound interest in arboriculture. There are two different species of Japanese Maple growing on our property, and I have enjoyed learning how to take care of these unique trees. I think it is noteworthy that the oldest Red Oak tree in the state of Delaware resides on Tatnall’s campus. Eventually I hope to expand this hobby into the

art of Bonsai. I also enjoy hot yoga and try to fit in a session at least once a week. If you could create one course at Tatnall in which you would be the teacher, what would it be? At some point I hope to teach an elective on sustainable food systems and food justice. I taught this in my previous school and I am excited to eventually bring what I know to Tatnall!

Sarah Quinn Position: Director of Enrollment and Financial Aid Main responsibilities: ■■

Leading and organizing admission events and outreach

■■

Managing overall school enrollment

■■

Interviewing prospective students and their families

■■

Developing relationships with peer schools and advancing skills through continued professional development

What drew you to Tatnall? Before accepting this position, I worked as a teacher for more than 15 years. When walking into the doors of Tatnall, you get a different feeling than anywhere else. The students looked genuinely happy and, more importantly, engaged. I knew that in accepting this job, I would feel Tatnall’s purpose reaffirmed every single day. Students should enjoy being here and demonstrate a love of learning, and when I saw that I could be a part of that experience, I had to jump on the opportunity. What is your favorite part about your job here at Tatnall? Interviewing prospective students is my favorite part of this job—hands down. I love working with students to begin with, so learning more about them and then linking up the prospective students with our current students, and seeing how they interact and demonstrate their love for the school, is very fulfilling. How do you instill Tatnall’s values with your position? I absolutely believe that Tatnall’s motto, “All Things in Love,” is fundamental to my experience here. I approach my job with this motto at the forefront of my mind. A lot of times, I am dealing with students and parents who are anxious and scared of the admissions process, so it is my job to make them as comfortable and knowledgeable as possible. To create a loving atmosphere is my number-one goal. What is your favorite pastime? I love to travel. I lived for more than two years in South Korea and was able to explore most of Southeast Asia. I’ve also been to Europe and Guatemala; it is definitely my favorite thing to do! If you could create one course at Tatnall in which you would be the teacher, what would it be? That’s easy—Art History. I would love to teach Tatnall students about the rich history and artistic appeal that the 1920s have to offer. Fall/Winter 2016 :: Tatnall Today ::

Around Campus

A Tatnall Welcome

Meet Christopher R. Tompkins, Head-Elect of The Tatnall School In October 2016, the Board of Trustees and the Tatnall School Search Committee announced the unanimous appointment of Christopher R. Tompkins as Tatnall’s 11th Head of School. This appointment, effective July 1, 2017, is the result of a nationwide search in which Chris distinguished himself from an impressive pool of highly qualified candidates. Above all, Chris embodies Tatnall’s values and ambitions and is prepared to carry on the legacy of The Tatnall School. Q: What attracted you to The Tatnall School? In short, Tatnall’s mission, ethos and history resonate with me and my family. The school has a strong focus on family and a balanced education that is centered on exceptional, rigorous academics, innovation, creativity and inquiry. Additionally, Tatnall’s impressive arts and athletics programs and history of building long, meaningful relationships all attracted me to the school. Q: As Head-Elect, what is your vision for The Tatnall School? While vision is something that requires a deeper understanding of the history, program and people of the school, my job is to support the faculty, partner with parents, engage students and build alumni relationships. I want to ensure that each division has its own strengths and passions that are undergirded by the mission and history of our school. I want to understand and support our traditions, even as we recognize

:: Tatnall Today :: Fall/Winter 2016

that progress requires that we ask ourselves tough questions about what education should look like today and in the future. I want to ensure that the Tatnall name resonates in households and communities throughout Delaware and greater Philadelphia so that we can attract the strongest, most missionappropriate students possible. I want to continue the progress made already to build connections to our local community and to communities beyond, including relationships with schools overseas, community organizations and service learning. In short, Tatnall is an exceptional place and we will work together as a community to build for the future. Q: What drives your passion for education? The drive comes from the endless possibilities available to all of us when we embrace and release the innate energy found in every student. While teachers are more essential than ever in a confusing and contradictory world, we must also work to push students beyond our own confines as humans, even as we guide that journey with our wisdom, experience and ability to discern. When I work with students, I constantly think of the future as I work to give them a sense of place, which a school like Tatnall does. That grounding or foundation creates a strength from which success springs, and the fear of the unknown is eased always knowing there is this common ground called Tatnall.

Headships hris joins Tatnall from Episcopal C Collegiate School in Little Rock, Arkansas, a coeducational Pre- through Grade 12 school with 786 students. I n 2008, Chris was named Head of Perkiomen School, an independent, coeducational boarding and day school in Pennsburg, Pennsylvania. He led the school until 2015.

Professional Affiliations hris sat on the board of the C Association of Delaware Valley Independent Schools (ADVIS) from 2010 to 2015, serving as president from 2013 to 2015. hris has also served on the National C Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) School and Student Services Task Force.

Education hris earned a bachelor’s degree from C Colby College and a master’s degree in social science from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University.

Fun Facts My dream vacation: Returning to Cape Town. Taking a trip to the Falkland Islands to fish for trout. These days, I’m reading: “The Lower River” by Paul Theroux, and Nathaniel Philbrick’s new book, “Valiant Ambition.” In my spare time, I enjoy: Hiking with the family and dogs, reading, writing blogs and articles, and getting to various shows and concerts.

From Dream to Reality: Tatnall Unveils New Theatre de Marionnettes “For me, it is truly a dream come true.” After years of envisioning a French-inspired puppet theater, Lower School art teacher Sarah Mentzer saw her dream become a reality last spring with the inauguration of Tatnall’s new Theatre de Marionnettes. Designed by Mentzer and beautifully constructed by the Tatnall Operations Team, Mentzer’s vision was finalized thanks to a partnership with recognized local artist, Vicki Vinton, who completed the theater with a remarkable faux-finish painting treatment. Once complete, the theater took the second-grade puppet show—a collaborative project that incorporates art, music and social studies—to the next level.

The theater wasn’t just a dream for Mentzer, however. More than three times the size of the old puppet theater, the new design allows ten students to fit behind the theater, adding to the collaborative nature of the performance. Members of the Tatnall Class of 2026—the first class to perform using the new theater— recall their reaction to the reveal of the Theatre de Marionnettes.

“There is a lot that goes into the scope of this project, and our students take a lot of pride in their work,” says Mentzer. “The students finally have an elaborate setting that highlights the performance.”

Tatnall’s current second-graders are already looking forward to this year’s puppet show, which will center around Mexican folktales. Kayla Anzilotti ’26 had this advice for the second-graders, including her younger sister, Claudia ’27: “They should pick a good character, do their best and be happy!”

Each year, in preparation for the springtime show, Mentzer selects two folktales that coincide with the social studies curriculum’s country of study. From there, the students create papier-mâché puppets, brush up on their public speaking skills, and incorporate music and sound effects, all before performing a puppet show inspired by the selected folktales. While the students’ performance has always captivated audiences, Mentzer had long envisioned an elaborate theater that would set the perfect stage for the project.

“I couldn’t believe it fit through the door!” says Danny Matthews ’26. “I was pretty amazed…it looks like it took a lot of wood to build it!”

“Yeah, and have fun!” adds Danny.

“The new theater really elevates the performance and enhances the audience’s appreciation of puppetry as an art form,” Mentzer adds.

Fall/Winter 2016 :: Tatnall Today ::

In the Classroom

“ Meet my pal, Rose. She loves princesses.” The PALS Program Makes Relationships Grow “I’ve also learned that she loves reading ‘Clifford the Big Red Dog’ and playing outside with me,” says Elena Bocchetti ’22, a seventh-grade participant in the PALS program. “I like seeing the world from Rose’s perspective and how she reacts to everything. I’m so glad she likes my drawing skills!”

Star Values To ensure the future success and happiness of all Preschool students, Tatnall’s Star Values program supports the growth of students into kind and caring individuals. These values are incorporated into the overall Preschool curriculum and various activities and projects throughout the year. Star Values include nine different principles: ■■

Friendship

■■

Thankfulness

■■

Giving

■■

Cooperation

■■

Love

■■

Honesty

■■

Patience

■■

Perseverance

■■

Pride

10 :: Tatnall Today :: Fall/Winter 2016

PALS—a serendipitous acronym—stands for “Projects Are Linking Students.” Each month, the program brings together a kindergarten and seventh-grade student to work on creative projects, fostering a strong friendship and bond. The projects stem from lessons in literacy, math and community outreach. During the year, seventh-grade students work on creating storybooks for their pals, based on what they learn about the younger students throughout their time together. “We witness the seventh-graders develop their roles as mentors, while the Preschool students witness their Star Values come to life,” says Lynne Olive, Middle School teacher. For more than 15 years, the PALS program has been teaching skills you won’t find in a book or a lesson plan. “The students’ relationships thrive beyond the year spent together, which cultivates Tatnall’s authentic sense of community both in and outside of the classroom,” says Preschool Head Aimee Neff.

From the Coral Reefs to the Classroom Tatnall Teachers Dive Deep When It Comes to Learning “It was like Rice Krispies—crackling and popping!” says wide-eyed Upper School science teacher Penny Rodrick-Williams, describing her first-ever experience snorkeling off the coast of Isla Espiritu Santo in Baja California Sur, Mexico. “Did you know coral reefs make a crackling noise underwater? It’s actually various gases being released.” This astonishing fact—and all of Rodrick-Williams’ new knowledge about marine biology—did not come solely from a textbook.

More recent examples of our teachers in action as outstanding educators: ■■

asey Chipman and Michele Ciconte C (Lower School) attended the 44th Annual Learning and the Brain Conference in Orlando, Florida, which sparked more innovation and creativity in their classrooms and the Tinker Lab.

■■

fter attending a conference at A the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence, Aimee Neff, Carli Brumfield ’92 and Janice Dries (Preschool) have implemented the RULER program (Recognizing, Understanding, Labeling, Expressing and Regulating emotions). They developed a “Mood Meter” to help students identify and express their feelings and emotions.

■■

aren Barker (Middle School) K continues to work with the Delaware Nature Society’s Habitat Stewards to improve the Middle School Certified Wildflower and Habitat Garden. She also recently explored Denali National Park’s habitats and wildlife in Alaska—which has proven to be a benefit to her seventh-grade life science classes.

This past spring, Rodrick-Williams began teaching a new Upper School science elective—Marine Biology. The course covered everything from coral reefs and sea turtles to the various relationships fostered between organisms living in the ocean. While teaching the course, Rodrick-Williams was preparing for a seven-day tropical excursion that ultimately transformed her new elective into a more relatable and experimental course in marine biology. “It’s real,” states Rodrick-Williams, reflecting on her new knowledge about coral reefs, sea lions and various other marine organisms. “After I returned from my trip, my students found themselves studying and analyzing real data, which sparked a greater enthusiasm for marine biology.” Her experience in Mexico not only expanded the course’s curriculum to cover new topics such as sea turtles and the global threats to coral reefs but also continues to shape future biology courses and electives. The course—deeply rooted in and developed from Rodrick-Williams’ experiences—truly shows how Tatnall teachers never stop learning. “Especially with science and technology, it’s impossible to quit learning,” she concludes. “When you’re teaching dynamic subjects like ecology and biology, you have to continuously acquire new knowledge.”

Fall/Winter 2016 :: Tatnall Today :: 11

All Aboard!

Students Set Sail on the

Adventure of a Lifetime I think a lot of people ask themselves, ‘How is this a global program if the students are on a boat in Connecticut?’” says Upper School English teacher Jennifer Scott. “But the idea is that global understanding starts with looking internally as a way to prepare students to look externally. As they drifted away from the Connecticut shoreline aboard the historic Mystic Whaler, members of the Tatnall Class of 2019 weren’t just embarking on a seabound, multiday voyage. Instead, the students were quite literally “Sailing in the Wake of Our Ancestors”—the title of phase 1 of the Global Youth Leadership Institute—as they sought to discover the answers to two important questions: “Who am I in a multicultural context?” and “What is my relationship to others?” Thanks to Tatnall’s partnership with the Global Youth Leadership Institute (GYLI)—a transformative “four pillar” educational program that engages participants over the course of three years—the students can become fully engaged citizens of the world. In addition to providing unique travel experiences, the GYLI program fosters collaborative leadership, multicultural identity, religious pluralism and environmental sustainability. To begin their GYLI experience, Rachel Cohen ’19, Sam Ginn ’19, Juanita Jayaprakash ’19, Andrew Sontchi ’19 and Maddie Volp ’19 all traveled to New London, Connecticut, where they spent the night working on leadership and team-building activities at Mitchell College. There, the students got their first taste of the experience.

12 :: Tatnall Today :: Fall/Winter 2016

“Something that really stands out to me is a stereotyping activity we participated in at Mitchell,” says Rachel. During the activity, the students were given pieces of paper with descriptive words that categorized people by gender, race and religion. The students were then asked to write down a stereotype that they associated with the word on the paper. “It was interesting because I realized that people from different parts of the country were all thinking the same things I was thinking,” Rachel explains. Afterwards, the group leaders ripped up the lists, a symbolic gesture that showed the group was rejecting stereotypes and committing to meet and learn about individuals without the clouding of prior judgments. Then the students set sail. In addition to helping prepare meals, raising and lowering sails, climbing the mast, and navigating the ship, they participated in workshops on global faith traditions and multicultural identity in order to better understand themselves in the context of their community. “A large part of the trip was the outdoor experience of being on a boat,” says Scott, “but the students also participated in the GYLI curriculum.” She adds, “The opportunity to look within and consider how they fit into their families, the community and the world is unique.” Leadership is also a crucial component of the GYLI experience. To foster the successful transfer of learning and encourage the students to take on leadership roles in their own communities, participants are tasked with creating a Leader Learning Plan (LLP). Using the GYLI LLP structure, Tatnall’s students have been inspired to revamp the school’s existing Big Brothers and Big Sisters program. “Big Brothers and Big Sisters encompasses a lot of GYLI’s values, but it can be expanded,” says Rachel. “Our idea is to build upon that program and instead create ‘families’ that include students in each Upper School grade. This will enable students to build on the community aspect at Tatnall and bring the Upper School closer.” Ultimately, the LLP, the GYLI pillars and the subsequent travel opportunities are all transformative leadership steps that support GYLI’s core belief that “learners can and must change themselves on the way to changing our communities and, ultimately, our world.” For Sam Ginn ’19, GYLI was an opportunity he didn’t want to miss. “The application process was occurring at a time when there was a lot of news coverage on our presidential race and its controversies as well as conflicts in places like Syria and the Ukraine—things that I’m particularly interested in,” explains Sam. “I figured if I took this opportunity, I may be able to make a bigger impact on the world than if I didn’t. Probably not some massive change, as I’m not that naive, but maybe becoming part of something bigger.”

Where To Next? ■■

I n year two, students will travel to the Lama Foundation in Questa, New Mexico, where they will explore the “personal geography” of leadership—a person’s individual vision and unique direction.

■■

he third phase of GYLI takes place at two world-renowned institutes T in Costa Rica dedicated to international understanding and sustainable development: United World College Costa Rica (UWCCR) and EARTH University.

GYLI Pillars: Collaborative Leadership Co-learning and co-creating based on community, partnership and input from all stakeholders.

Environmental Sustainability The development of a deep connection to and responsibility for the natural world, and a holistic understanding of how to protect, restore and live within the means of nature.

Religious Pluralism The understanding of other religions from the perspective of its followers, respecting their truth and recognizing their value to our community.

Multicultural Identity The sharing, understanding, acceptance and promotion of multiple identities, and the common characteristics that unite us within a community.

Fall/Winter 2016 :: Tatnall Today :: 13

Innovation and Design Lab

TATNALL

TRANSF RMATI NS From Campus Renovations to Educational Innovation Hard hats required. In the summer of 2016, our campus saw big changes as walls were repainted, doors were replaced and new centers of excellence were unveiled. These changes and more were all part of Tatnall’s continual investment in campus facilities and commitment to leveraging the school’s 110-acre campus for educational programs, student advancement and cultural enrichment. Sparks of Creativity Ignite in New Innovation and Design Lab In September 2016, Tatnall unveiled its newest creatively focused space, the Innovation and Design (ID) Lab. A state-of-the-art center for STEM-related research and project creation, the lab works in conjunction with the school’s libraries and technology labs to complement the curiosity and creativity sparked in each of Tatnall’s classrooms. To date, students have completed a number of projects using the lab’s resources, including a 3D-printed battery dispenser, custom-carved Beowulfinspired puppets, underwater remote-operated vehicles and an LED analog clock. The lab has been integrated into lesson plans across the curriculum, giving every student an opportunity to learn important problem-solving skills. “The [lab’s] impacts on class projects are terrific, but the creative outlet for individual projects is invaluable,” says Upper School science teacher Josh Gates. “The ability to build whatever they would like to, in a place where they can learn how to use the 3D printer or carver to solder, opens up a whole new world of possibilities for students, both at Tatnall and after they leave us.”

14 :: Tatnall Today :: Fall/Winter 2016

■■

Tatnall’s ID Lab contains the following equipment: arvey 3D CNC C Carving Machine ltimaker 2 3D U Printer

Belt Sander Scroll Saw Electronics Tools

Drill Press

The following activities are scheduled for the remainder of the school year: January: Linoleum Stamps/Scarves February: Wooden-gear Machines March: Paper Circuits April: Carved Pen Boxes May: LED Origami Flower

On Track for Success During the past 13 years of competition, the Tatnall running program has produced 189 individual and relay state champions, while earning 40 team state titles in track and cross country. Every single one of these accomplishments was made possible by the school’s strong athletic support system and outstanding training facilities, including Tatnall’s eightlane, all-weather performance track. New ECOsurface Flooring

Sustainable Surfaces Thanks to new ECOsurface flooring, Tatnall’s Lower School students will enjoy a quieter, more environmentally friendly learning environment. Pioneered by Ecore, a company that transforms reclaimed waste into unique surfaces, ECOsurface flooring is versatile, durable and made with recycled material. The custom floor absorbs energy, vibration and noise, improves air quality, and has the potential to contribute up to 12 points toward the United States Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System.

Over the summer, the Tatnall track was resurfaced with an International Association of Athletics Federations–certified Beynon BSS 300 series 5mm surface made of embedded polyurethane. The new surface will last about ten years and, in that timespan, will literally provide the foundation for scores of current and future Tatnall student-athletes to work toward realizing their ambitious dreams.

Resurfaced Track

Language Lab

Hornet Hallways What’s better than a splash of Tatnall yellow to brighten the hallways? In addition to a new paint job, several pieces of award-winning student artwork now line the Beekley walls, adding a vibrant burst of color to the building. Additionally, gifts from several of our recent graduating classes led to the purchase of hallway furniture and docking tables, providing students with a new space to study, collaborate and socialize.

¡Hola! Bonjour! Salve! Foreign Language Students Welcome Language Lab From AP exam simulations to listening and speaking assignments, Tatnall’s Spanish, French and Latin students have a new place to brush up on their foreign language skills. The new foreign language lab, or “mini lab,” provides students with the perfect place to work on projects and complete online assessments.

Brightened Hallways

Fall/Winter 2016 :: Tatnall Today :: 15

Clear Eyes, Full Hearts, Can’t Lose

Friday Night

“The coaches gave us a great game plan. We have great senior leadership and we just played our hearts out.”

This is how junior quarterback Carl Marvin ’18 explained Tatnall’s monumental victory to a News Journal reporter following the school’s inaugural game under the lights. On September 30, 2016, for the first time in school history, Tatnall’s football team took to an illuminated Weymouth Field and faced Independent Conference rival Tower Hill. With hundreds of Hornet faithful cheering from the sidelines, the varsity football team defeated the Hillers, 18–7, and made its mark in Tatnall athletic history.

650 students, parents, alumni and friends

More than

crowded the sidelines of Weymouth Field to support the Hornets thanks to the Black & Gold Club.

Twenty-four Tatnall cheerleaders wowed the crowd during an impressive halftime performance and kept the black-and-gold spirit alive throughout the entire game.

16 :: Tatnall Today :: Fall/Winter 2016

One hundred alumni, including Chicago Bears tight end

Justin Perillo ’09,

traveled from near and far to watch the historic game.

Lights 20 tailgates

More than gave parents, alumni and friends an opportunity to connect before the game.

Chris Daniels ’05 and Jordan Daniels ’06 hosted a tailgate to benefit Tatnall’s Nativity Before the game,

Prep fund. The brothers asked alumni and past parents who attended the tailgate to make a donation. They raised more than $1,500 for the Nativity Prep fund, which will provide scholarships for Nativity Prep students who will attend Tatnall.

The Hornet defense held a lethal rushing attack in check. The team was led in tackles by Oliver Campbell ’17 and Robb Dehney ’17, while the line play was led by Karl Holler ’17, Isaiah Jones ’17 and Abdul Ogembe ’17.

During the game, the Hillers’ stout run defense forced the

Hornets to carry the load on the offensive side of the ball. Quarterback Carl Marvin ’18 completed 10 of 22 for 268 yards with three touchdowns, while Jared Duncan ’18 caught two passes and scored on each from 78 and 65 yards out. Cameron Easton ’17 added seven catches for 121 yards and snagged the final touchdown pass of the game.

Three hundred rally towels were thrown to a spirited crowd that responded by wildly waving the towels in support.

Seven gigantic Ingersoll Rand Light Towers lit up Weymouth Field.

Fall/Winter 2016 :: Tatnall Today :: 17

Tori Knox ’17 has done it all. In addition to being a consistent honor roll student and recipient of the Henry Lea Tatnall Scholar Award, Tori is an accomplished artist. She has landed lead roles in Tatnall’s Playbill productions of “Legally Blonde,” “Pippin” and “Bring It On,” and has been recognized in national artistic competitions. Tori is a flutist and has played with the Tatnall band since fifth grade. She’s also a member of both the Tatnall Concert Choir and the Delaware All State Choir. Athletically, Tori holds Tatnall’s reigning state championship track team’s record for the 100-meter hurdles. Off campus, Tori has been recognized as Miss Hockessin’s Outstanding Teen and was recently cast as a main character in the teen music video “SuperGlue,” set to air on Nickelodeon in 2017. As she looks toward her future, Tori, the president of Tatnall’s Biomedical Club, hopes to pursue premedical and music degrees in college.

18 :: Tatnall Today :: Fall/Winter 2016

A Violinist, Starting Quarterback and AP Student

WALK INTO A SCHOOL… W

hen Tatnall’s football team completed an 18-yard screen pass with only 40 seconds left in its inaugural Friday Night Lights game, Upper School music teacher Wesley Morton saw the play just a bit differently than most of the cheering fans. For Morton, here’s how the play unfolded: Singer Malcolm Godshall ’17 (the team’s center) snapped the ball to violinist Carl Marvin ’18 (quarterback), who fired the screen pass to percussionist Sam Ragland ’17 (running back), who was freed for a big gain because of a nice block from bassist Karl Holler ’17 (tackle). These weren’t just student-athletes playing for Tatnall’s football team. They, like all Tatnall athletic team participants, were student-athlete-artists and more. “A rich, happy life depends on a balance between physical and intellectual wellbeing, and the latter includes an appreciation for art and music, which serves to expand and deepen our understanding of the human condition,” says Tim Quinn, Head of the Upper School. “For this reason we require students to stretch themselves.” “The fact that these different aspects of students’ lives are so mutually supportive sums up what the school is all about,” adds Morton. Walk through the halls of The Tatnall School on an average day, and you will see faculty and staff actively helping students to find and be their best selves. This requires building a culture of learning across all disciplines and activities and integrating outstanding athletics and unparalleled arts into an exceptional academic program.

“ A rich, happy life depends on a balance between physical and intellectual well-being, and the latter includes an appreciation for art and music, which serves to expand and deepen our understanding of the human condition.” continued on next page

Fall/Winter 2016 :: Tatnall Today :: 19

continued from previous page

“I never thought I’d get the chance to have a prominent role in a musical and lead a varsity volleyball team to the quarterfinals all in the same week.” — Molly Soja ’17

Deanna Bocchetti, who leads the Lower School, emphasizes that this support begins early on for all of Tatnall’s students. “In all subjects, Tatnall’s youngest students explore elements of hands-on creativity, from social studies and science to literature.” Part of the Lower School curriculum’s rationale, Bocchetti says, is that you never know what might excite each child. She described a recent lesson outside the Lower School technology lab featuring mini-drones. The 3rd graders were learning to code the drones on iPads. “It was exciting to see the students become empowered through firsthand experiences with this technology.” She notes how the school reinforces “Daisy Values,” named for the school flower, through initiatives each month that focus on an element such as “respect” or “responsibility.” “This flows into students’ other classes, and even recess,” she says. Quinn explains that this enculturation of values includes a commitment to building authentic relationships and a culture of trust—skills that are so critical to students in college and beyond.

varsity sports, I have been able to mold my schedule to somehow fit a diverse set of activities into my 24-hour day.” Patrick Castagno, head coach of the school’s highly recognized running program, has seen the many ways sports enforce the school’s broader values and sense of community. “Sports teach the paramount lesson of learning to be part of a team charging toward a common goal,” says Castagno, “and we know that the most innovative and successful businesses employ a team approach to solving problems.” He adds that physical and mental challenges reveal students’ strength of character, as well as any areas that may need attention. “As coaches, we have rare opportunities to help kids learn about themselves.” Similarly, in leading the school band, Morton has observed how seamless the interplay has become for so many students among various extracurricular talents and interests. “I have the privilege of seeing a clarinet player excel as a visual artist, and a trombone player doing all kinds of cool projects in physics,” he says.

Having come to Tatnall last year, Quinn has observed that other schools don’t “walk the walk” as well as Tatnall in helping students become well-rounded individuals. The school’s size provides a range of opportunities for students to excel in diverse areas. He cites a recent musical in which 70 students were intimately engaged in the production. “Teachers and coaches alike meet students where they are,” Quinn says.

Ultimately, Tatnall’s wide range of activities prepares students for college and for life. Deni Knox, mother of Tori ’17, Skyler ’20, Chace ’23 and Brenna ’27, has witnessed this preparedness firsthand. “As I watch Tori go through the process of college applications, there is absolutely nothing that her application is lacking,” she says. “From the arts, where she’s placed nationally, to being a part of the state championship team, to excelling academically, Tatnall has helped Tori feel confident in moving forward.”

Tatnall students agree. “I never thought I’d get the chance to have a prominent role in a musical and lead a varsity volleyball team to the quarterfinals all in the same week,” says Molly Soja ’17. “With the infinite opportunities at Tatnall, I have been able to achieve my goals,” she adds. “From a rigorous course load to

Knox adds, “As a parent, I don’t want my children to only be ‘successful’ in terms of numbers. I want them to be successful at life, enjoy what they do and appreciate others. We have stayed at Tatnall so long because it has appealed to each and every one of my kids—who are so different in every way—yet they’re each so happy here.”

20 :: Tatnall Today :: Fall/Winter 2016

1 7 5

3 6

1. Olivia Reese ’22. In addition to playing volleyball, lacrosse and golf, Olivia is a math wiz who serves as treasurer on the Middle School student council. Olivia also enjoys singing and has received the Outstanding Chorister Award twice. 2. Caleb Bowen ’21. Caleb loves math and English, but he also loves lacing up and hitting the soccer field and track as a two-sport athlete. This eighth-grader has also received awards in his band and French classes. 3. Grace Poyta ’24. As a fifth-grader, Grace doesn’t yet participate on Tatnall’s athletic teams, but that doesn’t mean she can’t compete! An avid swimmer, Grace has received several swimming ribbons. On campus, Grace loves playing the violin in strings class and has received an award for her French skills! 4. Josh Green ’23. As he prepares to compete in Tatnall’s athletic programs next year, this sixth-grader is staying active! A seasoned athlete, Josh plays lacrosse and football, and also competes in cross country and swimming. At school, Josh looks forward to learning about new places and cultures in social studies and has received the Perseverance Award in chorus. 5. Bebe Carter ’22. While Bebe is a field hockey and lacrosse player, her true love is the arts. Bebe participates in the Middle School Chorus and the Art Society, and has received the Perseverance Award in her art class. Extracurricular involvement doesn’t just support students’ social and collaborative skills—it also increases academic performance. According to The National Center for Education Statistics, “Extracurricular activities provide a channel for reinforcing the lessons learned in the classroom, offering students the opportunity to apply academic skills in a realworld context, and are thus considered part of a well-rounded education.” Pictured: Hutch Lee ’20

6. Gavin Conway ’23. Gavin is a mathematician who looks forward to solving problems in math class each day, but he has also received awards for his dedication to completing homework and assignments. He is also a gifted trumpet player and a multi-season athlete. 7. Jane Penn ’21. Although she plays basketball, tennis and volleyball, Jane’s true love is band. Jane is a skilled French horn player who looks forward to practicing each week!

Fall/Winter 2016 :: Tatnall Today :: 21

r a l u c e l s o s e M n , e s r e a n w o r A D ial c a R d n a y Gastr onom

TATNALL’S

INDEPENDENT

SCHOLARS EXPLORE

Their Passions

Building on the success of Tatnall’s 85th Anniversary Scholars Program, the Independent Scholars Program was established to honor Tatnall’s belief in the importance of providing students with opportunities to pursue independent work as a “means to nurture curiosity and to encourage students to grow in curiosity and self-esteem.” In addition to giving students the autonomy to direct their own learning, the program helps students make interdisciplinary connections between parts of the existing curriculum as they pursue their passions. Below, several of the 2016-2017 scholars discuss their projects:

Isabel Edstrom ’17—Improvement of Gluten-Free Cooking through the Study of Molecular Gastronomy Mentor: Sharon Kreamer, Upper School science teacher Inspired by her mother, who adheres to a glutenfree diet, and the baked goods she makes and eats at home, Isabel strives to improve gluten-free cooking. “One main struggle with going gluten-free is recreating the texture found in foods containing gluten without compromising the taste,” she says. “My project is based on understanding proteins, specifically gluten, and their relationship to baking. To do this, I read an assortment of articles and excerpts from books to develop a baseline knowledge of how proteins function and to gain more information about glutenin and gliadin, the two proteins that make up gluten. I also conducted a series of trials in which I tested different types of gluten-free flours in bread by using a recipe that I chose for its qualities when baked with regular (gluten-containing) flour.”

22 :: Tatnall Today :: Fall/Winter 2016

Austin Leshock ’17—Music Theory and its Applications for Media Mentor: Wesley Morton, Upper School music teacher “Ever since I began to study music, I have been fascinated by its ability to compel listeners to feel a myriad of emotions. Music can make someone feel anything from jubilant and hopeful to somber and depressed, and everything in between. I have always wanted to understand how composers convey these feelings to the listener, especially in media such as films and video games, in which the music must fit into the context of the events and atmosphere of the media.”

Caroline James ’18—Urban Planning Design for Wilmington’s Revitalization

To better understand music theory and its applications for media, Austin has set out to achieve two main goals. “I seek to broaden my knowledge of music theory, and to apply that knowledge to composing music for media such as films and video games. I have met with the student leaders of the film and video game design club, and I plan to create themes for soundtracks of each type of media.”

Mentor: Leslie Kelly, Owner, Leslie Kelly Architecture LLC “I was walking to La Fia, a restaurant on Market Street, with my parents last year when I noticed a number of empty lots on the otherwise bustling street. I knew that a lot of work had been done in the past few years to try and revitalize the downtown area, and it seemed like such a shame that there was still so much empty space that could be used. I thought that if more attractive and updated housing was built in the downtown area, more people would want to live there.” Feeling inspired, Caroline decided to design housing that would appeal to young people living in the Wilmington area. “I am designing an urban residence, using a real site on Wilmington’s Market Street as the house’s hypothetical location. My plan is for the residence to include both traditional elements, which will echo some of the beautiful old architecture in downtown Wilmington, and modern and environmentally friendly features that will appeal to the modern consumer.”

Devon May ’17—Visual Art to Showcase Black Achievement and Explore What it Means to be Black at Tatnall Mentor: Stephanie Silverman, Upper School art teacher “I want to present an alternative narrative of Black Americans, showcasing their remarkable achievements and contributions as both a source of pride and an educational experience for the Tatnall community,” says Devon, who is creating works of graphic design and visual art that reinforce the importance of African Americans to our history and culture. “My hope is that the audience will appreciate the contributions of Black Americans and know their names and achievements. I also hope that students who identify as Black at Tatnall will have a greater sense of pride in their heritage and identity as Black Americans.” continued on next page

Fall/Winter 2016 :: Tatnall Today :: 23

continued from previous page

TATNALL’S

INDEPENDENT

SCHOLARS EXPLORE

Their Passions

Ansel Tessier ’18—Creation of Drone to Find Missing People in Search and Rescue Missions Mentor: Josh Gates, Upper School science teacher “When I heard about the earthquake in Nepal a couple years ago, I was motivated to see how I could help victims of natural disaster. Oftentimes, it is difficult for first responders to find and get people to safety after a natural disaster. This got me thinking—could I build something that could do just what first responders do and go into collapsed buildings or rubble and search for survivors?” Acting on his inspiration, Ansel is designing and developing a fully autonomous drone that can be used in search and rescue missions. “Two of the core subjects in my project are robotics and artificial intelligence. These are the fields I am looking to study further in college,” he adds.

Lillia Schmidt ’17—Environmental Awareness through Art Aimed at Improving Recycling at Tatnall Mentor: Dr. Dean Goodwin, Upper School science teacher “I am looking forward to getting creative as well as educating my community,” says Lillia, who plans to increase recycling on the Tatnall campus. “In my project, I will be promoting recycling at Tatnall, melding two of my interests—protecting the environment and art. Specifically, my project will focus on placing outdoor recycling bins that have been decorated using recycled materials at the sports fields.” For Lillia, who plans to continue to explore art and environmental studies as hobbies in college, the scholar program gave her an opportunity to dive into her interests. “When I saw the option for an independent project, I thought it would be a great time to take the recycling aspect of Tatnall life into my own hands!”

24 :: Tatnall Today :: Fall/Winter 2016

Savannah Pankow ’17—Exploration of Plastic’s Harmful Effects through the Study of Hormone Disruptors Mentor: Sharon Kreamer, Upper School science teacher “My project, in the simplest of terms, is understanding how plastics can be harmful to humans. I aim to discover a safe alternative. Specifically, I am studying the human endocrine system, hormones and how BPA—Bisphenol-A, a carcinogenic molecule in most strong plastics—affects our bodies.” Driven by her passion for science and research, Savannah has decided to incorporate her severalyear-long study of fish species as part of her independent study. After originally looking at the protein in each fish species, Savannah is now looking at fish hormones to advance her understanding of the subject. “I am now working with a graduate student at the University of Delaware named Kaleigh Reno, who has been researching this topic for the past five years. I will likewise be learning about polymers (the building blocks of plastics and other materials) and researching how we can change the molecular structure of polymers to still function without containing the chemical BPA.”

Student Spotlight

Commencing Countdown, Engines On For Tatnall junior Chase Reid ’18, neither the school walls nor the sky is the limit when it comes to setting and achieving his goals. His vision for the world—one rooted in the deep understanding of culture and the advancement of technology—is quite literally otherworldly. “My dream is to continue to add on to this human journey and see us branch out,” Chase explains. He plans to study astronautical engineering and, one day, he hopes to see humans achieve worldwide peace and venture outside of this planet to other solar systems and galaxies. Chase is already building a foundation for his future goals. Chase’s passion for understanding worldviews is reinforced through Tatnall’s Center for Global Understanding and Engagement. He credits the program with preparing him and his peers to become “global citizens” by making a difference. As part of the program, students speak with senators and government personnel to learn about ways to help improve our society and our planet. His desire for intellectual debates led to his selection as president of Tatnall’s Model United Nations team. The Model UN students engage in debates about global issues presently facing each chosen country. “My mother always said, ‘Before you want to be understood, you should seek first to understand the other person’s argument,’” Chase says. As president of the Black Student Union, Chase continues to provide an open platform for students to voice their opinions by creating a strong sense of community, especially through their mentorship program. Pairing his love for human connection with his skills in business and programming, Chase already created his first start-up, Crème, which makes it easier for people to make new personal or business connections in their communities over coffee. Chase developed the software in just three months’ time and plans to launch the app within the next two months.

“ Before you want to be understood, you should seek first to understand the other person’s argument.”

Upper School science teacher Josh Gates, who entrusted Chase with the task of developing the entry system software for Tatnall’s Innovation and Design (ID) Lab, says, “Even more important than what he knows is his approach to work—he jumps in, does research, tries things out and reevaluates, and learns whatever he needs to meet his goals.” Fall/Winter 2016 :: Tatnall Today :: 25

Student Spotlight

Laila Muhammad Races to the Junior Olympics Laila Muhammad ’25 is just like any other 10-year-old Tatnall student. She has four best friends with whom she loves to watch movies, she spends most of her free time playing with her little brother Ian and her cousins, she enjoys eating her lunch with her classmates, and she likes playing pranks, and even getting pranked, by her friends. Yes, Laila is just like any other Tatnall student—except for one major difference. Since she was 7 years old, Laila has competed and placed as a runner in the USATF National Junior Olympics twice and the AAU National Junior Olympics once. She is on her way to qualify for her fourth major competition in 2017. Laila’s need for speed began while she was watching the World Olympics with her mother and became fascinated with Olympic medalist Allyson Felix. She watched Felix become the first American woman to win three gold medals in more than 20 years, sparking her passion for running. “From the first day of practice, we could tell that she just really enjoyed running,” says Laila’s mom, Stephany Muhammad. “At the age of 7, her coaches told us to start preparing Laila for the National Junior Olympics, because she was going to make it.” In the beginning, Laila and her family had no idea what the Junior Olympics entailed. They soon learned that the competition is the most visible youth athletic development program in the world. 26 :: Tatnall Today :: Fall/Winter 2016

As of 2016, Laila received a top ten placement seven times, in the 1,500-meter run, the 800-meter run and the 400-meter run. In fact, during Laila’s first competition in 2014, she broke the USATF Region 8 and Under 1,500-meter record at Stockton University. She placed first. “I enjoy being the best I can be and working hard to be better,” Laila said. Laila does not run only for herself. Her passion is fueled by the relationship she had with her late grandfather. She use to talk about running with him frequently, and always wants to do her best for him. To do her best, she must train often. As a fourth-grade student, friend, sister and athlete, Laila must balance her Olympic training with other aspects of her daily life. Her family uses a giant family planner to organize homework, track practice, social events and other activities. Even when her family travels for competitions, they always plan family fun events for Laila to enjoy. “Laila’s drive and passion to win blows us away at times,” says Stephany. “As a parent, you want your children to get involved and do well, but when they surpass your expectations, it is inspiring.” Though Laila exceeds expectations at such a young age, she stays humble and grounded through it all. When asked where she sees herself within the next few years, she said, “I hope to one day compete in the World Olympics. Oh, and be best friends with the same four best friends I have today!”

Technology Upgrades

Showcasing

MyTatnall

In August, The Tatnall School unveiled a campus-wide technology upgrade with the introduction of a newly designed public website and a robust, mobile-friendly student and parent tool—MyTatnall. A significant communication advancement, MyTatnall increases ease of access for teachers, parents and students, while also raising the quality of class instruction by providing areas for interaction and learning enrichment. “The new website is structured in a way that I can always find what I’m looking for without having to click around—the sign of a wonderfully designed website,” says Elizabeth Salisbury, mother of Lillian Salisbury ’27. “As a parent, I appreciate that MyTatnall is a one-stop place for me to keep up with the Lower School information that is specific to my daughter, as well as what is happening in the school’s other buildings.” With the rollout of the new site, several enhanced features were introduced: ■■

Streamlined design and navigation

■■

Mobile-friendly interface

■■

Single sign-on for student grades, schedules and class information

■■

Integrated calendars

■■

Parent/teacher resource boards and course pages

■■

Electronic admissions applications

“MyTatnall’s single sign-on and streamlined navigation make for a much improved parent and student experience,” says Peter Bookman, MyTatnall Director. “The depth of information available—including calendars, grades, schedules, course information and assignments—enhances a parent’s ability

The MyTatnall calendar feature gives parents the ability to filter events, assignments and sports.

to keep up-to-date on the student’s progress. The integrated calendar feature, in particular, is so rich that parents can view extensive details about their child’s day at a glance.” Salisbury agrees. “My favorite MyTatnall feature is the calendar! I love that I can check off different activities by topic—holiday, allschool, Lower School, athletic—so I can narrow the events I want to explore or see what activities are taking place in the same day or week.” Most importantly, the upgraded technology supports Tatnall’s commitment to fostering communication between home and school, and upholding the principles of family involvement in the education of our students. “I now feel more connected to the Tatnall community beyond the grade and division my child is in this year,” says Salisbury. “The images on the new site bring all the activities our community is engaged in to life, so even though I am not able to attend all events, I still feel as though I’m part of the excitement! The directories in MyTatnall have also been a great resource. I can easily reach out to drop a quick note to a teacher, fellow parent or other school administrator without having to dig through my email account to find an email address.” Be sure to check out the new site for yourself! Visit www.tatnall.org.

Fall/Winter 2016 :: Tatnall Today :: 27

Alumni Connections

Erik’s new hotel, Arlo Hudson Square, in New York, New York.

Alumni Journeys Once He Cleaned Hotels, Now He Owns Them “When I entered Tatnall in pre-kindergarten in 1978, I was more or less unformed clay,” observes Erik Warner ’93. “Over 15 years, Tatnall helped me sculpt who I am. That sculpture is always changing, even today, but its basic mold was set during my Tatnall years.” A seasoned hotel real estate investor, Erik today co-leads Eagle Point Hotel Partners, a firm he founded with a fellow Cornell grad in 2011 following a successful 18-year career in the hotel real estate private equity sector. According to Erik, achieving his goals in his chosen field would not have been possible in the same way without his Tatnall experience as the foundation. “The faculty and the diverse, open-minded atmosphere at Tatnall gave me a safe place to explore and succeed or fail and learn— over and over again,” reflects Erik. “A big part of the Tatnall experience for me was learning the persistence and perseverance needed to get back up and try again—which has been a major asset in the real estate business, where results don’t happen overnight.” At Tatnall, Erik was exposed to people from different races, religions and backgrounds, which he cites as key to preparing him for success in the diverse hospitality industry. With a foundation set at Tatnall, Erik turned his attention to college, but was dismayed to be rejected by his first-choice

28 :: Tatnall Today :: Fall/Winter 2016

school, the hospitality program at Cornell University. While attending another college in the meantime, Erik put his persistence to work, building the strong academic performance and gaining the hospitality industry experience that Cornell’s admissions dean required in order to consider a reapplication. In 1994, Erik moved back to Delaware, enrolled in university courses and worked almost full-time in housekeeping at the Hotel du Pont in Wilmington. He was determined to “get his hands dirty” and learn from the diverse staff. Six months later, Erik was rewarded with acceptance into the Cornell program and the rest, as they say, is history. “The path to achieving your goals isn’t always a straight line,” concludes Erik. “Sometimes there are detours and bumps in the road, but every part of the journey is a learning experience that helps shape who you are and what you become. Tatnall gave me the opportunity to discover who I am and the tools to continue on that journey, never wavering from what I want to achieve.”

Putting an Arts Career on Center Stage Award-winning playwright, composer and lyricist Timothy Huang ’93 might not have pursued his passion for the arts, if it wasn’t for Tatnall. “It was during high school that I really began to see that I could build a career in what I loved to do, thanks to the people and experiences I encountered within the Tatnall community,” says Timothy. At home, Timothy’s interest in an arts career surprised his parents, first-generation Taiwanese-Americans, who had expected their son to pursue a more traditional, “measurable” profession, like medicine or engineering. “My parents were supportive, but they weren’t sure how to guide me,” explains Timothy. He found guidance in the Tatnall community, as the parent of a classmate helped shepherd him through the process of applying to secondary arts programs.

“ It was during high school that I really began to see that I could build a career in what I loved to do, thanks to the people and experiences I encountered within the Tatnall community.”

Timothy loved to perform from a young age and dove headfirst into the arts program at Tatnall. He sang in the choir, played the lead in the eighth-grade musical and even worked the stage lighting. “There were so many ways to get involved in the arts at Tatnall, and it was as simple as saying, ‘I want to be a part of it,’” remembers Timothy. Buoyed by his arts experience at Tatnall, Timothy earned a bachelor’s degree in theater performance from New York University and acted off-Broadway for three years before returning to NYU for a master’s in musical theater writing. He went on to compose a one-man musical, “The View from Here,” and is also the composer, lyricist and librettist of the full-length musicals “And the Earth Moved,” “Costs of Living” (which garnered the 2015 Richard Rodgers Award) and “LINES: A Song Cycle.” Timothy’s belief in the value of the arts remains strong. “The arts are what soothes the soul, what balances us, and there is immeasurable value in that,” he says. “Tatnall has a clear grasp of that value, and it will remain embedded in the Tatnall experience for years to come.”

“There were so many ways to get involved in the arts at Tatnall, and it was as simple as saying, ‘I want to be a part of it.’”

Fall/Winter 2016 :: Tatnall Today :: 29

Alumni Connections

Meant to Mentor: Alumna Encourages Women of Power Ashley Deadwyler-Jones ’94 had been away from her hometown of Wilmington, Delaware, for more than 15 years when she heard about a Delaware high school student who lost her life as a result of school violence. Determined to make an impact, Ashley returned to her roots. “I wanted to bring positivity back to Delaware,” explains Ashley. “So in addition to running a business and raising my family in the D.C. area, I have found my way back home out of my desire to serve. That’s how the Shangazi Mentoring Program got started.”

More About Ashley ■■

shley is a State Farm owner and agent who A serves customers in Maryland, D.C., Virginia and Delaware.

■■

shley studied psychology and management A organization at Spelman College, where she was recognized as a Bonner Scholar. She went on to receive a master’s in business administration with a concentration in marketing from Clark Atlanta University.

■■

I n her spare time, Ashley hosts a web series called “Good News Baltimore,” which offers the community positive and progressive information.

What Does Shangazi Mean? Shangazi means “Auntie” in Swahili. Swahili is a Bantu language spoken in Tanzania, Burundi, Congo (Kinshasa), Kenya, Mayotte, Mozambique, Oman, Rwanda, Somalia, South Africa, Uganda, UAE and the USA. Around 5 million people speak Swahili as a native language, and a further 135 million speak it as a second language. For more information on the Shangazi Mentoring Program, visit www.shangazimentoringprogram.com.

30 :: Tatnall Today :: Fall/Winter 2016

Founded by Ashley, the Shangazi Mentoring Program is free and available to all teen girls matriculating through high school in Delaware. The program’s focus is to mentor, mold, motivate and celebrate girls, with a spirit of achievement and drive for excellence. Each month the girls join a Conference Call with a “woman of power” who provides insight on her journey to success, while offering an opportunity for dialogue. Mentees also participate in a girls-only empowerment conference, a community service project, a fun local excursion and an annual tea celebration. “I’m very excited about what’s in store for the program and the potential to impact so many teen girls. I am also really looking forward to high school girls at Tatnall joining the program.” Ashley attributes her desire to serve in part to her schooling at Tatnall, with its emphasis on community service and helping others. “Tatnall reinforced what my parents told me all my life—that I could do anything I wanted to do and that I was extremely smart and talented,” says Ashley. “That level of support, coupled with required volunteer hours at Tatnall, really helped provide me with direction.” During her years at Tatnall, Ashley volunteered to feed the homeless on Saturday mornings—and was profoundly moved. “I met the most amazing people and I learned quickly that not much separated me from many of the homeless I served,” she explains. “Many were educated people who fell on hard times, lost a job or loved one, battled addiction, or did not have access to affordable healthcare.” Understanding and appreciating human behavior has been extremely important throughout Ashley’s life, particularly now that she is influencing Delaware teens. “I learned early that service to the community was not about just giving, but it was also about the sense of fulfillment and purpose that it offered in return.”

Marnie Kelly ’72, DeVon Daniels, Lisa Sylvester, Mary Lu Pamm ’78.

Annual Golf Classic a “Hole in One” Success! This past June, Tatnall’s 27th Annual Golf Classic raised a recordbreaking $55,500 in support of financial aid and other student programs. The highly successful event included more than 80 golfers, dozens of local company sponsors and countless volunteers who came together to benefit Tatnall’s students. Sponsored by The Tatnall School Alumni Association and hosted at Hartefeld National Golf Club, the annual golf outing provides alumni, parents and friends of the school the opportunity to hit the links in support of The Tatnall School. Matt Beardwood ’89, Jake Much ’91, Jason Danner ’91, Ed Stein ’91

Mark Your Calendars: 28th Annual Golf Classic Challenge Issued, Challenge Met— Tatnall Completes the #HornetChallenge! Thanks to the support of the entire Tatnall community, Tatnall surpassed its $20,000 #HornetChallenge goal in June 2016. The year-end campaign challenged the community to support The Fund for Tatnall and demonstrate their Tatnall pride on social media. After the successful completion of the challenge, the Ernest E. Stempel Foundation made a $20,000 matching gift, as well as a $5,000 added gift. In total, the challenge brought in an astounding $98,660! In addition to the funds raised, Tatnall also received an Award of Distinction in the 2016 Videographer Awards for the #HornetChallenge video. The Award of Distinction is given to projects that exceed industry standards, and approximately 14% of videos entered receive awards.

The 28th Annual Golf Classic will take place on Thursday, June 1, 2017. Sponsorship opportunities and open slots for individual players are available for the four-man, scramble-format outing. Alumni, parents and friends are invited to enjoy a day out on the links! For more information or to reserve your spot, please call Director of Alumni Relations Anita Marcial at (302) 892-4337.

Fall/Winter 2016 :: Tatnall Today :: 31

Alumni Connections

Vanessa Drucker, Becky King Rogers ’79, Andrew Goldstein ’85, Jonathan Adler ’84, Deirdre Doherty ’85, Heather O’Donnell ’89 and Ed Milner ’88

Kerry McCue ’10 and Marlee Caine ’10

Tatnall Visits the Big Apple In October, Tatnall administrators, faculty and members of the Alumni Council headed to New York City to reconnect with local alumni and members of the New York City Chapter of The Tatnall School Alumni Association. The reception— hosted at Arlo Hudson Square, a refurbished hotel co-owned by Erik Warner ’93—gave our out-of-town alumni the opportunity to meet with Interim Head of School Dr. Timothy Burns, reconnect with old classmates and form friendships with other Tatnall graduates.

Anita Marcial and Doug Davis ’85

Hop On the Bus for Tatnall

Throughout the school year, several events give Tatnall’s dedicated grandparents the opportunity to spend time with their grandchildren and connect with fellow grandparents. Most recently, the third annual Grandparents Social had a phenomenal turnout, with grandparents coming from near and far to enjoy a fun evening in the Laird Performing Arts Center. The following day, nearly 350 grandparents visited the Tatnall campus during Grandparents and Special Friends Day to spend the morning with their grandchildren before the highly anticipated Founder’s Day Assembly.

For the past several years, the State of Delaware has provided a transportation reimbursement for Delaware residents with students enrolled in an independent school. In the past, Tatnall has asked parents to consider donating their bus refund—an important annual revenue source that helps supplement tuition—to The Fund for Tatnall, and our parents have been extremely responsive. Unfortunately, the transportation funding for nonpublic schools was not approved as part of this year’s state budget. In an effort to reach our 2016-2017 goal, we are asking parents to consider making an additional gift to The Fund for Tatnall to cover the $20,000–40,000 yearly reimbursement Tatnall would typically receive from the State of Delaware.

For more information about upcoming grandparent events or to learn how you can get involved with Tatnall’s Grandparents Association, please call the Advancement Office at (302) 892-4335.

To learn more about how you can hop on the bus for Tatnall, please call the Advancement Office at (302) 892-4335.

Gabe Campanelli ’28 with his grandfather Ralph Milner

Interim Head Tim Burns, Ph.D., with Grandparents Association Co-Chairs Suzanne and Al Smith.

Tatnall Grandparents

32 :: Tatnall Today :: Fall/Winter 2016

Homecoming 2016:

Celebrating the Past, Embracing the Future The Tatnall campus was buzzing on October 14 and 15 as parents, alumni and friends gathered on campus to Members of the Tatnall Class of 2006 celebrate Homecoming 2016. Festivities began on Friday with Tatnall’s first-ever Homecoming Kickoff Party. Guests enjoyed a night of fun, food, drinks and dancing, as well as picture-taking at Tatnall’s new selfie station. Kristen and the Noise, the band that rocked the house during Tatnall’s 85th anniversary celebration, also returned to perform. On Homecoming Saturday, class reunions gave Tatnall grads an opportunity to reconnect and reminisce. Thank you to all who came out in support of The Tatnall School!

Linda Saad, Tracy Crowley ’86 and Dave Crowley

George Hobbs and Diana Long

Tatnall Teamwork:

2015-2016 Fundraising Goal Exceeded! Bill Rose, Scott Grant ’76 and Stephanie Grant

Jill and Rich Abbott and Jen and Cal Stempel

Founder’s Society and Red Oak Legacy Society Reception On Thursday, November 3, Tatnall’s Advancement Office hosted the 2016 Founder’s Society and Red Oak Legacy Society reception at the Head of School home. During the reception, Caroline Brown Lintner ’83, President of the Board of Trustees, and Brian Carney ’97 addressed a room full of generous Tatnall supporters. While Lintner spoke to the crowd about Tatnall’s recent successes and forward momentum, Carney talked about how Tatnall’s supportive environment and financial aid program prepared him for success at Tatnall and beyond. 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.

Thanks to support from Tatnall’s generous friends, donors and volunteers, the 2015-2016 The Fund for Tatnall campaign exceeded our $600,000 goal. Together, the Tatnall community raised an impressive

$607,324! The money raised helps provide Tatnall students with an exceptional learning experience and prepares tomorrow’s leaders today. Thank you for helping to provide our students an exceptional and transformative educational experience.

Fall/Winter 2016 :: Tatnall Today :: 33

Class Notes ’90 On March 23, 2016, Amy Lepore Tigani and her husband Bobby welcomed their first child, Georgiana Frances. Georgiana was seven pounds, seven ounces and 19.5 inches long. Amy writes, “She is a very happy little baby and we are so lucky to have her!”

Nancy Tatnall Fuller ’41 and her husband Jack Fuller.

’41

’81

In October, Nancy Tatnall Fuller celebrated her 75-year class reunion. Nancy, who attended Mrs. Tatnall’s School for Girls, had only four other girls in her class!

In July, Missy Meharg was inducted into the Washington D.C. Sports Hall of Fame. Missy is the University of Maryland’s head field hockey coach and has helped lead the Maryland Terrapins to seven National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) titles and 22 conference titles. She is also the third Terrapin head coach to receive the honor!

’71 Peter Zurkow writes, “In the category of teaching old dogs new tricks, I took over in early 2015 as CEO of a plastics recycling company in Indiana. It’s a dirty business reprocessing hundreds of millions of pounds of postconsumer waste, which arrives in bales of crushed water bottles and rancid beverage bottles and clamshells from last week’s lunch. Yet, in the year I’ve been at it, I’ve come to enjoy the business in ways I rarely enjoyed finance or corporate law. The appeal certainly isn’t the regular commute from New York to Dayton, Ohio, followed by a drive 35 miles west on I-70. So, maybe it’s the technical appeal of the highly engineered solutions required to manage variable waste materials. Maybe it’s the principled satisfaction of ‘saving the world, one bottle at a time.’”

’89 Meg Heinicke is working as the new Executive Director of Namaste Direct, a microfinance company that works with small-business women in Guatemala, providing business training and microlending. Meg writes, “I’m working out of San Francisco but will be traveling to Guatemala…furiously working on my Spanish skills!” Over Thanksgiving break, Meg traveled to Guatemala with her seventh-grade daughter, who served as travel companion and translator. Meg adds, “Unfortunately, my many years of French in school will not apply!”

Terrapin field hockey coach Missy Meharg ’81.

34 :: Tatnall Today :: Fall/Winter 2016

’94

’00

Atlas Corps, a top-50 nonprofit founded by Scott Beale, recently celebrated 10 years of advancing civil society. Atlas Corps is a nonprofit organization based in Washington, D.C., endorsed by the White House, in partnership with the State Department and partially funded by the U.S. Government. It sponsors an exchange program that brings the world’s best social change leaders to volunteer in the U.S., Colombia, and Australia for 12 to 18 months. Over 10 years, Atlas Corps has supported 500-plus leaders from 79 countries who have served at leading nonprofits, in the private sector and in government agencies including American Red Cross, Ashoka, CARE, Habitat for Humanity and American Express Philanthropy.

Dave Preston is delighted to announce that he and his girlfriend Ailish were engaged in September.

’98 Kathryn Hodges-Harmon has joined the Wilmington, Delaware, office of Elliott Greenleaf P.C. Kathryn concentrates her practice in the areas of complex commercial litigation, bankruptcy litigation, entity formation, nonprofit representation, insurance coverage disputes, compliance and intellectual property. Kathryn is admitted to the bar of the State of Delaware and the United States District Court for the District of Delaware. She is also a member of the Delaware State Bar Association and the Richard S. Rodney Inn of Court.

’03 Alice Goldsberry writes, “In May 2016, I graduated with a master’s in public school leadership from Teachers College at Columbia University. After spending six years as a classroom teacher and three years as an assistant principal, this summer I assumed the principal role at KIPP Blytheville College Preparatory School in Blytheville, Arkansas.”

’05 Rachel Dorf-Caine and Jonathan Czerepak were married in Raleigh, North Carolina, on September 2, 2016. They live in Fayetteville, North Carolina, where Jonathan is serving in the U.S. Army and doing his residency in oral surgery, while Rachel is a school counselor at an artsintegrated charter school.

Kathryn is a lifelong resident of Delaware and lives in Wilmington with her husband Kiadii Harmon ’96 and daughter.

Brothers Join Family Business Chris Daniels ’05 and Jordan Daniels ’06 have joined the family business, Daniels + Tansey, LLP. Daniels + Tansey is a Wilmingtonbased registered investment advisor (RIA) with services including financial planning and tax and investment management.

’07 On November 19, 2016, Mike Fucci was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps. Mike writes, “I am on an aviation contract and will continue on to flight school to become a pilot for the Marines.” Laura Stimson is engaged to Christian Peter, and the two plan to marry in May 2017.

’09 Rachael Polnerow and Matt Nabhan were married on September 4, 2016, on the family property in Vermont. Several Tatnall graduates, including Cameron Forbes ’09 (best man), Charlie Forbes ’06 (groomsman), Dean Williams ’07 (groomsman), Stephanie Burrus ’09 (maid of honor) and Alex Saad ’09 (bridesmaid) stood alongside the happy couple as they said “I do.” The Williams, Forbes, Saad and Walker families were also in attendance, along with Doug Bennett ’09.

“Six Degrees of Wayne Kimmel”

Avery Stabler Travis has moved from Brooklyn, New York, to the Catskills with her husband and three-year-old son to open Scribner’s Catskills Lodge, an all-seasons boutique-style hotel in Hunter, New York. Blending creativity with eclectic energy in providing urban explorers with unparalleled access to the region’s thriving renaissance, the hotel offers 38 impeccable rooms and an excellent on-property restaurant. Jonathan Czerepak and his wife Rachel Dorf-Caine ’05.

Wayne Kimmel ’88— entrepreneur, venture capitalist, philanthropist and networker— recently released the book “Six Degrees of Wayne Kimmel.” In the book, Wayne shares practical secrets of his success and intimate glimpses into his high-stakes business deals.

Fall/Winter 2016 :: Tatnall Today :: 35

Class Notes Nina Sacré is entering her last year of school at Ecole Normale Catholique du Brabant Wallon in Belgium. She will graduate in June with a specialization in mathematics and plans to teach children between two and five years old. She adds, “I’m still playing field hockey and we won the national title for the third year in a row!”

’14

Rachael Polnerow ’09, Matt Nabhan ’09 and wedding party.

’11

’12

Kyle Birkmeyer is currently attending New York University Dental School in New York City. He will graduate in 2019.

Jonathan Barley-Alexander writes, “In conjunction with what I told many I aspired to do before graduating Tatnall, I am currently working in Japan as a teacher on a small island called Tokunoshima.” He adds, “It is a blessing to be able to take the first step toward my end goal.”

Chantille Kennedy writes, “I received my master of education in counseling and mental health from the University of Pennsylvania. I am now seeking my master of philosophy in education in professional counseling, along with my License of Professional Counseling (LPC) and school counseling certification from the University of Pennsylvania.” Chantille will be done her program in 2017. Tim Rabolt attended the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Philadelphia to meet with delegates and DNC attendees about addiction and recovery policies.

’13 A trio of University of Virginia swimmers, including Kaitlyn Jones, have been named Preseason AllAmericans by CollegeSwimming. com. With the selection of the three students, Virginia had the most women recognized in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and was one of 10 schools with at least three female swimmers selected.

Kerry Sheehy is currently in an occupational therapy graduate program at Temple University. She will graduate in 2018.

Richie Lou ’14 Wins Deloitte National Case Competition In only seven hours, a team of University of Pennsylvania undergrads, including Richie Lou ’14, won first place in the 2016 Deloitte Consulting Undergraduate Case Study Competition, which challenged teams to develop a practical solution for a company attempting to attract millennials to their business. While specific details of the bracket-style tournament cannot be disclosed, Penn team members attribute their success to the simplicity of their ideas and the skills they’ve learned at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

36 :: Tatnall Today :: Fall/Winter 2016

Jack Hagood, who currently attends North Carolina State University, ran a personal best time of 3:47 in the 1,500 meters during the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Championship and made finals! Madison Lodge has earned recognition on Claremont McKenna College’s 2015-2016 dean’s list. This award is given to the overall top 15% of students at the college based on GPA. In the summer, Erika Rumbold interned in midtown Manhattan, New York, at Sound Studio. Erika is studying audio production and computer science at Ithaca College, where she has already completed her minor in violin, and she has also played in the symphony and gaming orchestras at Ithaca.

In Memoriam Ann Castle Boswell, a member of the Tatnall Class of 1949, died on Sunday, October 2, 2016. Former Tatnall art teacher Nanette Guy died on Friday, August 19, 2016. Former Tatnall teacher and coach Dick Hodgson died on Tuesday, October 11, 2016. Nancy Riggin Warzecha, a member of the Tatnall Class of 1952, died on Sunday, October 30, 2016.

Hornet Helpers Through time, talent or treasure, Tatnall’s dedicated supporters enrich our students’ experience and support the mission of The Tatnall School. Interested in becoming more involved? Please consider sharing your skills and ideas through one of the opportunities listed below.

Parents:

Alumni: Encourage Alumni Giving

Encourage Giving This year, and every year, Tatnall asks parents to support The Fund for Tatnall. Help Tatnall reach its 2016-2017 goal of $650,000 by contacting other parents and asking them to join in supporting the school. To help, call the Advancement Office at (302) 892-4386.

2016-2017 goal of

$650,000

Spread the Word Word-of-mouth is our strongest marketing tool, so please encourage your friends and family members who are not already part of the Tatnall community to schedule a visit. To learn more about how you can help drive admissions, call the Admissions Office at (302) 892-4285.

As you reflect on your time at Tatnall, what stands out the most? As a Tatnall graduate, you play an important role in carrying on our school’s legacy. In addition to supporting The Fund for Tatnall, please encourage your classmates to give and help carry on Tatnall’s tradition of excellence. To get started, call the Advancement Office at (302) 892-4386.

Host a Reception Do you enjoy entertaining? If so, please consider becoming an event host for the Tatnall alumni community. Each year, Tatnall’s Alumni Office hosts events throughout the country, and we are always looking for alumni who can offer a venue. If interested, please call the Alumni Office at (302) 892-4337.

Join a Parent Volunteer Group

Update your Contact Information

Whether it’s through the Black and Gold Club or the Home & School Association, there are several opportunities for parents to get involved. Tatnall’s events and programs depend on volunteer support, and all proceeds benefit Tatnall’s students. To get involved, call the Advancement Office at (302) 892-4335.

Keep up with Tatnall! If you’re interested in learning more about alumni news and events, please be sure Tatnall has your most up-to-date contact information. If you need to make an update, please call our Alumni Office at (302) 892-4337.

Photograph an Event If you regularly attend Tatnall events and take photographs, please consider sharing the images with the Communications Office for use in publications or on the website. Call the Communications Office at (302) 892-4338 to get started.

To learn more on how to get involved, contact Page McConnel at (302) 892-4333 or pagemcconnel@tatnall.org.

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

FORWARD

Stay Connected! FORWARD

FORWARD

www.tatnall.org FORWARD www.facebook.com/tatnallschool

www.facebook.com/tatnallschoolalumniassociation www.twitter.com/TatnallSchool www.instagram.com/tatnallhornets/ https://vimeo.com/user11778434 Tatnall Today was printed on recycled/recyclable paper.

Help Us to Grow Our Tatnall Community! Thank you to all who have promoted The Tatnall School by referring a friend or family member. Your recommendations and support have allowed us to welcome a number of new Tatnall families into our community. Should you know someone who would be interested in taking a tour, attending an admissions event or having a chat with a member of our admissions team, please contact the Admissions Office at (302) 892-4285 or admissions@tatnall.org. For more information about application deadlines and upcoming events, visit www.tatnall.org/page/admissions.