Tatnall Today Spring/Summer 2019 by The Tatnall School

AroundCampus Lower School

SPRING/SUMMER 2019 Spring/Summer 2019 :: Tatnall Today ::

Table of Contents The Tatnall School 1501 Barley Mill Road | Wilmington, DE 19807 (302) 998-2292 | www.tatnall.org Tatnall Today is published twice a year. Copyright by The Tatnall School. Alumni and faculty articles encouraged.

EDITOR Page McConnel, Director of Marketing & Communications | (302) 892-4338

DIRECTOR OF ADVANCEMENT Deb Piper, (302) 892-4333 | debpiper@tatnall.org

DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI RELATIONS Anita Marcial, (302) 892-4335 | anitamarcial@tatnall.org

PHOTOGRAPHY Ben Fournier, Jim Graham ’77 and Tatnall Staff

2018–2019 BOARD OF TRUSTEES Stephen D. Marvin ’88, President Frank J. McKelvey III, VP Caroline Tatnall Ketcham ’58, Secretary Thomas P. Ferry, Treasurer

2018-2019 ADMINISTRATION Head of School, Timothy M. Burns, Ph.D. | Head of Upper School, William Schluter, Jr. | Head of Middle School, Brendan Minihan | Head of Lower School, Deanna L. Bocchetti | Head of Early Childhood, Aimee C. Neff | Business Manager, Paula L. Hager | Director of Athletics, Patrick L. Jones | Director of Enrollment and Financial Aid, Andrew Cocco | Director of Operations, Angelo Fontanazza.

2018-2019 ALUMNI COUNCIL Jamie Magee ’89, President | Becky King Rogers ’79, Vice President | Amanda Jacobs ’02, Secretary | Justin Perillo ’09, Director of Alumni Relations | Brian Carney ’97 | Chris Debnam ’81 | Anne Tatnall Gross ’56 | Caroline Brown Lintner ’83 | Keith Morton ’74 | Abby Williams Schneider ’97 | Jonathan Silver ’06 | Linda Archangelo Sygowski ’71 | Cindy Pettinaro Wilkinson ’88 | Daynell Wright ’97 The Tatnall School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. (Tatnall retains the right to make admissions and retention decisions on the basis of the school’s ability to reasonably accommodate students with disabilities.) It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.

FEATURES 11

Raising a Puppy for a Higher Cause

12 Nurturing Tomorrow’s Chess Masters 14 Beyond the Classroom – Amanda Jansuz – feather story at Natural History Museum

Sam Parsons Alumni Athlete

What is Your Why?

DEPARTMENTS 4 Message From Head of School Tim Burns 5 Around Campus 9 Faculty Profile 14 Beyond the Classroom 15

Fond Farewells

Tatnall Athletic Highlights

20 Congratulation 2019 24

Alumni Connections

Alumni Profile

Class Notes

Spring/Summer 2019 :: Tatnall Today ::

A Message From

Tim Burns

Having been back at Tatnall for the second half of the academic year, I see a campus full of momentum. We are celebrating new state championships, the Beekley gallery is filled with awardwinning art, some of our youngest students in school are ranked nationally for chess, and the seniors are proudly wearing college gear in anticipation of their next endeavor.

“ Tatnall’s not just a school; it’s a way of life.” — Mrs. Frances D.S. Tatnall

Mrs. Tatnall’s words – “Tatnall’s not just a school; it’s a way of life.” – are even more relevant now than in 2016 when I first arrived at Tatnall. Walking the halls and reconnecting with students and teachers and meeting new students, it is a privilege to get to be back in this community. It is a community, a way of life, that provides students with opportunities to learn and grow both in and out of the classroom. Each and every day, the school lives its mission, “Omnia in Caritate” (all things in love), and in doing so, it has positioned itself as one of the strongest college preparatory schools in the country. As I listened to award-winning playwright, composer, and lyricist, Timothy Huang ’93, address the seniors at graduation, he reflected upon the conviction of their generation to respond to the world around them. But even more powerful were his comments about about the importance of approaching life with curiosity and kindness; these principles truly resonated as an embodiment of our mission and ethos. The combination of Tatnall’s balanced curriculum, authentic relationships, and wealth of opportunities prepares students to succeed in whatever path they choose. In the coming year, working closely with the Division Heads, the administration and faculty will work to fully embrace Tatnall’s mission in every facet of this campus and this community. I look forward to working in support of existing initiatives that will enhance the Tatnall experience while continuing the school’s mission of educational excellence.

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

:: Tatnall Today :: Spring/Summer 2019

AroundCampus EARLY CHILDHOOD

LOWER SCHOOL

UPPER SCHOOL

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Early Childhood Art Smart Dale Chihuly is the most recognizable glassblower in the world. The Early Childhood students studied Chihuly in art class and learned that some of his art is on display at the Delaware Art Museum where the Tatnall Art Smart Exhibit would be on display in November. During class, the children learned that a person who blows glass is called a glassblower because they blow into a blowpipe while spinning the glass. They discussed how important it is for the glassblower to spin the blowpipe while they work. Using a salad spinner, the students took turns squeezing paint onto the middle of the paper and spinning the salad spinner as quickly as they could. This was by far the most exciting part! When they removed the lid, they were so excited by the transformation that occurred.

Volte em breve – Portuguese for be back soon! In January, five Brazilian students enrolled at Tatnall for their summer vacations. Parents of the students were in Delaware to complete a special program at the University of Delaware and Tatnall became a home away from home. Andre, the youngest student joined the yellow room for two months and quickly became a true Tatnall hornet! The Lacerda family fully immersed themselves into the Tatnall community; Raquel and Gustavo joined fifth and ninth grades respectively. Andre, who spoke very little English upon arrival, shared his culture with the Kindergarteners as they studied different countries. Gustavo, Andre’s older brother, decided to stay for the remainder of the school year and will be at Tatnall for tenth grade next year as well!

Fall Hayride Fun The Class of 2018 generously donated hayrides at Bellevue State Park for the students and their families in Early Childhood. On a blustery bright day in November, children and parents climbed on board hay-filled wagons and toured Bellevue state park enjoying the foliage. Giggles rang through the park as the tractor pulling the wagons weaved through falling leaves and bumped along paths before the group gathered around a bonfire to roast marshmallows!

Kind to Kids – Star Values in Action Star Values play an important role in the Early Childhood curriculum and various activities and projects throughout the year. Star Values include nine different principles: Friendship, Thankfulness, Giving, Cooperation, Love, Honesty, Patience, Perseverance, and Pride. Each month the EC supports a different organization which helps reinforce the values. In February the EC supported Kind to Kids founded by

Caroline Jones, parent of alumni Catherine ’11 and Chris ’09, which helps support children in Foster Care. The students donated new stuffed animals to the organization. When Caroline and her colleagues came to collect the stuffed animals, bins overflowed, and smiles abound as the students learned how their donations would help brighten other children’s day.

Spring/Summer 2019 :: Tatnall Today ::

AroundCampus

Lower School National GeoBee Each year students in grades four through eight, from close to 10,000 schools across the country, enter the GeoBee for a chance to win college scholarships and the title of National Geographic GeoBee Champion. Fourth and fifth graders had the opportunity to join the geography club during the winter term. Students had to answer questions such as these at the school GeoBee level: It takes about 90 days for a drop of water to travel the length of the Mississippi River. The Mississippi River starts in Minnesota and flows 2,340 miles south to its outlet in which state—Louisiana or South Carolina? Louisiana Fifth-grader Jack Morgan ’26 participated in a preliminary GeoBee and a final School GeoBee to earn the privilege of taking the qualifying exam for the National Geographic GeoBee. Jack went on to compete in the Delaware State GeoBee on March 29 in Georgetown, Delaware.

Fifth Grade Works on World Peace The Lower School library has a new feature, a four-tiered game board with its multitude of pieces. That would be the World Peace Game that our fifth graders have been playing since the beginning of the year! The World Peace Game was created in 1977 by teacher John Hunter. It is a hands-on geopolitical simulation that gives children the opportunity to explore the interconnectedness of our global community through the lenses of economic, social, and environmental crises and the imminent threat of war. There have been intense negotiations to solve global problems involving everything from environmental disasters to trade disputes, and food shortages. Students led negotiations, treaties and trade agreements were hammered out to create a forward movement.

Tatnall Tops Delaware Stock Market Game for the Second Year in a Row! Fourth graders learn about the stock market in a semester-long economics class taught by Lower School librarian Heather Brooks, know that there are a few rules to building a solid portfolio. In this fall’s Stock Market Game, an online simulation of the global capital markets, hosted by the University of Delaware and sponsored by the SIFMA Foundation, teams throughout Delaware worked to create a portfolio with the highest gain. Starting with $100,000, Chase McGinley ’26 and Sean Kennedy ’26 increased their holdings by 3.7% over the ten-week competition. This increase becomes even more incredible when you look at the financial environment in which our fourth graders competed this season. Chase and Sean also practiced patience during this turbulent game. They started in 42nd place and slowly worked their way into second place. Once there, they held their position by deciding not to buy or sell any more stocks. 6

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Influential People Take Over Sedgely Influential People- Just before spring break, Sedgely was full of the who’s who of influential people of the world. During third grade social studies, each student identified an influential person that they wanted to research, prepare a report, and present their findings. Students transformed themselves into scientists, athletes, philanthropists, political figure, and artists as they shared facts and moments from the person’s life. This project touches on so many areas of the curriculum, but it is the actual presentation which focuses on public speaking where the students shine, showing poise and confidence that makes this a perfect example of the power of a Tatnall education.

AroundCampus

Middle School Polar Bear Plunge This year, Riley Greene ’24, had a vision for energizing the Tatnall community around service and started the Tatnall Plunge team for the 2019 Lewes Beach Polar Bear Plunge. Riley and her younger brother Brett ’27 have been “plunging” since they were in first grade. Three other Tatnall students joined the team this February and took the plunge this year raising $1,000 for Special Olympics. Riley’s initiatives truly demonstrate the leadership qualities and independent spirit that Tatnall fosters in its students. Congratulations and Thank You to all the brave members of Tatnall Plunge!

Kindness Wall

Solar Sprint Cars Four Tatnall students competed in the 25th annual statewide Junior Solar Sprint, a solar-powered model car competition at the Delaware State Fairgrounds. Junior Solar Sprint is hosted jointly by the DNREC Division of Climate, Coastal, & Energy and the Delaware Technology Student Association. Katie Payne ’25 and Stella Petersen ’25 formed one team, and Josh Ferrell ’23 and Josh Green ’23 formed a second team, spending months designing and building their own solarpowered model cars in our Innovation and Design Lab.under the guidance of Mr. Josh Gates. The design process ended in a day of racing, learning, and fun!

At the start of the school year, Tatnall’s Middle School students created a Kindness Wall to serve as a daily reminder to all students of the importance of being mindful and present with one another. As a Kindness Wall, students posted notes about everything from holding doors to carrying books and the power of a smile. The Wall changed with the holidays and became a place for students to practice gratitude and share all that they are thankful for. After the New Year, it became a place for students to share their dreams, aspirations, and vision for a better world. Finally, at the end of the year, it became a place of affirmation and reassurance for students as they prepared for final exams. No matter what form the Kindness Wall took this year, it served as a physical embodiment of Tatnall’s motto, Omnia in Caritate, all things in love.

Seventh Grade PALS For more than 15 years, the PALS program has fostered relationships between Middle School students and some of the youngest on campus in Early Childhood. Once a month, seventh-grade students gather and walk to the Myers Early Childhood Center to meet with students in Pre-K and Kindergarten. During the visit, students work at different centers in the rooms, complete projects together, and form lasting friendships. It is not uncommon to see pals waive, high-five, or hug each other at all school events. PALS is the highlight of the year for many seventh-graders as they look forward to becoming mentors for younger students, developing strong relationships and learning to be role models. The PALS program is also incorporated into the seventh grade English curriculum with a writing project. Each seventh-grade student writes and edits a fictional story from which they create a special illustrated book inspired by the time they have spent with their pal. The PALS program is an excellent example of the cross-divisional approach and the importance placed on fostering authentic relationships at Tatnall.

Spring/Summer 2019 :: Tatnall Today ::

AroundCampus

Upper School

Playbill 2018 - Hairspray The Marvin Theater was transformed into 1962 Baltimore for this year’s Playbill as the students performed Hairspray. The students brought the Tony award winning musical to life on stage as they took on personas of the lovable characters of Tracey Turnblatt played by Julia Goodwin ’19, Velma Von Tussle, played by Gianna Sparta ’19, and Motormouth Maybelle played by Mackenzie Davis ’19. Christopher Johnson’s ’19 memorable performance of Edna Turnblad won’t soon be forgotten!

Tatnall Model UN The Tatnall Model UN delegation had a successful showing at the 32nd annual DELMUN conference at Salesianum School in December. Twelve students participated in the event, and several won distinction in their committees. Clara Tessier ’21 and Julie Griswold ’21 won Honorable Mention for representing Georgia in the General Assembly. Mallory Strmel ’20 won Outstanding Delegate for her portrayal of Sweden in the Security Council. Chris Johnson ’19 won Best Delegate as the UK in the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice.

56th Annual Showcase Production This year’s Showcase 2019 production was The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds. This winner of Broadway’s Best Play and Pulitzer Prize in 1971 proved to be an edgy, engaging, and provocative theatrical experience. Athira Savada ’19 portrays Tillie, the main character with a love of science who captivates the audience. The company of 23 Tatnall students worked evenings and weekends to ensure the finest production possible for this show, even constructing an extraordinary 2-story set design that complemented the play’s themes and characters.

Independent Scholars This past April, five seniors and one junior presented their findings from their Independent Scholars projects. Stemming from the success of the 85th Anniversary Scholars Program, the Independent Scholars Program was developed 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.” English teacher Jennifer Scott is the coordinator for the program and helps to guide the students through their projects. The areas of study range in focus each year. This year’s group explored a wide variety of topics from the humanities to scientific exploration, including DNA barcoding as a genetic marker in fish DNA.

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Faculty Profile

Carving Out a New Identity for Herself It’s been a whirlwind year for Samantha Salazar. Last June, she welcomed her first child into the world. A couple months later, she began her tenure as Tatnall’s new upper school studio art teacher. Samantha’s also been working her way back toward her own art at every opportunity over the last several months. At Bryn Mawr College, she specialized in printmaking and sculpting. Lately, she’s returned to printmaking, but with a new abstract perspective. “It’s exciting just to feel that creative flow again,” Samantha says. “Continuing to find opportunities that connect me to it is definitely the direction I want to be headed in.” After graduating from Bryn Mawr with a bachelor’s in fine arts, Samantha earned a master’s in arts administration at Drexel University. She spent the next several years working in development for the Perkins Center for the Arts, a South Jersey non-profit that engages artists of all ages and abilities. Gradually, she came to realize she preferred working directly with the kids in the studio to the behind-the-scenes planning and marketing needs of the job. In her position at Tatnall, Samantha has managed to tap the full extent of her experience and education. “I’m teaching the students how to express themselves creatively and pointing them toward artists they can be inspired by,” she says. “But, simultaneously, I’m also helping them understand that they need to be able to present their work, too, and all that that entails.” Her students and the entire Tatnall community, in turn, have shown Samantha that she’s exactly where she belongs. “The support’s been genuine,” she says, “and it’s come from all sides.”

Spring/Summer 2019 :: Tatnall Today ::

Behind the Scenes

Meet the New Director of Facilities Angelo Fontanazza joined The Tatnall School in January as its Director of Facilities. His job description is one of the longer ones on campus. Angelo oversees the school’s maintenance, which encompasses the operation of its various buildings, field and grounds preparations, and any construction. “Basically, anything to do with keeping the campus functioning properly,” says Angelo, who also oversees the school’s transportation and security. Following high school, Angelo attended the U.S. Naval Academy. (Little-known fact outside of Angelo’s family: He was accepted to the U.S. Military Academy first and planned to go there, but he changed his mind after visiting the Naval Academy.) Early into his requisite five years of service with the Navy, Angelo was transferred to the Civil Engineer Corps, which trained him in construction and facilities management. In this role, he helped support Naval stations and bases. Over the course of two tours, one at the Naval Academy and another at a base in Newport, RI, Angelo took to the work and ended up serving for almost nine years. Today, some would say he has a hard time leaving his work on campus. When Angelo’s not coaching youth football or basketball or watching one of his three kids from the sidelines, you’ll likely find him doing yardwork. “What can I say? I enjoy it,” he says.

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Beyond the Classroom

Raising a Puppy for a Higher Cause “The only good thing about it is, when he leaves, I’ll be leaving for college. But I know it’s going to be hard for my mom and siblings,” says Lauren Rosenbaum ’19, who graduated from Tatnall in June. Lauren is referring to Nova, a puppy that’s been living with her and her family through most of his first year as part of the Canine Partners for Life training program. The Chester County, Pennsylvania-based nonprofit trains service and companion dogs for people with physical, developmental, and cognitive disabilities in an effort to increase their independence and quality of life. Lauren began volunteering for Canine Partners for Life about a year-and-a-half ago to fulfill her Tatnall community service requirement. Hers is what the organization calls a “community puppy home.” The puppies in the training program divide their first year between puppy homes and participating prisons, where they’re housebroken and taught basic obedience commands and

how to socialize in public places. Much of their second year is then devoted to training to aid the specific needs of their eventual owners. Puppy homes generally raise a puppy from two- to fivemonths-old and then from 11- to 14-months-old. It’s done that way, Lauren says, to prevent the puppy from getting too attached to its owner. But, clearly, it has little effect on the owner—or their friends—growing attached. Lauren brings Nova with her to Tatnall most days. She’s found that it’s been good for his training. “Service dogs need to be calm and attentive in any type of situation, so school is a really great training opportunity for him,” she says. “Usually, he’s really well-behaved. He’ll just sleep at my feet during most of my classes. But he does get excited sometimes, so I have to tell whoever wants to pet him that they can’t until he calms down.” In Nova’s defense, he attracts attention every time he walks down a hallway. “Pretty much everyone likes to see him at school,” Lauren says. “I actually had to make an announcement about not touching him because everyone wants to so much.” Nova lived with Lauren from last July until December. She raised another puppy from January until March, when Nova returned. “He was definitely better trained,” Lauren says of his return. “When the dogs are in prison, there’s more time to dedicate to their training. In the community homes, it’s more about the socialization.” Canine Partners for Life places most of its dogs within a 250-mile radius of its Cochranville headquarters. Lauren, who began attending Tatnall in pre-kindergarten at age four, will be starting at the University of South Carolina later this summer, where she’ll be studying business management. She wouldn’t rule out raising another puppy for a similar organization near the Columbia campus. But, for the time being, she’s content to savor her last few weeks with Nova. Spring/Summer 2019 :: Tatnall Today ::

Nurturing Tomorrow’s

CHESS MASTERS Last December, the Tatnall gymnasium was packed with more than 90 students competing against each other—but there wasn’t a single piece of sports equipment in sight. There were, however, lots of chess boards. It was the first Tatnall-hosted, public chess tournament and a milestone for Greg Rogers’ program. Rogers is the founder and director of Chess Masters of Delaware, a club which draws about 200 kids a week for practices and competitions. Four years ago, he was invited to Tatnall to teach first graders how to play the game. By the start of his second year, he was also tutoring the kindergarteners. You read that correctly: kindergarteners and first graders. “I felt really strongly about introducing chess into the curriculum of our youngest students,” says Deanna Bocchetti, Head of the Lower School. “So I did some research on coaches in the area and I read a lot about Greg. Then I met him in person, and the decision became a no-brainer. He’s so passionate about chess and what it can do for kids. More importantly, he’s also an incredible human being.” 12 :: Tatnall Today :: Spring/Summer 2019

Rogers began playing as a seven-year-old in North Philadelphia. Later, his junior high team was part of a seven-year national championship streak during the late 70s and early 80s. “We were inner-city kids who didn’t have much,” he says. “The only time I ever traveled was with the chess team.” It wasn’t until Rogers was an adult that he began to appreciate all the less-obvious ways he benefitted from spending so many hours leaning over a chess board. “Younger students, for example, learn how to focus and visualize. It’s been amazing to see kids harness all their energy while their seated in front of a chess board, and do it for an extended period of time,” Bocchetti says. “And then you also have a reference point. ‘You know how in chess you have to focus and think three moves ahead? Try to apply those same abilities to reading this book.’” But, “chess isn’t just about critical thinking,” Rogers says. “It can really help develop social skills, too.” He estimates that over 1,500 kids have passed through Chess Masters over the years. “It really brings us all together,” he says. “The kids see that they don’t have to be from the same culture or even speak the same language to play with someone or be inspired by them.” At Tatnall, he leads separate weekly classroom lessons for the kindergarteners and first graders. He also hosts an afterschool session, where all lower school students can come for some extra

practice. In all, between 30 and 40 students participated this year. A few prodigies have already emerged from the program, including rising fifth grader Henry Boswell ’27, who tied for first in the state and placed at the national championships this year. “His reasoning skills are just so accurate, and that’s not something you can teach,” Rogers says. Proud as Rogers is, it’s clear he values the teaching even more than the competing. “I know I’m in the right place,” he says, “because chess is a learning tool at Tatnall.” And, in fact, with each year he’s been on campus, it’s become even more so. A couple of years ago, the first graders researched, wrote, and published their own book about chess. Then they designed their own chess pieces with Kid-CAD software and produced them with a 3D printer. They were used for the championship match of the Upper School’s tournament. Bocchetti says she plans to make last December’s public tournament an annual, or even more frequent, event. “I’d really like for more people to think chess when they hear the name, Tatnall,” Bochetti says. She and Rogers are also planning to add another afterschool, or a weekend, practice session. After all, the pool of players is only growing with each school year. Spring/Summer 2019 :: Tatnall Today ::

Beyond the Classroom

An Aspiring Forensic Ornithologist Spreads Her Wings “It started with feathers. Ever since I was a kid, I’ve been drawn to them,” says Amanda Janusz ’21, a rising junior at The Tatnall School, of her fascination with birds. Over the last three years, Amanda’s hobby has evolved into something much more. She started studying feathers on her own, “from their structure to differences between the feathers of different species,” she says. She spent a week last summer at Camp TALON (Teen Adventures Learning Ornithology & Nature) on St. Simons Island, Georgia, honing her birding skills. And in January, Amanda began an ongoing internship at the Delaware Museum of Natural History with a recommendation from Sharon Kreamer, Tatnall’s science department chair.

A Few of Amanda’s Favorite Birdwatching Spots ■■

Ottawa, IL I started birdwatching here over weekends at our cottage home along the Illinois River. Lots of blue herons, bald eagles, and kingfishers.

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Glen Mills, PA I just put up a birdfeeder in my backyard that’s become very popular.

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Brandywine Creek State Park I haven’t formally birdwatched here, but I saw some really cool birds— American kestrels and bald eagles—while I was training during crosscountry season.

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The Tatnall Campus I’m hoping to start up a naturalist club soon.

“I love how Tatnall has welcomed and supported my passion for birds from the very beginning, even when I was just applying,” says Amanda, who just completed her first year at Tatnall after moving from a suburb of Chicago. Until she began competing on the Tatnall track team, Amanda was spending up to nine hours a week at the museum, much of it cataloguing the segment of the museum’s collection that’s used for teaching. “Essentially, the specimens are the ‘show-offs’ that educators can borrow and let people touch and observe up close,” she says. She’s also been helping to develop public programming, primarily on birds and feathers. “My first presentation was about structural coloration in bird feathers,” she says. Most recently, she crafted

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“fun fact” cards for some of the birds in the museum’s various exhibits. Amanda plans to continue her internship over the summer—aside from a brief break in July, when she’ll be visiting Carla Dove at the Smithsonian Feather Identification Lab in Washington, DC. Dove is considered a leader in forensic ornithology, a highly specialized field that uses forensic methods to determine the species of birds from feathers or other bird parts. Amanda will also attend a week-long forensics program at Georgetown University. For someone who describes herself as an “aspiring forensic ornithologist,” Amanda should arrive back at Tatnall in the fall brimming with inspiration.

Fond Farewells Charlotte Pavlides Closes the Curtain on Tatnall “It really wasn’t just one or two episodes,” Charlotte Pavlides says in response to being asked for the moment that resonates most with her from her 18 years as a Tatnall Middle School humanities teacher. “It was kind of the whole experience. Being able to collaborate with my colleagues in the humanities department fostered such a creative and dynamic environment.” There were the visits from the Lenape chief and an imam, the field trips to a Hindu temple, Asia Immersion Day, and, of course, the annual sixth-grade play. “We’d open on a Friday, and that Wednesday, we would always think there is no way—no way—this is going to come together in time,” Pavlides says. “But, somehow, it always did. It was a Tatnall miracle.” Pavlides plans to eventually move to Connecticut to be closer to her daughter who lives there. In the meantime, she doesn’t expect to have any trouble keeping herself busy in retirement. As often as she can manage it, she’ll be volunteering and travelling, which she’s already managed to do quite extensively.

After 12 Years Janice Dries Says Goodbye to the “Green Room” and Tatnall Retirement is bittersweet for Janice Dries. After 12 years as Tatnall’s prekindergarten teacher, she’s come to think of the “green room,” as she refers to it, as home. She talks glowingly about the teachers she’s collaborated with and all the parents she’s come to know so well—“it takes a village,” she says—but it’s her students she’ll miss most. “On a day-to-day basis, what I’ll miss most is reading to them. That’s my favorite part of the day,” Dries says. “I’ve really savored getting to know each of the children. At this early age, the best thing I can do for them is help them to feel good about themselves. I’ve wanted everyone to leave the green room feeling strong and capable.” Dries is planning to visit her daughter in California and pick up some old hobbies in her retirement, like golfing. “I’m looking forward to doing the things you don’t get to do when you’re working fulltime,” she says. But, as a volunteer for Read Aloud Delaware, she’ll still be carving out time to inspire young kids.

Fishing, Travel and…Birding Top Dave Panichelle’s Retirement Plan A fact that may not be widely known about Dave Panichelle: He’s a birder. Though, after 19 years on Tatnall School’s operations staff, it’s hard to imagine that most on campus aren’t already aware of that. Either way, it’s worth mentioning here, as part of an homage to Panichelle, because it factors into one of his fondest Tatnall memories. For a few years, he helped lead a team of Tatnall middle school students in the World Series of Birding, which takes place each year in New Jersey. “Basically, you have 24 hours to try to identify as many different bird species within the state as you can,” Panichelle says. “We usually came in last, but it was still a lot of fun.” In retirement, he plans to fish and travel. “Going to see America,” he says. He’s also looking forward to spending some time with his daughter and her family in England. Panichelle is only semi-retiring, though. He’ll continue driving for the school a couple of days a week.

Spring/Summer 2019 :: Tatnall Today ::

Fond Farewells

OFF TO CATCH THE NEXT BIG ONE Within hours of completing his last day at the Tatnall School, Greg Mentzer was seated on a plane headed for Montana, his home away from home. It was an idyllic ending to his 46-year tenure as the Lower School science teacher. He looked forward to his annual, summertime treks out west as much as he did the start of a new school year. Now, satisfied that his job was done, he hurried back before the finality of his teaching days had a chance to settle over him. Mentzer likes to say that he fell into his position. But that belies the passion and commitment he displayed from his first summer on the Tatnall campus, in 1973. “I knew the science part of it, but I learned to teach while on the job. I was surrounded by some really terrific people. That’s what made it possible,” he says. “I think of them as my mentors, but they’ve also become some of my best friends. So I literally grew up, professionally, here at the school.” The summer after his first year, he stripped his classroom down to the studs and converted it into a science lab, installing the plumbing and electrical work himself. “Really, Tatnall showed me where my classroom was and allowed me to develop the program that I wanted. The administration has always shown a lot of confidence in me,” Mentzer says. “I’ve made my share of mistakes, but the school encouraged me to learn and grow from them, and that’s something I’ll continue to appreciate.” Mentzer started spending his summers in Montana during the eighties. In 1985 he became a licensed outfitter, which enabled him to formally start hosting fishing trips there. He bought a house three years later, in part, to have a place to base his budding business. Over the 30 years since, it’s only continued to grow. But the business will always be a convenient excuse to do what he loves most beyond teaching. “Fly fishing is very spiritual for me. There’s a certain degree of solitude. And then there’s the interaction with nature,” Mentzer says. “It’s a completely different life out there, and I don’t think that I could have been the teacher that I was able to be for 46 years without it.” 16 :: Tatnall Today :: Spring/Summer 2019

Signing Day The following members of the The Tatnall School Class of 2019 have cotnmitted to playing sports at the collegiate level. DIVISION I

DIVISION II

Ameen Belkadi – Lafayette College Men’s Swimming

Joey Cintavey – Shippensburg University Men’s Cross Country Men’s Track & Field

Brendan Balthis – Dartmouth College Men’s Cross Country Men’s Track & Field Nick Garrett – Winthrop University Men’s Cross Country Men’s Track & Field Keelin Hays – Wake Forest University Women’s Cross Country Women’s Track & Field

DIVISION III Lauren Anshen – Emory University Women’s Cross Country Women’s Track & Field Cole Hiller – Roanoke Collge Men’s Lacrosse Beau Neff – DeSales University Men’s Lacrosse

Eirinn Sikes – Lehigh University Women’s Cross Country Women’s Track & Field

Spring/Summer 2019 :: Tatnall Today ::

Tatnall Athletics

FALL SPORTS ACCOLADES Cross Country: 2018 GIRLS DISC ALL CONFERENCE RUNNERS (top 10) Keelin Hays **Conference Champion Eirinn Sikes ’19 Olivia Hardin ’19 Lainey Teklits ’20 Grace Mckelvey ’20 2018 BOYS DISC ALL CONFERENCE RUNNERS (top 10) Brendan Balthis ’19 Nicholas Garrett ’19 Joseph Cintavey ’19 Declan McDonnell ’21 2018 All County - Boys (top 25 in the race) Brendan Balthis ’19 Nicholas Garrett ’19 Joseph Cintavey ’19 Declan McDonnell ’21

All State - Boys (7 selected for each of 3 teams)

Field Hockey All Conference

1st team - Brendan Balthis ’19 1st team - Nick Garrett ’19 2nd team - Joey Cintavey ’19

1st team - Lauren Rosenbaum ’19 2nd team - Erica Hager ’19 2nd team - Alisia Lovejoy ’20 2nd team - Serena Patel ’19 Honorable Mention - Teryn Singer ’22 Honorable Mention - Ashley Marvel ’21

All State - Girls (7 selected for each of 3 teams) 1st team - Keelin Hays ’19 **4 time State Champion

Volleyball All State

Football: All Conference

3rd team - Ashlin DeLucia ’20

2nd team - Julian Nevin ’20 Defensive End 2nd team - LJ Phillips ’21 - Safety 2nd team - Nate Ruoss ’20 - Receiver 2nd team - Brett Wilkinson ’20 Running Back 2nd team - Brycen Anderson ’20 Linebacker 2nd team - CJ Ashe ’19 - Tackle 2nd team - Chris Lazear ’20 - Guard 2nd team - Chase Brothers ’20 - Receiver

All Conference 1st team - Ashlin DeLucia ’20 2nd team - Abby Soja ’20 3rd team - Catie Marvin ’20 3rd team - Maddie Volp ’19 3rd team - Mackenzie Prettyman ’20 Boys Soccer All State 3rd team - Cole Hiller ’19 All Conference 1st team - Cole Hiller ’19 2nd team - Rohan Chugh ’20 2nd team - Gabe Dobrzelewski ’21 2nd team - Beau Neff ’19 2nd team - Marc Pala ’19

2018 All County - Girls (top 25 in the race) Keelin Hays ’19 Eirinn Sikes ’19 Olivia Hardin ’19

2018 – 2019 STATS

3 3 State Team Championships Boys Cross Country Ice18 Hockey :: Tatnall TatnallToday Today ::::Summer Spring/Summer 2019 2019 Girls Track and Field

Seth Friedlander ’20 Defend his number 2 single State Championship

State Champion Runner-up Girls Cross Country Boys Track and Field

DISC Championship Boys Lacrosse

SPRING SPORTS ACCOLADES Boys Lacrosse All State 1st team - Cole Hiller ’19 1st team - Nate Ruoss ’20 2nd team - Brett Wilkinson ’20 3rd team - Beau Neff ’19 All American Cole Hiller ’19

WINTER SPORTS ACCOLADES

Girls Lacrosse All Conference

Boys Basketball All Conference

Ice Hockey - State Champions All Star Team

2nd team -Robert Secundy ’20 Honorable Mention - Omari Banks ’21 Honorable Mention - Chris Lazear ’20

Beau Neff ’19, Luke Headman ’19, Lain Singer ’20

Wrestling Academic All-State

Swimming All State

1st team - Nic Mowll ’20 1st team - Andrew Sontchi ’19 2nd team - Zack Cattermole ’20 2nd team - Cole Hiller ’19 2nd team - Beau Neff ’19 2nd team - Chris Tigani ’19 Honorable Mention - Ethan Silver ’22

Honorable Mention - Caleigh Hoban ’20 State Team MVP honors Caleigh Hoban ’20 State Team MVP honors Ameen Belkadi ’19 Girls Swiming All Conference 2nd team - Amy Hall ’20 2nd team - Caleigh Hoban ’20 Boys Swimming All Conference

1st team -Erica Hager ’19 1st team - Katrina Cattermole ’22 1st team -Terynn Singer ’22 2nd team - Hadely Morgan ’20 2nd team - Catie Marvin ’20 2nd team - Carly McKenry ’21 2nd team - Arie Easterling ’19 All State Honorable Mention - Terynn Singer ’22 Honorable Mention - Erica Hager ’19 Girls Soccer All State 2nd team - Rachel Cohen ’19 Goal Keeper

All Conference

Golf

1st place - Beau Neff ’19 at 126 3rd place - Chris Tigani ’19 at 132 3rd place - Cole Hiller ’19 at 138 3rd place - AJ Ploener ’19 at 152 2nd place - Zack Cattermole ’20 at 160

DIAA State Championship - 3rd Place DIAA Individual State Golf Championship Anthony Ciconte ’22 - 5th Place Jeff Homer ’23 - 9th Place Matt Homer ’23 - 9th Place Daniel Holland ’21 - 47th Place

2nd team - Ameen Belkadi ’19 2nd team - Zachary Narimanian ’20 Honorable Mention - Gregory Datto ’21 Honorable Mention - Gunnar Light ’20 Girls Basketball All Conference 1st team - Erica Hager ’19 2nd team - Aryana Easterling ’19 2nd team - Sophie Kirby ’22 Honorable Mention - Emma Kirby ’23

Keelin Hayes ’19 4x Delaware State Champion for Girls Cross Country

Beau Neff ’19

Played on 16 varsity teams - each year Boys Soccer, Wrestling, Ice Hockey, Boys Lacrosse

Beau Neff ’19 received the DIAA Harry Roberts Scholarship; the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Award; and was one of five wrestlers in the state to receive the Louis J. Sneed Scholarship. He was also awarded the 2018-2019 Delaware Association for Athletic Directors Scholarship. Spring/Summer 2019 :: Tatnall Today ::

s n o i t ratula

Cong Class of 2019 Olivia Grace Acierno Enlisting in United States Army

Natalie Anne Dickinson University of Delaware

Jonathan Henry Adams University of Delaware

Theodora Dini Cabrini University

Lauren Elyse Anshen Emory University

Henry E.I. duPont, III University of Delaware

Brendan Michael Balthis Dartmouth College

Aryana Delois Easterling Norfolk State University

Julianna Grace Barry Pennsylvania State University

Alexandra Nicole Finio Vassar College

Ameen Hamid Belkadi Lafayette College

Nicholas Thomas Garrett Winthrop University

Joseph Daniel Cintavey Shippensburg University

Samuel Richard Ginn Lehigh University Fall 2020 (AmeriCorps Year)

Rachel Marie Cohen Northeastern University Ava Quinn Curro University of Delaware Sophia Reese Danner University of Delaware Mackenzie Rebekah Davis Louisiana State University 20 :: Tatnall Today :: Spring/Summer 2019

Julia Anne Goodwin University of Delawareâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;World Scholars Program Alexandra Whitcomb Gow Pennsylvania State University Erica Lynne Hager University of Delaware Elizabeth Ley Hamilton Bryn Mawr College

In the Classroom

Olivia Kathleen Hardin University of Delaware

Juanita Karen Jayaprakash Pennsylvania State University

Serena K. Patel University of Florida

Keelin Frances Hays

Alexandra Petra Jernakoff Catholic University of America— Honors Program

Arthur Jéhoon Ploener West Chester University 2020 (Gap Year)

Yang Jin New York University

Adam Stephen Reisen The Reisen Agency Insurance

Wake Forest University Luke Thomas Headman The University of Alabama 2020 (Gap Year)

Christopher Hayden Johnson Jayla Marnae Hill Charleston Southern University American University

Lauren Elizabeth Rosenbaum University of South Carolina

Hanchi Sun Lehigh University

Cole Timothy Hiller Roanoke College

Luke Huei Kaucic University of Oklahoma

William Charles Sheehy University of Miami

Andrew Nicholas Sweeney Michigan State University

Max Gray Holland, III Samford University

Alexander Dennis Latina University of Oklahoma

Christopher James Tigani, Jr. University of Richmond

Samuel James Howard Pennsylvania State University

Romae Jahtenny Leda University of Delaware

Hanzhi Shen Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology

Claire Tapley Ireland Temple University

Sidney Kirin Lodge University of Southern California Qianyun Luo School of Visual Arts Larry Mathis, Jr. Norfolk State University Beau Dempsey Neff DeSales University Marc Anthony Pala University of Delaware Arjun Parmeswar Drexel University

Eirinn Nicole Sikes Lehigh University

Phoebe Neet DeVoe Tompkins Ursinus College

Athira Sivadas Vanderbilt University

Madeline Riley Volp Elon University

Andrew Christopher Sontchi Washington and Lee University

Alec Michael Anthony Wedo University of Delaware

Gianna Noelle Sparta James Madison University

Jifeng Zhang Purdue University

Julia Ryan Spruance Ithaca College

Xishen Zhang University of Illinois at UrbanaChampaign

Colin Daniel Sullivan Drexel University—Honors College

Runtao Zhou University of Rochester

Spring/Summer 2019 :: Tatnall Today ::

Alumni Profile

Former Tatnall Runner HAS HIS EYE ON THE

2020 SUMMER OLYMPICS Sam Parsons ‘12 has a mantra that he began shouting at himself at some point during his collegiate track career: I’m sick of being mediocre! “Ironically, I started saying it after I’d run a really good race,” he says. “It just means I don’t want to become complacent. I’m always going to want more. And there’s always something to strive for in this sport, which is the beauty of it.” It’s a mentality that can be traced back to Parsons’s sophomore year at the Tatnall School, when, as a skinny, five-foot-two kid, he was named to Delaware’s All-State high school boys’ cross-country team. Over the next three years, Parsons would become one of Tatnall’s most decorated runners. Patrick Castagno, the longtime coach of the Tatnall cross-country and track and field teams, describes him as “one of the most passionate athletes to have ever gone through Tatnall.” As a six-foot-one senior, in 2012, Parsons broke the longstanding high school state record in the 3,200 meters. His time of 9:00.61 still stands as the best-ever by a high school runner in Delaware. And his 1,600-meter time of 4:12.67 ranks him fifth all-time in Delaware history. The wins continued to pile up at North Carolina State University. As a senior, in 2017, he was named an All-American in the 10,000 meters.

22 :: Tatnall Today :: Spring/Summer 2019

Now 24, Parsons is in his second season with Tinman Elite, a professional running club based in Boulder, Colorado, where he lives and trains. He’ll be running the 5,000 meters (3.1 miles) at the IAAF World Championships in Doha, Qatar, in late September. It’s a feat that few runners will ever achieve. But his eyes are on an even larger prize: the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo. Runners can qualify for their country’s Olympic trials next summer in one of two ways: by virtue of their IAAF world ranking at the end of the qualification period or by running the entry standard within the same period. As a reference point, the 2020 Olympic qualifying standards, which were released to the world two months ago, have been described as “the hardest outdoor world championship standards ever.” As of early June, Parsons is ranked 48th in the world, and his personal best in the 5,000 meters, 13:22, a time he ran earlier this year, sits just outside the Olympic automatic qualifying standard (13:13.50).

Castagno, Juliet Bottorff ‘09, who was sponsored by Adidas and ran professionally for the Boston Athletic Association, qualified for the 2016 US Olympic Marathon Trials.

Parsons maintains dual citizenship in Germany, which means he could compete in Germany’s Olympic trials. The United States is perennially regarded as the most dominant country in track and field at the Summer Olympics, so it could be the path of least resistance for Parsons—but only marginally so.

Asked if he saw Parsons becoming an elite runner while he was at Tatnall, Castagno says, “I thought when Sam was in high school that he demonstrated all the right ingredients to reach the highest level of collegiate competition. In high school, Sam was a dreamer and was a guy who never put limits on himself. He would read about other high school runners who were running in national level meets and say, ‘why not me?’ His mind is wide-open to what’s next.”

Either way, should he advance that far, he’d become the second Tatnall alum to qualify for an Olympic trials race. According to

In other words, anything is possible for Sam Parsons.

Spring/Summer 2019 :: Tatnall Today ::

Alumni Connections

Homecoming 2018 Awards, dancing, dedications, and reunions!

During the evening of October 12, the lobby of the Laird Performing Arts Center was brimming with alumni and guests as the Development Office and the Alumni Council proudly recognized and honored four alumni at the annual awards reception. The Distinguished Alumni Award was presented to Blair C. Dickerson ’72, Mary Lu Currin Pamm ’78, and Erik A. Warner ’93.

Blair C. Dickerson ’72 is Tatnall’s first African American graduate. He served the public as an Investigator with the Delaware Department of Labor’s Office of Anti-Discrimination and as an Investigator with the Department of State’s Division of Human Relations. In 2004 he was asked to teach Administrative Law and Compensation Administration as an adjunct at Wilmington College’s business graduate program. Blair has served on Tatnall’s Alumni Council twice and once on its Board of Trustees.

Mary Lu Currin Pamm ’78 has participated on the Alumni Council since 1996, serving as President in 2004, and was awarded the Alumni Service Award in 1999. She served on the Board of Trustees for 9 years and made significant contributions to the Program, Marketing and Development Committees as well as the Head of School searches.

Erik A. Warner’s ’93 company, Filament, has redefined modern hospitality. Filament’s growing portfolio includes 10 hotels located in destinations throughout the US. Erik’s hotels have been recognized in worldwide publications including Afar, Architectural Digest, and the New York Times, and have received a number of awards, including the Conde Nast Hot List, Surface Magazine, and Hospitality Design. Erik is the first President and current VP of the NYC Chapter of Tatnall Alumni. In 2011, he received the Lucille Sala Meharg Alumni Service Award.

Amanda Jacobs ’02 was awarded the Lucille Sala Meharg Alumni Service Award for her continued dedication to Tatnall and to the Alumni Council. Amanda has served on the alumni council for six years and is the Alumni Council Secretary. She is the consummate volunteer and at the annual golf outing, there is almost no task that she has not tackled with her can-do attitude.

Following the reception, alumni walked over to the edge of Weymouth Field to the Homecoming tent to Kickoff the weekend with a night of fun, food, drinks, and dancing under the twinkling lights of the tent and to the amazing sound of Kristen and the Noise! Saturday, October 13 the fun continued as field hockey players, donors, parents, and athletes gathered on the turf to dedicate the field in honor of Anita Marcial. Former field hockey player, trustee, parent, and alumnae Caroline B. Linter ’83 addressed the guests sharing memories of Coach Marcial and her dedication to the School, the athletics program, and what it was like to play for her. A new sign on the scoreboard was proudly unveiled “Anita’s Field”!

The group continued the fun as the alumni who graduated in the class years ending in 3’s and 8’s gathered under the tent to reconnect with classmates in reunion and cheer on the football game!

Learn more about Anita’s Field! 24 :: Tatnall Today :: Spring/Summer 2019

Founder’s Society and Red Oak Legacy Society Reception On Thursday, September 27, parents Cindy ’88 and Steve Wilkinson hosted the annual Founder’s Society and Red Oak Legacy Society Reception in their home with her husband Steve. During the reception, President of the Board of Trustees, Steve Marvin ’88, and Cam Yorkston ’67, Chair of the Development Committee, shared their appreciation for the generosity of the group and discussed the importance of the continued support of Tatnall donors. Held each fall, the Founder’s Society and Red Oak Legacy Society reception recognizes donors who have made leadership-level gifts to the School of $1,000 or more during the fiscal year or have named Tatnall in their will through a planned gift.

Weymouth Society On April 11, Caroline Linter ’83 hosted current and former trustees at the Vicmead Hunt Club for the annual Weymouth Society luncheon. This group of dedicated volunteers was renamed in honor longtime dedicated former trustee and philanthropist, Phil Weymouth.

Guest Bartending Night at the BBC The Tatnall community packed the BBC Tavern in Greenville, Wednesday, April 17, as alumni, parents, faculty, and staff tried their hand behind the bar to help support Tatnall. Parents of Alumni Reception - Parents of Alumni from five decades enjoyed a night out catching up with dear friends at the Columbus Inn on Thursday, April 11. The black and gold spirit was on full display. Make sure your information is up to date so you don’t miss the next gathering!

Thirtieth Annual Golf Classic Sets a New Record Close to 100 alumni, parent, and friends of Tatnall gathered at Hartefeld National Golf Club on Thursday, May 30 to tee-off in support of the Fund for Tatnall! Even though the strong storms tried to damper the event, all had a wonderful time on the green. The highly successful event raised over $55,000 thanks to the generous support of Greenville Landscape & Design, the presenting sponsor, in addition to more than 40 sponsors, and alumni council volunteers who worked tirelessly to ensure that the students benefited from this fun event. Mark your calendar for next year! May 28, 2020.

Spring/Summer 2019 :: Tatnall Today ::

Class Notes Class of 1952: Elizabeth Tatnall Curtis now lives with her husband in Sebastapol, CA. Elizabeth (Betty) retired four years ago from her graphic design job at SWA, a worldwide landscape architectural firm, and is now much involved in learning the teachings of Buddhism.

Class of 1953: Ann Morris Aydelotte still lives in her home in Wawaset Park, a house which several Tatnall exchange students called home during the ’50s, while Dorsey Reese ’57 and her family were living there.

Class of 1956: Anny Bryson Murphy has moved to the Country House, Anne Tatnall Gross to Kendall-Crosslands, and Margaretta (Bonnie) Barton Colt to Stonegates. The two Anne’s and Margaretta often have lunch with classmates Sue McHugh Hotchkiss and Helen Peemoeller, sometimes joined by Ann Morris Aydelotte ’53. This group has also reconnected with various classmates who left Tatnall before graduation (and would love to find more of them!). Anne Gross still teaches Music Appreciation part-time at the University of Delaware. Margaretta has, over the years, written two acclaimed books, and the first one has

turned into a local project in Winchester, VA. The book, Defend the Valley, is an account of Margaretta’s family in the Civil War. During the past three years, fans of the book from Virginia to New York City have been creating a tapestry showing the buildings in Winchester where the events took place and the residents lived. The spectacular wall hanging is much celebrated.

Class of 1958: Amelie Lauve has lived in Belgium ever since graduating from Tatnall. She is now near Brussels, in Louvain-la-Neuve, where several classmates have visited.

Class of 1959: Peggy Peemoeller and her husband have moved to Stonegates, joining Peggy’s sister-in-law, Margaretta Barton ’56.

FORWARD

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Stay Connected!

Classmates Caroline Tatnall Ketcham ’58 and Amelie Lauve ’58

Class of 1968: Abigail R. Bacon, ’67, died Tuesday, July 17, 2018, in Mount Pleasant, SC. Abigail was honored as the class Valedictorian and she received the Wooden Spoon and the Triangle Pin at her graduation.

Class of 1975:

FORWARD

FORWARD www.tatnall.org

FORWARD

www.facebook.com/tatnallschool

FORWARD www.facebook.com/ tatnallschoolalumniassociation

www.twitter.com/TatnallSchool www.instagram.com/tatnallhornets/ https://vimeo.com/user11778434

Phil Mackey is living in San Antonio, TX with Holly, his wife of 26 years. Phil writes, “after twenty-two years on active duty in the Air Force and eight years as a government contractor I am retired and a now practice as a domestic engineer, which can be more work than work!” With a daughter in college and a son who works nearby as an engineer, Phil gets back to Delaware occasionally to visit with his mother in Hockessin and his sister, Kathy ’79 in Middletown.

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Please send us you Class Notes for our next issue of Tanall Today. Online: www.tatnall.org Email: communications@tatnall.org Mail to: Alumni Office, The Tatnall School 1501 Barley Mill Road | Wilmington, DE 19807

26 :: Tatnall Today :: Spring/Summer 2019

Class of 1977:

Class of 1994:

Jim Graham spent two weeks in Antarctica in February capturing glaciers, penguins, and the changing landscape due to the warming temperatures. Prior to his trip, Jim talked with students across campus about his career which has taken him across the globe.

Scott Beale has moved to Merida, Mexico (in the Yucatan near Cancun) where his wife is serving as the head of the U.S. Consulate for that region. He moved with two young boys. As he has for the past dozen years, he is still serving as the CEO of Atlas Corps, which brings the world’s best nonprofit leaders to volunteer in the U.S. He welcomes other Tatnall alumni to come and visit him in southern Mexico!

Class of 1978: The Class of 1978 had a fantastic turnout for our 40th Reunion!! Our weekend started on Friday evening by honoring Mary Lu Currin Pamm as a Distinguished Alumni at a reception in the Laird Performing Arts Center. The festivities continued at the game on Saturday under the Alumni tent. We were so pleased to welcome back our AFS student, Jens Henneke, who traveled with his family from Denmark to celebrate with us!! Phil Gardner generously hosted our after the game gathering. It was so nice to catch up with so many classmates in such beautiful and welcoming surroundings. Some classmates made it to the game, some made it to the dinner, and some made it to both...but we want everyone to make it to our 45th!!!

Jim Graham ’77

Class of 1983: On Nov. 8, Missy Meharg, the 31-season head of the Terps program was honored by the Maryland State Athletic Hall of Fame with Missy Meharg ’83 the John F. Steadman Lifetime Achievement award, lauding her long stretch of success in coaching. Missy is the first woman to receive the John F. Steadman Lifetime Achievement Award in the honor’s 20year history at the University. She also is the first field hockey representative in the Maryland State Athletic Hall of Fame, which dates to 1956. Missy is hosting a camp at Tatnall this summer, Missy Meharg’s School of Hockey, July 10 -12.

Jim Graham ’77

Class of 1978

Spring/Summer 2019 :: Tatnall Today ::

Class Notes

Madison Lodge ’14

Lisa Kline ’05 and Ozzie Parente

Class of 2005: Lisa Klein married Ozzie Parente in March 2018. Please see her note above listing all the Tatnall alums who attended her wedding as well as a wedding photo and info on where Lisa is living and working.

Class of 2006: Natalie Burris and her husband are welcoming another boy in June. Natalie lives in Chicago, IL where she has two other boys who were born on St. Patty’s day.

Class of 2013:

Class of 2014:

Alex Giacco finished the 2019 Boston Marathon with an incredible time of 2:38:52! Alex’s fast time would have earned him the title of fastest Delawarean with his nearly six-minute mile pace; however, he registered with his New York City address.

Madison Lodge spoke with the Biomedical Club on Friday. Madison is in the middle of her first year of Medical School at USC, having graduated last June from Claremont-McKenna. Madison spoke with club members about what Medical School is really like and how they can prepare for Med School in high school and college.

Class of 2009: Bobby Schluter’s wedding. Alumni in the picture are as follows: Justin Perillo ’09, Joey Fragomele ’09, Gia Fragomele ’09, Liza Fragomele ’08, Chris Leroy ’09, Ryan Mase ’08, David Sanford ’09, Andy Hess ’07, and Bill Schluter, Head of Upper School.

Class of 2010: Phil Drexler will be moving out to Davis, CA where he will continue his job as the Senior Business Data Analyst for DraftKings, INC. Tatnall Alimni and parents at Bobby Schluter ’09

28 :: Tatnall Today :: Spring/Summer 2019

Class of 2017: Karl Holler, Isaiah Jones, Sam Raglan, Sulaiman Saunders, Rob Dehney, and Malcolm Godshall reconnected in October at the Ursinus vs. Muhlenberg football game to cheer on their fellow hornet classmates!

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Richard Werbe ’12 Richard Werbe ’12 Co-Founder and CEO of Studypool was named to Forbes 30 under 30 list for Education. Werbe, an entrepreneur, founded Studypool from his dorm room at Emory. The online platform provides microtutoring™ opportunities for students and tutors. Microtutoring™, you may ask? Werbe and his business partner invented the concept of connecting students with tutors to offer help on one or two concepts rather than paying for tutoring over an entire course of study. This allows users to focus on getting expert help in only the areas for which they truly require support. Tutors are also available for hire for papers, SAT prep, and study guides. To ensure that tutoring is accessible to all, Richard has already sold another business and has raised over $2.3 million for Studypool.

In Memoriam Abigail Robinson Bacon, ’67, died Tuesday, July 17, 2018, in Mount Pleasant SC, following a long illness. Born September 6, 1950, in Wilmington DE, she was the daughter of the late Alfred E Bacon, Jr. MD and Joan Truss Bacon, both of Wilmington. Abby attended The Tatnall School, where she excelled in the classroom and on the athletic field. When she graduated from Tatnall in 1968, she received the school’s highest honor—The Wooden Spoon. She went on to earn her B.A. from Wellesley College (1972) and master’s degrees from Virginia Tech and The Citadel. Abby lived in Mount Pleasant SC with her husband Clark Hobbie and spent her career in the field of economic and municipal planning. She is survived by Mr. Hobbie, her husband of 38 years; her brother, Alfred E Bacon III, MD and his wife Liz of Wilmington DE; her sister Susan Bacon Dynerman of Memphis TN; her stepdaughter Kate Hobbie and her husband Howard Lagoze of Burlingame CA; her stepson Clark Nelson Hobbie and his wife Sue of Aurora CO; and her step-grandson Jacob Miles Lagoze and his wife Ciara of New York NY. Mark Haner ’78, son of Maggie Haner, former Tatnall lower school art teacher, was killed November 10, 2018, in a car accident in Palm Springs, California. His wife Thadine was critically injured and is still hospitalized. Mark was a 1978 Tatnall graduate and a wrestler here. He went on to Carnegie Mellon in Pittsburgh. Mark and his family resided in Whittier, CA, as well as Palm Springs.

Spring/Summer 2019 :: Tatnall Today ::

Hornet Alumni Athletes

Jawan Carter’s #3 Retired! Tatnall recognized the amazing accomplishments of Jawan Carter ’06, the all-time leading scorer for men in the history of Delaware. The 2006 Gatorade Player of the Year for Delaware and captain of the 2006 State Championship Tatnall squad, Carter was awarded a special plaque and certificate, and his #3 jersey is now the first to hang in the rafters of the Beekley Gymnasium. In front of a raucous crowd including Carter’s beloved family, dear friends, and multiple former teammates and classmates, the school celebrated one of the best if not the best ever to wear the uniform.

Sam Ragland ’17 During his freshman year, Ragland was named Centennial Conference Rookie of the Year, a first for any Ursinus football player. He also earned honorable mention All-Centennial Conference honors. The running back broke his own single-game school record for receptions which he equaled in the previous game against Muhlenberg. Ragland made 14 catches for 110 yards, two more than his previous mark.

Kayla Woods ’18 In her freshman year at the University of Richmond, Kayla Woods made the 2019 Indoor Track & Field Atlantic 10 AllRookie Team for high jump/long jump. Woods also set a new personal best of 12.64 in the 100m dash at the Virginia Grand Prix and won the long jump with a new personal best of 5.90m at the George Mason Invitational.

Alumni Lacrosse Games On Saturday, May 4, Tatnall hosted a boys and a girls alumni lacrosse games on the turf field. 33 alums (10 women, 23 men) came to play along with their families. It was wonderful to see grandparents, parents of the alumni, and their children show up to cheer and watch the players! The Varsity girls beat the alumnae 10 to 9 and the Varsity boys beat the alumni 7-4. Afterward, everybody was invited to pizza in the gym lobby. Clee Edger and Ruth Hiller set up a huge history table with all old pictures and memorabilia.

30 :: Tatnall Today :: Spring/Summer 2019

Make a Difference $

No Penalty NoTax Satisfies RMD

YOUR RETIREMENT ACCOUNT

THE TATNALL SCHOOL

Did you know that if you are 70 ½ or older, you can make your gift to Tatnall directly from your IRA? You can transfer up to $100,000 annually, tax-free from your IRA directly to the charities of your choice. You benefit because a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) allows you to: ■■

■■

Make a gift to Tatnall directly from your IRA – any kind of gift including to the annual fund, to a scholarship, or endowed funds; Pay no taxes on the transfer – the charitable portion of your distribution is free from tax income; Count the gift towards your required minimum distribution (RMD); Make gifts through QCD even if you have already used up your charitable deductions or do not itemize.

How To Do It: Call your account custodian to obtain the appropriate distribution form and contact Deb Piper, Director of Development, at 302-892-4333 or debpiper@tatnall.org.

Spring/Summer 2019 :: Tatnall Today ::

WHAT IS YOUR WHY? Tatnall benefits from the continuing generosity of our alumni, parents, families, and friends. We could not excel academically, athletically, and artistically without this support, so we asked, “What is your why?”

Why do you give to The Fund for Tatnall?

Maurice and Erika Ragland Parents ’17, ’20 We give to the annual fund in appreciation for what the school has meant to us and done for our children. It also provides us an opportunity to help another family take part in the wonderful experiences we’ve enjoyed through our children’s time at Tatnall!

Maurice and Erika Ragland Parents ’17, ’20

Michael and Kathy Walker Parents ’95, ’98 Grandparents ’24, ’29 We give to Tatnall because of the fine education our children were given and our grandchildren are receiving. Our family has benefited from the community and lifelong friendships first established at Tatnall.

Aaron Winchell and Bonnie Wu ’95 & Parents ’25, ’29

Aaron Winchell and Bonnie Wu ’95 & Parents ’25, ’29 32 :: Tatnall Today :: Spring/Summer 2019

We chose Tatnall for our children when they were in preschool because of its warm and nurturing environment. We’ve chosen to stay at Tatnall because of its educational balance and focus on the whole child. Tatnall meets the needs of both of our children, who have very different learning styles, personalities, and interests. We support Tatnall’s annual fund so others may have this special experience as well.

Lisa Klein Parente ’05

John Sensing ’96 and Caroline McIlvain ’99 Parents ’28, ’33 & ’34

I loved my time at Tatnall, and as a teacher myself, I understand the importance of a strong and consistent donor base.

Tatnall is more than a school to us. We met at Tatnall and are now sending all three of our children there. We feel fortunate to be lifelong members of the Tatnall family, and we know that our children are in exceptionally good hands with the caring teachers and administrators that enrich their minds and hearts.”

Lisa Klein married Ozzie Parente

Demetrius Davis ’15 I give back to Tatnall because it gave me lifelong memories and friendships I will cherish forever. The community that Tatnall provides is like no other, and it makes me proud to call myself an Alumnus. I hope to show people Demetrius Davis ’15 outside of Tatnall what we really represent and how we always aspire to give back and welcome everyone with a kind heart.

John Sensing ’96 and Caroline McIlvain ’99

Philip Mackey ’75 The reason I give is simply to give back. In the early 1970s, Tatnall was going through some tough financial times, but they still gave me and several others full scholarships so we could attend this great institution. So today I make it a point to donate so someone else can have the same opportunity I did.

Peter McGaffin ’68 I give to Tatnall because I have the need to give back to the school that played a crucial role in my development as a person. To have been afforded the opportunity to get such a well-rounded education and be a part of the Tatnall Family helped me in so many different ways. To Peter McGaffin ’68 be able to give back to Tatnall so that present and future Tatnall students get to experience a Tatnall School education makes my Tatnall School experience even more rewarding.

Kendall Andrews ’86 I was so fortunate to attend Tatnall! I donate to the Annual Fund yearly to give a little something back and to possibly make it easier for someone else to have that experience too. Kendall Andrews ’86

Your Dollars at Work

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Anywhere you go on campus you can see donated dollars at work…and there are other areas where you can’t see it, but it’s there and making a difference.

Tatnall’s financial aid budget is $3 million and 40% of our students receive financial assistance.

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New classroom furniture in fifth grade

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Sustainable eco-flooring in Early Childhood and Lower School

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The new biology lab

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Chromebooks in Grades 4-8,

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Education for our faculty

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Support through the ACE program

Spring/Summer 2019 :: Tatnall Today ::

Making a Difference

Tatnall’s caring, dedicated teachers are the heart of what makes Tatnall unique In 1930, Mrs. Frances D.S. Tatnall opened her home to a group of students because she believed in the value of an education rooted in a commitment to character, warmth, creativity, and global citizenship. Today, interdisciplinary project-based learning is the hallmark of a Tatnall education. Students are propelled to creatively engage with new disciplines, cultures, and perspectives. Tatnall’s exceptional faculty ensures that every student experiences a transformative education that sparks the confidence to approach old challenges in new ways and cultivates a lifelong love of learning. In the words of Chase Reid ’18, M.I.T. ’22, Tatnall students, “venture out into the world...change it, improve it, and make [their] mark upon it.”

The Value of a Tatnall Education Tatnall’s caring, dedicated teachers are the heart of what makes Tatnall unique. The deep, authentic relationships built here provide the ideal environment to foster students’ growth and achievement both in the classroom and beyond. Tatnall graduates are highly sought-after by top colleges and universities. ■■

atnall students earn acceptances to top colleges T at 2-3x the national rate

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20% of graduates sign on to participate in collegiate athletics

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$1.5M in art scholarships over past 7 years

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90% of seniors enroll at a top choice school

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110+ colleges visit Tatnall each fall to meet with our students

The Feeling of Family Tatnall educators work as collaborative teams along with advisors and coaches to inspire students to develop their talents and discover new passions. Tatnall’s own Academic Center for Excellence provides enrichment and support for students across all grade levels and areas of study. Designed to recognize that all classrooms should be versatile and encourage collaboration and exploration, the Center promotes the well-being and success of every student. Just as Mrs. Tatnall opened her home 1930, on behalf of the Tatnall Admissions Team, we open our doors to you and cordially invite you to take a personal tour of our campus today! Visit Tatnall’s admission page for more information at Tatnall.org/admissions. 34 :: Tatnall Today :: Spring/Summer 2019

A Culturally Diverse Community ■■

28% of student body identify as students of color

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40+ year partnership with American Field Service (AFS)

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Global Youth Leadership Institute

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tudents hailing from 4 states S and 8 countries

Summer 2019 Starts at Tatnall! A Tatnall Summer At-a-Glance

June 17 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; August 16 Each summer, Tatnallâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 110-acre, environmentally diverse campus transforms into a venue offering limitless combinations of exciting summer camps and enrichment classes.

On-campus swimming pools

Innovation labs

2.25

Miles of maintained trails

Themed weeks of day camps allow campers to experience a wide variety of activities

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.

Save the Date

Founderâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day October 18, 2019 Homecoming October 19, 2019