SPRING 2015
CushingCUSHING ACADEMY MAGAZINE Today
REMEMBERING CUSHING ACADEMY BREAKS TURNING THE PAGE DR. JOSEPH CURRY GROUND ON ATHLETIC FACILITY Norm Carey CushingToday
SPRING 2015
Cushing exists for the students, their academic growth, and personal development. In educating the mind, shaping the character, and nurturing the creativ- ity of an academically and culturally diverse student body, we challenge each individual, support excellence in the learning process, and promote active participa- tion and service in all areas of life and learning. We offer a demanding college preparatory curriculum, teach skills that build confidence, and instill values that endure.
Cushing Today is a publication of Cushing Academy’s Office of Development and Alumni Programs.
Headmaster Christopher Torino
Associate Head of School Catherine Pollock
Director of Advancement Bill O’Hearn
Cushing Today Editor Amy Ostroth
Director of Marketing and Communications Heather Hill ’90
Contributing Writers Amy Ostroth Chuck Johanningsmeier ’77 Jennifer Klein Amy Logan
Photography Jake Belcher Sam Fuller ’15 Tom Kates Chris McIntosh Tim Morse Amy Ostroth Phil Wexler
Design Andrea Hopkins Cheney & Company
Printing Allied Printing Services, Inc.
Cushing Today welcomes class notes, photographs, story ideas, and comments by alumni/ae, parents, and friends. Please send them to [email protected] or call 978-827-7400. Photo taken by Napat “Pop” Rochanapruk ’16 In This Issue as part of his work for his advanced photography class
FEATURES 20 Student Profiles A Day in the Life of Two Graduating Seniors 22 Faculty Profiles Mary Fern In Memory of Dr. Joseph R. Curry Norm Carey 33 Historical Legacy What Am I?
DEPARTMENTS
2 On Campus
From the Headmaster Along School Street Show Your Work Good Sports The Art of Giving
38 Alumni
International Corner Alumni News Making History Real Class Notes In Memoriam What Am I? Can you identify this piece of Cushing’s history? Think you know where it is on campus and what it has to do with Cushing’s past? Read the full story on page 33 to find out.
ON THE COVER: The entrance to Cushing Academy at the corner of School and Central Streets.
SPRING 2015 1 From the Headmaster CHRISTOPHER TORINO
In her book Bird by Bird, Anne Lamott writes that stories “deepen and widen and expand our sense of life: they feed the soul.”
Cushing stories have undoubtedly deepened, widened, and expanded my sense of the proud 150 years of our school and what is made possible through a transformative education. I have listened to, read, and absorbed the stories and experiences of current Cushing students, faculty, staff, and parents, as well as those of alumni and past parents, faculty, and staff. An English teacher to the core, I relish these narratives—whether told in snippets or as whole pieces—about the Cushing in you. BREAKING This month, the Class of 2015 will graduate and make the transition from their “dear GROUND old Cushing days” as students to their lives as engaged alumni. Close on the heels of Cushing Academy graduation, we will welcome our alumni back to campus for our Sesquicentennial Reunion has officially broken ground on its new Weekend, a milestone event in the life of the Academy. Commencement and Reunion athletic facility, weave together the many diverse stories into a fuller, more vibrant understanding of the which will be named Cushing legacy. the Watkins Field Whether I’ve had the pleasure to meet you in person or not, I’d very much love to House. For more information on this hear your stories about Cushing—the faculty who made lasting impressions on you, the important project, friends you made, the challenges through which you grew, and the things you learned. I see page 37. invite you to visit www.cushing.org/alumnistories to submit your stories online, or email them to [email protected]. Whether you have a brief moment to write a vignette recounting one smaller story, or time enough to write a more comprehensive recollection or string of recollections, your stories will “deepen and widen and expand” our sense of Cushing—where, how, and why we’ve lived and Cushing’s impact on the world one Penguin at a time. Your stories are the foundation for our Academy’s promising future. Thank you for everything you do to support the school—attending events; volunteering your time; cheering on our athletes; making gifts to our Cushing Academy Fund, including supporting our new athletic facility; and sharing your stories. I continue to be honored and proud to be a part of and servant to the Cushing story. I’ll close with Rudyard Kipling’s thoughts on the power of stories: “If history were taught in the form of stories, it would never be forgotten.” So, here’s to remembering and recounting those dear old Cushing days…
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Along School Street
A Banner Year Begins The long-awaited year of celebration and proud to the event, and he was joined on stage by Penguin history is officially underway, as we Brett Torrey ’85, Sylvia Lilienthal ’40, former mark the start of our sesquicentennial year and Trustee and Board treasurer Don Irving, and honor our founding in 1865. faculty member Peggy Lee, who read excerpts As this year unfolds, please visit our Sesqui- from Thomas Parkman Cushing’s will and re- centennial page at www.cushing.org/150 often marks from Cushing’s dedication. Norm Carey, for a calendar of events, the link to a timeline who will finish his 34-year Cushing career in of Cushing’s history, a downloadable monthly June, read two poems he wrote that capture calendar wallpaper for your desktop, and stories the essence of life at the Academy. Headmaster from 150 years. We look forward to hearing and Chris Torino also spoke, telling the guests about showcasing your Cushing stories. In fact, you how Cushing’s traditions and past will inform can share your stories with us right now using its future. the form on our website at www.cushing.org/ There will be a number of sesquicentennial alumni. events throughout 2015, all of which can be The year of celebration kicked off on Dec. 5, found at www.cushing.org/150. We hope all 2014, when nearly 200 people gathered at the of our parents, alumni, and members of our ex- Note About the Fall Issue Liberty Hotel in Boston. Board of Trustees tended community will join us as we celebrate of Cushing Today member Robert Young ’69 welcomed the group 150 years of this wonderful institution. To mark the Academy’s sesquicentennial, the fall issue of Cushing Today will be special, commemorating 150 years of Cushing excellence. We’ll look back on the people who made the Academy what it is today— Parents for Cushing Hard at Work Thomas Parkman Cushing, Hervey S. Volunteers from the Academy’s parent group, what makes Cushing so special is its sense of Cowell, Dr. Joseph Curry, and others. We’ll Parents for Cushing (PFC), have been hard at community, and we are committed to building look at the ways the Academy has changed work this year building relationships among that sense of community among the Academy’s and the ways it has stayed the same. Cushing’s families, sharing their ideas with the parents.” Because of the content of this special school’s administration, and giving generously PFC is already looking ahead to next year. issue, we will not be publishing a printed of their time to support the Cushing community. For 2015 Fall Family Weekend, scheduled for annual report in 2015, although we will In February, they put together a wonderful Oct. 23–24, the group is planning a live and publish the information online. Further, Faculty Staff Appreciation Day, with yummy silent auction event with Co-Chairs John and the campus news you look for in the maga- goodies and other treats, to acknowledge the Barbara Kelly P’11,’13,’16 and Auctioneer John zine will also be found online, including hard work done by everyone who works for the Terrio. They’re excited to get Cushing’s parents information about the Academy’s 2015 Academy. Their thoughtfulness was much ap- involved in this special event, so mark your commencement exercises, which took place preciated by all. calendars and keep an eye out for more informa- on May 23, and the extra-special sesquicen- The PFC has also hosted several social tion soon. tennial Reunion Weekend, which was held gatherings, including a cocktail hour at the Parents for Cushing is an open group. In- June 5–7. beginning of the school year and a coffee hour deed, you’re a member just for being a Cushing We encourage you to visit www.cushing. at the beginning of Winter Free Weekend. “It’s parent. If you’d like to play a more active role org for all the latest news about Cushing. important to build connections among Cush- in the group, however, your involvement is If you have questions, please email: ing’s families,” says Kim Samson, the group’s encouraged and welcomed. Contact parentpro- [email protected] chairperson and parent to Evan ’16. “Part of [email protected] or call 978-827-7400. or call us at 978-827-7400.
SPRING 2015 3 Peter Clarke Although that job came with its challenges, the Shackleton School, according to Peter, was to Retire After it also taught Peter a good lesson about teach- to challenge kids and help them build character a Decade at ing. “It’s not about what you, the teacher, are through educational travel and community Cushing going to do. It’s about what you are going to get service. Although Peter is quite proud of the Cushing has been the kids to do,” he says. “Teaching middle school work he did there, the school was forced to close fortunate to count some taught me to be more student-centered and to because it needed to expand and the location in extremely talented really engage students in the work of the class.” Ashby limited that. teachers among its faculty. History teacher Eventually he decided he wanted to teach When Peter began at the Shackleton School, Peter Clarke is one example of just such an edu- high school so that he could help his students his son, David ’07, was already at Cushing. Not cator and when he retires from the Academy at ask—and answer—more intellectually challeng- long after, his wife, Nicki, took a job as Cush- the end of the year, his commitment, wisdom, ing questions. Therefore, he earned a teaching ing’s Director of Development. When the Ashby and leadership will be missed. license before heading to Reading High School, school closed in 2005, Peter decided to get back He got into teaching in part because of two where he was a social studies teacher and the in the classroom by accepting a job at Cush- excellent teachers he had in high school in coach of the girls’ track team. He was such a ing. “From the first day I walked into Cushing, Chappaqua, N.Y. One used Herodotus and the successful coach there that one of his teams I loved it here,” he says. “In the 10 years I’ve Greek Civil War to connect classroom learning won the Massachusetts State Track Champion- been here—from developing new curricula to to the very real challenge of the Vietnam War at ship, and he was named the Massachusetts Cushing Scholars to Model UN—Cushing has a time when most schools and teachers refused State Track Coach of the Year. always put its students first. I’ve never been at to even discuss the subject. “The other,” Peter In 1983, the school needed to cut staff, which a meeting at Cushing where we argued about remembers, “held up a matchbox at the begin- they did by seniority, so Peter once again found whether we should find a creative way to meet ning of my AP history class and asked us what it himself with a choice about his future. He used a student’s needs. I’ve never had a conversa- was. When we said ‘a matchbox,’ he said ‘prove his savings to pay tuition at Harvard, where tion about giving one student an advantage it.’ You’d be amazed how hard it is to prove that he earned his master’s degree in educational over another. The conversation has always been a matchbox is a matchbox. He was teaching us administration. Following Harvard, he spent about what each individual student needs to be how to argue, which no one had ever taught us 21 years as an educational administrator at successful here.” to do before. I thought then how wonderful it both public and private schools in New York, Although he’s leaving Cushing this year, would be to be able to do that for other young Vermont, and Massachusetts. In 1995, his lead- Peter won’t be leaving the educational realm, as people.” ership in educational innovation resulted in his he plans to return to Vermont, where he and his Peter has gone on to spend 44 years as an being named Vermont’s principal of the year. wife have a home, and work as an educational educator. His first teaching job was at The Har- From 2003 to 2005, Peter was Head of School consultant. He doesn’t think of it as retiring, vey School, a private boarding middle school, at the Shackleton School in Ashby, Mass., just but rather going on to another set of challenges and although that was a short stint—just two up the road from Cushing. The school was that will use his varied educational experi- years—he and his wife lived in a dorm and man- experimental and based on the Outward Bound ence, hopefully to assist a new generation of aged the lives of 15 seventh-grade boys. You can program—the school took its students on three- educational leaders to figure out how to meet imagine the difficulty of getting those boys to month learning expeditions across the USA the needs of the next generation of Vermont brush their teeth and go to bed! designed to inspire self-discovery. The goal of students.
Special Learning Opportunity for Four Cushing Students This year, four students represented Cushing at the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) Student Diversity Leadership Conference during the first week in December. This extraordinary event brings together nearly 1,500 students from independent schools across the country, engaging them in an intense curriculum that centers on cultural identifiers, promotes affinity group work, and creates connections with participants from our region. We know the students returned to Cushing prepared to open conversations, jump start regional efforts, and educate their peers.
The students who attended the diversity conference (l–r): Myles Bonadie ’17, Joanna James ’15, Chyna Christman ’16, and Jarrod Simmons ’17.
4 CUSHING TODAY ON CAMPUS
Developing a Leadership Culture In October, our Dean of Student Life, Mr. Chris Howes (left), headed to The Sym- posium in Pedagogy of Leadership spon- sored by the Gardner Carney Leadership Institute in collabora- tion with the Klingenstein Center for Independent School Education. The central goal of the event: to learn and absorb the art and science by which an educator can systematically instill and develop in stu- dents the desire and capacity to lead. Mr. Howes served as a presenter in Cushing students listen attentively at the Global Response to Emerging Infections Symposium at Harvard Medical School. a session called Transforming Culture Through Leadership Development. Draw- ing on his past experiences working at Students Travel to Harvard for Global Health Symposium Severn School and his work at Cushing this year, he spoke about developing and build- In January, a group of Cushing students trav- experiences, he chronicled what it was like don- ing a pervasive and fully integrated culture eled to Boston to attend the Global Response to ning the personal protective equipment, how of student leadership. “It is possible for Emerging Infections Symposium at Harvard his team worked to establish communication every child to develop leadership skills,” he Medical School. This unique opportunity was response teams, and the major role that video said. “It is our obligation to provide them made possible by Gregory Ciottone, MD, FACEP, conferencing has played in connecting health with the avenues to exercise and practice Director of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center workers to one another and accessing data. these skills.” Fellowship in Disaster Medicine and Associ- Following the lunch break, students were He relayed that attendees were particu- ate Professor of Emergency Medicine, Harvard greeted by the Honorable Mr. Jeremiah C. larly interested in Cushing’s revised stu- Medical School; and Amalia Voskanyan, RN, Co- Sulunteh, Liberia Ambassador to the United dent handbook. “We went from rules and Director BIDMC Fellowship in Disaster Medicine; States. He shared with students his personal policies to expectations and values, and parents of Vigen ’16 and Robert ’17 Ciottone. story as a child in Liberia with no running wa- people were really excited about hearing The Cushing delegation, comprised of Cush- ter, no electricity, and no roads. Through perse- how we did that. The lens through which ing Scholars and students in ethics and select verance and discipline, he attended school and I presented our student-centered approach biology classes, joined top scholars and boots- university, and then raised the money to build was perhaps a different lens for them, and on-the-ground practitioners in the fields of a school for children in his village. “I share this it clearly struck a chord as we discussed the crisis leadership, epidemiology, humanitarian, story with you to say this: everywhere you go in conduct system, shared responsibilities, and disaster medicine. Guest speakers discussed life and in the world, there are different chal- and leadership programming.” such topics as technology and community lenges. Listen. Be disciplined. Always remem- As for his own take-aways from the engagement in the Ebola response, the ethical ber the opportunities you have.” symposium, Mr. Howes shared discussions dilemmas in the Ebola crisis, and the challeng- When asked to share their thoughts on on brain research and its relationship to ed- es to global threats from an NGO perspective. the day’s experience, students were quick to ucation and children. “Working with kids, “It’s terrifying working with the Ebola respond. “This conference was an amazing it’s important for us to understand where virus,” said Dr. Gavin Macgregor-Skinner, As- opportunity to hear from people who have expe- they are in the process of growth, and most sistant Professor, Department of Public Health rienced the tragedy of Ebola firsthand and are important, to recognize that they aren’t Sciences, Penn State University, on his experi- making a difference,” said Caroline Fital ’17. ‘done’—they’re still ‘becoming.’” ences with response teams in Nigeria. “Ebola For Breton Lorway ’17: “The biggest take-away is the one that scares me.” Through firsthand was to never take anything for granted.”
SPRING 2015 5 Cushing Academy Performing Arts Series 2015
Last year, Cushing’s performing arts faculty and from three different eras and continents. This others who have no affiliation with Cushing— Headmaster Torino had an idea: to inaugurate event was held in the Joseph R. Curry Academic not to mention personal sentiments of gratitude an annual performing arts series, bringing Center’s performance space, which was filled to throughout the series.” professional artists to campus, enhancing the capacity. The intimacy of the venue added to the This professional series has no doubt ben- education that our students receive, and invit- powerful music, and attendees were heard to efited Cushing’s students as well. “I think our ing residents of Ashburnham and the surround- whisper, “That was breathtaking!” students have realized the power of the arts ing area to campus to enjoy the performances. The final event was held on March 28 and more intently because they have now seen it In September, the Academy’s hard work toward featured Jerry Sabatini and his band, the Sonic through the eyes of an adult audience,” noted that goal bore fruit when the first performance Explorers Octet. An audience of nearly 250, Julia. “When you are surrounded by different in Cushing’s Performing Arts Series took place. including Jerry’s current students and the Oak- generations, and especially those who are not It is safe to say that the first year was a won- mont Regional High School jazz band, enjoyed related to you, you tend to view things through derful success. Attendees at the events included music composed by Sabatini and rooted in the a different lens. Our public audience has helped local residents from Ashburnham, Westmin- history of American jazz, blues, funk, and even more to validate what we teach and direct ster, Fitchburg, and Winchendon; Cushing rock, blended with Eastern European Gypsy and during the year.” The students also had the op- alumni; current Cushing parents; others who Middle Eastern flair. As we celebrate Cushing’s portunity to assist with a wide variety of tasks have no particular affiliation with Cushing 150th anniversary and the Town of Ashburn- and production elements associated with these from southern New Hampshire, central Mas- ham’s 250th anniversary, connections such as performances, giving them the chance to see sachusetts, Worcester, and Greater Boston; as this event strengthen bonds between the Acad- firsthand how the administration of a perform- well as Cushing faculty, staff and students. All emy and its surrounding community. ing arts series is executed. Cushing plans to performances in the series this year were free of “The feedback we have received on the series expand the arts administration opportunities charge. has been overwhelmingly positive,” noted for students in future years. Nearly 300 people attended the first event, Julia Ohm, Chair of Cushing’s Performing Arts The benefits to the Academy are multifold. held in Cowell Chapel, featuring The Rebecca Department. Julia indicated that some in at- Desh observed, “The series has provided our Rice Dance Company. Rebecca Rice is Cushing’s tendance have lived in the vicinity for up to 35 educational program with greater visibility Director of Dance—as was her mother before her years, but had never been on campus; another because our performances have featured Cush- —and she is a resident of Ashburnham. Many of was astonished that performances of this caliber ing faculty as both creators and performers. the guests were local and had connections to Re- were offered free of charge. Desh Hindle, Cush- In future seasons, we hope to include Cush- becca, her family, or Cushing’s dance program. ing’s Director of Music, agrees. “The feedback ing alumni as well. Our artistic community at In January, cellist Ning Tien and pianist has been extraordinary and heartfelt. We have Cushing is vibrant, active, and thriving, and we Monica Tessitore (pictured below) of Cushing’s received multiple emails and letters of apprecia- should be openly sharing that with the greater piano faculty, performed music of composers tion from Cushing parents, local alumni, and community, especially considering the commu- nicative nature of our artistic disciplines.” The professional Performing Arts Series has exceeded the Academy’s expectations by every possible measure. We have expanded our rela- tionships with local and regional communities, reestablished contact with alumni who have a particular interest or career in the arts, and expanded educational opportunities for our cur- rent students, as well as potential students. The series will continue in 2015–2016, and we are in the early stages of planning those performances. Visit www.cushing.org/PASeries for more information.
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Incredible Winter Musical Congratulations to the cast and crew of this year’s winter musical, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat! It was a super show from start to fin- ish and we’re pleased that so many members of the Cushing community were able to enjoy the hard work and dedication that went in to creating such an enjoyable production.
SPRING 2015 7 Cushing Artist Named Gold Key Winner Congratulations to Ja Youn “Bee” Lee ’16 for being named a Gold Key winner Photography in this year’s Boston Globe Scholastic Exhibit by Art and Writing Awards, the regional Samantha Fuller ’15 division of a national program that Samantha Fuller ’15 began awards honors, exhibit opportunities, taking photography as an and scholarships for students in afternoon activity when she grades 7 through 12. Presented by the was a freshman and says School of the Museum of Fine Arts, it was “kind of a whim.” the Globe competition is in its 65th Some whim. During March, year, and received over 20,000 entries she presented her photog- this year from over 8,000 students. raphy series, “It’s Written We’re quite proud of Bee’s good work! All Over Your Face,” in a monthlong exhibit in the Carter Gallery. The exhibit features portraits of Cush- Orchestra Honors for ing poets with their own Cushing Student lines of poetry across their For the eighth year in a row, Cush- faces. She borrowed the idea ing was represented at the Mas- from advanced photography sachusetts Central District Honors teacher Rebecca Cinclair. Festival. Yilin “Catherine” Zeng ’18 Sam hopes to attend Ithaca was admitted to the orchestra and College and plans to major performed with the honors orches- in photography. tra at Mechanics Hall in Worcester.
Samantha’s portraits of Brendan Miller ’15, above, and Breton Lorway ’17, below
8 CUSHING TODAY ON CAMPUS
Cushing Scholars Visit JFK Library Last fall, the Cushing Scholars traveled to Boston to visit the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum. The group began with a session in the museum’s classroom, where they explored events and issues of the early 1960s using primary source documents and audiovisual materials. Following the classroom session, the museum educator worked with students in the museum, helping them make connec- tions between the museum exhibits and the classroom discussions. Next, they explored the topic of “Launching into the Sixties.” Acting One of the groups presents to Bob Macioci’s class. as members of President Kennedy’s Press Office, the group was given an assignment to prepare a briefing for the Learning the Way of the World President on topics that may come up in Taxes. Town budgets. Competing priorities. an increase in property taxes. Another, closing a specific press conference. To fulfill this Funding schools or police? These are the issues fire and police stations. assignment, they explored the museum that face mayors, town councils, and citizens Of course, for every idea to increase revenue and used primary source documents. around the globe. One teacher at Cushing Acad- or reduce spending, there is a citizen who offers According to Peter Clarke, one of the emy is teaching his students about them, too. an opposing view. Classmates, playing the role Cushing Scholars’ advisors, “This was Each year, Bob Macioci—who teaches his- of townspeople, ask each group hard questions. one of the best trips we’ve taken with tory, economics, and ethics—divides his classes When a group proposes closing fire stations: the Scholars, and the staff compliment- up into groups and gives them a town budget “What about areas that are now farther away ed us on how seriously our students took with a deficit. Each group plays the role of a from the station?” When a group suggests clos- their work.” town council in an upper-middle-class town, ing a police station: “How can you cut police and the students have to determine how best when our town is already seeing an increased to balance the town’s budget. More than that, crime rate?” Regarding school vouchers: “I they have to present their budget to a mock don’t have kids, but I think our tax dollars town meeting, where the citizens are made up should be spent in our town, not sent to other of their classmates and faculty and staff who towns.” From a citizen without children: “The join in the fun. budget we have is more than enough to fund Issues facing each council? Health insurance our schools. We should spend our budget on for teachers, school vouchers, school staffing, something else.” fire and police stations, snow removal, road Obviously, these are real-world issues play- paving, tax rates on residents and businesses, ing out in a controlled space, but it’s a good public transportation, and more. lesson for Cushing’s young students, whether The groups come up with a number of good they’re playing the role of a member of town Cushing students at the John F. Kennedy ideas—both to raise revenue and to decrease council or a citizen. Macioci hopes that the Presidential Library in Boston spending. One group proposes closing the town exercise will teach the students that solutions pool, saving the town $1 million per year. One are rarely simple and that many of society’s group recommends asking teachers to pay a challenges don’t have indisputable solutions, higher percentage of their health insurance pre- but are dilemmas to which we must bring—as miums. One proposes bringing in a Walmart to Cushing’s Portrait of a Graduate reads—integ- increase the town’s tax base. Another suggests rity, empathy, compassion, and courage.
SPRING 2015 9 Cushing Students are Serving Day program welcomed the opportunity to have Their Communities the Cushing students visit, and so they set up Mahatma Gandhi once said, “The best way to visits to take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of from 3 to 5 pm. Each day, half of Shawn’s 15 others.” There are a number of ways Cushing students would visit the school, helping out students are learning that important life lesson with homework, playing games with the kids, at the Academy. supervising outside play, and doing arts and Each spring, our students participate in our crafts. The Cushing students loved it, as did the annual Tony Fisher Day, during which groups of kids from the elementary school. students go out into the surrounding commu- Track coach and ESL teacher Stirling Ince nity to perform various acts of service. In the (above right) got his students involved in a com- Even so, he acknowledges that the experience last few years, our students have volunteered at munity service project as well. Stirling has been is beneficial both to the students at the center food banks and state parks, as well as locations volunteering at the Cleghorn Neighborhood and for the Cushing students who help out. around Ashburnham like the senior center, Center in Fitchburg for several years, and last “It’s a reminder that not everyone has the same town library, and town’s safety complex. winter he decided to get a few Cushing students opportunities,” says Stirling. “It’s a reminder They’ve even been as far afield as Walden Pond involved. Three students signed up and they for our students that they have things to be and the Greater Boston Food Bank. The day is visited the center as part of their afternoon ac- thankful for.” in honor and memory of philanthropist and tivity. Once at the center, the Cushing students There’s a real need for this kind of support at Cushing alumnus Tony Fisher ’69. help with homework, arts and crafts, science the center. Sometimes they have as many as 40 But the Academy’s contributions to com- experiments, and other tasks that the staff at kids at the center with very few staff members munity service happen more than just one day the center need help with. He continued the to help. And although he’d like to do it all year per year. In the fall, first-year Academic Support activity during this most recent winter term. round, Stirling coaches in the fall and the teacher Shawn Gebhardt (above left) began Stirling says it can be discouraging work spring, so it has to be just a winter activity. “I’d advising the Academy’s community service af- because sometimes the kids at the center like to get more people involved,” he says, “but ternoon activity. He discussed with the students have trouble doing schoolwork that should they need to be doing it for the right reasons.” what they would like to do, and the kids told be relatively simple for them, and sometimes These community service efforts are a re- him they’d like to work with younger kids; so, there are kids at the center who clearly have the minder that at Cushing we value education that Shawn reached out to J.R. Briggs Elementary desire and ability to learn at a higher level, but includes action on behalf of others. School in Ashburnham. The school’s Extended they lack the support that they need to do so.
Rust Cup Champs On Feb. 28, the Varsity B Boys’ Hockey Team won the Bob Rust Cup Memorial Tournament with some serious Penguin Pride. It was a hard-fought championship game vs. Avon Old Farms that needed overtime to decide the winner! Congrats to the coaches Mike Kowalenko and Matthew Tuller ’02 as well as every player on the team for a great season and an even better ending!
The Varsity B Hockey team with their Rust Cup trophy
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A Moby-Dick Whaling Dance In November, Dr. Norm Carey’s Advanced Literature class was given a choice during their reading of Moby-Dick—write an essay, or replicate a tavern dance set to a 19th century whaling song featured in the 1956 film starring Gregory Peck. As one might guess, the group chose the dance. But there was a hitch: a panel of judges would decide if the performance was robust enough to warrant a passing grade. If not, the class would write the essay. So, on an overcast day, the group headed to School
Girl Square, where they were Dr. Carey will met by a group of faculty and retire this year staff judges, and student after more than 30 spectators. On went the mu- years of service to sic, and the group performed the Academy. Read TEDx Cushing a jaunty dance around and more about his In March, Cushing held its first ever TEDx my committee and I received about this event around the statue. After the career at Cushing on page 30. Cushing, spearheaded by Jessica Kinsley ’16 was really inspiring and made us even more conferring of the judges, it (below) along with her committee (above): excited to organize this event.” was deemed that the dance Myles Bonadie ’17, Rachel Guerriero ’16, The committee held auditions where in- was nicely choreographed in Joanna James ’15, and Yashi Thakurani ’18. terested students had to fill out an outline of the spirit of the movie and Jessica was motivated to set up a TED talk their talk and prepare a one-minute opener. deserving of a thumbs up all around. at Cushing because of the diverse interests of In the end, four students were selected: No Dr. Carey event involving the great white Cushing students. “At first what motivated Chyna Christman ’16, Gia Nghi “Jack” Chau ’17, whale would be complete without the har- me to organize this was that I knew I could Zara Tarter ’17, and Kylie Caouette ’15. poon, which he brought out for the occasion. do it and that it could become something The students presented their thoughts on The group later took a trip to the New Bedford great,” she said. “Later, the enthusiasm that issues that affect them. Chyna talked about Whaling Museum. the power of language to affect how we view ourselves and each other; Jack talked about unpacking your self-confidence and not being afraid to take a risk, make new friends, or get involved with new activities; Zara talked about solving problems by looking at them from a new perspective; and Kylie talked about how our own expectations of ourselves can sometimes keep us from being honest about our feelings. “The theme for the event is Changing Perspective, and that's exactly what I told the speakers to focus on with their TED talks,” said Jessica. “Sometimes living inside Cush- A whaling dance ing can make it seem like we all see things the same way, and my hope is that with these TED talks, people will be more open to differ- ent topics involving students today.” Congratulations to the committee and the presenters on a job well done!
SPRING 2015 11 Show Your Work
Architecture
IN JANUARY, BOB JOHNSON’S ARCHITECTURE CLASS had a very special guest: Jake Droogan ’11, who has been studying architecture at Roger Williams University. Jake came back to campus with some of the work he’s produced at college and to talk to Bob’s students about what college-level architecture is all about. By the time he was a sophomore at Cushing, Jake knew he wanted to be an architect. The classes he took at the Academy helped smooth his transition to college be- cause he learned to draw by hand, as opposed to learning computer-aided design (CAD). CAD is necessary too, but Bob is a firm believer that learning to draw de- signs by hand—and properly measure the space you’re designing for—is critical, and Jake agrees. “Computers are great, but you’ve got to be able to draw,” he says. During his visit, Jake told Bob’s students that he uses tweezers to create his extremely detailed 1/16th-scale models. He also has to create blueprints and design with landscape in mind. “You have to decide if you’re going to design around the landscape or mow it down,” he told them. He also has to create his designs in days, rather than weeks, as Bob’s students do. “When I’m working on a project, I sometimes spend more than 60 hours a week of my own time work- ing on it,” Jake says. At college, his projects start with a list of requirements like occupancy, square footage, materials, and budget. He has to design with those parameters in mind. Of course, part of the challenge of architecture is working within re- strictions. “Anyone can do anything they want,” Bob says. “But working within the restrictions is the difference between good and great.” Jake’s visit gave Bob the opportunity to talk about the requirements of real- world design in terms of the Emily Fisher Landau Center for Visual Arts. Bob noted that there is sometimes a conflict between what the architect’s design and what the engineers say is necessary, a conflict that was especially evident in the process of designing a building created specifically for art. Such a building requires different kinds of filtering and vents to accommodate fumes generated by some of the art created at Cushing. “There were 12 designs before we settled An architectural model on the final one. You have to listen to what’s going on and pay attention to what crafted by Jake Droogan ’11 your client wants,” Bob observed. during his studies at Roger (continued) Williams University
12 CUSHING TODAY ON CAMPUS
SPRING 2015 13 Show Your Work
On the day that Jake visited, Cushing students were designing their dream homes before moving on to commercial properties. For the projects pictured here, Bob’s archi- tecture students had to pick their favorite fast-food restaurants and fix any problems they thought the restaurant to have. They also had to incorporate corporate branding into their designs. As their final exam, the students designed a city, pulling two requirements from a hat: the location of the building and the type of building (e.g., post office, shoe store, pharmacy, etc.). They worked in small teams and, in the end, they had to sell Bob on their design. “Cushing students leave here with a better understanding of real-world applications and what design really entails,” Bob says. “I’m not just pulling things from a text book; I’m teaching students how to do real-world things.” That knowledge certainly benefited Jake, who graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Roger Williams in December 2014. He’ll complete his master’s degree in the spring of 2016. He’ll go on to an internship and hopes to go into commercial design.
Fast food restaurant architecture projects created by Bob Johnson’s students
14 CUSHING TODAY ON CAMPUS
ABOVE: Ally Hess ’15 shows Bob Johnson and Erika von Graevenitz ’15 her architecture project.
BELOW: Jake Droogan ’11 shows his work to Bob Johnson’s architecture students.
SPRING 2015 15 Good Sports
Cushing Baseball Hits the Road: Florida Spring Training,
1976 and 1977 BY CHUCK JOHANNINGSMEIER ’77
THIRTY-NINE YEARS AGO, during my junior year at Cushing, I had no idea that the awesome trip to Florida I was soon going to take over spring break with my baseball team had come about because of a shared dream of my coaches, Dan McGowan and Wayne Sanborn.
ALL I HAD IN MY MIND was the prospect of leaving the team from getting much practice time until shortly the cold and snow of Ashburnham behind, spending two before the season’s first game. To help remedy this situa- weeks with my teammates having fun, seeing parts of tion, they dreamed of getting an indoor pitching mound, the country I’d never seen before—and, oh, also playing a batting machine, and a net to protect the interior of baseball. Fortunately for me, I got to do all of these things the Heslin Gymnasium from batted balls so that we could not once but twice, in both 1976 and 1977. practice during the winter. At a time when funds were What I have only recently learned, as a result of two very scarce at Cushing, though, the high price tags for long phone calls with McGowan and Sanborn (both now these items seemed to put them very much out of reach. It semi-retired) is that these trips were the result of their was then that McGowan hit on the idea of raising money shared desire to improve Cushing’s baseball program. One by grilling hamburgers, cheeseburgers, and hot dogs on major obstacle to attaining this goal, they believed, was the porch of Lowe Hall every Friday and Saturday night, the long New England winter, which usually prevented weather permitting, and selling them to hungry stu-
16 CUSHING TODAY ON CAMPUS
“I will never forget walking outside with my teammate Steve Jordan without any jacket on, and smelling spring in the air—a good month before either thing would be possible in Ashburnham.”
dents. Purchasing the supplies player received round-trip transportation to Florida during wholesale from the Cushing spring break, lodging for about 12 nights, meals, and a food service, McGowan sold the variety of fun excursions—all for the very low price of ap- hamburgers and hot dogs for proximately $110. A real bargain, even then! 50¢ each; cheeseburgers could What really made the coaches’ and players’ dreams be had for 65¢. For a great many come true was the invaluable assistance of Mr. William D. students who attended Cushing Barry, father of Bill Barry, one of the players on the 1976 during those years, the memory team. In a letter to McGowan during the winter before the of biting into a hot, delicious first trip, Barry offered to help make the arrangements late-evening snack while hang- for a team trip to Florida, which he had heard from his ing out with friends on that son was something the coaches were considering. The porch remains quite vivid. coaches, of course, wrote back to say they would welcome But for players on the baseball his aid. Amazingly, McGowan still has the letter Barry team, the funds raised from sent a month or so later; in it he provided addresses and these grilling sessions—as well phone numbers of his contacts all up and down the East as from the raffle tickets they Coast who would be willing to provide lodging, baseball sold—would lead to even greater fields, teams to play against, and so forth. (This letter, I memories. Enough money was might mention, was a powerful reminder to me of how taken in not only to purchase the things got arranged in the pre-Internet age!) pitching machine and net (the So finally, in the early morning hours of Saturday, Cushing maintenance crew was Mar. 13, 1976, the team assembled at the vans parked next able to build a makeshift mound to Lowe Hall, put our gear inside, and took to the road. out of lumber scraps) but also to Our first stops each year were in Hadley, Mass.; in 1976 subsidize something McGowan we picked up player Jeff Mish ’76 at his home, and in 1977 and Sanborn had only imagined we picked up David Farnham ’77, who lived in the same in their wildest dreams: a trip to neighborhood. At both houses, the parents welcomed us Florida for spring training, just and generously fed huge amounts of delicious breakfast like the pros did each year. food to our hungry pack of teenage boys to keep us satis- The Cushing trips, of course, fied for the long drive ahead. Dinner that first night was resembled the pros’ warm- at the home of Dan McGowan’s parents near Bridgeton, weather experiences only in broad outline. For one thing, N.J. And then came a long stretch of driving that brought we rode not in airplanes but in the two Econoline vans the us to our first night’s stop: Burlington, N.C. Here, a busi- school owned. We also did not stay in high-end hotels; our ness associate of Mr. Barry’s paid for us to stay two nights lodgings were typically much more humble. Our meals at the local Hilton Inn and also arranged for us to play were purchased cheap and in bulk. The only truly profes- baseball at the Elon College facilities. I will never forget sional-looking part of our team’s experience was getting to waking up on my first morning in North Carolina, walk- wear snazzy new polyester uniforms, which thanks to the ing outside with my teammate Steve Jordan without any generosity of alum John Biggs ’33 had replaced the wool jacket on, and smelling spring in the air—a good month uniforms I wore during my sophomore year. before either thing would be possible in Ashburnham. But no one on the team would have thought of com- During our day or two in North Carolina we not only plaining about anything. After all, because of the success got to practice outdoors, but we also drove around the of the coaches’ and players’ fundraising efforts, each Duke University campus, had dinner at the home of Betsy
SPRING 2015 17 Farnham ’76, and even took a tour of a cigarette factory (which Mr. Barry had described in his letter as “an educa- tional experience for the team”). From there we headed to Charleston, S.C., where we put our sleeping bags on mattresses at the Charleston Army Depot. At Jacksonville Beach, Fla., we stayed four to a room in a hotel within walking distance of the beach; each room cost a whopping $14 a night! In that area, too, we played an actual game against a team from Episcopal High School. Although we held our own, it was clear to all of us that this team was really good (as were all the teams we played in Florida); began. And we certainly did play a good bit of baseball. being semi-intelligent teenagers, we figured out that But recent conversations with my former teammates Lew this must have been due to the fact that they got to play Goldstein and David Farnham have confirmed for me that outdoors all year round. what the majority of the players likely remember best The long van trip south didn’t vary a great deal from are the great times we had off the field. Going to Disney 1976 to 1977. But what was quite different was our ultimate World. Visiting a Gulf Coast beach near Tampa. Seeing the destination or home base (so to speak!) in Florida, where Detroit Tigers (in Lakeland) and New York Yankees (in Fort our days were chiefly focused on playing baseball. In 1976, Lauderdale) at their training camps. Eating at a string of we stayed in the National Guard Armory in Lakeland, Fla., all-you-could-eat restaurants (a wise choice, this, given and scrimmaged against a number of local teams. The the caloric intake necessary to keep teenage boys full!). next year, we got to stay at and attend the Fort Lauderdale Hanging out at Daytona Beach along with thousands
“...the really fun part was taking kids on a whole different experience, especially the ones who had never traveled much before.”
ABOVE: Coach Wayne Baseball School and Camp, based at Boca Raton Commu- of college students. Almost four decades after his trip, Sanborn with his wife, nity College, for an entire week. Clearly, the fundraising David recalled to me with a laugh how much fun he and Jeanne, in 1976 efforts had gone very well that year, because despite this some other players had at Daytona with teammate Glen Lewis Goldstein in his 1977 senior yearbook picture camp costing $130 per person, the amount each player on Kimball ’77, who had brought a scary Halloween mask with him and put it on to walk down the beach, much to RIGHT: The Cushing Academy the team had to pay was the same as the year before. baseball team on the beach in My teammate Lew Goldstein ’77 recalled recently that the surprise of passers-by. Lew distinctly remembers how Daytona, Fla. what he remembers most about this baseball school/camp at Disney World, because everyone knew he didn’t want was “how incredibly well done the sessions were.” I would to go on a roller-coaster, they got him to wait in line with second that, and add that those were the best baseball them by convincing him that the Matterhorn ride was just fields I have ever played on in my life, with no depressions a moving walkway/3D experience (he did go on it, but he in the infield grass or pebbles in the stone dust, as we closed his eyes the entire ride). had back home in Ashburnham. The stiff competition we And who could forget the long van rides themselves? faced from other teams was also an excellent incentive for In the days before iPods, cell phones, or even Walkmans, improving our skills. What I remember best, though, is what we had to keep us entertained was AM radio, blast- watching Lew stump one of the instructors, former New ing at high volume to reach the back seats. I still think of York Yankee Steve Whitaker, with numerous questions those trips, in fact, whenever I hear the song “Oh What about his teammates’ batting, pitching, and running sta- a Night…” by Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, a new tistics back in the 1960s; it was abundantly clear to all of release that got a lot of airtime on various radio stations us watching this conversation that Lew clearly knew more during one trip. Open windows were our only air condi- about Whitaker’s team than he did! tioning. Sleeping was especially difficult: at a time when The ostensible purpose of these trips, of course, was seat belts were not mandatory, we either stretched out on to give us an edge on all our New England opponents who the bench seats or lay on the floor, parallel to the seats. couldn’t get much outdoor practice time before the season The most coveted position, actually, was the one where
18 CUSHING TODAY ON CAMPUS
TOP ROW L–R: The 1976 baseball team
Coach Dan McGowan in 1976
Chuck Johanningsmeier in his 1977 senior yearbook picture
BOTTOM L–R: The tradition that started way back in 1976 continues to this day. Here, the 2015 baseball team is you could lay your head against the warm engine cowling “seeing the number of players who enjoyed the trips, and pictured during their spring up front and put your legs under the first one or two bench building the relationships with the kids.” Sanborn notes, training trip in March. seats. Lew, David, and I also distinctly remember how fun too, that at many alumni events over the years, former David Farnham in his 1977 the trip home was in 1977 when, shortly after the accom- players have come up to him and reminisced about these senior yearbook picture panying picture was taken, we all piled into the vans and and other spring training trips. drove almost non-stop back to Ashburnham. How coaches Looking at my senior Penguin yearbook the other day, McGowan and Sanborn did this with only about a two- I saw that one teammate, Scott Berube ’77, had written, hour nap at a rest area in Virginia still boggles my mind. “Never forget Florida,” and Lew Goldstein wrote, in part, I’m unsure whether or not getting to play baseball for a “Thank you for your singing performance in Florida.” few weeks in a warmer climate these two years translated While I’m hoping my singing exploits are now long forgot- into more baseball victories for my two teams during the ten, I’m glad that I still have so many vivid memories from season back up north. Eventually, the dream of creating, those weeks. As one of the “kids” McGowan and Sanborn in Sanborn’s words, “a premier baseball program that talk about, I can say that truly, those trips are an indelible would make Cushing stand out to prospective student part of my “dear old Cushing days.” players” was definitely realized, and maybe this was due And since in my self-centered teenage years I didn’t in part to our having established a tradition of taking the have a clue what it took to make those trips and memories team south over spring break: in the years since that time, happen, I’d like to take the opportunity now to say a huge under the able coaching of Wayne Hancock, the baseball thank you to coaches McGowan and Sanborn, who gave squad has perennially been one of the top-ranked prep up so much of their time during the school year, as well as teams in New England. The two teams I played on, alas, their spring breaks (a big thanks, too, to their wives, Ruth could not exactly have been described in such terms! and Jeannie, who sacrificed precious time with their hus- To me, though, and I think the rest of the players bands!). I’m sure that I, and most of my teammates, while would agree, the real “payoff” from these trips can’t re- we might wince at the prospect of sleeping on thin mat- ally be measured in games won or improved batting and tresses at National Guard armories, prefer to fly instead of pitching stats. Looking back, Sanborn says, “The really ride in cramped vans for hours on end, and be extremely fun part was taking kids on a whole different experience, sore from playing baseball for more than twenty minutes especially the ones who had never traveled much before.” in a day, would jump at the chance to take that trip again McGowan similarly recalls that the best part for him was if we could.
SPRING 2015 19 A TYPICAL DAY FOR VINNY A Day in the DURING SKI SEASON 6:50 am out of bed after a 10-minute snooze
7:10 dressed and on the way to the dining Life of Two hall 7:35 at the library for 15 minutes before Graduating heading to class 8:00 classes until 2:30 with a break for lunch Seniors 2:30 pm extra help with teachers 3:00 in the locker room, getting ready for practice
3:30 on the bus, heading to the mountain
4:00 arrive at the mountain for 90 minutes of practice
6:00 back to campus to clean up and have dinner, meetings until 7:30pm Vinny Grimaldi is from 8:00– Belchertown, Mass. Boarding school was his 10:00 study hall in the library idea, rather than his parents’. He felt Belcher- 10:00 back to dorm to do homework until finished town was too rural, and he wanted the oppor- 12:00 pm in bed tunity to experience more cultural diversity. “No one at my school even knew how boarding school worked,” he says. “I wanted to expand my cultural horizons.” Vinny toured four or five schools, but in the end, he applied only to Cush- Board and is on the staff of The Breeze. Athletics games, and, of course, in the dining hall. ing. “I couldn’t imagine anywhere other than have played an important role in his experi- The faculty, too, have left an impression on Cushing,” he says. “It was the right size and the ence, too. He played JV football for two years and Vinny, particularly Raja Bala, who teaches in the right community.” varsity football for two. He’s also been on the Academy’s English Department and serves as the Freshman year wasn’t all fun for the young skiing and lacrosse teams. “Being on those teams Associate Dean of Academics. “The way he thinks Vinny though. He suffered from homesickness has helped me connect with a different group of is amazing. He makes me think differently about and went home often. Early on in his first year, friends and peers than I otherwise would have,” how people are. He connects the class materials he remembers heading to the shower with his he says. to our lives. It’s more than an English class. It’s keys in hand. He put them on top of the wall He’s also taken classes in metalsmithing and kind of a therapy class,” Vinny laughs. separating the stalls, which would have been fused glass as well as media production. “Media Asked what he’s most proud of from his time a fine place for them except for the gap in the production was a beneficial experience that at the Academy, he says, “Taking advantage of all cinderblocks. You guessed it: his keys fell in the taught me how to use video editing software that of the clubs Cushing has. That’s doing Cushing hole. There he was, in the shower, and no way still benefits me now when it comes to making the right way. You have to use the opportunities to get back into his room. He was ultimately res- video projects for different classes,” he says. He you have here that you don’t have at a regular cued, and replaced his keys and his ID. It was a also appreciates the opportunity to learn differ- high school.” lesson learned, however, and he never again took ent art disciplines. “I’m actually starting to see Vinny will head to Syracuse University in his keys to the bathroom. At the end of the year, a little bit of an artistic side of me I didn’t really the fall, where he’ll join several other Cushing he retrieved the long-lost keys using a string know I had,” he laughs. alumni and intends to major in journalism. And with a magnet on the end. As he’d hoped in the beginning, Vinny’s time although he looks forward to that next stage of Despite this inauspicious beginning, Vinny at Cushing has indeed broadened his horizons. “I his life, he’ll miss Cushing too—the crazy com- has taken full advantage of the opportunities at love meeting different people,” he says. “In just munity at basketball games and the way you the Academy. He’s served on Student Faculty Sen- one day, you hear so many different languages really know the players, getting candy from the ate. He’s been a proctor and a tour guide—this and interact with so many different cultures. drawer in Mrs. Fay’s office, and giving tours to year, he’s the head tour guide. He’s been on the You can build friendships you keep beyond Cush- prospective students and their families. Honor Council, served as his freshman class sec- ing.” And although his schedule is very busy, he retary and this year is senior class president. He’s still finds time to spend with his friends on the a member of the Student Development Advisory weekends, during free periods, while watching
20 CUSHING TODAY Student PROFILES
A TYPICAL MONDAY FOR KAYLA
7:10 am after 3 alarms, out of bed
7:55 leave room for study time in library during A period when bad things are happening, 8:45 to class we can help make the world a better 10:15 assembly in Cowell Chapel place.” 10:45 back to class for the rest of day, with a That trip to Harvard left an impres- break for lunch sion on Kayla, but it’s not the only 2:35– 3:00 pm extra help time, often for math thing she says she’ll remember about
3:15–4:45 at Heslin Gym for practice the Academy. “It’s a great community. Everyone feels comfortable, and there 5:30 dinner are no limitations on who can succeed 6:00 library to do homework, plus often meetings for Student Faculty here,” she says. And when she needs Senate, Yearbook, etc. support after a bad day or a hard test, 8:00 proctor dorm duty, and studying there are people here to do just that.
10:00 back to dorm, chat with dorm parent or Her advisors have changed each year— friends in the dorm an uncommon occurrence at Cush- 11:16 Internet off; if homework is done, go to ing, but unavoidable in Kayla’s case. bed; if not, stay up until complete Even so, she says that Beth Stone, her advisor this year, is the first person to congratulate her on a good test grade and is always there when Kayla learning new things, so she tried JV ice hockey is stressed out by her busy schedule or when it Kayla Sargent is a native of even though she was a poor skater, an experience feels like things are going badly. Her roommate, Holbrook, Mass. She came to Cushing as a fresh- that taught her to try things outside her comfort Paranya Bow Jareonvongrayab ’15, who is from man, in part because of advice she received from zone, a lesson that will no doubt serve her well Thailand, also positively influenced Kayla’s time an uncle with experience in the independent for years to come. at the Academy. “I’m a shy person,” Kayla says, school world. But advice from adults is rarely In addition to athletics, she’s been a proctor “and Bow was the first person I connected with.” the only reason a teenager makes a decision, so and a tour guide; served on the Honor Council Kayla is proud of the time she’s spent at Cush- she visited the Academy and, as many of our stu- and the Student Faculty Senate; and worked on ing. She’s come out of her shell and become a dents do, she liked the sense of community and the yearbook for three years, including the last true leader on campus. She remembers looking the feel of campus. “I felt like I fit in,” she says. two when she served as editor. She’s taken a up to a few of the senior girls when she was still Even so, the first year was a tough one for the class in stained glass, which taught her to love just a freshman. “I’m proud that I’ve become 14-year-old Kayla. Homesickness is a problem art, though she had dreaded it at her old school. someone freshman girls can look up to now,” she for many students in the first year, and it was She’s been a Cushing Scholar for four years, says. “I’m also proud that I’ve worked hard to for Kayla, but she notes that the support she and this spring, she went to New Jersey with stay on high honor roll.” received from the faculty at Cushing was amaz- Cushing’s Habitat for Humanity group to help It’s time to move on from her high school ing. “I went home almost every weekend that build houses destroyed during super storm Sandy years now. She’ll miss the teachers, who, she first year,” she says. “But each year I went less [read more on page 36]. This summer, she’ll join says, “genuinely want us to succeed.” She’ll and less.” a Cushing trip to Tanzania where the group will also miss what she calls the “purple Adirondack Beyond a sense of belonging, Kayla knew help build a schoolhouse. chair season,” when the weather is finally warm she’d get opportunities at Cushing that she She hopes to study medicine in college, and enough after a long winter to bask in the sun wouldn’t get at home, and she’s taken full she’s had the chance to learn more about that at outside. advantage of that. As a member of the volleyball Cushing. She shadowed Dr. Ciottone (P’16, P’17), team, she attended preseason each year, helping a doctor who, among other things, works in the We wish Vinny and Kayla the best of luck her to feel more a part of the community and emergency room at Beth Israel Hospital. In Janu- in the future and look forward to welcoming learning the importance of teamwork. She also ary, she also went to a Global Health Symposium them back as alumni! played softball and has been team captain of at Harvard, which taught her, she says, “There both squads this year. But Cushing is also about are so many things you can do as a doctor. Even
SPRING 2015 21 1967 1977
In the Spotlight: Mary Fern By late May, it is usually springtime in Massachusetts—even in Ashburnham—but on May 23, 1967, when Mary Fern made her first visit to Cushing, it was snowing.
IN SPITE OF THE CHILLY WEATHER, she was encour- 7:30 in the morning, but the kids stuck with it, and Mary aged by the warmth of the people she met; and by the applauded their diligence. time the 1967–1968 school year started, she was on the The Cushing community loved the performances, and faculty, teaching English, creative writing, and drama. they became quite important to life at the Academy. Her To say she had a multitude of talents would be an un- students performed classics like Death of a Salesman and The derstatement, which was a good thing, because there was Importance of Being Earnest, but they also performed original no Performing Arts Department at Cushing when she ar- one act plays—a tradition she began in those early years rived, so she had to start from scratch. She was committed and which would last until after she’d retired from teach- to sharing her love of drama with Cushing’s students. “I ing at Cushing. wanted to give as many kids as possible the chance to have For Mary, though, the arts truly took center stage the drama experience,” she said in 1998. She increased after the arrival of Headmaster Curry. “When Dr. Curry the number of productions and carved out time between came in, he did so much to make it possible for drama and athletics and classes so students could pursue the arts. At dance. He made it easy for kids to be in productions, and first, that meant her students had rehearsals from 6:00 to I’ve never forgotten that,” she said in 1998.
22 CUSHING TODAY Faculty PROFILES
When I was a “faculty brat,” Mary was directing the musical South Pacific. She was kind enough to include some of the faculty children as extras in the show. Our role during this scene was to be dancing on an elevated catwalk which was built off the side of the stage in Cowell Chapel. I fell off the staging—two stories up, it seemed to me— and landed on the ground. When I rose to my feet to let everyone know I was still alive, the crowd went nuts. After the show, in Mary’s subtle way, she said to me, “Well, you stole the show. They seemed like a dead 1981 crowd before that; anyway, nice job.” I’m sure she was trying to relieve my embarrassment. I was happy she wasn’t mad. BRUCE LEMIEUX ’85
At Bunnell High School in Stratford, where Mary first taught, a group of her voc-ed students were sufficiently inspired by her 1986 teaching to mount an impromptu march to the principal’s office carrying “Hamlet” on their shoulders. I think Mary, then a young teacher, was somewhat surprised that they had been so moved by their classroom experience. As Mary gained further experience of the years at Cushing as a play director and English teacher, and later as a college admissions advisor, she retained that creative spirit and gift of inspiring others.
SALLY GRAHAM JACQUET (MARY’S SISTER)
It was back in 1985 when a cocky 30-year-old basketball coach and 2002 a demanding 65-year-old theatre director became fast friends. I’m not sure what the attraction was, but I suspect that it had something to do with the fact that we both liked martinis. I remember when I was doing the lighting for the faculty play Deadwood Dick. The Celtics were in the playoffs, so I snuck a small TV into the lighting booth during a rehearsal. I had one line in the play that I was supposed to shout out from the booth. Well, I got a little too into the game and missed my cue. Mary was so [annoyed] that she took the line away from me and gave it to Dave Korman, who, by the way, was watching the game with me. BILL WENNING, FACULTY MEMBER
SPRING 2015 23 Mary was a fixture the kind of teacher she was. at the Academy, and her She and her husband never work mattered to decades had children, but when of Cushing students. “I people would ask her if she had a real house, and I had any, she would say, “Oh was able to have students yes. About 5,000 or so.” over for coffee or sand- Eventually, Mary was wiches,” she remem- named the Chair of the bered. “We had a number Visual and Performing Arts of those sessions. They Department, a role she kept were teaching sessions, until the arrival of Whit but it was an awful lot Wales in 1988. She retired in
of fun.” She also made a 1972 1992, having spent her last point of producing large four years working in the productions so “lots of Alumni and Development kids could try their stuff.” Office. By the end of her It wasn’t just the students who benefited from her tenure at the Academy, she had also been the Head of the enthusiasm, however. Fellow faculty members performed English Department, taught public speaking, and worked too. “I had wonderful people to work with,” she said. “Some in College Counseling. For her contributions to the Acad- of them were very, very talented. We had a good number of emy, she was named an honorary alumna in 1992. plays and even more opportunities for teachers to get to know She was proud of the work she did at the Academy, the students. They got to know students not just in a regular students who passed through its doors, and the faculty who classroom. And students got to know their teachers too.” taught there. In a 2007 interview, she said, “The faculty is She remembered fondly a student-centered, very much so, still. And I hope that never young Tony Fisher ’69, who, changes because that’s a big part of what Cushing is. It is “The faculty is student-centered, among other things, did light- a student-centered place. It is also devoted to the idea that very much so, still. And I hope ing for her productions. “It you have a freshman or first-year student and you do your that never changes because seemed to me he had a par- very best as a faculty member to bring out the best in them.” ticularly loud voice when he For many of her students, she was a defining point in that’s a big part of what Cushing called for a certain light that’s a their Cushing experience. Throughout the years, on birth- is. It is a student-centered place.” yellowish shade and it’s called days and also at her retirement, people have submitted their Bastard Amber,” she said. “Tony stories and memories of the amazing Mary Fern, and there MARY FERN would yell to ‘put on the Bastard are constant threads throughout. She was a perfectionist— Amber!’” There was a gentle- never willing to settle for anything less than the best. But man in the chapel who was very still, she was compassionate and devoted to her students. upset to hear such language and wanted to know why Tony She gave the gift of confidence to the students she taught. was yelling “Bastard Amber.” Mary tried to explain, but the And in return, Cushing got something, too. Dr. Richard gentleman just didn’t think it was very nice. “So I went in Kleefield, Trustee emeritus and parent to James Kleefield and I asked Tony—who I know just loved doing it—to tone ’83, said, “Mary’s gift to Cushing: the best years of her life. down the noise.” Tony responded he couldn’t because every- There can be no finer legacy for any human being.” He one needed to be able to hear him. That seemed like a good noted, too, that she was “the epitome of a dedicated teacher enough reason to Mary, so she let him continue. filled with warmth and a special love and caring for each Sometimes she spent time in the chapel by herself when and every one whose life she has touched.” The Academy it was quiet, because she felt that was when she got her best will be forever grateful for her contributions. staging ideas. But she also acknowledged that sometimes These days, Mrs. Fern resides in Leominster, where she there was sadness in the quiet. “I would come down when is regularly visited by Cushing faculty and generations of the students I knew and loved were going to go out and grateful former students. graduate and… a couple of times I came down here to weep because I was going to miss them very much.” That was just
24 CUSHING TODAY Help Us Find You!
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SPRING 2015 25 Remembering Dr. Joseph R. Curry
Editor’s Note: Many thanks to Amy Logan for writing this article honoring the Academy’s 9th Headmaster. Excerpted remembrances offered at the time of Dr. Curry’s retirement (noted with an asterisk) and after his passing are shared throughout this article. A memorial service for Dr. Curry was a highlight of Reunion Weekend and took place at 11 am on Saturday, June 6, in Cowell Chapel.
DR. JOSEPH R. CURRY, 9th Headmaster of the Acad- In July of that year, the Currys drove to El Paso, Tex., emy, died on Dec. 12, 2014, at the age of 81. Visionary and to report for his two-year stint in the Army, which he inspiring, he led the Academy from 1972 to 2000 through described as a wonderful experience. Reflecting on that turbulent years and into a new era of great growth and time, he later noted, “It was a period of consolidation for strength. me. I had opportunities to learn about avocations that At the time of his retirement, Dr. Curry reflected, were always of interest to me. Our daughter, Dana, was “I didn’t ever expect to be a builder of buildings, or for born there in 1959 and I have a true love for that part of the Cushing to be a school of 400 kids. My vision was having country.” That love of the Southwest would later provide a school where we put kids and our love of kids first, mea- an entry into his contributions to Native American educa- suring Cushing by community, by caring, and by good- tion through Cushing’s founding partnerships. ness.” By those measures, and by all others, he succeeded At the conclusion of his military service, Dr. Curry brilliantly and shaped Cushing profoundly, earning the embarked on his master’s degree in history at Trinity respect and gratitude of countless students and their fami- College, intent upon a secondary school teaching career, lies and leaving an extraordinary legacy of community and in 1961 he accepted a position at the Mount Her- and excellence. mon School (now Northfield Mount Hermon), where he He was born in Clover, S.C., on Feb. 27, 1933, the son of taught, coached wrestling, and served as the Director of Grady Webster Curry and Maude Jackson Curry. After grad- their summer session. He recalled, “It was a fortuitous uating from Clover High School, he entered the Citadel, choice because I learned the craft of teaching, and had the Military College of South Carolina, graduating in 1955 the opportunity to do virtually everything I wanted to do, with a commission to the U.S. Army. He decided against from editing a book to continuing graduate school during an Army career, later explaining that “to be a successful summers to traveling abroad.” officer, one had to be willing to give up individuality, join Having taken a leave of absence in 1971 to complete his the old boy network and use systems for preferment… doctorate in education at UMass Amherst, he embarked on none of this appealed to me. I valued my freedom more another job search, ready to lead a school as headmaster. than the opportunity.” Though not originally on the list of schools that he consid- The next chapter of his life and educational journey ered, he was intrigued by an opportunity at Cushing. The was transformative. To explore the role that a religious vo- challenges were enormous—declining enrollment, finan- cation might play in his life, he applied and was accepted cial instability, and a tumultuous time in education—and, to Harvard University. He often spoke of the intense intel- to Cushing’s great good fortune, he saw it as the right lectual excitement of those years and of the exhilaration opportunity for his experience, passion, and daunting of his complete immersion into the pursuit of knowledge. energy and intellect, and he began in 1972 what would be At the conclusion of his studies, he left Harvard with an his remarkable 28-year tenure. S.T.B. in theological learning and the decision to continue The challenges of the early years cannot be overstated, studying history and philosophy. And even more impor- as he rightly saw his first job as saving the Academy from tantly, he left having met and courted Jeannette “Jenny” closure. After having accomplished through sheer deter- Powell, a fellow Harvard graduate student in education mination what seemed impossible to others, he embarked and a gifted artist, whom he married in June 1958. on a period of ground-breaking educational innovation (continued on page 29)
26 CUSHING TODAY In MEMORY
� � � *What I always remember about Dr. Curry was on Saturdays, when there were a lot of athletic events around campus, somehow he managed to be everywhere. [He was] almost like a political candidate—in one city at 10:00 am and in another state by noon. As a cross-country runner, I’d see him as I was coming out of the chute behind the football field. When I came down from the graveyard, there he was at the girls’ lacrosse game. Minutes later I’d see him on the varsity field. He should have suited up for us.
GEOFF GRANDBERG ’89
� � � Spring was coming and, as student body secretary, many students approached me about getting shorts approved for the dress code. I met with Dr. Curry, who had me first draft a policy inclusive of what defined “shorts” (i.e. Bermuda length, no rips, no jean shorts, etc.). Then he wanted me to get approval from the faculty. The further I got, the more he gave me to do, so I assumed he just didn’t want it and it would never happen. Then, during an assembly, he mentioned to the faculty and student body that students were not dressing appropriately and that if they wanted shorts in the dress code to be seriously considered, they had better start dressing appropriately. Some students balked and then I stood up and said, “Please just tuck in your shirt and don’t wear ripped pants. I’ve been working hard to get you shorts so help me out.” At formal dinner that night, to my great surprise, Dr. Curry came up to me and said that he was going to permit shorts and that I could announce it in the next assembly. He then told me he put me through these challenges and obstacles so that I could learn how a bureau- cracy worked. Ten years later, I visited campus and met with Dr. Curry. I repeated the story to him and told him that I thought he made an incredible contribution to Cushing. He simply replied, “This place is worthy.” That response aptly sums up to me the great man, educator, and teacher that Dr. Curry was. I will never forget him.
PETER BLITZER ’91
� � � I have the deepest respect for a man who led with respect, and always had his heart in the right place. Dr. Curry was an incredible leader, who embraced Cushing Academy whole-heartedly. For those of us who knew him, it’s impossible to think of Cushing Academy without thinking of Dr. Curry. He was a remarkable man. I was lucky to have him touch my life.
BARBARA DRONS-CARROLL ’76
SPRING 2015 27 � � � *I remember years ago [members] of the board were sitting around trying to decide whether to close Cushing. Fortunately, a young man from Harvard was willing to take a chance on us. I don’t think anyone who was not present at that time can appreciate the effect and success Dr. Curry has had on this great school.
HAZEN MASTER ’44 (D) FORMER TRUSTEE
� � � While Dr. Curry was an imposing physical presence, he was a warm and caring person. I at- tended Cushing during his tenure and respected him tremendously. He remembered everyone’s name (and I mean everyone), even if he had met them only once, or if it had been years since he had seen them.
REBECCA CHANIN ’85
� � � *He gave his encouragement and support to the arts. Today, one has only to walk through the beautiful fine arts building, attend the marvelous dramatic and musical productions and the inspiring concerts to realize the success of his vision. [He embraced] strong convictions from the beginning in regard to the promotion and support of women in important positions in all phases of the school. As a result, an outstanding, dedicated group of women have contributed to Cushing in countless ways over the years, and continue to serve today.
MARY G. FERN, HON ’92 (READ MORE ABOUT MARY FERN ON PAGE 22)
� � � His great influence in my formative years has led to many moments of fond memories and ap- preciation for the privilege of his tutelage. To the chagrin of many other authority figures in my life, Dr. Curry set the standard of what it means to earn someone’s respect. Few ever came close to his example. Instead of missing him, I have chosen to embrace what he continues to teach me through his memory daily.
DOUG COLTER ’78
� � � Dr. Curry was tough, but he was fair. I always knew where I stood with him and respected him very much.
BEN IBBETSON ’90
28 CUSHING TODAY Faculty PROFILES
Cushing’s campus blossomed under Dr. Curry’s boundless en- ergy and discerning eye, inspiring a partnership with the Academy’s extraordinarily visionary and gener- ous benefactors Edward G. Watkins ’56 and the late M. Anthony Fisher ’69, and with Theodore Iorio, the late George Cook ’39, the late George Wal- lace, and countless other trustees and contributors. Thanks to the remark- able investments by these leaders, the Fisher-Watkins Library in 1984 was the first of many much-needed facili- ties, followed by the Fisher-Watkins Dining Commons, the Theodore Iorio Arena, and the Emily Fisher Landau Center for the Visual Arts. The campus boundaries expanded, as well, with the purchase of additional acres. In 1988, he co-founded the Na- through programs that would forever touch his students tive American Preparatory School, a summer program and the broader educational landscape, and then to build- designed to make available to Native American students ing the facilities that he strongly believed Cushing students in the Southwest the same opportunities long-enjoyed by deserved. students at independent boarding schools. In recognition A pioneer in understanding how students with learn- of his leadership, the Navajo Nation awarded him the Chief ing-style differences learn best, he launched Cushing’s re- Manuelito Award, one of its highest honors. nowned Academic Support Program, creating a model that Beloved by the community, Jenny served alongside Dr. many other schools would follow. Likewise, the English as Curry as gifted teacher, talented artist, respected colleague, a Second Language program that he developed expanded gracious hostess, and treasured friend. Their children, the Cushing family worldwide and ushered in Cushing’s and then also their grandchildren, were a source of great identity as an international educational leader, while joy and pride to them both. Following his retirement in building on a proud history of early international enroll- 2000, the Currys continued as residents of Ashburnham, ments. He embarked on innovative uses of the campus and purchasing a historic home adjacent to the campus. creative collaborations, including new summer programs. Jenny’s untimely death in November 2000 was a profound He focused, always, on excellence: in academics, athlet- loss for the entire community. Dr. Curry is survived by his ics, the arts, and in challenging students to excellence, daughters, Dana Curry Lorway ’78 and Lisa Curry ’79, and along with his familiar exhortation to “make good choices.” two grandchildren, Savannah Grant and Breton Lorway ’17. Superb teaching was a hallmark of his tenure, and faculty At Cushing today, the Joseph R. Curry Academic Center considered themselves as learning from the best, striv- and an endowed faculty chair honor him, just two signs ing to meet the high standards that always raised the bar. of the immeasurable gratitude of the community and the He never lost sight of what was at the heart of Cushing, esteem in which he was held. Any reflection on his legacy, noting that, “At any school, the most attractive asset is the however, must begin and end with the impact he had teaching faculty. It is important, however, to distinguish on the lives he touched. These remembrances live in the between the most important asset and the most important hearts of all who knew Dr. Curry. activity at a school. It isn’t teaching—the most important activity is learning.”
SPRING 2015 29 Turning the Page
Dr. Norm Carey, after 34 years in the English Department at the Academy, has taught his last class. He retires in June 2015.
NORM CAREY’S STORY BEGINS Norm’s photo here with an inspirational thaniel Hawthorne Collection, and Norm spent a fair bit is the work of Sam teacher—as such stories often do. Young Norm grew up of time studying Hawthorne’s manuscripts. That, coupled Fuller ’15 and was part in Rumford, Maine, a small town between Waterville with another teacher who left an impression—this time of her March show in the Carter Gallery in and the New Hampshire border. His ninth-grade Eng- the Herman Melville scholar who served as Norm’s advi- Cushing’s Emily Fisher lish teacher taught him two important lessons that have sor—left him with a lifelong love of 19th and 20th century Landau Center for resonated throughout his life: have an opinion and don’t American literature. His honors thesis at Bowdoin, on Visual Art. settle for mediocrity. Hawthorne, earned him summa cum laude honors and Norm’s parents expected him to take over his family’s inspired him to continue his education at the University oil business, but that task fell to his brother when Norm of Pennsylvania, where he completed his doctoral degree went to college at Bowdoin. The college is home to the Na- with an expansion of his undergraduate thesis.
30 CUSHING TODAY Faculty PROFILES
Not Exactly Dead Poets’ Stuff
It was a common enough thing, Walking into another teacher’s classroom To hand out a quiz in her absence— A small favor for a friend—no big deal. There they sat, honors freshmen, The promise of tomorrow in their eyes. And suddenly the years melted, and I saw another class— Just as young, their eyes equally bright, Now come and gone, chasing their dreams while I sit here Facing the years ahead with the sudden awareness That these kids will never know me, That I will never be able to show them The beauty of words, the beauty of their own minds, And the terrible, precious wisdom that waits for them In Melville’s sea, Whitman’s grass, and Gatsby’s smile. I pay the price all old teachers pay, and it’s okay— I’ve given so many of them just what they needed, And it’s comforting to know that they can take it from there.
– NORM CAREY
He came to Cushing in 1978 and has been here since, explains all of literature in a way that really makes sense with the exception of the three years he spent in Santa to him. The hero journey, he says, is a universal theme Fe, N.M., as the head of a school for Native American that transcends time, culture, and genre. Suddenly, he students. He found that job because of Cushing’s Native saw heroes everywhere. His interest in that theme is American Preparatory School program. Although he evident, not only on his bookshelf, but also in a senior clearly didn’t stay in Santa Fe, he developed an apprecia- seminar he teaches on the subject. tion for the deeply spiritual culture of his students. During one class day this winter, he was teaching a He returned to Cushing at the request of Headmaster Jo- poetry class and an advanced literature class. The assign- seph Curry, where he took up the job as head of the English ment for the young Cushing poets: find a poem—or write Department. He figures that, of his years at Cushing, he an original one—and bring it to read aloud to the class. spent 27 of them as head of the English Department, and Sam Reynolds ’15 read “O Captain! My Captain!”, which he’s seen some amazing teachers come and go during that prompted Dr. Carey to remark that he planned to use a time. He also spent more time than he wanted to dealing gift certificate he received for Christmas to get “Yawp” with budgets and developing curricula, so a few years ago, tattooed on his arm. He also told the class that Walt Whit- he prevailed upon Rebecca Lefcourt to take over that role so man wrote that particular poem about Abraham Lincoln, he could focus on what he loves best—his students. whose death had pained him. Among the other poems Norm’s office shows evidence of his taste in litera- read that day: “The Times They Are A-Changin’” by Dylan, ture. A bookshelf contains Shakespeare, Salman Rush- “Out” by Ginsberg, and “Fire and Ice” by Frost. die, James Joyce, Dante, and George R.R. Martin, plus a Every poem is an opportunity for learning, of course. Dr. copy of Moby-Dick, of course. Anyone who has ever taken Carey points out how alike Ginsberg and Whitman are, how an English class with Dr. Carey knows of his love for the Frost poem has a connection to Dante’s Inferno, and gives Melville’s influential work. Though the books may seem a high five to a shy student who volunteers to read. Class rather eclectic, many feature a common theme: the hero ended with a rhyming game, the winner of which won a quest. A few years ago, Norm read Joseph Campbell’s Hero “Get out of deadlines” pass for the following week. The with a Thousand Faces, and the book left an impression. In- game ends the class on a joyful and laughter-filled note. deed, Norm thinks the book provides a unified theory that Ten minutes later, the advanced literature students
SPRING 2015 31 arrive, prepared to delve into William Faulkner’s The Sound learned something new or when they’ve learned to feel and the Fury. Later, Dr. Carey said sotto voce that he doesn’t better about themselves. And so, as his story began with teach this novel every year because it requires a certain an inspirational teacher in a small town in Maine, Norm’s type of student. “These kids are good enough to read it and Cushing story ends with an inspirational teacher as well, work things out for themselves. That’s better than me just only this time it is he. talking to them.” To the class he remarks, “It’s okay if you Of course, while he’s leaving the Academy, he’s still can’t figure it all out. Some of it isn’t figure-outable.” And the same Norm Carey—never one to sit still for long, and of course, everything has some connection to Moby-Dick. He it doesn’t sound like he’ll be doing much retiring. He got asks the class, “Wouldn’t it be fun to do a creative writing married in April and plans to spend lots of quality time assignment where Benjy and Ahab have a conversation with his bride. He also plans to publish a book of poetry, over lunch?” go to school to learn auto repair, get a Harley, learn Chi- nese so he can go to China with son Nate ’97, proofread grant proposals for extra pocket change, and travel and have adventures like Bilbo Baggins. “My reading experience of [Moby-Dick] Safe travels, Norm! paralleled my life experience. When I read that book at different stages of my life, I was ready for what it had to say.”
“No,” came the unequivocal reply from his students. Asked why Moby-Dick holds such a fascination for him, he says, “My reading experience of that book paralleled my life experience. When I read that book at different stages of my life, I was ready for what it had to say.” He’s fasci- nated by the power of the book as a veiled prophecy about what happens if we don’t pay attention to how we treat our environment. He goes on to say, “Moby-Dick stands for a lot of things. That’s the beauty of a symbol.” For Norm, his time at the Academy really has been all about the students, and he has left quite an impression. He tells the story of seeing an alumna at a recent holiday party in Boston: “It really came home to me then. She came to the event with her yearbook and showed me what I had written in it. She told me she had used my note as a way to guide her life. Teachers are really given an excep- tional opportunity to change people’s lives.” Unsurprisingly, when asked what he’s most proud of in his career, he doesn’t talk about his own accomplish- ments, but rather those of his students. He says he’s proud of the kids who learned to like school, or enjoy read- ing, or learned that they could succeed. What he’ll miss most is the way the students look at him when they’ve
32 CUSHING TODAY Cushing HISTORY
What Am I?
SPRING 2015 33 This is the medallion above the fireplace in Ashburnham What Am I? House. The fireplace was once located in the dormitory’s common room, but that space is now part of the dorm parents’ residence.
THE ORIGINAL ASH HOUSE was constructed in 1912. According to into town—indeed, we still get our fresh water from Lake Naukeg— Cushing historian Frank Rand (1908), “Its cost was $95,000, its capac- and giving Ashburnham what they hoped would be enough water for ity 65 roomers. It also contained a dining hall with 140 seats, a small ample fire protection. infirmary, steam heat, and space for a possible swimming pool.” It In the end, however, it would not be enough. The 1915 basketball was almost named Fairbanks Hall—in honor of the Academy’s largest team had finished their 10–1 season at the end of February, but by benefactor apart from Thomas Parkman Cushing—but the recently April 12, their coach Frank Hardy would be dead, perishing just feet constructed Ashburnham town hall bore his name and the Acad- from the entrance in the fire that destroyed the three-year-old Ash emy’s Board worried that having the same name would cause confu- House. In addition to Frank Hardy, two town girls were trapped by a sion. The completion of the new dormitory allowed for more rooming falling wall, and one tragically succumbed to her injuries. space for girls in Lowe as well as a larger common area. The replacement Ashburnham House was completed in an aston- By 1912, Mr. Cowell had been Principal for 25 years. Professor Lane ishing six months, with students and alumni working tirelessly to was still teaching—the only member of the faculty who had been secure the necessary funding to make it happen. Students sold candy, there in 1887 when Cowell arrived. There had also been a host of other food, and pencils. The school sold tickets to lectures given by the fac- changes at the school in that time. The number of buildings had dou- ulty. Townspeople, local organizations, and visitors to the town were bled from three to six. The number of faculty had more than doubled all induced to make donations. The Class of 1894, having witnessed from seven to 16. The size of campus had quadrupled from five acres their own fire (see the Spring 2013 issue of Cushing Today for that story), to 20. $12,000 had been added to the scholarship fund. Cushing were especially generous. The new building had three stories, rather sported a full complement of athletic teams, rather than just than four, but a “somewhat larger ground area, more fire protection baseball as had been the case in 1887. Cushing had a newspaper, devices, no space for a swimming pool, and about the same rooming literary societies, and more than 1,000 alumni. accommodations,” according to Rand. In a straw vote taken at Cushing in 1912, William Taft was pre- The fireplace medallion itself was a gift from Alfred Whitney and ferred as president over Theodore Roosevelt, who was running for a his wife. Alfred Whitney was one of the original 66 gentlemen stu- third, non-consecutive term. Also running for president that year? dents at Cushing. He was a longtime member of the Board of Trustees Principal Hervey S. Cowell, who was on the Prohibitionist ticket. He and with his brother, Orange, was owner of the chair factory at received three votes in the Cushing straw poll. which Frank Hardy worked following his graduation from Cushing. That was the year that Ivers Adams paid $50,000 to have a water Incidentally, Alfred Whitney’s mother was Eliza Cushing, making system installed in town, bringing fresh water from Lake Naukeg Alfred a distant cousin to Thomas Parkman Cushing.
34 CUSHING TODAY MORE ABOUT FRANK HARDY Frank Hardy was a member of the Cushing Class of 1899. An athlete from Rindge, N.H., he enrolled at Cushing in 1895. He played at guard on the 1896 football team when, according to Rand, “he suffered an injury of such a nature as to preclude an active participation in sports.” Not able to play, he took on the role of manager and coach to various teams, despite the fact that he was still a student. After he graduated, he worked for three years at the W.F. Whitney Chair Factory. In 1900, Mr. Hardy assembled a team he called the Cushing Graduates to play at the Sportsman’s Show in Boston. The show was, according to Rand, arranged to arouse an interest in the game of basketball, then less than 10 years old. The team was composed of James Vose (who would become Cush- ing’s Principal after Dr. Cowell’s retirement), Fred Dunn, John Vose (James’ twin), Amos Foster, and James Wheelan. They defeated Dartmouth by a score of 9 to 6 to win the tournament. Hardy returned to Cushing in 1902 as a coach, and his teams had some substantial successes. In addition to his work at Cushing, he was a commit- ted servant to the town, taking on several roles, including Selectman. He was known to be a modest man, but passion- ate about good sportsmanship. According to Rand, “He was respected and admired by directors in other schools, and was much in demand as a basketball official.” The plaque in his memory, mounted in the Main Building one year after his death, indicates that he died trying to locate the source of the fire. Other stories say that he was trying to find Mrs. Cooke and that he was trying to save valuables. “Presum- ably,” says Rand, “… he was trying to be everywhere, arousing occupants, or perhaps even trying to combat the flames, and was overcome by smoke.” We’ll never know exactly what happened. What we do know is that Frank Hardy gave his life in service to his Academy. We are in his debt.
TOP L–R: Ashburnham House common room in 1917, with the medallion clearly visible. • Frank Hardy’s 1900 “Cushing Graduates” Championship Basketball Team. Seated, l–r: James Wheelan, John C. Vose, Frank Hardy, Fred Dunn, James Vose; standing: Amos Foster • Outside views of Ashburnham House in 1917.
IN COLOR: Ashburnham House today • Ashburnham House’s common room renovated in 2014.
SPRING 2015 35 Art of Giving
The Gift of a Home
ABOVE L–R: The Cushing NOT GLAMOROUS. was certainly put to the test. One day, several of the kids group poses with the That’s how Vi-Anne Brown describes the recent Habitat dug holes for the foundation. It was muddy, dirty work. Morgan family. for Humanity trip she chaperoned with eight Cushing When the inspector didn’t visit as scheduled to review the Savannah Zhong ’15 hard at work students. work, they had to repeat the same job the next day.
There was some time for In October 2012, Hurricane Sandy demolished homes in The Cushing group of spring break students was the fun too. Here, the group more than 15 states. The state of New Jersey was particu- first to go to New Jersey. Habitat for Humanity has sites poses in Times Square in larly hard hit. Since the hurricane, the nonprofit organi- all over the world and they are common destinations for New York City. zation Habitat for Humanity has been working to rebuild students on spring break, but the sites most kids want to and renovate houses to help those impacted by the storm. go to are in warm, sunny locales. New Jersey is hardly that This spring, a group of eight Cushing students—Fred in early March. Morlock ’16, Joanna James ’15, Savannah Zhong ’15, Kira Although the kids didn’t see the house finished, Vi- Tierney, Kat Lemieux ’15, Kayla Sargent ’15, Jessica Kinsley Anne hopes that the experience of seeing another home ’16, and Rachel Guerriero ’16—joined in that effort. dedicated during their visit will help drive home the They spent several nights in a church and drove back importance of the work they were doing. “It was striking and forth to the work site each day, where they worked to me just how devastating the storm was and that people from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm. The Morgan family, whose are still out of their homes three years later with no end in home they were building, had been staying in their sight,” Vi-Anne says. The students also got to know each grandmother’s small home since the storm hit in 2012. To other better, and it was a good opportunity to learn that complicate matters, Mr. Morgan’s wife died shortly before not everyone has the same opportunities that they do. the hurricane and he suffered a heart attack this past No- To go on the trip, the group had to raise money for vember. The family was faced with the prospect of having transportation, food, lodging, and materials. The kids to be out of their current living situation by May 1, so the held several fundraisers and also asked the broader Cush- need for a new home had become critical. ing community to help out by making donations. Their The Cushing kids spent several days at the work site, successful fundraising meant that the students them- where they did all kinds of work helping with the con- selves didn’t have to contribute money as well as their struction. They knew from the beginning that they’d need time. to be flexible during the trip, and their ability to do that
36 CUSHING TODAY GIVING
AT LEFT, L–R: President of the Board of Trustees Dick Harrington, Karen Watkins, Edward G. Watkins ’56, and Headmaster Christopher Torino at the groundbreaking of Cushing’s new athletic center, the Watkins Field House. Construction on Cushing’s New Athletic Facility is Officially Underway
GROUND HAS BROKEN for the Watkins Field quadrangle in which students and community made a $6 million matching lead gift honoring House, set to open in spring 2016. This new ath- members can gather and socialize, making the the Watkins Family. When Cushing raises $6 letic facility is named in recognition of the lead building more than simply an athletic space. million in support of the Watkins Field House, gift made by the E.G. Watkins Family Founda- The gymnasium space will include one col- the E.G. Watkins Family Foundation will make tion. Trustee Emeritus Edward G. Watkins ’56 lege regulation court that will run the length a donation of $6 million in honor of the Watkins is a longtime leader and benefactor whose com- of the building. Two more courts—both high Family in support of the project. mitment continues to transform the Academy. school regulation—will run perpendicular to Members of the school’s Board of Trustees Construction on the $12 million facility that court. These courts will allow for more have committed $3 million to the project. In began in late March with the clearing of snow court time for both teams and individual stu- addition, the Academy is raising an additional from the site. On April 16, a small groundbreak- dents, enabling the Academy to provide more $3 million from alumni and parents to com- ing ceremony was held to mark the official practice time for indoor sports. The fitness cen- plete the matching gift. There are a number of start of the project. We anticipate the building ter will be more flexible and more than double naming opportunities—from prominent inside will open next spring, assuming there are no the size of our current fitness area. It will have spaces to bricks in the courtyard outside—that construction delays. space for weight and strength training, as well will allow donors to make a lasting impression The new facility is being constructed along as two rooms for group exercise. In addition to on Cushing’s campus. Pleasant Street between the baseball field and the athletic spaces, the new facility will feature For more information on the facility, the Joseph R. Curry Academic Center and will a well-appointed lobby on the main floor and a updates on its construction including a live echo the design of Cushing’s historic Main three-story entry tower that will help commem- webcam of the site, and to make a donation Building and other nearby buildings. Together, orate Cushing’s proud athletics history. in support of its construction, please visit these buildings will enclose a classic campus The E.G. Watkins Family Foundation has www.cushing.org/athleticcenter.
SPRING 2015 37 International Corner
International Alumni and Parents The Shanghai Alumni and Parents Council, time for accepted families as they make their Host Accepted Cushing Students headed by Amy Chen (mother of Nelson Zhou decisions.” Many thanks to our Asian families and alumni ’16), hosted 16 guests, and the Korean Moth- A Japan event was held as well, hosted by the who hosted receptions this spring for newly ers Association welcomed 27. Said Kyung Ha Japanese Mothers Association. accepted Cushing students and their families. Lee, mother of Kobe Ko ’16 and president of the Their hard work—on the other side of the The Hong Kong event, organized by Michael Korean Mothers Association, “We had a great globe—benefits Cushing every day. Thank you! Ho ’06, president of the Hong Kong Alumni event for accepted students and parents. Cur- For more information or to learn how you and Parent Council, welcomed 36 attendees, rent students explained the general environ- can help in similar ways, please contact us at including current Cushing students home for ment of Cushing and two alumni shared their [email protected] spring break. good experiences. I think it was a very valuable
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: The Hong Kong Alumni and Parents Council accepted students welcome event • The event in Korea • The accepted students welcome event in Shanghai • The Hong Kong event included a biking excursion • Hong Kong Alumni Parent Council President Michael Ho ’06 speaks to the group
38 CUSHING TODAY Cushing ABROAD
Cushing Travels to Asia In January, Headmaster Chris Torino and Director of Development Caitlin O’Brien traveled to Asia to meet with Cushing alumni and parents. We’re happy to share these photos from their visits in Hong Kong, Tokyo, Seoul, Taiwan, and Shanghai.
TOP ROW L–R: Celebrating in Seoul • Andy Chen ’90 THIRD ROW: Shiori Go ’13 and Ryutaro Nojima ’13 FOURTH ROW: Cherry Zhang ’09; Amy Chen, mother of • Celebrating in Hong Kong • Ken Chang ’92 with Nelson Chau ’16; Kayco Zhou ’09; Michael Ho ’06 and his SECOND ROW: Hendrick ’92 and Sylvia Sin with Caitlin Headmaster Torino • Caitlin O’Brien, Headmaster Torino, girlfriend • Andy Chang ’14 and Renny Ling ’92 • Parents in O’Brien and Headmaster Torino • Ji-Ho Hyun ’90 and Sean Tyler Chu ’06 Taiwan with Cushing’s Chris Sheahan and Caitlin O’Brien Lee ’92 • Headmaster Torino with Tyler Chu ’06, Johnson Lo ’03, Jonathan Lee ’96 and Michael Ho ’06
SPRING 2015 39 Alumni News
Tiffany Blood '00 Award Honors Life of Alumna In 1998, Cushing Academy won its first and only Field Hockey cham- pionship, in part, because of the dedication and passion of the team’s goalie, Tiffany Blood ’00. When Tiffany passed away last winter due to complications from Crohn’s Disease, her teammate and friend Brittney Carr ’00 wanted to honor her life and contributions to Cush- ing and to the sport field hockey with an award at the Academy. So she called Cushing Athletic Director Bill Troy and together, they made it happen. During an assembly in November, Tiffany’s family and some of her teammates gathered on Cushing’s campus to witness the presen- tation of the first annual Tiffany Blood Field Hockey Award. In talk- ing about Tiffany, Trustee Melissa Irving Christensen ’00, who was one of Tiffany’s teammates on that championship team, described Tiffany as an intense competitor, a devoted teammate, a passionate player, and a loyal friend. Tiffany was an inspiration to her team- mates, Christensen said. She was the first one at practice and the last one to leave. She was a leader on and off the field and she embodied the Penguin spirit. The award will be given each year to the field hockey player who embodies those qualities. This year, the award was presented by Tif- fany’s sister to Emma Tufts ’15. Emma will go on to play field hockey at Syracuse University next year. During the presentation, Bill Troy encouraged each of Cushing’s athletes to play with the same drive and passion that Tiffany did. “Playing sports is about more than winning. It’s about the competi- tion. It’s about time spent with your teammates and coaches. Play hard this weekend and honor Tiffany by celebrating both the wins and the losses.”
Emma Tufts ’15 is the first winner of the Tiffany Blood Field Hockey Award.
Wayne Sanborn Honored A few years ago, Cushing Academy Athletic Director Bill Troy and alumnus Brett Torrey ’85 nominated Wayne Sanborn— former Cushing Academy coach, Athletic Director, and longtime administrator/faculty member of 37 years—to have one of the NEPSAC bowl games named in his honor and also for a distinguished service award. This year, that became a reality. On Saturday, Nov. 15, Brunswick took on Governor’s Academy at Avon Old Farms in the Wayne Sanborn Bowl. Brunswick defeated Governor’s Academy, 46–20, to win the championship. What a wonderful honor for a quintessential Cushing Penguin!
40 CUSHING TODAY ALUMNI
Traveling South for the Winter During spring break in March, Headmaster Torino, Caitlin O’Brien, and Cushing’s new Director of Advancement, Bill O’Hearn, traveled to Florida to meet alumni, parents, and friends of the Academy. Jay Massirman ’76 and Samuel Getz ’75 hosted an event in Miami Beach. Chris Watkins ’56 hosted an event in Palm Beach. The weather was warm and so was the company! Florida wasn’t the only place our Cushing folks trav- eled this spring. The Acad- emy held events in Colorado, Illinois, California, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania as well.
TOP ROW L–R: Chris Torino with Anton Werner ’93 • Chris Torino with Allan Goldberg ’49 THIRD ROW L–R: Karina and Enrique Samaniego ’84 • Wendy Lueder (spouse to Ren • Samuel Getz ’75 and Jay Massirman ’76, who hosted the Miami Beach event Lueder ’60, not pictured), Jim Sexton, Patricia Sexton ’56, Allan Goldberg ’49, former Trustee Joe Marzilli, and Peggy Marzilli • Jim Sarantos ’71 with Chris Torino SECOND ROW L–R: David Rosen ’91 • Josh Schrager ’92 • Chris Torino with Jim Rondeau ’65 and his guest, Elaine Libert • Lisa Allen ’75 sporting her Cushing jacket FOURTH ROW L–R: Roger Whitcomb, father of Tim Whitcomb ’85, with Chris Torino • Patrice Worcester ’79 • Max Getz ’07 and Eleanor Crowley ’07 • Walker ’03 and John ’00 Shipley
SPRING 2015 41 Dennis Driscoll ’61 Making History Real for Cushing Students
EVEN FOR ADULTS, HISTORY IS OFTEN AN ABSTRACT Trail, he made small talk with a fellow from Massachusetts. During CONCEPT. For high school students, it can be even more intangible. the conversation, he learned that this fellow’s brother was married to Mr. Dave Stone, Cushing’s Dean of Faculty, teaches a class on the a girl from Ashburnham, whose father was a teacher at the Academy Vietnam War, but he knows how important it is to put historical named Paul Heslin. In December 1967, Captain Driscoll was injured events in perspective for his students. To do that, he invited Dennis and sent to the hospital for surgery. Several years later, after the war, Driscoll ’61 to speak to his class about what it was really like to fight he was at an Ashburnham swim club when he ran into his surgeon, in that war. Dr. Joseph Hill, who also just happened to be a member of the Cush- Captain Driscoll grew up in Mount Hermon, Mass., but is one ing Academy Board of Trustees. of four generations of Cushing Academy alumni. He noted that he He learned a lot from his time in Vietnam. He and his men helped wasn’t a big fan of school, in particular of reading, but that his Cush- one Vietnamese woman give birth to twins. Such help was common ing teachers took an interest in him and taught him to appreciate for the soldiers, and while he saw many American soldiers lose their learning. Following his time at lives just helping, he understood how important it was to do good. Cushing he attended Stonehill In fact, he says, “We have an obligation to help one another—both “We have an obligation to College. When he graduated, overseas and at home.” he volunteered for the army On his way to Vietnam, he didn’t think much about what was go- help one another—both and spent a year training with ing to happen because he was too worried about preparing his men. his troops before heading to It wasn’t until he was on his way home that he understood how bad overseas and at home.” Vietnam. He spent a lot of time things really were. And when he got back, in spite of his courage in reading about World War II and fighting a difficult war, people called him baby-killer and threw ex- the United States Indian Wars, crement at him because the media focused so much on the bad parts figuring it would help him understand what was happening in of the war. “The good stuff—holding babies and helping out—that Vietnam—and he was right. He and his men did survival training, didn’t make it to the news,” he said. squad tactics, and more. It was hard work, but he knew how impor- The lessons he learned about helping out followed him after his tant it was. “You’ve got to do the work,” he told Mr. Stone’s students. return from Vietnam. He spent four years teaching history at Cush- “If you want something, you have to be willing to work for it.” ing before spending more than 30 years at Oakmont and Overlook, As you might imagine, being in Vietnam during the late 1960s the public schools in town, where he was a teacher, coach, and wasn’t easy. He soon learned that all kinds of smells carry—be it ciga- assistant principal. Indeed, the park behind Oakmont High School is rette smoke, shampoo, or last night’s dinner. Whenever the oppor- named after him. These days, he volunteers at the VA so that soldiers tunity presented itself, he and his men would jump in the river and and their families have someone to talk to who understands what use the water and sand to wash the scents from their bodies. They they’re going through. also had to evade all kinds of wildlife, including leeches, snakes, and Clearly, Dennis Driscoll believes in giving back and knows that even sharks. Booby traps were common, and excrement was used as his experiences can teach current Cushing students—not just about a weapon. history, but also about how to make a positive difference in the But his time in Vietnam wasn’t all bad, and he even ran into some world. We’re grateful for his lifetime of service. folks who knew Cushing. One day, on a branch of the Ho Chi Minh
42 CUSHING TODAY Leave a Legacy
Thomas Parkman Cushing founded has been echoed by many friends, alumni, Cushing Academy with a bequest, leaving a and parents at Cushing who have also made legacy that has been the basis for the education planned gifts to the Academy and who have of thousands of young people for 150 years. been recognized as members of our 1865 The generosity displayed by Thomas Cushing Society.
We invite you to leave your own legacy. Whether it is a bequest, a life income gift, a life insurance policy designation, or something else, you can help lay a foundation for Cushing’s future success.
For information on the ways On the Web: cushing.org you can support Cushing Academy, By Phone: 978-827-7400 visit www.cushing.org/support. By Email: [email protected] By Mail: 39 School Street Ashburnham, MA 01430
Donor Creates Class of 1950 Worthy Student Scholarship Endowment
Last fall, a member of the Class of 1950 made a generous contribution Minimum Named Endowment to the Academy to create the Class of 1950 Worthy Student Scholarship Amounts at Cushing Endowment. The scholarship will be given each year to a Cushing student who is a resident of New York City and who has a financial FUND TYPE MINIMUM need. Recipients will be selected by a committee made up of the Dean Faculty chair $1.5 million of Admissions and senior faculty. Full scholarship $1 million The endowed fund was established using stocks as well as a match- Library Resources $100,000 ing gift, showing that a variety of methods can be used to fund a gift. Headmaster's Fund $100,000 Further, this fund can be added to by any interested donor, increasing its value and the impact it can have on a worthy student. Class Notes
1942 1957 1968 Richard Mansfield is still hale and Captain Peter Joseph, USCG (Ret) Class Agent: John Shirey hearty in Sarasota, Fla., and says was recently selected as one of the 3 Millview Court Cushing will always be tops in his 125 Graduates of Distinction of the Malahide Co., Dublin memories. United States Coast Guard Academy. Ireland Peter's nomination by his peers was Home: 353-184-56581 1944 primarily based upon his numer- Email: [email protected] Marcia Wells Seely is proud of her ous at-sea rescues in which he was daughters. Dr. Ellen Seely is a profes- involved in the saving of over 100 lives Class Agent: Alan Crocker sor of medicine and on the board at throughout his career. 50 Winnecowett Drive Brigham and Women’s Hospital. She’s PO Box 781 also a professor at Harvard University 1961 Ashburnham, MA 01430 Medical School. Anne Seely is a dis- Dennis Driscoll visited campus this Home: 978-827-5787 trict attorney in Brooklyn, N.Y. spring to talk to a Cushing history Cell: 978-424-6949 class about his experiences in the Email: [email protected] 1948 Vietnam War. See page 42 for more. Al Hixon is still actively playing 1971 music. In the fall, he was pleased to be 1964 Betsy Johnson Messenger joined named an Ageless Creativity - Long- Several members of the Class of 1964 her sister, Nancy Johnson Richards boat Luminary by the Longboat Key got together in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., ’64, at a small reunion of the Class of Center for the Arts of Ringling School in January, including Sarah Krug 1964 in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., in January. of Art & Design. His Al Hixon Jazz Barbee, Nancy Johnson Richards, Groups regularly play balls, concerts, Rich Mohlere, Peter Carleton, 1982 dances, festivals, and other events. Ellen Weaver, and Donna Merrill Paul Dever is in Kabul, Afghanistan, Stout, along with Betsy Johnson where he works as the Deputy Human 1949 Messenger ’71. They realized at last Resource Officer at the Embassy of Edgar Bourgeois recently wrote an year’s reunion that about 10 of them the United States. As of March, he autobiography. were in the area so they decided to had been there for eight months with continue the celebration in Florida. 16 to go. His wife and daughter are 1951 They look forward to doing it again passing the time with family. Prior Class Agent: Lilian Goss next year. to Afghanistan, he worked with the 20 Apple Blossom Drive International Narcotics and Law En- West Lebanon, NH 03724 1965 forcement Affairs office in Baghdad, Home: 603-298-5564 Class Agent: Jim Rondeau then a soft landing in Fiji for about 7 Robert Arthur Way two years, both with the Department A book co-authored by Nancy Craig South Dennis, MA 02660 of State. Feel free to drop a line at McGrath was published in June. Home: 508-394-8250 [email protected] or Dospaul2002@ It's entitled No Man's Land. Nancy Cell: 805-292-6994 hotmail.com. has been busy painting as she’ll be Email: [email protected] Mark Friedman played a lawyer exhibiting at a gallery in Meredith, in the Apr. 1, 2015, episode of Law & FROM TOP: Ed Bourgeois ’49 N.H., this summer. She is still singing 1966 Order: SVU. A first selfie try for Caryl Burton Minor ’58 in the choir, and she and her son are Class Agent: Thomas Doughton and Mike Severence ’58 at their annual working on a book, The Magic Mirror College of the Holy Cross 1984 warm weather lunch at the Ocean Grill in Company, that they hope to get fin- 1 College Street Jennifer Clickner-Engel is living in Vero Beach in February. ished this summer. Smith 503 Geneva, where she and her family Mini reunion of the Class of 1964 in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Worcester, MA 01610 spend weekends at their ski chalet, Email: [email protected] making the most of ski season. Her David Cowell ’82—great-grandson of Dr. Hervey S. Cowell, Cushing’s third son Tristan just turned eight and is in headmaster—visited us this spring. Here, a bilingual school (French and Eng- he stands in front of Dr. Cowell’s portrait. lish). Her husband is a documentary
44 CUSHING TODAY = reunion year ALUMNI
film maker, and she runs between charity game with former Bruins, She studied sociology and biochem- two jobs, as a media trainer at the to aid veterans. They played for istry, but realized toward gradua- United Nations and as a culture com- the Fisher House of Boston, which tion that she wanted to pursue a missioner for the government. She’s provides housing for family members career in research. She applied to the missing her Cushing classmates! of veterans being treated at the VA in University of Oslo in the program West Roxbury. of molecular biology/medicine and 1985 Pete Snyder and wife Burson started in the fall of 2009. She has Class Agent: Esther Young added a beautiful baby girl, Bee, to been living in Oslo since then and she “Onaway” their family in January. is very happy with her decision. She 36 Pitts Bay Road says it can be cold, but the summers Pembroke, HM 06 1993 are amazing and after what she saw Bermuda Japanese alumnus Taro Fujikawa of the New England winter this year, Home: 1-441-296-4749 visited campus in February with his she thinks it’s not much different Cell: 1-441-504-0375 niece and brother-in-law for an inter- from Norway. She’s currently a Ph.D. Email: [email protected] view with the Admissions Office. candidate working at the Radium Hospital of Norway in Oslo and living Tim Whitcomb is completing his 1996 with her husband, Ola, and her Ger- 16th year of teaching at Zayed Univer- Dex L. Lewis is a civil engineering man shepherd, Max. sity in Dubai. He invites you to email working in Farmington, N.M. Ashley Zimmerman is a graphic him at samuelsuncletim@hotmail. Tom Poti was back designer at Dinardo Design, a small com, especially if you are traveling to on campus in educational publishing company in Dubai or Sri Lanka. November, where Concord, Mass. he spent an 1987 afternoon on the 2006 David Elliott performs in a duet with ice at Iorio Arena. Class Agent: Mike Nadler his mother, Dionne Warwick, on her The former NHL player assisted in the 375 Howard Street new album, Feels So Good. The duet Varsity Boys’ Hockey practice, Northborough, MA 01532 is “Windows of the World.” David’s running drills and working with the Home: 508-393-7865 daughter, Cheyenne, also performs players and coaches to kick off the Cell: 774-258-1040 a duet, “Let There Be Love.” Available 2014–2015 season. Email: [email protected] on iTunes. 2001 2007 1989 Isaac Fitzgerald was a guest on the Jill Barry will be traveling to Rwanda Will Day was Today show in January, talking about in July as part of a final project for recently featured books to read before they hit the big her Applied Theatre master’s degree in an article for screen. Isaac is the books editor at at the City University of New York. Colorado Homes & Buzzfeed.com. If you’re looking for Applied Theatre is a specialized Lifestyles. You can good advice on books, you can follow field that uses theatre in a variety of
FROM TOP: Ed Cadogan ’85 at the Nature read the article at him on Twitter @IsaacFitzgerald. He’s non-traditional contexts in non- Conservancy where he works. www.colorado- also got a blog at penandink.tumblr. traditional spaces. It can be used Ken Chang ’92 and Hendrick Sin ’92 went to homesmag.com/Day-Time/. com all about tattoos and the stories for education, community building, graduate school together and became co- behind them. and social justice. It is often found in founders of a video game company (CMGE). They live in Hong Kong. Their company went 1990 places such as schools, prisons, hos- public on the US NASDAQ in 2012. They’re Nate Berkus and Jeremiah Brent 2003 pitals, and churches. She’ll be sharing both wearing red ties. welcomed a daughter, Poppy Brent- Shantih Chanel Lewis is employed the practices she has learned over Taro Fujiwaka ’93, his niece, and brother- Berkus, to their family in March. at a ski resort north of Durango, Colo. the past two years with the Rwan- in-law are joined by Peggy Lee in the Congratulations! dan students and learning about the Admissions Lounge. In March, Mike Landers and 2005 techniques that they have developed Daniel Suharya ’99 recently took these pictures of His Majesty Jigme Khesar some of his West Point hockey col- Michelle Lu Saetersmoen attended in their program in Rwanda. To learn Namgyel Wangchuck ’99, the King of Bhutan. leagues raised over $50,000, in a Boston College from 2005 to 2009. more, or support her travel, visit life.
= reunion year SPRING 2015 45 Class Agents and Representatives L–R: Boo Vernon ’07, Amelia King Randolph ’07, Scott Baron ’10 with fiancée Katie Phil Pressey ’10 on the court with There are a number of ways Mary Hannah O’Brien ’07, and Rachel Sommers ’07 Cadieux Athletic Director Bill Troy you can help your alma mater. You can attend events, men- indiegogo.com/fundraisers/sharing- Rob Hollomon, a senior at Cen- Burns won the NCAA DIII National Ice tor young alumni (see www. and-learning-applied-theater-in- tral Connecticut State, was named Hockey Championship as part of the cushing.org/alumni for more rwanda. a finalist for the 2014 Walter Payton Trinity College team. information), make a gift, or Whitney Raelynn Cheree Lewis Award. Rob was one of 25 considered New Mexico native Robin serve as a class agent or class is attending Fort Lewis College in for the award, which goes to the most Yoshida is a senior defenseman representative. Durango, Colo. outstanding player at the NCAA Divi- on the hockey team for St. Anselm Class agents help raise funds Amelia King Randolph was sion I FCS level. College in Manchester, N.H. for the Cushing Academy Annual married in May 2014. Three of her Hyung Suk “Robert” Nam is A sociology major, Robin wants to Fund and other special projects, bridesmaids were Cushing alumnae: completing his degree at Northwest- get her master’s in public health like the new athletic facility, by Marina “Boo” Vernon, Mary Han- ern. He expects to graduate in Decem- with a focus on epidemiology and building enthusiasm and asking nah O’Brien, and Rachel Sommers. ber 2015 with a degree in economics. maybe global health. Of her time at classmates to contribute. Class Andrea Del Bello also attended and He worked for a hedge fund in NYC Cushing she says, “That experience representatives work to build made the bridesmaids’ necklaces for last summer and will do so again this was the best thing I could have done relationships among class mem- the event. The ceremony and recep- summer. He expects it will turn into a to prepare myself for college not bers and to keep the Academy tion were outdoors at Adventures on full-time job. He keeps in touch with only in hockey, but academically as informed of news and updates the Gorge in West Virginia. Derek Salama, who graduated from well.” Read more at www.uscho. among members of the class. Dartmouth and is now working at com/2014/11/27/st-anselms-yoshida- This is a fairly new program 2010 Google. Robert also keeps in touch proof-that-talent-can-be-found-in- at the Academy. The classes who On Jan. 31, 2015, Scott Baron became with Jeremy Manore, who is in the new-mexico. have agents and reps have that engaged to Katherine “Katie” Cadieux. business world. information listed in the Class The couple both attended Utica Col- Phil Pressey was on campus Notes section of this magazine. lege and they plan to live in Clinton, in February, being interviewed by Former Faculty If you don’t see a class agent N.Y. It was quite the proposal. Scott Comcast SportsNet for their “Deep Former faculty or class rep listed, it means we says, “I had a limo pick us up without Green” segment, an in-depth piece member David don’t have one for that class yet. her knowing in the morning. I took on a Celtics player. If you missed it, Grant recently If you’d like to serve as either—or her shopping and to a spa and to you can watch it online here: www. published a book both!—please call us at 978-827- lunch. Then, at the end of the day csnne.com/blog/celtics-talk/deep- called The Social 7400 or email alumniprograms@ when I told her we were going home, green-pressey-visits-his-alma-mater- Profit Handbook: cushing.org. You can help make we took a detour to Green Lakes State cushing-academy. The Essential Guide Cushing’s alumni bonds strong. Park in Syracuse, N.Y., and I took her to Setting Goals, by the water and proposed. We plan 2011 Assessing Outcomes, and Achieving to have the wedding in the Adiron- Jake Droogan visited Cushing this Success for Mission-Driven Organizations. dacks by the mountains and by the spring to talk to Bob Johnson’s archi- The book is available through lake with our family and friends. The tecture class. See page 12 for more. Amazon. wedding is planned for August 2016.” In March, Sam Kane and Paul
46 CUSHING TODAY ALUMNI
Lost Alumni Listing
Editor’s Note: As we celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Academy’s If you know how to find any of these lost Penguins, we encourage you to founding, it seems like a good time to engage in a dedicated effort to contact us at 978-827-7400, [email protected], or by update contact information for our lost alumni. We start in this issue of mail at Cushing Academy Alumni Office, 39 School Street, Ashburnham, the magazine with lost alumni from our reunion classes—those ending MA 01430. You can also update your information online at www.cushing. in 0s and 5s. We’ll publish other classes in future issues. org/alumni. Thank you!
1940 Daniel Schafer Nancy Paulsen 1995 Saygin Saral Jane Hurlin Beaumont Beth Buerhaus Tabb Laurel Williams Ka Chan Ricardo Scott Byron Kingsbury Cadien Clark Justin Sweeney Jeanne Morgan Swihart 1965 1980 Medeia Cohan-Petrolino Yuta Tomioka Priscilla Bennett Maria Delgado Daniel Cottin Rafael Viquez Arce 1945 Susan Eddy Anthony Doblin Esther Fernandez David Wachong Barbara Brown Richard Hupprich Susan Gidley Mao Furukawa Ralph Browne James Langan Franklin Glover Khaleb Grant 2005 James Day Kathleen Meade Peter Graf Alison Oates Hart Daniel Barnhart Judith O'Neill Feldman Judith Parker Phinit Rasivisuth Kalle Jaaskelainen Travis Bleidt Cynthia Buehr Haas Lawrence Wentzel Youpadee Rasivisuth Edward Jordan Kyu Young Choi Marjorie Harvey Davida Williams Yoko Shimizu Patrick Kusombi Elizabeth Chu Edward Keough Sultan Shonifi London Lawler Angel Heredia Patricia Haran McDuffee 1970 Virat Techakalayatum Jason Lee Jean Ko Helene MacDonald Meyers Nartida Amrung-Buchakorn Anna Vanvoorhees-Seaton Victor Li Stephanie McNally Bruce Moyer Charles Bradley Mario Merino Drew Pennetti Eleanor Collinge Remol Arrd Burkhardt 1985 Erin Midgley Eve Potthoff Julio Samudio Alison Clough Hugues Cremona Yuriria Miranda Samantha Staub Quigneaux Ruth Rideout Steinhart Michael Dewey Christopher Heider Georgette Motta Chris Wie Estelle Weir William Duran Jonathan Holzer Tejiera Norris Charles Gould Suzanne Widenhouse Kall Mark Northup 2010 1950 Jeremy Jansson Emi Kishimoto Amy O’Brien Petter Aronsson Nelida Aragon Charles Keating Theodore Kuzmeskas Eduardo Pecchio James Chiappa Miriam Douglas Karen Mason Anthony Miller Eimi Sakano Michael DiPasqua Castalia Finales Carol Owen Ricardo Rodriguez Leon Seiichiro Satoh Gesar Dorji Fernando Gonzalez Toby Pett Hildegard Striem Nicole Schmitt Matthew Entwistle Geraldine Greene William Rose Cortney Brixey Stinnett Leah Hurley Judith Ludlum Hitch Jared Sherman 1990 Daniel Lee Marilyn Corbin Rubin Martha Sparling Cathy Hamilton 2000 William McGillicuddy Charity Meeker Spurgeon Lauren Himmel Shinezaya Batbold Mariah Sebastian Barbara Stewart 1975 Elaine Ho Christopher Brackett Dong Min Shin Joan Wenzel Gordon Chang Pairin Jamtim White Chirakranont Alvito Tarjono Gary Craver Sye Park Andreina Garcia Abigail Williams 1955 Russell Fig Page Chadwick Rossiter Caleb Greer-Carney Deborah Dunning Avi Hayon Angelica Sepulveda Peter Karassik Francisco Franchi Steven Jackson Christopher Ward Bo Kyung Kong Robert Hall Kimberlee Johnson-Morcom Theodore Yntema Bon Yeol Koo Theoria Houston Thare Marquez Seung Hyun Lee Jean Pollock Hutchings Kim Wright Murphy Joo Young Park Judith McGrath Sheila Nolan Gretchen Peterson
SPRING 2015 47 Catherine Ross Merwin ’35 In Memoriam This list includes those people whose passings we have learned of since October 2014. It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Trustee Emerita Catherine Ross Merwin ’35 on Sept. 7, 2014. Mrs. Merwin, affectionately known as “Tink,” died peacefully at Rivermead in 1928 1950 Virginia Lewis Sawyer Edward McSweeny Peterborough, N.H. A remarkable and loyal alumna, and a devoted and dedicated 1935 1953 trustee from 1960 to 1980, Mrs. Merwin treasured her Cushing Catherine “Tink” Ross Susan Burr Hartz legacy, which was a lifelong source of delight and pride. Her Merwin grandparents met as Cushing students in the 1880s, and her father, 1955 1939 George Hixon Wallace Ross ’05, served as a trustee from 1920 to 1957, and then as John R. Briggs, Jr. Edward Voelker an emeritus trustee. Following in his footsteps, Mrs. Merwin was elected to Cushing’s Board in 1960, where she served with distinc- 1941 1971 Lois Gates Bliss Kim Allen tion for 20 years, and she too was honored with election as a trustee emerita in great gratitude for her service. 1944 1999 Trustee Emeritus and Former Board President Dr. Joseph Hill Lewis Crowell Caitlin Snaith wrote, “Tink was a wonderful friend of Cushing, and an excellent Former Trustee. During the early years of our tenure on the Board, she was 1945 Doris Bourgeois Mullins Trustee a very hard working and insightful Trustee and a great help to Dick Dr. William Jordan Dunn ’31 and then to me as Board President. Her family legacy to the 1947 Academy is equaled by few in the history of the school.” Robert Johnson Former Bernard Riley Faculty Mrs. Merwin was born on Jan. 15, 1917, in Hanover, N.H., Marianne Coleman daughter of the late Wallace and Helen (Hartshorne) Ross. She 1948 Dr. Joseph R. Curry attended Newton High School prior to Cushing. She then earned her Lucille King Martin Judith Starkweather bachelor’s degree in education from Mount Holyoke College, with Betsey Cutler Perry which she was also very involved throughout her life. 1949 In addition to her parents, Mrs. Merwin is predeceased by her Marilyn Meyer daughter, Judith Poor, and sister, Ruth Ross Reebie ’40. She is survived by her husband, Gaius W. Merwin Jr., three children, 14 grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and many devoted friends. She is deeply missed.
48 CUSHING TODAY Your Gift Matters
Your gift to the Cushing Academy Fund makes possible everything that makes a Cushing education special.
Gifts purchase supplies like those Dr. Sponholtz and his students use in the laboratory. They pay for transportation that allows Julia Ohm to take her theatre students to New York City. They ensure we’re able to build the infrastructure that allows our students to take advantage of the latest technology. They allow us to add new spaces like the patio outside the student center, and upgrade existing spaces like creating the semiprivate space in the Fisher-Watkins Dining Commons. They allow us to offer scholarships to worthy students both domestic and international.
Your gift today will allow us to do all of that and more.
TO MAKE A GIFT, return the enclosed business reply envelope or go online to www.cushing.org/give. If you have questions about how to give or why your gift matters, please contact us by phone at 978- 827-7400, by email at [email protected], or visit our website at www.cushing.org/gifts. Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Hartford, CT Permit #1382
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