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BobBob Carter: Carter: 4545 years years at at ASL, ASL, 1969–20141969–2014 1 Molly McClure Cover: 2 Tosh Lee Bob Carter (ASL 1969–2014) at In memoriam 3 Dwaine Steffes 4 Bill Mardlin Canons Park, summer 2014 Photograph by Di Holmes Read about Bob, ASL’s longest-serving member of faculty/staff, on page 5. Contents 1 2

4 ASL Leavers: June 2014 12Commencement 22Canons Park We are saddened to report 3 4 A fond farewell to much-loved The Class of 2014 celebrate at The fulfillment of an facultythe membersloss of the following Central Hall Westminster ASL dream 20 years on members of our community:

Alumni and parents of alumni Peter O’Meara ’60, on 19 November 2013. Richard Hughes ’80, on 12 December 2013. Anna McWethy P ’13 ’15 ’17, on 1 September 2014, in Albuquerque, NM. Accents, Fall 2014 Our mission is to develop the intellect and The26Dr. Coaches Nabil Morgan who P ’80 ’84, 43Class Goose of Stops ’64 ReunionHere,” in February this year. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his character of each student by providing an © The American School in London outstanding American education with a Made1 March a Difference 2014. He is survived by his CelebratingHis book on 50 bereavement years, counseling, wife, Linda, children Warren and Jodi, and The American School in London global perspective. Alumnichildren, remember Soraya ’80 ASL and Amir ’84. 17 “Whenclassmates Someone gather Dies,” wasin translated his grandchildren. One Waverley Place into 14 lanugages. Dwaine is survived London NW8 0NP The American School in London is a coachesFormer and faculty lessons and staff learned Sanby Diego his wife, to Majken, reminisce daughter Heidi, and United Kingdom non-denominational school and does not outsideFormer the HS classroomEnglish teacher Tosh Lee son Kristian ’87. T +44 (0)20 7449 1200 discriminate against any individual in any way F +44 (0)20 7449 1350 on the basis of race, color, gender, sexual P ’83 (ASL 1975–98) passed away in her Molly McClure (ASL 1979–2008), [email protected] orientation, religion, or ethnic or national home in London on 25 November 2013. former library assistant, passed away www.asl.org origin in the administration of its recruitment, Memorial services were held for Tosh in on 13 August 2014 at her home. A admissions and educational policies. London and in her childhood home in Mass of the Resurrection took place The magazine is mailed without charge to current parents, alumni and former faculty and staff, and to many parents of alumni and friends of the School. Coon Rapids, IA. A much-loved and fondly on 3 September at the Church of the remembered teacher, Tosh join the ASL Transfiguration, Kensal Rise. Renowned Editor: Wendy Robinson high school English department in 1975, for her boundless knowledge of Contributors: Cathy Adams, Keith Bing, Esther Cole, Victoria Halman, where she remained until her retirement British history, English literature and Coreen Hester, Laurie Hindley, Caitlin Huson, Alice Iacuessa, Libby Jones, in 1998. Tosh had a lifelong love of music Shakespeare, Molly was legendary for A book in the Mellon Library Mary Jordan, Patrick Lee, Sandy Mateus, Alexandra St-Georges, Yolandi Strydom, & Galleryand was a member of the chorus of the3 News PCApointing Global Festival: students One to exactlyWorld the right Collection is dedicated to each 16 Steve Townsend, William Vaughan, Jodi Warren Royal Albert Hall and the Royal Choral resource on any given era, work or member of the ASL community who Spotlight on London 10 Harold T. Cruikshank Award 17 Photography: Liz Allen, Astonleigh Studio, Keith Bing, Colin Bridgewater, Society. Tosh is survived by her children, play. She will be missed and fondly passes away. For more information, Peter Cassidy, David Current, Alessandra de Costanza ’11, Jim Heynderickx, ClassTim notes ’83 and Amy, and by many family32 Celebratingremembered the Annual by her Fund many friends. please contact the American 17 Di Holmes, Caitlin Huson, Marika Ison ’07, Libby Jones, Patrick Mahany, members and friends. Bill Mardlin, ASL bus driver since Memorial Collection (AMC), Faculty notes 39 Trustee news 18 Rebecca Moore, Wendy Robinson Former ASL middle school teacher 1993, passed away on 15 October 2014. [email protected], or visit asl.org > Alumni news 40 AMIS festival hosted at ASL 18 Feature illustrations: Jacinta Sullivan Dwaine Steffes P ’87 (ASL 1971–91) ‘Bill the Bus Driver’ was enormously Community/Login > AMC. passed away on 22 February 2014. His popular among students, parents, faculty In memoriam 48 New Frontiers: Our Promise. Our Future. The campaign for ASL 19 Design and art direction: Powell Allen Ltd funeral took place on 10 March at Clayton and staff alike, and he touched the lives Printer: Allied Printing Services Wood Natural Burial Ground, Brighton. of so many in our school community. Dwaine joined the faculty of ASL in 1971, Transport Manager Alan Clarke says of The American School in London, founded in 1951, is an independent, non-profit, teaching math, history and English. A Bill, “He was conscientious and reliable college preparatory day school for students in Kindergarten through Grade 12. The student body comprises 1,350 boys and girls who represent more than keen writer of plays and short stories, and cared for each and every child that 50 nationalities. he completed his first novel, “The Blue rode in his bus.” Bill will be sadly missed. The American School in London Left: Below: in the classroom, as well as Artist Georgia’s favorite Gallery Educational Trust Limited Alessandra de Costanza ’11 Georgia LaScala ’23 watching these magnificent subjects at ASL are music Mrs. Hester, 2011 Sunflower flowers grow outside on the and art. She says, “I enjoy art Members of the Board of Trustees Watercolor on paper terrace. After careful research, because it’s a way to express The United States Ambassador to the the students were keen to your feelings—and I love Court of St. James’s LS visual arts teacher get to work using their newly painting. Music is fun because The Hon. Matthew W. Barzun, Mary Jordan (ASL 2009– learned wet-into-wet watercolor you get to work closely with Honorary Chair present) says, “Van Gogh techniques. Using professional other people.” Outside of was our artist of the month watercolors and paper, students school Georgia enjoys painting, Lori E. Fields, Chair in September. After studying painted their flowers while writing and watching TV. David Novak, Vice Chair Van Gogh and his life, the deeply engaged in the process. Her favorite thing to do is Coreen R. Hester, Head of School students set about observing Once the paintings were dry, spend summers by the ocean sunflowers in preparation for David Abrams their creators used a fine art with her family. Along with creating works inspired by his R. Derek Bandeen pen to outline the color changes her parents and brothers, techniques. They took a close Caroline M. Clark in the paint. That’s when their Georgia moved to London look at sunflowers in a vase Christopher Finn paintings truly came alive!” from Japan in 2013. Ivan Gazidis Priya Hiranandani-Vandrevala Paige Jernigan Letter from the Head of School Alexander M. Knaster Donna M. Lancia Alison LeMaire This issue of Accents will make you want to cheer! The glowing Mary F. Marsh faces and heart-warming accounts of generations of ASL athletes Dwight M. Poler Elaine Proctor-Bonbright truly underscore the transformative impact that coaches have on Larry Richter the lives of students. And whether it’s celebrating 45 years of Victoria K. Robertson Bob Carter at ASL or 40 seasons of Meg Bailey’s coaching, we feel William H. Roedy Thomas Sheehan fortunate that so many dedicated professionals have taken up the Joanna Shields, OBE challenge of guiding and leading our athletes. And then it was Julie G. Skattum icing on the cake that ASL was in four gold-medal matches at this Ramez Sousou Michael P. Spies fall’s ISST competition! William T. Tucker Kashif Zafar And the venues? From the 20th anniversary of Canons Park to the first-ever swim meet at the 2012 Olympic pool, ASL athletes benefit Advisor to the Board of Trustees Richard A. Bailey from the opportunities we have at home and in London. A special moment this fall was the dedication of the Bob Carter Field at The American School in London Foundation Canons Park in recognition of Bob’s extraordinary commitment to William A. Obenshain, President ASL athletics as a teacher and coach. From character-building to Barbara G. Coloney, Vice President championship-winning to field-naming, the athletic spirit at ASL Coreen R. Hester, Head of School Albert D. Angel lives on. Alison Blood Daniel F. Coughlin This fall’s issue of Accents is filled with an extraordinary array of Timothy Craighead activities on campus, from the Global Festival to the new construction Linda Ely projects, from the excitement of graduation to our successful Brad F. England John R. Farmer Learning Institute for educators from all over the globe. And our Lori E. Fields wonderful alumni Class Notes, filled with fabulous news about ASL David E. Fife ’89 graduates. Aren’t we lucky? Have fun reading this issue of Accents, Diana H. Greene William C. Mules and Go Eagles! Janet Newkirk William A. Plapinger Warmly, Barry M. Sabloff William L. Scheffler ’66 Susan J. Wilen The American School in London Foundation (UK) Limited William A. Obenshain, President Andrew J. Sukawaty Coreen R. Hester David I. Stillman (P ’02 ’04; ASL 1995–97, 2007–present) Head of School

2 The American School in London Accents Fall ’14 3 1 Bob Carter, with Head of School story Lead Coreen R. Hester and Director of Athletics 1 John Farmer ’97, at the naming ceremony for “Bob Carter Field” at Canons Park, 6 November 2014

ITH nearly 80 years of Of the newly built ASL Bob recalls, enjoyed coming to work.” Prior to ASL, service to ASL among “There wasn’t another school like it. Bob worked as a supply teacher in them, Bob Carter There were no classroom walls—a bone London for five years. He assures us (ASL 1969–2014), of contention for some. Don Jesse that had he stayed in the English system, WMeg Bailey (ASL 1990–2014) and (ASL 1964–91) and Paul Morton he would not have enjoyed a teaching Judy Kisor (ASL 1994–2014) certainly (ASL 1963–97) brought in curtains! career that has spanned 45 years! left their mark on ASL, both in and So it wasn’t surprising that after a year Bob was appointed PE department out of the classroom. In June 2014, or so, walls started to go up. That said, head in 2003, a role he held until we bade a fond farewell to three of this ultra-modern school was the envy retiring from day-to-day teaching in 2006, our longest-serving, much-loved of many in the early 70s. Visiting teams because, in his own words, “I no longer faculty members, whose teaching and could hardly believe our carpeted locker wished to be the oldest PE teacher in coaching legacies will live on in the rooms and likened ASL to a health club! the world.” hallways of ASL. Professional teams came to play here; Of course, Bob didn’t retire; he we could seat 2,000 in our gym, so it continued to be heavily involved in the Bob Carter (ASL 1969–2014) was perfect for them.” Summer Program, and then Sandy Lloyd Bob Carter first stepped into ASL, In 1973, Bob became HS athletics (ASL 2009–14), asked him to take then housed in York Gate, when he director, a role he held for the next seven on the role of sports facility coordinator substituted for the late Eddie Hufford years. At this time, the ISST program at Canons Park in 2010—an offer he (ASL 1967–2003) in the spring of was still in its early infancy and the only was quick to accept. So have we really 1969. Eddie had taken off to attend a ISST sports ASL played were soccer and seen the last of Bob, officially ASL’s two-week course in the US. This stint at volleyball in the fall; basketball in winter; longest-serving employee? It remains the School led to another, when Bob and track and field, and tennis in spring. to be seen. covered John Lockwood’s (ASL Since the first ISST tournament in 1968 The last word goes to Bob, “ASL 1967–2007) classes while John until his retirement from full-time teaching has been an amazing life experience, participated in the Saracens rugby tour in 2006, Bob claims to have missed only which I would not have wanted to miss of the US. And so began the association two; the first because he hadn’t yet joined for anything.” of three of ASL’s longest-serving teachers, ASL, and once again in 1981 owing to who among them clocked up 121 years his being on an exchange program in Editor’s note: I was privileged to of service to the School! Cleveland, OH. interview Bob Carter back in 2006 when In those early days, the High School In 1984, Bob remembers the US he retired from teaching PE. I asked him numbered less than 300, but ASL and Japanese Olympic volleyball teams what plans he had for his ‘retirement.’ was expanding. North Sea oil had just playing in our gym while on a tour of He told me that his great hope was to been discovered and the Loudoun Road Europe prior to the LA games that year. see New England in the fall, having never site was under construction to enable Bob reveals, “It was filmed at ASL and been able to do this with a full teaching the School to accommodate its shown on the BBC!” schedule. This past June I reminded burgeoning student body. Bob spent For Bob, the highlight of his extensive him of our conversation. He retorted, his first two years at the Working ASL career has been working with “I’ve still not seen it. I’ve not had time!” Men’s College before moving full-time such an eclectic group of teachers and to ASL’s current site in 1971 as a students. He says, “I can count on one HS PE teacher. hand the number of days when I haven’t

4 Accents Fall ’14 5 Lead story Lead

1 2

Meg Bailey (ASL 1990–2014) Meg Bailey came to ASL to teach middle school in 1990—on a cargo ship— and soon became known for being a genuine team player; someone who gave generously of her time and intellect. Always excited to develop new projects to improve the student experience both in and out of the classroom, Meg was instrumental in establishing the Grade 8 Outward Bound experience, Grade 8 readers and writers workshop, and the crew team. In 1998, Meg left the Middle School to teach social studies and serve as a grade-level dean in the High School, where she set about introducing AP Human Georgraphy and was part of the team that established the Grade 9 Foundations course. Stories abound of Meg Bailey: teacher, colleague and friend. (ASL 1971–98) coach four ISST to a tired co-worker, Meg always seems to skilled in student and parent meetings When the Mellon family moved to championship-winning girls’ soccer teams. have the right thing to say at the perfect alike. In the classroom, it was obvious London, sisters Gretchen (Mellon) The crew team named a boat after her. moment. Her ability to remember the that Meg’s students adored her.” Aubuchon ’94, Courtney (Mellon) Another parent of alumni, subtle details of each person’s life makes Max Jenkins ’02 summarizes Meg’s Dubois ’95 and Kathleen (Mellon) Sue Cielinski P ’08 ’12, writes that her an amazing teacher and dean, but an impact on his ASL experience and Cozzi ’98 were keen to row. Following Meg had an absolutely transformative even better colleague and friend.” beyond. He writes, “In my high school an unsteady first season, they asked effect on her family. Tales from Meg’s At an assembly to honor leaving years, Meg was the most central and Meg to help them to form an ASL crew. Human Geography class had the whole faculty in June, students from the Class necessary person in the universe from Their mother, Margaret Mellon P ’94 family hooked. Sue says, “What I of 2015 paid tribute to Meg, who had my vantage point. Without her, I really ’95 ’98, writes, “Without the help and remember most about my first parent- been their dean throughout high school. would not have liked or taken advantage professionalism from Meg, the crew team teacher conference with Meg is that I “She is always available, through the of high school at all; I would not have would have failed. Those first years were came out with about five books to read. tears, temper tantrums and heartaches.” discovered the sublime athletic outlet I hard in many ways; but we persevered And such books. How much poorer we “She is always so patient and kind.” found in rowing. I likely would not have and crew came to be what it is today— would be, individually and collectively, “She always has the best advice.” gone to Yale (note, my college essay was because of Meg Bailey. We experienced if our daughter had not signed up for Former colleague, Briarly Kilburn (ASL about crew). I know that I wouldn’t want the value of a good teacher; one who that class.” 2001–04) writes, “Meg was unwavering to inhabit any possible world in which cared and mentored, who worked as A close colleague says of Meg, in her willingness to help me fit into the Meg had not coached and taught me, hard as the students she taught.” “The one consistent is her willingness ASL community. She taught me what I looked out for me, and been my friend.” In her time at ASL, Meg coached 40 to simply be available when needed. needed to know quickly and believed in Meg is now teaching middle and high seasons—soccer, track and crew—taking Whether it is calming a stressed-out my own areas of expertise, leading me school English at the Chadwick School in students to the UK national rowing student, professionally dealing with a towards ways that I could contribute and Palos Verdes, California. ASL’s loss is championships and helping Dave Noble frustrated parent, or simply offering a hug bring value to the team. She is extremely truly Chadwick’s gain.

6 The American School in London Accents Fall ’14 7 Lead story Lead 1 2 SO-LONG, FAREWELL

1 Joey Sinreich In June 2014, we also said goodbye to Joey Sinreich (ASL (ASL 1993–95; 1 1993–95; 1999–2014). Joey taught high school math since joining 1999–2014) us in the early 90s and then again in 1999 when he returned to the 2 Joe Chodl (ASL 2001–14) School. “I missed being in London and its multicultural experience,” with Shahira Moola he recalls. So much so, he stayed for 15 years for his second (ASL 2013–present) 3 Keith Montgomery stint at ASL! Joey is returning to the US to be closer to the four (ASL 2001–14) generations of his family, and he hopes to play a lot of music. He 4 Angelle Thibodeaux says, “The School has a culture of positivity, and encourages an (ASL 2002–14) open forum for discussion. This has always impressed me.” He and 5 Ann Wade (ASL 1996–98; his wife, Nancy, recently bought a house in North Carolina. 2003–14) 6 Chris Clark Joe Chodl P ’22 ’26 (ASL 2001–14), high school dean of students (ASL 2004–14) and long-serving basketball coach, left ASL to become upper school 3 principal at Rutgers Preparatory School, NJ. Joe’s association with the School goes back 15 years, when he began his ASL coaching career that has included baseball, volleyball and, of course, his beloved basketball. On leaving the School, Joe says he’ll miss ASL’s people: 2 3 the students and his colleagues, but he looks forward to catching “JUDY KISOR IS MY HERO” up with a host of ASL alumni in the New York area. An offer to serve as executive director of the Association for Music in International Schools (AMIS) proved too good to turn down for performing arts teacher Keith Montgomery (ASL 2001–14). Judy Kisor (ASL 1994–2014) Leading from the front as usual, Judy students, and their pride in themselves A former head of department, musician Keith says he’ll miss seeing To say that Judy Kisor accomplished wrote in 2010 about what it takes to was readily apparent.” his incredibly talented colleagues at ASL every day. He recalls his a great deal at ASL since 1994 is build a successful high school, “We must Some time ago, Judy was asked to best ASL moment on a Music Tour to Gozo in 2011 during a concert somewhat an understatement. She taught devise a 9–12 program in which all kids talk about her commitment to teaching. in the First Lady of Malta Cathedral. “The choir sang Eternity by AP Art History; served as high social like themselves, develop a sense of She responded, “I’m in education Danish composer Michael Bojesen. Wrapped around the audience, studies department head; headed up identity, and want to engage in the world because I hope I can make the world a those students achieved the ultimate goal for a choir—to communicate experiential education; chaired the high beyond, not because of transcripts or better place. I’ve realized the best way with the audience. There were tears and a standing ovation.” school leadership group; chaired the ticking boxes, but because that authentic is small steps. I believe that if we set committee for Global Character Service human interaction/contact enriches them, high standards for kids, give them the After 25 years of teaching, Angelle Thibodeaux (ASL 2002–14) and Leadership; served as head coach makes them feel whole, makes them skills and experiences to feel confident, is excited to be taking up a new role at the American School of 4 5 to the girls’ crew team (she, too, has a want to be a part of things.” competent and centered in themselves, Bombay, Mumbai, as an early learning and social communication boat named in her honor!); and designed, Most important to Judy, of course, we are going to create young citizens who expert—an interest piqued through her sabbatical work. Ms. Angelle planned and launched the Outdoor are her students. In June, a high schooler will find it easier to be tolerant, patient will miss her amazing students and their supportive parents, and Leadership Program, which challenges wrote, “I have only been a student of and compassionate with others. My aim also her colleagues, who rallied around her when Hurricane Katrina students to grow in teamwork, self- Ms. Kisor’s for a year, but I can honestly is to create those good citizens, who are devastated her birthplace, New Orleans. “The people at ASL couldn’t assurance and good citizenship through say that out of all the high school willing to take responsibility and take do enough to help those affected by the disaster.” She’s grateful intensive wilderness exhibitions. teachers, she has had the largest risks, always knowing that they’re part for having had the opportunity to take some of the early trips to the Patrick Lee (ASL 1992–95; 1999– effect on me. She made me fall in love of a community that supports them.” Nirvana School, where she fell in love with India. “My time at ASL present) describes Judy as “amazing with a subject I had not an inkling of As she left ASL, Judy was awarded has been tremendous for my professional growth. It’s been wonderful.” teacher who believes in empowering knowledge about (Art History) and the Sunny Neutze (ASL 1984–2011) Ann Wade P ’00 (ASL 1996–98; 2003–14) began her career as a students to take ownership of their taught me how to write analytically, give prize at the leavers’ luncheon on 12 June. lawyer in the US, but made the transition to teaching nearly 20 years own learning, the importance of knowing a presentation powerfully and be a The award is given annually to a member ago. Ann taught math and science at ASL for two years in the 90s, each child’s strengths and the power of thoughtful listener.” of ASL’s faculty or staff who exhibits an while son Andrew ’00 attended the School, before she returned to experiential education in an academic Another wrote simply, “Judy Kisor is exceptional commitment to excellence ASL as a learning specialist in 2003. She even found time to coach setting. She wants her students to take my hero.” in the furtherance of education and in 6 girls basketball in an undefeated season that culminated in the loss risks, make mistakes and to learn that A former colleague, Briarly Kilburn support of the mission of the School, of their final game by one basket! Ann will miss her students and failure is ok.” (ASL 2001–04), remembers, “She was and in Judy’s case, richly deserved. her colleagues as she embarks on the next stage of her life. Now Patrick is not alone. Another colleague, open and honest, sharing her materials Judy joins Meg at the Chadwick School happily settled in Florida, Ann is looking forward to a very active Ivan Hauck (ASL 2013–present) and expertise, welcoming me into the in Palos Verdes, where she is teaching retirement, full of traveling, reading, swimming and cycling. says of Judy, “Her willingness to expertly department. She was totally open to me global studies in grade 9 and world facilitate even the most challenging sitting in on many of her classes. I was religions and US history in grade 10. Media Services Coordinator and music teacher Chris Clark (ASL activities makes others more comfortable, mesmerized by her keen knowledge of 2004–14) has opted for a change of career and is now working while her desire to push people to their the material and her ability to command Editor’s note: This article owes a for a hedge fund, Horizon Asset LLP, as well as studying for an LLM comfortable limits make us all better. the class and move the kids’ thinking great deal to the research of in international finance, development and justice, with a focus on She has that rare gift of bringing the most beyond where they thought they could Patrick Lee (ASL 1992–95; human rights, at the University of London. As well as pioneering ASL natural and often the best side out of go. It was easy to tell that the students 1999–present) and Jodi (Coats) Radio, Chris coached rugby and crew for many years at the School. everyone. It is enjoyable to hear about, would do anything for her. She had a Warren (ASL 1988–present). In his new role, Chris will miss coaching and working with students but an even greater pleasure to experience.” knack for inspiring leadership in her in the recording studio.

8 The American School in London Accents Fall ’14 9 Spotlight on London Spotlight

ISST Swimming Championships Director of Athletics John Farmer ’97 writes, “In March, the ISST Swimming Championships—co-hosted by ACS Cobham, ACS Hillingdon and ASL—took place at the London Aquatics Centre, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, where the 2012 Games were held. It was truly a magnificent event. “One of the best, most enjoyable parts of the Championships was watching the student athletes walk into the center and smile, recognizing what a unique, once-in-a-lifetime experience this would be in such a gorgeous, state-of-the-art facility. “Once the ISST began, the atmosphere changed from awe and excitement to one of competitive enthusiasm. The athletes were focused on achieving ‘PBs’ (personal bests) and leading their respective teams to victory. The various swimming events kicked off with preliminaries. The competition heated up in the afternoon with the finals of the morning’s events. “More than that, though, the dynamic in the building changed when the whole ASL High School arrived to cheer on their home team Eagle swimmers. It was amazing; good-spirited chanting, cheering and singing from the crowd, while the ASL swimmers swam exceptionally well. One of our swimmers, Will Rittenhouse ’14, broke an ISST record on his way to a Gold Medal, much to the fans’ delight!”

10 The American School in London Accents Fall ’14 11 Feature 2014 Commencement

T seems we always begin She congratulated the class of 2014. “You are worthy representatives of ASL. Dr. Phillips stepped up to this graduation article with a She advised, “It’s not about the specifics, We’re proud of who you’ve become,” acknowledge the lifers in the class; comment on the weather. although they are important, we care she declared. “And we’re looking forward those who have attended ASL from Traditionally, the sun makes much more about the big questions, such to watching you grow even more.” Grade 1 or before: Fares Chehabi, Ia welcome appearance and smiles as will you develop a sense of purpose.” Interspersed with songs from the Johnathan Cirenza, Patrick Collins, fondly on our graduating students. Referring to the words of the great ASL Concert Choir, High School Principal Riley Henderson, Aaron Kelly-Penso, Not to flout an annual ritual—we American author and poet Maya Angelou, Jack Phillips (ASL 2013–present; Clayton Marsh, Will Muoio, Hayden are thrilled to report that it was a Mrs. Hester shared, “I’ve learned that P ’27) introduced Salutatorian Colin Poler Nadler, Thomas Risinger, William warm and sunny day that dawned people will forget what you said, people and Valedictorian Katherine Kennedy, Rittenhouse, Elizabeth Robertson, on Friday, 13 June 2014! As everyone forget what you did, but people will who both delivered thought-provoking, Noa Roedy, Miranda Roman, reading this article who has spent never forget how you made them feel.” self-reflective speeches, which were very Hamish Stephenson and Eli Zeigler. time on this scepter’d isle will know, She went on to say that how you treat well received by the assembly. Then followed the presentation of such weather conditions are to be others is your legacy, and she hoped Following the Men’s Ensemble’s the diplomas to the graduating class much celebrated. the members of the class will work to rendition of Simon and Garfunkel’s by Ms. Fields, Mrs. Hester and Inside the ornate dome of Central make the world a better place. ‘Homeward Bound,’ Mrs. Hester returned Joe Chodl (ASL 2001–14; P ’22 ’26). Hall Westminster, families gathered to Describing the attributes of the Class to introduce Commencement Speaker, Dr. Phillips presented the newly see their children, grandchildren, of 2014, Mrs. Hester deemed them a author and CBS This Morning contributor graduated students before delivering brothers, sisters and friends at their standout company of actors—referring Lee Woodruff (P ’09 ’11). closing remarks. Since joining the commencement exercises of the to the extraordinary production of In her address, Mrs. Woodruff School but a year ago, he discovered American School in London. Avenue Q earlier in the year—encouraging stressed the importance of gratitude that the quality of a school can be The willowy figure of Keith Montgomery the audience to reflect on thought- and explained the reason for her deep-felt measured in the quality of its graduates. (ASL 2001–2014), in his final graduation provoking issues. In addition, they are thanks to the vast number of people To the class, he pronounced, “You have ceremony for ASL, dominated the musicians, artists, athletic captains, who contributed to the recovery of her shown me that the quality of this school organ loft in his role of the ‘eyes’ of journalists, writers and engineers. She husband, former ABC News anchor is exceptional.” On behalf of the School the organist, who, with his back to the considered them bridge builders in Bob Woodruff, following his near-fatal and its faculty, Dr. Phillips told the class, proceedings, was playing Elgar’s Pomp London and beyond for their meaningful injuries from a roadside bomb in Iraq “We have given you all that we have. and Circumstance March No. 1, as the connections with others, showing true in 2006. The family’s experience has As you head out into the world, if you members of the graduating class made kinship. As nascent graduates, Mrs. made her more aware of the significance know that you will always have a place their entrance and took their seats in Hester said, “We eagerly await the of showing appreciation. at ASL that you can call home, where we the Victorian choir stalls, like so many harvest of what has been sown. Please Mrs. Woodruff advised the students are always here to support you—it will classes before. As the dying notes of keep us posted.” to strengthen their gratitude muscle. make us very happy indeed.” ■ Elgar’s magnum opus faded, Head of Board Chair Lori E. Fields (P ’08 ’10 “Lavish, unleash and dispense your School Coreen R. Hester took to the ’14), wearing both her parental and gratitude, and remember, if nothing else, lectern to deliver her opening remarks. official hats, introduced the Lord Mayor the benefit of a hand-written thank-you Mrs. Hester issued a warm, ASL of Westminster. Ms. Fields congratulated note. At the very least, it will make your welcome to everyone assembled. class members on their accomplishments. mother happy.”

12 The American School in London Accents Fall ’14 13 Life after ASL for the Class of 2014 Feature

Susan Abdelmalek The George Washington Kate Kennedy Williams College University Ben Kollek University of Chicago Ben Abrams University of Adam Koren University of Manchester Southern California Maggie Kupitz Johns Hopkins University Nicole Adams Bucknell University Audrey Leland Bowdoin College Tariq Akrouk Emory University Henry LeMaire Syracuse University Haya Al Askar King’s College London Chris Lezny Villanova University Daniela Al-Saleh Parsons The New School Clayton Marsh Princeton University for Design Maalik Mbatch Providence College Mafalda Albanell Boston University Aya McCarthy King’s College London Nico Albanese University of Rhea Mehra Case Western Southern California Reserve University Mac Anabtawi Babson College Erik Merlino University of Redlands Eliza Ball Tufts University Nick Milazzo Middlebury College Nico Baravalle New York University Zac Mistry Swarthmore College Alexandra Bennett St. Lawrence University Arthur Monnickendam University of Manchester Ron Bertasi Northeastern University Julia Morris Bowdoin College Tanya Bhalla Barnard College Will Muoio Syracuse University Svena Bhasin Georgetown University Hayden Nadler University College London Nikolai Birch Occidental College Tarika Nalwa New York University Caitlin Boerner James Madison University Mina Omar Nazim University of St. Andrews Maddie Briggs Northwestern University Emma Nealis Harvard University Caroline Brown Cornell University Lukas Nichols Northern Arizona University Alex Calvert Colgate University Alexandra O’Bryan University of Richmond Reed Campbell University of Can Ozturk Purdue University Southern California Alex Pabarcius Colorado College Nick Canavan University of Stirling Colin Poler Massachusetts Institute Michael Carpenter University of Illinois at of Technology Urbana-Champaign Lucia Proctor-Bonbright Wesleyan University Holly Carter Harvard University Tamara Rasamny Georgetown University Camillo Cavarretta University of Bologna Erica Rawald New York University Fares Chehabi Boston College Casey Reilly American University Johnathan Cirenza Stanford University Thomas Risinger Duke University Hartley Clifford Northeastern University Will Rittenhouse United States Naval Academy Torrey Coe New York University Elizabeth Robertson Georgetown University Patrick Collins Johns Hopkins University Olivia Rodrigues Wesleyan University Will Conway Pomona College Noa Roedy The George Washington Kate Daly McGill University University Jacque Davis Bard College Berlin, Miranda Roman Columbia University a Liberal Arts College Paul Rozenbroek University of Exeter Cole DeClaris University of Miami Alexandre Ruimy University of Pennsylvania Katie Dillon Fordham University Paul Ryan Cornell University Sarah Dolan Trinity College Ella Sammons Parsons The New School Jack Douglas Fordham University for Design Omar Elmasry University of Chicago Dhruv Sarup University of Warwick James Fallin Wake Forest University Clayton Sasaki Cornell University Alexandra Floe Rhodes College Colin Sears Cornell University Sam Fossum Johns Hopkins University Isaac Semaya Brown University Laura Galligan Boston College Ananya Sethi University of Pennsylvania Chloe Gardner Northwestern University Sabrina Sigismondi University of Harry Gray Amherst College Southern California Zach Griffin Cornell University Victor Simpson University of Maryland, Jessica Haghani University of Pennsylvania College Park Riley Henderson Cornell University Peter Skow Dartmouth College Charlie Hennessy Pitzer College Hamish Stephenson University of Warwick Joseph Hennessy New York University Emily Stuart Rutgers University-New Erik Hess University of Miami Brunswick Abhishek Hinduja New York University Sky Swanson Northwestern University Hayley Hogg Northland College Will Thompson Whitman College Adam Isaacs University of Exeter Chrissie Timbers Vanderbilt University Abby Jacoba Colorado State University Caroline Tisdale Yale University Becca Jones University of Matthew Tucker Emory University Southern California Jonathan Udow Columbia University To view full coverage of the ceremony, Sixten Jordan University of Colorado Elias Vere Nicoll Yale University visit www.asl.org/commencement at Boulder Harley Williamson University of California, Berkeley To learn more about Lee Woodruff, Aamir Jumani Occidental College Charlotte Woodhams Davidson College visit www.leewoodruff.com; to read about Inbal Kadim Emerson College Hyun-Ji Yang Washington University in Issy Kelly Claremont McKenna College St. Louis the work of the Bob Woodruff Foundation, Aaron Kelly-Penso Wesleyan University Lena Youness Georgetown University visit www.bobwoodrufffoundation.org. Katie Kennedy Princeton University Elena Zeigler Vassar College

14 The American School in London Accents Fall ’14 15 1 & 2 Global Festival 2014: One World News 3 Cruikshank Award winners, Julie Carlin-Sasaki and Maria Driano 4 4 2013–14 Annual Fund chairs, News Eileen and Liad Meidar Drum 1 roll, please!

Thank you one and all for your budget on a yearly basis as tuition 3 generous contribution to the 2013–14 revenue alone does not cover the Annual Fund! A wonderfully successful cost of educating each student. parent volunteer effort led by our Your donation helps to cover costs chairs, Eileen and Liad Meidar associated with running a strong (P ’23 ’26), our 2013–14 Annual Fund academic program—from outdoor and raised £1,747,023 in support of cultural opportunities for our students ASL’s operating budget, which in turn to faculty professional development— benefits every student and all that and we thank you for ensuring that we do on campus each day. ASL continues to provide the resources A warm round of applause to our that make this extraordinary experience donors—trustees, parents, alumni, possible for our children. parents of alumni, grandparents, As the new 2014–15 school year and our faculty and staff—whose is now underway, our Annual Fund is participation in ASL’s top fundraising off and running and we hope we And the Cruikshank Award effort made it a true success. can count on your participation and goes to… And special thanks to our 2013–14 support. You are welcome to make …Julie Carlin-Sasaki P ’12 ’14 and Annual Fund parent volunteers and your gift in USD ($) or in GBP (£). Maria Driano P ’14 ’18! The prestigious alumni class agents with their Please visit our newly designed Harold T. Cruikshank Award is presented dedicated time and tremendous website and make your online gift by the Board of Trustees to acknowledge efforts in reaching out to parents today, www.asl.org/giving. extraordinary service and contribution and alumni to help increase overall Go, Team ASL! to the American School in London. participation—from 50 percent in Board Vice Chair David Novak 2012–13 to 59 percent in 2013–14 P ’18 ’20 presented the award to the for parents, and a nice boost from worthy recipients at this year’s Trustees’ alumni, as well! Reception for faculty and staff at Annual Fund contributions provide the Museum of London on Friday, 5 percent toward ASL’s operating 12 September. Maria Driano is a former PCA president Global Festival 2014: miser wot lentils, Dutch poffertjes and who volunteers in so many ways to 2 a celebration of nations English Bakewell tarts. In the Commons serve our community. Maria’s involvement The mission of the Learning and cultures at ASL! and Blue Gym, families enjoyed traditional in school activities includes community Institute at ASL is to inspire The 2014 PCA-ICC Global Festival on games and had an opportunity to try on service, supporting the Annual Fund, excellence in teaching and learning Sunday, 16 March, saw more than 1,800 kimonos, dirndls and ottoman dresses, serving as a room and a team parent, through innovative, research-based members of the ASL community gather and have hands decorated with henna. acting as PCA auction co-chair, and professional development opportuni- on campus for our biennial tradition of More than 54 nations were represented organizing ISSTs. ties for educators world-wide. international food, entertainment, and kids of all ages proudly displayed Julie Carlin-Sasaki spearheaded the activities and games! their heritages with a flag or two painted 2012 Global Festival and served on Save the date... This year’s theme was One World on their faces. Everyone danced along the PCA board as VP for the International Next summer’s Institute: and brought together all the international to the wonderful entertainment—salsa, Community Committee. Julie was a key 15–18 June 2015 communities united within ASL. A African music, Taiko drumming, a jazz player in the Welcome Family Program, Previous course offerings include wonderful opening ceremony took place band and a bagpiper. The biennial Global and a strong supporter of the robotics The Institute, in its sixth year, goes “Creating a Culture of Thinking” with in the School Center and showcased Festival is a marvelous tradition and a program at ASL. from strength to strength in providing Ron Ritchhart, and “Pedagogy and more than 100 children dressed in great way to share our cultures at ASL! Previous Cruikshank award winners world-class professional learning Approaches to Teaching and Learning costumes from their native lands, holding include Paul Morton (ASL 1963–97), opportunities for educators in the in a Technology-Enriched Environment” flags, while singing “It’s a Small World.” former middle school teacher with a heart of London. Hosted by ASL, with Jeff Utecht. The Farmer Family Gymnasium was perfect attendance record in a 34-year our courses are handpicked to reflect filled with lively chatter, world music and career at ASL, and David Newkirk the most current educational trends Visit www.asl.org/LI for more food from every continent—Australian P ’05 ’12, a major force in integrating and research. information! lamingtons, Turkish lahmacun, Ethiopian technology into the all-school curriculum.

16 The American School in London Accents Fall ’14 17 1 Larry Richter Capital campaign news 1 2 Ivan Gazidis 3 David Abrams 4 Thomas Sheehan Trustee 5 AMIS festival at ASL, Coreen R. Hester with news Dick and Georgia Bassett

We are delighted to announce the A transformational appointment of four new trustees: David Abrams P ’14 ’16 ’18, Keep in Ivan Gazidis P ’15 ’17, Larry Richter P ’16 ’18 and Thomas Sheehan P ’16 ’19 ’23. David brings to the Board touch! moment for ASL a great deal of professional fundraising expertise and is leading the effort on Connect with friends, classmates corporate solicitations. Ivan was born in 2 and the ASL community online: South Africa and educated in the UK; Facebook: facebook.com/ It’s all change at One Waverley Place as his international perspective and valuable americanschoolinlondon non-profit experience benefit the work of Twitter: twitter.com/aslnews we embark on New Frontiers for ASL. our trustees. Larry’s extensive experience LinkedIn: http://tinyurl.com/ from his many international postings linkedinasl is a welcome addition to the Board. The twin goals of our capital campaign are Thomas brings financial expertise and Stay updated with life at valuable board experience to ASL. One Waverley Place, from service- to grow our endowment for student financial learning activities and athletics Visit asl.org > About > Board of Trustees, news updates to the latest from to read about the work of the ASL Board the student editors at the Standard, assistance and build state-of-the-art and biographies of all members. asl.org/socialmedia facilities to ensure all students receive 3 4 an outstanding education.

AMIS returns to ASL international schools while still teaching. 5 On Saturday, 22 March, ASL hosted the They left ASL to set up AMIS, and over Association for Music in International the years, they have increased its scope School’s Honor Band and Mixed Choir and reputation. This year, however, Festival. Due to the overwhelming size the Bassetts are taking a step back and of this year’s event—more than 700 passing on the reins to our very own people attended, with 200 students Keith Montgomery (ASL 2001–2014), from 46 schools around the globe who left the classroom in order to take having auditioned for the highly prestigious over at the helm of the organization places—two concerts were needed. this fall. It was felicitous in so many ways to Congratulations to all the performers, have this year’s festival at ASL, as this musicians and conductors on a is where it all began 39 years ago with spectacular concert! ■ two ASL teachers, Richard and Georgia Bassett (pictured with Head of School Coreen R. Hester). The Bassetts (Dick, ASL 1974–96; Georgia, ASL 1974–95) began organizing festivals for

18 The American School in London 19 Capital campaign news 26,500 Additional sq ft for the Art and Fitness buildings represents a 13% increase in ASL’s floor space 22M Campaign goal 14,000 Square foot Aquatic & Fitness Center

1,350 What our teachers have to say… Thank you ASL students 350 “For the first time ever, ASL will have its very own pool. This will have a profound impact on the School as a whole. Specifically with athletics, our athletes will be Faculty and staff able to train before and after school, right here on campus in our six-lane pool. This will save a great deal on rental costs, and it will allow us to host swim 125 meets. Everyone is incredibly excited.” — JOHN FARMER JR. ’97, DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS Volunteers ROWING our endowment for student financial assistance will help us “Both faculty and students are looking forward to the new Arts Building, achieve greater diversity, 64 particularly for the increase of natural light in the studios and the addition of Gwhich is a component of educational a beautiful purpose-built gallery space to display student work.” excellence. Students learn and grow Years since ASL was founded from people with differing views of — JENNY THOMAS, MS/HS VISUAL ARTS the world. We are committed to making ASL more socioeconomically diverse by attracting talented students, 8 “New facilities to go along with the Next Generation of Science Standards (NGSS) regardless of their financial situation. will mean that our students have the opportunity to study science as scientists Renovated science labs We are also committed to an outstanding do! Bigger and better labs will allow us to do more project-based learning, educational program, which in turn engage in creative design and engineering challenges, and use science to solve requires additional space and excellent real-world problems.” facilities. By building a Community Arts 6 Building on the corner of Grove End Road — JANET BRADSHAW, MS SCIENCE DEPARTMENT HEAD and Waverley Place, we add top-flight Lanes in our brand new 25-meter visual arts facilities as well as create swimming pool the space we need in our current building “Having a swimming pool will enable us to add aquatics to our existing which builds on the foresight and The Cat 2 lorries that shift earth for 21st century science classrooms, PE curriculum to bring us into line with international curriculum standards. generosity of prior generations. As we from the site are permitted to travel with dramatically enhancing our art, science Opportunities for extracurricular clubs will be huge, not just in competitive swim envision the future—the New Frontiers loads of more than 38 tonnes and technology programs. Digging below 4 training but with all sorts of fun activities for every member of ASL community.” that ASL students will face—we thank the Waverley playground to add an Aquatic The crane on site is a Comedil, manufac- you for your participation and support. Four-story Community Arts Building & Fitness Center enables us to offer all tured in 2006. Its mast height is 23.8m — KATE NEWNS, K–12 PE DEPARTMENT HEAD To learn more about New Frontiers, five strands of physical education and, (78ft) and the jib length is 40m (131ft) please visit www.asl.org/newfrontiers most importantly, will give us the flexibility Arsenal FC is the most popular club in our schedule to make our students’ “In short, the new Arts Building will allow us to give students a range of new Facts from the building contractors! among the contractors on site Priceless academic experience the best it can be. art-related experiences we’ve not been able to offer so extensively before, while Clipper Fairtrade tea is the builders’ These building projects unlock the Estwing hammers are the favored Endowment growth to sustain a dynamic, also creating a venue for our entire community to come together to celebrate drink of choice potential of ASL, allowing for key hammers of our carpenters. The Estwing diverse and inclusive community student artwork.” intellectual development and growth. The builders get their breakfast baguettes hammer is made in the USA! We hope you will join us in this from one of London’s famous cabmen’s — ERIK NIEMI, VISUAL ARTS DEPARTMENT HEAD ■ transformational moment for our School, shelters, on Wellington Place

20 The American School in London Accents Fall ’14 21 History Canons Park: The fulfillment of an ASL dream 20 years on

S ASL marks 20 years of added, “At long last, we can have celebration to officially open the fields Canons Park, Alice Iacuessa home games!” took place on Saturday, 30 April 1994, (ASL 1979–2000) and Being situated in London, the organized in true ASL style by a group of Cathy Adams (ASL 1974– School was incredibly lucky to find such dedicated parents. Local residents were A2005) asked a host of ASLers past a large expanse of green in a location also invited, including fields neighbor and present to cast their minds accessible in less than half an hour, Jack Packer, who opined, “In the 35 years back to recall the history of the served by the Jubilee underground line. I’ve lived here, we’ve never seen such a school’s playing fields at Canons Park. Captain of the 1994 girls soccer team happy occasion!” This year marks the 20th anniversary Kristen Deaton ’94 approved of the At the time of purchase the fields were of the school’s purchase of Canons Park purchase. “It’s great having home fields owned by the Parochial Foundation of playing fields on Honeypot Lane, and being able to host tournaments,” the Church of England and ASL was given Stanmore. For many years, the absence she declared in 1994. a 250-year lease. The land was overgrown of outdoor athletics facilities at ASL had The School took possession of the and neglected and a combine harvester presented a significant problem for the 21-acre site in January 1994, an had to be hired to cut the grass. Stanmore School. At the time, our fifth head of acquisition made possible by donations Tennis Club continued to use the fields school, Judith Glickman (ASL 1992–98), and pledges from ASL parents, alumni, for a year after ASL took ownership, which gives our students an opportunity changing rooms, a physio room, offices commented, “We have been at the mercy friends and corporations, and overseen and Watford Football Club approached to learn in a way that is qualitatively and storage areas. In celebration, an of rents, schedules and usage rules of by then board chair John Farmer (P ’91 Alf Buksh (ASL 1994–2010), who different from their classroom experience. ice-cream social was enjoyed by the local parks…I am immensely pleased that ’94 ’97), and director of institutional refereed Watford’s games, to ask to use Lower school students visit the garden community in October that year, along we have acquired such a superb facility.” advancement Don Kirkwood (ASL the fields for training sessions during for a full day six times during the school with a quiz night for faculty and staff the Erstwhile athletics director John Lockwood 1992–94; P ’96 ’08). A fun-filled day of the week. Watford stayed for five years, year. Environmental Education Teacher previous month. and was elevated to the Premier League Lee Phifer (ASL 1992–present) Canons Park is also used during the during this period. has led the project since its inception. summer for a significant part of the ASL Back in the present day, Athletic Writing in 2008, Lee expressed, Summer Program, organized for many Assistant Doreen Murphy (ASL 1988– “Every day, students make discoveries years by Trevor Jones (ASL mid–80s– present), who attended the celebration as nature opens up a new world to them. present) and his team and, until his in 1994, observes, “Over the years Visiting the same place repeatedly gives retirement this year, Bob Carter (ASL there have been massive changes at them a chance to compare, to hone 1969–2014). Canons Park. The grounds now have their connections with nature and its Remembering Canons in the early days, four 11-a-side soccer fields, three components…Nature is a great teacher.” Ollie Weiner ’96 describes the rather 8-a-side soccer fields, two rugby fields, The pavilion received a complete neglected facilities, “The fields held great two permanent baseball fields and one refurbishment thanks to the PCA in 2011, promise, but the locker room looked like it permanent softball field.” which also brought improvements to the had been frozen in time, years previously. To broaden the program for our play and study spaces. The facility now Dirt and dust were everywhere. Thankfully, youngest students, 2005 saw the launch benefits from a bright and airy function my mind has blocked any memory of the of the lower school environmental project, room, a modern kitchen, improved shower area!”

22 The American School in London Accents Fall ’14 23 “ There is buried treasure at History Canons Park. Before ISSTs, the girls buried personal mementos at the fields. If the team won, they were dug up; if the team lost, they stayed in the ground forever. One year, the team buried a stuffed kangaroo. The team won the ISST championship and the girls were more interested in digging up the kangaroo than getting medals!”

Mark Dodson ’98 has memories of didn’t win any medals, but, according to According to Mark Dodson, the both Alf and Bob as kind gentlemen, who Ollie, it finally had a home at Canons Park. purchase of Canons Park gave ASL took a lot of pride in their work. He goes The softball team was another group athletes a home and allowed the teams on to recall an incident involving Bob and to use the fields in the early days, but not to forge identities. Home games no longer Trevor Jones in the late 90s. “Bob was just for practicing softball. As Coach felt like away games, since they were particularly proud of the grounds. Trevor Keith Bing (ASL 1981–2003) recounts, played at our own fields, rather than at was overseeing the Summer Program “There is buried treasure at Canons Park. Paddington Rec. or Regent’s Park. and was boasting to the students at Before ISSTs, the girls buried personal Mark doesn’t know if it was the bus ride, lunch about his golf skills. The students mementos at the fields. If the team won, the tube journey or changing in a home challenged him to prove it, and everyone they were dug up; if the team lost, they locker room, but there was more team went outside to watch Trevor hit golf balls. stayed in the ground forever. One year, the bonding than in years past. In fact, during What they didn’t see, however, was that team buried a stuffed kangaroo. The team his senior year his team’s mantra was Bob had cordoned off a section of the won the ISST championship and the girls “team camaraderie,” which had a chant main soccer field next to the clubhouse were more interested in digging up the and a lot of jumping, but he prefers to because he had just reseeded it. Trevor kangaroo than getting medals!” keep this memory to himself. ■ Doreen Murphy recalls the state of proceeded to hit balls one after the other, The team always stopped to get candy It seems the softball team also loved the grounds, “The field was a marshland taking huge divots with each swing! on the way home, much to the dismay of to play pranks. Coach Bing elaborates, and had to be drained two or three times. Bob was all the way across the park at Coach Dave Noble (ASL 1971–1998)!” “One year, the prank was on the varsity The baseball team was the first to use the time. When he saw what Trevor was ASL enjoying home facilities ultimately boys baseball team. Just before the Canons Park, but we had trouble getting doing with his beloved turf, he sprinted won over the students. Ollie Weiner boys departed for their ISST, the softball red sand to build the diamond. And the across from the far corner, yelling madly remembers that pre Canons Park, the girls painted the boys’ catching gear gates had to be widened to accommodate all the way. He may have been red faced rugby team practiced at Primrose Hill and batting helmets pink, and included the athletes’ buses.” It’s reported that from running and screaming, but the or Regent’s Park, “Both of which flowers and slogans.” Keith recalls neighbors became annoyed because students were impressed with his pace!” were horrible. Even the flattest part of that the baseball team finished second balls kept going into their gardens. Mark also has memories of Alf having Primrose Hill felt like the bottom of in the ISST, above projections, so the John Lockwood had to make peace. to put up with the Dodson family dog, Kilimanjaro, with concrete sidewalks pink and flowers helped the boys. But progress began and Bob James Quincy. On more than one occasion, running through it, but the camaraderie The softball team also hosted a mock (ASL 1994–2006) was hired as referee Alf had to stop a soccer game was there.” It was, he says, a unique wedding for Keith and wife Sharon groundsman that first summer and because Quincy had arrived late and group of boys, coached by a man who (ASL 1994–2003) at Canons Park prior moved into the house at the fields with bounded onto the pitch to greet him. drove a convertible and carried an to their official ceremony. his family. Alf Buksh was also hired Nicole Ceccacci ’97, a member of the acoustic guitar—Trevor Jones. The athletes and coaches who used as custodian. While Bob lovingly nurtured girls soccer team, recalls the commute, In 1996, ASL hosted its first ISST at Canons Park in the mid 90s could not the turf, Alf oversaw the running of which seemed quite a way to students Canons Park—rugby. Doreen Murphy have imagined the 21st-century facility Canons by scheduling events, hiring living in central London. “At first the girls recalls that the kitchen facilities were we enjoy today, but they did embrace referees, maintaining uniforms, and dreaded the trip, but in the end it gave not yet finished, so the nearby Busy Bee the fields as home and started to create working with the Booster Club. them more time to laugh, joke and chat. Café served the referees. The ASL team ASL memories.

24 The American School in London Accents Fall ’14 25 1 Dan Hughes, left, with Ben Barton and Feature Omar Chehabi on the varsity boys soccer team in fall 2007

a selflessness that, as players, we tried to emulate. He wanted us to have an appreciation for what we had and to learn from every experience, while at the same time, have fun and not take anything too seriously. I went on to play division three soccer at Hamilton College, and Coach Chodl wanted that for me as much as I did. In fact, all my ASL coaches championed me. Andy Patros (ASL 2000–present) coached me in soccer my junior and senior years; he’s a great friend and a great coach. Terry Gladis (ASL 1998– present) was my baseball coach who helped me stay focused on the right things, in baseball and in the classroom. Terry made me a better ball player and a better writer. After playing soccer and majoring in economics at Hamilton, I moved to New York for a stockbroker job on Wall Street. Finance wasn’t for me, however, and I subsequently landed at a tech start-up to PON his retirement 1 do sales. It was a great gig, but I wasn’t from ASL in June, Coach fulfilled. While working for the start-up, Bob Carter (ASL 1969–2014) I ran into Stuart Fern (ASL 2007–12), remarked, “I hope that at who was finishing his second year of Uleast some of my soccer students coaching at Avenues, a brand new school learned something.” The outpour of in Manhattan. We caught up and then well-wishes and gratitude from his went our separate ways, but I ended up ex-players in response confirmed that running into him again a week later. When Bob leaves a legacy of extraordinary our paths crossed a third time, I thought teaching and coaching to generations it must mean something and asked if he of ASL athletes. “Thank you for giving had any leads about part-time coaching a young man guidance and memories Dan Hughes ’08 positions. As it turned out, the Avenues that will continue to last a lifetime,” Associate Teacher, Avenues middle school boys’ soccer team was wrote Peter Menzies ’72. Patty Danver New York, NY down an assistant coach, and I jumped ’76 said of Bob, “The finest teacher, “My older brother played basketball at on it. Eventually, my commitments at colleague and friend.” Thanks to the ASL, so I felt very much a part of the Avenues started to expand: chaperoning leadership of Bob and numerous program even before I was in high school. field trips, teaching PE, coaching others, the ASL athletics program After playing JV my freshman year, Joe intramural soccer. I’m now pursuing a has generated some of the most Chodl (ASL 2001–14) pulled me up to master’s in education while teaching first formative experiences for our alumni. varsity when I was a sophomore. He took grade and coaching high school basket- Here, past Eagles weigh in on the a vested interest in making me a better ball. I’m happy to be here every single coaches who made them champions— player. For Dr. Chodl, it was always about day. As a coach, I hope to establish a and so much more. developing talent: as a student, as an good relationship with the players just athlete and as a young man. This was like I had with my coaches at ASL. Being his mindset, to work hard in everything on a team is a highly intensive learning you do. I still have our basketball experience. You’re given exposure to playbook and look through it to this day. failure, teamwork and commitment that It’s not just about plays; the book you might not have if you’re only includes content about how to behave participating in group projects once a as student athletes and how to represent month. You learn to cope, to work with our school. I respect that. If you swore others, to manage your time. These in the gym, Coach Chodl would make you lessons can inform the rest of your life. run or sit you out. There was a pervasive Joe Chodl recently moved to New Jersey feeling that you didn’t yell at another for his new job as an upper school teammate or bring anyone down. Off the principal. We’ve been talking about court, he always had his office door open. meeting up so he can share some of As a coach and a mentor, he embodied his secrets for coaching success.” 26 The American School in London Accents Fall ’14 27 1 Polly Farmer played on ASL’s first girls Feature 1 “ My two years at ASL, varsity soccer team 2 Jeff Reynolds visited ASL in summer 2014 1975 to 1977, were the best two school years of my life. From the teachers, administrators and coaches to the experiences of

Polly (Farmer) Pringle ’91 coaching and helped me realize that Middle School Principal, visiting different countries, I wanted to follow in their footsteps and Ambrit International School pursue PE and coaching as a profession. Rome, Italy the School encompasses After graduating from Santa Clara “I arrived at ASL in September 1988. University, California, I went on to earn It was the polar opposite of my suburban my teaching credential from San Jose high school in Northern California. I was everything you want your State University and have been working used to open space, soccer fields and at Sacred Heart Schools, Atherton (SHS) tennis courts right there on campus. child to experience.” since 1982. Thirty-three years in the ASL struck me as compact and vertical same job speaks for itself. Bob and because of its towers, and at the time, — JEFF REYNOLDS ’77 Chuck led me to my career. As a student most student athletes were using athlete, their attitude, organization and facilities at Paddington, Regent’s Park style stood out to me. They stressed and Primrose Hill. But still, the school academics as well as sports and made was buzzing in a way my previous sure we were making the right decisions. school wasn’t. Rubbing elbows with My experience as a student athlete They got involved in our lives. One of the 2 people from all over the world, helped me to find inner strength and important lessons that Coach Carter in London, created palpable positivity resilience I didn’t know I had. There’s no and Coach Dodson instilled in us was and excitement. curriculum for that. In my nine seasons the importance of being humble. My Because there wasn’t a girls’ soccer at ASL, I learned how to condition my teammates and I were talented, and we team to compete on that first fall season, strengths, acknowledge my weaknesses gave 100 percent, but we knew better I played volleyball instead under and develop strategies to work on both. than to do anything to show up our Ed Ladd ASL (1983–1990). I had never This self-assessment and reflection opponents. We were taught that success played before, but the girls were really helped shape my career in education comes with both hard work and humility. welcoming to me, and we went on to win as a teacher, mentor, homeroom advisor The starting group wasn’t better than the ISSTs in Brussels. But it wasn’t until and now principal. I also spent several group sitting on the bench. Everyone felt basketball season, when Mr. Ladd was years coaching middle school and a part of the team, and everyone felt they once again my coach, that everything varsity sports, including basketball, could contribute to it. started to click for me. That was a volleyball and soccer. I had such great I’ve coached all our sports at SHS: defining experience. Our team bonded ASL coaching models and memories basketball, football, soccer and baseball. during constant travel to other schools to draw from: Mr. Ladd, Dave Noble Jeff Reynolds ’77 Over my long career, I endeavor to keep in the DODDS (Department of Defense (ASL 1971–98) and Keith Bing Boys’ Lower/Middle School Athletics perspective and remember what my Dependent Schools) League. Basketball (ASL 1981–2003), and I took the best Director, Sacred Heart Schools coaches taught me: athletics has to be was intense and the expectations of what they gave me. I still remember Atherton, CA fun as well as hard work. It’s important were very high; we were taught to work losing the soccer finals my junior year, “My two years at ASL, 1975 to 1977, to be able to take the pressure off, to harder than we thought we could. It was the first year girls soccer became an were the best two school years of my life. keep things light hearted, especially in eye-opening, that commitment to ASL sport. It was a heartbreaking From the teachers, administrators and this day and age when kids are being perseverance. Mr. Ladd knew what defeat because we were the better team. coaches to the experiences of visiting pushed too hard. I keep hold of my ASL his players were capable of before they Mr. Noble sat us down and told us, different countries, the School encom- athletic roots. I couldn’t be prouder to did, so they really strived to meet his ‘Look, sometimes that’s the way things passes everything you want your child be an alumnus.” expectations. He pushed you to be go.’ He was right, of course. We came to experience. I competed on three your best, but like a good parent, it was back next year and won ISSTs because ISST championship teams during my because he believed in you. I had we remembered the previous year’s ASL tenure—volleyball, basketball and experienced other coaches who coached defeat. All of my coaches gave their track. These sports fostered fantastic in addition to their teaching, but with athletes a form of independence that relationships and friendships among Mr. Ladd, he considered coaching allowed them to explore who they were. teammates and coaches alike. It was like basketball as much as his job as teaching But if you weren’t doing your best, one big family. At the time, Bob Carter English. They were of equal importance, they gave you a gentle nudge to do better. (ASL 1969–2014) was athletic director as were the lessons learned. All of our I appreciate, looking back, that they and Chuck Dodson (ASL 1973–2001) hard work paid off too, because we won were watching and that they knew. This was a varsity basketball coach. Those two the basketball ISSTs that year. informed my own coaching.” men gave me a solid understanding of

28 The American School in London Accents Fall ’14 29 1 Christine Zoffinger Feature 2 2 Christine, seated center, on , we came across a the varsity cheerleading Accents squad in 1989 While researching this issue of 3 Doug Gilbert spent years letter from Frank O’Hara ’74 who recalls his days of middle school coaching students after rugby with John Lockwood (ASL 1967–2007) in the late 60s. his student athlete “Newly arrived in London and at ASL in 1968, I was one of the lucky experience at ASL ones who, in Bob Carter’s words, ‘had John as a PE teacher’ and coach. (I also had Bob, as well as the late Eddie Hufford, but that’s for another letter.) Mr. Lockwood, who looked like he was chiseled from granite, moved gracefully and mastered the sporting techniques. I can still see him instructing us in proper corner kick fundamentals on one of the pitches in Regent’s Park behind York Gate. “And I’ll never forget one Monday PE class conducted in his usual no-nonsense manner, his words sporadically punctuated by a whistling sound. We eventually discovered a gap where several front teeth had Back in New Jersey, I was a competitive 3 been knocked out during his Saracens rugby match at the weekend (Mind cheerleader. My high school had one of the Gap?) Surely a bunch of 7th graders, already most impressed that he the leading cheerleading programs in the was a top-class rugby player, couldn’t treat that as any ordinary Monday! US, and when I made varsity my freshman True to form, John was modest about his rugby success, and barely year, we placed fifth nationwide at a mentioned it in my three years at ASL. competition in Florida. ASL had no “Our family returned to the States in 1971, and no PE teacher or cheerleading program when I arrived in coach thereafter even came close to John Lockwood.” 1988, and I was not thrilled. I had been dancing my whole life, so I persuaded my Frank’s teammate, Tom Turnbull ’74, writes about his recollections mother to start a cheerleading program of the late Eddie Hufford (ASL 1967–2003) as coach and mentor. at ASL. It was her first foray into coaching, “I met Mr. Hufford in 1966, when ASL was still at York Gate, and I was and she had no background in dance, in the 5th grade. Most of my contact with him was in gym class and but she felt guilty for pulling me away after-school sports, although he seemed to be everywhere. My six years from such a strong squad at my previous in London were full of interactions with him at York Gate, at the Working school. Together we brought our high Men’s College, and at the new school on Loudoun Road. I always liked school coach over to London to work with Doug Gilbert ’94 him, felt safe in his company, and admired his personality and sense me and seven other girls. We had so Social Science and World History of humor. My fellow athletes and I even had a song about him (all good much fun. That same coach took a job at Teacher, Canyon Crest Academy natured). He was a definite positive influence on my life, and was part Rutgers University, and convinced me to San Diego, CA of what I consider to be the ‘holy trinity’ of ASL athletics back then, apply there and try out for their dance “When I moved to London from along with John Lockwood and Bob Carter. Not many days go by even now, team. So I followed his advice and joined Huntington Beach, California in 1991, nearly 50 years later, when I do not think of these three men with great the Rutgers dance team when I graduated I ended up sneaking into ASL’s gym to affection. As a young man, I always had the impression that they all from ASL. Five years later, I was hired shoot baskets even before I was officially worked together well and enjoyed each other enormously. A final memory: as the assistant coach. I’m now in my a student. It was summer and the school I recall sitting next to Mr. Hufford on a flight to an international schools 19th year of coaching and oversee the year hadn’t started yet, but even then, competition, when, during take-off, he suddenly grabbed my hand— entire spirit program for the university. without any kids around, I could tell that clasping it firmly until we were safely in the air. He had a genuine terror Rutgers just entered the Big Ten athletic this was going to be an exciting place to of this part of flying; the reasons behind it he explained to me then, conference, and our dance and cheer meet new people and grow as a person. but are long forgotten today. Now that he is gone, how I wish I could sit teams perform at all of the football games. I arrived at ASL as an experienced next to him again, shake his hand, and tell him ‘thank you’ for enhancing It’s really exciting. For me, my favorite athlete and promptly joined the basket- my childhood and love of sportsmanship. He certainly was a steady part of the job is the chance to build ball, volleyball and basketball teams. The presence and friendly face growing up. Thank you, Mr. Hufford. I will relationships with the kids. I gain so teams were competitive, especially always sing your praises!” much from their energy and enthusiasm; basketball, where I had five teammates they keep me young. I try to look at each who were over 6 feet 5 inches. But 1 Christine Zoffinger ’90 athlete as an individual. Some kids can even better than their height was their Playing for Coach Dodson had a coaching throughout my career in Head Coach of Cheerleading be pushed; some kids need building up. camaraderie: I met my three best big impact on me. He took a personal Southern California high schools. For me, and Dance, Rutgers University But I put responsibility on all of them to friends on that team, and we were all interest in his players and had an the best part of high school athletics was New Brunswick, NJ make a commitment and stick it through. in one another’s weddings. Last year, uncanny ability to connect with others. the opportunity to build friendships with “I had lived in the same New Jersey Participation in athletic competition a bunch of us who played together Chuck had high expectations of his players and coaches. Together we made town my whole life when my dad’s job teaches you a different skillset from between 1993 and 1996 got together players and led practices at a high level, incredible memories: I still feel the victory transferred our family to London my academics. On a team, you have to work for a basketball reunion in New York City. but he could still enjoy himself. He shared of winning the championship in Brussels junior year, away from peers I had collectively to achieve a goal—it’s not just We scrimmaged against each other at our enthusiasm for both the game and in 1993 by one point, the last time ASL grown up with since childhood. I wasn’t about yourself. You have to learn to deal Chelsea Piers, and it was amazing that the team. He demonstrated confidence has won the basketball ISST. I love being super excited to go. But after only one with situations that you don’t think are we all performed our formers roles on the in us to make good decisions on and off able to create those types of memories month at ASL, I realized what a great fair. There are times when you hate court, 20 years later. Everyone’s game the court. Chuck stressed hard work for the kids under my care. I am certain school it was, with so many wonderful going to practice and you’re tired and it’s was still about the same, and it was a and staying positive, two things I took that ASL maintains a competitive athletic opportunities. I still remember my stressful, but you’re asked to do your lot of fun. The connection we still feel to coaching in my professional life. program because of the coaches, past Alternatives art trip to Florence. best anyway. These challenges make you for the ASL basketball program and for Life post-ASL brought me to the University and present, who continue to promote Moving to London turned out to be a well-rounded person, and understanding our former coach, Chuck Dodson of San Diego, where I earned my B.A., hard work, being positive and studying one of the greatest things my parents the importance of dedication will serve (ASL 1973–2001), keeps pulling and Stanford, to obtain a master’s in the craft. These should be the ideals of did for me. you well long after your season is over.” us back. education. I’ve been teaching and all student athletes.” ■

30 The American School in London Accents Fall ’14 31 Alumni 1 Lisle Leete and Lauri Semarne 1 4 5 2 Amir Morgan with mother Erika (left) and LS teacher Miss Ackerman, 1974 3 John Di Silvestro 4 Mary and Roger Jones 5 Sally Marlow, Ruth Heuman, Anne Pillion and Janet Champlin 6 Roger Jones sits with his classmates at Grade 9 graduation, 1956 7 Tracey Sanders in the Mellon Library 8 Georgia Bergman

the federal government, and Janet 2 6 retired from the Portsmouth, NH police department as captain of detectives. She continues to work part time for the Bartlett Police Department and also plays her French horn in a local community band. “I got my start in the middle school band at ASL!” she remembers. Janet Class writes, “Ruth Heuman (ASL 1970–2009) was my 7th grade homeroom and math teacher, and Sally Marlow (ASL 1964–1995) was one of my teachers in notes 3 8th grade. My brother Jeff Champlin ’75 also graduated from ASL. ASL gave me a wonderful educational foundation, and Jim Bexfield left his job in the Office the teachers were insightful, creative and ’59 of the Secretary of Defense in 2012 7 8 original. London is still the greatest city Roger Jones and wife Mary visited ASL and now works occasionally as a in the world!” on Friday, 4 April. Roger was one of nine consultant on defense analytical issues. students who was part of the Grade 9 He continues to enjoy bridge and is graduating class of 1956. ASL founding learning how to play squash. headmaster Stephen Eckard (ASL ’80 Susan (Savage) Cavanagh was While dropping her daughter off at 1951–71) and President Harry Truman floored to learn that the Class of 2014’s university, Tracey Sanders paid a visit to presided over his graduation ceremony at commencement exercises were live ASL. The trip brought back fond memories Grosvenor Square. Roger and his family streamed. “When we graduated, the for Tracey. “It was great to see that new arrived in London in March of 1956. His ceremony was held at the (then) new memories are being created for students father worked for Mobil Oil, and his tenure classmate of hers while teaching high American Embassy,” she recalled. “There attending the school now,” she said. finished in July. Their time in London was school math by day. In the late ’90s, she were 19 of us; at least four of us were ’69 ’74 short but memorable. Roger recalls eating Linda Lee shares, “During my junior year Sherrie Deanne Lee created a Facebook moved to Los Angeles, where she lives with named Susan, and all the girls wore white lunch in the basement of the US Embassy at ASL, I played Mrs. Keeney in Eugene group, American School in London Class her husband and 14-year-old son. Lauri dresses. Steven Eckard invited us all and chancing a glimpse of Soviet Union O’Neill’s one-act play Ile, then played of 1974, for her classmates to stay spent a few years performing a solo act in for lunch and the famous strawberries ’81 leader Nikita Khrushchev en route to the the title character in The Madwoman of connected. Contact her for more the comedy clubs before her son was Congratulations to the team of alumni and cream back at 14 Gloucester Gate. nearby Russian Embassy. Roger took Chaillot my senior year. What great information: [email protected] born. Then, in order to stay home with her who were involved in the success of How is it possible that happened 53 basket weaving as a class. For PE, he memories! I’ve had a varied career in little one, she began a job copy-editing Dirty Wars, a thrilling documentary that years ago?” Susan met her husband, and his friends would play touch football in the theater, starting as a professional math textbooks, which she still does. won a prize at the Sundance Film Festival Bob Cavanagh, at ASL in 1959, when she Hyde Park. His family’s apartment had actress, director, costumer, composer, Currently, Lauri is trying to find a niche for in 2013. Co-written and edited by was 14. Bob recently celebrated his 70th divots in the wall from flying shrapnel photographer and teacher, then moving ’77 herself in the current comedy scene. David Riker, who worked on the project birthday at the couple’s cottage in Canada This summer, Jeffrey Reynolds visited during World War II. into management. Currently, I serve as with Brenda Coughlin ’89, one of the with the whole family in attendance. ASL with a colleague from Sacred Heart the Immediate Past President of the film’s producers, Dirty Wars received in Santa Clara. Jeff is the MS athletics American Association of Community sponsorship from Danny Coughlin and director at Sacred Heart, and he hadn’t Theatre, Treasurer of Texans for the Arts, ’78 was met with critical acclaim. been back to London since 1979! Before Steven Yates writes, “I have written a ’61 Treasurer for the Live Theatre League of Georgia Bergman writes, “I haven’t been ’63 stopping by St. John’s Wood, Jeff spent book about my son’s triumph over autism In May, John Di Silvestro stopped by John Ehrlich writes, “I have been retired Tarrant County, and Executive Director in touch with anyone in my ASL class for the morning wandering around Wimbledon. called Getting my First Hug, available on campus when business brought him to from American Airlines for more than 10 of Texas Nonprofit Theatres. Last January, decades, so it’s fascinating to check in He was off to hit the tourist sites in Amazon. If you love someone with special London from Milford, OH. In a follow-up years. My wife, Ann, and I enjoy traveling, I had the joy of directing an alumni show and see where we have landed. I’m in London this weekend before visiting a needs or know someone else who does, email, John wrote, “It is comforting to and I especially enjoy going to Mizzou filled with students from my 15 years Pasadena. I spent most of my time in the friend in Wales. Jeff attended the ’99 consider getting the book. Any profits will know that the ASL ‘recipe’ has been football games!” with the Creative Arts Theatre & School music business, starting in London with reunion in DC and hopes to get to another go to an autism-related charity.” maintained: lots of globally astute, bright (CATS), many of whom are now in their the Beatles and the Stones and moving all-school reunion soon. kids, full of hope and energy.” late 30s to mid 40s. ASL provided the to New York and LA for Warner Brothers launching pad for me, and I will forever In March, Lauri Semarne visited ASL, Lauren (Benson) Todd and her family Records. I’m now writing and working ’67 be grateful for the unique experiences her alma mater for nine years, with her visited London from Huntsville, AL. Lauren with a regional theater company based Linda Austin is delighted to announce ’79 I had in London.” husband, Lisle Leete. Lauri spent the Janet Hadley Champlin and her studied math at Clemson and attributes in Pasadena.” the opening of her art gallery and artist better part of a decade writing and spouse, Anne Pillion, visited ASL over the her Grade 7 math teacher Frank Rudolph co-op in Coronado, CA. Visit the website performing critically acclaimed sketch summer from their home in Intervale, NH. (ASL 1972–2000) with helping her to learn more, www.austinsgallery.com, comedy in New York City with a college Anne is an environmental scientist with recognize her love for the subject. or ‘like’ Linda’s Gallery on Facebook!

32 The American School in London Accents Fall ’14 33 Alumni 1 Neal Coble, Courtney Winfree, Deb Hardy lives in Seattle, WA, where seems our life is dominated by homework 1 2 Bill McCarrick and former math teacher she works as a technical editor for EMC and shuttling kids to and from soccer, Paul Morton Corporation in the Isilon Storage Division. baseball, and other school activities. 2 The Class of 1982 at The Salt House She enjoys making mixed-media art, Occasionally we squeeze in time at the 3 Lauren (Benson) Todd and her family writing, reading, volunteering with beach, a little surfing, or running with 4 Scott Harrison animals, and traveling with her husband our dog Paco. We celebrated this past 5 Norah Vincent and Hilary Berliner of three years, Marc. She has thoroughly Christmas and New Year’s with Lisa’s 6 Leann (Borton) Harvey visits ASL enjoyed reconnecting with many ASL family in Puerto Rico.” Brad planned to classmates online. get out to Colorado this past summer to visit his parents. His sister, Melisa Carla (Rath-Lenaerts) Harris lives in (Nelson) Gaudreau ’83, lives in Windsor, Ontario, with her husband of Sacramento, CA, with her husband, Ed, 22 years and three children, the oldest and two boys, Evan (13) and Will (11). of whom started university this fall. ’ 82 Still with Canada Post after 26 years, Julie (Phillips) Rodriguez has An Independence Day reunion Carla is starting to think about retirement. lived in Allen, TX, for the past seven for the Class of 1982 She likes to craft and read in her years. She serves as PTA president for Fourteen alumni, 9 guests, 3 former spare time and travels whenever and her son’s school and also substitute teachers, 2 pubs, 1 school tour… wherever possible. teaches. Julie is active at her church. all on the 4th of July! Members of Her sixth grade son stays busy with Over the summer, Amy Scanlan the Class of 1982 gathered in Scott Harrison and his wife, Amy, 3 4 martial arts, band, Boy Scouts and stopped by ASL with her husband and London from all corners of the world visited ASL during their vacation in church youth activities. Her husband, two children. The family was visiting to collectively celebrate their 50th London, where they were celebrating Ben, is an executive consultant for a from Denver, CO, where Amy works as birthdays. This much-anticipated their wedding anniversary. Scott snapped Canadian-based firm and travels a doctor and her husband teaches high reunion, organized by “El Capitan” photos of the music room, his old frequently. Writes Julie, “We enjoy school science. Amy credits Ed Ladd Bill McCarrick, provided a chance stomping grounds, and caught up with traveling, especially to Hawaii.” (ASL 1983–90) and Georgia Bassett for classmates to return to campus Christine Rudolph ’85. (ASL 1974–1995) as two of the most and revisit fond memories (as well Ann Skaja works at Target headquarters Classmates Andi Kornfeld, Marnie important influences on her life aside as the old stomping grounds). In as a senior media producer in Semple and Nicola (Hitch) Mueller, from her parents. attendance were George Biancardi, Minneapolis, MN. She has visited ASL along with Mindi (Crank) Stephens ’86 Steven Seligson, Jeffrey DeVore, once since she left in 1983 for TASIS and Lisa (Valdez) Barnett ’85, had a Ted Sickinger, Laura (Levering) Cyprus, from which she graduated. 5 6 reunion weekend in Raleigh, North Athey, Julie Levering ’80, Neal Carolina last January. Writes Andi, Maria Tuomy-Seeds has been working ’87 Coble, Sue Katzen, Katie Butler, Felicia Santelli–Fry stopped by with “We had a fabulous time catching up as a flight attendant for 13 years and Richard Tunnah, Tara Newley ’81, her four daughters on the afternoon of and are planning another weekend in currently flies for Spirit Airlines based Courtney Winfree and Sara Independence Day; her first trip back May. The years melted away, and we in Las Vegas. She graduated with a B.A. Brombart. Several alumni brought to ASL since she graduated! Her family were all reminded why we are all friends in commercial art in 1990 and more along their families and partners moved to London when her father’s job for a lifetime.” recently earned an A.A. in web design in to partake in the revelry. A tour of at IBM transferred him from the Paris 2011. Maria also has a freelance web ASL kicked off the festive weekend. Stacey (Cashen) Mitchel lives near office. An avid basketball and volleyball and graphic design business. She still After marveling at the School Center Dallas, TX, with her husband, Roy. player, Felicia went on to play these keeps in touch with Amal Al Muhanna, and renovated Farmer Family She still teaches fifth grade and loves it. sports at UVa. She and her family now whom she visited last summer. Her Gymnasium, the group made their The sequel to Pocket Porchlights, his Stacey and Roy spend their vacations live in Sunnyvale, CA. three brothers, all ASL graduates, way to the Salt House for a special latest edition aims to help young cross-country motorcycling and took a ’82 live in different cities around the US happy hour. They were joined by Sue Katzen attended the Class of professionals develop “career-centric 4,000-mile journey this summer. In her with families of their own. “I hope former faculty Bob Carter (ASL 1982 reunion in London in July. She has life skills.” free time, Stacey reads, takes photos, everyone is doing well!” she wrote. 1969–2014), Paul Morton (ASL worked in advertising at Cosmopolitan for enjoys boxing and kickboxing and visits ’89 Joe Coleman recently marked his Robert P. Dorr is a director within the 1963–1997) and Tim Watson (ASL the past 11 years and now lives on the her children and granddaughter. Patrick Wictor has lived in Brooklyn, 11th anniversary at JPMorgan Chase in US Department of Homeland Security. 1973–2007). Visiting with these Upper West Side in New York City. She cannot believe it’s been 30 years NY, for the past 14 years. He tours Boulder, CO, and enjoys coaching his He lives in Arlington, VA, with his wife, beloved teachers was the true since graduating from ASL! nationally and internationally as a Tamara (Morrison) McDonald lives in two boys with the Superior Rugby Club. Lisa Fritsch-Dorr, and his two children, highlight of the evening. Following singer-songwriter and most recently has the Seattle area. After teaching high Joe’s not sure they will score as many While going through things at his parents’ Robbie (11) and Sophia (9). a few hours of talking and toasting, been working with a trio, Brother Sun, school for many years, followed by a stint tries as he did back at ASL but thinks house, Amir Morgan was delighted to the Class of 1982 continued which he likens to Crosby, Stills and as a stay-at-home mom, she went back they will get close. come across a photo snapped during his the party at the Holly Bush in Nash. Visit the group’s website to learn to school and became an event planner. ASL lower school days. The picture dates Hampstead. The next day was filled Shaun Dakin has started his own more: www.brothersunmusic.com Tam’s two older kids are grown (a back to December 1974 and features ’91 with sightseeing, capped off with digital strategy marketing firm, Dakin In August, alumnus and current daughter in New York, a son in Seattle), his teacher Miss Ackerman, his mother, a dinner cruise down the Thames. Associates, based in the Washington, DC, parent Brandon Bakshi caught up but she and her husband, a local fire Erika P ’84, and a young Amir standing It was a birthday to remember, for area. The firm is focused on non-profits. with classmate Jordan Newhouse chief, still have a 16-year-old son at home. before a beautiful German gingerbread America and for these energetic ’86 at the Polar Music Prize at the Grand She’d love to hear from any ASLers local Farid Gargour lives in London with his house that Erika created. Former director of capital giving alumni! We are grateful ASL remains Hotel in Stockholm. Earlier in May, to the Seattle area! wife Emilie and two children, Lily (7) and Katherine Precht (ASL 1993–2009; such a significant, unifying part of Chris (Selgas) Muhart lives in Brandon had the opportunity to see Gilbert Victor (3). He works for RAB P ’08 ’15) reported that Hilary Berliner, their story. San Diego with her husband and Libby (Pons) Vine ’91 in Singapore Capital, a small UK fund manager, where her colleague at Friends Seminary School seven-year-old daughter. when he traveled there for Music he helps manage a high-yield bond fund. in New York City, where Katherine is Matters, the Asia Pacific Music Forum. ’84 Farid moved back to London in 1999 after Brad Nelson lives in San Diego, CA, director of development, had dinner with Life coach Scott Abbott has a new 14 years in the US. He is still in touch with his wife, Lisa. They have three Norah Vincent. ASL connections take book out, Level-Up to Professional: Elevate with a few ASLers, including his brothers, children: Daniela (14), Lucas (12) and place all over the world! Your Success at Business, Work and Life. Rajah ’86 and Taher ’88. Carolina (10). Brad writes, “Right now it

34 The American School in London Accents Fall ’14 35 Alumni 1 Kate, Tallullah and Clay Fuller 2 Brandon Bakshi and Jordan Newhouse 1 2 6 11 3 Brian Gotosa and Emily Ebersole 4 Brandon Bakshi and Libby (Pons) Vine 5 Jonathan and Lindsay (Botts) Gruhl 6 ASLers at Isabelle Stransky’s wedding 7 The wedding of Bob Montgomery 8 Rachel Kobrin and family 9 Matthews Banda and Muntasir Sattar in Pakistan 10 Megan and Ryan Au 11 The Brown sisters: Annamarie, Britlese and Bryna 12 Sophia Ann, daughter of Patrick and Charlotte (Jarvis) Mellors 3 12 13 Sandeep Allakki and Vijetha Reddy

Lindsay (Botts) Gruhl visited ASL with 4 7 9 13 ’92 husband Jonathan last February. The Rebecca Prime shares the exciting news couple lives in San Francisco with their that she recently published her first book, children Jasper (4) and Devlin (2). Hollywood Exiles in Europe: The Blacklist and Cold War Film Culture. The book tells the untold story of the American directors, screenwriters and actors who exiled ’97 themselves to Europe as a result of the John Jensen was recently appointed Hollywood blacklist. Rebecca is grateful director of career development and to her former MS teacher Alice Leader associate dean of students at Washington (ASL 1975–2010; P ’98 ’00) and Alice’s and Lee University. performs music full time, often for husband, Zachary, for their support 5 8 10 baby Hatton! and help with her research. In August, Matt McLoughlin married ’98 Suzanne Lynner. The couple lives in Boston. In March, Matthews Banda traveled ’93 to Pakistan to visit Muntasir Sattar. After earning a master’s in urban planning Bob Montgomery got married to Aoife “It was a super time,” he wrote. from UPenn, Cory Zimmerman relocated Meehan on 26 April 2014 in New York Matthews is still living in South Africa, to DC and is working as a college counselor City. His twin, Mike Montgomery, served where he specializes in psychiatry at at Sidwell Friends School. He’s thrilled to as best man. Also present from ASL were the University of Pretoria. be back in the education world. sister of the groom Liz Montgomery ’90, Bryna Brown, Annamarie (Brown) and brothers of the bride Jim Meehan ’86, Kate Reid recently moved to Windham ’99 and Britlese (Brown) Shane Meehan ’87 and Gavan Meehan San Francisco and would love to Thomas ’02 visited ASL with their father, ’90. Other ASL guests included Marty reconnect with other ASLers. ’04 Jim, to celebrate the 20th anniversary Ryan Au and wife Megan visited ASL Cornelius ’86, and 1993 classmates of the family’s move to London. No ASL at this beautiful celebration were during a trip to London in May. Ryan and Tommy Benz, Dale Foss, Ram Salman strangers to the stage, the sisters twin brother Philip, older brother Megan live in New York City and have and Joel Yaffe. reminisced over photos of the productions Tom ’80, sister Oonagh ’85, parents ’99 been married a year. During a tour of the Sandeep Allakki and his wife, ’02 of their school days: from Guys and Dolls Jan and Claude P ’80 ’82 ’85 ’98 ’98, While visiting her family in London, School, they enjoyed catching up with Vijetha Reddy, visited ASL while in to Hamlet, there was sure to be a classmates Kim Krocker, Sarah Roeder, Kate (Manthos) Fuller stopped by Coach Joe Chodl (ASL 2001–2014), London on their vacation. The couple Brown in the cast list. The sisters also and Jackie Saleh, as well as ASL staff ASL with her husband, Clay, and Coach Terry Gladis (ASL 1998–present; ’96 lives in Queens, New York. David Ames and wife Dorilyn are new played basketball at ASL and during their Caitlin Huson (ASL 2010–present), 3-year-old daughter, Tallulah. P ’27) and Derek Fleming (ASL 2000– parents. Mallory Lynn Ames was born on visit the family caught up with Athletics Libby Jones (ASL 2012–present), The family live in Lookout Mountain, GA. present). During his time at ASL, 18 September 2013. Director John Farmer Jr. ’97 (ASL Trish O’Malley (ASL 2007–present) Kate was delighted to catch up with Ryan played basketball, baseball and 2012–present). After returning to and Jodi Warren (ASL 1988–present). Bhupendra Patel (ASL 1998–present), golf. He noticed the biggest difference to Trial lawyer Courtney Ervin was elected ’00 London for graduate school, Bryna now C’était top! Talented thespian Michael Benz returned who made her a special ASL ID badge campus from 2004 was the Commons to partner at Andrews Kurth, a corporate teaches preschool in Seattle. Annamarie to the stage this fall to star as Sebastian in honor of her birthday. Clay recently and cafeteria. Ryan was excited to learn and litigation law firm based in Texas. NYC native David Votano visited ASL in and Britlese both live in Tacoma with in the Sheffield Theatre’s production of retired from the Air Force and is preparing about the New Frontiers projects for She graduated magna cum laude from July. He enjoyed checking out the Gym their husbands, and they each have Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. to start a nonprofit. ASL’s future. the University of Houston Law Center and School Center, and he shared fond three children. in 2005. memories of performing The Wizard of Oz Patrick and Charlotte (Jarvis) Mellors Chris Jamison and his wife, Meg, Emily Ebersole married Brian Michael Isabelle Stransky (ASL 2004–13) in Grade 4. David works for a luxury joyfully welcomed the arrival of their welcomed the arrival of Hatton Thomas Gotosa on 27 September 2013. Emily married Clinton Lander on 2 October fashion retail company. daughter, Sophia Ann, on 20 May 2014. on 24 August. The family lives in Jerome, and Brian, who is a citizen of Zimbabwe, 2014 in Provence, France. Representing Sophia joins big brother Fred! AZ, where Chris writes, records and met on a move-in day of freshman year

36 The American School in London Accents Fall ’14 37 Alumni 1 The Powers family at Henley Regatta 2 The Cregan family 1 3 3 Chris, Meg and Hatton Jamison 4 The Class of 2004 in New York City

at James Madison University. The couple LET US HEAR FROM YOU! lives in Arlington, VA. Make sure we have your up-to-date email and address, and you’ll receive: Thanks to Elaine Harris, members of the Class of 2004 in or around New York London Calling: the alumni e-newsletter City came together to mark their 10 year high school reunion in July. “It was Regional Reception Invitations: events in Boston, San Francisco, New York, wonderful to reconnect!” Elaine shares. London and more The group met up in the West Village, Access to the Online Directory: find classmates and friends coincidentally not too far from Waverley Place (Manhattan)! Those in attendance Send us your details! Email [email protected]. were Sara Frantzen, Kim Pucher, Kika Gilbert, Patton Hindle, Meghan Cross, Elisabeth Schwab, Alejandro Paschalides, Katherine (Rosenthal) Davis, Eddie Beaulac, Alex Robinson, Garroch Neil, Alex Kemmsies, Samir University. In addition to studying, Mishra, Jaclyn Hummel, Tony Pilnik, 2 he will be interning with the premium 4 Ryan Au, Alex Frantzen, Jibu Banerji sales and marketing team of the and Stephen Hughes. Washington Redskins. Want to connect with ASL? Have an update to share? ’05 ’11 In August, the Cregan family visited ASL. After returning from a semester in Contact your Class Agent! Kathleen (Cregan) Aalderink is now Australia, Alice James is in her senior living in Northamptonshire with her year at Wake Forest. Over the summer, Email [email protected] for more information. husband, Bob, and daughter Maggie May, she took a ‘business for non-business which prompted a visit from her parents, majors’ summer program to learn 2014 1998 Linda and William Cregan P ’02 ’03 ’08 the ropes in accounting, economics Ella Sammons, Forth Bagley, ’05, brother Chris ’02, and sister Sophie Ong writes, “After graduating and marketing. [email protected] [email protected] Lindsey ’03. It’s the first time the family from Smith College in 2012 and taking Katie Lelinski is studying at Southwestern 2013 1997 has been back to London since they left last year off, I decided to go back to University outside of Austin, TX. After Deirdre Ely, John Jensen, in 2000. Lindsey is studying for her PhD graduate school. This past fall, I moved ’16 interning at Accenture in Philadelphia In July, Will Powers and his crew team [email protected] [email protected] in clinical psychology at University of to New Jersey and am in the art history over the summer, she is spending her from Brunswick School in Greenwich, Detroit Mercy. William worked for Ford PhD program at Rutgers University.” 2011 1986 fall semester studying in London. CT, competed in Henley Royal Regatta. Motor Company and the family returned to Vivek Jois, Thomas Hayes, After a two-day winning streak, they Ann Arbor after leaving London. Kathleen’s While studying and interning in London [email protected] [email protected] narrowly lost in the quarter-finals. The husband is in the military, and they plan for the summer, Caroline Reid and her experience was a valuable one for all 2010 1964 to be in England for three years. ’09 mother, Elizabeth P ’06 ’11, stopped by At the National Open Art Exhibition of the boys, and the Powers were happy Will Tucker, Charles Scudder, campus for a visit. Caroline just finished Sara Molinaro is finishing her final year Jean-Luc Almond received a Cass Art to bump into Karen and Greg Conway [email protected] [email protected] her junior year at the University of Georgia of law school at City University of New York Prize for his painting, Dripping Man. P ’12 ’14 while at the regatta. and hopes to land a job in interior design 2009 1961 (CUNY). She spent her summer interning Kate James graduated from Wake when she graduates. Barbara Rose P ’16 writes, Michael Molinaro, Jim Bexfield, with the Federal Defenders of New York. Forest and is teaching 5th grade at “We remember fondly our time in [email protected] [email protected] the Brookwood School, located outside London and the wonderful staff at ASL. 2005 of Boston. She’s pursuing a cooperative Wishing you all the best.” Sara Molinaro, internship, which includes graduate ’13 ’07 Over the summer, Deirdre Ely participated [email protected] After training in dance at Juilliard, school at Lesley University. in an intensive Spanish immersion Olivia Ancona has been based in Tel Aviv 2004 Betty Kaye graduated from Camberwell program at Middlebury College, which she since 2010, dancing with the Batsheva ’22 Diana Lazareva, College of Art in 2013. She had a greatly enjoyed. Scott Hitchens P ’22 ’25 writes Dance Company and then with L-E-V. [email protected] role in the film Detachment, starring on behalf of his children, Madi ’22 Over the summer, she performed Faun Adrien Brody. and Drew ’25, “Hello! Sending you 2003 under choreographer Sidi Larbi Cherkaoiu fondest wishes from the USA. We miss A.M. Dupee, at Sadler’s Wells in London. Olivia will ’15 London, ASL and all the teachers, [email protected] soon be moving to Stockholm to join Reid James is a senior at Woodberry staff and students!” the Royal Swedish Ballet. ’10 Forest School outside of Charlottesville, 2000 After graduating from Connecticut VA. He spent the summer in China Emily (Wasley) Seyller, College last May, Will Tucker moved to pursuing a program in Beijing and a [email protected] DC to commence his master’s program home stay in Liuzhou. in sports administration at Georgetown

38 The American School in London Accents Fall ’14 39 1 Andrew Pease Alumni 2 Carolynn Crabtree 3 4 3 Larry Porges Alumni 4 Lizzy Plapinger News

London according to Lizzy Plapinger ’06: 2 Larry Porges ’79 indie music sensation Did you know that the first banana Over the summer, Alumni Director Libby seen in Britain was sold in London on Jones (ASL 2012–present) caught up 10 April 1633? You’ll learn this and other with singer-songwriter (and most exciting compelling quips of trivia when you read of all, ASL alumna!) Lizzy Plapinger ’06, National Geographic London Book of Lists: who has been storming music charts The City’s Best, Worst, Oldest, Greatest, with her soulful voice and vibrant and Quirkiest—co-authored by an ASL multicolored hair. As vocalist of the New alumnus! Larry Porges ’79 spent three York-based pop duo MS MR, she has years as an ASL student when his dad, been heralded as “the Melody Maker” Carolynn Crabtree ’02 a journalist, moved their family across by the New York Times and spent the 1 co-founds Cornerstone the pond from northern New Jersey. past year touring every corner of the Reputation This formative expat experience was life globe, from Tulsa to Moscow. Critics “Observe. Educate. Build.” This is the changing, according to Larry. “I love have compared MS MR to Florence and mantra of Cornerstone Reputation, London,” he enthused. “Living here will The Machine, and a hit single from their the newly launched company of change you forever.” Larry’s stint abroad debut album, “Secondhand Rapture,” Carolynn Crabtree ’02. With a mission influenced him professionally as well as was featured in a trailer for the TV show to teach teens how to use the Internet personally; he has spent the past 15 “Game of Thrones.” Recent gig highlights safely and powerfully, Cornerstone years at National Geographic, where he include the Coachella music festival in Reputation provides services and currently edits travel books. “To work at southern California and the Bonnaroo mentorship to help students prepare Nat Geo and edit books about London… festival in Manchester, Tennessee. But American Idol, American their online reputation for the college In fact, web content is up for grabs to does it get any better than that?” he Minister for Education and Science, the big dream, according to Lizzy, is to School in London alumnus! admissions process. Back when she everyone, including college admissions laughed. London Book of Lists is the first was invited to the dedication ceremony headline at Glastonbury Festival one day. was at ASL, Carolynn and her peers officers. Thus, Carolynn and her time Larry has been on the writing side of of ASL’s new building. But Larry’s best “That’s the end game,” she asserted. Last year, if you called in to vote for didn’t have to worry too much about their Cornerstone team work to educate book publishing, a project he enjoyed ASL memory was when he watched the “What could be better than a three-hour one of the top 13 American Idol virtual selves. “The Internet was where students about how to make smarter immensely. He spent a year researching High School rehearse its production of set full of your singles?” For all of her contestants, you would have heard a I went to email my older siblings at choices online while at the same time, and sourcing material for the book, which Tommy in the Annenberg Theater, a warm talent and rising stardom, Lizzy is a special voice at the other end of the college, stay in touch with friends and empowering them to build a web measures everything from ‘best fish-and- cup of hot cocoa in his hand. “I had self-taught musician. During her 10 years phone: it belonged to Andrew Pease do lots of research for school projects,” presence that enhances their candidacy chip shops’ to ‘actual jobs you can apply just come inside from playing soccer at ASL (“I just missed the Endurance ’97! A resident of Los Angeles, Andrew she recalled. As for texting and tweeting, for college. “The Internet can be a tool for in the Royal household.’ There are on the playground on a crisp, cold day,” Award!”), you were more likely to find works as the CFO of Telescope, an forget it. “My cell phone was the size to show a 3D, creative and interesting 139 lists in total: some historic, some he recounted. “The sun had just set; it her in the gym or an art studio than at audience-interaction company that boosts of a Walkie Talkie!” The evolution of version of yourself,” she enthused. linguistic and all entertaining. Does Larry was perfect.” London Book of Lists choir practice. Even now, she still thinks participation, consumer engagement technology and social media has rapidly Cornerstone brings together experts from have a favorite? He’s partial to the lists went on sale on 4 November in the US. of her AP art teacher, Mrs. Wasley and mobile technology for live television. changed the landscape for students college admissions, online reputation he generated from his memories of living Check it out! (ASL 1975–2008), who prepared her well A toll-free, phone-in vote for your favorite since Carolynn graduated, first from ASL management and high school educators here with his family in the 70s, including for MS MR’s multimedia visual artistry. Idol resulted in hearing a pre-recorded and then from Princeton, where she to support their college admission ‘10 famous albums recorded at Abbey An avid athlete, Lizzy stayed busy with message from Andrew, which thanked majored in art history. Navigating these service, mentoring program and efforts Road Studios.’ “I remember walking past volleyball, field hockey, crew and dance, voters for calling and offers further web tools can be tricky and can often to tackle cyberbullying. “Our goal is to there on my way home to Maida Vale captaining both the dance and field instructions. lead to unwelcome consequences. lay the foundation of healthy teen Internet when Pink Floyd’s ‘Dark Side of the Moon’ hockey teams in her senior year of high “The biggest Internet danger teens face use,” sums up Carolynn. Well said! was being recorded,” he said. Larry also school. But London’s music scene now is their false sense of anonymity,” Want to learn more about Cornerstone vividly recalled sitting near the protesting attracted her from an early age, and it explains Carolynn. “Nothing you post Reputation and how it works? Visit the students who walked out on the late wasn’t uncommon for her to go to several online is impermanent or anonymous.” website, www.cornerstonereputation.com Margaret Thatcher MP when she, as concerts a week. Her passion for indie

40 The American School in London Accents Fall ’14 41 Alumni 1 Tarek Azwai with Rudy Menon's dad, Feature 1 Somnath 2 2 Steve Dwiggins 3 Michael Dwiggins

rock followed her to Vassar College, Meg Bailey (ASL 1990–2014) and to all where in 2008, she and a childhood of her numerous coaches. ASL taught friend founded Neon Gold Records. Lizzy to work hard, a quality that is just as Releasing singles from artists like Gotye important to her music career as it was to Save the and Ellie Goulding, the label eventually her high school course load. Her advice became part of Atlantic Records. for aspiring ASL musicians is to put your dates! While running Neon Gold in New York, music first, and stand by it. “It’s so easy post-college, Lizzy got an email from to be manipulated into something else,” Please join us for an ASL alumni URING a picture-perfect Insurance Company in Los Angeles. In Vassar classmate Max Hershenow. Max she warned. She also encourages those event in 2015! 3 weekend in San Diego last 1977, my wife and I moved to San Luis was waiting tables and attending the starting out to take advantage of 17 December: May, 17 ASL classmates, Obispo, California, where I pursued a Martha Graham Center of Contemporary technology and the internet. “You don’t ASL Homecoming (London) brought together by Charles career in real estate. In 2002, I entered Dance while trying to break into music have to have a music label or access to DScudder ’64, gathered to celebrate the Internet industry, ultimately becoming production, and he wanted to know if she a studio,” Lizzy said. “We spent $500 5 February: Boston their 50th high school reunion. CFO and part owner of a company. My had any leads for new artists with whom making our first record with an old 10 February: San Francisco Representing the Class of 1964, wife and I retired in March 2010 and he might collaborate. Lizzy did: herself. mike and a laptop.” These are humble they brought with them memories spend much of the time traveling and “I had been writing songs but wasn’t beginnings for a pop star who performed 25 April: Connecticut of their Gloucester Gate campus and playing golf at our local country club in ready to go for it,” she recalled. “Max was to a crowd of 20,000 in June. “We take 27 April: New York City headmaster, Stephen Eckard. They Arnold, California. We have two as green as I was, and it felt safe to send it just one step at a time,” she laughed. recalled holding vigil at the US grown children, one in the real estate him my work.” During their initial meet-up Visit MS MR’s website, www.msmrsounds. Visit the alumni events calendar Embassy when President Kennedy industry in San Francisco and one in the in Max’s apartment, the two managed to com, to learn about upcoming tour dates online for more details and was assassinated. They swapped entertainment industry in Los Angeles. record a song in three hours. “We just and news about their next album. updates (www.asl.org/alumni) Vietnam war stories and shared instantly connected,” she summed up. photos of their grandchildren. They Steve Dwiggins Once Lizzy and Max had five songs under Walking in memory of talked of their pursuits in higher I graduated in 1975. Since then I have Like my brother, I attended Whitman their belt, they came up with a band Rudy Menon ’05 education, their service in the CIA, been working as a tax lawyer and am College for a period of time. After a year name and put themselves online, where More than 100 friends, family members their travels and long careers. Some presently of counsel to two firms: Ivins, off for health issues, I earned a B.A. in fan mail from agents and music labels and supporters turned out to London’s came with partners. Some brought Phillips & Barker in Washington, D.C., and history from San Francisco State College started to trickle in. MS MR’s big break South Bank on Sunday, 8 June to join a old scrapbooks and letters. One flew TroyGould in Los Angeles. I have resided (now University). This was the same came when their self-made collage web walk in memory of ASL alumnus Rudy in from China to be in attendance. in Pasadena, California since 1979. I school from which Sunni Anderson video for the single “Hurricane” went viral. Menon ’05. Rudy was an accomplished Over the course of two days that have two grown sons who live in San graduated, although we did not know we “That elevated us from a niche online young man who tragically lost his life last spanned five decades, the Class of Diego. The older is an IT specialist, and were there at the same time. In 1969, buzz band to being everywhere,” explained year to Gliomatosis Cerebri, a rare form of The weather was gloriously sunny as the 1964 picked up where they left off, the younger is a real estate developer. I started working for Pan American World Lizzy. She and Max are currently at brain cancer. Stretching along the Thames group traversed the river bank, smiles some 50 years ago. My outside interests include reading to Airways in Los Angeles, which would turn work on their second album, which from Westminster to Tower Bridges, the beaming and hopes soaring. We extend a children in the Pasadena school system, out to be a 42-year-career in the airline will be released next spring. When asked walk aimed to raise funds and awareness special thank you to the ASL community Clif Cates piano, competitive bridge and skiing. industry. After almost 11 years with about her time at ASL, the 26-year-old for treatment of this disease as well for helping to make Rudy’s walk such an After completing Grade 9 and leaving Pan Am, I was laid off and moved to became animated about her past as to honor Rudy’s remarkable legacy. encouraging and memorable event. To ASL in 1961, I attended Mount Hermon Michael Dwiggins San Luis Obispo, California, to spend the teachers, such as English faculty Participants included Rudy’s brother, learn more about Rudy and how you can School in Massachusetts, graduating After graduating from ASL, I attended next 30 years working for SkyWest Airlines, Mr. Potchatek (ASL 2004–present) and Arjun ’09, his parents, Somnath and help, visit the website created by his in 1964. I earned my B.A. at Yale in Whitman College in Walla Walla, the nation’s largest regional airline. Mr. Ingram (ASL 2002–12). “They taught Vidhu P ’05 ’09, alumnus Tarek Azwai family, www.justgiving.com/ 1968, as did my ASL classmate, Washington, but ultimately received Twenty of those years were spent in me how to share my voice,” she said. ’05, Deepa Mer P ’13, LS Creative Arts RememberingRudyAnirudhMenon ■ Charles Scudder. I then spent four my B.Sc. in 1968 from the University SkyWest’s corporate offices in St. George, “What I learned from them continues to Assistant Teacher Preeti Nalwa P ’09 years as a naval officer, including one of Oregon. I spent four years in the Utah, handling the airline’s corporate inspire my writing as a lyricist now.” She ’14, and advancement team colleagues “in country” (Vietnam), followed by three US Navy and then started my business real estate functions. Upon retirement in is also grateful for the mentorship of Laurie Hindley (ASL 2006–present) years at Harvard Law School, from which career in 1973 at Occidental Life 2013, my wife and I took a 30-day cruise Judy Kisor (ASL 1994–2014) and and Libby Jones (ASL 2012–present).

42 The American School in London Accents Fall ’14 43 1 Chaddie Kruger Cherie Morris Feature 2 John Maybury 3 4 8 I was at ASL for my sophomore year 3 The Class of ’64, junior year of high school, but it was the most 4 Lisa and Richard Weiner memorable of the four. My career Navy 5 Sandy Hunt and Clif Cates father was transferred back to the US, 6 Roxanne Johnson and Dan Sanders 7 Merilee Olson, Sunni Anderson, Cherie and I finished high school in McLean, Morris and Chaddie Kruger Virginia. I attended Salem College in 8 Charles Scudder with Jim McConkie Winston Salem, North Carolina, and 9 The Dwiggins twins finished at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. After majoring in American studies and chemistry, I moved to Atlanta and met my husband, John, within six months. John was working in Atlanta after graduating from Georgia Tech. While many of my ASL classmates were serving their country in the military, 1 5 9 I spent almost 20 years on the front lines of the war on poverty, working for the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service. I served as the regional director for both the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and food stamp program. John’s work took us to Newport Beach, California, in 1985. Today we are retired, working on staying healthy and playing golf. We have a daughter who is COO of Conservation International and a 7-year-old granddaughter.

an M.A. in Latin and teaching Latin and I headed back to the West Coast to David Romano 2 various areas of classical civilization famed party school UC Santa Barbara. 6 I am a Greek and Roman archaeologist for over 30 years at high school and It took all of my ASL-learned discipline who teaches in the School of Anthropology university levels. I resigned two years to withstand UCSB’s surf and beer at the University of Arizona in Tucson. ago and am now doing writing projects. culture, but I eventually found the sweet Previously, I was at the Penn Museum in I have a wonderful, crazy husband, a son spot: a combination of academic social Philadelphia for 37 years where I studied and daughter (now not-so-children-ish!) sciences and practical journalism classical archaeology, eventually working and two beautiful grandsons (8 and 4). (writing and editing for the campus daily in the Mediterranean section of the Thirdly, there are not words to tell you and publishing an off-campus newspaper), museum and teaching at UPENN. I have what it feels like, 50 years later, to be plus a junior year “abroad” as a volunteer been involved in fieldwork in Greece with ASL classmates again. It’s a in Service to America (VISTA) in a poor for much of the past 40 years and am heart-clutching time warp—filled with neighborhood of New York City. After currently co-director and field director memories that seem totally present, and college, I drifted in and out of writing and of the Mt. Lykaion Excavation and Survey the same love for ASL that I had in 1964. editing, gigs with newspapers, magazines, Project, www.lykaionexcavation.org, My ASL group is my family and always newsletters, nonprofits, research firms, in Arcadia at the birthplace of Zeus. will be. I hope the next reunion is soon! labor unions and county government, plus I am also the initiator of the Parrhasian to the South Pacific and continue to enjoy sideline work in limousine chauffeuring 7 Heritage Park of the Peloponnesos, traveling in our RV, visiting family in Roxana (Johnson) Lonergan and Amtrak bartending. Finally, in the www.parrhasianheritagepark.org, the first California, Texas and upstate New York. Post ’64 included college years, work in mid-1980s, I landed a solid full-time large-scale cultural heritage park in Greece. We’ve also been dancing and playing New York City and living in Los Angeles. copyediting job, which morphed into my I have been married for 35 years to bridge while watching our new home In the 70s, I worked on The Waltons and current iteration as a freelance copy Irene Bald Romano (also an archaeologist being built in a retirement community then got married. We moved to New York. editor (see Goofbuster.com). In my spare who works at the University of Arizona) here in St. George. I’m still in good health We had two daughters, a family life in time, I write columns for the Pacifica, and have three daughters, Katy, Lizzie and look forward to many happy years Manhattan and summer stays on the California Tribune and the Sierra Club and Sarah. Katy is married, Lizzie works in retirement. I like to think that, in the North Shore of Massachusetts. The 90s Peninsula Chapter’s Loma Prietan, and I at the School of the Art Institute of 42 years I spent in the airline industry, brought a job for me in NYC and our publish and edit the Pacifica Riptide blog. Chicago, and Sarah lives and works I made a positive contribution to the first child going to college. I eventually The opening of the Tom Lantos Tunnels Tucson. I do travel through London most lives of the traveling public as they visited divorced, left NYC and returned to at Devil’s Slide and the welcome years on my way to Greece and have family, friends and exotic destinations Los Angeles. 2000 brought a high school beginning of social security benefits had the occasion to stop by and see the throughout the world. boyfriend back into my life. 2003 provided have allowed me to move to a new home new American School in London, and a a salaried job in a Santa Monica law in bucolic Moss Beach, California, along few years ago, to have the opportunity to Chaddie Kruger office. 2014 includes that same boyfriend, with my longtime partner Leslie Davidson. give a lecture and attend classes there. Firstly, please email me, chaddiekruger@ same job, a house and a cat. Not bad. We are surrounded by national, state and I consider London to be the most gmail.com! I would love to hear from county parks, ideal for biking and hiking. interesting city in the world and am anyone I knew who wasn’t at the reunion John Maybury We live close to good seafood places in grateful for the one year, 1959–1960, (or was!). I have missed you all for so long! While most of my 20 classmates Princeton Harbor and Half Moon Bay. that I spent at ASL. Visit my website, Secondly, my update: I ended up getting dispersed to the Ivy League in 1964, www.davidgilmanromano.org

44 Accents Fall ’14 45 1 Freshman year, 1960–61 Feature 2 Class of 1964 photo-op in 1 4 San Diego 3 Dan Sanders 4 Sophomores, 1961–62 5 Charles Scudder

3

Pittman). I spent seven years with 5 Winthrop and then took a position in house with Conoco Inc., which soon was taken over by DuPont. As a result, we moved from Connecticut to Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania. After a time at DuPont and a stint with Unisys Corporation as their chief corporate and securities lawyer, Dan Sanders I spent a number of years in Cincinnati After ASL, I went to Stephen Eckard’s as US General Counsel for the French alma mater, Princeton, where I majored company CarnaudMetalbox. Eventually, in philosophy, and then earned a master I was brought back to Philadelphia by an of divinity degree from a Presbyterian offer of equity partnership in the Center theological seminary. Many years later, City firm of Obermayer Rebmann, Maxwell after being a foreign-service officer in & Hippel, where I practiced mergers and Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, and Zagreb, acquisitions and securities law for a 12 Croatia, I got a Ph.D. I did some teaching Shanghai. Kublai Khan ended its century decade. In 2001, one of my clients, (of statistics, sociology, economics, as the capital of China. I have recently Dutch company AkzoNobel N.V., offered and public administration), but mostly I developed a scholarly interest in Ancient me a position to head up their corporate have been doing social science research: China. My eight years here have been a practice in the Americas, where I am to number-crunching survey results wonderful learning experience. I have this day. My second wife, Marigrace, and (in Kentucky and later China). My first acted in two Chinese TV commercials in I were married on the island of Capri wife and I divorced when our children which I had the only speaking role, and three years ago, and we now live in were teenagers. My son heads a software had a bit part (as JFK) in a historical Darien, Connecticut. I have three children: development team, plays lots of soccer, mini-series that was shown on national Whit, who is a lawyer in Philadelphia; and is co-owner of the Magnolia Photo TV. I also got to pat a grown tiger. Jocelyn, who works in an art museum in Booth Company, www.magbooth.com. Park City, Utah; and Ansley, who is a My daughter went to Columbia University Charles Scudder tennis professional in Seabrook Island, and then moved to France, where she met After graduating from ASL, I received South Carolina. I still love to ski, enjoy her French husband and had a daughter, my B.A. from Yale and then spent three tennis and golf, and play the guitar. my first grandchild. She also earned two years in the US Army in a military I have been out skiing with our classmate master’s degrees and a Ph.D, and intelligence unit in Vicenza, Italy (this was Jim McConkie in Utah over the years. currently teaches at the University of my contribution to the war in Vietnam). I am also active on various philanthropic Paris. Nine years ago, I spent a week in I was married to my first wife, Jannette, boards of directors. It was wonderful to Shanghai. It seemed like America in the in Venice in 1970, complete with a see everyone at the reunion, some of late 1950s. There was less crime, less gondola procession up the Grand Canal. whom I had not had contact with for obesity, less drug use, more optimism, I returned to the UK in 1971 and studied 50 years, and great thanks to the ASL more discipline and less decadence. law at Merton College, Oxford, where I team of William and Libby who helped Feeling safe and at home, I decided to received my degree in 1973. Moving back make the reunion such a success. ■ find a Chinese wife and move to China. to the States, I obtained a further law At the age of 60, I married a divorced degree from the University of Connecticut Chinese woman of 50 who has a son in and went to work for the old Wall Street Canada. We live in Hangzhou, which is firm Winthrop, Stimson, Putnam & an hour (by bullet train) south-west of Roberts (now Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw

46 The American School in London Accents Fall ’14 47 Alumni 1 Molly McClure Cover: 2 Tosh Lee Bob Carter (ASL 1969–2014) at In memoriam 3 Dwaine Steffes There’s No Place Like 4 Bill Mardlin Canons Park, summer 2014 Photograph by Di Holmes Read about Bob, ASL’s longest-serving member of faculty/staff, Home(coming)!on page 5. 1 2

Wednesday, 17 December 4:30 pm: alumni vs. faculty basketball game 5–7 pm: the Commons

It’s that time of year To be ASL bound For good times and good cheer We are saddened to report 3 4 At your old stomping ground the loss of the following Join fellow alums Share drinks and a bite members of our community: See teachers and chums On Homecoming night! Alumni and parents of alumni Peter O’Meara ’60, To RSVP, email Libby Jones, on 19 November 2013. [email protected]! Richard Hughes ’80, on 12 December 2013. Anna McWethy P ’13 ’15 ’17, A bequest: The Bruce House Society is named on 1 September 2014, in — can provide generous support for ASL benefactor David K. Bruce, US The Albuquerque, NM. without affecting your current Ambassador to the Court of St. James’s Accents, Fall 2014 Our mission is to develop the intellect and income or cash flow 1961–69, who was instrumental in Dr. Nabil Morgan P ’80 ’84, Goose Stops Here,” in February this year. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his character of each student by providing an © The AmericanBruce School in London helping ASL acquire and develop the 1 March 2014. He is survived by his His book on bereavement counseling, wife, Linda, children Warren and Jodi, and — can be directed to a specific outstanding American education with a The American School in London St. John’s Wood campus. Bruce House, children, Soraya ’80 and Amir ’84. “When Someone Dies,” was translated his grandchildren. program or for a specific purpose global perspective. One Waverley Place the head of school’s residence at into 14 lanugages. Dwaine is survived LondonHouse NW8 0NP — will provide a charitable estate The49 American Grove SchoolEnd Road, in London is named is a for Former faculty and staff by his wife, Majken, daughter Heidi, and United Kingdom non-denominational school and does not tax deduction Ambassador Bruce who gave generously Former HS English teacher Tosh Lee son Kristian ’87. T +44 (0)20 7449 1200 discriminate against any individual in any way Society to the 1970 construction of the site. P ’83 (ASL 1975–98) passed away in her Molly McClure (ASL 1979–2008), F +44 (0)20 7449 1350 — is easy to accomplish with a on the basis of race, color, gender, sexual If you have already included ASL in a home in London on 25 November 2013. former library assistant, passed away [email protected] simple codicil orientation, religion, or ethnic or national www.asl.orgA bequest originbequest in the administration or other planned of its gift,recruitment, we hope Memorial services were held for Tosh in on 13 August 2014 at her home. A — will help future generations at ASL. admissionsyou will andlet useducational know. Your policies. willingness London and in her childhood home in Mass of the Resurrection took place The magazine is mailed without charge to current parents, alumni and former faculty and staff, and to many parents of alumni and friends of the School. to be listed as a member of the Bruce Coon Rapids, IA. A much-loved and fondly on 3 September at the Church of the may be best The Bruce House Society House Society encourages others to remembered teacher, Tosh join the ASL Transfiguration, Kensal Rise. Renowned Editor: Wendy Robinson The Bruce House Society celebrates follow your example. We acknowledge high school English department in 1975, for her boundless knowledge of Contributors:A bequest Cathy in Adams, your will Keith may Bing, Esther Cole, Victoriathe tradition Halman, of generosity at ASL and respect those who wish to remain where she remained until her retirement British history, English literature and Coreen beHester, the bestLaurie way Hindley, to make Caitlin a Huson, Alice Iacuessa,and Libby promotes Jones, a connection from anonymous, but we urge you to inform in 1998. Tosh had a lifelong love of music Shakespeare, Molly was legendary for A book in the Mellon Library Mary Jordan,deferred Patrick gift Lee, to ASL. Sandy Mateus, Alexandra St-Georges,this generation Yolandi Strydom, of ASLers to the next. us of your plans on a confidential basis and was a member of the chorus of the pointing students to exactly the right Collection is dedicated to each Steve Townsend, William Vaughan, Jodi Warren The Society will recognize those as it supports the school’s planning Royal Albert Hall and the Royal Choral resource on any given era, work or member of the ASL community who Photography: Liz Allen, Astonleigh Studio, Keith Bing, Colinindividuals Bridgewater, and families who have for the future. Society. Tosh is survived by her children, play. She will be missed and fondly passes away. For more information, Peter Cassidy, David Current, Alessandra de Costanza ’11,included Jim Heynderickx, the American School in If you have not included the School Tim ’83 and Amy, and by many family remembered by her many friends. please contact the American Di Holmes, Caitlin Huson, Marika Ison ’07, Libby Jones, PatrickLondon Mahany, in their long-term financial or in your plans, and you would like to members and friends. Bill Mardlin, ASL bus driver since Memorial Collection (AMC), Rebecca Moore, Wendy Robinson estate plans. Informing the School explore the best options for you and Former ASL middle school teacher 1993, passed away on 15 October 2014. [email protected], or visit asl.org > Feature illustrations: Jacinta Sullivan of a bequest provision, a life-income your family, do not hesitate to contact Dwaine Steffes P ’87 (ASL 1971–91) ‘Bill the Bus Driver’ was enormously Community/Login > AMC. gift or other deferred giving arrange- Associate Director of Advancement passed away on 22 February 2014. His popular among students, parents, faculty Design and art direction: Powell Allen Ltd ment, qualifies an individual for for Annual and Capital Giving funeral took place on 10 March at Clayton and staff alike, and he touched the lives Printer: Allied Printing Services membership. Members of the Bruce Sandy Mateus, +44 (0)20 7449 1446 Wood Natural Burial Ground, Brighton. of so many in our school community. House Society will be listed in the or [email protected]. Dwaine joined the faculty of ASL in 1971, Transport Manager Alan Clarke says of The American School in London, founded in 1951, is an independent, non-profit, school’s Annual Report and invited teaching math, history and English. A Bill, “He was conscientious and reliable college preparatory day school for students in Kindergarten through Grade 12. The student body comprises 1,350 boys and girls who representto special more events. than keen writer of plays and short stories, and cared for each and every child that 50 nationalities. he completed his first novel, “The Blue rode in his bus.” Bill will be sadly missed.

48 The American School in London