Class of 2012 Graduation Campus News Spotlight on Giving 2012 Legacy Day The Alma Matters is published up

2 to two times per year for alumni, parents and friends.

1 Volume 22 The Norwich Free Academy 0 305 Broadway • Norwich, CT 06360 Number 1

2 Tel: (860) 887-2505 • Fax: (860) 889-4363

Editor: r Linda Clang Ververis ’78 e Copy Editor: Kathleen McCarthy m Contributing Writers: Katie Ali, Kathleen McCarthy m Photographers: Brian Ambrose Photography, NFA Staff, u Contributed

S Design: Lavender Design

Printer: AM Lithography Corporation

The Norwich Free Academy Board of Trustees David Whitehead ’78, Chairman Theodore Phillips ’74, Vice Chairman Thomas Griffin ’70, Secretary Lee-Ann Gomes ’82, Treasurer Jeremy Booty ’74 Glenn Carberry ’72 Richard DesRoches Keith Fontaine ’78 Thomas Hammond ’75 Sarette Briggs Williams ’78

Alumni Association Board of Directors Gale Eccleston Ennis ’78, President Thomas Neilan ’85 , Vice President Stacy Koehler ’97, Secretary/Treasurer Anna Stankewich Alfiero ’58 Marie Landry Bontempo ’55 Gregory Brown ’01 Olive Buddington ’43 Leslie Lane Christie ’82 Timothy Cummings ’66 Nancy Delorge Farnsworth ’69 Concetta Colonna Franchetti ’78 Ethel Moshier Handley ’60 Eileen Kavanaugh Kalla ’81 Mary Barnett Messerschmidt ’63

The Norwich Free Academy does not discriminate in its educational programs, services or employment on the basis of race, religion, gender, national origin, color, handicapping condition, age, marital status or sexual orientation. This is in accordance with Title VI, Title VII, Title IX and other civil rights or discrimination issues; Sector 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1991. THE SLATER MEMORIAL MUSEUM Table of Contents SUMMER 2012

Page 4 A Message from David Klein, Head of School

Page 5 Upcoming Events & Activities

Page 6 A Message from the Alumni Association

Pages 7-9 Alumni News

Page 10 Spotlight on Giving – Harry Swatsburg ’36

Page 11 Class of 1962 Gives Back

NICHOLAS SCALISE AND THE Pages 12-13 2012 Legacy Day Reception Pays Tribute EXPERIENCE Class Agents Reaching Milestones of Service On View June 25 - August 12, 2012 Pages 14-15 2012 Legacy Day – The Awards Opening Reception: July 12 from 5:00 - 7:00 PM. Pages 16-17 Class of 2012 – Looking Forward This event is free and open to the public. Pages 18-19 Class of 2012 Graduation All are welcome.

In a career spanning over 50 years, Pages 20-21 Class of 1962 – Looking Back & 50th Reunion Meriden artist Nicholas Scalise (1932 - 2009) profoundly captured Pages 22-26 Campus News and conveyed the humanity of his subjects. Scalise came in Page 27 Student Spotlight – Patrick Kudej contact with Connecticut artists working in a broad range Page 28 Faculty & Staff News of media and styles and from academe to advertising.

Page 29 Faculty Spotlight – Neal Curland

MUSEUM HOURS Pages 30-33 Class Notes Tuesday – Friday: 9 am – 4 pm Saturday & Sunday: 1 pm – 4 pm Page 33 In Memorium Closed Monday & Holidays

Page 34 Deceased

ADMISSION Back Cover Wildcat Connection Adults: $3.00 Seniors & Students: $2.00 Friends of Slater Museum and Children under 12 are free

Visit our website at www.nfaschool.org GENERAL MUSEUM INFORMATION (860) 887-2506 A message from the Head o f School

Dear Friends:

Greetings from The Academy. I am pleased to report that the 154th Commencement Ceremony of The Norwich Free Academy for the Class of 2012 was truly exceptional. The decorum of the graduating class throughout the ceremony was impressive and indicative of the great respect and appreciation that NFA students have for their school—you would have been very proud of them. Attorney Stanley Lucas (Class of ’62) delivered an inspirational address to the graduates on behalf of his classmates, many of whom attended and participated in the ceremony. It was a magical day.

The 2011-2012 academic year was very successful and marked forward progress on many fronts, not the least of which was the completion of the Atrium project. The space now serves as a magnificent focal point on campus and was used regularly throughout the year for important school and community gatherings, special student performances, and academic instruction. Most importantly, it united four of our buildings to provide campus accessibility for everyone.

In May 2012, the Board of Trustees embarked on a strategic planning renewal process to ensure that The Academy remains true to its mission and core values, is positioned properly for future success, and is poised to respond fluidly and nimbly to any challenges that may lie ahead. The four areas of organizational focus and strategic intent are: Academic Success, Institutional Stewardship, Team Strength, and Community Interaction. Specific action plans will be developed by the administration over the summer and into the early fall to support these strategic pillars to ensure continued success and organizational focus. We plan to present this plan to the NFA Corporators at their annual meeting this fall.

Finally, The Academy has expanded its academic offerings to include a transitional program to be implemented during the 2012-2013 school year at our Sachem Street facility. It will replace the former Thames River Academy (previously known as the Norwich High School). We are very excited about this opportunity to provide the City of Norwich and our partner districts with a transitional education program for students. As always, the students will be the direct beneficiaries of this new initiative because NFA specializes in providing unique opportunities for students and prepares them for fulfilling and purpose-driven lives.

In closing, thank you on behalf of the NFA Board of Trustees, faculty, staff, and students for your continued loyalty and support of The Academy. Have a wonderful summer, and we look forward to seeing you on campus in the future.

Regards,

David J. Klein Head of School

4 Upcoming Events & Activities

July 12 - Jubilee Reunion for the Classes of 1923 – 1952 will be held at the Holiday Inn ~ Norwich

July 14 – Class of 1982 Reunion – Mohegan Sun Country Club at Pautipaug ~ Baltic

July 28 – Class of 1992 Reunion – The Marina at American Wharf ~ Norwich

August 5 – Class of 1957 Reunion – River Ridge Course ~ Griswold

August 25 – Red & White Reunion for the Classes of 1953 – 1961 will be at the Port N Starboard ~ New London

August 29 – Opening Day for 9th Grade

August 30 – First Day for 10th – 12th Grade

September 20 – Open House/Parent Night

October 6 – Class of 1972 Reunion – Mohegan Sun Country Club at Pautipaug ~ Baltic

October 20 – Join us for Homecoming – Pre-game tailgating begins at 11:30. Contact the Alumni Office for a reserved tailgate parking pass, 860-425-5542.

October 20 – Class of 1977 Reunion – Moose Lodge ~ Bozrah

5 A message from the Alumni Association

Winter in Eastern Connecticut was a “no show” this year but the flowering cherry trees on NFA’s campus sure weren’t ! I don’t think I’ve ever seen the grounds of NFA more picturesque than they were in April. The landscape in front of the Cranston building recently changed as well. A donation of a fountain from Russell Green, Class of 1955, was installed in the front of the building and is a beautiful addition to the campus. How proud we are as alumni to want to give back to the Academy in such a generous way.

Speaking of generous alumni, the Alumni Association welcomed three new board members at our annual meeting in November. Joining us are Leslie Lane Christie ’82, Anna Stankewich Alfiero ’58, and Marie Landry Bontempo '55. The Board of Directors spends numerous volunteer hours discussing, planning and bringing forth various events and programs for our alumni body to enjoy. We are all extremely devoted to our priceless pearl!

One of our most anticipated events this year was Legacy Day. At this year’s evening event, held locally at the Holiday Inn, we were honored to recognize the recipients of the Alumni Association’s George Ripley Student Humanitarian Award, the Distinguished Service Award, and the inaugural Alumni Achievement Award. The Alumni Association created these awards to acknowledge the service, commitment and dedication of alumni and current students of NFA.

This year there were six exceptional students nominated by faculty and staff to receive the student award, each one of them exemplifying the significance of this honor. The Ripley Award is presented annually to an NFA Senior who has demonstrated personal character through leadership, altruism, volunteer service and giving to the school community. Senior Amanda Gregg was selected the winner after being nominated by her teacher and guidance counselor. Amanda was described as, “a quiet leader, an unassuming role model and a humble humanitarian” and we couldn’t have agreed more!

The Alumni Association’s Distinguished Service Award was presented to Dr. Michael and Attorney Theodore Phillips, father and son graduating from the academy in 1940 and 1974, respectfully. Established in 2000, this award is presented to an alumnus/alumna who has shown dedication and loyalty through continued interest in and support of the Norwich Free Academy or the Norwich Free Academy Alumni Association.

Dr. John Tauro, a member of the class of 1975, was the recipient of the first NFA Alumni Achievement Award. Established this year, this award was created to recognize alumni who have brought honor, recognition and distinction to the Norwich Free Academy through exemplary achievement within their community, profession, society or chosen field. Dr. Tauro was praised by fellow physician and volunteer, Dr. Phil Doyle, for his purposeful work in Haiti. The Alumni Association couldn’t be more proud to have someone like Dr. Tauro as one of its members. He has brought honor to the Norwich Free Academy for selflessly giving of himself to the neediest people of Haiti. Every day graduates of the Norwich Free Academy are doing remarkable things with their lives. If you would like to formally nominate one of your fellow NFA alums for next year’s award, please contact Linda at Alumni House for nomination information. The names of all three recipients have been added to perpetual plaques hanging in Levanto Alumni House on display for all to see.

We joyfully watched the Class of 2012 graduate on June 15th and we welcomed back to campus the Class of 1962 to celebrate their 50th year reunion. The Alumni Association is always looking for volunteers to help with events and is currently compiling a list of potential alumni board member candidates. Please contact Linda at Alumni House for more information on how you can become involved.

Wishing you a wonderful summer and if you’re on Facebook, search for me!

Gale Eccleston Ennis ‘78 President, Alumni Association Board of Directors

6 s w Veterans Awarded High School e Diplomas After 60 Years N

“On behalf of the NFA board of trustees, alumni, i administration, faculty, staff and our current students, n I congratulate you on this impressive personal accomplishment, and we all salute your success. We are m all proud to share in this special moment with you.” u – David J. Klein – Superintendent/Head of School l A Ronald Roberts and his friend Harold Esterbrook were seniors at Norwich Free Academy in January 1952 when they enlisted in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War conflict. They left behind their family and friends and the opportunity to take part in their high school graduation ceremony and receive their diplomas with their classmates on June 10, 1952.

In a ceremony in the Sidney Frank Center on the NFA campus on March 13, 2012, Ron received his long-awaited high school diploma from Superintendent/ Head of School David J. Klein. Harold, who now resides in Washington State, was unable to attend the ceremony, and received his diploma in the mail several days prior to the event. Both men have always felt there was something missing from their personal history and receiving their NFA high school diploma filled that void for both of these veterans.

After his tour of duty ended in 1956, Harold earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Puget Sound. He taught U.S. history at the elementary and secondary levels. He earned a master’s degree in administration from Pacific University and became principal of a large elementary school servicing nearby military bases and the families of Boeing employees. “The NFA diploma was the missing piece,” Harold wrote of the degrees hanging on the wall of his office.

Ron distinguished himself in military service and earned a soldiers medal for bravery going beyond the call of duty for assisting at a devastating plane crash site while serving in the 1605th Air Police Squadron. He also served in the 665th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron and as assistant provost sergeant in the 665th Air Police Squadron. In 1956, he was discharged with the rank of Airman 1st Class and he and his wife, Norma, raised a family of five in the town of Bozrah. One of their daughters, Cheryl Bower and Ron’s grandson, NFA upper Matthew Bower, were in attendance and watched proudly as Ron was awarded his high school diploma from David Klein.

Ron has been a very active member of the Rivers-Janowicz American Legion Post 138 in Bozrah for 44 years and served as post commander for 15 years. He worked as a press apprentice and printer until he finally decided to follow his heart and became a chef. He has worked at restaurants in Florida and Connecticut. When asked how it feels to be a veteran, Ron summed it up in one word-- proud. Between his service in the Air Force and his service in the American Legion, he has spent 48 years dedicated to patriotism--more than half of his life. And he also commented “I am very proud to be part of NFA.”

7 Kastine Evans – the Glue for UK Women’s

Being on the basketball court playing guard is what Kastine Evans has done for most of her young life. This NFA Class of 2010

scholar/athlete helped land her University of Kentucky women’s t n m a r o basketball team into the NCAA basketball tournament this year. u c . o s

Despite not being on the court as often as she was accustomed C c

i t d e r l when she played for the Class LL state championship NFA Wildcat o h f t t r A

team, on or off the court she has given her UK Wildcat team 110%. a K H

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b An energetic, positive contributor on the team, she has gained the

o t o t o o

respect of upperclassmen and the UK Wildcats do consider her the h h P P “glue” of their team. This reference is one freely used by both her teammates and by her coaches. "She's the ultimate glue player," Kentucky Coach Matthew Mitchell said of Kastine, who does a little bit of everything for UK averaging 6.8 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.7 steals and 1.4 assists. "Whether she's playing the perimeter or as an undersized post player, she makes good things happen."

Although the UK Wildcats lost to the UConn Huskies in the Elite Eight game, the second-seeded Wildcats (28-7) had a great year, winning their first regular season SEC championship since 1982 and tying the school record for victories in a season.

Florida Alumni Reunite on both Coasts

Floridians were given the opportunity to reunite with former classmates on both the East and West coasts this year. Benvenuto’s Restaurant in Boynton Beach was the East Coast venue for the February 7 reunion. Nearly 100 alumni and friends from Norwich enjoyed the annual luncheon. The event also included a special raffle and auction which netted $695 that was earmarked for the Reid Fund to benefit students in need of gym uniforms, graphic equipment, arts supplies as well the summer school programs. Chairperson Kitty Thibault Miller is grateful to her committee of reunion volunteers – Mildred Goldstein, Marion Hankin, Sue Sullivan, Barry Goldstein, Tom LaFreniere, and Shirley Tomac. Photos of the event are available to view at www.nfa-boyntonbeach.blogspot.com. The 2013 East Coast Reunion, a special early Sweetheart Valentine’s Day luncheon, has been scheduled for Tuesday, February 12th at Benvenutos Restaurant. You can email Kitty Thibault Miller at [email protected] or call 561-963-6557, if you are interested in helping to plan this upcoming reunion.

The West Coast Reunion was held on February 13 at the Pelican Pointe Golf and Country Club in Venice. Reunion co-chairs, Bob & Nancy Parzych planned the event with the help of committee volunteers Darryl Godreau, Marie O’Shea, Betty Rogan, Tony and Betty Longo, Sophia Vandal and Ann Arsenault. After a warm welcome from Nancy guests were asked to go back to their high school days and participate in an NFA Trivia contest, hosted by Darryl Godreau. A Walk Down Memory Lane, lead by Bob Parzych followed the contest and the guests enjoyed a raffle and auction, directed by Ray Benoit. Nancy and the Alumni Office received many messages from guests who thoroughly enjoyed the event and are looking forward to the next one. Make sure to mark your calendar for the 2013 West Coast reunion, scheduled for Monday, March 18 at the Pelican Pointe Country Club. If you are interested in helping with the reunion planning, please email Nancy Parzych at [email protected].

8 NFA Bids Farewell to Gates

For any alum who has passed through After 43 years of the hallowed halls of the Academy, working full time the name Mr. Ed Gates is a familiar and now part one. Even if you were one of those students who were lucky enough not time, Mr. Gates to deal with him directly, you were will be retiring at aware of who he was. the end of the Mr. Gates will retire this June after school year — an spending 43 years in the Campus emotional end to Safety Department as an officer. One of his greatest memories and a relationship quite possibly his most famous that has been moment in his long-running career, most fulfilling no pun intended, came during the seventies. Anyone who attended for him. NFA in the 70’s will recall a fad that hit many school campuses including the Academy’s own campus. Back in 1973 a trio of streakers wearing only white, high-top converse sneakers and black ski masks ran across the football field. Before they could make it to the other end zone Mr. Gates, who happened to run track as an NFA student, chased them down. They were fast, but he was faster!

His mode of transportation has changed a bit over the last 40 years. You can now find him driving the Campus Safety golf cart patrolling the campus – yes looking for those who may try cutting a class – and providing transportation for those who need his services.

After 43 years of working full time and now part time, Mr. Gates will be retiring at the end of the school year — an emotional end to a relationship that has been most fulfilling for him.

“NFA is my whole life,” the 82-year-old said. “It always will be.”

Ed Gates was born and raised in Norwich and graduated from NFA in 1948, the same year he won the State pole vault championship. After graduation, he joined the Air Force and served his country for 22 years. When he arrived back in the city, he visited his alma mater and interviewed for a job. “It was the first place he applied, and the only place he’s worked since,” Greg Gates ’77, Ed’s son who is also a campus safety officer, said. “It’s going to be very emotional when he walks away.”

“Eddy has always done whatever needs to be done to help NFA and its students,” Al Fecteau, campus safety director, said. “He will really be missed.”

To honor their father, Mr. Gates’ children purchased a granite bench, prominently located in the front of the Atrium, as a tribute to his decades of dedication to the Academy and its students.

Best Wishes Mr. Gates! You have worked so hard and given so much to the Academy, we will always remember you.

9 g

n

i

v

i “It takes vision

G and courage to establish

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o a legacy,”

t states the man behind the new Reception Area at the Slater Memorial Museum. What

h Harry Swatsburg neglects to mention is the passion and hard work that accompanied his g vision and courage. The Reception Area,

i

l dedicated in loving memory to Selma Silverman Swatsburg, opened its doors for the first time in November of last year. t “Give. You However, the story began almost three quarters of a century earlier. owe it, not o The year was 1943. Returning to Norwich on furlough from his position in the medic only for corps of the Army Air Force, Harry Swatsburg, Class of 1936, married his neighbor and

p yourself and high school sweetheart Selma Silverman, Class of 1934. Together they built a life, a

S for what you successful business, and remained connected and devoted to their alma mater – The Norwich Free Academy. received, but to the children After graduating from NFA, Harry went to work, saving money hoping to attend college. After he was awarded a National Youth Administration Scholarship, he of generations attended Baylor University where he juggled premed studies with working to make to come.” ends meet. When his military service was complete, Harry went on to study at the – Harry University of Connecticut’s School of Pharmacy where he graduated in 1950. During Swatsburg his time at UConn, Selma worked to support the couple at the State Department of Health as a nutritionist after serving an internship with The American Dietetic Association and emerging as a fully-registered dietician. In 1951, the couple opened Uncas Pharmacy, which they ran until selling their business and retiring in 1978.

The Swatsburgs credited NFA for the education, motivation and persistence which allowed them to build a successful life together. After retirement, Harry returned to NFA as a volunteer Class Agent and the couple were members of Friends of Slater Museum. They were recognized in 2005 for their commitment to NFA by being awarded the Alumni Association Distinguished Service Award. Beyond their time, though, they made significant contributions to the Academy. They donated funds to establish the Harry and Selma Silverman Swatsburg Garden at the Latham Science and Technology Center. Additionally, they established an endowed scholarship by making a provision in their wills to support NFA.

10 When Selma passed away in October 2010, just days after the couple celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary, Harry decided to remember her in a lasting, special way by making the donation to the recent Linking a Legacy Campaign to name the new reception area of the Slater Museum in memory of Selma.

“Give. You owe it, not only for yourself and for what you received, but to the children of generations to come,” Harry said. “If students don’t have the springboard of good education, they’re lost. We have the greatest school here in Norwich – NFA. To forsake it, and its present and future students would be a dreadful thing.”

Class of 1962 Gives Back

It is among the many traditions at the Norwich Free Academy for classes celebrating their 50th Reunion – members of the class join together and give back to the Academy by designating a gift to a specific program or area of campus. This year, the Class of 1962 donated over $17,000 to benefit the After-School Reading Program, an extra-curricular initiative geared toward those students who struggle with reading comprehension. Through this literacy program, participants gain important reading strategies and memory skills that have shown improvements in both schoolwork and test scores.

A plaque commemorating the gift will be mounted on the 50th Reunion Gift Gallery wall in the Latham Science & Information Center next fall. A special thanks to the members of the class who have given $1,000 or more: Kathleen Reilly Coleman, Ronald E. Howard, Jerry and Joyce Kerensky, Stanley Lucas, Mr. and Mrs. A. Michael Slosberg, and Nancy Schwartz Winkler. Thank you Class of ’62!

11 2012 Legacy Day Reception Pays Tribute

The Norwich Free Academy Foundation and Alumni Association enjoyed recognizing outstanding alumni, students and teachers at the Holiday Inn Norwich on May 7, 2012 during the second annual Legacy Day Reception. The reception celebrated the accomplishments and dedicated service of many members of the NFA community.

The 11th Annual Distinguished Service Award was presented by Alumni Board President, Gale Eccleston Ennis ’78, to local attorney Ted Phillips ’74 and his father, a retired dentist, Michael Phillips ’40. Jackie Levanto Sullivan ’70, former NFA administrator, conveyed heartfelt gratitude to both Attorney & Dr. Phillips for their long-time volunteerism and commitment to the Academy. Dr. John Tauro ’75 was named the inaugural recipient of the NFA Alumni Achievement Award. This award recognizes alumni who have brought honor, recognition and distinction to the Academy through exemplary achievement within their community, profession, society or chosen field of endeavor. Dr. Tauro has been a vital and dedicated member of a team of volunteers who travel to Haiti on a regular basis to offer their time and expertise. His selflessness and life-sustaining contribution make him an admirable recipient of this award.

This year, six nominees of the George Ripley Student Humanitarian Award – including Jared Ensling, Tonay Gooday-Ervin, Anna Kudej, Na Li, Barbara Richard and Amanda Gregg – were recognized and presented with a special gift from the Alumni Association. The Student Humanitarian Award recognizes an NFA senior who makes a positive impact on student life at NFA through exemplary leadership, altruism and volunteer service. This year’s award recipient, Amanda Gregg, was recognized for her quiet leadership, commitment and dedication to the Academy. Amanda was presented with a monetary gift and a gift in was made in her name to the charity she chose, St. Vincent DePaul Place.

Head of School, David Klein, acknowledged faculty who were recognized during the Academy’s 2011 Honor Thy Teacher program. Honor Thy Teacher provides alumni, parents, friends and other members of the community the unique opportunity to honor an NFA teacher through a gift to the NFA Foundation. In addition to celebrating NFA’s inspirational educators, donations to the Honor Thy Teacher program support the Academy’s Annual Fund. The NFA Foundation recognized the continued loyal service of Class Agents, who serve as ambassadors to promote the mission of the Academy, reaching a milestone of service.

12 Class Agents Reaching Milestones of Service

20 YEARS: Irene Sadernsky Figarsky ’45 Erin Connell Martinelli ’64 Charla Friedman McDermott ‘78

15 YEARS: Sara Ryan Allard ’57 Susan Handleman Zetoff ’62 Alberta Babbitt Gallagher ’67 Jack Babbitt ’70 Elizabeth Congdon Baldwin ’71 Cynthia Schimidt Crocicchia ’71 Maria Fells Lavin ’80

10 YEARS: John Fells ’40 Kathleen Mulcahy Kingsley ’44 Marie Demuth Twomey ’56 Carolyn Downes Kraemer ’64 Auguste Lotring Haskell ’72 Gina Philbrick Dickenson ’83 Thomas Neilan ’85 Monica Morabito Smith ‘91 Stacey Kohler ’97

5 YEARS: Susan Smith Blinderman ‘85

13 2012 Legacy Day – Awards

The NFA Alumni Association Distinguished Service Award Established by the Alumni Association in 2001, the Distinguished Service Award is presented annually to a dedicated and loyal alumnus, or group of alumni, who demonstrated ongoing interest in and support of The Norwich Free Academy or The Norwich Free Academy Alumni Association.

This year’s Distinguished Service Award recipients join a legacy of notable alumni who have tirelessly served the Academy in countless, often inconspicuous, ways. From serving as Board Presidents to greeting fellow alumni at events; from planning reunions and corresponding with classmates to refurbishing the Levanto Alumni House, from stuffing and labeling envelopes to working with students in and out of the classroom: recipients of the Alumni Association Distinguished Service Award are role models for fellow alumni to emulate.

The Alumni Association was pleased to present the 2011-12 Distinguished Service Award to Dr. Michael Phillips and his son, Attorney Ted Phillips.

The NFA Alumni Achievement Award Established by the Alumni Association in 2011, The NFA Alumni Achievement Award will be presented annually to recognize alumni who have brought honor, recognition and distinction to The Norwich Free Academy, through exemplary achievement within their community, profession, society or chosen field of endeavor. In this, its inaugural year, the Alumni Service Award has been conferred to a distinguished alumnus whose accomplishments are a testament to the knowledge, passion and dedication he brings to his work and his commitment to service.

The Alumni Association was honored to name Dr. John Tauro, NFA Class of 1975, as the first recipient of this prestigious new award. Affiliated with the William W. Backus Hospital, John received his undergraduate degree from Colorado State University and attended medical school at the University of New England, College of Osteopathic Medicine. John completed his residency in internal medicine and neurology at the Medical College of Wisconsin. He then finished a fellowship in neurophysiology at the Medical College of Wisconsin. John is board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and is associated with the Haitian Health Foundation, the American Academy of Neurology Board of Directors, the New England Osteopathic Association and the Connecticut State Medical Society.

George Ripley Student Humanitarian Award Named in honor of the NFA Alumni Association’s first President, the George Ripley Student Humanitarian Award was established in 2008 to recognize a current senior who displays the qualities and characteristics that most closely embody the spirit and mission of the NFA Alumni Association. The Award acknowledges the full measure of an individual’s work – not just scholarly achievement – and recognizes a student whose efforts on behalf of others define an unparalleled quality of integrity and core values.

Each year, members of NFA’s faculty and staff nominate students for the Ripley Award based on their demonstration of personal character through leadership, altruism, volunteerism, and service to the campus community; students whose work has had a positive impact on student life, who participate in school activities and excel as leaders among their peers. A committee of the Alumni Association then elects one student from this select group of nominees as the Award recipient. The Alumni Association was pleased to present the 2011-12 award to Miss Amanda Gregg.

14 2012 Legacy Day – Nominees George Ripley Student Humanitarian Award Nominees

Amanda Gregg Anna Kudej

Nominators: Kathryn Beit, Nominator: Henry Laudone Christina Burdzy-Herrick Activities include: President Student Activities include: Unified Sports, Project Advisory Board – Senior year, President Outreach, Classroom Volunteer, Peer Tutor Varsity N Club – Senior year, Varsity in the ILS Program, Adaptive PE Gym Sports – & diving team, leader, knitting for the homeless & Bully basketball team, track & field team, Busters, Reading Buddies, Honor Roll, Special Olympics Volunteer, National Unified Rookie of the Year, Three Rivers Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Community College Norwich Youth and Society, Science National Honor Society Family Services Teen Leadership Program “Anna has a fine sense of humor and is an individual who “Amanda is a humanitarian and leader in the truest sense. She will speak her mind when she feels strongly about an issue. epitomizes what this award represents and what is good about She has made quite an impact during her years at the this great school. She has truly enriched my life and the lives of Norwich Free Academy.” other people she has come into contact with here at NFA.”

Na Li Jared Ensling Nominators: Bryant Sheldon, Nominators: Margaret Daley, Anne Marie Larkin Jodie Vara, Cheray Fitzgerald Activities include: Students Against Destructive Activities include, Executive Producer - Decisions, National Honor Society, Spanish NFA live morning announcements, National Honor Society, Project Outreach Project Outreach Coordinator, Student Coordinator, Big Brothers/ Big Sisters, Peer tutoring Producer for the NFA Live Graduation Program, NFA Wildcat/Redman School Mascot “Na always puts her best effort forth and at basket-ball/football games and community accepts challenges, never quitting despite the events, NFA Tour Guide and currently works for difficulty of those challenges. Na is a highly Hall Radio Group (WCYT-WICH radio station) as a radio engineer, commercial creator, promo motivated, well-rounded young lady who creator, audio editor has a passion for learning. She is active in academics, activities and in the community.” “Jared leads by example, being kind, prompt and a hard worker never saying ‘No’ when others are looking for a volunteer to help out.” Barbara Richard

Nominator: Lorraine Dooley

Tonay Gooday-Ervin Activities include: Project Outreach coordinator, Science National Honor Society, Nominators: Karen Cook, Nexxus Program volunteer, Peer tutoring, Karen Diaz Pathways Program Activities include: Amnesty International President, Member of Youth Peace, NFAID “Barbara is an intelligent, compas- organizer, American Friends of Kenya sionate and sincere student and a great organizer, National Greek Exam Merit Honors role model for others. She is certainly one of the most talented, sincere, and “Tonay has the power and focus to compassionate students I have known bring others to take action to better in my years of teaching.” our community and world.”

15 Class of 2 012:

Graduation is a time filled with excitement and reflection. Students spend a great deal of time looking forward and perhaps a little time reflecting on the experiences that have led them to this point. The Class of 2012 is as dynamic, energetic and diverse as NFA itself. As you can see throughout this issue of Alma Matters, the students of NFA do more than excel in the classroom – they make their impact on fellow students, the NFA community and beyond. Throughout the course of the 2011-2012 school year, students have earned recognition for their artistic abilities, their academic dedication, their athletic prowess and their exceptional service and dedication to their peers and community. Three Seniors, whose numerous accomplishments can be found throughout the pages of this magazine, credit NFA with providing opportunities to succeed and preparing them for a world beyond the Academy. The stories of Anna Kudej, Emma Fontaine and Robert Martin are representative of the students that comprise NFA. Their stories are dynamic and exceptional, but -- at NFA – their stories aren’t that unusual. Students at NFA tend to find their place and excel in whatever it is they decide to throw themselves into.

“NFA has not only given me an amazing education, but it has also prepared me for real world experience” states NFA Senior, Anna Kudej. Anna’s time at NFA has included a place on the Swim, Basketball and Track teams. She is currently the Student Advisory Board President and President of the Varsity N Club. In the fall, Anna will find a new home at the University of California Berkeley. She believes that her time at NFA has uniquely prepared her for this new chapter in her life. Both of Anna’s parents graduated from NFA and her brother will follow in her footsteps next year. Knowing all that NFA had to offer, Anna states that her parents knew that NFA would give both her and her brother “the best education and opportunities to succeed.” One of the George Ripley Student Humanitarian Award nominees for this year, Anna has certainly made her time at NFA a success.

16 Looking Forward

According to Senior Emma Fontaine, being a Wildcat means “you work hard to better yourself and to better your school.” As President of the Debate Team and a member of the Student Advisory Board, Crew Club, Student Art Association and National Honor Society – she would certainly know what it takes to be a Wildcat. As the daughter of NFA alumni, Emma grew up knowing that she would be a Wildcat someday. Since her arrival at NFA, Emma has worked hard to live up to her own expectations of what it means to be a Wildcat. A very talented designer, Emma has created numerous videos and designs currently being used across this campus. She’s earned many honors this year including a Gold Key from the Connecticut Regional Scholastic Art Awards Program. Her latest accomplishment, a campus map, should be appearing on our website this summer. NFA has benefited from Emma’s designs in a variety of ways that will last well beyond the time she spent here. Emma will be headed to the University of Delaware to study Visual Communications Design in the fall.

For Robert Martin, his experience at NFA is about challenging himself to continue to grow and strive to reach his full potential. His choice to attend NFA was influenced by his belief in the diversity of this campus and the opportunity afforded by the variety of courses offered. Deeply involved in his community, Robert is President of the Connecticut State Missionary Baptist Convention, a Youth Leader at Shiloh Baptist Church and a primary teacher for Vacation Bible School. At NFA, he is a member of the Young Voters Society and has been on both the Track and Cross Country teams. Robert is one of a select few to receive this year’s Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship. Robert’s future plans will lead him to Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia this fall to major in English and minor in Political Science. When thinking back on his time at NFA, Robert reflects “my experience at NFA was a great one because I had the chance to meet so many different people and to challenge myself.”

17 18 19 Class of 1962: Looking Back

Over 50 years, the liv5es of the members of the0 Class of 1962 took many different paths, and had many different experiences. The bond each member of the class shared, though is the time they spent together at the Norwich Free Academy. On June 15-16, members of the Class of 1962 returned to campus to revisit their pasts, share memories and update one another on their lives since they graduated.

Many events shaped this class and their years at NFA. Let’s go back to when it all started – back to 1958-59. When they first arrived at NFA, they were not yet a class in spirit, but were bound together by age and greenness. The enrollment that year was 2,435 students –a record at that time. Theirs was the first class to enjoy the new addition to the Bradlaw Building, which was built, in part, to accommodate the record number of students on campus. This was the first year that a Homecoming football queen was selected and Joanne D’Aquila Horne will forever hold that inaugural title. This was also the year the Class of 1962 freshman basketball team had a successful undefeated season.

The Lower-Middler year of 1959-60 was also full of firsts for this class. The first language laboratory was equipped and ready for the new school year in Room 15 and the Varsity N Club, which had been inactive for several years, was reactivated under the guidance of Mr. Rene Ledoux. The Wildcat team brought home the Capital District Conference (CDC) title and the State championship.

In 1960-61, when they became Upper-Middlers, the Academy participated in the first domestic exchange program and students from William Penn High School from York, PA visited the Academy for one week, following a group of NFA students who had earlier visited their campus. The JV basketball team enjoyed an undefeated season and the Varsity team had a great season as well, becoming the first NFA basketball team to reach the semi-finals in the State tournament. 20 Finally…after 3 long years of work and fun their Senior year had arrived, and with that the addition of an exchange student from Norway. Karina (Ninna) Garm spent the school year at the Academy through the American Field Service organization. This class was the first to experience a longer 6-period school day and Allis House, the administration building, was opened this year and included the guidance and main offices as well as the much discussed IBM computer! The first “Beat New London Week” with daily rally activities was introduced and the spirit that this class initiated 50 years ago continues every November prior to the ‘Cats and Whaler Thanksgiving Day game. The football team brought home the CDC title and the Cross-Country team won the New England championship -- the first New England title to be given to any varsity team at the Academy.

Reunions are the one activity that only Norwich Free Academy can offer to its alumni. When alumni want to celebrate the anniversary of their graduation they come home to the Academy. The very busy weekend provided time to re-connect with friends (even Ninna Garm returned from Norway), to make new ones and to recall their youthful days. The kickoff for the reunion weekend began on Friday morning when several classmates gathered at the Norwich Golf Course to play a round of golf and then quickly made their way to the Academy campus where they were the guests of honor at a Pre-commencement Reception held in the Navick Garden. The garden reception was followed by the highly anticipated walk onto the field by nearly 100 members of the class, who were the guests of honor at the Class of 2012 commencement celebration. Members of the Class of 1962 were introduced by the Superintendent/Head of School, David Klein, among a thunderous round of applause by the current graduates, family and friends. Class of 1962 representative, Attorney Stanley Maxim Lucas, brought greetings to the graduating class and handed diplomas to the officers of the Class of 2012. A bond forms between the reunion and graduating class, making this day a most special one for two classes separated by five decades. The class returned to the Academy campus on Saturday morning for an informative campus tour where they were able to view many of the changes that have occurred on campus during the last 50 years. The tour was followed by a delicious breakfast, sponsored by the NFA Alumni Association. The finale of the weekend was an evening of dining and dancing at the Mystic Marriott. This reunion weekend was a very special time for the Class of 1962 -- an experience that could not be duplicated. These classmates will recall this weekend and their “Priceless Pearl” for many years to come. s

w Students Bring Home Art Awards e

NFA art students received numerous awards from a variety of sources this year including the Connecticut Regional Scholastic Art Awards Program, the National Scholastic Art Awards, the N “Young at Art” Annual Show at the Mystic Arts Center, Donate Life Connecticut’s 2012 Annual

Poster Art Contest and the General Federation of CT Woman's Clubs art competition. NFA is s proud to recognize all the students who participated and were honored by these organizations.

u The 2012 Connecticut Regional Scholastic Art Awards Program is the largest juried student art exhibition in the state. Entries came from over 130 schools and topped 1,500 works. NFA p students received the following honors this year…

m GOLD KEY Nicole Lorinsky - Best in Design a Arabella Aldrich - Best in Printmaking Jillian Johnson - Best in Drawing

C Kennedy Marshall - Drawing Emma Fontaine - Mixed Media Cathleen Brown - Art Portfolio Kathryn Rablen - Art Portfolio Danielle Giroux - Art Portfolio Deborah Mendoza – Photography & Painting

SILVER KEYS Danielle Giroux - Print Making Khadejeh Al-Rijleh - Printmaking Alexander Lara - Printmaking Alyssa Coffey - Drawing Emily Roe - Painting & Mixed Media Evan Bilda – Sculpture

HONORABLE MENTIONS Clay Sands - Sculpture William McIntosh - Sculpture Hannah Mattos - Ceramics & Glass Deborah Mendoza - Mixed Media

The National Scholastic Art Awards recognized senior Nicole Lorinsky for her pewter candlestick in the design category. Her design will be on exhibit at the The National Scholastic Art Awards Exhibition at The Parsons School of Design in New York City from June 1 to June 16. Nicole will receive her award in a ceremony at Carnegie Hall in New York on June 1. Nicole will be attending The College of the Holy Cross next year.

The “Young at Art” Annual Show at the Mystic Arts Center displayed the work of two NFA art students this year. Karlie Gaston received 1st Place in the 3D category, and Nicholas Trahan received 2nd Place in the same category.

22 The General Federation of CT Woman's Clubs held an art competition for high school seniors at Goodwin College in East Hartford. NFA senior art students received a total of twelve awards for their work.

FIRST PLACE SECOND PLACE THIRD PLACE Deborah Mendoza - Color Photography Catie Brown - Pastel Painting Alyssa Coffey - Pastel Painting Jeannette St. Amour - Print Jillian Johnson - Watercolor Painting Christopher Delucia - Color Photography Alexander Lara – Print Emma Fontaine - Mixed Media Painting Kathryn Rablen - Oil painting Nicole Lorinsky – Sculpture Deborah Mendoza – Graphic Kathryn Rablen – Drawing

Donate Life Connecticut’s 2012 Annual Poster Art Contest recognized NFA senior, Elizabeth French, with an Honorable Mention for her design. The contest is designed to raise awareness about organ and tissue donation. Congratulations to all the students and their art teachers!

Osgood Fountain Finds a New Home

As you may have noticed, the lawn in front of the Cranston Building looks a little different these days. Thanks to the generosity of NFA alum Russell Green ’55, the Osgood Fountain has found a new home at the Norwich Free Academy. Dr. Charles Osgood, original owner of the fountain, was also a founder and loyal proponent of the Academy. Mr. Green’s generous gift adds to the incredible history and legacy that can be found on our campus.

Girls State Track Champs

Congratulations to the Wildcat Girls Track Team who won the Class LL State Championship. This is the third Class LL State Championship the girls have won in five years.

23 Boys & Girls State

American Legion Boys State and American Legion Auxiliary Girls State are the nation’s premier programs for eleventh graders to understand government, develop leadership skills, and grow in maturity, character, and confidence. Participants conduct election campaigns, assume office, and learn to legislate. All areas of active citizenship become the basis for an exciting summer experience that creates friendship and community among students from across the state. The following NFA uppers represented the Academy in June’s program at Eastern Connecticut State University in Willimantic: Boys State Representatives are Dakota Ekenrode, Justin Morin, and William McIntosh with Gavin Li as alternate. Girls State Representatives are Catalina Calachan, Loriann Dozier and Daniela Moreno, with Samantha Devito as alternate.

European Break

Social studies teachers Kelley Creighton and Geri Donahue and twelve NFA students spent spring break in France and England. The group spent four days in Paris visiting the Louvre, Montmartre, Fragnonard Parfumeur, the Arc de Triomphe, the Champs Elysees, the Eiffel Tower the Musee d'Orsay, and the Palace of Versailles. They had their own pod on the London Eye, and spent two days in London, England exploring the Tower of London, Covent Garden, and the British Museum.

Mathematical Wizards

Congratulations to the NFA Math Team students for their hard work and qualification to participate this year in the State Invitational Meet at the E.O. Smith High School in Storrs, CT. NFA is one of eight schools in its league that will compete at the state level. NFA’s Math Team includes high performing students in Calculus, Physics, Computer Science, and Statistics. Math Team Advisors are Nosa Imasuen and Timothy Chiaverini with assistance by their Mathematics Department colleagues Joanne Ladd, Connie Mitchell and Peggy Weaver.

24 Celtic Club Performs

2 1 ’

A F N

– The NFA Celtic Club presented “Among Friends,” a St. Patrick’s n o Day Concert, March 10, 2010 in Slater Auditorium. Many alumni e L

s and community members joined the Celtic Club for a delightful s e n night of Celtic music as they performed traditional and original o e L

pieces as well as introduced their newest CD entitled “Among

: t i d Friends”. Copies of the CD are available for purchase in the Slater e r c

Memorial Museum gift shop. o t o h P

Science Fair Recognition

Congratulations to Upper, Remington Carle and Senior, Ian Dakers who were both recognized at the annual CT State Science Fair. Remington for his project entitled Utilizing a Robotic Turning Mechanism to Focus on the Sun in Order to Maximize the Efficiency of a Parabolic Trough Water Heating System; and Ian for his project entitled The Role of Electro-Chemical Double Layer Capacitors in Energy Storage. Remington also took his project to the International Sustainable World Energy, Engineering and Environment Project Olympiad (I-SWEEEP) competition in Houston, TX where more than 500 students from 68 countries and 44 states competed in early May and he was awarded a gold medal.

Accounting Scholarship

Congratulations to senior Kai Zeng! Kai was selected as one of only thirteen recipients of the statewide Educational Trust Fund of the Connecticut Society of CPA's High School Accounting Scholarships. Kai was nominated by business teacher Penny Walczyk for his outstanding work in accounting, work ethic and desire to use his degree in accounting to give back to his community. Kai will receive his scholarship at a ceremony at the Aqua Turf Club on June 5.

Connecticut Governor Visits Campus

Governor Daniel P. Malloy visited the campus to participate in a “Conversation with Governor Daniel P. Malloy” on January 5, 2012 – the one-year anniversary of his inauguration. The event created by Ray Hackett, editorial editor at The Bulletin had the Governor take the stage in front of a live audience to have a conversation about his past year in office. The event was free and open to the public, including NFA students and staff. Students from Laura Binder’s Intro to Politics class waited in the Atrium to greet and present Governor Malloy with a gift before he took the stage.

25 Metropolitan Bound

World language teachers Pamela Fisher, Sonya Cyr and Michael Williston took forty-five French students to the Cloisters Museum, a medieval museum that is part of Manhattan’s Metropolitan Museum of Art. Located just on the north side of the George Washington Bridge, The Cloisters is built in part with pieces of abandoned monasteries from France and Spain. Students lunched at a French bakery near Little Italy and then traveled to the site of the World Trade Center to view the reflection and remembrance pools and the on-going construction. The group took the Staten Island Ferry and saw the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island from the water. The trip supports the department’s mission to expose students to culture as well as language and to offer students first hand opportunities to travel and learn.

Chemistry Olympics Competition

Fourteen NFA students attended the Chemistry Olympics on March 15 at UConn in Storrs. Henry Chen and Chaohua Wu will advance to the next round of the competition, a significant accomplishment, as only 29 of about 300 chemistry scholars qualified to do so based upon scores from the initial test. Students who succeed in this round will take the National Chemistry Exam. In addition to Henry and Chaohua, NFA competitors were senior Nicholas Oulette; uppers Katherine Beasley, Jeremy Brine, Brittany Molkenthin, Daniela Moreno, Joseph Paparelli, Grace Perkins, Edwin Portugal, John Rollinson, Erin Schaeffer and Kirsten Wesolek; and lower Evin O’Shea. Congratulations to all.

Girls Basketball Champions

Congratulations to our ECC Championship Girls Varsity Basketball Team. The NFA Lady Wildcats had an impressive win over the Waterford Lancers to capture the ECC Crown. Our NFA team demonstrated great heart, desire and a true commitment to each other and the “team concept.” Bravo to our coaching staff and players on that impressive win and a very successful season - nicely done!

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship Recipients

NFA Seniors Robert Martin, Jr. and Jacqueline Cardoza have both been selected to receive the prestigious Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship this year. Both students received a $20,000 scholarship. Since 1969 when the scholarship fund awarded $100 to its recipients, 113 high school students have been recognized. The scholarship awards students in New London County and “allows many students to pursue a dream on their own terms” states Herb Ross of New London, the first recipient of the scholarship in 1969.

26 t

h g Patrick Kudej - NFA Student Videographer

i

l

t What do you get when you have an Patrick strives o ambitious sixteen-year-old filmmaker and a to reach the group of NFA students who want to spread p paramount of the word about the harmful derogatory term “retarded”? An incredible video, Norwich Free S the film Academy R-Word Campaign, which went viral industry and within days of being posted on YouTube.

t has directed, Patrick’s five-minute, 41-second video n edited and features interviews with special education students, mainstream students, faculty and e produced family members to show the real impact this everything

d hurtful word can have. At the same time, it from music shows some of the amazing relationships u videos to PSA’s. that have been forged in the hallways and t classrooms on campus. The R-Word video has recently been selected as a top 20 finalist

S in the Adobe Youth Voices Aspire Awards. This international competition will be judged by an international panel and the results for first and second place will be announced on June 18, 2012. (too late for publication in this edition)

Patrick strives to reach the paramount of the film industry and has directed, edited and produced everything from music videos to PSAs. He recently pulled in top honors for his video production to promote safe driving. The video, Keys to Our Community, is a 25-second spot that depicts how teens should make the right choice for safety when behind the wheel. The video won best video in the 2011-2012 Teen Safe Driving Video Contest: From the Driver’s Seat to the Director’s Chair, sponsored by the CT Department of Motor Vehicles and corporate prize sponsor, The Travelers. It won approval from Governor Dannel P. Malloy, Travelers Company executives, state commissioners and other safety advocates who rated the video best among entries in the annual contest for teen safe driving. Patrick and two friends, Austin Lee and Frankie Lee who helped him with the spot, all won Kindle Fires and a great gift bag.

He was also recently recognized by the Alumni Association Board of Directors, at their March 2012 meeting, and is a member of the Board’s Wildcat Pride, a select group of students who are deserving of special recognition for the great things they do on the NFA campus. His next project is a short film he not only produced, but he also wrote and edited, and will be part of a film festival in East Lyme this summer. Patrick plans on majoring in film at college, and it does looks like this young man has found his true calling.

27 s w Science teacher Cary Barry gave birth to a daughter,

e Emma Theresa, on March 5, 2012.

Congratulations to Jim Landherr, Director of Research & Strategic Partnerships, and his wife Valerie N on becoming first time grandparents. Their new granddaughter, Laurel Landherr, was born on April 18th to their son and daughter-in-law. f

f Art teacher Jennifer Carlstrom is the proud mama to, Ryder Avery Carlstrom, who decided to enter the

a world a bit early on April 28, 2012. t Congratulations go out to Mathematics Department This is just another example of what an Head, Zato Kadambaya, who was honored with the S amazing and caring community we have at 2011 Excellence in Education Award by the Norwich the Norwich Free Academy. I wanted to NAACP. A reception was held at Central Connecticut take the time to acknowledge this incredible State University on March 27 in recognition of Zato’s act of both kindness and generosity. impressive and enviable achievement in education. & Imagine my surprise this morning Congratulations to Henry Laudone for being selected when I walked into my office to see a as a state finalist (1 of 5) for the CAS Exemplary High

y new backpack on wheels waiting for School Teacher of the Year. The purpose of the one of our students. Many of you, I'm t award is to give public recognition in Connecticut and sure, have seen this student dragging l nationally to a CAS member high school educator. his last, one wheel missing, backpack Candidates are evaluated upon the following criteria: across campus (it hurts to watch). The

u demonstrates excellence in education; demonstrates student was touched and very involvement with students, staff, and parents in and

c surprised. If this anonymous donor out of the classroom; demonstrates leadership within would like to make themselves known the profession. Henry has been invited to submit a a to me, I'm certain the student would round two application package and continue with the like opportunity to thank you. interview process.

F However, if you prefer to remain anonymous, I certainly respect that. Science teacher Abigail Miles Piacenza ’98 and her husband Tom ’00 welcomed their son Joshua on Joe Tell a ~ NFA Guidance Counselor March 5, 2012.

Farewell to Faculty & Staff Members

Congratulations on your well deserved retirement and we wish you happiness in the years ahead.

Vincent Cirillo - Health

Edward Gates – Campus Safety

James Landherr - Research & Strategic Partnerships

Deborah Lepine - English

Elizabeth Tylawsky – World Language

28 t

h g NFA Basketball Coach Honored

i

l

t Boys Basketball Coach Neal Curland “I’ve won the o received two highly prestigious awards in the award, but it’s field of high school athletics. Neal was p an award for recognized by the Connecticut High School Coaches Association as the Basketball S all the great Coach of the Year at a recognition dinner on young student May 10, 2012. This award is a once-in-a-

y athletes I’ve career honor and is a career achievement award, not based on a single season. t worked with, l Recipients must have longevity, consistent great assistant success and be selected by a CHSCA u coaches and committee. “There are so many great boys basketball coaches in the state with longevity

c the trusting and success that it took me 27 years to get a parents.” it!” Neal joked during a recent interview. Neal is grateful that he has been able to – Neal

F Curland coach this long at two great schools. He coached at Windham High School before joining the NFA faculty and coaching staff in 1997. “I’ve won the award, but it’s an award for all the great young student athletes I’ve worked with, great assistant coaches and the trusting parents,” he said. “Without that formula or those pieces, you don’t get awards like that.” Neal is proud of the work he and his staff have done over the years and has tried to adjust to the talent to get the most out of them. One of the secrets to the team’s success may be that he works tirelessly to create a family atmosphere where team is paramount. Having two undefeated seasons (92 WHS, ’07 NFA) were both very special to him and playing in the LL semi-finals (’00, ’01 NFA) and finals (’01 NFA) were great accomplishments as well has having reached his 400th career win in January 2010. Neal was also recently recognized by the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference in March, prior to the start of the basketball state championship weekend at the Mohegan Sun, with a Coaches Merit Award that honors individuals who have greatly contributed to high school basketball and who have established a distinguished record of supporting CIAC athletics as a coach. Neal has been working with the CIAC and the coaches’ committee for more than 20 years, has been the chair of the boys’ basketball committee for the last six years and has overseen some significant changes in the program. Neal doesn’t anticipate any huge changes next year and feels the basic tournament structure works well, but the committee is always looking to make it better. Neal just completed his 27th season as a varsity coach and continues to enjoy his relationships with his players, teaching life lessons, competing and helping them learn how to play team basketball and be better people.

29 s What have We know that most alumni members turn right to the Class Notes section to see the latest news on former

e classmates classmates, so please let us know if something important has happened to you: a job change, a marriage

t and friends or new baby, a degree, a transfer – anything that involves NFA alumni is of interest to us! You can email your news to [email protected] or mail it to NFA~Levanto Alumni House~ been up to?

o 305 Broadway~Norwich CT 06360, or check out Wildcat Connection online.

What have 1950 1953 N you been Several members of the class watched the Bob Haiman continues to pursue his interest up to? Let New Year arrive at classmate Sis O’Neil’s in history, amateur archeology and

s Acorn Acres Campground. This New Year’s anthropology. From November 2010 – us know! Eve Reunion has become an annual event October 2011 he was a member of an s that several classmates attend year after year! expedition to “Trace the Routes of Exploration, Trade and Conquest of the a Phoenicians, the Greeks, the Romans and l the Carthaginians across the Mediterranean Sea for 4000 Years.” The expedition ship

C made stops and visited ancient sites in Greece, Sicily, Sardinia, Malta, Albania, Tunisia, Algeria and Morocco.

Richard Johnson of Yardley, PA writes that he and his wife will miss Helene Zimmer- Lowe who moved to Chicago with her husband, Mark.

1955 Jonathan Shattuck and his wife, Penny, (Back row) Ruth Davis Blakney, Bob Chabot, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in Jean Rogers Jatkowski, Clara Mikna Browning, Venice, Italy. Jonathan has also been Sis O’Neil. (Seated) Maureen Moore Caron, enjoying periodic reunions with Sam 1943 Don Woodmansee, Babe Ververis, Bob Goldberg, Will Johnson, Dick Zuerner and Judge Joseph Goldberg writes that it’s hard Smiegel. (not pictured: Francis Mitchell) Ronnie Botnick, who sent champagne to to believe that it’s been 68 years since he Venice for their anniversary. graduated from NFA. He is still sitting as an 1952 active judge from May to October and is William Gourd was recently thinking about 1956 most appreciative of the fine education he NFA, and his thoughts focused on Mrs. Barbara Wener completed a master’s degree received at NFA. Bernice Church Hull ‘26, who was his in Gerontology in May 2012 at Saint Spanish teacher 1950-1952. Although he Joseph’s College in West Hartford, CT. 1948 was reasonably certain that she had passed Don “Ozzie” and Catherine “Kitty” Shaver (d 12-6-1994), he was aware that he is still 1958 Leone recently reached their 80th birthdays using, fairly frequently, the Spanish that he and have been happily together since their learned in her classroom. It was particularly Chuck Burdick, from Duck, North Carolina, 2nd year in high school. They are looking useful for him during the five years in the was reelected to a second 2-year term to the forward to celebrating their 60th wedding 1960s when he and his wife, Janet, lived in El Duck Town Council and reappointed as anniversary in 2012. They have been Paso, Texas. Es muy buena, la lengua. council representative to the Duck Planning involved with every NFA high school Muchas gracias a la Senora Hull. (And he Board. Chuck writes that this is keeping him reunion and continue to serve on the Jubilee says his pronunciation is exquisite.) active and involved. Reunion committee. Elizabeth Kocol re- Sandra Turano Harrod and her husband 1949 ceived the Polonia Tom, who reside in San Antonio, Texas, Distinguished Service celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary Richard Isper has been enjoying life since Award on October on January 20, 2012. They were married retiring from the U.S. military and U.S. 16, 2011 at the Polish on January 20, 1962 at St. Mary’s Church government service. He would enjoy hearing National Home in in Norwich and have two children, Laura from his old friends, especially Harold Hartford, CT. and Melinda, and four grandchildren, Horden, Cleon George and Dan Leone. Myles, Lindsey, Madison, and Reese. In July 2012, Sandra and Tom, along with their children and grandchildren, will celebrate with a Mediterranean cruise.

30 Theresa Turano Reardon ’62, Sandra’s sister 1966 sanitary engineer, who is currently working who served as maid of honor, will also be Three former classmates, (l-r) Sharon in Vietnam. Ross is a civil engineer and joining them on the cruise. Mainville Senuta, Rosalyn Carlson works for the Federal Government in New Lachapelle and June Carew met in January Hampshire. They are the children of Robert 2012 at The Rain Forest Café, in Orlando ’42 and Florence Peterson ’48 Huntington FL for their own mini reunion. Sharon and and grandchildren of Doris Drake, Class of June reside in Florida and Rosalyn flew 1913. Robert and Ross also have a brother down from CT for the visit. June and Richard ’71 and sister Susan ’74 and Robert’s Rosalyn grew up together in Ledyard and daughter Sarah, graduated in 2000. shared the same homeroom through their 4 years at NFA. They had not seen each other 1972 1959 since graduation and enjoyed every moment William Wilson participated in a medical Bob Auwood retired from a career in of their get-together! mission to Hôpital Sacré Coeur in Milot, investment banking in 1990. Following Haiti in January 2012. He performed life- retirement he lived on and cruised his saving heart surgery as part of the sailboat from Canada, throughout the US International Children’s Heart Fund. East Coast, Bermuda, The Bahamas, the Caribbean Sea to Central and South James “JC” Sherrin and his wife Lorraine are America. In 2010 he moved ashore and now an exceptional couple with a desire to love divides his time between homes in Palm and give homes to children. Over the years, City, Florida and Gaspereaux, Prince they have fostered close to 45 children and Edward Island, Canada. adopted nine of them. Currently, their bustling household includes four foster kids, 1960 three who have been cleared for adoption Sue Allen and Del ’58 Larkham attended the and will become the newest Sherrin family Susan Lavoie McElaney co-authored a book Florida reunion in Venice and would like to members sometime late this summer, along that was recently (March 1, 2012) published. thank Nancy Buckley Parzych ’66 for the with the nine children they have adopted Susan writes, “A few years ago a local marvelous job she did organizing the event. throughout the years. The family resides in woman contacted me and asked me to write They really enjoyed attending and the Class Glendale, Arizona and you can check JC’s her story. Since I had never published of 1960 was well represented. Sue even family out on YOUTUBE.COM Search: anything before, it was a rather scary reconnected with an old friend Dorene Meet the Sherrin’s. prospect, but something within told me to Rioux Hewitt ’60 from Northport, FL who do it.” STOLEN HALO is the tender story she had not seen in many years. of Trish Dinsmoor's life of abuse, 1977 abandonment, survival and hope as seen Lori-Ellen Clang Wesolowski was promoted 1963 through the eyes of a child and then to Senior Vice President for Chelsea Groton Phil Gebow writes, Warm Sunshine – Ocean the woman who had to cope with the Bank in Norwich, CT. Lori-Ellen is part of Breezes – Golf – – Tiki bars – aftermath. It can be purchased on-line at the senior management team of the bank Kayaks – Sleeping In – Fishing in the www.barnes&noble.com, and has direct responsibility for managing Keys – Kids & Grandkids visiting – did he www.amazon.com, www.authorhouse.com the bank’s 14 branch locations as the mention Tiki bars? – Retirement is or where ever books are sold. Susan Director of Retail Banking. In addition, everything he wanted and much more!! welcomes feedback on her book and can be Lori-Ellen heads the Business Banking and contacted at [email protected]. Security departments within the bank. Lori- Ellen is a graduate of Boston University, the 1965 Connecticut School of Finance and 1969 Richard Brewer was recently elected Management and the National School of Chairman, Board of Trustees of The Banking. She lives in Lebanon, CT with her American Institute for Economic Research, husband Jim and sons, Alex and Adam. in Great Barrington, MA. Craig Benson is the dad of an 11 month-old Edward Lavalle, City Manager of Newport, son, Daniel Craig Benson, who was born Rhode Island for the last 6 years, is now City June 28, 2011. Craig was recently promoted Manager of Venice, Florida. Ed, a police to Director of Data Services for the administrator for nearly four decades before Vermont Agency of Human Services. becoming city manager of Newport in 2005, was unanimously voted into office by the Venice City Council. Ed has a master’s 1979 degree in public administration from the Richard Curtis resides in Carrolton, TX and University of New Haven and has been Brothers, Robert A. (l) & Ross Huntington is employed as Chief Meteorologist for married to his wife Mary for 40 years and (r) recently went mountain climbing in Southwest Airlines. has three adult sons. Nepal for their 60th birthdays. Robert is a

31 1979 continued NFA. They met and fell in love in their 2003 Paul Kalinowski ’11 and Alysha Kalinowski Accounting class in 1988 and just celebrated Tonya Robbins Daniels and Michael Daniels, ’13, show their school spirit in this 2011 their 20th wedding anniversary. They Jr. were married on August 6, 2011 after a family Christmas card. Their father Mark enjoyed visiting CT in 2010 and joined the 10-year courtship. The couple recently built ’79 and mother, Dianne, sent these to family class of 1990 for their 20th high school a home in Preston, CT. and friends this past year, proud of the reunion celebration in Groton CT. tradition and education they have received at NFA. Mark is a retired Norwich Police Officer and currently a Funeral Director at Church and Allen Funeral Home in Norwich. Dianne graduated from East Lyme HS and owns her own private detective agency. Paul received the Dickenman Award when he was Captain of the ECC Champion Team and is currently attending Three Rivers Community College pursuing a career in law enforcement. Alysha achieved her letter in in her upper year and was nominated as All-American in her lower 1990 year. Her plans include pursuing a career as Ed Gleason and his wife, Sandra, reside in a forensic psychologist after college. Virginia Beach, VA. Prior to his current position as a police officer in VA he served in the Navy for 4 years. They hope to come home this summer with their 8-year old daughter, Chloe, for a visit with family and 2005 friends. Chelsea Coombs recently became engaged to Craig Meeks. She received her bachelor’s 1991 degree in communication from Eastern CT Ann Stiggle Salina along with her husband State University and is employed by Clear Chris and 13 year-old son, Danté, have Channel Communications in Hartford as a relocated to Cary, North Carolina. Ann was production assistant. The couple will be recently named the Director of Admissions married on September 29, 2012 in Norwich. and Recruitment at Duke University School of Nursing in Durham, NC. She has heard that there are other NFA alums on the Duke campus and she would love to connect. You can email her at [email protected].

1992 Peter Cronin is working at the U.S. Agency for International Development as a Foreign Service officer in the education sector, 1981 living in South Africa. Peter writes, “It's a Suzanne Gladue Silva is presently attending great life!” Three Rivers Community College and majoring in human services case 1997 management. She is a pet sitter and big Christie Fratoni Frechette was inducted into animal lover like she always was when she the Alpha Chi National Honor Society and 2007 attended NFA. also selected as a Who's Who Among Lydia Devotion Bowers received her American Colleges and Universities student. bachelor’s degree from Mount Holyoke 1989 To be inducted in Alpha Chi, a student must College in May 2012. She majored in Ronald Ducharme, Jr. and Shannon Aitken be in the top 10% of their class. Christie, american studies and graduated cum laude. Ducharme ’90 currently live in Sperry, OK along with working as a full-time announcer Lydia also recently received a Student Leader and have 4 children; Carisa 24, Dominus 12, on WCTY in Norwich, is a part-time student Award during the Celebration of Student Tyler 11 and Nathan 8. They are proud to at Mitchell College in New London. She will Achievement ceremony. say that they were high school sweethearts at graduate in 2014 with a bachelor’s degree in radio performance and technology.

32 2010 In Memoriam Jenn Escobido, a sophomore at Ithaca College in New York, was named the Empire 8 Player of the Year. Jenn, a forward on Ithaca’s basketball team, is Matilda “Tillie” Pysyk, the first sophomore to win the award Class of 1933, passed in nine years, and the third player away February 11, from Ithaca to be named the 2012. Tillie will fondly conference’s top player. Jenn averaged 11.6 points and 8.3 rebounds per be remembered as the game, while shooting 56.3 percent persistent little lady from the field. She recorded seven who encouraged double-doubles this season. She was also recognized by the WBCA former Alumni Director, Division III Coaches as an All- Erin Connell Martinelli American Team Honorable Mention. As an Academy student she ‘64, to host an annual reunion for those was coached by Bill Scarlata and helped the Wildcats to state championships her junior and senior year. Jenn also lettered in who had graduated 60 or more years while at NFA. She is majoring in physical therapy, and is ago. Due to her persistence the Jubilee the daughter of Christine Wood ‘86 and Mark Escobido. Reunion was borne and has been held annually since 1994.

NFA Trustee, NFA Foundation Board Member, NFA Corporator and Parent, Gail Piotrkowski, passed away on March 4, 2012. Gail was a woman who (l-r) Austin Ring ’58, Teddy Montgomery ’61, and Peter Ring ’61 met at Groton Long Point, CT in August 2011 for their annual get-together. contributed greatly to her community through her volunteerism; selflessly giving of her time and talent to many charitable endeavors. Gail was extremely involved with the nonprofit Friends of Kilambe (Nicaragua), using her business expertise to host fundraising auctions to raise money to build a medical clinic in the impoverished Nicaraguan village. She and her husband, Sammy, owned Petrowsky Auctioneers Inc. Besides her husband Gail is also survived by her children; Nicole’01, Susan’06, Stephen ’11.

33 Deceased The following is a list of NFA graduates who are known to have passed away between December 1, 2011 and May 31, 2012. We express our deepest sympathy to their families and classmates. They will be missed.

1931 1942 1953 1965 Charles Helmboldt* Kathleen Chester McNickle* George Goepfert Joan Stankiewicz Dignoti Donna Homski Franco 1933 1943 1954 Joseph Pysyk Irma Ziegler Pollack Vincent Ciliano Shirley Hill Cushing Michael Ruell Matilda Pysyk Edward Chartier Priscilla Mahoney Higgins Joseph J. Petrone 1966 1934 1944 Jo Ann Donahue Shirer Judith Connor Kapilotis Clara Miller Mitchell William Chase* Loretta Fregault Rourke William Gromko 1955 1967 George Lee William Blinderman Dennis Hart 1935 Arthur Hansen 1968 Natalie Cronin Raff* 1945 JoAnn Ellis Nickerson Bruce Sadosky Sabina Maximowicz Vessels Emelda Caron Arpin Marie Barber Piela Hazel LaRochelle Zazzaro Frank Demicco 1970 1956 Joseph Vitagliano 1936 1946 Charles Brockway Helen Mizov Coggeshall Barbara White Murphy Barbara Ladd Calvin 1972 Ruth Gill Dupont* William Neilan Sandra Chey Koslowski Durk Arsenault Joan Niles Kampfe Theresa Cubanski Pszyk Naomi Lawton Madore Henry Keroack Ronald Roth 1957 Helen Cook McQuiston * Henrietta “Penny” Marciniak 1973 1947 Hargreaves* Jeffrey Ault 1937 Thomas Angelo Roslyn Evans Meurs* Matthew Aleskiewicz Mildred Kaminske Bernier 1958 Gary Smigiel Mary Grygorcewicz Biziewski Edward Butova Judith Amato Dupont Ralph D'Elia Richard Clang Howard Fensley 1976 Arthur Grodotzke Bernice Poreda Crouch James Guinan Kevin Comrack Eileen Rathbun Twomey Joseph Gulioso* Henry Lebejko Horatio Gregory 1998 1938 Lucille Rogers Kukucka 1959 Erika Cirioni Dorothy Clark Johnson Ruth Robish Rosiene James Shea Helen Niewiearowski Martin Lucien Mrowka 2002 Wilfred Toczko 1948 Jessica Michaud Herbert Coman 1960 1939 Dorothy Devine Eccleston Donald Lee 2003 Bernard Arenberg* Elaine Menders Thoma Carol McCarthy Levesque Jaclyn Wirth Arthur Dawley Jeremy Neuger 1949 2007 1940 Beatrice Dumais Angelaszek 1961 Vincent Pierce Esther Robinson Buckley Mary Bellows Nye* George Kapilotis Jeannette Lafreniere Caron Sue Meier Moriarty 2010 Florence Lewis Coleman 1950 Kenneth Sylvia Misty Strickland Bernice Ethier Hantman Raymond Genereux Edward Lavallee Valerie Michonski Gigliotti 1962 Irene Mulholland Alexander Grabowski Louise Alberti Rajtar Theodore W Pawlowski* Kenneth Longley *Deceased prior to 1963 December 1, 2011 1941 1951 Joan Dandeneau Duro Constantino Chinigo Ann Dunion Spillane David Morin Ethel Vergason Cranford Marie Papineau Davis Margaret McKirahan Noon Conrad de Fiebre Rivie Raucher Margolis 1952 1964 Shirley Green Page Elaine Chabot Gorman Cynthia Maynard Payne Clifford Wilson 34 35 NON-PROFIT The Norwich Free Academy U.S. POSTAGE Norwich, Connecticut 06360 PAID Change Service Requested PERMIT #130 SPRINGFIELD, MA

Alumni & Development Staff:

Deborah J. Lee, Director of Development 860-887-2507 x5540 [email protected]

Katie Ali, Director of Marketing & Communications 860-887-2507 x5545 [email protected]

Kathleen McCarthy, Assistant Director of Development 860-887-2507 x5547 [email protected]

Allison Turcotte, Development Associate 860-887-2507 x5541 turcottea@ nfaschool.org

Linda Clang Ververis '78, Director of Alumni Relations & Constituent Research 860-887-2507 x5542 [email protected]

PROVIDING OPPORTUNITIES... PREPARING LIVES

Calling all NFA Alumni:

Let's Stay Connected

The NFA Alumni Association welcomes information about events taking place in the lives of fellow graduates. If you have information and/or a photo you would like us to include in the magazine, please contact us:

on the web…. www.nfaschool.org/wildcatconnection

via email… [email protected]

or through the mail… NFA Alumni Association 305 Broadway - Norwich CT 06360