Nonprofit Org. US POSTAGE PAID Winter 2016-17 Permit No. 259 Newburgh, NY

Address Service Requested OakNEWSLETTER FROM OAKWOOD FRIENDS SCHOOL • CELEBRATINGLeaves OVER 200 YEARS OF FRIENDS EDUCATION IN THE HUDSON VALLEY 2017 Spring School Calendar Solar Array Celebration

April 5 Breakfast with the Head Opens Alumni Weekend 2017 April 25 Earthshare Day & Arts presentation April 28 Herzog Lecture The Oakwood Friends School community will clean, renewable energy. The Oakwood array May 2 Dash Davis Gleiter Lecture open Alumni Weekend 2017 with the official provides a focal point for countless educational launch of our solar array project on Friday, May opportunities within our Middle School, Upper May 11-13 Spring Production, 12th at 2:30 pm. Board members, students, fac- School and local community. The array serves Stockholm Syndrome ulty, alumni, parents and guests from the larger as a backdrop for outdoor classroom space May 12 Celebration of Solar Project community will gather to celebrate this landmark and neighborhood outreach programs. This ar- event in the greening of Oakwood’s campus. ray is also a wonderful example of sustainable May 12-14 Alumni Weekend energy production which is both economically May 23 Spring Concert Fred Doneit, board member and former clerk of beneficial and environmentally responsible." June 7 Middle School Moving Up the Property Committee, spoke about the sig- nificance of this occasion: “This project emerged Chad Cianfrani and Fred Doneit at solar array June 8 Senior Dinner from visionary thinking among our senior admin- June 9 Commencement istrators and members of the board’s Property Committee – thinking fostered by shared values Journalist Juan Williams ’72 Visit us at www.oakwoodfriends.org of energy efficiency and sustainability, and a readiness to think decades past the school’s near- term needs. We felt the urgency to seize current Returns to Oakwood phy in 1976. He began his career in journal- opportunities offered by state incentives, and a ism as an intern and general assignment reporter power-purchase financing method that involved for The Washington Post, becoming a national 16 Winter 2016-17 NEWSLETTER FOR ALUMNI AND MEMBERS OF THE OAKWOOD FRIENDS COMMUNITY no capital outlay by the school, or significant correspondent covering political and social impact on our facilities maintenance staff. As a issues during his 23 years at the paper. Dur- school community, we can be proud of our lead- ing this time, he won numerous awards, in- ership role in reducing our carbon footprint on cluding an Emmy for TV documentary writing. Winter Reunion Alumni-Student Basketball Game the environment. We are hopeful that the facility Juan joined National Public Radio where he will be a resource and inspiration to our cur- hosted “Talk of the Nation” and covered ma- rent and prospective students, to alumni donors, jor stories on politics and race as a senior cor- and to the Hudson Valley community at large.” respondent and political analyst for ten years. He was also a contributor to Fox News Channel The board’s Solar Sub-Committee worked dili- since 1997 and is currently a co-host of FNC’s gently to bring us to this exciting day. Working “The Five” and a regular panelist on “Fox News with consultant Ron Kamen of Earthkind Energy, Sunday” and “Special Report with Bret Baier.” the committee met frequently between April and November 2014 before recommending a propos- The author of six books including the best seller, al for the full board’s approval. Through a com- Nationally known journalist, author, political “Eyes on the Prize: America’s Civil Rights Years, bination of strategic partnerships and New York analyst and regular panelist on the Fox News 1954-1965” and the critically acclaimed biography State’s forward-thinking solar energy incentives, Channel, alumnus Juan Williams will return to “Thurgood Marshall: American Revolutionary,” Oakwood secured the two-acre array project Oakwood Friends School to present the Caro- Juan Williams has received many awards for his with zero outlay of dollar resources. In a time line “Dash” Davis Gleiter ’51 Lecture on Social writing and investigative journalism. He has in- of uncertainty over the rate of rising electrical Justice on Tuesday, May 2nd, at 2:30 pm. Now terviewed numerous influential people including costs, Oakwood will benefit greatly from a part- in its 13th year, this lecture series was estab- five presidents: Ronald Reagan, George W. Bush, nership that includes a well-defined and guaran- lished by classmates in memory of Dash Da- Bill Clinton, George H.W. Bush and Barack Obama. teed cost per kilowatt over the next two decades. vis Gleiter in recognition of her work in civil Many colleges and universities have recognized rights and her lifetime of volunteer activities to his work by awarding him Honorary Doctorates. The system, online for six months now, has al- promote social justice. On another visit to Oak- ready generated close to 400,000 kWh of elec- wood in 2006, Juan Williams told the students: We are honored and delighted to welcome our tricity. Sized to offset 100% of Oakwood’s annual “Oakwood is where I got a sense of life’s po- own “Distinguished Alumnus” Juan Williams electrical consumption the array will continu- tential and where I learned the Quaker spirit back to campus on May 2nd. All are welcome. ously, cleanly and sustainably produce enough of caring.” Even our youngest students were energy to support our campus’ 22 buildings riveted as Juan described the changing land- and a community of over 200 faculty and stu- scape of civil rights issues through the decades. dents who call Oakwood home day and night. Juan Williams was born in Colon, Panama, and Head of School, Chad Cianfrani, spoke about attended public schools in Brooklyn, New York, the benefits of the project: “As part of a multi- before coming to Oakwood. After graduation Support the 2017 Annual Fund year focus on sustainability and stewardship in 1972, he attended Haverford College where www.oakwoodfriends.org Alumni Association President, Najah Muhammad ’10, with basketball players on January 6, 2017. in action, this project does more than provide he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philoso- 2 Winter 2016-17 NEWSLETTER FOR ALUMNI AND MEMBERS OF THE OAKWOOD FRIENDS COMMUNITY CELEBRATING OVER 200 YEARS OF FRIENDS EDUCATION IN THE HUDSON VALLEY Winter 2016-17 15 Snow Day Remembering Beth Hollenbeck ’67 By: Chad Cianfrani, Head of School the sun emerged and with it an opportunity. “I have been welcomed by friends I By: Nancy Leopitzi Wawrla ’67 The facilities staff, who had been plowing now call family, from around the US, “There are times when we have actually en- since 4: 00 AM, had cleared the main drive- from Ghana, Vietnam, Rwanda, China, into the night on November 20, 2016. She countered an animal in distress and been way and warm midday temperatures had Afghanistan, Japan.” was predeceased by her sister Helen and cleared the roads. Talking with one of the parents. She is survived by her sister Lynn able to have them fly away or swim away. All students exiting the Meeting Room, we joked “I have found friends among my teachers Hollenbeck Suter, class of 1971, and her life- the volunteers are weeping and hugging. It’s about lunch off campus. This conversation and scholars among my peers.” partner Greg. She was born in Poughkeepsie a wonderful feeling.” quickly (and invariably when it comes to in 1950, attended Oakwood Friends School – Beth Hollenbeck food) drew in other students. A combination I left that afternoon with a renewed energy and graduated in 1967. There, Beth learned Quote published in Orlando Magazine 2009 of hunger and student excitement led us off and deep appreciation for our students and the significance of diversity, social justice campus for a local restaurant favorite, sushi. our school mission. Not only had these stu- and social activism, in the Quaker spirit of dents gained a strong foundation in math, sci- non-violence and conscientious objection. I did not awake that morning expecting to sit ence, history and language, they had gained In the early 1970s, soon after studying at with five students over lunch off campus. But a genuine desire to challenge themselves Bard College, Beth married and became a here we were, afforded a time to sit, engage and to learn. Our faculty work tirelessly to Corporate Banking Executive in California. and talk with one another. In that moment, engage, inspire and create a rich curriculum. Sunday afternoon, I flew into Orlando, Flor- But her outrage at how people manipulated over a first round of miso soup, I was struck When I listen to our students’ powerful ex- ida, en route to my Stepmom for Thanksgiv- “big business” changed her focus to what IN MEMORY by how much I can learn from the diversity pression of how they consume this curric- ing. I called Beth Hollenbeck to tell her I really mattered…our environment. Our Good winter snowstorms have transfor- of student experience within our community. ulum and integrate it into their lives, I am would stop by, but was not specific, so as Earth. In 1982, Beth left corporate America mative effects on the Oakwood campus. confident we are fulfilling our mission. to surprise her. Last year, and on several at- and moved to Central Florida to become Florence Louise Cochrane Rome ’35 A heavy blanket softens our surround- Over the next 60 minutes, consuming food at tempts to see her, she told me it wasn’t a more active in protecting the environment. May 4, 2016 ings, making the world a little bit quieter a voracious rate, the five students, all seniors, good time, so this time, I was not going to Beth founded ECO-Action, as Executive Director in 1993, and opened and operated and the reflecting sun makes it a little bit discussed their time at Oakwood, what they be diverted. We spoke on the phone several Ruth VanWyck Floyd ’37 times a year. Well, the surprise was on me. the Eco-Store, an eco-friendly products brighter. If well-timed and of sufficient enjoyed and what they will carry with them. December 29, 2015 depth, these storms will occasionally yield I was struck by the breadth of interests and She had been taken to the hospital the night shop located in College Park, FL. Her efforts that elusive winter gift, a snow day. With depth of passion for their work. All currently before and died hours later. I never got to see to clean up Central Florida’s waterways local school buses parked and roads slick, weighing college choices, their focus ranged her. A note you will all appreciate is that her included over 600 Sundays, over 12 years, Richard K. Hoffman ’44 our day students (half the population) from pre-med to engineering to social justice next door neighbor, with whom she would of coordinating volunteers to clean up March 8, 2016 stays home. Those of us who live on cam- to economics to ‘I have no idea yet’. Al- walk and talk, told me that Beth referred to after human’s careless litter of solid waste, pus are charged with multiple important though they gravitate towards different dis- herself as Quaker. Yeah, a lot of us do. I do. hazardous waste and treacherous debris tasks ranging from sledding in front of the ciplines, they speak with a common voice. She did. She and I often spoke of the familial along the shorelines with the goal of Bill Synder ’61 barn or Kingwood to shoveling walkways connection, through our lives, at Oakwood. protecting wildlife. Beth lectured students August 15, 21016 to catching up on work to sleeping late. “My community has challenged me, Her death is nothing less than a death in my on the environment, presented at numerous family. Peace to you all. Rest in Peace, Beth. international symposiums on the state of the pushed me, and accepted me.” Charles M. Thompson ’65 It was on one such snow day last month that environment and global warming; organized “Students are encouraged to ‘fail out load’ June 2, 2016 I had the opportunity to spend time with a Beth Darcy Hollenbeck, an environmental major Earth Day events; and Canoe Clean- and take risks in their classes, in athletics few students. Close to a foot of snow fell crusader, eco-friendly products promoter, ups. Beth is what selfless activism looks and on the stage. It is through this ex- overnight, sealing our fate. Those of us on daughter, sister, F/friend, passed away like. Orlando, Florida, is tons better for it. perimentation that an artist realizes a joy Beth Hollenbeck ’67 campus gathered in the Meeting Room as of mathematics and a basketball player November 20, 2016 a community just before lunch. After an- discovers ceramics. “ nouncements and a rundown of the day’s events, we concluded the meeting with “Oakwood has given me opportunities to Sue, Henry and Andy Cianfrani “The Oakwood Index” - June 1917 some silent worship. It was at this point that discover and foster passions with depth. “ “Fellow Classmates! We meet tonight for the journeyed through the life of the school and these fasces: Symbols of power, which have last time as the Senior class of our Alma Ma- are entering the school of life. We have de- been handed down from one graduating Zachary Federbush ’08, Armelle Gloaguen, ter. Tomorrow we go forth graduates of the rived many benefits from our course, the class to another. Let me remove these ribbons, Parent Dinner Supports 2017 Annual Fund Hudson Beach Glass, Hudson Valley Rene- Oakwood Seminary. When we return, we re- greatest of which is not the knowledge we the red and white, and place here in their gades, Hudson Valley Skin Care, Italian Cen- turn alumni. This for us is a memorable oc- have gained but the inspiration it has given stead our class colors, the green and gold. moved to Ridgeland, SC. We missed you! ter, J. E. Heaton Jewelers, Timothy Judge, casion. We have arrived at the culmination us. Has our school life prepared us for life’s May these relics serve as an inspiration to Student artwork was on display along with Laura E. Kellar, Sean Lynch, Marion Salon of four of the happiest and most important school? Eagerly we go forth to meet it. To the help you onward in your course. The future a presentation of historic Oakwood photos Spa, McCann-Caven Golf Course, McGil- years of our lives. There is a deep feeling of school officers and to our teachers we return holds many opportunities for you , and we selected by Matthew Voorhees ’17, stu- licuddy’s, Middle School Parents, Mohonk regret at the parting. We are leaving behind our sincere thanks for earnest and continued sincerely hope that you may profit by them; dent archivist. The evening opened with Mountain House, Saul Moroff, Omega Insti- the associates which have been so dear, and, interest in our welfare. In leaving, we wish remember as the work is, so the reward musical performances by Willow Bennison tute, Santa Fe Grill, Lou Simons ’56, Stone as we separate, our journeys lead us in dif- for the greater Oakwood the best success. To shall be; also Oakwood’s motto, “Palma non and Elias Fredericks, class of 2020. Willow Ridge Wine & Spirits, Miriam Straus, Village ferent directions. We, the class of 1917, have you the president of the class of 1918, we give sine pulvere” - No reward without effort. sang and played guitar, presenting her own Tea Room, Women’s Work, Jeffrey Yang, composition, “I’ll Try.” Elias played “Scher- and Matthew & Maggie Garrido-Yarnis. zo” by van Goens on cello. Thank you all! Tim and Sean Sweeney ’09 at dinner We are especially grateful to three local busi- Oak Leaves Thank you to Tim and Laurel Sweeney, nesses who sponsored the dinner this year: Winter 2016-17 parents of Sean ’09, and owners of Stone Cleveland Plumbing & Heating, Earthkind Ridge Wine & Spirits, for sponsoring our Energy and Rondack Construction. Through ELAINE MILES 12th annual wine dinner & auction to sup- the generosity of all our auction item do- Director of Development & Alumni Affairs port the Annual Fund. The event was held nors, we raised $12,000 for the Annual Fund. on January 28th at Locust Grove – Samuel JULIE OKONIEWSKI Thank you: Adam’s Fairacre Farms, Atlantic Associate Director of Development & Morse Historic Site, catered by Cosimo’s. Theater Company, Babett’s Kitchen, Bal- Alumni Affairs It was a festive evening shared by parents, ance Rolfing & Massage Studio, Bardavon faculty, board members and guests. Thank 1869 Opera House, Barnes & Noble, Bosc- WENDY GIANGRASSO you to faculty member Michael Sklaroff who obel Restoration, Bottini Fuel, Camp Cody, Assistant Director of Development & stepped up to serve as auctioneer, and best Camp Waziyatah, Center for Performing Arts Alysa Sullivan, Laurie Craft, Lauren Voor- Alumni Affairs wishes to our wonderful long-time auction- at Rhinebeck, Cosimo’s, Martina Deignan, hees, Martina Deignan and Anne-Marie eers Carol and Bill Bogle ’76 who recently William Deluca, John & Meghan Duval, Uebbing at dinner All School Photo 1916-1917 14 Winter 2016-17 NEWSLETTER FOR ALUMNI AND MEMBERS OF THE OAKWOOD FRIENDS COMMUNITY CELEBRATING OVER 200 YEARS OF FRIENDS EDUCATION IN THE HUDSON VALLEY Winter 2016-17 3 2011 Clara Wilkinson is completing her first year in One Hundred Years: A History of the Class of 1917 New Faces on Campus the Peace Corps in Zambia working on sustain- By: Matthew A. Voorhees ’17 able agriculture issues. Jodi Allen – School Counselor married twice, first to Frederick Dildine and Jodi received her B.S. in Psychology from St. later to Harry Gay. She had one daughter. John Fisher College and her M. A. in Mental She died in 1972 in Tioga County, New York. Health Counseling at Marist College with a fo- cus on child and adolescent psychology. Jodi William Manfred Mersereau was born works with our boarding and day students on December 24, 1897 in Union Springs, and their families, providing support and New York. He served in the navy during organizing outreach programs and services. World War I and later became a salesman. Kate Saumure-Jones, Zoya Diaz ’10, Mark Blackman, Jodi Allen, Jinni Durham, He married Mary Stone in 1927. He died Mark Blackman – Director of Admissions Jon Pesner ’07 AnnMarie Callan, Samantha Lowe ’05 on July 27, 1952 in Buffalo, New York. Mark has served in a variety of roles at sev- eral Quaker schools including Germantown chase College. During and after her school- Wellesley College and M.S in Math- 2012 Alice Minard was born on February 21, Friends School, George School, and Moses ing, Zoya lived and worked in Spain first as ematics from The University of Con- Jessica Mitchell is living in Iowa working at With graduation approaching, I can’t help 1899 in Ellsworth, New York. After gradu- Brown School. A native of Cleveland, OH, a student, and then as an ESL teacher in a necticut. She lives on campus and en- Scattergood Friends School. but reflect on my last seven years at Oak- ation, she attended the Cortland Normal Mark is a graduate of Oberlin College and at- local mosque and community center. She joys running, programming and singing. wood. As many of you know, I have served School and New York University where she tended graduate school at Columbia Univer- has also worked as a scientist in Costa Rica, 2014 as the student archivist and have brought earned a degree in education. She was a sity and the University of Pennsylvania. Mark contributing research to a long-standing eco- Jon Pesner ’07 – Upper School History Hang Liu is studying auto design at Coventry to light many of Oakwood’s treasured pho- school teacher at Yonkers High School in was attracted to Oakwood Friends because of logical study. Zoya has a fervent devotion to and Academic Support Center University in the UK. tographs and memorabilia of years gone by. Westchester County, New York. She mar- its wonderful community and beautiful cam- community outreach and service, volunteer- After graduating from Oakwood Friends One of my latest projects was to research the ried J. Augustus Hartwig on August 17, pus. He is excited about sharing the school’s ing and donating to local causes whenever School in 2007 Jon studied art history, archae- students who graduated 100 years before me. 1943 in Poplar Ridge, New York. She died unique history and making it a household possible. She is happy to be working in ad- ology, and medieval studies at both SUNY Here is a collection of biographies for each on March 22, 1973 in Auburn, New York. name worldwide. Mark resides on campus missions at Oakwood, contributing to main- Albany and Fordham University. He received of the individuals who graduated in 1917. with his wife, Tammy, and daughter, Isabella. taining the principles of Quaker education. his M.A. in Education from Bard College in Ruth Alice Neville was born on May 14, 2015 and then worked in the Kingston City James Russell Hallock was born on Au- 1898 in Scipio, New York. She married Eu- AnnMarie Callan – Middle School Jinni Durham – Upper School English school district as a student teacher in both gust 10, 1898 in Marlborough, New York. gene Sullivan on June 4, 1919 in Auburn, Coordinator Jinni received her B.A. in English/Philosophy the middle and high school. Jon also worked He served as a pilot during World War I. He New York and had five children. The fam- AnnMarie is a graduate of Hunter College at the University of New Mexico and her M.A. with at risk youth at the Children’s Home married Mildred Leob in 1925. He attended ily moved to Walden, New York. In her and has earned credits toward her Master’s in English at the Bread Loaf School of Eng- of Kingston. He is also a skilled martial art- Cornell University for two years, graduating later years she served as an election in- degree from Columbia University and SUNY lish at Middlebury College. Jinni attended ist and shares this talent with Oakwood in 1922 with a degree in Mechanical Engi- spector for the town of Scipio. She died New Paltz. She has 27 years of experience the Klingenstein Summer Institute at Colum- students through an after school life sport. Friends & Faculty News neering. He worked as an engineer in the on April 3, 1976 in Auburn, New York. coordinating integrated curriculum with a bia University’s Teacher’s College and Bard Congratulations to Jeremy Atkins and his new Rural Service Department for Central Hud- focus on developing a 'place of belonging' College’s Institute for Writing and Thinking. Kate Saumure-Jones – Upper School French bride Candace on their marriage on October 14. son Gas & Electric. He was a member of the Adrian Lamoreaux Spencer was born on for faculty and students alike. AnnMarie is She also recently participated in “Harkness Kate is a Northern California native who re- Friends Meeting House in Milton. He died on August 23, 1899 in Union Springs, New York. passionately committed to empowering stu- Training” at the Phillips Exeter Humanities located to Poughkeepsie with her husband Chad Cianfrani, Anna Bertucci and Phong August 14, 1953 in Poughkeepsie, New York. After graduation, he served in the navy during dents through reflection and local service. Institute. Prior to joining Oakwood Friends, about four years ago. She has spent several Nguyen ’17 participated in Subzero Heros, an World War I. Following the war, he pursued she taught at the Bosque School in Albu- years teaching secondary school in the areas annual fundraiser for the Hudson Valley Chapter Irene Muriel Hatch was born on Febru- a degree in law and graduated from Cornell Zoya Diaz ’10 – Executive Assistant to querque, NM, for 18 years and brings a depth of French, Theater, and English. She studied of the Alzheimers Association. They joined other ary 4, 1896 in Ontario, Canada. Following University. He and a fellow attorney began the Head of School and Admissions of knowledge and passion for her subject. French and Theater Arts at California State community volunteers who took the plunge on her graduation she worked as a inspector the practice of Stewart & Spencer. He mar- Zoya attended Oakwood Friends School University, Chico, and completed her teacher February 18. at a silver plating factory in Oneida Coun- ried Marion Jones in 1930 and had a daugh- from middle school through graduation in Samantha Lowe ’05 – Middle School Math training at California State University, Sacra- ty, New York. She married Samuel Kroneck ter. Starting in 1935 he began working as a 2010. She then went on to study Biology Samantha is an Oakwood alumna who mento. She also did graduate work in the- and had two children. She died on Sep- counselor for the Monroe Savings Bank and and Gender and Sexuality at SUNY Pur- received her B.A. in Mathematics from ater arts at the University of Houston. tember 12, 1983 in Canastota, New York. for the next thirty years he climbed the ranks, eventually becoming president. He died on Mabel Beatrice Hill was born on October March 21, 1972 in Pittsford, New York. 20, 1896 in Cayuga County, New York. She Thinking About Hosting An International Student? By: Susanrachel Condon ’80, parent of Malcolm ’20 Joyce Carter-Krawczyk (parent of John '02)- At Congratulations to history teacher Jon Pesner The first thing the boys did together was Oakwood, my son acquired knowledge, devel- ’07 and Desiree Conway on the birth of their son to attend a youth environmentalist summit oped skills and found the community to guide David Robert Pesner on January 21, 2017. with the editor of Dirt Magazine. The kids him in becoming a good citizen. He left Oak- ate chili and cornbread around a camp- wood with a strong sense of social understand- fire as the sun went down and discussed ing, respect for others and a healthy sense of their shared passion for environmental self-worth and continued his journey for service projects. Max was able to shed some light Former French teacher, Katie Rose Hillegaas, learning, a priority at Swarthmore College. After on differences between awareness of en- and her husband, Jay, welcomed their second Swarthmore, he worked as a paralegal, graduated vironmental issues here and at home. daughter, Iris St. Vincent Erickson, on Tuesday, from Temple Law School and is currently an at- Malcolm talked about his mission to de- September 27, 2016. torney in Philadelphia Malcolm Condon ’20 crease consumption of single use plastics. Maxwell Rwamuningi ’20

Elizabeth Meyer – art teacher, was one of sev- Sheila Wolper, wife of former board member Joe When I attended my first OPA meeting, I Later in the week, there was a long, snowy Finally, of course, we hosted Max's first en artists screening films at the Rubin Museum Gosler, presented her work at the Ceres Gallery in learned that one way to contribute to the hike to the Mohonk Mountain House in the Thanksgiving! Plenty of multigenerational of Art’s two-day festival in November, Force of New York City in December. school community is to invite an international Shawangunk Mountains, several trips to the family engaged in good conversations and Stillness: Film and Performance Inspired by Bud- student or 7-day boarder home for a holiday. movies, a private metal working class. Junior, an amazing meal - which we all had a hand dhism, curated by Amber Bemak. Lizzie’s piece Ana Alexander joined Malcolm, Max and me in - were the highlights of the day. The break is entitled "Colornests (excerpt): Blue/Violet" and When I mentioned this possibility to Mal- at the Rhinebeck Performing Arts Center's culminated in Malcolm's exhibiting and sell- is 7 minutes long. colm, he jumped at the chance, immedi- presentation of Inherit the Wind. Little did we ing his ceramics and blown glass at the Uni- ately asking if his friend Max could spend know the boys would be reading it in class son Arts Annual Craft Fair at SUNY New Paltz. Stephen Miller – philosophy teacher, spoke at Thanksgiving with us. The Condon fam- the week after break! We had an enlightening Arthur Jarvis – faculty 1961-1965 - Mary and I the annual conference of the Philosophy of Educa- ily was thrilled to welcome 9th grader discussion about ideas on evolutionary theo- We totally recommend hosting a board- do not travel long distance any more, but Oak- tion Society on the topic of Knowledge Ecologies. Maxwell Rwamuningi of Johannesburg to ry and whether or not it is at odds with faith. er and would gladly do it again! wood is always in our thoughts. The conference took place in the Republic of Fiji. our home during the Thanksgiving break.

4 Winter 2016-17 NEWSLETTER FOR ALUMNI AND MEMBERS OF THE OAKWOOD FRIENDS COMMUNITY CELEBRATING OVER 200 YEARS OF FRIENDS EDUCATION IN THE HUDSON VALLEY Winter 2016-17 13 1967 Abigail Golden-Vazquez – It was an honor to College and his J.D. from Temple University. He Oakwood Friends Girls’ Cross Country 2016 Bonnie Raitt participated in the Freedom Con- come back to Oakwood for my 25th reunion and is an attorney with Goldberg, Miller and Rubin By: Charlie Butts, Athletic Director cert hosted by Alec Baldwin on Inauguration Day, have the opportunity to follow in the footsteps in Philadelphia. Ashley received her BA and her January 20, 2017. of my esteemed classmate Jesse Washington, in MBA from Texas A & M. She works for Lockheed Ten girls made this the largest Oakwood addressing the students on social justice. It was Martin in New Jersey. John and Ashley honey- girls’ cross country squad (perhaps) ever. 1969 made extra special by the attendance of my hus- mooned in Nairobi, Kenya and Zanzibar, Tanza- Although the team lost a number of run- Jim and Bill Howe visited campus with their band and son, as well as ’57 Oakwood grad, my nia. Oakwood friends at the wedding: Vash Ar- ners from the previous season, a talent- brother Reid who lives in Kingwood Park. Dad. thur ’01, Asher Dupuy-Spencer ’01, Bruce Ramsay ed and determined group of newcomers ’01, Alex Deffaa ’04 and Jane Calhelha Starr ’02. added strength and provided great depth. 1988 The returning nucleus of experienced run- Jennifer Elizabeth Brunton – I’m still blogging ners, Alexandria Weinraub ’17, Lily at fullspectrummama.blogspot.com, but my big Schaeufele ’18, and Nafisa Rashid ’19, news is I published an e-book, and print: Every- led the team by example in workouts and thing I Understand (by Lux Cunningham, my pen races. Newcomers ranged from seniors name). It’s a literary mystery set in New York City to 7th grade: Basira Daqiq ’17, Connie in the late ‘90’s. Huang ’17, Jia Xu ’17, Komi Tong ’17, Echo Xu’18, Adele Fredericks ’21, and 1992 Bailey Allen ’22. Team captains Lily and Dorothy Glusker and husband, Phil, live with Alex provided the motivation and leader- their two daughters, Julie & Talia, in San Carlos, ship that propelled the team through a Chuck Schwartz – Some of the religious phi- CA. Dorothy continues to be a reading specialist series of successful races and everyone losophy that I learned at Oakwood back in the in East Palo Alto. 2007 always stepped up when needed. This Coaches Bill Doolittle and Sean Thompson with co-captains Alex Weinraub ’17 sixties is still relevant to me today. Nick Currie visiting with Julie Okoniewski and teamwork culminated in a victory at the and Lily Schaeufele ’18 1995 Anna Bertucci Hudson Valley Athletic League (HVAL) 1970 Forrest Rohde – I have a lot of news. I was mar- Championship, our first since 2002. The team ran to a 2-point victory at the pionship. If just one Darrow runner had Helen Claxton – Retired in January. What a de- ried on Oct 22 to my lovely wife, Meghan. I have Storm King Invitational. At the Darrow switched places with an Oakwood runner, light! Still in Charlotte. Best regards to all. Peace moved back to Prescott, AZ to be close to my Cross country scoring is based on finish Invitational, they finished third and Alex they would have won, so it was a team vic- and love. three children, Eli, Olivia and Colin. I passed my place. Place equals team points, and the even beat most of the boys as the boys and tory in every sense of the word. The race real estate brokers certification test, now licensed top five runners’ points are added for the girls ran at the same time. The team then for the top team was so close, that there Richard and Barbara Feingold traveled to Ice- at My Home Group and I am trainer at Core Cross team score with the low score winning. took another 2-point victory at the New was a distinct possibility of a tie. If that land and Ireland where Barbara visited with Fit. Look me up when on Facebook! I am posting Sixth and seventh runners can “displace” York Military Academy Invitational. At the had happened, the tie gets broken by the Adelia Greer ’69 at her home in Finnavara, 45 fresh videos about life in Prescott every few days scorers from another team by pushing their Poughkeepsie Day School Invitational, best 6th place finisher between the two minutes southwest of Galway. Adelia has lived in and would love to hear from old friends! finish places back and increasing the other Oakwood earned another third-place fin- teams and that was Bailey for Oakwood. Ireland for over 30 years and occasionally returns team’s points. Therefore, as impressive as ish. These invitationals were all prep races to the states to visit relatives. Barbara says: “It 1998 an individual first-place finish might -ap for the big one, the HVAL Championship. Alex then traveled to the Hyde School in was wonderful to get caught up after 46 years! Tamio Ishizaka Bando visited campus with a Congratulations to Sarah Robbins on her en- pear, the sum totality of five scorers and Maine to race in the New England small in- We were class mates for two years and even went business colleague in October. He develops resi- gagement to Jason Weers! sometimes the sixth and seventh displac- At less than full strength with two runners dependent schools championship against to Woodstock together!” dential condos in Tokyo. Shown here with Eisei ers have more influence on team score and down at the HVAL Championship at Storm 158 runners from 7 states. She ran a smart, Maeyama ’17. 2008 place. Every runner and every finish posi- King, the girls used a strategy of “catch ev- strong, and masterful race to finish 8th Zack Federbush is a student at the Savannah tion are equally important to the outcome. ery runner you can.” Trailing at the begin- and earn New England All-Star status. We School of Art. Thank you, Zack, for your contribu- ning of the race, Alex powered to a first believe this was the first time any mem- tion of a painting to our auction to support the OFS started team competition with a place victory by over a minute to become ber of the girls’ team earned this honor. Annual Fund. second place finish among six schools Oakwood’s first individual league champi- at the 16th Annual Oakwood Invita- on in 19 years. Though ranked about 7th That finish qualified Alex for the All- tional. In our league, invitational meets, in the league, Basira ran her best race of New England championship at St. Mark’s with all or most league schools attend- the season to capture 4th place. Echo and School in Massachusetts. The 20 all-stars ing, have replaced the dual meets of past Lily pulled each other to 10th and 11th from each of the 4 divisions of small, me- years. For each invitational race, there’s a place finishes respectively. Jia stepped up dium, large, and extra-large independent large field and the competition is much and ran her best race of the season to fin- schools of New England were invited to tougher than at a dual meet. This com- ish 14th and close out the scoring. Each run in the Race of Champions. She ran Adelia Greer ’69 & Barbara Bogle Feingold petition did not deter Alex as she was place and the associated points were cru- another strong race to finish 26th, de- in Finnavara. 2001 the individual winner in 21:52, setting a cial in adding up to a 1point victory over feating some runners who had finished Congratulations to Allison Loggins-Hull on her new course record for Oakwood women. Darrow School and giving us the cham- ahead of her in the previous race, plus a Daniel Herzog – Since being given not so favor- new project, “Diametrically Composed,” a per- number of girls from the larger schools. able medical news, I have been auctioning off my formance piece featuring newly commissioned postcard stock at a local club and selling cards works for flute, voice and piano exploring the 2009 Overall, it was a very successful sea- through an employee at shows. duality of being a mother and an artist. Sean Sweeney joined his parents and fellow son filled with many examples of team- alums at Oakwood’s Wine Dinner & Auction in work and camaraderie. The girls’ willing- Gary Slutzky – As I get older, I realize that I January. Sean is working in real estate. ness to work at each practice towards have come to appreciate what I learned about later season goals, and support each life, and doing some good in my world, in my 2010 other made it something of a magical two years at Oakwood. I talk occasionally with Jamie Lee – graduated from the School of the Art season. Everyone contributed and ev- Jim Raker ’70, and Nancy Leopitzi Warwla ’67 and Institute in Chicago, Illinois in 2015. Jamie is liv- eryone scored in at least one meet. The I am glad we have reconnected. ing and working in Chicago and is a virtual sales team also benefitted from the expertise associate for the Howard Brown Medical Clinic. of head coaches Bill Doolittle and Sean 1984 Jamie is in several drawing groups. Thompson. Together, they have 55 years Augusta Wilson – Keep up the good work Oakwood! of experience in coaching cross country Najah Muhammad has started a job as a full and their knowledge was put to good 1986 time drama/theatre teacher at Achievement First use by this talented group of runners. Fred Jenkins III – partner in business of Wil- 2002 Endeavor Elementary school in Brooklyn, NY cox-Slidders Industrial Supply in Fairfield, NJ. Ce- Congratulations to John Krawczyk on his mar- working with students in kindergarten to 4th ramicist, voiceover talent and runner. riage to Ashley Gilpin of Texas on September grade. 24, 2016. John earned his B.A. from Swarthmore 12 Winter 2016-17 NEWSLETTER FOR ALUMNI AND MEMBERS OF THE OAKWOOD FRIENDS COMMUNITY CELEBRATING OVER 200 YEARS OF FRIENDS EDUCATION IN THE HUDSON VALLEY Winter 2016-17 5 Class Notes Photography Curriculum at Oakwood Theater at Oakwood By Michael Gallo Farrell, Art Department Chair The fall production featured Dracula by Steven Dietz. This adaptation restores the suspense and seduction of Bram Stok- er’s classic novel to the stage. As Count Dracula begins to exert his will upon the residents of London, they try to piece to- gether the clues of his appearances – in a valiant attempt to save themselves from a 1943 we find people with the same values that were get the looks of amazed delight on our parents’ hideous fate. Rich with both humor and Gloria Garlick Bogle and Joyce Benson Caswell so important at Oakwood. We are fortunate to faces when they saw the reading list Reg had pre- horror, this play paints a wickedly theat- with Headmaster William Reagan at graduation. be able to stay active in the community. Robine pared for our English class! Wonderful days! rical picture of Stoker’s famous vampire. Andrau ’55 lives in the same town, Scituate, MA. 1961 1954 Bob Blackman – Retired after 40 years of pri- Linda Rahl Nadas – I guess there is way too mary internal medicine practice. Now teaching much to say. I still do my art work in all three at Keck USC Medical School. Trying to impart areas- sculpture, pottery and water colors. This attitude as well as clinical facts to the students. last summer we fired two gas kilns. Up until two No hand held devices allowed - just person to years ago I could still do it myself. No more! I person communication between doctor and pa- am fortunate to be still doing this creative work. tient. Many of my ‘old school’ ways were shaped My daughter, Ruth Gita, is battling cancer. It is a at Oakwood and not a day goes by that I don’t Students at work in the darkroom 1946 huge challenge. How strong we all have to be. give thanks. Betty Nunn Kramer – Still active at 88, almost The Photography curriculum at Oakwood at the manual and traditional methods of 89. Living at a CCRC at the University of Florida Khosrow Nasr – I am now retired. Live with 1963 Friends School is an award-winning pro- black-and-white film photography will make in Gainesville. my wife Shiva in Sacramento area. My younger Barbara Richmond Mates – My son, Ethan gram. Students have regularly participated everyone a better digital photographer. daughter Nava is an internist, works as a hospital- Mates ’95, has a new son, Myles, born July 6, in high school photography contests and Joseph Spence ’19 and Gabriel Mat ’18 1948 ist near us. My older daughter, Rasa, is married 2015. Ethan lives in Los Angeles. have won top prizes on numerous occa- Digital photography is very much in prac- Robert Collins – I self-published The Cobe and is caregiver for her family which includes two sions. This is directly related to the profes- tice at Oakwood Friends School. The year- The winter play featured Ladies’ Day by Story about the company I cofounded. If any- sons. Both daughters and family live within 3-5 Linda Kenney Miller – My book “Beacon on the sional environment in which students work. book is a 100% digital production. Student Aristophanes with a new adaptation by one would like a copy please let me know: miles from us. Hill” is being optioned for a television series or Oakwood has a complete professional pho- photographers use Photoshop and state of Ryan Biracree. In this version, the play- [email protected] a big screen feature. The book continues to sell tography studio, including a dedicated dark- the art digital layout and design all built on wright Euripides has discovered a plot. The 1955 well and inspire many. Stay tuned…. room with 10 enlargers capable of making the Yearbook Company’s on line production women of Greece are fed up with his rep- A memorial service will be held to celebrate the prints 16” x 20” and larger. Students learn system. This is a total professional produc- resentation of their gender and are meeting life of Sam Ho in Vancouver at the Kerrisdale Martha Richdale – I am happy to announce that the fundamentals of photography and the tion introducing students to all of the most to assess his guilt and punishment. Fearing Community Centre on the afternoon of July 15th. my fiancé Bill Gough and I married in the back creative expression of this medium by us- up-to-date methods of digital photography for his life, Euripides sends his father-in-law Oakwood friends are most welcome. Please yard of our Florida home on April 3rd. Some of ing 35mm manual cameras and by hand- and digital graphic design and production. Mnesilochus, dressed as a woman, to infil- Bob Collins & Ran contact Sam’s daughter Samantha Kriegel at you know that Bill has terminal lung cancer and making photographic prints. This exposes trate their ranks and speak on his behalf. Bellows: Co-founders of [email protected] for further details. in a clinical trial at the Moffitt Cancer Research students to the artistic critical thinking and Students work on term projects directly Cobe Laboratories, Inc. Center in Tampa. Although not a cure, it has problem solving necessary in order to ex- related to each individual’s level. Students 1956 given us more time as newlyweds and we are cel as a photographer and a visual artist. can take photography class as many times Molly Lynn Watt - These sixty years later, I grateful for every single day. We want to wish as their schedules allow. As students ad- continue to use the values I found at Oakwood you all a happy, healthy and peaceful new year. Students in the photography studio work vance, the term projects challenge them in Lt. Col. Ray Frasier – A healthy new year to to guide my life choices every day. I am delighted with photographic flood and strobe light- both creative and technical directions. Many the class of ’48 and a special blessing to all those to see these same values at Oakwood today - Lewis Shepard – Ellen and I still divide our time ing in a working portrait studio. The en- advanced students do Independent Studies. alumni who served in the protection of our nation. appreciating diversity, working for human rights, between Boston and Wellfleet. Sam and Kate tire curriculum is hands-on and authentic. Oakwood photography students have gone simplicity, engagement, participating in the were married in 2015. Dan and Heather were They learn lighting techniques and digital on to major in photography at the college level 1950 adventure of learning and hard intellectual and married in March 2016. I grand-dog, 2 grand-cats. and analog metering for accurate exposure and at some of America’s top art schools. Eric E. Wohlforth – I am working only a little, physical work, seeing self as part of the whole I made a modest increase to my ACLU member- controls. The direct hands-on involvement active in civic and university activities. Very glad human tribe, celebrating and enjoying life in a ship. Pat Crowley is a member of the Board. I spend centered way that radiates good will. several winter months in Tucson. 1964 1957 Chris Galligan – We moved to a retirement com- Film Screened at Oakwood: Moss Sherman ’17, Melina Sefuku ’17, Patrick Crowley – self- Peter Lane – I think Alice Flanagan’s grand- munity called Noble Horizons in Salisbury, CT. Joseph Spence ’19, Alex Weinraub ’17 published Fragments mother (Molly Lynn Watt ’56) and I were ‘an item’ I’m still working and climbing trees. “The Fits,” by Anna Farrell Holmer ’03 and Enid Swatson ’17 – So Many Choices, So in the year 1954-55 - how about that!? A lovely Little Time. Pat leads a girl and fun to learn that her granddaughter has 1965 Alumna Anna Rose Holmer, class of 2003, seminar entitled Writing found OFS to be good. Not surprised! John Blackman – Retiring July 1, 2017 held a screening of her film, “The Fits,” Personal History for the for the Oakwood Friends School commu- Renaissance Society at 1958 Larry Weiss – After graduating from Oakwood, I nity in October. The film is a psychologi- California State Univer- Susan Hennessey – Moved back to my house went to Queens College and then Brooklyn Law cal portrait of 11 year old Toni – a tomboy sity, Sacramento. about 50 minutes south of San Francisco after School. I am now in my 42nd year in law prac- assimilating into a tight-knit dance team in of the Venice Biennale Cinema College pro- 8 year marriage. Sponsoring a number of kids. tice and looking forward to slowing down in the Cincinnati’s West End. Enamored by the gram, a micro-budget and micro-timeline 1953 Now to repair house, etc. Miss all the Oakwood next few years. I hope to pick up where I left power and confidence of this strong com- initiative for first and second time directors Taffy Thunick Hoffman – I am happy, busy and friends & teachers. off sculpting at Oakwood and try oil painting. I munity of girls, Toni eagerly absorbs rou- from around the world. The film premiered contented in an active senior living facility. don’t have any talent but I promised each of my tines, masters drills, and even pierces her at the 72nd Venice International Film Festival 1959 sons an ugly painting that they would only have own ears to fit in. When a mysterious out- as part of the Venice Biennale Cinema Col- Alma Stokey Morrison – My husband and I Susannah (Sukey) Stone Eldridge – My sister, to put on the wall (behind a door) when I came break of fainting spells plagues the team, lege showcase. “The Fits” also participated built a new house this year - on one floor. We Debbie Stone, and I had the great pleasure of a to visit. Hoping to also find more time to travel Toni’s desire for acceptance is twisted. in the inaugural Sundance Institute Feature love it and hope to stay a long time. We belong visit with Reg and Tinker Hannaford this summer and visit old friends. Best wishes to the class of Film Program Editing Intensive and received to the local Unitarian Universalist Church where at their home in Brunswick, ME. I will never for- 2016 and to old friends from the class of 1965. Anna Holmer ’03 with Frank McGinnis ’04 The film was written, produced and directed additional support from the Sundance In- and Anna Bertucci by Anna Holmer through the 2014-15 Edition stitute, Cinereach and Rooftop Films. 6 Winter 2016-17 NEWSLETTER FOR ALUMNI AND MEMBERS OF THE OAKWOOD FRIENDS COMMUNITY CELEBRATING OVER 200 YEARS OF FRIENDS EDUCATION IN THE HUDSON VALLEY Winter 2016-17 11 Joe Jankovsky to present Herzog Lecture on Innovation Life After Oakwood By Barry Smith ‘67 Now in its 18th year, the Herzog Lecture captures the components needed to deliver was established by Daniel Herzog ’70 in on a creative idea? Using a sample of n=1 I arrived at Oakwood to begin my junior After Oakwood, it was off to Oberlin, which memory of his father, Dr. Hershel Herzog, (me), we will explore how to harness cre- year, having escaped Deerfield Academy was a terrific experience. From there, I a distinguished chemist and pharmaceuti- ativity and education to execute innovation.” and their particular form of “interesting worked at the Saint Louis Urban League for a cal executive who was instrumental in de- times” (Think: Tom Brown’s School Days). year before heading off to graduate school at After completing degrees in Music and En- veloping several popular antibiotic and Syracuse (radio/television). I went from grad gineering at Swarthmore College in 1993, anti-inflammatory drugs. In keeping with a When asked about Oakwood, I always school to New York City, where I eventually Joe Jankovsky completed his Masters and science and technology theme, the series felt that Deerfield tried to teach me what found work in Production for NBC’s Radio PhD at Yale University in 2000. His thesis, has brought speakers from many fields to to think, while Oakwood taught me how Network News Division for over a decade. which studied the dynamics of surfactant- speak to our school community, bringing to think, and question, and challenge. Following that, I worked in various forms coated liquid drops in microgravity, was science inquiry to life and encouraging our of media, in wildly different jobs, all of flown aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia in students to consider career paths in science. Through my encounters with Quaker them interesting in one way or another. 1995. He was an Office of Naval Research Meeting, I learned to tolerate the stillness of This year, we are delighted to welcome Jo- post-doctoral fellow, studying the acoustics an hour’s time, then to accept it as a valid During my time in New York, I bought and seph Jankovsky, Ph.D. to present the Herzog of bubble clouds at Boston University. Joe is quest, and then I learned that I had come restored a house in Harlem, where I enjoyed Lecture on Friday, April 28th, at 10:30 am, in currently a Senior Research Engineer at Bose to hunger for the meditative peace that lies life with my partner Jay, (later my spouse), the Meeting Room. Joe’s topic is Calculating Corporation in Framingham, MA. Since join- within, and that an hour’s silence carries for over twenty seven years. Following his Innovation: Math, Multipliers and the Long ing the company in 2001, Joe’s contributions a reward that can get you through a lot. death in 2010, I returned home to Saint Creative Road to Innovation. Joe explains: have primarily been in the area of physical Those gifts were huge then, and are still. Louis, to look after my charming mother “Over the past decade there have been nu- acoustics where he holds several patents. who is facing Alzheimer’s with wit, optimism merous books and talks discussing the rise His current interest is in the area of auton- Joe and his wife Inge and their two chil- and humor. Her disease is a bizarre journey (or death) of the creative class, or how the omous vehicles. In the future, when there dren live in Holliston, MA, where they for us both, yet her grace inspires me. modern education system kills (or enables) are no drivers, what will people do? More enjoy beekeeping, tending to their chick- Barry with his mom, Sugar creativity and innovation. What truly counts specifically, can we control body motion ens and raising organic vegetables. When I returned home, mom wanted very when trying to bring an innovative concept in a way that makes people comfortable, much to join another church, rather than to reality? Is there an equation that best not car sick, and enhances productivity? return to the Episcopal congregation in which I was raised. So, she joined a Congregational the Quaker Peace. I won’t press you, but the church, but I demurred. When the pastor door is open whenever you wish to join us.” asked why, (after a year or so), I still didn’t This has been, and continues to be a rich life. Middle School Visit to Innisfree Garden OPA want to formalize my attendance and join, By: Alysa Sullivan, co-clerk, parent ’17 I told him gently that I had more of me I wish all my classmates Love, Peace, and invested in Quakerism than anything else, Good health! Dear Fellow Oakwood Parents, and it would take me as long as it would take. He smiled knowingly and said: ”Ah, I am so pleased to be able to intro- Barry Smith in Mendocino, CA. duce our new co-clerks, Laurie Craft, parent of Zachary Craft ’20, and Mar- tina Deignan, parent of Xiao Kirchner ’19. Alumni Gatherings: Laurie has been an integral part of the Oakwood Parent Association since the Washington D.C. & Brooklyn, NY. beginning. As a then middle school par- ent, Laurie worked tirelessly to help form this organization and encourage parents to get involved. I am so pleased she has agreed to take on Clerk responsibilities, her love for the school and her enthusi- asm for parent participation is unwavering. Diane Moroff welcomed Oakwood alumni This might be Martina’s family’s first year to her home in Brooklyn on February 26. at Oakwood, yet she has been so wonder- Shown here with Saul Moroff, Hadi Daqiq fully willing to get involved from the get go. ’19 and Willow Bennison ’20. Willow, an She worked closely with Wendy Giangras- accomplished musician, performed her own so securing items for the Parent Dinner composition for the group. & Auction and joined the Steering Com- mittee with great enthusiasm and energy.

I look forward to working with Laurie and Oakwood’s Middle School had the wonderful The Trees Martina, and watching as this organiza- opportunity to tour Innisfree Garden in Mill- By Arianna Badia, 7th grade tion continues to grow so that we may brook in October with friends of the school, better serve the school community. Marilyn Katz and George Petty, a naturalist Orange, brown, and green leaves who leads monthly wildflower walks at In- nisfree and who created a seasonal wild- Falling down on the “At Oakwood, I feel important flower catalog for the garden. In an effort Grass growing fast, and loved for the person I to reflect on their day at the garden, Thomas Grass growing high, am. I feel like I matter, like I Perkins, Middle School History teacher took a number of photos and then had the 7th Leaves are falling off can make a difference in my Shown here: Board member Jessica Kimelman ’93, Willow Bennison ’20, Clara Baez ’03, Lydia Micheaux Marshall ’67 welcomed and 8th Graders write poetry inspired by community and in the world.” Amanda Millington ’09, Lucia O'Barr ’11, Bela Baez ’04, Clarissa Baez ’07, alumni to her home in Washington D.C. in Thank nature for such beautiful trees, November. Shown here with head of school, the images and their immersion in nature. – Alice Flanagan ’17 Hadi Daqiq ’19. Seated: Russ Ryan ’53 and Alan Jalon ’72. Trees... Chad Cianfrani. 10 Winter 2016-17 NEWSLETTER FOR ALUMNI AND MEMBERS OF THE OAKWOOD FRIENDS COMMUNITY CELEBRATING OVER 200 YEARS OF FRIENDS EDUCATION IN THE HUDSON VALLEY Winter 2016-17 7

in New York City, Vermont, and the Na- Emily Atkin ’07 From Middle School to Graduation Photographer John Willis Presents vajo Nation to share photography and life stories with youth from the Oglala Lakota Speaks at Winter 4th Annual Art Lecture Tribe. Each year, the program brings volun- teer staff to the Pine Ridge Reservation in Oakwood Friends School will welcome Pro- He is the recipient of numerous awards and South Dakota where they collaborate with Reunion fessor John Willis of Marlboro College on grants and his work is included in perma- a number of schools and community orga- The Oakwood community welcomed back Tuesday, April 25th to present the 4th art nent museum collections across the country. nizations on the reservation. He is currently our recent graduates from the classes lecture in our annual series. In keeping with working on a pilot program to create an on- 2012 to 2016 for winter reunion on Janu- Professor Willis’ advocacy for service learn- In 1992, Professor Willis co-founded The going exchange. This fall, he and several ary 6th. Emily Atkin, class of 2007, joined ing, the event will once again be part of In-Sight Photography Project, a non-profit Marlboro students joined the water protec- us as guest speaker. Emily graduated from our spring Earthshare Day. Professor Willis program offering free photography courses tors at Standing Rock in North Dakota to SUNY New Paltz with a degree in journal- earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Ev- to area residents, ages eleven to eighteen, organize and deliver donations of supplies. ism and political science and currently ergreen State College and his MFA from the regardless of ability to pay. He is still the works at The New Republic in Washington, Rhode Island School of Design. While doing Executive Director of the program which We are honored to bring John Willis to our DC. as a science and environmental poli- documentary photography in nursing homes operates year-round. The courses are taught campus and grateful to Jonathan Flac- tics reporter. She worked previously as a as a graduate student, he began teaching by local photographers and advanced stu- cus ’58 for introducing John to Oakwood national political reporter at Circa and the photography where he was photograph- dents who in turn learn about their own Friends School. This event is the 4th An- Sinclair Broadcast Group as well as Think- ing and volunteering. That experience was abilities while instructing younger students. nual Arts Presentation launched by Jona- Progress, a newsroom of reporters and the beginning of a long on-going process The program collaborates with community than Talbot ’57 who presented “Collage: editors covering the intersections between of teaching and doing collaborative service organizations including a psychiatric facil- Medium & Metaphor.” The following year, politics, policy, culture, and social justice. in community based situations. He became ity, a homeless shelter, a women’s crisis Molly Lynn Watt ’56 presented “On the a full-time professor at Marlboro in 1997. center and many after school programs. Wings of Song – a Journey into the Civil He has taught at a large variety of schools Rights Era.” Last year, Lakota performer, Emily spoke about her experiences as a Matthew Voorhees with classmates who started together in 6th grade: reporter, especially during the presidential including Harvard, Princeton, R.I.S.D., The John Willis also co-founded The Exposures storyteller and activist Tiokasin Ghost- Hunter Ortreger, Nai'lah & Mimi Taariq campaign. Traveling across the country, she School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, Cross Cultural Youth Creative Arts Exchange horse visited campus for a 3 day celebra- gained a new perspective on the diverse life and more, as well as non-traditional settings, seven years ago. In the first year he brought tion of Lakota Culture. Special thanks to experiences and points of view in different such as community based programs, nurs- together several of his advanced college Marsha and Jonathan Talbot for their on- locations. She urged students to become ing homes, and orphanages in Cambodia. students with youth from the South Bronx going support of this lecture series. discerning consumers of media and to ac- Summer Youth Advocacy Program cess information from multiple sources. Receives Mayoral Proclamation Shai BlackBird ’18 Speaks on Panel At Ramapo College of New Jersey

Oakwood junior Shai BlackBird spoke on the Executive Director of Food and Water a panel at Ramapo College in New Jer- Watch; Betty Lyons of the Onondaga Na- sey about the water protectors at Stand- tion and President and Executive Direc- ing Rock on November 30, 2016. Shai tor of the American Indian Law Alliance; is a member of the Rosebud Sioux and Ramapough-Lenape Chief Dwaine tribe of the Sicangu, Lakota people. Perry. Shai and the other panelists dis- cussed the issues faced by the Standing The Center for Sustainability Studies at Ra- Rock Sioux in their confrontation over mapo College, together with Food and Water the Dakota Access Pipeline and parallel Clerk Mimi Taariq ’17 with Emily Atkin ’07 Watch, hosted the program entitled “Water issues in the Ramapo Mountains of con- . is Life! From Standing Rock to Ramapough.” cern to the Ramapough-Lenape people. The panel also included: Wenonah Hauter,

Oakwood’s Summer Youth Advocacy Pro- of Development at Oakwood, the program gram (SYAP) was honored by City of Pough- is now in its 14th year and provides a free keepsie Mayor Rob Rolison and Council summer program for low-income, minority Shai specifically spoke about the actions Member Ann Perry at the Common Council youth between the ages of 13 and 18 from she has been taking in the Oakwood com- meeting held at City Hall on September 19, the Hudson Valley and New York City. The munity to raise awareness about the Da- 2016. The group received the Queen City program increases understanding of civic kota Access Pipeline. To date she has led Certificate of Recognition for Outstanding engagement, teaches the tools of advocacy a school wide assembly about the pipeline Community Service. Mayor Rolison thanked through the arts, and fosters an interest in and shared short video clips; organized a Standing- Jon Pesner ’07, Zachary Diaz ’07, the students for their contributions to beau- civic engagement. SYAP alumni now lead social media campaign for the water pro- Zoya Diaz ’10, Frank McGinnis ’04, Nora tifying College Hill Park with two hand- the program including mock legislative pro- tectors’ Day of Solidarity; written a letter to made, mural top picnic tables. The school cedures, visits to the offices of elected offi- President Obama on behalf of the school Sackett ’16, Kate Wilkinson ’15; was also acknowledged for their work cials, and the use of theater, art and music as community urging a halt to the construction Seated – Jacob Leach ’11, Alyssa Spencer ’13, elsewhere in the city with their brightly tools for social change. The program is fund- of the pipeline; and initiated a fundraising Emily Atkin ’07, Norther Keaveney ’14, Sarah colored planter benches in pop-up parks ed by grants from The Dyson Foundation, M drive for supplies for the camps at Standing Little ’15, Laurie Aronson ’15, Alexandra on Main Street and John M. Flowers Circle. & T Bank, the Rotary E-Club of District 7210, Rock. The panel discussion was attended by Stephens ’15; in front – Najah Muhammad Somos la Llave del Futuro and contributions over 200 students, area residents and mem- ’10 Founded by Julie Okoniewski, former Capi- from local businesses and individuals bers of the Ramapough-Lenape Nation. tol Hill staffer and current Associate Director 8 Winter 2016-17 NEWSLETTER FOR ALUMNI AND MEMBERS OF THE OAKWOOD FRIENDS COMMUNITY CELEBRATING OVER 200 YEARS OF FRIENDS EDUCATION IN THE HUDSON VALLEY Winter 2016-17 9

The Libby Moroff Students in Action coal plants. Rather than building new Human Rights Day Celebration At FDR Presidential Library By Julie Okoniewski, Associate Director of oil pipelines that will increase global Leadership Program Development warming we should be building clean energy infrastructure and pursuing Initiated by a generous grant from the Phyl- As the coordinator of the Libby Moroff Lead- renewable sources of energy.” lis and Howard Schwartz Philanthropic Fund ership Program, I am honored to carry on and gifts from family and friends, The Libby her legacy of social justice and civic en- Another student, Mahdia (Hadi) Daqiq, Moroff Leadership Program will create a per- gagement by empowering students at her a sophomore from Afghanistan, decided manent tribute to the life and work of Oak- alma mater to find their voices and advo- to share her thoughts about the proposed wood’s dedicated former Board President cate for the causes about which they are refugee resettlement center in the City and alumna from the class of 1954. Libby passionate. Since the program’s inception of Poughkeepsie. Through both a let- was an exemplar of good leadership in we have had many opportunities to engage ter to the County Executive and an op-ed her volunteer work at Oakwood and dedi- students in a wide range of activities and in the Poughkeepsie Journal, Hadi shared cated her adult life to furthering the prin- events aimed at broadening their horizons these powerful and insightful words. ciples of social justice and equality for all. regarding advocacy. Given the unique cir- Using Quaker values as a guide, the pro- cumstances of the presidential election, stu- “Very few people probably know what Bianca Luna-Lupercio ’17 gram will help our students develop their dents were fortunate enough to take part in living under the shadow of war is like. own leadership skills and give back to their a bi-partisan Rock the Vote panel discus- What it is like to be forced to leave your communities through meaningful service. sion, attend a Congressional rally, view the country. A country that you are born in presidential debates and election results in even if it is the worst country in world. The program, which will serve approximate- their dorm with fellow students and facul- For you it has been a home somewhere ly 10 students annually, will specifically focus ty members, and discuss the impact of the that you can call mine. Something that on empowering students through hands on election from an international perspective is yours, and one day you have to leave In celebration of International Human munity relations, educational justice and exploration of issues related to leadership, with their peers from around the world. it because you are scared of your life Rights Day at the Franklin Delano Roo- parity, and jobs and the economy. Interns social justice, civic engagement and service and you have to trust the strangers far sevelt Presidential Library in Hyde Park, are selected by the UNA board of direc- learning. In the classroom, all 10th grad- Individual students have also been empow- beyond the seas to welcome and help Oakwood students led fellow community tors through a yearly application process ers at Oakwood will participate in a semes- ered to pursue issues they are concerned you as their own and as a human." members in drafting recommended ac- which aims to involve youth locally in dis- ter long Leadership & Social Justice course about through letter writing campaigns to tion items for human rights on Decem- cussions of international politics and affairs. Sophie Poux ’17 at podium designed to increase their understanding of elected officials and writing op-eds to our Finally, Oakwood’s student clerk, Ami- ber 8, 2016. The event was hosted by the their own leadership style and potential in local newspaper, The Poughkeepsie Journal. nah (Mimi) Taariq, who is a found- FDR Library, the Eleanor Roosevelt Center The Universal Declaration of Human Rights relation to a myriad of social justice issues. One such example is Lakota student, Shai ing member of Wappingers Climate Ac- at Val-Kill, the Human Rights Commission recognizes the rights held by all humans After completing the course, students will BlackBird, and her advocacy work regard- tion, had this to say about her group in of Dutchess County, and the United Na- and provides a benchmark for the defense be able to request to be a part of the Libby ing the Dakota Access Pipeline at Standing her letter to the Poughkeepsie Journal. tions Association of the Mid-Hudson Valley. of human dignity and freedom by member Moroff Leadership Program. Once selected, Rock. Shai, who is a member of the Rose- states of the United Nations. Human Rights they will have an opportunity to learn about bud Sioux tribe in South Dakota: presented “The fight against climate change has As interns for the UNA – Mid-Hudson Val- Day, December 10th, commemorates the these issues both in and outside of the class- to the school during a fall Community Meet- made me hopeful, frustrated, and ley, several Oakwood students were se- day when the United Nations General As- room environment. The group will meet ing to raise awareness about the pipeline; motivated all in one. I am writing lected to moderate group discussions about sembly adopted the Declaration in 1948. regularly outside of class hours like many of led interested students and faculty in a so- this letter to provide inspiration to immigrants and refugees, police and com- our student led organizations. Group meet- cial media campaign to express solidarity the people in this community to do ings will include guest speakers and discus- with the water protectors; spoke on a panel something about an issue they are sions as well as time for social justice proj- at Ramapo College with Ramapough-Le- passionate about. It might end up ect development. Program participants will nape Chief Dwaine Perry, an environmen- bringing people together in a time On Joining Oakwood To give you an idea of some of my experi- To give you another example, last week- also be encouraged to advocate for issues tal lawyer and other activists; and wrote to when we desperately need unity. I’m By Jinni Durham, English Teacher ences so far, as I go to and from my apart- end I attended the Quaker Youth Leader- important to them through correspondence President Obama and The Army Corps of not only in this because I want to get ment every day, I walk by a call center on ship Conference in New York City with four and meetings with elected officials, as well Engineers regarding her concerns about the involved; I am in this because I need to Five minutes into my initial phone interview campus for students to make their thoughts students. The conference was a place for as visits to Albany and/or Washington, DC. potential hazardous impacts of the pipeline. get involved. Our future depends on it.” with Anna Bertucci, I knew that I wanted to known to politicians and political organiza- students to connect with youth from other teach at Oakwood Friends School. I couldn’t tions, regardless of their personal political Quaker schools and reflect spiritually and Finally, students in the Libby Moroff Leader- In her letter she stated, Working with these passionate students quite put my finger on it, but something beliefs. When students again expressed their emotionally within themselves. On the train ship Program will be required to give back is more than inspiring – it gives me hope about our conversation assured me that anxiety over the socio-political conflicts in ride to QYLC, the students composed a song to their community by sharing their work “The Dakota Access Pipeline would be for the future. I look forward to work- Oakwood is a place that walks its talk. Turns our society, the faculty and administration about why they love Oakwood as a way of at Oakwood’s weekly Community Meetings a huge blow to our fight against climate ing more closely with these and other stu- out, I have wonderful instincts. To find Oak- came together to plan “A Day of Affirmation introducing themselves to the other Quaker attended by the entire school community, change. Reports indicate that burning dents in the months ahead, seeing what wood, a school that authentically lives its of Quaker Values in Honor of the Legacy schools. As they were writing it, revising it as well as through weekend and summer the oil transported through the pipeline issues they choose to explore, and cel- values, instead of just talking about them, of Martin Luther King, Jr.” After the Day of (four times), and performing it, I realized service learning projects they design and would produce carbon emissions ebrating the impact I’m sure they will still strikes me as an unrealistic dream world Affirmation, Kate Saumure-Jones, another that they were perfectly articulating my feel- implement. These service learning projects equivalent to 21 million cars or 30 have on the communities around them. that I’m somehow magically able to inhabit. new faculty member, and I took a group ings. During the conference, one of my AP will address the social justice issue of their of students to the New York City Women’s English students spontaneously offered a choice and can be completed individually As a member of both the Student and Faculty March, with the blessing of our administra- workshop called, “Understanding the Cre- or in small groups. Projects will be shared Committee to Support Diversity and the Fac- tion. The whole trip, Kate and I marveled ation Drive (Eros) and the Destruction Drive at the end of the school year at Community ulty Committee to Support Diversity, I wit- at the fact that a school would support stu- (Thanatos) in Correspondence to the Cre- Meeting. Having completed their time in ness an institution that is willing to ask itself dents and faculty in expressing themselves ative Spirit Beyond Intellect.” As I watched at the program, students will come away with the hard questions about systemic oppres- in this way. Just this past week, I took stu- least 25 students eagerly head for her work- a greater understanding of what leadership sion and engage in the hard conversations dents to “Junior Youth: Creating a Vision for shop, I knew exactly how they felt. Every day means, the role they play in effecting positive about what true equity in education means. a Better World,” a conversation about race as I go to class, I know my mind and spirit change in their communities and the tools I have witnessed an institution that saw the and stereotypes hosted by the Race Unity will be strengthened by discussions with the necessary to turn their ideas into action. majority of its students and faculty suffering Circle and the Black and Latino Young Pro- Oakwood student body. As I watched the through the toxic environment spawned by fessionals group. I watched four 9th grade students at the conference growing in them- the 2016 election and respond with an ex- students have a powerful and honest dis- selves and their understanding of the world tended Meeting for Worship where we came cussion about race in a room filled with around them, I could feel myself growing Support Oakwood Students together to voice our fears and affirm our adults. Every day, I see students who have in unison. At the end of the weekend, ex- love for one another. I have seen an institu- powerful voices and who are heard by the hausted from “sleeping” on a gym floor with www.oakwoodfriends.org tion constantly affirm its values of human adults around them. I live in a space where a hundred strangers, I knew, yet again, that I rights and dignity for every group and indi- young people are taught to question the am living and working in my ideal place. Watching the debate in Reagan Dorm in September vidual, all while empowering the students. world around them. I live in an ideal space.