3100 THE BOULEVARD, MONTREAL, QUEBEC H3Y 1R9 3685 THE BOULEVARD, WESTMOUNT, QUEBEC H3Y 1S9 Spring 2014

ST. GEORGE’S SCHOOL OF MONTREAL ÉCOLE ST-GEORGES DE MONTRÉAL

WE THANK AND CELEBRATE JAMES OFFICER FOR HIS 21 YEARS OF DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AS ST. GEORGE’S HEAD OF SCHOOL Director of the High School. I happened chairs, each with their own strengths, to join St. George’s at a halcyon moment styles and personalities, yet all of whom when illustrious and iconic teachers such held fi rm to our school’s mission and as Sylvia Stuchberry, Maureen Wallace, values. Noreen Tansey-Lee, John Plant, Bruce Blake, Marie Hade and Viviane Cameron And so I leave you with the following (all of whom have since retired) were at the thoughts: 21 years later, we are still a great top of their game. I also had the pleasure school because of our faculty, staff and of working with many revered high administration; we are still a great school school teachers and Department Heads because of the exceptional students we who have also since retired, including continue to attract and because of their Monique Rozenfarb, Carolyn Manzer, families who continue to enthusiastically Paule Tremblay, Jacques DesRochers, support our school; and we are still a great Michel Binette and Serge Rousseau. school thanks to our Board members who continue to uphold our raison d’être and In addition, I was embraced by a most keep us true to our purpose and mission. LOOKING BACK enthusiastic Board. In particular, I fondly I have been privileged to have been part As I enter into my last few months at remember my fi rst Board Chair, Ken of St. George’s during one quarter of its St. George’s, I fi nd myself refl ecting Salomon ’64, who met with me frequently 84 year existence and so it is only fi tting with ever-greater frequency upon my during my fi rst few, nervous months and that I have chosen to leave in a special way 21 years at our exceptional school. provided me with his unique counsel and perspective as both an alumnus and by walking off the stage with my daughter, My thoughts always seem to begin a current parent. You can imagine how Eugénie, as she and her classmates graduate with the remarkable members of the special it is for me that Ken has continued this spring. To quote Orson Wells: “If faculty, staff and administration who his unwavering support of both the you want a happy ending, that depends, were there to greet and welcome me school and me throughout these years, of course, on when you stop your story.” in 1993, as I assumed the helm as and that he was once again a member of Although I have enjoyed every moment at the Principal. I was most fortunate the Head Search Committee, this time to St. George’s, it does now feel that it is to be supported (and by that I mean choose my successor. time for me to stop the story. I know that trained) by my then Assistant Monique I will leave the school in good hands to Papillon, Business Manager Pam During my 21 years here, I have whoever succeeds me, for it is not for Leonard and Advancement Director met and been inspired by over 2,000 the grace of any one individual that this Lola Mendelson. These three impressive, exceptional students, many of whom exceptional school continues to thrive, knowledgeable and dedicated women have made an impressive mark on the but rather due to the collective efforts were instrumental in my transition from world, and most of whom speak fondly of many. And so I now choose to move heading a public school to becoming an of their days at St. George’s. I have on. Rest assured, the school will continue independent school Principal. had the privilege of meeting and to fl ourish and prosper, even as the next befriending their families and remain chapter begins. My education continued with the awed to this day with our parents’ level of incredible support of Beatrice Lewis, the engagement, their willingness to volunteer James A. Offi cer passionate Director of the Elementary and their fi nancial generosity. I have School, and the legendary Gilbert Plaw, worked alongside eight different board Head of School 1993-2014

PLEASE SEE THE BACK COVER FOR AN INVITATION TO “A FAREWELL GALA HOLLYWOOD-STYLE” STARRING JAMES OFFICER ON MAY 21st DRAGONLINK MILESTONE YEARS & BOARD OF DIRECTORS

IN THIS ISSUE: 2013-2014 • Message from Head of School ...... 1 BOARD OF DIRECTORS • Board of Directors ...... 2 Eleanore Ballentine • Milestones ...... 2 Member-at-Large • Annual Giving 2013 ...... 3 Madeleine Bonnard Member-at-Large • Parent Grad Gift ...... 6 Lynn Butler-Kisber • Valedictorian Address ...... 7 Outside Educator • Graduation Class of 2013 ...... 9 Brian Foote • St. George’s 2013 Scholars ...... 9 HS Faculty Representative • Alumni Representative Message ...... 10 David Gameroff Member-at-Large • Alumni Reunions ...... 11-13 Kim Holden • Alumni Updates ...... 14-23 Member-at-Large • In Memoriam ...... 23 Pamela Itzcovitch Secretary, Chair of Governance and Marketing Committees • Upcoming School Events ...... 24 George Kfouri Chair, Buildings and Grounds Patricia Klein ’88 ST. GEORGE’S Alumni Representative FACULTY & STAFF Tamara Elias Liebmann MILESTONE YEARS Chair, Education Committee (COMPLETED AS OF JUNE 2013) Risa Lukofsky ’82 Chair, Advancement Committee WITH 10 YEARS OF SERVICE • Germain Belouin (Buildings & Grounds) Carlos Obando Member-at-Large • Mary Opalinsky (HS Social Sciences) • Emily Watts (HS Science) Michael O’Connor ES Faculty Representative • Sean O’Neill (HS Media & Robotics) James A. Offi cer Head of School WITH 15 YEARS OF SERVICE • Pierrette Dupont (HS French) Leslie Pokrass Ornstein • Aaron Stamboulieh (Information Technology) Marketing Committee Representative Louise Anne Poirier WITH 20 YEARS OF SERVICE President • James Offi cer (Head of School) Lorne Steinberg • Bill Nevin (HS Mathematics) Treasurer and Chair, Finance Committee • Louise Girouard (Finance Department) Cheryl Weigensberg-Wood • Saundra Tobman (HS Resource Centre) PAC (Parent Activity Committee) Representative

2 DRAGONLINK Spring 2014 DRAGONLINK ANNUAL GIVING

ADVANCEMENT ANNUAL GIVING 2013 COMMITTEE EMBERS Every year, St. George’s School relies on parents (both current and past), faculty, M staff and alumni to support its Annual Giving Campaign. Annual Giving is a critical source of funding for projects and initiatives that enable us to continue providing Risa Lukofsky ’82 an environment in which our students can excel. The ability to upgrade our physical (Chair) spaces, enhance our curriculum, co-curricular and extra-curricular activities in new, Don Belec exciting and forward-thinking ways, and to offer fi nancial assistance when required, (Campaigns Manager) all contribute to providing a unique experience at St. George’s. David Gameroff The following two important areas of need were identifi ed as Patricia Klein ’88 requiring your support in the 2012-2013 academic year: Patricia Lavoie (Coordinator, Advancement) Artist’s James A. Offi cer Rendering (Head of School) of Proposed Field Louise Anne Poirier (Board President) Lorne Steinberg (Treasurer) Dorothy Yule (Director, Finance) ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Outdoor Soccer Field (Installation 2014) ADVISORY Raised over $95,000 ROLES Prototyping Machine

Rapid Nathalie Bossé (Assistant Head, Curriculum & CLE) Transformationunderway! Elizabeth Gomery ’93 (Montreal Children’s Hospital Foundation) George Kfouri (Building & Grounds Chair) Colleen Wicha (Tribute Gala Committee Chair) HIGH SCHOOL Science & Art Department Enhancements Raised over $28,000

Spring 2014 DRAGONLINK 3 DRAGONLINK ANNUAL GIVING 2013 CAMPAIGN

ANNUAL GIVING CONTRIBUTIONS TOTALLING $9,628 WERE MADE IN SUPPORT OF THE FOLLOWING DESIGNATED GIVING FUNDS: GILBERT PLAW/AGNES MATTHEWS FUNDS FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE The Gilbert Plaw Fund was established on the occasion of his retirement in 2000 to recognize his commitment to providing a unique educational opportunity to as many students as possible. Agnes Matthews was the school’s second Head and for the 28 years between 1935 and 1963, her vision, dedication and foresight created the blueprint for curriculum and student life at St. George’s. These funds benefi t mission-appropriate students whose families may not have the fi nancial means to provide them with a St. George’s education.

BEATRICE LEWIS FUND FOR ENRICHMENT Beatrice Lewis was the Elementary School Director for close to 20 years. Retired since 2007, she is still fondly remembered by students, parents and teachers alike. This fund, in honour of her long-time dedication and service to the School, is for enrichment programs at St. George’s.

SERGE ROUSSEAU FUND FOR FRENCH ENRICHMENT During his 32 years at St. George’s, Serge Rousseau championed language instruction and made the French culture an integral part of the St. George’s curriculum. He has been described as a great pedagogue and a true innovator, one who constantly looked for ways to improve the French program at St. George’s. Ces fonds nous permettent de continuer à développer et à explorer de nouvelles opportunités linguistiques et culturelles.

TAMMY LEVY FUND FOR TEACHER TRAINING This fund was created in the memory of Tammy Levy (1963-2003) who was the Coordinator of Student Support Services between 1997-2003. Tammy’s methodology was founded on humour, compassion, patience, intuition, insight and a mother’s love. Donations toward this fund serve to support our Professional Development program.

JOHN DORE FUND FOR ATHLETICS In John Dore’s career at St. George’s, he guided and mentored students both on and off the court. The John Dore Fund for Athletics is used to enhance and develop athletic initiatives at St. George’s.

JACLYN LINETSKY FUND FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS This fund was established in memory of St. George’s Grad, Jaclyn Linetsky ’03, who died tragically in a car accident at the tender age of 17. Her name on our Performing Arts Program ensures that Jaclyn’s force and character will always be remembered and that she will continue to be an inspiration for generations of St. George’s students. Donations to this fund are used to further enrich the Performing Arts program at St. George’s.

JOHN PLANT FUND FOR MUSIC John Plant was a Music teacher, director and musician at St. George’s for 29 years. Legions of pirates and princesses, Geisha girls and London bobbies have crossed the stage under his inspired direction. This fund was established to support the on-going development of the Music program at St. George’s.

YOUR GIFT MATTERS! Please make a gift today by visiting our online donation page at www.stgeorges.qc.ca/giving

4 DRAGONLINK Spring 2014 DRAGONLINK THANK YOU TO ALL OUR 2012-2013 DONORS THIS LIST REPRESENTS DONATIONS MADE FROM JULY 1, 2012 TO JUNE 30, 2013 TO ANNUAL GIVING, PARENT GRAD GIFT, ON-LINE AUCTION, EXCEPTIONAL FUTURES AND NAMED FUNDS. THANK YOU TO ALL OUR ON-LINE AUCTION 2013 CONTRIBUTORS.

$25,000-$49,999 | Earl & Caroline Luger, David Nathaniel & Caroline Zilkha $10,000-$24,999 | Andrea Bronfman & Martin Pouliot, Catherine Claman, Brenda Rosenzweig & David Gameroff, The Oldland Family, Vicki & Stan Zack Family Endowment Fund $5,000-$9,999 | Wendie Polachek ’86 & Dan Bensoussan, The Dym Family, Lynn Harris Nulman & Andy Nulman, Janice Silver & Mark Sherman, George Weisz $2,000-$4,999 | Nikola Reford & Marc Delplace, Andrew Molson, Nathalie Bossé & James Offi cer, The Ryer Family, Transtate Logistics, Mark & Linda Zimmerman $500-$1,999 | Katsuhiro Yamazaki & Manon Asselin, Beyond the Rack, Judith Bronfman-Thau ’69, Lynn Butler-Kisber, Christopher Carty, Dragon Kitchen Traiteur, Doris Clerc & Daniel Frank, Edward Gaiotti, Deborah Adams & Don Gillstrom, Lenore & Robert Goldfarb & Family, Aijun Wang & Liping Guo, Heidi Lein & Enderson Guimarâes, Lee & Janet Harrison, Josée Houde, Lesli Green & Steven Kirstein, Laurie Shapiro & George Kfouri, John Stix & Dora Knez, Donna-Lynn McMurray & Antony Kovic, Rachel Cobrin & Steven Kramer ’92, Kevin Lachapelle & Marie-Andrée Beaudry, Christina Lattermann & Ralph Lattermann, Martha Franco Architecture & Design, Lois Wiltzer & Lorne Mayers, Benn Mikula and Nicole Rolland, Cliff Morham ’66, Irene Nattel & Louis Morissette, The Moses Family, Christine Kostecki & Michael Newton, The Obando Family, Louise Anne Poirier & Connor O’Brien, Martine Culty & Vassilios Papadopoulos, Valentino Polidori, Susan Starr ’73 & François Prénovost, Donna Motz & Paul Perozek, Laurie Plotnick & Max Reim, Carla Bolsius & Robert Savard, Kim Holden & Gary Shannon, L. Cynthia Semenic, Anna Abbandonato & Lorne Steinberg, Valerie Abdoo & Patrick Telio $250-$499 | Ramiz Djamalov & Shatha Ahmed Al-Musawi, Sari Wieskopf & Roger Antebi, Atwater Club, Ellie Ballentine, Alicia Black, Angela Auclair & Mark Bloomfi eld, Marie-Josée Béliveau-Crevier & Korin Bobrow ’86, Michele Gagne & Thomas Bourke, Liz Finney Brinberg & Harvey Brinberg, Claudine & Stephen Bronfman Family Foundation, Kathay Carson & Rodney Bushey, Luigi & Candida Cappuccio, Nik Diksic & Valerie Cherneski, Alina & Octav Cornea, Katharine Diane Ridgway-Cross & Scott Cross, Holly Durkee, Elite Laser, Claire Berger Fagen & Alvin Fagen, Marc & Sharon Fischli, Ivan & Maureen Greenstein, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, The Green Mountain Inn, Joanie Schwartz & Glen Grossman, The Hart Family, Loretta Chiesa & Louis Hechter, The Issenman Family, Maria Marsillo & Joseph Kholam, Samuel Landsman, Jane Gabrielle Darling & Brian Lindy, Brian & Cheryl Lynch, Giang Dang & Thomas Loughnan, Corinne Prost-Macdonald & Marc Macdonald, Dikran & Lina Markarian Family, Dara Charney ’83 & Cameron McKenzie, Gail Goldman & Scott Miller, Nancy Sousa & Stavros Mitropoulos, Brent Muir, Michael O’Connor, Gary & Leslie Ornstein, Sunny & Nini Pal, Sharon Picard, Elvira Flores & Fernardo Respicio, Rio Tinto Alcan, Jasmin Uhthoff & Andrew Robb, Nancy Rosenfeld, Heather Young & Lawrence Routtenberg, Kenneth Salomon ’64, Se Ce Apparel Co. Ltd., Nathalie & Yona Shtern, Matthew Smiley ’99, Herbert Srolovitz & Eva Strofova, Payman & Roya Tavassoli, Jaqueline Hart & Robert Trestan ’82, Voyages Groupe Ideal, Qing Peng & Li Wan, Anna-Sue Greenberg & Allan Wiltzer, Molly & Maurie Wiseman Endowment Fund, David & Nancy Wiseman, Cheryl Weigensberg & Rodney Wood, Brian & Jacquie Young, Dorothy Yule $25-$249 | 123Proto, 5 Nations Catering, Katrin Nakashima & Doron Altman, Rune Andersen, Donna Anderson, Angelos Restaurant, Antiquités Pour La Table, Joyce M. Arsenault, Au Premier | Coiffure • Spa, Anne Vieira & Mark Bayne ’89, Mark Berger, Sarah Borowski, Madeleine Bonnard & Louis-Martin Boucher, Tewfi k & Malak Boudiaf, Brutopia Pub, Rachel Byck, Naveena Thind & Mark Cahill, Stacey Caraco Silverberg ’87, Deborah Cohen & Nissen Chackowicz, Restaurant Chao Phraya Inc, Sandra Chartrand, Chef En Vous, Club Sportif Côte De Liesse, Marla & Lloyd Cooper, Cindy Entis & Daniel Copnick, Melissa Dair, Thomas Daly ’77, Jeff Deeprose, Danielle Delhaes, Coreen Delormier, The Denzer Family, Ann Denis ’62, Aidan De Jean, Shirley Herskovits & Howard Dolman, Anna Beth Doyle, Boutique Marie Dumas, Brenda & Tony Flanz, Michele Peress and Brian Foote, The Garriga Family, Marc Garneau & Pamela Soame Garneau, Gibby’s, Fleuriste Gilchrist, Desbel Inc., Donald & Arlene Devine, Mark Driedger, Ellen & Ron Evans, EV Fitness Centre, Svetlana Dobin & Eduard Fishilevich, Jeanne Gan, Cynthia Garber-Adam ’83, Alyssa Kramer-Migicovsky & Steven Glazer, David Glickman ’79, Laura Fish & Paul Goldin Charlotte, Kamryn & Devyn Goldberg, Annmarie Adams & Peter Gossage, Stacy Zipkin ’82 & Barry Gurman, Marie Hade, The Hatta Family, Hatley, Stephanie Hébert, Helix Global Solutions, Hannah Hershman, Adriana Hirian, Jana Hsab, Joan Hudson-Hayes , John-Michel & Bärbel Huss, IceJerseys.com, Lucie Gregoire & Sydney Isaacs, Ilios Restaurant, D. Jansen, Les Jardins de Linnaea, Restaurant Juni, Juste Danse Inc, Donald Kennedy, Lori Kiteala, Stephanie Klam-Goodman ’86, Ummuhani Kolata, Mei-Chin Wang & Vincent Kou, Catherine Lechter & Lior Koren, La Boîte À Saveurs, Gisèle Molgat & Pierre Laurin, Andrea Espinal & Carlos Leal, Brenda & Jason Levine, Lezvos West, Rick & Tamara Liebmann, Teresa Little, Douglas Loerick, Paul Macdougall, Michael MacGillivray, Leigh-Ann Malcolm, The Malkinson Family, Svetlana Gromova & Andrei Malyguine, Maria Mammis, Maman Loup’s Den, Mandy’s Salad, Marcie Richstone Photography, Joyce Benenson & Henery Markovits, Chantal Martin, Leigh McCarthy, Andrea & Dean Mendel, Mikado, Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, Moksha Yoga, Rumki Mukutmoni, Lidia Milazzo & Giovanni Moruzzi, Mitchell Moss, Geyda Nayman, Sandra Novalija, Oink Oink, Kevin O’Leary ’70, Sean O’Neill, Orbite Inc., Helen Tiritidis & Dennis Papakostas, Balwant & Carole Patel, Patricia Payne, Cathy Browman & Nick Patulli, Francis Plante, Gilbert Plaw, Claudia Escobar Pfeifer & René Portal, Paula Procaccini, Susan & Kevin Ratcliff, Leslie Kirstein Rawas & Steven Rawas ’87, Reffi ni Bean Bags & Pillows, Denburk Reid, Ren-Wil Inc., Resto Pro, Ingrid Zimmer & Laurence Rosenbloom, Valentina Rosales & Nicolas Rosales, Angela Polidoro & Gianni Rossi, Susan Byck ’82 & Stéphane Roy, Candace Grynol & Edouard Saidah, Rick & Lynn Sala, Carol Sanadee Jessop, Johanne Dastous & Paul Sara, Beverly Ostronoff & Ben Schwartz, Steven & Donna Shein, Joelle Sholzberg ’93, Jonathan Simons ’89 & Jennifer Deleskie, John Sichel ’59, Roxana Mckenzie & Sidney Simons, Simplement D’liche Boutique de Cupcakes, Spa St. James, École de Danse Sportive “Quartier Latin”, Lisa & Ronny Steinberg, Theodora Brinckman & Shelley Stein-Sacks, Shane and Ginger Swift, Vanessa Sylvere & Cosimo Tamburri, Famille Thibodeau, Lavinia Stan & Lucian Turcescu, Harry Toulch Vision, Wid Kattan & Fadi Toonsi, TNT Montreal, Trevor Williams Basketball Academy, Vago Cucina Italiana, Victoria Park, Carole Weiner, Risa Lukofsky ’82 & Anthony Wolfe ’80, Monica Friedman & Donald Woloz, Francesco Zito Spring 2014 DRAGONLINK 5 DRAGONLINK PARENT GRAD GIFT Over the years, it has become a tradition for the parents of the Graduating Class to offer a gift of appreciation to the school – their way of saying “thank you”. The Student Lounge, on the lower level of the high school, has historically been an oasis for our students – a space where friendships are born, grown and forged, where community becomes more than just a word. Over the years, it has become the heart of the school.

Contributions from the parents of the Class of 2012 were used towards Phase I of the Student Lounge revitalization, the installation of a computer bar extending fully along the sunny window space. Phase II, which was made possible through the generosity of parents of the Class of 2013, saw the addition of comfortable and durable lounge furniture. The Class of 2014 Parent Grad Gift, Phase III, has been identifi ed as the installation of multimedia screens along the gym wall of the lounge. The transformation continues!

PHASE II STUDENT LOUNGE REVITALIZATION 2013 GIVING THANK YOU TO THE FAMILIES BY THE NUMBERS OF THE FOLLOWING 2013 GRADUATES: ES DONATIONS 74

Michaela Kovic, Erica Patulli, Lianne Koren, Alexa Sherman, HS DONATIONS 78 Kevin Guo, Larissa Cahill, Josh Reim, Max Shein, PARENT GRAD GIFT 33 Alexander Modonese, Raquel Gurman, Alessandra Cappuccio, Charles Adams-Gossage, Alexandra Srolovitz, Beatriz Pfeifer Portal, Jake Bloomfi eld, Isabel Elena Simons, Hannah Brinberg, PARTICIPATION RATES Stefano Mammis-Gabellini, Michelle Wiseman, Marc Harrison, Ella Browman, Alexander Landsman, Filip Andersen, Hilary Mikula, PARENTS 50%

Philippos Papadopoulos, Shawn Clara, Patrick Adams-Gillstrom, BOARD 100% Mikolaj Rastawicki, Jenna Schwartz, Matthew Lindy, Rachel Kirstein, STAFF 100% Alara Gülçin Ülker, Beatrice Glickman, Mark Savard, Joshua Artzy-McCendie & Benjamin Fagen. OVERALL FACULTY 82%

6 DRAGONLINK Spring 2014 DRAGONLINK GRADUATION CLASS OF 2013

On May 31st 2013, the graduating class of St. George’s School of Montreal took to the stage at Oscar Peterson Concert Hall. In front of proud families, faculty and staff, they received their diplomas and offi cially closed out the high school chapter of their lives, knowing full well that their time at St. George’s will never be forgotten.

VALEDICTORIAN ADDRESS – ELLA BROWMAN

My heart is I think as a grade we’re the fi rst ones rich with culture and new in almost full of amazing to admit that we are most certainly a every way. I’m so happy to have had memories from motley crew yet somehow we all mesh the occasion to take part in such an my many years at together and help each other out. For exciting adventure and I couldn’t have St. George’s, and example, the AP English class this asked for a better school to take me leaving is going year is made up of many different there and make it happen. My big trip to be bittersweet. shapes, sizes and most of all opinions. was to India but maybe yours was your Change can be Over the course of the year we’ve had time at Bishops or your very exciting scary sometimes. countless class debates ranging from win at Glee Nationals. No matter what And we are the importance of “shoveling” to you’re interested in, St. George’s has looking ahead at the meaning of a simple bouquet of an opportunity for everybody – the some very big fl owers. Even though we didn’t always greatest of which is making so many changes. Though we all have grown agree, we were always comfortable to new friends. and changed in our own ways, it’s a express ourselves. And that is what comforting thought that we somehow community is about, not being the Looking back, I’m just so thankful to managed to stay that same peculiar, same but feeling accepted for who you have been able to learn and grow so fun-loving and kooky group that’s are. I felt that way in English class. I much in such an incredible place. I always been able to laugh at itself. know my fellow grads found their own am grateful that I had the opportunity Even from my fi rst day at St. George’s communities at school, whether it was to meet and make lasting bonds with I knew that this group would make for on a team, in a show or even just in so many marvelous people. This many interesting years to come. Paul’s offi ce. To me that’s something obviously includes the wonderful, crazy, that is so special about our silly grade, intelligent and driven group of people I still remember all the anticipation we all fi t. This may sound dorky but behind me. We defi nitely know how to leading up to my fi rst day at once during my elementary school make class interesting and we always St. George’s eleven years ago. I was days someone referred to this class have something to say, not to mention so nervous about all the changes I as a puzzle, we’re all different but that we single-handedly fund Roots. was about to undergo: a new school, you need each one of us to make the So thank you so much to everyone a new city, new friends. Looking back, whole picture. That statement remains who has contributed to my learning what stands out to me the most is how true today and looking around I must experiences at St. George’s, both inside quickly all my worries vanished. That acknowledge we make one good- and outside of the classroom. And a fi rst day set the tone for the following looking puzzle. huge congratulations to the class of eleven years with the school – which 2013. I love you crazy kids. has now become a second home to I’m so happy to be part of a community me. On that day I was immediately that encourages its students to “just embraced into the St. George’s go for it” and shoot for the stars. community by all the incredible St. George’s is a place with an people that were a part of it. The abundance of opportunities. What St. George’s family has made me want other school would give you the chance to continuously learn new things and to travel half way across the world to has taught me how to embrace the a place like Sheela Bal Bhavan in India people and world around me. to let you connect with their wonderful and welcoming family? A place that is

Spring 2014 DRAGONLINK 7 DRAGONLINK GRADUATION CLASS OF 2013

VALEDICTORIAN ADDRESS – RACHEL KIRSTEIN

I’m proud to say not only was I doing full turns… but individuality – and I think we are – that the people I was in the front sometimes! In this we are still able to work together as who are on this case, success wasn’t about spotlight a team and achieve a great sense of stage with me moments… it was about becoming the togetherness. I remember in elementary right now have best performer I can be. All of us have school, in fi fth grade, we went on an all developed our own story where personal growth overnight trip where we had quite a into some pretty has proven more valuable than being bit of free time. Instead of breaking great individuals. “the best.” This has helped us become off into our own little friend groups, And I’m one more enlightened students who get we all got together and invented our hundred percent more out of what we’ve learned and own sport. It was a bit like elementary- certain that studied. school-version tackle football… with a our school has shoe. Everyone was involved in playing helped us transform into even better The teachers at St. George’s are this game, even the people who hardly people and students than we were when especially incredible – they’re dedicated ever played or understood sports. I we fi rst came here. It doesn’t matter if and inspiring. They push us to try our came back from those trips feeling so some of us have been here since Pre-K hardest and reach our full potential, united with my grade. or just arrived in Grade 10 – we have all even if we don’t think we can get there. grown in some way or another. I came to I’m sure every one of us can remember And I fi nd it amazing how today, years St. George’s eight years ago as an a teacher who has helped us thrive – and years after being together, after extremely talkative, overly excited kid. whether it’s in the classroom, on the some joined our group, and others left, Today, I stand before you as that same stage or on the court. Because of the through thick and through thin, we still kid – but thanks to St. George’s, I’ve been teachers, not only do we learn about managed to stay as that unit, that family. able to become a more well-rounded math and grammar and science, but We’ve evolved and improved over the individual. Every person here today has we also understand ourselves better, years – on an individual level and on helped me grow. I’m honoured to have gain confi dence and exceed our own a group level. But we are still able to the opportunity to speak on behalf of expectations. be more comfortable with each other, my classmates and to thank the people whether we are considered “friends” or who got us here. Each and every person on this stage is not, than most teenagers in most high an individual who knows what makes schools. I think I speak for many of us Our graduation is a way of celebrating them different and is proud of that. when I say that I couldn’t have imagined our success. We’re not just here We’re taught that it’s good to stand myself growing into the person I am to get diplomas. We’re here to out and be ourselves. So, we’re more today at any other school and with any acknowledge all the hard work we’ve self-aware and less afraid to show other group of people. done. At St. George’s we know that who we are. It’s amazing to grow in an what’s important is our personal environment where there is something Thank you to all the faculty, staff and improvement and the knowledge we’ve for everyone. In our grade, we have families for helping us grow into more gained over the years. For example, people representing the sports teams, enlightened, self-aware, articulate, I’m not the most coordinated person. robotics, visual arts club, the debating confi dent, friendly, empathetic, well- So you can imagine that when it’s team, the performing arts productions rounded individuals and for giving time to learn a dance in Glee or in and we have the student council us the opportunity to reach our full the musical, I haven’t always been president, vice president and treasurer. potential. And a personal thank you to at the front of the group. In my fi rst All of these opportunities to be a part my fellow grads – yes, we did it. And we St. George’s performance in Grade 7, of something beyond the classrooms did it together. I would get tired towards the end of the have allowed us to discover more about dance numbers. So, instead of doing a ourselves. beautiful, full turn like everyone else I would do a half turn. Fast-forward fi ve Even though we’re all encouraged years to my fi nal Glee performance… to be ourselves and be proud of our

8 DRAGONLINK Spring 2014 DRAGONLINK GRADUATION CLASS OF 2013

Top Row: Patrick Adams-Gillstrom, Charles Adams-Gossage, Filip Andersen, Joshua Artzy-McCendie, Jake Bloomfi eld, Hannah Brinberg and Ella Browman 2nd Row: Larissa Cahill, Alessandra Cappuccio, Shawn Clara and Benjamin Fagen 3rd Row: Beatrice Glickman, Kevin Guo, Rachel Gurman and Marc Harrison 4th Row: Rachel Kirstein, Lianne Koren, Michaela Kovic, Alexander Landsman, Matthew Lindy and Stefano Mammis-Gabellini 5th Row: Hilary Mikula, Alexander Modonese, Philippos Papadopoulos, Erica Patulli, Beatriz Pfeifer Portal and Mikolaj Rastawicki Bottom Row: Josh Reim, Mark Savard, Jenna Schwartz, Max Shein, Alexa Sherman, Isabel Elena Simons, Alexandra Srolovitz, Alara Gülçin Ülker and Michelle Wiseman LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR CONGRATULATION TO OUR GENERAL’S AWARD ST. GEORGE’S 2013 SCHOLARS

Congratulations to St. George’s School of Montreal’s – Filip Andersen – Lianne Koren students Benjamin Fagen ’13 and Lianne Koren ’13, who were awarded the Lieutenant Governor General Medal – Beatrice Glickman – Erica Patulli at a ceremony that took place on May 26, 2013 at Laval – Kevin Guo – Alara Gülçin Ülker Liberty High School.

GOVERNOR GENERAL’S AWARD The St. George’s Scholar Award is St. George’s most & BIRKS SILVER MEDAL prestigious internal academic award. St. George’s School of Montreal presented the Governor Students must: General’s Award to Beatrice Glickman and the Birks • maintain an overall average of 85% in Grades 10 & 11 Silver Medal to Rachel Kirstein for having achieved the • have no course grade lower than 75% highest and 2nd highest GPA respectively amongst their • be recommended by each of the relevant academic graduating class on January 15, 2014. departments Spring 2014 DRAGONLINK 9 DRAGONLINK WELCOME FROM ST. GEORGE’S ALUMNI REPRESENTATIVE

To my fellow St. Georgians, please contact [email protected].

My term as Alumni In addition, please check out the Alumni Page on our Representative comes to website (www.stgeorges.qc.ca/alumni). As alums, we an end this academic year are a valued part of the St. George’s community. Make and what I will miss sure that you are registered in our Alumni Directory most is the excitement of (www.stgeorges.qc.ca/alumnidirectory). Offer to be connecting with generations a Class Coordinator or talk to us about planning of St. George’s alumni, all your own class reunion! Reach out and drop us of whom share a unique a line for the next issue of the Dragonlink at connection with one another [email protected] telling us where you are and and the school itself. what you are up to! Volunteer to be an Alumni Speaker or nominate another alum that you think would be an Over the course of my three year term, a renewed inspiration to our current students. St. George’s doors focus has been placed on updating our database of are always open to its alum so feel free to just drop in alumni contact information, re-structuring our Class and see us! Take advantage of all the various ways you Coordinator program and improving the Alumni can remain connected to St. George’s. content on the website. My own graduating class held its milestone 25th year reunion in November 2013 and as one of our Class Coordinators, I can say that the Thanks for staying in touch, success of any high school reunion really depends on these invaluable core volunteers who reach out Patty Klein ’88 to their past classmates. As the liaison between Alumni Representative, classmates and St. George’s, Class Coordinators play Board of Directors a critical role in preserving the cohesiveness of a graduating class and maintaining its communication Scan the code with the school. If you are interested in becoming to view a clip from a Class Coordinator for your graduating class, the 1988 Reunion

2014 2009 – 5 years Milestone Years 1984 – 30 years Interested in getting together with your old 2004 – 10 years classmates? Curious as to what St. George’s High School looks like now? 1974 – 40 years

The Alumni Offi ce can help coordinate a wine and 1994 – 20 years cheese reception or weekend brunch at the school 1964 – 50 years for you and your classmates. For more information, contact Patricia Lavoie at [email protected]. 1989 – 25 years

10 DRAGONLINK Spring 2014 DRAGONLINK ALUMNI REUNIONS 1978 35 years CLASS OF 1978 – 35th YEAR REUNION MAY 25 AND MAY 26, 2013 A dinner and brunch was arranged for this class by Alumni Class Coordinator, Rick Bercuvitz, who graciously hosted the event. There were 16 classmates present, including one from Nebraska, one from California, one from Vermont and one from Antigua. 1980 CLASS OF 1980 – MINI REUNION OCTOBER 11, 2013 A very impromptu St. George’s mini-reunion took place at the initiative of Stephanie Bernstein Covall ’80, currently a resident of Atlanta, Georgia. Attending a casual dinner at Café Claremont were the following St. George’s alumni (plus a couple of signifi cant others who patiently listened to all the stories about St. George’s in the ’70s).

Photo (from left to right): Risa Lukofsky ’82, Mitchell Labell, Gil Kastner, Lilianne Reichmann, Anthony Wolfe, Stephanie Bernstein and Ryk Edelstein. 1983 30 years

CLASS OF 1983 – 30TH YEAR REUNION – MAY 25, 2013 A lovely time was had by the members of the Class of 1983 who attended their 30th year reunion. They came from both near and far to be together on this rainy day, sharing memories with each other and their former teachers. A special thank you to Dan Dorsey, Alumni Class Coordinator, who helped organize this event.

Spring 2014 DRAGONLINK 11 DRAGONLINK ALUMNI REUNIONS 1988 25 years

CLASS OF 1988 - 25th YEAR REUNION – NOVEMBER 9, 2013 What a night – the Class of 1988’s 25 Year Reunion was fantastic! Thanks to all those who attended for making it such a special celebration, and special thanks to Patricia Lavoie from the Advancement Offi ce for all her amazing work and support! Scan the code In sum, everyone looks exactly the same! to view the gallery It was wonderful seeing our former teachers and classmates. We even had an alumnus from the Class of 1976 crash our Class of 1988 reunion because she heard that Mr. Plaw was going to be there! I had a couple of surprises planned for this milestone reunion, the fi rst of which was “Skyping” in Ms. Young from L.A. on the big screen in the theatre! She had a blast trying to guess who was who! Needless to say, Ms. Young has the same fabulous sense of humour and infectious laugh as she did 25 years ago! Then there was a very special video presentation, thanks to Tally Reisman. Her family hosted our breakfast party 25 years ago where her father made a video of us one by one answering the very overwhelming question “Where do you see yourself in 10 years?” As you can imagine, this footage is hilarious! We all chatted endlessly as we had so much to catch up on, and then we took a guided tour of the school which brought back so many fun memories. We were having such a great time at the school reception that we ended up over-staying our welcome by 2 hours! We fi nally made our way as a group to a charming little Mexican restaurant near the Atwater Market, where the festivities continued until the restaurant closed in the wee hours of the morning! It was a truly memorable milestone reunion. Everyone’s already buzzing about the next one. Hope to see you all there! Sincerely, Patty Klein 1988 Class Coordinator

12 DRAGONLINK Spring 2014 DRAGONLINK ALUMNI REUNIONS 1993 20 years

CLASS OF 1993 – 20th YEAR REUNION TO BE HELD IN 2014 Better late than never! Stay tuned!

2003 10 years CLASS OF 2003 – 10th YEAR REUNION JUNE 14, 2013 A wine and cheese reception was held in the High School’s Bahadur Bhatla Studio.

21 graduates were in attendance and the energy of being together again in the School was infectious. A special thank you to Katie Morton, Alumni Class Coordinator, who helped organize this event. 2008 5 years CLASS OF 2008 - 5th YEAR MINI REUNION – SUMMER 2013 The Class of 2008 got together at Murray Hill Park on a warm late summer Saturday afternoon to relax and catch up with old friends. Alumni in attendance included: Sten-Erik Gruman, Robert Khoury, Jacob Lavigne, Ariel Charney, Ari Shiller, David Wilson, Bianca Cordileone., Lauren Miller, Emily Mendel, Daniel Inhaber, Catherine Millington, Bryan Zimmerman, Maya Cadieux and Lara Sancton. A special thank you to Sten-Erik Gruman, Alumni Class Coordinator, who helped organize this event.

Spring 2014 DRAGONLINK 13 DRAGONLINK ALUMNI UPDATES

ROANNE (COHEN) WEISMAN ’69 ANDREW ARMSTRONG ’71 1950 My latest book In Sickness Andrew is a retired Canadian As In Health can be found at Coast Guard Offi cer. His current - 1972 www.insicknessasinhealth.com occupation is Soil Remediation My previous books are here: and he is a yoga instructor as well. JANE (PARKIN) BLACKWELL ’50 www.roanneweisman.com He also included International Triathlon Offi cial and Technical I have been living in the Boston My passion is choral singing. Coordinator, Triathlon BC to his th area for more than 30 years, I am still at it in my 28 year profi le. singing with Orchestra Seattle/ working as a science/medicine/ Seattle Chamber Singers. health writer and author, with a particular interest in integrative JANE GALBRAITH-ARMSTRONG ’71 I moved to a retirement community medicine: the combination of in downtown Seattle a year ago. alternative/complementary I run my own personal coaching I met a fellow Montrealer some modalities with conventional care. business. My passion is coaching months ago and discovered that his I am single and the mother of two triathlon, running and duathlon. Montreal grandchildren go to wonderful people, Benjamin (30) I compete in duathlon on the St. George’s! I would love to and Elizabeth (26), each of whom National Duathlon Team and connect with graduates of any is helping to make our world a have raced every Duathlon World age coming to Seattle to hear their better place. Championship since 1994. My stories or memories of the school. daughter is a chiropractor, living in Vancouver, married to a NORA GOLD ’69 chiropractor and raising two boys. PATRICIA MOORE ’54 (CLYTIE ALEXANDER) Nora’s debut novel, Fields of Exile, will be published this spring by JANE BROWNE MERRITT ’72 Under the professional name Dundurn Press. Her fi rst book, Clytie Alexander, I am an artist who Marrow and Other Stories, won I have been living in Penticton, works in New York, Los Angeles a Canadian Jewish Book Award. B.C. for the past 35 years. I was an and New Mexico. My work resides Fields of Exile is a story about elementary/Kindergarten teacher in more than 100 private collections love, betrayal, and the search for for 27 years. I am married with 3 worldwide. courage, and is also the fi rst novel children (Tyler-26, Dustin-24 and Visit my website for more details to deal with the contemporary issue Shayla-23). I am semi-retired and http://clytiealexander.com of anti-Israelism in the academe. work with Autistic children at our www.dundurn.com/books/fi elds_ local Neurological Center. I do exile. pottery as a hobby, love to downhill CAROLINE BIELER-BRETTELL ’67 and cross-country ski, and travel Nora lives in Toronto with her whenever I can! Since the summer of 2012 I have husband, Dr. David Weiss. Her son, I would love to connect with been serving as the Director (with Joseph Weissgold, is doing a master old classmates and friends from a new endowed position) of a in design at the School of Visual St. George’s! Specifi cally Karyn new Interdisciplinary Institute at Arts in New York. Young, and Donald Douglas.... Southern Methodist University For more info: www.noragold.com. which was funded with an initial as well as anyone else from my gift of 5 million dollars. graduating class (especially if they live in B.C.)

14 DRAGONLINK Spring 2014 DRAGONLINK ALUMNI UPDATES

JULIE MARTZ ’75 PIERRE LAFONTAINE ’79 I’ve been living in Vancouver I retired as of October 2012 from 1975 for 20 years, married to Tim the RCMP…enjoying life and Oberlander. I’ve had a great time travelling lots. My son is 15…6’2” - 1982 homeschooling 3 girls of which going on 30. As we used to say 2 are university undergrads and back in 1978-79: “It takes a lot and I began practicing yoga this the 3rd is a 6th grader. I hope to less to go a lot further, in a lot less year. I fi nally gained Internet and return to my medical career in the time…for a space cadet…” cell access when I left my rural near future. Don’t be shy about Pierre aka Rocky farm, but I am a Facebook (and contacting me when any of you smartphone) holdout. I would pass through Vancouver. love to hear from old classmates at DEBBIE BERCUVITZ ’82 [email protected].

RICHARD DIAMOND ’77 CLAIRE DESJARDINS ’82 I’ve been married to Rhonda for 31 years! We have two daughters, I am not married, but I do live with Kelly and Kimberlee. Kelly married my boyfriend, David Glickman Sean two years ago and the great ’79 and his two kids (who are with news is I am now a grandfather to us part-time), Harry ’11 (is now at beautiful little Avery. McGill Pre-Med) and Beatrice ’13 (who is now attending Dawson College). I have no children of my NAOMI GUTTMAN ’77 I live in Northampton, MA and own. We did just adopt a lovely welcome any visitors (college dog, Lily, from the SPCA, last Naomi is a writer and professor. tours, anyone?!). I work for the April! She recently noted the following MA Dept. of Public Health in interests on her profi le: poetry; the fi eld of perinatal addiction, I work as an artist, still, painting education; social justice, currently fi guring out how to work abstract paintings in my studio contemplative practices, especially 2.5 hrs. from where I live as my job on St. Ambroise Street. At the yoga; literature and the arts. transitions! I moved from my large moment (October 2013), however, farm a year ago but still keep some I am at a month-long artist animals--horses, chickens, dog, residency in south China. David NANCY MILLER ’78 cat, and snake, all crammed into a will be arriving today, and we will spend a couple of weeks traveling, Not that much to report, couple of acres. My partner Kris after the residency is over. It’s all except that I am a small animal Thomson and I have been together very exciting for me! I’ve been veterinarian living and practicing for 21 yrs., and we have an almost posting photos on Facebook, for all in Toronto with my common 12 yr. old and almost 17 yr. old who the world to see! law partner, Stan. We don’t have is beginning her college search. As children, other than a standard a parent, I have had many years of My solo exhibition at Muse Gallery, poodle, named Mavis, and ragdoll my kids’ education to refl ect on in Toronto, “Then and Now”, was cat named Walter. I consider myself how lucky I was to go to St. G’s-- held in September 2013. Muse a very good runner, tennis player, the incredible teachers, progressive Gallery represents and veterinarian and a very BAD ideas, and community. My time me year round. golfer!! (Keep hoping that part will seems to be spent on those never- improve). ending household/family tasks so there isn’t lots left for hobbies. I am becoming bat mitzvah in June,

Spring 2014 DRAGONLINK 15 DRAGONLINK ALUMNI UPDATES

OREN SAFDIE ’82 As soon as I arrived on Saint Kitts, I was packing to go back to Nigeria 1982 Oren has written many successful so I have closed down my activities plays but they have never been on Saint Kitts and am in Nigeria - 1985 staged in his hometown of indefi nitely. Somehow, I feel most Montreal until now. Unseamly, relaxed living in chaos! I’ve been NAOMI FARAJ ’82 runs from February 11-March 9 coming and going to Africa since I am living in Montreal, married at Infi nithéâtre. 1994 and my background in power to Richard Bell ’78 and we have systems, both commercial and 3 children: Sophie (18), Daniel BIRGITTA WOODS ’82 alternative, gives me a real niche (16) and Melissa (Class of 2016 at in West Africa. What a ride this I am divorced with 2 daughters, St. George’s). I am working as a is going to be! Plus my Harley ages 12 and 15 (Erynn and Maia commercial real estate broker arrived this past Christmas! respectively). We also have a little doing leasing and sales of dog, Stanley and our cat, Ollie. offi ces and industrial space. We live in Vancouver. I am a TOM LISZT ’83 psychiatrist. I just earned my license this year after 9 years of I’m happily married since 1989. CHRISTOPHER MORRIS ’82 slog through medical school and I have two kids and live in Welland, I live in Vancouver with my wife residency as a single mother. It is Ontario. I am a marketing Lara Penno and daughters Caitlin nice to be a staff doctor now! consultant. (age 10) and Paige (age 5). Life is good here on the West Coast, we I like hiking and bicycling and of enjoy the beach in the summer and course - travelling! I hope to do STEPHANE CARRIER ’85 the mountains all year round. Both more of it now... I have been living in London of our girls take after their parents, England for the past 15 years and are heavily involved in sports. where I work in the fi eld of Caitlin plays baseball and does track JOHN LAIDLEY ’83 investment banking. I am a & fi eld, and Paige does competitive Well, let’s see, since the reunion this Managing Director at Barclays, an gymnastics. They both love skiing past May, I went back to Saint Kitts, investment bank. My partner Lisa and rock climbing. Lara is a continued with island projects. and I recently had twins – Melodie running coach and personal trainer, Then I snuck off to the island of and Cedric who are now 18 months and I’m heading into my 29th year Panama to erect a 200 ft. tower old and barrels of fun. We try to as a photojournalist. complete with solar aviation lights. visit Montreal once a year, usually around Christmas time to visit My work (www.christophermorris. family and friends. com) focusses on sports, portraits, and documentary photography. I am very excited to be shooting at my third Olympic games in Sochi, Russia. The only drawback to living in Vancouver is that I miss out on alumni basketball on Saturday mornings.

16 DRAGONLINK Spring 2014 DRAGONLINK ALUMNI UPDATES

SHAWN LEVY ’85 projects in the US, and they are currently completing the company’s Shawn is a director and producer fi rst Manhattan fl agship store. 1985 with credits in both the fi lm and Jordan was recently among four television worlds. After directing artists selected for a global invited - 1994 the fi rst two fi lms of Fox’s competition to design the entryway Night at the Museum franchise, to the Huakeland Children’s Kerry’s Kitchen; I co-chair this Shawn will be directing the series’ Hospital in Bergen, Norway. initiative. third installment in early 2014. I am also a breast cancer survivor He most recently directed an and I mentor other woman going GREG ADELSTEIN ’87 adaptation of the acclaimed through what I did. best-selling novel This is where I leave On February 15, 2013 my wife Life is busy! I am also recently you, which will be released in 2014. Sarrah gave birth to our second remarried with 3 wonderful The fi lm stars Jason Bateman, son named James Ryder or JR. step-sons! Tina Fey, Jane Fonda, Rose Byrne, He plans to attend St. George’s Connie Britton and Adam Driver. and then go on to win the Nobel His recent work as a producer Prize in physics and be the starting ANOUK MUKHERJEE ’88 includes the Sundance indie darling quarterback for the Denver Spectacular Now, released this past Broncos. The boys hope to eclipse I’ve moved back to France after summer, and Alexander, a family all of the Manning brothers’ having lived in the UK for 6 years movie adaptation of the children’s records by 2043. to pursue a PhD in Paris. Loving classic Alexander and the Terrible, the life in France and the teaching. Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day, Happy to be a St. Georgian in starring Steve Carell and Jennifer ADAM ATLAS ’88 Europe. Garner. Adam has three sons and lives in Shawn is also an executive producer NDG. He works on Monkland NOAH BILLICK ’94 on the ABC comedy Last Man Avenue as a New York attorney Standing, currently in its third advising payment businesses My daughter Carly celebrated her season. Shawn currently lives in worldwide. fi rst birthday in October 2013. Los Angeles with his wife and four On July 2, 2013, I was appointed daughters. General Counsel and Chief KERRY KAUFMAN ’88 Compliance Offi cer of 3Macs (formally known as MacDougall, TAMARA FITCH BURACK ’86 I am living in Montreal. I have MacDougall & MacTier Inc.), four kids. I am a stay-at-home a wealth manager with its head Congratulations to Tamara who mom, (bachelor from McGill in offi ce located here in Montreal. had twins this past December! psychology and a second bachelor from McGill in Elementary Education) raising my four kids. I MOLLY DUER ’94 JORDAN PARNASS ’86 do lots of community volunteer Jordan lives in Brooklyn with his work. I run an initiative called I recently passed the Physical wife Melanie and two sons Micah Kerry’s Kitchen which is through Therapy Assistant Maine State and Shiloh. Jordan’s architectural En Famille, a program for Hope Boards Exam this past July. I am practice Jordan Parnass Digital and Cope (JGH), where me and currently awaiting my license to be Architecture (jpda.net) is busy with my team of volunteers (40+) issued and will be looking for work a mix of commercial, residential, cook full meals for needy families in my fi eld shortly. retail and art projects. JPDA has that are going through cancer. En been appointed as the offi cial famille helps many needy families architect for Harley-Davidson with various needs and along with

Spring 2014 DRAGONLINK 17 DRAGONLINK ALUMNI UPDATES

MARC PROBST ’98 Ace Norton and actor Emile Hirsch. My second show was with 1994 I am completing an Emergency actor/director James Franco and Medicine Research Fellowship at Jeff Wack. I’m still living in Los - 2001 UCLA. I was recently awarded a Angeles and preparing to shoot research grant from the NIH to a documentary (in March) with study palpitations in the ERIN SIMMS ’94 Paracas Films in Ecuador on the Emergency Department. lost Inca gold. I currently live in Los Angeles and work as a development ALISON MURPHY ’99 executive and producer for Robert SCOTT USHEROFF ’99 Redford’s fi lm company Wildwood I live in North Vancouver and Enterprises. I also continue to take I am married and celebrated my work for Lululemon Athletica on small acting roles from time to time one year anniversary on Labour their social and environmental in our projects if time permits! Day. I am an Agile Product sustainability team. I am doing I am not married and don’t have Owner for a young award winning my Masters in Environmental children yet. All in due time... Montreal tech startup named Management at Duke University Wajam (http://blog.wajam.com/) through a program that is both (www.wajam.com). place-based and distance ed so AMY DE VORE SALOMON ’95 I can keep working through my degree. No kids yet, but happily I’m living in North Reading, JOANNA CAPLAN ’01 Massachusetts, with my husband, married and loving the West Coast Matt Deninger, and my two lifestyle! I am currently living in daughters, Norah (four), and Massachusetts as a Resident Barrett (one). I’m lucky enough Artist with Double Edge Theatre to be a full-time parent right now, MATT SMILEY ’99 and I have spent the past 3 years and plan to return to teaching developing a solo-performance I produced two shows with elementary school in a few more called Total Verrückt! at Double Ashton Kutcher showcasing years. Thanks! Edge Theatre’s Farm Center. This Foster the People and Mr. original work, directed by Matthew Brainwash for “Rituals”. Glassman one of the lead actors of GIGI CUKIER ’97 & JAY SALA ’97 I then produced and directed a the Double Edge Ensemble, tells documentary in northern British the true story of Jewish cabaret Jay and Gigi married in 2005 and Columbia “Highway of Tears” on performers held in the Dutch are living in Montreal. They now missing & murdered women along transit camp of Westerbork. The have three sons age fi ve, three, and Highway 16 which premieres in piece premiered in May at the one: Yuri, Arthur, and Lincoln. Toronto at The Human Rights Charlestown Working Theater (Jay was one of three brothers that Watch Film Festival. I’ve received in Boston, and had its Canadian went to St. George’s). support from the Human Rights premiere at the Island Fringe In 2010, Jay went into partnership Watch on my efforts to raise Festival, in Charlottetown, Prince with two other St. G. graduates he awareness on the issue of missing Edward Island in August 2013. The met in Pre-K and Kindergarten & murdered aboriginal women show was also presented at Double Ryan Hayes ’97 and Jamie Galaty across Canada. I also produced Edge’s Farm Center in Ashfi eld, ’97. Their company Imajery a music video for David Guetta MA in November and December. provides design, web development & Nicky Romero for the song I am currently booking tours and and internet marketing solutions. “Metropolis” which has garnered am hoping to bring it to Montreal. They currently have nine employees over 8 million hits online. The and have enjoyed good growth video was directed by Mr. since they opened. Brainwash. Lastly, I had two arts shows: Hirsch Norton Smiley with director

18 DRAGONLINK Spring 2014 DRAGONLINK ALUMNI UPDATES

TAYLOR LEVY ’01 Fuqua School of Business at Duke University. Taylor got married in May to 2001 Che-Wei Wang. They met at NYU and are partners in a technology ELYSE BERENBAUM ’03 - 2003 and design business CW&T. They were both invited to do another I am a Special Care Counsellor and SARAH LEBLANC ’03 master’s degree at the Media Lab at a Recreation Therapist. MIT. Taylor really thinks outside I am currently fi nding myself of the box - thanks to St. George’s through the cubist poetry of and is doing amazing things. MORGAN CHINKS ’03 Gertrude Stein. I am currently a makeup artist and have started my own company, TALIA PARNASS ’01 MARGAUX MOUNIER-FOLDIAK ’03 Morgan Leigh Makeup. Talia is living in San Francisco, (www.morganleighmakeup.com) I got married on September 23, working as an Executive Assistant I am still extremely close with 2012. I work as an interior designer to Peter Thiel a venture capitalist. several of my classmates and and graduated from Dawson’s He was the fi rst investor in cherish my St. G’s years in such Interior Design program in 2012. Facebook. real way! No babies…yet! Love all my St. G’s grads, and I still see most of them. ALEXIS LEVY ’02 JOSEPHINE ESPOSITO ’03 I have some fun news. Nathaniel I graduated from Concordia MELISSA MURPHY ’03 Devine ’01 and myself got married th University in Applied Human this past August (August 8 to be Sciences. I worked at a preschool Since leaving St. George’s, life exact) in Mallorca Spain. We had for 5 years and that’s when I has been full of ups and downs. many St. George’s graduates there decided to become a teacher. I However, with great friends, most with us to celebrate including, then went to Ottawa University in of whom I met right here at this Stacey Shulak ’02, Jeremy Shaki ’02, the one year education program. I beloved school, I’ve been able to Arthur Cohene ’01, Zak Miller ’01, am now working at Herzliah High face every obstacle life has thrown Pablo Salzman ’01, Justin Heitner School hoping to open my own at me. I’m still in the process of ’01, Fabio Avella ’01 and Alanna daycare. writing my story and loving every Devine ’97. Nathaniel is currently moment of it. I’m happy, blessed head of operations at Ye Olde and surrounded by people I love Orchard Pub Group while I am an RANIA ILIYAN ’03 everyday… life couldn’t be better. Account Executive at L’Oréal. Hopefully we’ll all be able to share I graduated from university and more stories at the 25th reunion. am currently working at McGill Thanks for the memories. DANIELLE BARRS ’03 University. I work in the Faculty of Medicine, in the Department of Danielle was the Dean’s Medalist Radiology. I am the Coordinator ALEXANDRA ORNSTEIN ’03 of the School of Earth and for the Residency Program. I love Space Exploration at Arizona my job and all the residents and Alexandra lives in Montreal and State University in 2013. She staff doctors I work with. As for has a B.SC. Psychology at McGill. was awarded a scholarship into the future, who knows where I will She got married in 2011 and is the Nicholas School of the end up but for now, I am as happy working in fashion accessories – Environment at Duke University as happy can be. import/exporting and as Assistant where she is currently pursuing a Merchandiser and Assistant Master’s Degree in Environmental Imports Traffi c Manager. Management in Economics and Policy. Danielle is also working as a Sustainability Fellow for the

Spring 2014 DRAGONLINK 19 DRAGONLINK ALUMNI UPDATES

up my own clinic and perhaps Alumni as well as current students specializing in orthodentistry or and staff of St. George’s have 2003 orthodontics. had a major role in the cast and crew. The team includes Julian - 2005 Stamboulieh ’04 (creator, director, MATTHEW VACHON ’03 editor, supporting actor), Benjamin ERIN ROSENTHALL-BRAHM ’03 Warner ’04 (producer, assistant Matthew went to McGill in Civil director), Jonathan Silver ’04 I currently live in Montreal Engineering and graduated in 2009. working as a special needs educator (actor), Joe Baron ’98 (director In the summer of 2008, he took of photography), Jamie Mayers and preforming artist in theatre and an internship at Bechtel, a global fi lm. ’16 (supporting actor), Nicholas private engineering fi rm, and has Gertler ’14 (production assistant) been working there ever since. He and Donny Kennedy (composer). specializes in hydraulic engineering After months of pre-production NOAH SABER-FREEDMAN ’03 and has designed a storm water and a grueling, bond-building 12- I am currently a master’s student drainage system for an aluminum day shoot, LARPs will be launched at Concordia University in smelter in B.C. He currently lives in March 2014. Environmental Engineering. I in Montreal. See the teaser: spend a lot of time talking about www.beanduck.com what happens after you fl ush the www.larpstheseries.com toilet! I am studying Blue-Green TARA ALTNER ’04 Algae at a lake in the Laurentians. Tara graduated from Concordia It was good to be back at the with a Bachelor’s in Sociology. MAXIME BILLICK ’05 school for our reunion in June. She currently has a career at the Maxime is back in Montreal after Mr. Bell would have loved the Royal Bank of Canada. new robotics labs. a year-long fellowship with Global Health Corps at the organization HIPS in Washington, DC. She is STEPHANIE MOTTER HANSEN ’04 currently in her fi rst year at McGill AMANDA SCULNICK SPIRO ’03 My husband is an Offi cer in the medicine. I am married to Aaron Spiro for United States Army and we are four years and have a little boy. stationed in Germany for a few years. JORDANA PEARSON ’05 After St. George’s, I graduated in RUSSELL SIMCO ’03 therapeutic recreation at Concordia Russell is working as an analyst JULIAN STAMBOULIEH ’04 University. After Concordia at Direction Santé Publique BENJAMIN WARNER ’04 University I did a one-year tour de Montréal. He says he is a In the summer of 2012, Julian and with Cavalia’s horse show Odysseo non-committed hipster who plays Benjamin teamed up to create their as a rider and acrobat. My goal is bluegrass fi ddle in his spare time commercial and creative video to use horses as therapy for people and is a late-blooming athlete. company Beanduck Productions, recovering from addiction and at and while their fi rst year was a risk youth. success, they were more than KELLY STIVALETTI ’03 ready to move forward with their After 8 years of university, intense own personal projects. With an research and hard work, I have exceptionally talented creative fi nally graduated and have become team, Beanduck is proud to be a dentist. I look forward to opening producing the fi rst season of their new webseries LARPs (Live Action Role Play).

20 DRAGONLINK Spring 2014 DRAGONLINK ALUMNI UPDATES

NAOMI ADAMS ’06 DEVIN ORNSTEIN ’07 Although I am not yet married I graduated from Concordia 2006 or with kin, I have moved to University with a Bachelor’s Degree Vancouver and attend the Adler in Political Science and Human - 2009 School of Professional Psychology, Rights. I’m currently interning doing a Masters of Counselling for the Montreal Institute of Psychology! Not sure how juicy Genocide Studies as a Domestic that is, but I am very happy and Media Monitor and for the JEREMY MICHAEL SEGAL ’08 proud to be part of the counselling Parliamentarian Group for the community :) Prevention of Genocide and Other St. George’s nurtured my artistic Crimes Against Humanity. I write interests and gave me the courage reports for both institutions on to be experimental in my work. ZACK BATIST ’07 the situation in Burma regarding This past summer, I was fortunate genocide and ethnic cleansing. enough to have the opportunity Zack completed an undergraduate to direct a play with my theatre degree in Directed Interdisciplinary company (Title 66 Productions) as Studies (with a particular focus MICHAEL STEPNER ’07 part of the Fantasia International in archaeology) at Carleton Film Festival. The History of University in Ottawa, graduating I started my PhD in economics at the Devil by Clive Barker was with high honours in 2012. His MIT this year, and I also work as presented August 1, 2, & 3 at honour’s thesis was also his entry the program reporter for “Social Cinquieme Salle in Place des Arts. into the highly specialized fi eld of Interactions, Identity and Well- It was by far the most surreal, Computational Archaeology, which Being” program at the Canadian challenging & rewarding experience he is now pursuing in graduate Institute for Advanced Research. of my life. I’m happy to say that school at McMaster University in we were met with very positive Hamilton. reviews. You can check out our JAMIE TAJFEL ’07 website at www.title66.com. Zack has continued his passion for travel, which has a big part I graduated from F.I.T. in New of its origin in those European York in Shoe and Handbag Design ARIK PARNASS ’09 student exchanges while at St. and am presently working as a shoe and handbag designer in Montreal. George’s. More recently he has Arik is a junior at Georgetown combined his love of travel University Washington DC. He is with his academic pursuits, as very active in the sports jounalism REBEKAH WARD ’07 he participates in symposia and world. workshops important to his Is at Colgate University and academic interests throughout the has been awarded the following world. Most recently Zack’s work Fellowship: JAKE SHERMAN ’09 was accepted for oral presentation Unraveling Bias and Conviction: I am pursuing my Undergraduate at the annual meeting of the Roma Cultural Communication Thesis in the history honours prestigious Archaeological Institute and Activism. I will travel across department at the University of of America in Chicago this past Europe and then to Brazil, where British Columbia, Okanagan. January 2014. a recent wave of Roma have Project Entitled, “the settled, attempting to understand paleocybernetic revolution: how Roma groups communicate The underground Press, radical their culture and how the tensions fi lmmakers, and instrumentum – and challenges of this endeavor The United States, 1965-75. vary depending on state laws and rhetoric. I will also meet with Roma activists globally to learn what drives their dedication.

Spring 2014 DRAGONLINK 21 DRAGONLINK ALUMNI UPDATES

local art magazines ST.ART and JASON STOBER ’11 Owl Eyes. I am also the vice- 2010 president of the photography Jason is now studying Civil Law at society at St. Andrews, as well as the University of Ottawa. He was - 2012 Communications Offi cer for admitted on scholarship. HA@STA, the yearly Art ZACHARY GUTTMAN ’10 History journal. For fun I do contemporary dance, MMA, weight AARON DOLMAN ’12 Last May Zachary fi nished the 3 lifting, singing and playing guitar year Professional Theatre program and writing short stories. Last but Aaron is now in his second year in at Dawson and shone all the way not least, I do volunteer work for the Jazz Program at Marianopolis through it. This past summer he a listening helpline much like Kids College, studying drums. His band, starred in the Shakespearean play Helpline in Canada. I am currently “Mr. Grizzly & The Big Nothing” “A Comedy of Errors” and it was married to my work, both academic has been working on their fi rst produced as an 80s rock opera. and photographic and am not album of original folk and rock The play was a great deal of fun seeking romance outside of such a compositions which was released and Zac was amazing! This year he th needy tumultuous relationship. on August 27 . It is titled “Baby started studying in New York City Bird” and is made up of four at the Atlantic Acting School in original songs by Matthew Azrieli, order to further his knowledge and one collaborative effort and one by JONO THORPE ’10 abilities. Aaron Dolman, titled “When I Was I just started studying Jazz Young”. Aaron Plays drums, guitar Performance at McGill University and sings on the record. Aaron, ELLEN SHAW ’10 this fall, an extremely competitive along with Jesse Kirman Matthew program that only takes 15 students Azrieli and Solomon Azrieli I’m currently living in Scotland, per year. It is considered the best performed at the band’s album doing my second year studying school in Canada for jazz, and is launch show on August 27th at Art History at the University of in the top 10 schools in North Petit Campus in front of their St. Andrews. I graduated from the America for jazz. My jazz group is friends, family and the growing CALL program at John Abbott performing around the Montreal local fan base they have proudly College in 2012; receiving volunteer jazz scene and we will be recording built over the past two years. awards for my participation in an EP soon! English tutoring at the Learning www.facebook.com/ Centre as well as a scholarship for a My band M.T.L has also recently MrGrizzlyandTheBigNothing short fi lm I produced titled ‘Image signed to a new label this July. Making Love’. You can listen to/buy their music We released our debut album here: “Sunshine” in February 2013, and I recently founded my mrgrizzlyandthebignothing. we were on tour for the summer own photography business bandcamp.com of 2013. We had 3 top 10 singles Shawtography which specializes on Quebec Radio, and our video in event photography, portraiture for “Red Cups” was number one and fashion editorials. We are CARLOTTA GIULIANA GHEZZI ’12 on Musique Plus for 6 weeks. We’re currently the exclusive photography currently recording in Toronto and I am currently attending company for one of the major Quebec City for our new album Engineering School in Milan (Italy). fashion shows as well as a number which is planned to be released I am actually studying Physical of charitable societies and big in March of 2015. For more Engineering, a preparatory course social events such as the annual information on the band, check out which will hopefully assist me Christmas ball. In addition I’ve our Facebook page: to get into Nuclear Engineering been doing photography for www.facebook.com/mtlband. School in three years from now. various nightclubs as well as the school paper ‘The Saint’ and the

22 DRAGONLINK Spring 2014 DRAGONLINK 2013 ALEXANDER MODONESE ’13 ALARA ULKER ’13 Alexander is studying in communications. He still Alara is currently studying enjoys making videos and plans to continue his creative Sciences at Lower Canada College, Pre University. She pursuits. He has recently submitted a proposal to his ended her classical piano examinations and is currently school’s gallery. studying Jazz Piano at the McGill Conservatory.

PIPO PAPADOPOULOS ’13 Philippos (Pipo) just started the Pathways to Science at Abbott College. Philippos is one of only two St. George’s students who chose to go to Abbott, but he has made new friends and so far, he loves the program, the place and the people there. He does not even mind the long commute back and forth to the end of the island. Let’s see if winter will not dampen his enthusiasm!

ALEXA SHERMAN ’13 Alexa is in Child Studies at Dawson.

IN MEMORIAM JILLIAN (JILL) KATHERINE ARMSTRONG ’87 well as four aunts and their spouses, eight cousins and their spouses and children, in-laws Helga, Colin, Mark Passed away peacefully in her sleep surrounded by loved and Lindsay and their families and many close friends, ones, in Kitchener on November 14, 2013 at the age of including Sherri and Christopher. A memorial service to 43. celebrate Jill’s life will be held at a later date. For details on the service please email [email protected]. Jill graduated from St. George’s High School in Montreal and then the Claude Watson Arts Program at Earl Haig Donations in Jill’s memory can be made to Ovarian Secondary School in Toronto. She held a Bachelor’s Cancer Canada, the Architectural Conservancy of degree in Theatre Design (York University) and a Ontario, or the Cancer Centre at Grand River Hospital Master’s Degree in Canadian Studies with a specialty in in Kitchener. Heritage Conservation (Carleton University). Jill pursued many passions and her work included theatrical set and Published in the Toronto Star on November 16, 2013 costume design, stage management, project management, heritage conservation and museum curation. MARY MOLSON ’37 She was active in her community. She was an avid world traveller and foodie and she loved to dance and Mary Molson passed away in September 2013. Mary was spend time at the family cottage in northern Ontario. a member of the fi rst ever class of St. George’s in 1930. Her creativity, intellect, boundless curiosity and love of reading made her a consummate learner, and she was able to engage with people on almost any topic. Jill VIVIAN TALLBOY was constantly using her many skills to help the people around her, even helping plan a friend’s wedding from St. George’s School was informed in March 2013 of the her hospital bed. passing of Vivian Tallboy. Ms. Tallboy was a teacher at the school during the 1970s. Jill is survived by her husband Marc Plumb, parents Pat and Hugh Armstrong, sister Sarah Armstrong, as Spring 2014 DRAGONLINK 23 DRAGONLINK 2014 UPCOMING EVENTS Jaclyn Linetsky Performing Arts Program 22013-2014013-2014 SSeason:eason: School Play School Musical St. George’s “The Three Musketeers” “Avenue Q” Glee Club by: Ken Ludwig Music & Lyrics by: G Major in novel by: Alexandre Dumas Robert Lopez & Jeff Marx “Sweet Dreams” T December 4-6, H 2013IIT March 26-28, 2014 May 14-16, 2014 SMMASHASH Bahadur Bhatla Studio Bahadur Bhatla Studio DB Clarke Theatre St. George’s High School St. George’s High School Concordia University Tickets: www.stgeorges.qc.ca/tickets

Visual Arts an OfÀ cer and a Gentleman Festival A TRIBUTE GALA April 8, 2014 HS Campus

HONOURING Sumo Robotics JAMES A. OFFICER Competition RETIRING HEAD OF SCHOOL CELEBRATING 21 YEARS May 12, 2014 HS Campus – Gym

WEDNESDAY, MAY 21ST 2014 May Cabaret LE WINDSOR, 1170 RUE PEEL

May 26, 2014 6:00 PM – COCKTAIL, DINNER AND DANCING $300 COCKTAIL VALET 9:30 PM – DANCING AND DESSERT ONLY $150 ATTIRE PARKING Bahadur Bhatla Studio TICKETS AT www.stgeorges.qc.ca/tributegala

HS Campus PROCEEDS FROM THIS GALA WILL SUPPORT THE JAMES A. OFFICER LEGACY 21 CAMPAIGN A PARTIAL TAX RECEIPT WILL BE AVAILABLE

For more information, visit www.stgeorges.qc.ca

Editors Contributors Design & Production DRAGONLINK Patricia Lavoie James A. Offi cer Victoria Dobbin is published by Christine Allen Patty Klein ’88 The Advancement Offi ce Aaron Stamboulieh Don Belec Photography St. George’s School of Montreal Victoria Dobbin 3100 The Boulevard, Patricia Lavoie Montreal, Quebec H3Y 1R9

24 DRAGONLINK Spring 2014