D219 Alumni news

published by the District 219 Education Foundation for Excellence for alumni of Niles East • Niles West • Niles North

Dr. Cynthia Olsen, DVM (W’97) welcomes student Acey Santos to the Portage Park Animal Hospital for a job shadow experience.

Foundation Chair Jeff Burman (E’74), on ladder, and Foundation Director Mark Collins refill the 7-foot gumball machine at Niles West. The Niles West Class of 2010 donated the machine, which holds 20,000 gumballs. Proceeds benefit D219 students in need.

Anjali Lakha (N’10) signs her name to the mural she designed at the Northshore Sleep Center Clinic in Evanston.

Navy Seaman John “Jack” Schmidt (W’08), and military veterans employed at Niles West are the guests of honor at a Memorial Day concert.

WINTER/SPRING 2011 • Vol. 4 Issue 1 Niles West counselor Mitch Stern (W’82) enjoys a slice of Pequod’s pizza during the Education Foundation/Dance Marathon’s Pizza 1 District 219 Education Foundation for Excellence | www.219foundation.org www.219foundation.org Wars. FOUNDATION UPDATE

Since 2007, the

Foundation has

granted over $80,000

to D219 students in

need Education Foundation Chair Jeff Burman (E’74) accepts a $1,000 donation from the Niles North Class of 1970, represented by Jim Litwin.

Education Foundation Makes a Difference to D219 Students

The District 219 Education Founda- Counselors, social workers and other tion for Excellence was formed to staff members gave invaluable input Make checks payable to the assist Niles Township High School to the Foundation on the items that District 219 Education Founda- District 219 students in need. Since their students need. tion for Excellence, c/o 7700 2007, the Foundation has granted Gross Point Road, Skokie, over $80,000 to D219 students, in Since June 2010, the D219 Founda- 60077. To pay by credit card, go to the form of graphing calculators, tion has provided: www.219foundation.org and fol- scholarships, college application low the Donations link. fees, computer technology, trans- • 70 graphing calculators to students portation fees, and other items. who cannot pay for their own. Thank you for your support. All Approximately 30 percent of D219 • 30 refurbished computers to stu- gifts are tax-deductible, as allowed students qualify for the Free or dents who cannot afford computer by the law. Reduced Lunch program, and thus technology at home. qualify for Foundation funding for • Scholarships for two Niles Central The District 219 Education Founda- other academic needs. This percent- graduates to begin college. tion for Excellence is a 501(c)(3) age continues to grow. • Academic fees such as Advanced organization. Placement tests, transcript and col- Earlier this school year, D219 Foun- leges applications fees for students dation Chair Jeff Burman (E’74), at Niles North, Niles West and Niles Treasurer Ken Clinkman, Director Central. Keith Baker (E’74) and other mem- • Funding for school supplies and bers met with the Student Services breakfast bars for students in need. teams at the high schools. The Foun- dation members outlined how to There are many more students in apply for grants, discussed examples need of basic educational items. of situations in which funding could Please consider making a donation to be provided, and asked for sugges- the Foundation so that these tions on how to best serve students. students can be helped.

2 District 219 Education Foundation for Excellence | www.219foundation.org ALUMNI 2nd Annual Outing a Success ALUMNI TESTIMONIAL As a sophomore in college, I can On June 21, 2010, 89 golfers joined the District 219 Education Foundation for look back and say that the worst Excellence at the Highland Park Country Club for a shotgun start of 18 holes of is behind me. Senior year in high golf. The day started out a little overcast (a tradition for the golf outing), but school was one of my toughest that didn’t deter these diehard golfers. In addition to the many Niles Township years. I was applying to colleges, High School faculty, staff and alumni who participated, corporate sponsors for participating in sports, trying to the event took to the greens as well. handle five AP classes, tutoring, and working 20 to 30 hours a week at A big thank you to American Heritage, Legat Architects, Midwest Energy, Inc., Target. However, the hardest part Positive Connections Bus Company, IHC Construction and Defranco Plumbing. for me was dealing with the fact It is due in part to their support that the annual golf outing was once again a that my father was unemployed and great success. knowing that asking my parents for The Foundation reached its goal of raising $20,000 at the event. One hundred money, to help with the application percent of the profits received from this outing benefits D219 students. process, would place a great strain on them. I did not know how I was The District 219 Education Foundation for Excellence is grateful to all who going to afford to pay to send my continually embrace the Foundation’s mission—enhancing the educational ACT scores/SAT subject test scores, experience for Niles Township High School District 219 students. which are very important during the application process. Fortunately, my Please mark your calendars now for the 3rd annual Golf Outing, to be held once counselor Andrew Johnson told me again at the Highland Park Country Club on Monday, June 20, 2011. not to worry because he knew the Foundation could help students like Please join us! Please see below for all of the details. We are hoping for rain— me. I felt a great sense of relief be- it seems to bring us luck. Details at www.219foundation.org. cause that would be one less thing to worry about. Save the date... The Education Monday, June 20, 2011 Foundation for for the 3rd annual District 219 Excellence gave me hope during a n Education Foundation tio da un n Fo Golf Outing time when I catio District 219 Edu needed it the

Join us for a beautiful day of golf with friends, alumni and colleagues. Not a most. golfer? Join us for cocktails and dinner. Net proceeds from this fundraiser They were able to provide me benefit the students of District 219. with enough financial aid to send Highland Park Country Club, 1201 Park Avenue West, Highland Park, IL my test scores, which was a great amount because I was applying to Event held rain or shine. Check-in begins at 12:30 p.m. Shotgun start at 1 p.m. 10 schools! I will be forever grateful Networking/BBQ dinner starts at 6 p.m. to the Foundation that, I can say, helped me to where I am today: a Package includes: Golf, Cart, Box Lunch, BBQ Dinner and more! second year student at Vanderbilt $150/person or $550/foursome. University who happens to be enjoying a year abroad in Aix-en- If you are interested in sponsorship, or donating prizes, please contact Traci at Provence, France! (847) 533-2972 or [email protected]. Find us on Facebook under “District 219 Education Foundation Golf Outing@Highland Park Country Club.” —Edith Rios (W’08)

3 District 219 Education Foundation for Excellence | www.219foundation.org Winter/Spring 2011 3 ALUMNI GIVING BACK invest for their future.”

Niles North students can be glad that Steve Ruttenberg (N’05) acknowl- students already enrolled in business Ruttenberg, Walker and Theefs did edges that he wasn’t that involved in or finance. Teams must attend a total not participate in such a contest like extracurricular activities while a stu- of six seminars, given by Ruttenberg, EMC in high school. “We thought, dent at Niles North. If he could have Walker, Theefs, university professors, what better place to start than where been involved with something like or other industry professionals and we came from…we wish that we had Financial Knowledge Initiative’s (FKI) follow along on a blog that discusses had something like this when we Portfolio Management Competition, financial topics and questions. Teams were in high school. It would have he says it would have made quite a are also expected to give monthly changed many decisions that we difference. updates and a presentation on their made going forward,” said Rutten- rationales for investing, and be able to berg. And that’s the point. Ruttenberg, co- answer questions about their financial founder, CEO and Chairman of Finan- strategies. And while this may seem This is the inaugural year for the cial Knowledge Initiative, and Daniel like a lot of work for an extracurricular EMC, with, hopefully, many more Walker (N’05), co-founder and board activity, Ruttenberg said, “I’ve advised years to come. Ruttenberg, ex- member of FKI have brought their fi- them that 15 minutes a day per team pressed the hope that the results nancial expertise to students at Niles member should suffice. The team of the contest would be more than North, in an attempt to excite and should spend about 45 minutes to an transitory, “If we can excite one stimulate them to pursue a financial hour a day, which is far more than is student and get him (her) involved education. Sixteen teams (composed recommended for even an individual in something positive, we’ve done of three to four students) will oversee investor that is maintaining a portfolio something very big.” a portfolio with a hypothetical cash by themselves.” If you would like to support the EMC, level in the first annual Equities Man- or to follow along on the investment agement Competition (EMC). What’s The EMC will continue through April, blog, please visit: at stake? Unlike most high school when will be se- www.financialknowledgeinitiative.org. stock market competitions, there’s a lected. The team that has accrued the very real prize at stake. The top three largest portfolio won’t necessarily be teams will receive scholarship money victorious, however. “We’re very much that can be applied towards institu- against that,” said Ruttenberg. “We tions of higher education. And a very care much more about the process tangible benefit to all participants: and the thought behind the strategy.” becoming more knowledgeable about investing and gaining the abil- At the end of April, the results will be ity to make sound, financial decisions announced. FKI is a non-profit in the future. 501 (c)(3) organization supported through grants from corporations, Jeff Theefs (W’05), a member of private businesses and supporting (Above) Alumnus Steve Ruttenberg advises the FKI advisory board and part of individuals. And while it’s all about students participating in the EMC portfolio the EMC committee said, “I speak the money during the competition, for management competition. (Below) With Ruttenberg and Walker et. al, it really scholarship money at stake, teams debate with people who are 50 or 60 years every investment decision to select the old and they know nothing about is not all about the money. most financially sound one. investing. And yet, they’ve had large chunks of money in their possession Ruttenberg said, “If I were to try to for the whole time and they don’t prevent other people from replicating know what to do with it. This pro- this, that’s basically me saying that it’s vides a positive incentive for students more important that I have something when they’re young to get estab- proprietary, rather than the movement lished and grow towards retirement.” overall to aggregate financial knowl- edge in this country, which is our agen- All Niles North students were eli- da.” He continued, “This is important gible to apply for a spot in the EMC for anyone who plans on earning an contest, with no preference given to income and knowing how to properly

4 District 219 Education Foundation for Excellence | www.219foundation.org DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI FOUND! Seeking Nominations for Distinguished Alumni Man’s Niles North High Niles North and Niles West are seeking nominations for their Distinguished School 2004 class ring. Alumnus awards. Nominees for the award should have distinguished themselves through their achievements in their field or through contributions to society. The JACK on the side. Please nominees’ accomplishments should reflect credit on their association with Niles North or Niles West. Support for such nominations shall come from personal call Karyn Malench opinions and documented evidence. The recipients will be honored at the 2011 awards presentations. Niles North’s 46th annual Awards of Distinction will be held at (847) 626-2400 to on May 17 and Niles West’s Accolades Ceremony will be held on May 18. Please send nomination letters and supporting documentation for Niles North toIris Ker- identify. bis Cantor (N’69) at [email protected] and for West to Jessica Ogulnik at jesogu@ d219.org. P 2010 DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI P We are pleased to honor the newest members of the D219 Distinguished Alumni Dr. Steven H. Dayan Dean Klassman Niles West Class of 1985 Niles North Class of 1974

Dr. Steven Dayan is a facial plastic sur- Dean Klassman was a member of Niles geon who is board certified by both North’s wrestling and football teams and the American Board of Facial Plastic at Northern Illinois University he was and Reconstructive Surgery and the president of Sigma Pi Fraternity. He is a successful insur- American Board of Otolaryngology– ance broker and founded a business networking group Head and Neck Surgery. He is a frequent lecturer, a over 18 years ago with three other Niles North alumni. physician educator and an active researcher in emerg- The group is the largest networking group on the North ing cosmetic medicine technologies and techniques. Shore and has over 120 non-competing business own- Additionally, he is an adjunct professor at DePaul ers. It has often been said of Dean that he is a “Master University teaching an undergraduate course in the Connector.” He is also a director for The Progressive Ser- “Science of Beauty and Attraction and its impact on vices Network, sits on the Board of Trustees at Keshet, a Culture and Business.” commissioner on the Buffalo Grove Disability Commis- sion and past board member and Vice President of The Dr. Dayan has published over 60 articles, book chap- Center for Enriched Living. ters and monographs. He has authored four books. His most recent book, “Thrive”, has resulted in a national Corey Schiff (N’73), the friend who nominated Klass- series of training seminars educating physicians on man for the award, did not nominate him because of optimizing minimally invasive office-based procedures his success in the business world; however, he put his in their practices. name forward because of Klassman’s unselfish giving to children with special needs. I am incredibly honored to be named a Distin- guished Alumnus. I look back very fondly on my Schiff wrote, “A few years ago my old high school and college buddy became my ultimate hero...While days at Niles West and found it to be an ideal managing his son’s little league team, he decided to environment in which to learn, mature and grow. ask a young man with special needs to be his assistant I was fortunate to meet great people and made coach. He felt that if he could reach just one kid with special needs he would accomplish what he set out great friends that are still my best friends today. to do. At the end of the season, this young man came Niles West will forever be part of my make-up. up to my friend and told him he played in a league for — Dr. Steven Dayan children with special needs and asked if he would be interested in coaching them. Well, my friend jumped at continued on page 15 the chance.” continued on page 15

5 District 219 Education Foundation for Excellence | www.219foundation.org Winter/Spring 2011 5 ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: BARBARA BARNETT

Once in a decade, Barbara celebrities, yet often pay little atten- (Shyette) Barnett (N’72) gets tion to the writers who have created a hooked on a television show, to show’s characters. the point of obsession. And while most audience members would While Barnett enjoyed the writing be content to simply sit back on duties for the column, and the other the couch and passively soak it in, television essays, the idea of a book Amanda Slefo (N’07) beckons tasters to try a Barnett is the type to jump online was never far from her mind. “I always slice of Gulliver’s pizza. have a book in my head, ever since I and start a personal blog about PIZZA WARS Raises $3,000 her obsession. Her personal com- was 10, I think. When I started writ- mentaries, and in-depth critical ing the column I was always thinking for Foundation analyses about the show “, it would make a really cool companion It was an epic battle of delicious por- M.D.” garnered a large readership book because it’s not a straight-on- tions. Eleven pizzerias gathered in the which she eventually parlayed into the-nose TV show, and you can’t get Niles West Cafeteria for a pizza slice a weekly column all of the intricate showdown for the ages in the first at blogcritics.com layering of the show annual D219 Education Foundation (where she now just by reading the Pizza Wars, co-sponsored by Dance has co-executive internet. You can go Marathon. Students, faculty, commu- editor duties). to as many internet nity members and alumni assembled After each episode sites as you want, to decide one of the universe’s most of the show, but you’re not going pressing questions: Who makes the “House” viewers You dream about to get that depth,” best pizza in Niles Township? It was a eagerly read her she said. stuff like this. difficult task, sampling the hot, gooey column “Welcome - Barbara Barnett slices of deliciousness from California to the End of The Her book “Chasing Pizza Kitchen, Domino’s, Edwardo’s, Thought Process: Zebras: The Unoffi- Graziano’s, Gulliver’s, Lou Malnati’s, House, M.D.” cial Guide to House, Nancy’s, Pequod’s, Sarpino’s, Vil- where Barnett M.D.” was released lage Inn, and Aramark. But in the dissects the epi- in fall 2010. end, there could only be one victor: sode, often with The book’s title Pequod’s was crowned the winner the assistance of “House” writers refers to the saying used in medical of the 1st annual Pizza Wars. Thanks and executive producers, for a school, “When you hear hoofbeats, to the sponsors of this event, which behind-the-scenes look that is full you think horses, not zebras.” But it raised $3,000 for the Foundation. of insight and understanding into is often “zebras,” or highly unusual More at 219foundation.org. the sometimes mystifying actions medical conditions or anomalies that of the show’s central character, Dr. often plague House’s patients, and Gregory House. what makes the show so compellingly “I’ve been incredibly privileged watchable. What attracted Barnett to to sit down with the writers and the show, in addition to the intelligent, multi-layered writing, was the show’s executive producers and just trojans deconstruct the episode. After namesake. “I like the flawed, but hero- the season finale last year, I had ic, characters from literature,” she said. Trojans! The Foundation is working prearranged to be on the phone “Characters who have an essential flaw, in concert with Oakton Community with Garrett Lerner, who are not necessarily good people, College to establish a historical and Peter Blake, writers/executive but almost in spite of what they would archive for Niles East (at the site of producers on the show,” she said. want to do, are heroic. I really love the former Niles East). To donate “As an interviewer, it’s a lot more that. I found the character House as if Trojan memorabilia for the archives, interesting for me to ask a writer he walked out of one of those novels.” please contact Alyse Burman at what they were thinking,” she (847) 561-9279 or Rosamin Bhan- continued on page 8 said, alluding to glossy magazines puri at (847) 626-3959. that breathlessly detail the lives of A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held in September 2011. 6 District 219 Education Foundation for Excellence | www.219foundation.org Help the Bass Team Foundation Provides Assistance to Students on College Visits Float A Boat For the third year in a row the high schools of Niles North and Niles West will The Niles North Bass Fishing Club coordinate a free bus trip for interested junior students during spring break started their third year of IHSA com- to visit the colleges campuses of Northern Illinois University in DeKalb and petition without a boat. Last year the North Central College in Naperville. The trip will take place on March 28th. team finished 5th out of 19 schools Students will depart at 8:00 am and return around 4:30 pm. in the Sectional contest but had to

borrow boats to compete. The team This one-day trip will expose students to two very distinct college campuses, had 10 students on the team last year one large public university and the other a small private college. Each college and has grown to over 20 this year. visit will include an admissions presentation, a student panel, and a tour of The team has been out fishing four the campus. Each college will provide lunch for the District 219 students. times so far this year but it has been

all shore fishing. Students will be traveling in two coach buses thanks to a grant from the Dis- Coach Carol Herlocker said it has been trict 219 Education Foundation Board. Since starting these trips three years a great experience for the students. ago, the Education Foundation has provided funding for transportation. “This “We have members on the team that is a great opportunity for our students,” stated Jerry Pope, National College are not involved in anything else and Advisor for District 219. “Research indicates that getting a student to visit a it makes them proud to be a member college campus is instrumental in encouraging college attendance.” representing Niles North,” she said. “But we could not enter any Fall Tour- Ken Clinkman, Education Foundation Treasurer, said of last year’s college naments because we are still raising visits, 94% of the students who went on the college trip, went on to a college money to buy a boat.” or university.

For more information or to help sup- port the Bass Fishing Team, contact Coach Herlocker at (847) 626-2284. Donations & Tributes

Thank you to the following individuals and groups for their generous contributions to the District 219 Education Foundation for Excellence (July 2010 to present). Donations help financially needy students improve their academic performance.

Anonymous Jayson Foster Luisa Karimighovanloo Jennifer McEvoy Joyce E. Sacks Matthew Wiemer Sherry Baehr Katherine France Amy Kaye Louis Metallo Carolyn Sanchez Bradford K. Wilson Kimberly Barker Howard Gamer (N’76) Janet E. Kelsey J. Thomas & Teresa Miller Susan M. Schram Karen Zupko (W’70) Natalie Bartl Brent L. Garner Andrew Klamm Timothy J. Miller Anthony Serafini Scott Baum GCA Services Marcy Klayman (N’70) Yvonne Miller Joseph E. Serpico In appreciation of Steven M. Beaver Margaret Glaubke Jody Klenetsky Jacklyn Naughton Olga Shafran Charles Hogue, Kathleen Bennett (W’70) Sandra Gold Rosalyn Kliot (E’63) Josef G. Neumayer (W’94) Jennifer Sipiera Principal, Niles Central: Thomas Bentle Michael J. Graham Richard T. Kolze Marylouise Noble Tricia Snow John Hasemeyer Rosamin Bhanpuri Benjamin M. Grais Daniel Kosiba (W’03) Earl I. Nowak Lia Sosa Christine Busch Nathan Gray Hope Kracht Eric Oddo Dr. & Mrs. Roger Stein NN Class of 1970 Kate Tax Choldin Stephanie Gray Cynthia A. Kukla Kaine G. Osburn Mitchell Stern reunion Nancy Codash (N’79) Rachel Gross Jennifer Landis (W’97) Daniel Paxson Lisa F. Stone Richard DeCoster Marie H. Grunst Lou Lang G. Jerry Pope Sarah Stucky School Chest/Dance Lisa Denapoli Angela Hankes (N’92) Stephanie M. Lau Positive Connections Andrew Suarez Marathon Dana DesJardins Jean Hedstrom Evelyn Lauer Charles Pratt Jim Szczepaniak Lisa Edelson Michael Heinz Ami LeFevre Yan D. Qian Rebecca Tuecke (W’82) 260 families Joseph Edwards Stephanie Hentz Michele S. Lewis Susan Ranft Joyce Van Alstin contributed to the Matthew Fahrenbacher Heather Ingraham Christine Lubarsky Scott D. Reed Matthew Weatherington Foundation Pamela Foerch Kristen A. Jackson Guillermo Lupi Ana M. Rios-Murphy Bonnie Weiberg during student Lawrence C. Fogel Andrew L. Johnson Georgia Makris John Rocco Karin R. Wick registration Ellen Foley Jasminka Jukic Karyn O. Malench David Ruth Jason Widdes

7 District 219 Education Foundation for Excellence | www.219foundation.org Winter/Spring 2011 7 ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: AMANDA HANSON Barnett, continued from page 6

1949), which was mostly German and On the day Luxembourger settlers, then the next of her book’s section covers the Jewish arrival (1950 launch, Barnett to 1980) followed by the Indo-Asian ar- stopped by her rival (1981 to the present day).” alma mater and reminisced In addition to the changing face of about her high Skokie, Hanson said, “There are other school years at Barbara Barnett themes in the book also. Skokie was Niles North. She fondly recalled Amanda Hanson, author of “Images of a very rural community that became Ruth Belser, her sophomore English America: Skokie.” very suburban. We also show how teacher, who had the class write Did you know that if the vote had things change or stay the same.” It is in their journals. “We turned in gone differently, the Village of fascinating to compare the archival our journals and we could write Skokie might instead have been photos, such as the one of Paroubek’s anything we wanted,” she said. christened Oaklyn? Or Ridgemoor? Community Bakery at 8044 Lincoln “We could write poetry, we could Were you aware that many of Avenue, to its present-day incarnation, write short stories and we could do Skokie’s earliest settlers were from Sweetie Pie’s Bakery. And of course it is anything. She really turned me on, the small European country of Lux- bittersweet to see the postcard of Niles even more than I already had been, embourg? Or that “Babyface” Nel- Township High School, built in 1939 as to writing, which is really what I son’s body was left at the St. Paul a WPA project, which was demolished love doing.” Cemetary, then brought to Haben in 1993. Funeral Home? Hundreds more tan- Barnett also was on the committee Whether from current Skokie residents talizing tidbits about the history of of the very first environmental club or expats, comments have been quite at Niles North and on the editorial the village of Skokie are contained complimentary and sales have been staff of the creative writing maga- within “Images of America: Skokie” brisk. Hanson acknowledges letters and by Amanda J. Hanson (N’98) and notes from as far away as Texas and zine. “That was a good thing,” she Richard J. Witry. California. “There is something inter- said. “The more creative opportuni- esting for everyone. There’s a little bit ties really let me flourish those last “Images of America: Skokie”, of nostalgia for people and they get to couple of years. That was great. I published in June 2010, contains learn about Skokie history too.” loved that about North.” more than 212 historical photos from Skokie’s earliest beginnings As for Hanson’s Skokie history, she was Barnett squeezed in a quick tour of as a small farming community a student at Niles North, where she Niles North, in between her other and on through the present day. took art classes with Mr. Grabowski duties, such as her editing respon- The vintage photos, combed from and sociology and psychology classes sibilities at blogcritics, and the the archives of the Skokie Histori- with Ms. Parsons. She graduated from promotion of her book. Oftentimes, cal Society, show many facets of Loyola University with a major in she comes home from her full-time Skokie, from its homes and its busi- anthropology and a minor in art his- job, Ritual Director at Congregation nesses to its schools to its places tory. For those who can’t get enough Beth Shalom, and writes for about of worship. The pictorial history is of Skokie history, she urges them to four hours every night, which she arranged into five eras in Skokie’s visit the Skokie Heritage Museum to says “makes her husband crazy.” history, showing the influx of new view the changing exhibits during open But one gets the sense that she arrivals and how they have changed hours and during Skokie’s Backlot Bash enjoys giving in to her obsessions, the landscape of the village. or perhaps attend one of its programs and that for her, these detours from such as the antiques appraisal event in a traditional path have made sense. Hanson, facility manager at the fall. Perhaps we can all take inspiration Skokie Heritage Museum said, from Barnett—if we hear hoof- “We set it up as a cultural journey. Copies of “Images of beats, rather than assume it is a The first section covers the Native America: Skokie” are avail- horse, maybe we should first check able for purchase at local Americans (1500s to 1840), then to make sure it isn’t a zebra. booksellers or through the the next section is Western Euro- Skokie Heritage Museum. pean (1841 to 1920) and (1921 to For more, visit Please call (847) 677- www.barbarabarnett.wordpress. 6672. com or www.blogcritics.org.

8 District 219 Education Foundation for Excellence | www.219foundation.org Niles North Class of 1970 Reunion Roundup On behalf of the 627 members of the NN class of 1970, I am pleased to present this check for $1,000. This is simply a thank you for giving us such a high quality education. Among our ranks we have a Hollywood movie producer, several noted professors and academics, numerous doctors and lawyers and even 2 current D219 employees, Marcy Schlocker Klay- man at North and Dave Rosengard at West.

For our reunion party, I created a video tribute to growing up in this area and going to NN and there was a section called “Some of the greatest teachers in the world”. Even though I The Class of 1990 had such a great time at their 20th reunion, they are already eagerly planning the 25-year reunion. don’t think any of them are still work- ing in the district, we owe a lot to Niles North Class of 1990 Copies of the reunion program were also dis- what they taught us. I know I didn’t The Niles North Class of 1990 reminisced tributed in the form of the school newspaper, realize at the time how progressive and rekindled old friendships June 26-27, the North Star. It provided insight and tidbits D219 was in education techniques 2010. about the last 20 years. back then, but it seems clear that you Festivities kicked off with a tour of Niles The weekend concluded with Sunday brunch have kept up that tradition to this North. About 30 alumni, along with at Flatlander’s Restaurant and Brewery, very day. friends and family, thought the building which coincidentally, is owned and managed was virtually unrecognizable except for by and employs Niles North alumni. We had a fantastic reunion with the cafeterias and gymnasiums. The lav- over 150 attending overall. In fact, ish student lounges and new fieldhouse we liked it so much, that we have with climbing wall were exciting changes. proposed to break with tradition and Members of the group were impressed by hold our next one in 5 years instead all of the technology implemented since of the usual 10. So I look forward to they last walked the halls as students. that day 5 years from now when we Over 100 classmates, spouses and guests can hopefully make another donation to your fine organization. followed the reunion to Cubby Bear North Reunion Committee (from left): in Lincolnshire, where attendees played Oksana Dillon, Theresa Bauer, Amity Caile, —Jim Litwin, at the D219 Education games and the band The Breakfast Club Stacy Deems, Lisa Henner-Longo, MaryAnn Foundation for Excellence Board set the stage by playing favorite songs. Soriano, Melissa Celnik Meeting

Niles East Class of 1961 through 7, 2011 at the Marriott Lincolnshire. The 50th high school reunion is sched- For more information, go to http://nileseast- Planning a Reunion? uled for September 9, 2011 at The 64reunion.org. Standard Club in . Visit http:// nilehi61.com. Niles West Class of 1966 Post it on Facebook a The 40th was so much fun, a 45th reunion Pick the venue Niles East / West Class of 1962 was in order. The event will be held August a Join your classmates from East and 27, 2011 at the Medinah Hall in Addison, IL. Decide on the menu a West at the 50th reunion. The class was Email Sue Masaracchia-Roberts at suemas@ Hire the band split in 1962 when both East and West comcast.net to let her know you’ll be com- a became two four-year schools. The ing. Visit the Niles West Class of 1966 on Plan the decorations reunion will be held 2012, so start mak- Linkedin. ing your plans now. Go to http://www. Call Rosamin Bhanpuri at nilehi62.com. Niles North Class of 1966 (847) 626-3959 or email “The In Crowd Comes Back” to be held Niles East Class of 1964 September 30 - October 1, 2011 with activi- [email protected] for Class of ‘64 grads are turning 65 this ties all weekend. Contact Bob Goodman at school website. year. Join your classmates August 5 [email protected]. 9 District 219 Education Foundation for Excellence | www.219foundation.org Winter/Spring 2011 9

A Trip Down Memory Lane ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: The Niles East Class of 1961 is planning • Interior or Exterior pictures of Niles DAVID FINK their September 9 reunion. Please contact East High School. Eileen Nechtman Sonenthal (312) 553- The town of Three Oaks, Michigan • Pictures of 1960 and 1961 Home- 0523 or [email protected] if you can was named for a grouping of the coming and Prom floats. locate some of these items: large trees that stand by a railway • Any pictures of the sports teams from crossing. It is from acorns that oak • Pictures (sports, Student Council, 1961 or earlier if someone from the trees grow, so it is perhaps fitting Glee Club, musicals) from Niles West ‘61 class is in one of these pictures. 1957-58 and 1958-59. that the Acorn Theater, in the small • Articles from 1960 and 1961. farming community of Three Oaks, is • Copies of The Golden Galleon, fea- a major catalyst behind the flourish- turing articles written by freshmen • American Bandstand memorabilia ing arts scene in town and in Harbor or sophomores who went on to East from the ‘50’s. Country, just a little over one hour’s their junior year. • TV shows (i.e. Howdy Doody, Milton drive from Chicago. • Information or pictures of Roundy’s Berle, I Love Lucy). Snack Shop (across from Niles East) Although Acorn Theater Producer or the Hermes family who owned • 1950’s (through 1957) memorabilia David Fink (W’78) was involved in the snack shop. from 219 feeder schools (i.e. East Prai- the stage crew while attending Niles rie, Cleveland, Lincoln, St. Lambert’s, West, he didn’t foresee that the • District 219 High School textbooks Sharp Corner, etc.). starting from 1950 through 1970. theater would become a part of his • Pictures of Alberti’s restaurant. Want future. His father, perhaps more pre- • Names of places that have “out of pictures of the inside of this landmark scient, at one time told him that he publication” text books. establishment prior to it being remod- thought the ideal job for him would • Text books from the local elementary eled (1968 or earlier). be a theatrical producer. While feeder schools from 1950-1970. attending Niles West, Fink worked behind the scenes on many of the Niles East Class of 1971 Contact Eva Barnett Kulik at msgku- shows and musicals and said one of The Class of 1971 will hold its 40th [email protected] or (847) 338-2768. his highlights was when Niles West’s Don’t forget to make plans to attend the •reunion at Pinstripes in Northbrook production of “Mame” was selected on October 29, 2011. Send an email to brunch and tour! for an international conference at [email protected]. Niles Township Class of 1981 Ball State University. Niles North Class of 1971 Niles East, North and West alumni are Go to http://nilesnorth71.com for infor- invited to a district-wide brunch to be Fink also fondly remembers the time mation on the 40th reunion. held on May 22 at Niles North High he spent as a student representative School. Stay for the tour of Niles North for the caucus to endorse school Niles West Class of 1971 to see what has changed and what has board candidates. “I made a state- A 40th reunion will be held on August 13 withstood the test of time. Details are at ment that riled up the press and I at Ravinia Green Country Club in River- niles0522.eventbrite.com. If you would felt very proud that I had enough woods. Contact Laurie Moser Mosillami like to help out with the event, send an power and influence to get the press at [email protected]. email to [email protected]. mad at me. My statement was, the Niles North Class of 1981 Niles West Class of 1991 job of the press is to inform the Join your former classmates on Satur- A reunion is planned for August 13, 2011. public and if we want to keep this a day, May 21, 2011 at the Cubby Bear in RSVP to NiWeHi.1991.Reunion@gmail. closed, private session, we shouldn’t Lincolnshire, IL. Event begins at 6:30 p.m. com. invite the press. I think I was right and I was very proud that I had enough power to make people an- Your business card here gry. As a teenager it felt good to me.”

Upon graduation, Fink attended the Purchase a business card-size ad in the University of Michigan and got a next alumni newsletter. A 3.5” x 2.25” degree in psychology. He worked for ad costs $85. A quarter-page ad a Pay TV sports channel and for the (3.5” x 4.5”) costs $150. For other White Sox. Then he entered the fam- sizes contact Karyn Malench at [email protected]. ily business, a metal manufacturing company, starting off with a posi- continued on next page 10 District 219 Education Foundation for Excellence | www.219foundation.org Fink, continued from page 10 PRIDE IN THE RED JERSEY

tion in sales, followed by a post as We shake hands like we have so often the sky transitioned from blue to or- the treasurer, and eventually rose to in the past. But this time is different. ange. I know, because I ran alongside My bare hand, red and rigid, nearly become president of the company. him during the spring track season, sticks to the black grip material on his when I was a sophomore and my en- In 2001, Fink and his partner bought a gloves. I see his eyes, white as his jer- sey, through his spotless visor - more tire body was the size of his right leg. rundown factory building in the town personal than the television screens at Up more than three ramps, two stair- of Three Oaks and converted it into a my local Boston sports bar. He walks live performance space. The renova- cases and 30 rows, Nasir and I made away after a brief moment, the black it to our section. We had runny-nose tion of the 101-year old building, an and yellow fabric clinging to his mas- abandoned corset factory, was the seats, not to be confused with the sive quads. nose-bleeds, which take on a new subject of many shows on HGTV. In name when the temperature falls into I tackled him, I tell my brother, Nasir 2003, after two years of construction, the teens. We sat in the family area, the building was reopened as the (’02), who smirks disbelievingly. located in the northwest corner of the Acorn Theater. The Acorn Theater is stadium. Twenty mph winds swirled Nasir and I watch him finish up his open year-round, mostly Friday and around us, changing direction each pre-game agilities, before he joins the Saturday evenings, and has featured time we turned our heads. Our seats rest of the team to run through plays. were high, but we didn’t care. Our a varied lineup including perform- Not 738 Bucksweep or 734 Lead. But toes were numb, our bodies shiver- ers such as Jefferson Starship, Poi probably 22 Double – a play that led ing, but it didn’t matter. And though Dog Pondering, The Cowboy Junkies, to a 50-yard game-winning touchdown the Ravens cast the opposing team’s Lesley Gore, Jim Brickman and Shawn during the first week of the season. He guests off into the corner ends of the Mullins. likes that play. Earth, we were here for Rashard, our In 2006, Fink left his job in manu- When I shook Rashard Mendenhall’s high school teammate, a guy who needed to learn the Wing-T offense facturing after 25 years. He said, “It (’05) hand before the Pittsburgh Steel- just like the rest of us. Nasir likes to was too much to do theater and my ers defeated the Baltimore Ravens on mention how he taught Rashard the real job so I left my real job to do the December 5, I didn’t feel the cold. I plays (my turn to smirk), as if 34’s theater.” And it sounds as though he didn’t feel my gray beanie, my black consecutive 1,000-yard seasons at the hasn’t looked back. “I value creativity peacoat or the four layers I had un- professional level are a result of my and I’m proud to be able to present derneath. I felt shoulder pads and red brother’s tutelage. a variety of performers that I think polyester. I felt pride. entertain people and also broaden And they are, sort of. Being a mem- their experiences, especially in a small For the second consecutive year, ber of the Niles West football family town like Three Oaks. I think it’s excit- Rashard gave me an excuse to visit my means we share our successes and our shortcomings. By this logic, I’m a ing and there’s value to it and I hope brother in Baltimore. Stepping off the Light Rail train at M&T Stadium that writer, stock broker, businessman and more people discover the beauty of Sunday night, I filed into a line of anx- teacher. I’m also a coach, father and live performance.” ious fans, most wearing dark purple, student. The “Mendenhall” on the some bravely boasting Steeler yellow. back of his jersey may Fink described the magic that happens Men, women, children – number 34 as well say Bhanpuri or when a performer and the audience jerseys came in all shapes and sizes. Howe or Oline. When make a connection. “You’re sharing he plays, we all play. a space, you’re communicating with Rashard’s success isn’t exactly sur- And man does he play each other, and as part of an audience, prising; the sidelines at Basrak Field well. you’re sharing that experience. And teemed with NFL talk when I was a —Ali Bhanpuri (W’06) there’s a certain energy that happens freshman, and he a sophomore. In that doesn’t happen elsewhere.” He fact, in the summer of 2002, before my Ali Bhanpuri graduated from Niles shared a story about Mark O’Connor, first day of football camp, Nasir said, West High School in the spring of considered the world’s best fiddler, “Look out for those Mendenhall broth- 2006. He was a two-year starter on who performed on the Acorn stage. ers, they’re going to be really good.” the varsity football team and was one “He said that he had to keep raising He was referring to Rashard and his of four team captains his senior year. his game because the audience was older brother Walter (’04). At 6-foot, He graduated from Boston University so attentive and so into what he was 210 lbs and with a Division-I football with a degree in magazine journalism doing that he had to give them more. scholarship already secured, Walter in May 2010. It was just the most amazing concert practiced his sprinting technique until continued on page 15

11 District 219 Education Foundation for Excellence | www.219foundation.org Winter/Spring 2011 11 Noam Pikelny (N’99) was the recipient of the inaugural Steve Martin Prize for Excellence in Banjo and Bluegrass. The award carried a prize of $50,000 plus a S e e n bronze sculpture created expressly for the prize by Eric Fischl. “Noam is the extraordinary banjoist for the Punch Brothers, playing not only traditional bluegrass, but classical, rock and jazz ori- ented music,” commented Steve Martin. a n d “He is a player of unlimited range and astonishing precision,” he added. Pikelny appeared with his band on the David Letterman show on November 5, 2010.

Chris Toy (W’05) graduated from North Heard Central College in 2009 and teaches K-4 physical education in Wilmette District Christopher Lenhardt (N’09) was PBS documentary, “The Calling,” a four- 39. In addition, he coaches junior high awarded a scholarship from the Imagine hour documentary series that followed football, and freshman base- America Foundation. Lenhardt graduated seven Americans of different faiths (Jewish, ball. He said, “I’m lucky enough to have from the Coyne American Institute in Muslim, Protestant and Catholic) from their taken advantage of the opportunities Chicago. first days of training and into their early set before me and I have gone out and practice as ordained professionals. gotten involved in almost everything I Anjali Lakha (N’10) won the top prize in could get my hands on. Niles West was the mural contest sponsored by North- Elizabeth (Lisa) Samelson (E’80) currently the foundation of my involvement in a shore Sleep Medicine. The finished mural works as a research variety of activities and I have taken that is on display at 3541 Church Street in investigator on a foundation and built upon it in the real Evanston. number of grants at world.” the Institute for Aging Joel Pollak (N’95), the 2010 Republi- Research at Hebrew can candidate in the 9th Congressional Senior Life in Boston District of Illinois, spoke to American and is an Assistant Government and Politics students at Professor at the Har- Niles North earlier this school year. vard Medical School. Samelson attended Marissa Weiler (N’10) was recently the University of Illinois, Champaign- crowned Miss Illinois America Teen. Urbana and received a degree in secondary education. Her experience working with Robert (Bob) Perkins (N’82), an im- Strong riptides in Lake Michigan claimed vulnerable teenage girls and their related migration attorney who is nationally the life of Timothy Horvath (W’02) in health and wellness challenges led her to known as “The Immigration Professor” 2010. pursue a Master’s in Public Health degree was recently appointed to the Board of from the University of Illinois Chicago and Directors of Gilbert Hall School for autism Alexis Matesi (N’10) was honored as she went on to Columbia University where in Culver City, CA. Perkins, who has a son an outstanding election judge by Cook she earned a Ph.D. in epidemiology from its with autism said “Gilbert Hall is the only County this past fall. Only two people per school of Public Health. She has received school in the world that is based on Rela- township received the award and Matesi awards from the American Society for Bone tionship Development Intervention (RDI), was one of the youngest selected for the and Mineral Research and the Claude Pep- which remediates the core deficits of award. per Older Americans Independence Center. autism. Families from all over the world come here because their kids make great Neil Kimel (W’87), second horn with Jason Cohan (W’92) announced the arrival progress. I am highly honored by this Chicago’s Lyric Opera of his twin daughters Olivia Hope and appointment.” Orchestra and the Jordan Elizabeth, born April 2010. Grant Park Orchestra, Upon Charles Prebish’s (W’62) retire- performed a solo Debbie Sue Goodman (N’80) announced ment from Penn State University in 2006, with the Niles West the publication of her latest book, “My he was granted Professor Emeritus stand- Symphonic Orchestra Husband the Stranger.” Upcoming appear- ing, following 36 years on the faculty. in October. ance: March 10 at the Indian Trails Public In 2007 he began his tenure as holder Library in Wheeling and March 23 at C.J. of the Charles Redd Endowed Chair in Northwestern University’s first Muslim Arthur’s Bar & Grill in Wilmette, 1168 Religious Studies at Utah State University chaplain is Tahera Ahmad (W’02). Wilmette Avenue. where he also serves as Director of the Ahmad was also featured recently in a Religious Studies Program. Prebish has

continued on page 13 12 District 219 Education Foundation for Excellence | www.219foundation.org Cont. from page 12 Eva Shiu (N’06) was awarded a scholarship Gary Kremen (W’81), founder of published over 20 books and nearly 100 by the Fulbright U.S. Student Program. She Match.Com and Sex.com was recently articles and chapters. He is an officer has earned one of only two English teach- profiled in the San Jose Mercury News in the International Association of Bud- ing assistantships to Cameroon. as well as Earth2Tech for his Clean dhist Studies and was founding editor Tech investing. of “The Journal of Buddhist Ethics” and Stephen Small (W’09) and Tom Piasny Harry Litberg (N’88) appeared on the “The Journal of Global Buddhism.” (W’09) earned second place in the Youth CBS Channel 2 News on August 20, Free Expression Network film contest for 2010. Litberg discussed the safety of Neal Harris (W’78) is the managing their film “Silenced.” director/owner of Relax4Life Center, eating Gulf shrimp. a holistic education center in Bar- Michael Zachacki (W’10) was awarded the A walk was held to honor Israel rington, IL. He is also research chair for a Golden Guard Award by Jeff Ellis and Asso- Garcia (W’01), who passed away national study on the effects of his pat- ciates, an international aquatic safety firm. from leukemia on May 2, 2009. His ented children’s finger labyrinth design The firm evaluates over 12,000 lifeguards family and friends participated in the on the behavior of children/adolescents per year and Golden Guard recipients Light the Night Walk in his honor on with ADHD. For more information go to are considered in the top percentile of September 25 at Grant Park. [email protected]. lifeguards. The home of Jay Michael (N’99) was Michael Margules (N’78) co-wrote and Long-lost featured in the November/Decem- produced the song “Over- friends Nancy ber 2010 issue of Chicago Home and load” which was heard (Novak) Irwin Garden. on the season 6 premiere and Diane of “The Hills” on MTV. (Majestic) Steve Buzil, (N’82) an independent Margules moved to Los Kretschmer singer/ Angeles in 1981 and built found each song- a successful songwriting other through the alumni newsletter. They writer has career under the pseud- graduated from Niles West in 1964. recently onym Michael Jay. For released David Alex (W’04) wrote the book for “The more information, go to www.myspace. his second Second-Oldest Profession”, a musical which com/michaeljaysongs or www.facebook. CD of was staged in Palatine in August 2009. It’s com/michael.jay. original songs. His stage name is one of eleven full-length and eighteen one- Steven Zane and samples of his music Fred K. Rosen (W’63) wanted to share acts he’s written. For more information, go can be found at www.itunes.com/ his claim to fame with other NileHi to www.davidalex.net. stevenzane or www.cdbaby.com/art- classmates. He was quoted ist/stevenzane. His website is www. over 1,000 times, one line Korey Brownstein (N’07) published his stevenzane.com. at a time, in the Chicago philosophy book, “A Thesis on Parallelism” (Protest Publications, Evanston, IL, 2010). Sun-Times with his original The San Diego Padres selected RHP He won The Under- puns, quips and one-liners. George Kontos (W’03) from the New graduate Mentoring in That was in the 1980s and York Yankees and he will be used in Environmental Biology early 1990s when he was the bullpen. The Padres have made Award, a program that named the Chicago Punster of the Year some trades in the off-season that de- enables students to by the International Save the Pun Foun- pleted the bullpen and Kontos should gain experience in fields dation (Toronto) 5 times in the 1980s. find a role there. As a Rule 5 draft related to environmen- Rosen had a 25-year career in Federal pick, he would have to stay on the tal biology through government service highlighted by 13 of Padres roster for the entire season or writing research papers those years in Facilities Management at be offered back to the Yankees. the Great Lakes Naval Hospital. and shadowing professors and gradu- ate students. Brownstein is researching The Lincolnwood Chamber Orches- About 70 friends and family members invasive plants and trees. Brownstein is tra celebrated its 20th anniversary of Michael Sachs (N’70) gathered at the lead researcher in Dr. Mannie Liscum’s in 2010. The Founder and Director, Niles North for a memorial service held lab working with nonphototropic respon- Phil Simmons (W’79) has conducted in his honor on May 22. While a student sive mutants of Arabidopsis thaliana. In orchestras in 19 different countries at at North, Sachs played basketball for his words: “I hope to have a pure line of many world-famous venues. all four years and also participated on nonphototropic responsive mutants. This the track and field team. Sachs’ 1969 means the final mutants should not have Art Leipold, a Niles West history and record for most rebounds in one season any phototropic alleles which will cause sociology teacher and fencing instruc- remains unbroken. the plant to not bend towards light.” He is tor, passed away on August 9, 2010. presently a senior at the University of Mis- Mr. Leipold taught for 32 years. Mari Fae Aberg Katz (W’83), an award- souri in Columbia, Missouri. winning advertising account executive continued on page 14 at “The Dallas Morning News” passed away on June 1, 2010. 13 District 219 Education Foundation for Excellence | www.219foundation.org Winter/Spring 2011 13 Cont. from page 13 Jim Wetzel (N’87), half of the retail partnership of the now-shuttered Jake Mahi Mameledzija (W’10) started as a boutiques, partnered again with Lance striker for Lake Forest College’s soccer Lawson to launch space519 at 900 North team last fall. He earned the school’s Michigan Avenue in spring 2010. highest single-season points total in 14 Northwestern University student years. He was also named first team Dennis Hu (W’07) was awarded a All-Midwest, the only freshman to Churchill Scholarship, one of the most receive the honor. Please consider making a competitive scholarships for American donation to the Charley Snell (W’87) is the founder of undergraduates. The Churchill Scholar- Made, a line of organic fruit juices and ship, established in 1959 by the Winston D219 Education Foundation to green tea blends. Churchill Foundation, provides one year help a student in need of support for a postgraduate degree in Jarryd Lloyd (W’04) played for the engineering, mathematics or the sciences Many families have been hit hard by 2010 All-Star team in the PLK, Poland’s at the University of Cambridge. Hu, a the disastrous economy, but if you competitive professional basketball chemistry major, was the lead on a study are able, please consider making published in the Journal of the American league. His current venture is the a contribution to help District 219 Chemical Society. He was also the first launch of two clothing lines, Abaje and students. Three out of every 10 stu- By J, that are aimed at athletes. to develop synthetic streptorubin, which reverses drug resistance in late-stage dents in District 219 needs financial Dr. Ryan McTague was appointed as cancer cells. assistance and uses the Free and Principal of in Reduced Lunch Program. August 2010, upon the retirement of Lorenzo Fiol (W’10), one of 2010’s top Robert Freeman, who served as Prin- basketball prospects in Illinois, selected Donations help financially needy cipal for five years. Dr. McTague served St. Ambrose College in Davenport, Iowa students to improve their academic as Assistant Principal of Operations at to play college basketball. performance. Go to the website at Niles West since 2007. www.219foundation.org to make a Andrew Parsill (W’07), a catcher Niles West Class of 2001 donation through Paypal. for Judson University, helped propel Reunion plans are underway. For the team to the National Christian more information, please contact The District 219 Education Founda- Collegiate Athletic Association World Robyn Kaplan at robynkaplan1@ tion for Excellence is a 501 (c)(3) Series at Prasco Park in Mason, Ohio in gmail.com or David Berkley at charity. August 2010. [email protected] Nick Odlivak, who coached at Niles East and Niles West for 30 years, Alum’s Excavation Fulfills a Dream passed away in May 2010. He played for the legendary “Bear” Bryant in the I graduated from Northeastern Illinois University with a bachelor’s in archae- 1950 Orange Bowl and was believed ology. This past summer to have inspired a character on “The I got the chance to fulfill Golden Girls.” my dream excavating the Steve Stack (N’06) a pole vaulter for Athenian Agora in Athens, North Central College, helped the Greece. The program is Cardinals win the outdoor Division III run through the American National Championships in spring 2010. School of Classical Studies at Athens. Excavations of Chuck Miller (W’71) is the designer of the winning banner that the Village of the Athenian Agora first Lincolnwood will use in celebration of began in 1931 and in 1956 its 2011 centennial. a museum and research center were constructed. Jenny Klein (W’03) performed at the The Athenian Agora is 10th Annual Chicago Sketch Comedy seated in the valley under the famous Athenian Acropolis, with the Parthenon Festival held recently. Klein is a mem- ber of Big Game Hunters, an LA-based proudly watching over the once busy market place. The Athenian Agora was comedy group that performs regularly one of Europe’s first archaeological parks, and to this day is still one of the at Jon Lovitz Comedy Club and was most visited sites in Greece. Words cannot explain how honored I am to have distinguished by the Upright Citizen’s had the chance to work in the Athenian Agora, and I hope to continue working Brigade Theatre for the “Dirtiest Sketch in Greece in the future. — Anna Argyropoulos (N’03) in LA.”

14 District 219 Education Foundation for Excellence | www.219foundation.org Dayan, continued from page 5 Klassman, continued from page 5 Fink, continued from page 11

Dr. Dayan has appeared in over 45 news Klassman approached Keshet, a char- experience being in that room, segments and has filmed with CNN, NBC, ity that runs a school for students with sharing that energy and excite- CBS, FOX, WGN, ABC and most recently, special needs, and presented the idea for ment.” the History Channel. a Buddy league. Fink shared other stories of amaz- Through his role as a clinical assistant Keshet’s Buddy Baseball League has 55 ing performances, and artists and professor at the University of Illinois children and over 100 volunteers. In this music. He said, “I think a lot of our and monthly preceptorships, Dr. Dayan league, everyone gets a chance at bat, best shows feel more like you’re at has trained over 3,500 physicians world- everyone gets a hit and everyone wins. wide. He has a medical license in seven a really good party, than you’re at a show. A party with great enter- states. In addition to a practice that sees Klassman runs an All Star game every tainment.” over 6,500 patients a year, Dr. Dayan year. Two years ago the game was held in has founded and serves as a medical and last year the game was The Acorn Theater presents more director for a skin care center (True held in U.S. Cellular Field. Skin Care), an educational center for than 100 live shows a year. It is estheticians (True University), a medical Schiff said, “It brings tears to my eyes and located at 107 Generations Drive, marketing company (IF Marketing) and warmth to my heart every time I even behind the Post Office, in the also is founder and medical director for think of what he has accomplished. Pro- town of Three Oaks, Michigan. For a research company (DeNova Research). grams like his are imperative for children more information, go to: with special needs. It makes them feel www.acorntheater.com. In 2008, Dr. Dayan was awarded the important, they all have fun, and they American Medical Associations Foun- have a sense of accomplishment and dation Leadership Award. In 2009, he S e n d u s camaderie.” received the Public Service Award from your news the Chicago Medical Society. Being named a Distinguished Alumnus has been an incredible experience. I Tell us about the milestone A passion for education, love of children never imagined when I graduated from and commitment to the city’s future in- you celebrated, your job spired Dr. Dayan to create Enhance Edu- Niles North High School nearly 36 years promotion, or other sig- ago that I would have the honor of cational Foundation. This not-for-profit nificant life events. If you receiving such an illustrious award. My organization raises funds and resources have news you would like for Chicago Public School students and experiences with teachers, coaches and provides underprivileged students with friends instilled in me the fortitude to to share, please send an mentoring and internship opportuni- believe that anything is possible when email to Karyn Malench at ties. Additionally he has awarded over you feel passionate about your mission. [email protected] or call $130,000 in college scholarships to I will cherish this award and constantly (847) 626-2400. Chicago Public School students. be reminded of it as I continue to do my work with the special needs community. INDO-JEW BOWL: It started in 1999, a bunch of alums getting together for a friendly skir- A P I C T U R E O F mish on Thanksgiving Day. Niles North and Niles West alumni pitted DIVERSITY Indians vs. Jews in a good-natured gridiron battle that celebrated their friendship and their diversity.

Thanksgiving 2010 marked Indo-Jew Bowl XI and proceeds raised from the game went to support cancer research. The game ended in a tie after 3 overtimes, 20-20. Everyone but one member of the “Jews” was a Niles North or West graduate, and seven out of the 11 “Indians” were as well. The ages ranged from 20-30 years old, gradu- ates from 1998 to 2008.

Matt Robins said, “This was our 11th year playing this organized event and we are looking forward to next year already, most importantly breaking the tie. The Jews hold a 7-3-1 overall record.”

15 District 219 Education Foundation for Excellence | www.219foundation.org Winter/Spring 2011 15 District 219 Education Foundation for Excellence c/o 7700 Gross Point Road Non-Profit Skokie, IL 60077 Organization US Postage www.219foundation.org PAID Permit No. 353 Skokie, Illinois

District 219 Education Foundation for The Board meets with Niles Excellence Board West counselors and social workers. Jeff Burman, Chair, (E’74) Alyse Burman, Vice Chair Matthew Robins, Secretary (N’98) Ken Clinkman, Treasurer Keith Baker, Director (E’74) Mark Collins, Director Dr. Nanciann Gatta, Director William Lee, Director David Putrus, Director Robert Silverman, Director (E’78) Tayyaba Ahmad (W’04), Dir. & Teacher, Niles West Angie Hankes (N’92), Dir. & Teacher, Niles North Mona Munshi, Director & Student, Niles North Joy Sugihara, Director & Student, Niles North Pizza Wars Becky Darling, Director & Student, Niles West Jamie Moore, Director & Student, Niles West Traci Lee, Director of Fundraising Jim Szczepaniak, Staff Rosamin Bhanpuri, Staff

Yes, I would like to make a contribution to the District 219 Education Foundation for Excellence.

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I would like to make a tax-deductible gift of: q $25 q $50 q$100 q$250 q$500 $______Other Make check payable to the District 219 Education Founda- tion for Excellence, c/o 7700 Gross Point Road, Skokie, IL 60077. To pay by credit card, go to www.219foundation.org and follow the Donations link. Thank you for your support. Backlot Bash, August 2010 All gifts are tax-deductible, as allowed by law.

16 District 219 Education Foundation for Excellence | www.219foundation.org