Cover portrait: Contents

Bonny Astor ’10 6The anatomy of curriculum 10I think, therefore I am... 14 Robots among us Tanya, 2010 Director of Curriculum and a scientist, a poet, a musician Science teacher Chris Goff Oil on paper Instruction Robyn Chapel Peter Lutkoski, Head of Performing follows the progress of the Bonny was a student at ASL from when she examines curriculum review Arts, looks at disciplinary thinking robotics program at ASL joined K1 in 1996, making her a “lifer” in the and the Music Tour Class of 2010. She has a younger brother, Alfred ’13.

Accents, Fall ’10 college preparatory day school for students in 18Commencement 2010 News Strategic Plan 2010 24 Kindergarten through Grade 12. The student © The American School in London body comprises 1,350 boys and girls who Commencement for the The American School in London Megan McGilchrist: work in print 24 represent more than 50 nationalities. Class of 2010 at One Waverley Place 2010 Bergeron Fellow Nii Parkes 24 London NW8 0NP Our mission is to develop the intellect and Westminster Central Hall United Kingdom character of each student by providing an A shining example: ASL launches Saturday program for local students 25 T +44 (0)20 7449 1200 outstanding American education with a F +44 (0)20 7449 1350 global perspective. Hot off the press: Perspectives 25 [email protected] The American School in London is a Global Festival 26 www.asl.org non-denominational school and does not Nirvana: A connection in India continues 27 The magazine is mailed without charge to current parents, alumni and former discriminate against any individual in any way faculty and staff, and to many parents of alumni and friends of the School. on the basis of race, color, gender, sexual Haiti appeal raises £20,816 27 orientation, religion, or ethnic or national Editor: Wendy Robinson origin in the administration of its recruitment, Athletics 29 admissions and educational policies. Contributors: Cathy Adams, Diana Adamson, Andrew Bentley, Joanna Bielska, Drama 29 Robyn Chapel, John Clark, Martin Drexler, Dervla Flynn, Tina Fox, Greg Gerken, Chris Goff, Frances Hall, Buck Herron, Erin Herzeelle, Coreen R. Hester, Anna & Gallery 3 Higgins ’09, Laurie Hindley, Anna Ho ’10, Mary Jordan, Alex Knaster, Alice Iacuessa, Donne Lancia, Tosh Lee, Sandy Lloyd, Peter Lutkoski, Patrick Mahany, Letters to the editor 4 Peter Mahoney, Mike McKeen, Annabel Lucy Smith, John Smithies, Yolandi Strydom, Trustee news 5 Traci Tucker, Bill Voge Spotlight on London 22 Photography: Craig Prentis, Astonleigh Studio, Phil Sayer, Erin Herzeelle, Jonathan Root, Wendy Robinson, Peter Mahoney, Lesley Yeo Class notes 30

Feature illustrations: Jacinta Sullivan Family notes 39

Design and art direction: Powell Allen Ltd Faculty notes 40 Printer: Finlay Printing, USA Events 42

In memoriam 45 The American School in London, founded in 1951, is an independent, non-profit, Gallery The American School in London Left: Below: Educational Trust Limited Harrison Lake ’21 Max Bueno ’17 Members of the Board of Trustees Head of School, 2010, Cobalt, 2010, The United States Ambassador to the mixed media pen, fluorescent marker Court of St. James’s Harrison joined the School and iridescent ink The Hon. Louis B. Susman, in 2007 in K1, although his Max created this insect by Honorary Chair family has been part of the borrowing body parts from a ASL community since 1999. variety of other insects. He Lori E. Fields, Chair He has a brother, Spencer ’13, was inspired by the artwork of Michael P. Spies, Vice Chair and a sister, Katherine ’15. Mark Fairnington, who creates Mark E. Sohn, Company Secretary huge, lifelike paintings of Coreen R. Hester, Head of School insects based on collections Hassan Alaghband at the National History Robert D. Bandeen Museum. Max started at ASL Lisa H. Bennett in Grade 5 in fall 2009. Andrew M. Bentley Hyman K. Bielsky Alison L. Blood Karen L. Brush Letter from the Head of School Caroline Clark Linda Ely Michael R. Ericksen This issue of Accents celebrates the wonderful, multi-faceted life Lori E. Fields of ASL and delves into the heart of how we look at the School’s Alexander M. Knaster educational program—the curriculum. Donna M. Lancia Mary Marsh In many ways, curriculum can be defined as anything and everything Karsten N. Moller Sanjay H. Patel that happens for students during a school day. The central experience William A. Plapinger of the living mission statement is in the classroom. But what we Victoria K. Robertson “teach” and what students “learn” happens not only in the classroom William H. Roedy Julie Skattum but also on the athletic fields, in the concert hall, at the rehearsals, Mark E. Sohn during a collaborative project, in our laboratories, and on our many Ramez F. Sousou extraordinary trips. Anytime and all the time. Michael P. Spies Louis B. Susman And because time is so precious, ASL educators keep the important William T. Tucker William H. Voge questions front and center: What should students know, do, and understand? Educator and psychologist Jerome Brunner clearly states Advisor to the Board of Trustees Richard A. Bailey in The Process of Education, “We might ask, as a criterion for any subject taught in school, whether, when fully developed, it is worth The American School in London Foundation an adult’s knowing, and whether having known it as a child makes a William A. Obenshain, President person a better adult.” And what is our answer to that question when Barbara G. Coloney, Vice President we consider that our current students will be in full career stride in Coreen R. Hester, Head of School Julie Alexandre 2040 and beyond? Albert D. Angel Daniel F. Coughlin In this issue, Robyn Chapel, our Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Timothy Craighead answers these, and other, questions in her article about curriculum Brad F. England review. She reports on the educational philosophy and methods we John R. Farmer Lori E. Fields are using to educate ASL students for the future. It’s a compelling David E. Fife ’89 task, and we love it. They do, too. Diana H. Greene William C. Mules Other related features include an article on the role of performing arts, Janet S. Newkirk in particular the Music Tour, from Head of Performing Arts Peter Lutkoski; Barry M. Sabloff William L. Scheffler ’66 a look at how the Robotics program has evolved, by Grade 8 science Ellen R. Stofan teacher Chris Goff; and a report on the Commencement exercises for Barry S. Volpert the Class of 2010. R. Philip Wheeler Susan Wilen Warm regards, Ex Officio Members Cathleen Wolfe ’86, President, Alumni Association The American School in London Foundation (UK) Limited William A. Obenshain, President Hyman K. Bielsky Karen L. Brush Coreen R. Hester Lori E. Fields Head of School

2 The American School in London Accents Fall ’10 3 Letters to the Editor Letters Clockwise from top William Voge Alexander M. Knaster Andrew Bentley November 2009 Donna Lancia

Dear Editor,

It has been years since I last trod upon any ASL grounds, and I am sure that things are much different now than they were when I was there (1977–85). I felt that the article in the Fall ’09 Accents on third culture children was incredibly meaningful to me and probably to many past and present students. While I spent only seven years at ASL, I had lived merely the first six months of my life in the United States when I returned to Houston, TX, for university in 1991. The world has gotten smaller since then, but the cultural challenges that one faces when coming “back” can be considerable. It is more than simply explaining, “Where are you from?” but also dealing with people with less knowledge and acceptance of other cultures. Since landing back in the States in 1991, I have yet to move city, let alone country, but still the wanderlust developed in my youth rears itself frequently with a desire to get off this continent. Trustee news Four new members of the Board of long-time London residents. They joined Science, an MBA from Harvard Business Trustees were appointed in the the ASL community in the fall of 2005. School and a BS from Carnegie-Mellon 2009–10 school year. She was co-chair of the PCA Auction, University. Alex says, “I believe ASL is In June 2009, alumnus Andrew Bentley Spr!ng Forward, that took place in March unique in offering an American experi- ’83 was elected to the Board. Andrew and 2009. Donna enjoyed a successful ence, but at the same time it is a very his wife, Fiona Garland, have two sons, 15-year career in the financial markets in cosmopolitan school offering first class Russell Adams ’91 James ’10 and Matthew ’13. The family New York and London. She holds an MBA education. I am excited about joining the joined ASL in September 2006, after from NYU Stern School of Business and a Board and helping the School continue Andrew retired following a successful BA with Honors from Syracuse University. on its path.” career at Glencore AG. Currently, he is Donna says, “It is a privilege to have William Voge, partner in the London working towards a BA in graphic design joined the ASL Board. I look forward to office of Latham & Watkins, joined the from Central Saint Martins College of Art further supporting our remarkable school, Board in May 2010. Bill has been with and Design, where he has just completed and helping to ensure its sound future so Latham & Watkins since 1983 and is a his second year final project. Andrew it can continue to provide an inspirational member of the firm’s Executive Committee. says, “As a parent and an alumnus, I education for our children.” Bill and his wife, Jami, arrived in London feel privileged to be an ASL trustee. In March 2010, Alexander M. Knaster in 2008 along with sons Michael ’11 and The School is a unique institution that became a member of the Board. He and Paul ’13. Bill and Jami have three other provides a first class education within his wife, Irina, are parents to four children, children in the USA: Emily, who starts a caring and supportive community.” including Rachel ’09 and Ellie ’17. The law school in fall 2010; Henry, who just Andrew holds a BA in economics with family joined ASL in January 2002. Alex is graduated from the University of Notre honors from Harvard. chairman and CEO of Pamplona Capital Dame; and John, a junior at Boston Donna Lancia, parent of William Management, an investment management College. Bill holds a JD and an MBA from Brummette ’17, joined the Board at the firm with private equity, hedge fund and UC, Berkeley; and a BS from California October 2009 board meeting. Donna and fund-of-funds operations. He has a PhD in State University, Fresno. her husband, Jeffrey Brummette, are economics from the Russian Academy of

4 The American School in London Accents Fall ’10 5 by RoBYN Chapel, Director of story Lead Curriculum and Instruction

he meeting ends late afternoon be able to do and understand? The after a 90–minute discussion answer lies in the standards we choose about ASL’s K–12 science to guide what we teach for each subject program following a long day of area. We must also informally and teaching.T Still, teachers linger. They continually assess whether students are have papers to grade and lessons able to demonstrate that understanding. to plan, but they remain involved in Finally, notwithstanding individual teacher enthusiastic intellectual exchange. autonomy, expertise and creativity, we They cluster in groups of three and know that there are methodologies, four and debate possible changes informed by current best practices and to the academic program. What if we research on how people learn, that move that unit to Grade 3 so students ensure the intended learning happens. are taught more physical science? How does that fit in with their non- Excellence, creativity fiction reading? How can we deepen and depth our students’ conceptual understand- At ASL, we seek excellence. We have the ing of important scientific concepts? this is certainly the case at ASL. Moreover, freedom to be creative, and we believe Those are just some of the key research demonstrates that a guaranteed that students should study a subject in questions science teachers at ASL and viable curriculum is the single most depth rather than have only a superficial are seeking to answer as the School important factor that positively impacts knowledge. In the early part of the 20th engages in a formal curricular review student learning. For that reason, in the century, students were simply urged to of its K–12 science program. School’s newly adopted strategic plan, acquire knowledge, and today we still As a matter of course, ASL teachers the first desired outcome of assuring an want students to acquire specific continually reflect upon what they teach, outstanding educational program is that information. However, acquisition alone and how they teach it. However, a full “our students experience a cohesive, is no longer sufficient. In today’s world, curriculum review is an opportunity for dynamic curricular program characterized students must also develop their own teachers from across the three divisions— by excellence, creativity, and depth.” understanding of a subject and then Lower, Middle and High school—to examine use that understanding in a completely an area of the academic program in What is curriculum? different context. They must be able depth, make changes to the curriculum, Because a school’s curriculum is to apply what they have learned. purchase resources to support those composed of three components: learning As an example, High School students changes, and seek out professional objectives, assessment, and instructional might analyze the water quality of the development opportunities. As the Director strategies, any review of our program Thames by examining data and make of Curriculum and Instruction, my chief requires that we examine all three parts recommendations about improving it. responsibility is to lead that process. of this puzzle. Learning objectives, or They then should be able to speak Excellent schools practise collaborative what we want students to learn, require engagingly to a lower school student reflection of program and practice, and us to ask: What should students know, and an expert on the same topic, and

6 The American School in London Accents Fall ’10 7 Learning Knowledge is central story Lead principles to the learning process and in order to develop understanding, students must internalize their meaning of that understanding. Learning Assessment Objectives How do we know What do we want that students are 1 students to know, learning? be able to do and understand?

Curriculum at ASL courses on new developments in brain research and its implications for the classroom or the Global Learning Studio on creating understanding. As well, teachers will have attended professional 2 Instructional development courses this summer at the Lawrence Hall of Science at the University 3 Strategies of California, Berkeley, and collaborated Students must be given Learning takes place best How do we cause the on revising the specific learning objectives multiple opportunities to in context. Students need intended learning and at each grade level. reflect on their learning. to connect new knowledge create understanding? While the science program was the to previous knowledge to first discipline to undergo a curricular make sense of complex review, the K–12 social studies program concepts. began its process this past spring. speak and write well enough in another their perspectives on our work throughout Additionally, both the physical education language (French, for instance) to be the year. and visual arts departments have begun capable of learning from locals about to review their curricula, and the librarians the water quality of the Seine. Thus, our Instructional methodologies are mapping out a scope and sequence standards are selected based on the What are the key instructional strategies of vital information literacy skills for belief that students must experience depth that teachers should use to cause the students that we will integrate into the 4 in a subject, have multiple opportunities intended learning? Recent brain research regular program. to create their own understanding of it, has influenced seven key ideas about In short, the ASL administration and and then demonstrate the ability to learning, illustrated in the diagram faculty are working diligently to provide Teachers need to adjust transfer that knowledge in an authentic opposite. an outstanding educational program— instruction to meet manner outside of the classroom. the true measure of ASL’s value as an each student’s level academic institution. ■ of readiness to learn, A snapshot: selecting science interest and individual content and skills standards learning styles. Robyn Chapel joined ASL in 2009 as In the science review, we began by looking Director of Curriculum and Instruction. She had at current best practices in the field of previously served as high school principal at Motivation5 and cognition science. As part of the review process, two international schools in Mexico and, most are linked. Simply put, we looked both inward at our own program recently, Spain. A native of Washington, DC, students learn more and also outside at exemplary schools Robyn holds a B.A. from the University of when they are engaged and research institutions. We created an California at Santa Cruz and an M.Ed. and learn much less anthology of key articles for the Science 6 from Stanford. when they are not. Review Committee (SRC), composed of nine teachers across the three divisions, Resources to read and analyze. We then examined Brain Rules (2009) by John Medina, Learning is a social Students must take their the standards proposed by the National Pear Press, Seattle, WA. process. Human beings knowledge and apply Science Teachers Association (NSTA) How People Learn (2001) by Bransford, learn best in a group that knowledge to novel J&Brown, A&Cocking, R. editors. and the National Research Council (NRC), ASL is moving towards a more inquiry- and must engage in situations. Only when they National Academy for Sciences, 2001. both of whom have reflected on the United based approach in the teaching of Instructional Strategies, Deborah Welch, ECIS collaborative work. have done that successfully States’ less than stellar performance science that reflects these learning Conference, Hamburg, Germany, November 2009 Classrooms need to be have they really learned. recently in science education and sought principles. Part of the success of the The Written Curriculum: Its Essential Role, more student-centered. to raise the bar. Additionally, a group of implementation of a revised academic Betts, Bambi, The International Educator, The days of students 7 10 faculty members attended the NSTA’s program rests with the professional The Principals’ Training Center, 2005. sitting passively and annual conference in Philadelphia last development and support the teachers receiving information March. The committee then met to share receive. Thus, in addition to going to the from a teacher in front its thoughts and findings with the entire NSTA National Conference, ASL science of the room are over. school’s science faculty. Two experts in teachers attended our summer institute, the field of science education also offered the Learning Institute at ASL, and took

8 The American School in London Accents Fall ’10 9 Feature by Peter Lutkoski, Head of Performing Arts

vast. Students have performed with actors and musicians in Aberdeen, Rome, I think, therefore Frankfurt, Düsseldorf, Ankara, Berlin, Dubai, Istanbul and, of course, London. The outstanding middle school play, I am… a scientist, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and high school musical, All Shook Up, brought to our own school stage real actors, in the form of ASL students. The lower school a poet, a musician concerts have been exceptional displays of artistic and cross-disciplinary thinking. hen I walk in ASL’s Through all the different experiences High school jazz musicians performed hallways, looking offered an ASL student, disciplinary sophisticated and intricate contemporary through classroom thinking is core. Students learn about music, under the cover of pine trees W windows, it is fascinat- science by thinking like a scientist. They overlooking the hills of Rome. Elise Kibler ing to see the great variety of learn about the expressive possibilities of ’10 wrote, produced, and directed a play, activities students are engaged in. dance by thinking like a dancer, and what Tangled, which inspired audiences with White lab coat and goggle-clad it means to be a poet by experiencing its creative vision. Student-initiated arts students huddled over an experiment the thinking of poet. These experiences projects are one of the strongest in the science lab, others discussing become part of their identity, and form hallmarks of a vibrant artistic culture in hidden narratives in a complex who they are. When we are presented with a school, and Elise’s work is a wonderful Turkish novel, a choir deciding the new opportunities or challenges in life, we symbol of how creative thinking is part best vowel to end a musical phrase use these different perspectives, as if we of the identity of ASL. on… Our school sometimes seems were putting on a set of eyeglasses to see When Grade 5 percussion students like a self-contained city, with the world in a different way. Disciplinary discuss the precise combination of everyone concertedly going about understanding becomes our toolbox for instrumental textures in the piece they their work, representing all the an intellectual and truly global life. are composing, they are thinking in exactly various disciplines one would find Thinking like an artist has driven the the same way as professional musicians. in any human society. It is invaluable huge amount of student work and success To hear Buck Herron coaching his actors for students to learn by doing—by in the performing arts at ASL this year. on elements of character and intent, one creating their understanding and The scope and variety of engagement, could be eavesdropping in any West End participating actively in their learning. preparation, and performance has been rehearsal room. Jane Coulston’s high

10 Accents Fall ’10 11 Feature 1–4 Scenes from the 2010 buses pulled away as the music teachers 3 5 Music Tour to Berlin waved them off from the hotel lobby. 5 Performing arts teacher We knew what the students needed to Keith Montgomery conducts do at the venue, and had a deep trust in the Concert Choir their abilities, but there was no guarantee it would not be embarrassing disarray when the audience entered the cathedral at six o’clock. We knew the students would need to map out the venue, finding changing and instrument storage rooms; they would need to decide how to arrange the ensembles, determining if it was manageable to have all groups on stage at once, or if a formal walk-on would be needed; the students would need to school dance class explores what it determine the repertoire to perform, and means to communicate an artistic if any pieces were less appropriate for the message through physical movement, cathedral’s acoustics; they would need to making complex choreographic and warm-up and rehearse, deciding on a creative decisions. Through these rehearsal schedule so that each group experiences, students learn not just had enough time. about acting, music and dance, but to be actors, musicians, and dancers. One moment, from the high school 1 4 Music Tour to Berlin in February, stands out and crystallizes the school’s approach to creating real artists. All 130 students in the high school choir, orchestra and band traveled to Berlin for five days of performing and cultural excursions. The goal of the trip was to deepen our understanding of the host city, and to learn in practice what it means to present an engaging musical experience for an unfamiliar audience. We endeavored to incorporate community service into our performance schedule, and the high school ensembles performed three fundraising concerts in support of the the venue having no idea what kind of 2 restoration of the local cathedrals where concert we were walking into. we played. We also performed at an arts I will never forget the scene in that magnet school in the small village of cathedral as we entered, shortly before Wettin, about two hours south of Berlin. the doors opened to the public. In this Our students had the opportunity to meet beautiful expansive space, the ASL Concert and talk with the local Wettin high school Choir was singing, arranged in three rows students, to overcome language barriers, in the front of the altar, perfectly aligned Just as in any community, the students and to learn about each other’s favorite in formal concert attire. Their ethereal in our school grow as musicians, actors, Mosso legato music, school subjects and pastimes. sound resonated throughout, and they poets, scientists and engineers by thinking Moving around as a group of over 130 people, including a huge amount of On the night before our final concert, were conducted by one of the student like them. They stretch themselves by equipment, is a massive logistical task. We have to plan where we stand. The the chaperones decided it would be choir members, Alex DeLuca ’11. The taking risks and working with difficult group is too large to fit on the sidewalks. For the performances to be successful, interesting to try a little experiment and band and orchestra were seated patiently tasks where the stakes are real. They every element must be in the right place: all of the 100 instruments must work, see how the students would respond in the front pews, all equipment, chairs apply their understanding, knowledge everyone needs to have each sheet of their music, electrical outlets found for to taking on all of the responsibility for and stands set up for each ensemble. and experience in unfamiliar and novel amplifiers, cases stowed, stands in the right place, ties tied, everyone with the the final concert. That morning, we told The more we thought about it, the more Some came to update us on what would situations. In their lifetime, they will be same color shoes, etc. The only way for the group to accomplish such an intricate the students that due to an unforeseen this seemed like perhaps it might not happen. The choir would start the program presented with challenges requiring challenge, involving work as mundane as distributing folders to communicating conflict, the music teachers would have been the best idea. There were so from the back of the hall, followed by a them to see the world through the lens musical aesthetics, is through concerted teamwork and an understanding of not be able to travel with them to the many things that could go wrong. How will formal walk-on. The band and orchestra of a scientist, or an artist. And so, on our what it means to be a musician. performance venue. The students would they remember to set up so that each repertoire was chosen, we were told, based return from Berlin, and indeed throughout Over the first few days, our high school musicians impressed their teachers, be responsible for everything required to group can use the string bass? Can they on what would work in the space. Some all the performing arts classes in the the audiences and each other with the high level of their musical performance, put on the concert. The music teachers really arrange the percussion section so of the parts had been re-written because Lower, Middle and High schools, we and with their ability to manage the logistics of each event. It was chaos, but would only be able to arrive at the last that it does not cover the choir but still of a few specific tuning issues. All of a endeavor to nurture students who think chaos that somehow instantly transformed into a serene, beautiful pre-concert minute and conduct the ensembles in be heard by the band? Is there even a sudden our jobs seemed a lot easier. of themselves as artists, so they may use peace as the doors were opened for the audience. A warmly-lit cathedral, chamber performance. We needed to do a Skype chance they will remember to clear their The concert was excellent. Every that as one more way to see the world. ■ music played by our string quartet, and our high school musicians in formal interview with a middle school principal bags and coats from the pews? After student was fully engaged and making concert attire around the perimeter of the hall welcomed the local audiences candidate, we said (never to be believed such a successful and fulfilling tour, we real music, taking pride in every detail. as they took their seats; a very different scene from just five minutes earlier. again). So, with just a few chaperones in were not in control of their final musical They also decided it was important to the background for any emergencies, the experience. Three hours later, we left for them to be successful.

12 The American School in London Accents Fall ’10 13 Feature t’s 10 o’clock on Saturday night on the last weekend of February Break, and the lights are on in the Gym Foyer. Twenty pizza-fueled Ihigh school students from ASL and local state school Quintin Kynaston, two bleary-eyed teachers, and an engineer from Imperial College are putting the final touches on “Chachi 4: Back For More,” the 120-pound robot designed to compete in the 2010 FIRST Robotics Competition. With the shipping deadline fast approaching, the pressure is on to get Chachi ready for action. Welcome to the ASL/QK Robotics Team, also known as the Griffins Team 1884. Founded in 2006 by ASL alumnus Eric Fredrickson ’06, the Griffins’ growth and success has elevated robotics at ASL to the status of a team sport and helped spur the creation of curricular additions in the High School related to the so-called STEM subjects—science, technology, engineering and math. Little did Eric know that his participation in middle school science teacher Colin McCarty’s LEGO Mind-storms physics project, funded by a Parent Community Association mini-grant, would evolve into a program involving 90 students in the Middle and High schools spending inordinate amounts of time in the evenings and on weekends leading up to the annual goal—meaningful participation at the FIRST Robotics competition, a program initiated in 1992 by New Hampshire resident Dean Kamen that promotes the study of STEM subjects and lures 7,000 students from around the world to regional and national competitions. FIRST borrows from the playbook of sports to produce a team-oriented robot game, and emphasizes the concepts of gracious professionalism and “coopertition”. Preparation for the 2010 regional competition in Boston began with a kickoff video on Saturday, 9 January, and was followed by six intense weeks of work. Working from 4 to 8 pm on school days, 10 am–3 pm on Saturdays, and full-time during February Break, 36 students planned, built, programmed and tested our robot; blogged on our website; created a 3-D animation video; designed logos, shirts, banners and badges; and somehow managed to lack of a metal shop. The money and the the funding. Students from both schools squeeze in classes and homework (as travel were not insurmountable, but the would work together. well as music, sports, NHS, and college lack of a metal shop was a problem. After making some initial contacts with apps!) on the side. All of this led up to When Eric presented the facilities QK administrators and design technology a three-day robot extravaganza during problem, and informed me that QK has teachers, we set our sights on the biggest Spring Break at the Agannis Arena at a metal shop, the big idea was hatched. obstacle: the money. As a student-initiated Boston University. We would form a joint ASL/QK FIRST team, it fell to Eric to pitch the program Back in 2006, three obstacles stood Robotics Team. QK would provide the to then Head of School Bill Mules. With in the way of the Griffins’ participation in facilities, design technology teachers Colin McCarty, HS/MS Tech. Coordinator by Chris Goff, Grade 8 science teacher FIRST competitions: travel, money and the would supervise, and ASL would provide Don McNamee and me sitting with Bill in

Accents Fall ’10 15 Feature

the Boardroom in July 2006, Eric Anna Ho ’10 talks to Can you describe the relationships delivered his presentation over iChat from With the success of the Accents editor Wendy you have built up with Quintin Wisconsin, as I flipped the PowerPoint Kynaston? slides he had produced. Bill was bowled Robinson about her four- Working with the kids from QK is really over, and agreed to the funding of the high school program, FIRST year involvement with interesting and rewarding. In the program for two years using the New the robotics program beginning, they were sitting on one side Initiatives Fund. has spread like a wildfire of the room and we were sitting on the FIRST involves practical application of other—I guess we were kind of scared What’s your role on the team? what we’re doing, only then do we build. physics concepts, systems design, and of each other. We didn’t know who they One of my roles is on the build team, The parents help out in other ways as collaborative project management. However, throughout the School. were, and they didn’t know us. Most of on which there are programmers and well—they feed us on the long nights FIRST is not just about mechanics. The field in Houston, Texas, finishing in 9th competition in December 2009, fielding the preconceptions on both sides are builders, but I chose to build because we spend in preparation for competition! program also involves web page design, place out of 54 teams, and becoming an three teams: two Grade 5/6 teams and a completely wrong. In reality, the QK it’s different and I feel it’s more rewarding. marketing, video production, graphic alliance captain in the championship Grade 7/8 team. With a year of experience robotics kids have different backgrounds I’m also on the sponsorship team, which What do you get out of it? design and 3-D animation. To encourage rounds. We also picked up a prestigious under their belts, the Grade 6 Griffin Cubs to us, but they’re interested in the same raises funds by preparing presentations It’s the only chance at ASL to do some- the development of communication skills Judges’ Award recognizing the multina- team advanced to the regional finals, things and hope to study similar subjects to various companies to pitch our ideas. thing that involves physically building and self-confidence, teams are also tional collaboration of our two schools. losing in the play-off match to a much to us in college. I’ve made good friends. We tell them what the team is all about something. It’s well known that ASL’s expected to seek corporate sponsorship. We went on to qualify for the quarterfinals older team from Surrey. The Grade 7/8 and what we’d like to achieve. To build a strengths tend to be in the classroom As the team grew, and the operating costs in three out of five years of competition. Griffin Sprogs brought home a trophy for What are your plans for the future robot or be a scientist requires someone and with that type of learning, so this is and travel expenses increased, we knew In 2009, a PCA mini-grant funded a new the research Project Award. and will they involve robotics? to buy into your ideas. You have to a fabulous opportunity. You get restless we would need to provide some of our initiative to create the Griffins Fellowship In the Lower School, a robotics program This fall, I’m going to MIT. I’m looking persuade people that what you are after a day in the classroom and so own funding. Head of School Coreen to encourage graduate and undergraduate for Grades 3 and 4 was introduced by forward to it very much. They have a car seeking to do is worthwhile, and for that building something and getting your Hester agreed to fund the bare-bones engineering students to work with the Ania Driscoll-Lind in 2009 as part of the that runs on solar power that they enter you need funding. A lot of people may hands dirty and seeing something you budget, and the sponsorship team would students. The program was a great success, annual Summer Program, with support into competitions—I’d love to get involved not appreciate the many skills you learn created actually work is wonderful. raise money for the program. Thanks and our engineering students (including from several of the high school partici- with that. I plan to major in the Department by being involved in robotics! There’s a to ASL parent and former trustee Andy three team alums) have helped us greatly pants. This has continued into the Lower of Brain and Cognitive Sciences from lot that you don’t learn in a regular Tell me about selling the robotics Sukawaty, and his colleague Vijay Jois, increase the technical sophistication of School After-School Program, and has which I could go into biomedical engineer- classroom experience. program to other students. Inmarsat has been our key corporate our robot, guided and organized our become a fixture of the Summer Program. ing, or build machinery to perform surgery, It’s not hard to sell the program as it sponsor for four years running. Team design process, and inspired many of our Future plans include a Lego Robotics there’s a lot of opportunity for robotics. I Can you explain the design process? speaks for itself. I always thought it was members also applied for and won team members to pursue engineering in night for parents, and perhaps even a know that the skills I learned at ASL can It’s tempting in the first week to start cool (as someone who loves science), but grants from the London Tigers for the college. This year, the Griffins Fellowship junior FIRST Lego League event for other be applied anywhere, no matter what I do building right away—try something, put it there are people on the team who are not last two years. has been funded by a PCA Community schools in London. in the future. ■ together, it doesn’t work, take it apart— into science at all. Robotics has the label Our success in gaining support has Service Grant. Securing long-term funding Quantifying the benefits of the robotics but it’s far more effective to wait. Rushing of being for math and science nerds. If certainly been aided by our triumphs for the program remains a distinct goal. program at ASL is difficult, but it is clear in is not what a real engineer would do. students are not strong in those areas, in our five years of competition. With With the success of the high school that it has been expanding to fill a We are essentially trying to mimic the they tend to shy away. We try to put out Steve Alaniz’s experienced guidance program, FIRST has spread like a wildfire demand for hands-on design technology approach of a professional. ASL parents the word that it’s not just about math; during our first year, the founding throughout the School. In 2008, a FIRST activities, and has opened the eyes of who are engineers come on to the team there’s lots to do that involves creativity members of the team miraculously put Lego League program (FLL) in the Middle many students to possible future careers to trouble-shoot and give advice. We are and different skills. There are those on together an outstanding rookie robot to School was initiated. in STEM areas. If nothing else, it is a lot encouraged in the first couple of weeks the team who never touch the robot! compete in the Aim High challenge. The Buoyed by our initial experience with of fun (and hard work). to design and plan rigorously before Griffins shocked the NASA-sponsored FLL, ASL hosted a London Regional FLL reaching for the tools. When we know

16 The American School in London Accents Fall ’10 17 Feature

estminster Central personal best wishes as a parent, before with the Class of 2010. He advised the Hall was the setting for introducing the Lord Mayor of Westminster, class to think global, travel a lot and stay the commencement Councillor Judith Warner. The Concert curious. “With strength and commitment,” W exercises for the Class Choir followed with two songs conducted he said, “you will be successful.” of 2010 on Friday, 18 June. In a break by Keith Montgomery. The diplomas were presented by Mrs. with tradition, rather than being Valedictorian Anna Ho and Salutatorian Hester and Ms. Fields. Among the 115 played on the organ, Elgar’s Pomp Sameer Arya delivered a well-received, students to graduate were nine “lifers,” and Circumstance March No. 1 was two-handed speech that questioned the who had attended ASL since Grade 1 or performed by a quartet of faculty on concepts of space and time, and reflected earlier: Bonny Astor, Yorkor Baffour, Rachel two pianos. The graduating class their shared love of math and science. Brouwer, Ian Harriman, Alec McKechnie, processed to the musical talents of Their address included a brief interlude Michael Nakan, Alexandra Pigott, Devin music teachers Keith Montgomery when the Vocal Ensemble performed a Risinger and Rhys Smith. and Gordon Graham, high school memorable rendition of Lennon & Following the presentation, High School math teacher Doug Poggioli and McCartney’s In My Life. Principal Paul Richards thanked the faculty accompanist Julia Wallin. ASL parent and trustee Bill Roedy, and staff, parents and grandparents. After welcoming everyone, Head of Chairman of MTV Networks, gave the He invited the members of the Class of School Coreen R. Hester recognized the commencement address. Mr. Roedy has 2010 to move their tassels from the left Class of 2010 as a group of individuals been a member of the Board of Trustees to the right to signify their new status as who support each other. She encouraged for 15 years and is an award-winning graduates and alumni of the American them to reflect on the defining moments campaigner for social justice. He was School in London. in their lives—whether a life-changing recently named Global Citizen of the Year team-talk from a coach or sudden illum- by the UN Correspondents Association ination from a piece of art. Graduation, for his HIV/AIDS outreach work. she reminded them, is a moment to Mr. Roedy related that the room in remember. which the ceremony was taking place Lori Fields, Chair of the Board of had played host to Ghandi, Churchill, de Trustees, declared the graduates a very Gaulle, and the General Assembly of the impressive class. She offered her formal United Nations in 1946, all leaders in congratulations as a trustee, and her global thinking and a fitting correlation

18 The American School in London Accents Fall ’10 19 Feature Life after ASL for the Class of ’10

Noora Aboukhater Boston College Elise Kibler New York University Mohammad Ahmed University of Exeter David Landis Trinity College Kristina Ali Princeton University Alexander Langstaff Colorado College Megan Armstrong Johns Hopkins University Eliza Learner Princeton University Sameer Arya Stanford University Blanca Lepach University of Notre Dame Bonny Astor University of Exeter J Lind University of Bristol Yorkor Baffour Case Western Reserve Sofiya Mahdi Boston University University Tatsuya Matsumoto TBD—Japanese University Rosemary Bell Boston University Jordan Matyiku Plymouth State University Nathanael Bengio Syracuse University McKim Mauel University of Notre Dame James Bentley University of Chicago Lauren Mayer Indiana University, Margaret Bertasi Princeton University Bloomington Gunita Bhasin University of California at Lucy McCray University of Edinburgh Berkeley Alec McKechnie Northwestern University Kyle Bloomster Whitman College Rovena Mehta Boston University Lara Boushehri Emerson College Francesco Melpignano University of Pennsylvania Taylor Boyd University of Missouri, Allison Meyer University of Miami Columbia Dalia Mnaymneh Columbia University Rachel Brouwer Queen Mary, Alison Moran Furman University University of London Zoya Mufti The George Washington Nicholas Brown The College of Wooster University Michael Buckner Colorado State University Lesley Murray Washington State University David Burke Brown University Elisa Naini Cornell University James Cook Bowdoin College Michael Nakan Johns Hopkins University India Cowles Vanderbilt University Benjamin Noelle Northeastern University Victoria DeClaris Southern Methodist University James Oppenheimer University of Puget Sound Eliza Deissler Tufts University Emily Ovaert University of Michigan Shannon Dixon Fordham University Campbell Owens University of Virginia Christopher Douglas Johns Hopkins University Sophia Palenberg Duke University Alston Edwards University of Virginia Toma Paro University of Leeds Stephanie Feder Emory University Alisha Patel Harvard University Marcio Fernandes Queen Mary, Alexandra Pigott Bowdoin College University of London Stephen Potter Duke University Keith Fowler Lehigh University Reed Rathvon University of Southern Courtney Gans University of Pennsylvania California Nikhil Ghorpade University of Miami Devin Risinger Middlebury College Tanya Graham University of Southern Katherine Rittenhouse University of Chicago California Sarah Robertson Georgetown University Katherine Guarino University of Wisconsin, Lucas Rocha Boston University Madison Marc Rosen Vanderbilt University Zreh Gupte Rollins College Rachel Rosen Barnard College Katherine Hardiman Duke University Maxence Ryan Stanford University Ian Harriman Gap Year Justina Salinas Santa Clara University Ryan Healy Boston University Aaron Saunders The College of Wooster Alexander Henderson College of Charleston Jonathan Schey Emerson College Micaela Henderson Cornell University Claire Sheehan Elon University William Herrick Kenyon College Caitlin Simpson The George Washington Robert Herring Beloit College University Anna Ho Massachusetts Institute of Rhys Smith University of Toronto Technology Montgomerie Steele University of Southern Molly Horgan Pomona College California Kylie Hosken University of Michigan Megan Sullivan Yale University Nael Jaber Imperial College of Science, Katherine Thomas Mount Holyoke College Technology, and Medicine Ronald Thompson Georgetown University Douglas Jakobi The George Washington William Tucker Connecticut College University Hilary Udow Columbia University Class of 2009 “lifers” Apurv Jhawar Babson College Samantha Varvel Brigham Young University We apologize that the list of “lifers” in the Class James Jones Stanford University Emil Veltchev Middlebury College of 2009, which appeared in the fall 2009 issue Palmer Jones Loyola Marymount University Thomas Wacker Colgate University of Accents, was incomplete. We are happy to Andrew Kaiser The George Washington Ariane Walder Oberlin College rectify this oversight and print the full list here: University Timothy Wertz Duke University Catherine Breña, Caroline Gaines, Noah Guiney, Kaitlin Kelly University of Southern Eirian Yem TBD—UK University Anna Higgins, Sara Kushma, Coleman LaMaster California Osman Youness Georgetown University Christopher McMahon, Tristan Mead, Michael Sarah Kerr Hamilton College Angelica Zollo Bard College Molinaro, Thomas Plapinger, William Sohn and Cosima Travis.

20 The American School in London Accents Fall ’10 21 Spotlight on London Spotlight

Houses of Parliament Thanks to ASL alumnus Charles Walker ’86, MP, and his private secretary, Carol Allan, Grade 7’s trip to Parliament has become an annual event. The trip enhances the social studies curriculum in many ways. The development of the current constitutional monarchy, the Houses of Parliament and the events that occurred on these grounds are studied throughout the year. Students even act as historically accurate MPs in a simulation of the Long Parliament of 1640. Viewing this historical and politically relevant building is a highlight of our study of British history. This year was no different, and as we entered the building through the Sovereign’s Entrance you could see the looks of awe and wonder on the students’ faces. Following in the steps that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II takes every year when she opens Parliament was not lost on any of us. The students enjoyed seeing the names of the historical MPs that they will emulate, and one whispered to me, “Ms. Tucker, do you think that we could give our speeches here instead of in the classroom?” I guess it wouldn’t hurt to ask! Traci Tucker, Grade 7 Dean & Team Leader A shining example: ASL launches News Saturday program for Strategic Plan 2010 Earlier this year, the School presented local students the Strategic Plan 2010. The plan is the culmination of 18 months work by by Laurie Hindley, Assoc. Dir. of Advancement, and SHINE teacher representatives of the Board of Trustees, the administration, the faculty, the staff and the parents, who gathered information, debated alternatives, set If you thought ASL’s fine classrooms, all divisions and many departments met way. Local student Sarah Bucinca, who aspirations and considered ways in computer labs and performing as early as June 2009 to formulate the attended the SHINE sessions, says, which ASL should evolve to meet future spaces lay fallow every weekend, curriculum; eight high school students “I absolutely loved SHINE. I learned so needs and challenges. The Strategic think again. Each Saturday morning worked around their busy academic and much more about the environment and Plan 2010 identifies areas that are for 16 weeks students from Quintin social calendars to volunteer each week how to help protect it. I would definitely priorities for the School in the next Kynaston, Paddington Academy, St. as classroom assistants; the tech recommend the sessions to those who three to five years and recommends George’s and Westminster Academy department shared equipment and set are interested as it is something worth specific initiatives that can be under- made their way to Waverley Place to up the technology lessons; BaxterStorey going to on Saturdays.” We also hope taken to strengthen and enhance ASL. SHINE, an enrichment program (ASL’s caterer) donated and prepared that through participating in the SHINE Visit the About Us section of asl.org created and taught by ASL faculty snacks each week; and the transport program, ASL students, faculty, staff to read the document. and staff. SHINE (Support and office offered to donate a bus for a and administrators learned new skills, Help IN Education), a not-for-profit group outing. For one journalism lesson, feel more inspired to work here, enjoyed organization founded in 1999, funds dozens of ASL faculty, as well as themselves, and made some new programs in independent schools volunteers from admissions, advance- friends along the way. like ours “to open their superb ment, security and academic advising, raised in Ghana, Nii Ayikwei Parkes was facilities to enrich and expand the gave their Saturday to be questioned— ASL faculty & staff participants a 2005 associate artist-in-residence with core curriculum for local children occasionally grilled—by eager students Diana Adamson & Pete Lutkoski, BBC Radio 3. In 2007, he was writer-in- unlikely to receive extra educational honing their interview techniques. SHINE Program Coordinators residence at California State University, support at home.” offered a meaningful opportunity for ASL Daryl Wells, Lead Teacher and became one of the youngest living The program content focused on to serve our local neighborhood, while Monica Bernardo writers to be featured in London’s Poems environmental sustainability, and teaching also exemplifying the “Community” plank Amy Buschini on the Underground program for his poem technological and media literacy skills. of ASL’s Mission Statement: “The active Eileen Cancella Tin Roof. Tail of the Blue Bird is his first Students were taught in small groups involvement of students, families, alumni, Laurie Hindley novel for which he was nominated for the by a varied group of ASL educators who faculty and staff creates the energy and Peter Mahoney 2010 Commonwealth Writers’ Prize, in rotated throughout the program. From enthusiasm that characterize the ASL Lawrence O’Rourke the Best First Book category, South-Asia collecting insects in the St. John’s Wood experience. Our community participates Maida Shivik and Europe. churchyard, to creating personal blogs wholeheartedly in the extensive Roger Smith In February, in addition to presenting and podcasts, to conducting science opportunities found in London...” Reinhardt Sosin the annual Bergeron Lecture to the ASL experiments, to crafting mixed-media art More than 70 proud students, families community, Mr. Parkes spent time with projects, SHINE students explored a and teachers attended the closing Megan McGilchrist: 2010 Bergeron Fellow middle and high school students on a broad range of subjects and skills, all ceremony on 20 March. SHINE students work in print Nii Parkes variety of creative writing pieces. He tied together by the “green theme.” tell us that over their months at ASL High school English teacher Megan The Bergeron Writing Fellowship is an worked with Ms. McGilchrist’s class on In this, SHINE’s first year at ASL, the they learned new skills, feel more McGilchrist had a book published in annual writer-in-residence program that writing from a new perspective—the program opened doors, both within and inspired in school, enjoyed themselves, December. The Western Landscape in was established by HS English teacher second person—“you” rather than the outside our school. ASL employees from and made some new friends along the Cormac McCarthy and Wallace Stegner: Keith Millman in 1996. It was endowed in usual first- or third-person narrative Myths of the Frontier looks at Stegner’s 1999–2000. The fellowship is named for voices. Ms. McGilchrist says, “The aim and McCarthy’s focus on the western former HS English teacher Luke Bergeron, is to free up the imaginative process, and American landscape and its environment, who taught at ASL from 1973–91. Mr. judging by what the students produced, and how its spiritual, narrative, symbolic, Bergeron passed away in October 1993. it certainly worked. My Grade 9 students imaginative and ideological force is The Bergeron Fellow spends a week had a very stimulating time working with Hot off the press: central to their work. working with a middle or high school Nii, and the teachers learned a lot too.” English class on a particular genre of Perspectives writing, as well as holding workshops for English teachers, and delivering the This spring saw the first issue of a new publication, Perspectives, Bergeron Lecture. All members of the from the ASL center for global studies and community partnerships. community are invited to attend the The magazine was created to capture some snapshots of all that’s Bergeron Lecture, which is part of the going on in the school’s work in the local and global communities. ASL Speakers Series. If you would like a copy, please contact Annabel Lucy Smith, This year’s Bergeron Fellow was author [email protected], or visit the new ASL Global Center. and poet, Nii Parkes. Born in the UK and

24 The American School in London Accents Fall ’10 25 News Scenes from the ASL Global Festival in March

Haiti appeal raises £20,816

When news of the devastating earthquake in Haiti broke, ASL responded quickly. Initially a week was set aside for raising money and awareness, with jars placed throughout the School and requests sent out for support from the whole community. Students made posters, organized assemblies, and gave up treats such as Starbucks and lunch on the high street. The middle school Roots and Shoots Club organized a huge letter-writing campaign, a couple of high schoolers started busking outside the Dr. Richards’ office, and lower school students heard from a Nirvana: a connection parent who had spent several years living in Haiti. in India continues The week ended, but the efforts continued. Perhaps the most original was senior Lesley Murray’s brilliant By John Smithies, LOWER SCHOOL ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL Global Festival idea to challenge the men on the faculty to a sponsored beard- The Global Festival on Sunday, 21 March, One of ASL’s ongoing community partnerships is with The Nirvana School in growing event, which raised more organized by the PCA’s International Pondicherry, India. Visiting the school for periods of between 10 days and three than £2,500! Another fundraiser Community Committee, was a huge months, ASL teachers have supported student learning, offered training and took place before Spring Break— success! Nearly 2,000 students, parents, guidance to Nirvana’s teachers and administrators, and created links between an Open Mic night organized by grandparents, faculty, staff and friends students in Pondicherry and our own Lower School. Established in 1994, The Angelica Zollo ’10. attended this wonderful community event. Nirvana Trust supports the local fishing community beyond the provision of Thanks to everyone who The Festival, coordinated by parents Cindy education for its children. Clean water, an eye clinic, the regular feeding of worked so hard for people in such Feder and Alke Schulkes and their vast stock, and the distribution of clothing and food during times of need such as desperate need; our community band of willing volunteers, started with the tsunami disaster in 2004 are just some of the ways in which the trust raised £20,816. a spectacular opening ceremony in the supports those who live near the school. Adult education classes aimed at School Center, followed by a variety of developing vocational skills for members of the district are a recent addition children’s activities, and the celebrated to the trust’s initiatives. Food Fair in the Farmer Family Gymnasium. ASL’s continued connection with The Nirvana School and Trust represents our Thank you to everyone who contributed commitment to partnerships across the world. Through student connections we to make this event such a success and hope to maintain strong links that exemplify the nature of our global perspective. to those who came along to support an exciting ASL cultural tradition. The Global Festival is a biennial event held every other year to the PCA Auction. This year’s Auction takes place on 4–5 March 2011.

26 The American School in London Accents Fall ’10 27 News

Annie Tipple ’12 says, “While standing in the cold by numerous trailers, my classmates and I learned about the importance of continuity from one take to the next, and how crucial it is for a movie to look good and consistent.” The class also learned that the filmmaking Athletics Drama process is incredibly slow. On average, only four minutes of footage per day end up in the final cut. Mr. Kedar also gave the students a tour of the hair and make-up, and actors’ trailers. After observing detailed folders containing pictures of every costume for each of the actors and taking a look inside The 2009–10 year in ASL athletics was In February, the high school Advanced the trailers of the main characters, the one of new beginnings and old traditions. Acting: TV and Film course, taught by students traveled the short distance to Spearheaded by new-but-experienced Buck Herron, was presented with a rare where the cast was filming for the day. Athletics Director Sandy Lloyd, the athletics opportunity: to visit the set of a film, The set was a traditional pub converted program continued to strive towards Harmony, being produced in Notting Hill. for the sake of the film to a jazz club. In excellence, both on and off the athletics Aside from the fantastic window it would small groups, the students were able to fields. With a focus on sportsmanship provide into the world of professional go inside and watch the actors film a few and character, ASL teams began to learn acting, this trip was also important takes. There was absolute silence outside how to combine these life lessons with because the class was about to begin and inside the bar as each shot was their competitive drive for success. a short-film project. The students were filmed. The students were within 10 feet Throughout the year, our teams demon- extremely grateful to ASL parent Ofir of the actors and held their breath during strated this high caliber of competition. Kedar P ’08 ’11, producer of the film, each take. It gave them a real appreciation In the fall, the boys volleyball team won for this opportunity. Liz Harrison ’12 for the work they undertook later, acting in the Division II ISST Championship, while says, “I felt so privileged to be there, the 10-minute screenplays written by the the junior boys cross-country also earned seeing the amount of work that goes Film and Literature students, and filmed a first-place showing. In the winter, the into the making of a movie.” Anneliese and edited by the Film and Animation boys basketball team finished second Rinaldi ’12 added, “This glimpse of a class. The students thank Mr. Kedar for at the ISSTs in Paris and the swim team real life set was extremely beneficial in giving them such a fabulous opportunity had their best finish in recent years. our study of film.” to experience filmmaking outside of The spring team also demonstrated this Prior to visiting the set, the students the classroom. tenacity with both golf and tennis claiming had spent two class periods reading and second place at their respective ISST discussing the script. The film revolves tournaments. With an increased number around Mia, a woman in her late twenties, of participants in the Middle School, ASL who relives her life and has a chance is primed to continue and improve upon to correct terrible mistakes she made its culture of distinction in 2010–11. in the past. When the class arrived on set, the students met Mr. Kedar who explained the plot and the process of producing a film.

28 The American School in London Accents Fall ’10 29 has two locations and is staffed by at-risk 1 Jerry Sandham ’59 and Alumni youth with the purpose of guiding them 1 3 Susan Skramstad ’59 into productive careers. 2 Henry Maclean ’72, left 3 Martin Hummel ’73 While raising two kids in the Boston area, 4 George Eveleth ’74 Elizabeth “Libby” Eustis found the time 5 Tim Kingston ’77 to travel back and forth to New York City in order to attend the Cooper Hewitt Museum and study for her masters in decorative arts. She continued studies 5 and obtained her doctorate from Bard Graduate Center with a clear expertise in the history of printed images of gardens from the 15th century to 1820. Libby published an article on French garden prints in the Stanford University catalogue The Changing Garden. Additionally, 2 4 Elizabeth co-authored an exhibition catalogue for New York’s Morgan Library spring show, a collection of work about Class romanticism and landscape design which she also co-curated. Libby’s children share her passion for design and research; her son, Peter, is a senior history major at for various exhibitions and forums related notes Kenyon College, and Libby’s daughter, to his work. While in London for the Edith, graduated with an art history degree Islington Stamp Festival, George and from Oberlin and now works in the bidding his wife toured ASL. this company was recently acquired by department at Sotheby’s. a UK-based consultancy. John has come ’59 Alicia Fortinberry and Jean Walsh ’72 Classmates Jerry Sandham and Susan full circle back to his London roots. Henry MacLean was selected to be a recently connected online and realized ’76 Skramstad reunited for the first time John’s eldest son is working at Columbia member of Boston’s Green City team, a Joanne Henk writes in to say that that they are both living in Sydney, since leaving ASL. Jerry traveled with University’s physics lab and is applying to group of architects and engineers selected she has “enjoyed a season as a school Australia. his daughter from New Jersey where he graduate school, while his youngest son to strategize the renovations for Boston’s psychologist in the Redding Schools works as a chauffeur and his daughter is currently a sophomore at the University Kenneth Hamer and his wife live in City Hall in an economical and environ- in California and have had interest in is transitioning from fashion design to of Massachusetts, Amherst. Norfolk, where he has his own computer mentally friendly way. The team’s plan outreach in a ministry appointment in 1992 with Ph.D. in anthropology and teaching. Susan and her husband recently and technology support company that was praised in Preservation magazine for through the Bethel School of Ministry. After a 13-year career as a television geosciences. I live in Alaska now and moved to Colorado from New Mexico in serves more than 1,000 local customers. halving the building energy use, adding There is opportunity for those inclined news anchor in Miami, FL, Barbara Cox work for the federal government. My order to be closer to their daughter and His son, Jesse, attended Cambridge 20% more usable space and preserving to travel in outreach and ministry at launched her own production company husband is retired and I have two step- grandchildren. Susan and her husband University and now designs digital signal the unique modernist expression of the ibssmtrips.org with involvement in Mexico specializing in medical marketing and daughters, both lovely, intelligent, 27 have their own consultancy business processors for communication satellites. building. In addition to this project, and Ecuador at this time.” Joanne is video work for law enforcement and and 30 respectively.” Faith is particularly supporting non-profit’s strategic planning Henry has undertaken numerous home, looking forward to her summer of visiting government agencies. However, when Jennifer Henry is enjoying retired life interested in connecting with her former and brand development. commercial and historical renovations friends and family in Los Angeles. Barbara moved to Richmond, VA, with with her husband from their ridgetop art teachers especially “the ones that as the principal architect of Timeless her husband and two children, Katey and home in Dunrobin overlooking the Ottawa took us to Amsterdam, and the folks Architecture in Milton, MA. Zack, she returned to school, obtained River and Gatineau Hills. When not in the plays who took us to Paris.” ’68 her VA teaching license and now teaches traveling, Jennifer enjoys spending time Winslow Martin is a photographer ’77 Having recently retired from his general Former student council president Tim Kingston wrote in to thank former high school English part-time, which with her children (Patrick, a high-tech and lives in Boston with his wife and practice as a family doctor, Ralph Vadas Martin Hummel visited ASL for the first teacher Don Trudell (ASL 1969–90), allows her to contribute to freelance sales engineer, and Paige, a teacher) 7-year-old son. lives in Poole, Dorset, where he “tinkers time since graduating. Martin lives in “the man I ineptly try to channel when TV production work. sewing, baking, donating her time to with cars, spends time with his sons, Graham Nicholson celebrated his 55th Chelsea, London, and works in advertising. teaching these students.” While Tim a women’s service organization, and and goes out on track days.” Colleen Crone lives in Texas with her birthday by retiring from Suntrust after a works full time as a freelance writer and planning Paige’s fall wedding. Rondi (Frey) Sizensky returned to three sons, granddaughter Gracelynn 27-year career. His wife, Gay, is taking communications consultant, he recalls London this January while dropping off (and another on the way) all nearby. Sandra Ripa and her husband live in a breather from teaching so that they can his former teacher, Mr. Trudell, when her daughter for her semester abroad Colleen or Nurse Cruella, a term of Bethlehem, PA, where her husband is a spend time together and with their two volunteering as a writing coach for high ’69 program at the University of London. She Thomas Brown was sad to have missed endearment that her colleagues used professor in the theater department at children, Ford and Grace, who are both school students in the Bay area. For his shared that, “It was one of the coldest his class’s 40th reunion in Vegas but was to describe the tenacity with which she Lehigh University. Sandra teaches painting in high school. Graham is looking forward work with WriterCoach Connection, Tim days on record for London, but the city proud to be with his son on his wedding advocates for the children, has worked at a number of colleges and exhibits her to his class’s next reunion in 2012 and was recently featured in the East Bay still takes my breath away!” Rondi day, with his sister Lisa ’76 and wife of as a school nurse for the last 20 years. own work. Her two sons both attended wishes everyone well. Express and found creative muse for mentioned that her parents still live 31 years Jacqui. Thomas is a senior trial Because of the grants she has written, Lehigh and pursued careers in law. Her a self-written reflection published in in Chelsea so she feels connected with counselor for Wood, Brown and Gray PC. community forums she has led, free eldest is a lawyer in Washington, DC, and The Monthly. all things ASL, but is hoping to connect clinics she has established, and court the youngest is in his first year of law John Bottom’s work as a transportation ’73 with 1973 alumni that are passing Laura Lewis spent her sabbatical from appearances she has made, Colleen was school. Because of the long-time rivalry Amy Bouton encourages anyone in the consultant has led him to live in France, through Connecticut, where she lives. teaching sociology at James Madison named by her peers as one of the “Great between Lehigh and Lafayette, Sandra Charlottesville, VA, area to drop her an Algeria, Morocco, the Ivory Coast, Greece, University in London so that her son 100 Nurses”. Colleen is also known reckons that she and Tom Brown, who email, [email protected]. the US, the Philippines, Thailand, China, could experience London and ASL. Laura around town as the “Sno Cone Queen” attended Lafayette College and lives in Qatar and Indonesia. His most recent job Faith Duncan’s little brother, William participated in numerous on-campus for the confection business of 125 Easton, PA, crossed paths while tailgating ’74 brought him and his family back to the Duncan ’81, introduced her to ASL’s As a professional collector of stamps, events such as Community Service Day gourmet flavors of shaved ice that she and cheering from different sidelines at US where he worked for a Boston-based online community where she wrote, coins, banknotes, books and medals, and contributed numerous photos and and her sons created. The business now the annual football games. economics consulting firm; ironically, “Finished graduate school at U. of AZ George Eveleth travels around the world memories for the archives project.

30 The American School in London Accents Fall ’10 31 Alumni 1 Laura Lewis ’77 time at ASL, Robin Weiss-Saunders from high school this year. I have been 2 Book of poetry by Shelia Black ’78 4 9 ’78 and her family particularly enjoyed seeing married to James Mantooth for 22 years. 3 Richard Gazala ’79 Sheila Black was especially keen to the music rooms during their tour. We have three amazing children: Caitlin is 4 Geoffrey Notkin ’79 share the news of her recent publication 17, Brianna is 10 and Andrew is 7. We 5 Dan Rhodes ’79 with ASL because of the profound influence live in Conroe, TX, which is outside of 6 Jane Fleet Nicolay ’79, Tina Glavin Di Scipio ’79, Margot Smit ’80 her former teachers Keith Millman ’81 Houston. I saw some ASLers a while back (ASL 1974–present), Don Jesse (ASL at Jill Bain Carpenter ’85 and Terry’s and Linda Beeler ’79 Graeme Menzies contributed to this 1964–91), Linda Hurcombe (ASL wedding in Oklahoma. It was neat to see 7 Robin Weiss Saunders ’80 year’s 2010 Winter Olympic Games 8 Linda Hurcombe ’81 1968–92) and Hoos Gregory (ASL that some, if not all, of us had actually as communications director for the and Elisabeth Myers ’81 1971–80) had on her becoming a writer. grown up.” Vancouver Olympic Committee (VANOC). 9 Fritze Barbe ’82 Sheila published her second book of 10 Karen White ’82 poetry, Love/Iraq; her first collection, Elisabeth Myers and former English 11 Julie Redfield ’87 House of Bone, was released in 2007. Teacher Linda Hurcombe (ASL 1962–92) and Stephanie Westdal ’87 10 ’85 reunited in London. Both contributed to During his stopover in The Netherlands 12 Michael McCabe ’89 Dean Tiratto came to ASL for the first the drama program at ASL and were from Kazakhstan to Abu Dhabi, Ian 13 Charlotte Rademaekers Binns ’92 time since leaving the School in the 70s. impressed with the recent renovations Davies ’86 visited Stefanie Hatzfeld Dean and his son, Sam, made the trip to the School Center. Elisabeth continues and her husband in Belgium where they from Tennessee where they live and Sam to celebrate her passion for the arts as live. Ian and Stefanie shared a picture on attends the seventh grade. a member of numerous choral ensembles the grand staircase of the beautiful town in the DC area. hall of Leuven, where they enjoyed lovely 1 5 Belgian food and ate lots of Belgian ’79 chocolate, reported Stefanie. Richard Gazala published his first novel, Blood of the Moon, a political action thriller ’82 After waiting for more than three years, set during the 2016 presidential election. Fritz Barbe and wife Valerie were able Richard was honored with the Rising Star ’86 to bring home their new daughter adopted Cathleen Wolfe is in her second year Award for excellence in writing from from Nanchang, China. Two-year-old as Alumni Board President. While we publisher iUniverse. Michelle joins eight-year-old Katie to discussed some business during her most Philip Maise lives in Hawaii where complete the family who live in Arizona. recent visit to the UK, Cat caught up with he owns a bed and breakfast, and just Christine Rudolph (ASL 1989–present) Karen White ’82 adds a twelfth book recently purchased a sailboat. He is and chatted with Aneesa Higgins (ASL to her shelf of publications. Published 2 6 11 currently sailing around the South Pacific 1980–present) about her days learning in May, On Folly Beach debuted on the and plans to start a charter dive business. French. Before heading back to Chicago New York Times trade paperback He hopes to eventually sail to London, where she works for Radio Disney, Cat bestseller list at #34, climbing one spot “perhaps in 2014,” he writes. took her first trip to Ireland. to #33 for the next two weeks. While she Geoffrey Notkin is the co-star of the is excited by her devoted readers and Science Channel’s Meteorite Men. As a their praise of her newest novel, Karen science writer, columnist and researcher wrote that the real thrill has been hearing ’87 Julie Redfield and Stephanie Westdal of meteorites, Geoffrey has appeared from and running into fellow ASLers, met in the hallways at ASL and have in numerous television documentaries including Vanessa Danley ’82 and her been best friends ever since. Julie and for Discovery, the History Channel, PBS, mother, Ann Danley P ’82, who visited Stephanie created their own “Alternative” A&E, National Geographic and the Karen on the Pawleys Island, SC, stop this November when they traveled to 7 12 Travel Channel. on her previous book tour. To read more Istanbul together. about Karen, On Folly Beach and to see Dan Rhodes stopped by ASL while a complete schedule for her May–June visiting London with his daughter and book tour, visit karen-white.com. son. Dan had fond memories of his days ’88 on the basketball and volleyball courts Megan Asdorian spent the last year and which included an ISST championship. a half working in Kabul, Afghanistan, for ’83 the Economic Growth and Private Sector Alumni in the Niwot, CO, had a mini reunion. Tom Bosworth and his family toured Strengthening Program for USAID. Those in attendance included Jane Fleet ASL while visiting London during his sons’ Nicolay, Tina Glavin Di Scipio, spring break. Tom fondly remembers his Margot Smit ’80 and Linda Beeler. days on the rugby team including carrying 3 13 his teammates up Primrose Hill for ’89 Michael McCabe visited ASL while conditioning training. traveling to London for work. Michael ’80 currently lives and works in New York City. Mona Reinhardt is living and working 8 in Northern Virginia, which has always ’84 been home no matter where she traveled. Sarah Barth visited ASL with her husband She hopes to reconnect with anyone ’91 while on holiday from Washington, DC, who shares her vivid memories of ASL Lizabeth Vine writes from Singapore where they live and work. They were in the early 70s at Gloucester Gate in where she and her family have been happy to see that ASL was thriving. the experimental multi-level Grade 2, living for the last three years and “loving 3 and 4 classes. Luann (Flood) Mantooth “cannot it.” Their daughter, Madeline, is 15 and believe that High School was so long ago! attends a German European school, while Since she was an active member of the My oldest daughter is going to graduate their son, Rory, is at Singapore American choral and madrigals groups during her

32 The American School in London Accents Fall ’10 33 Alumni School, and their 3-year-old daughter, adds, “Julie Guion Hubbard just gave while traveling through Europe. They live 1 Coye Nokes ’93 Vanessa, is enjoying the toddler years. birth to her first child, a son, Jacob in Minnesota where her husband works 1 6 2 Lara Paul ’94’s iPhone app Clayton Hubbard, who we saw recently as a lawyer and Amy manages fundraising 3 Russ Benghauser ’95 in Annapolis, MD.” and event planning for a local non-profit. 4 Brooke Davidson Lenneman ’97’s baby, Brogan ’92 Andrew Stewart married Lisa Gallagher 5 Charles Elliott ’96 Charlotte Rademaekers Binns Stewart on 17 October 2009 in 6 Saeed Farouky ’96 co-founded a new web marketing company ’96 Wilmington, Delaware. Andrew’s brother, 7 Brian Drab ’98 Call2Action. As co-founder and CEO, Charles Elliott, pictured right with his Thomas “Ted” Stewart ’00 and sister 8 Katie Price ’98 and Nick Price ’01 Charlotte has certainly called on a number “powerful Iraqi moustache” as his family 9 Amy Reep ’98 Alanna Stewart ’03 joined in the of her classmates. Maha Chehlaoui jokingly referred to his additional facial 10 Ted Stewart ’00, Andrew Stewart ’98 and festivities along with Andrew’s classmates serves as the company’s director of hair, recently completed a six-month Alanna Stewart ’03 Nick Leader and Pat Benz. outreach and Chris Young is a member tour in Iraq. Having served the US Navy 11 Jon Bartolozzi ’99 of Call2Action’s advisory board. Reserve for four years as an intelligence 12 Timothy Prueter ’99 7 13 Elna Baker ’00 officer, Charles has since returned to 14 Melanie (Tilden) Chiknagi ’00 Washington, DC, and works as an ’99 ’93 executive for the defense company BAE Jon Bartolozzi was profiled in the Wall Coye Nokes had great success in Systems. He and his wife, Sarah, hope Street Journal for his work in Afghanistan launching her own line of work-appropriate, to move back to the UK in the next year. running the relief efforts for Umcor, the fashionable and comfortable footwear for humanitarian aid organization of the Saeed Farouky spoke at the Grade 7 women. Her shoes have been featured on United Methodist Church. service learning assembly on behalf of numerous fashion websites, including the Amnesty International. Saeed has been Timothy Prueter, who moved from Daily Candy and Gilt as well as written up a speaker for Amnesty since 2006 and Ontario to Abu Dhabi to pursue a teaching in Self magazine and the New York Post. often incorporates Amnesty campaigns opportunity, stopped by ASL with his girl- and research into his professional career. friend who was visiting him from Canada. 2 8 11 Saeed is an award-winning documentary ’94 director whose work focuses on human Margaret Mellon P ’94, ’95, ’98 writes, rights and social justice. “Gretchen Mellon Aubuchon and husband ’00 New York and People magazines recently Will welcomed second son Burke Henry featured commedienne and writer Aubuchon in November. Burke, two-year-old Elna Baker’s first book, The New York Liam, Gretchen and Will are all flourishing in ’97 Keith Cartmell and his wife celebrated Regional Mormon Singles Halloween Worcester, MA. The Kroms are also doing the birth of their son, Jack Noah, on Dance, an actual event in New York City. well; Kourtney Krom has three children, 13 May 2010. The book captures her transitions to and Fran Krom ’98 has a little girl.” independent living, the dating scene and Brooke (Davidson) Lenneman and Lara Paul created New York City’s first life in New York City, while reconciling her husband Fritz welcomed their first 3 12 iPhone application for parents. iKidNY Mormon upbringing. child, Brogan James Lenneman, on directs parents to the nearest playgrounds, 17 August 2009. Melanie (Tilden) Chiknagi sent us kid-friendly restaurants, subway stations a picture from her September 2008 with elevators and more that allow for wedding to Piscal Chiknagi. Many of her easy traveling within the five boroughs ASL classmates celebrated with them. with children in tow. ’98 Brian Drab passed through London and David Stevenson was stunned to see visited ASL with his girlfriend, Angela, that his skateboarding ramps have been during their trip to visit her family in ’01 replaced by climbing boulders and a Croatia. Brian caught up with his former Abbey Duncan visited ASL with her jungle gym on the middle school play- science teacher Bill Kenney (ASL brother, Christopher, who was too young ground during his recent visit. David, his 1990–present) and former babysitter to attend ASL at the time the Duncan 4 9 13 wife, and his mother Marilyn Stevenson Christine Rudolph ’85 (ASL 1989– family was in London. Abbey lives and P ’86 ’87 ’92 ’94, toured the School present). Brian lives in Aspen, CO, works in New York City as a project while visiting London from Utah where where he is the club concierge manager manager for Mayor Bloomberg’s office. they live with their four children. for the Ritz Carleton. Keating Simons is studying for her Kathleen Mellon Cozzi and husband masters in nutrition at Boston University. Paulo were expecting their first child ’95 in June. Russ Benghauser ran into classmate and ASL’s HS social studies teacher Katie Price was awarded a Fulbright ’02 Kate Manthos married Clayton Fuller Becky Mason (ASL 2009–present) Scholarship in May 2009 to continue her on 10 October 2009 in Notting Hill, during his recent visit with his sister, graduate research on Bhutanese refugees. London. Classmates Jeremy Dworken, 5 10 14 Holly Ford ’88, and niece, Holly’s Katie is now living in Nepal and conduct- Max Jenkins, Luke Stillman and daughter, MacKenzie. ing research on Bhutanese refugees in Fiona Tarazi were all in attendance to collaboration with the United Nations Philip Eshelman announces his share this special day with the happy High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR). engagement to Jennifer Smith. couple. Catharine Tack and Christine Katie’s brother, Nick Price ’01, recently Blashford served as bridesmaids and Margaret Mellon P ’94, ’95, ’98 also visited her in Nepal and both are pictured, Kate’s sister, Sophie Manthos ’97, was reports, “Courtney Mellon DuBois and right, at Annapurna Base Camp. maid of honor. Clayton and Kate met at husband Michael welcomed their second Amy Reep toured ASL with her husband Cornell University in 2006 while Kate child, a little girl in February.“Margaret

34 The American School in London Accents Fall ’10 35 Alumni 1 Abbey Duncan ’01 was finishing her bachelor’s degree, and Alexander Robinson also completed his 2 Kate Manthos ’02 and Clayton Fuller ’02 5 10 Clayton was completing a master’s degree first marathon in Boston. ’08 3 Kanawa Sayato ’02 and Vicky Hamadache in public policy and management. After Jaclyn Hummel graduated from Elon Zoe Mercer-Golden stopped by ASL to 4 Megan Donovan ’03 obtaining his law degree, Clayton recently 5 Christopher Dugan ’03, Michael Ford ’03 University in 2008 and is now living see Señora Hamadache (ASL 1985– joined the US Air Force as a first lieutenant. and Andy Roehl ’03 and working in New York City. present), who taught her Spanish while They will be moving from Lookout Mountain, 6 Patton Hindle ’04 at ASL. After spending a gap year in GA, to Montgomery, AL, for their first Allie Simons is living in Boston 7 Elizabeth Wolfers ’04 and Joe Chodl China teaching English at a refugee military posting. and studying graphic design at the 8 Marisa Wilson, Meg Bailey, center, Zoe began her freshman year Rodrigo Ideus ’05 and Carolina Forero P ’05 Massachusetts College of Art. Kanawa Sayato caught up with Spanish at Yale University where she continues 9 Kayla Janssen ’05 10 Dorian Dyer-Westacott ’06 and French teacher Vicky Hamadache Having just moved back to London from the to build upon her work in China with 11 The record company of Lizzy Plapinger ’06 (ASL 1985–present) on his recent visit South of England, Elizabeth Wolfers was numerous volunteer projects. to the School. Kanawa, who makes thrilled to return to campus and visit with 12 James Keenan ’07, right Michael Phelps will be living in Santiago, 13 Sue Lawrence and Julia Simons ’09 6 advertisements for Bridgestone, was HS Dean Joe Chodl (ASL 2001–present). Chile, this summer for a co-op with Bechtel. 14 Holly vanderMolen and Ruby Kaye ’11 in London for a commercial shoot.

1 ’05 Rodrigo Ideus and his mother, ’09 ’03 Margaret Jennings stopped by ASL Meghan Donovan’s lifestyle blog WIT Caroline Forero P ’05, returned to to say that she is loving New York and & Whimsy was featured in Business Week, campus to share his silver medal from Bard College. Marie Claire and USA Today. The popularity the 2010 South American games with of her fashion, travel, technology, cooking Meg Bailey (ASL 1990–present), his During her winter break from Macalester and beauty writing, reviews and tips is not first rowing coach, and Marisa Wilson College, Grace Fowler visited her family surprising especially since she highlights (ASL 2002–present). in London and friends at ASL. 7 11 talented designers like Coye Nokes ’93. Kayla Janssen is back on campus Julia Simons began her freshman year In addition to blogging, Meghan is the serving as ASL’s assistant coach to the at Colby College in Maine by spending San Francisco fashion scene editor for high school dance team, a group that she the first semester in Salamanca, Spain. Examiner.com, a contributing editor for helped to create as a student. Kayla is Julia was stunned to discover that one 2 Gal’s Guide and an ambassador for extremely busy on the dance circuit. In of her friends from the program was an Glamour magazine in San Francisco. addition to her coaching, Kayla teaches alumnus of ASL from her own class, Christopher Dugan, Michael Ford and classes at Pineapple Dance Studios and Nicholas Bethlem. When Julia and her Andy Roehl visited ASL in November. maintains her own performance schedule. parents, Richard and Pam P ’01 ’09, Chris and Andy both attended George visited ASL, they were thrilled to reconnect Washington University. After graduating in with teacher Sue Lawrence (ASL 1991– 2007, Chris moved to New York City and ’06 present) and MS Assistant Principal 8 12 took a position with FBR Capital Markets. Dorian Dyer-Westacott graduated from Sunny Neutze (ASL 1984–present). He has since transitioned to the financial Cambridge University in June 2009 and is advisory and private equity start up now working at Hogar El Alba, a children’s Highhurst LLC and lives in Connecticut. home just outside Buenos Aires, as part ’10 Andy remained in the Washington DC area of Latin Link’s Stride program—a program When she isn’t studying for her seven AP post-graduation and works as a paralegal that seeks to place Christians in areas classes or leading her peers as yearbook with aspirations to enter the law enforce- of need in Latin America. Dorian has set editor, Tasha Bock is meeting with the ment field. Andy and Michael share an up a computer room for the home and is accessories editor at Teen Vogue magazine apartment in DC. After graduating from teaching basic computer skills to the about her line of headbands. She started Ohio University, Michael secured a children, among other things. designing the headbands to jazz up her position as program director at the school uniform and when her classmates Stephanie Hummel is studying 3 9 13 Performance Institute. kept requesting to buy them the buzz built international relations at Emory University. from there. In addition to her studies and extracur- ’04 ricular activities at Vassar College, Eleanor Dowling graduated summa cum Lizzy Plapinger has launched her own ’11 laude in 2008 from Emerson College record company, Neon Gold Records. Ruby Kaye visited with her former with a BA in media. She now serves as The company name is true to word as teachers Holly vanderMolen (ASL the editor and community leader for an Lizzy and her partner only manufacture 2000–present) and John O’Toole (ASL environmental outreach organization vinyl single for artists that they represent, 1991–present) when she stopped by changeavents.com. including Passion Pit, Marina and the ASL with her mother, Eugenia P ’09 ’11. Diamonds, and Yes Giantess. Ruby and her family live in New York City Completing her first marathon, Patton where she is in the 11th grade. 4 14 Hindle ran this year’s Boston Marathon in support of G-ROW, a charity that supports young women in the Boston ’07 James Keenan visited ASL during a long public school system by tutoring them ’14 weekend break from his study abroad Austin Robert had lunch with his former after school and teaching them to row, program in Italy. After the fall semester classmates while passing through London a skill Patton learned at ASL and was program, James returned to Fairfield on his way to Kenya for a safari. Austin and recruited by Boston College to compete University to finish his junior year. his family now reside in Newport Beach. at the D1 level. Patton wasn’t alone on the streets of Boston; fellow classmate

36 The American School in London Accents Fall ’10 37 Alumni

Thank you for Terima kasih American supporting the Danke Family notes 2009–10 Annual Memorial Fund Collection The 2009–10 Annual Fund raised £1,209,256—our most sucessful Celebrate a teacher, coach, graduate yet! This incredible sum was or friend by naming a book in the attained by donations from 1,053 Merci Mellon Library collection in his or ASL parents, alumni, parents of her honor. The American Memorial alumni, grand-parents, faculty, staff, Collection (AMC) invites you to write and friends from Tokyo to Toronto. Obrigado Eileen Hummel P ’04 ’06 stopped by a personalized inscription, select a YOUR gifts allow ASL students ASL while in town for the National Football title, and dedicate it to an ASLer to discover the joy of learning in

Asante League’s (NFL) Patriots vs. Buccaneers of your choice. A gift card acknowl- London, and a passion and game at Wembley. Eileen was thrilled to edging the donation is sent to the purpose beyond themselves. run into Vicki Hamadache who knew recipient; however, recognitions can Thank you. Gracias both of Eileen’s daughters Jaclyn ’04 also remain anonymous if desired. and Stephanie ’06 and chaperoned The inscribed book is a lasting gift Stephanie’s Alternative trip to Lisbon. to the permanent collection of the Stephanie is studying international Mellon Library. relations at Emory University and Jaclyn Salamat graduated from Elon University in ’08, and is now living and working in NYC. Kiitos Former trustee Mark Kogan P ’11 ’13 Tack appeared in season 6, episode 16 of ABC’s Paul and Kate Santoro P ’17 ’19 Ddiolch ’Ch hit show Grey’s Anatomy. In his debut welcomed twin girls Lucy and Riley on television appearance, Mark played a August 15, 2009. Ryan ’17, Grace ’19 lawyer for the hospital (pictured right.) and Will are great helpers.

Based on alumni preference, ASL will Save the stage class-specific reunions on a consistent basis commencing in 2 011 . Although all alumni from any class and Dates for former faculty are welcome at either or both locations, particular attention will Reunion ’11 be paid to individual classes celebrating New look! traditional reunion years. London 27–30 May 2 011 Complete details to follow, via snail mail, email and www.asl.org. Celebrating the 50th, 25th and 5th See you here. Or there. Reunion classes—2006, 1986 and 1961

Chicago 14 –16 October 2 011 Celebrating the 45th, 40th, 35th, 30th, 20th, 15th and 10th Reunion classes— 1966, 1971, 1976, 1981, 1991, 1996 and 2001 The alumni website might look — Class pages that allow you and All members of the community for different but its mission is still the your classmates to have targeted whom we have email addresses same—helping alumni, parents of discussions received an email with a username alumni, and former faculty and staff — An improved directory, allowing you and password. If you did not receive connect with each other and the to easily find and reconnect with a message with log-in information, School. In addition to an updated your friends please email [email protected] to design, new features include: — A Class Notes module for submitting register today. up-to-the-minute news — Online yearbooks

38 Accents Fall ’10 39 1 Michele and Ed Elliott, far right Ruth Heuman (ASL 1973–2009), Lois St. Faculty 2 Anne Lederhos and family Pierre (ASL 70’s–2009), Bob Carter (ASL 3 Mark Wilson and Stan Ratoff 1969–2006) and Anthony Linick (ASL 4 Elisabeth Myers ’81 and Linda Hurcombe 1984–2002). 5 Joe McEvoy’s new book Faculty notes Familiar faces from the Lower School 6 Tosh Lee and Sergei Khrushchev were Frances Hall (ASL 1972–2002), 7 Chuck Dodson, Bill Iacuessa and Mary Louise Barker (ASL 1977–2003), Roger Corrigan Jackie Fryer (ASL 1966–89), Janel Rejna (ASL 1999–2003) and Helen Blum (ASL

6 7 1967–2000). Middle school people in attendance were Hazel Culbert (ASL Khrushchev Happy Hour “Old Timers” 1975–99), Hazel Simpson (ASL 1969– returns to Iowa 2006), Tony Marlowe (ASL 1964–96) By Alice Iacuessa (ASL 1979–2000) and Sally Marlowe (ASL 1964–95), Tosh Lee (ASL 1975–98) was part of and Cathy Adams (ASL 1974–2005) Cathy Adams, John Lutz (ASL 1971– an interesting event in her hometown 2000), Karen Sellars (ASL 1968–2004), of Coon Rapids, Iowa, last summer. 1 2 3 According to Mike McKeen (ASL 1973–97), David Sox (ASL 1974–93), Donna Hirsch In 1959, Nikita Khrushchev, then the gathering of former ASL “Old Timers” (ASL 1974–2006) and Mike McKeen. leader of the Soviet Union, visited on 8 March 2010 was a great success, Former high school faculty included Coon Rapids during a tour of the US. with about 40 people popping in for a Tosh Lee (ASL 1975–98), Mike Colloms Her father, Roswell Garst, a leading pint and a chinwag. Mike started the (ASL 1972–2000), Bill and Alice hybrid seed developer, had met tradition in 1999. He had been retired Iacuessa, Madame Foss (ASL 1965–91), Khrushchev twice previously during for two years and missed seeing his old Dave Sutherland (ASL 1970–98), Linda visits to Russia, and Khrushchev mates, especially at faculty meetings, Hurcombe (ASL 1968–92), Suzanne requested he visit Roswell and his so he organized his own gathering at Brooks (ASL 1972–99), Sarah Brouwer family at the Garst farm during the Freemason’s pub on Downshire Hill, (ASL 1998–2009), Patricia Barry (ASL his tour. Khrushchev’s son, Sergei, Hampstead. The retired faculty and staff 1972–2003), Linda McKeen (ASL accompanied his father on the met there once a year for a few years 1975–2003) and Chuck Dodson (ASL 4 5 landmark 12-day US tour of 50 years until the place expanded into a gastro- 1973–2001). The Library was represented ago. So what more fitting way to mark pub. After that, they moved down the by Molly McClure (ASL 1979–2008) and the anniversary of Khrushchev’s hill to the Garden Gate pub in South End Chris Siegfried (ASL 1961–98). visit to Coon Rapids than for his son Green, where they met most recently. Chuck Dodson came the greatest to return to the Garst farm. Sergei’s This time, they were joined by a few distance, from Nevada; followed by Bill Iowa visit prompted statewide who are still working at ASL: Joyce and Alice Iacuessa from the East coast, celebrations spread over three days. Anderson (ASL 1980–present), Roger and Chris Siegfried from Corfu. Much to Mrs. Lee writes, “There were main Corrigan (ASL 1971–2010), Buck Herron everyone’s surprise, Freddie Baker (ASL street activities which were very Iowa. (ASL 1998–present), Alice Leader (ASL 1964–89) did not appear! She telephoned One was a parade of antique farm 1975–2010) and John Wilson (ASL the next day and gave a good excuse, so Former guidance counselor Michele machinery that was especially fun John Wilson 1971–2009) still pad the sacred halls to the retired teachers decided not to keep Elliott (ASL 1971–84) and her husband, for me as I got to ride with Sergei Former high school social studies some degree. Recent retirees included her after school after all. former Grade 8 social studies teacher in an open 1939 Lincoln to lead the teacher John Wilson (ASL 1971– Ed Elliott (ASL 1972–2009), were parade. I felt like the homecoming 2009) received the Paul Harris invited to Chile by the Fondo de Cultura queen I never was, albeit with Fellowship award from the St. Economica to promote the Spanish wrinkles. People waved at us as we Marylebone Rotary Club for his translation of Michele’s latest book, passed by and we waved back. It work with the organization’s Public Intimidacion. Their 11-day visit consisted was a hoot. One of the big moments Speaking Contest over the years. of lectures, workshops, media appear- of the original visit, and an event Mr. Wilson was presented with his ances, dinners, receptions and book which was highly publicized across award at the president’s dinner at signings in Santiago. the country at the time, was when the Landmark Hotel on 18 May, my dad threw silage at reporters Kevin Schroedter (ASL 2006–07) which he attended with his wife, Make sure we have your up-to-date email and address, Former English teacher Linda Hurcombe because they were coming so close had lunch with Meg Bailey (ASL 1990– Freda. He says, “It was a very and you’ll receive: (ASL 1962–92) and Elisabeth Myers ’81 he couldn’t show Khrushchev what present) and caught up with Jack Kurty pleasant surprise, but I must say reunited in London and ASL this winter. he was trying to show him. So to (ASL 2000–10) while visiting from that anything I have done in London Calling: the monthly alumni e-newsletter Both contributed to the drama program at commemorate that there was a California where he now lives and teaches. connection with the Public Speaking ASL and were impressed with the recent silage throw, which was pretty funny. Regional Reception Invitations: events in NYC, London, Contest has been a real joy. I was Anne Lederhos (ASL 1980–83) stopped renovations to the School Center. Linda “A big media moment took place LA, and more only too happy to help in a small by with her family during a visit to London. lives in Northern England and has been at my parents farm, the place where way with what has been an Access to the Online Directory: find classmates and friends As a former LS art teacher, Anne was busy writing; she published her first book I grew up. The farm has been named outstanding Rotary project for impressed by all of the artwork on display. last year and is simultaneously writing her to the National Registry of Historical Reunion Announcements: celebrate in the UK and US young people in London.” second, third and fourth novels. Places and was dedicated that day. Former LS teacher Mark Wilson (ASL Since his retirement from ASL, Accents magazine: biannual magazine with school updates Guests sat in front of the house 1981–90) stopped by the School and Former science teacher Joe McEvoy Mr. Wilson has been involved in the and alumni news on bales of hay. Both Sergei and I caught up with former colleagues and (ASL 1975–85) added to his list of ASL Outreach Program. He makes spoke, and I presented Sergei with friends Jill Chase (ASL 1978–present), publications with the release of A Brief presentations in British schools to Send us your details! Email [email protected]. a bunch of Iowa flowers. It was my Trevor Jones (ASL 1993–present), History of the Universe, under the name students of all ages on a wide range moment in the sun. Great fun.” Sunny Neutze (ASL 1984–present) J.P. McEvoy. of subjects from economic history and Stan Ratoff (ASL 1982–present). to the Vietnam War.

40 The American School in London Accents Fall ’10 41 1A 1B 2A 2B London Alumni Boston 2C 2D 2F 2G Washington, DC 2E San Francisco New York City

3A 3B 2H

Thank you to the 300-plus alumni, former 1A (London) 2F (Boston) 4C (San Francisco) 3C ASL parents, current and former faculty/ Melanie (Tilden) Chiknagi’s Kolby Foss Brown ’90, Alice David Schwind ’71 and Head staff and friends who attended alumni husband Pascal Chiknagi, Iacuessa (ASL 1979–2000), of School Coreen R. Hester receptions in London, Boston, Washington Melanie (Tilden) Chiknagi ’00, Greg Frost ’88, Paige Frost (ASL 1995–97, 2007–present) James Elliott ’00, Georges (wife of Greg Frost ’88) and DC, San Francisco and New York City. 4D (San Francisco) Stacey ’00, Jessica Hartogs Eric Brown (husband of Special guests Judy Kisor (ASL 1990– Suzanne (Sullivan) Harrison ’00, Felix (guest), Marine Kolby Foss Brown ’90) ’82 (host), Chuck Dodson present) and Bill Kenney (ASL 1990– Hartogs ’02 and Alana 2G (Boston) (ASL 1973–2001), Jin Choo present) lent their expertise in art history Madden (guest) and science respectively to guests and Kathleen Mellon Cozzi ’98 and (ASL 1996–98), Julie Ryan friends enjoying the EARTH: Art of a 1B (London) Courtney Mellon DuBois ’95 (ASL 1994–present), Bill Ryan Jessica Hartogs ’00 and HS (husband of Julie Ryan), changing world exhibition at the Royal 2H (Boston) science teacher Bill Kenney Rachel Kellerman P ’06 ’08 Liz Kennedy ’01, Todd Ryan ’01, Academy of Arts in London. Mark Littles (ASL 1990–present) and Kristen Lee (ASL 1994–96) ’01 hosted the Boston event from the Mark Littles ’01 (host), Kate top room at the Liberty Hotel, where a 2A (Boston) Penrose ’00, Sheila Barry ’01 5A (NY) spectacular view was appreciated by all. Jeff Paquette ’82, and Shane Kennedy (guest) Dan Sharon ’99, Jill Bottomley Juliana McGovern P ’83 ’84 ’01, Lisa Bottomley ’03, 4A 4B 4C Enjoying a reprieve from the tremendous 3A (Washington, DC) ’85, and Arlene and Edward Shane Kidd ’01, and Dan James Bexfield ’61 holding snowfall that DC endured this winter, all Paquette P ’81 ’82 ’83 ’85 Meade ’94 and Kaja Meade his ASL letterman jacket guests relished the warmth of space and (wife of Dan Meade) 2B (Boston) spirit at the Metropolitan Club thanks to 3B (Washington, DC) Miriam Brody P ’01 ’03 (ASL 5B (NY) hosts Jessica and Collins Roth ’88. Betsy Dakin ’81 and 1995–2005) and Doug Bill Tierney P ’98 ’03, Brother-sister duo Patrick Sullivan ’86 Elisabeth Myers ’81 Neuman (ASL 1996–2000) Sarah Horne (guest of and Suzanne (Sullivan) Harrison ’82 3C (Washington, DC) Will Grose ’98) and 2C (Boston) literally wined and dined guests at Courtney Allen ’99 and Will Grose ’98 David Costin P ’16 ’18, Cellar360 with a wine-tasting overlooking Kiera Hart-Mendoza ’98 the sunset on San Francisco Bay. Forth Martha Whitman P ’16 ’18 and Kathy Gillett P ’06 ’09 ’12 ’18 Bagley ’98 shared not only his passion 4A (San Francisco) Ti Aguirre P ’18 (ASL for architecture but also a sample of 2D (Boston) 1997–2005), Jaime Miriam Brody P ’01 ’03 (ASL his work during the ASL reception at the Dominguez P ’18 (ASL 1995–2005), LS Principal Skyscraper Museum in New York City. 1997–2005), Chris Bright (ASL Julie Ryan (ASL 1994–present) 1993–2001), Jana Bright (ASL and Ashleigh Finn ’01 4D 5A 5B 1998–2001) and Patrick 2E (Boston) Mahany (ASL 1999–present) Stephen Boxer ’78 and 4B (San Francisco) Chris Aghjayan ’76 Kenneth Buck ’89 and Stephanie Snyder ’89

42 The American School in London Accents Fall ’10 43 Alumni In memoriam Homecoming ’10 1 2

Despite London snow and postponed festivities, Homecoming 2010 was a wonderful celebration. A great crowd of more than 250 fans came to cheer on the varsity basketball teams who were both triumphant in their games against Rota from Spain. The halftime entertainment included the traditional alumni versus faculty/staff basketball Kathleen Benz ’03 Joan Simpson (ASL 1976–94) game. Greg Marcoux ’06, Chris The ASL community is deeply saddened We are sorry to report that former McMahon ’09, Sam Plotner ’09, to report that Kathleen Benz ’03 died Lower School teacher Joan Simpson, Damon Hatheway ’09, Kolin Smialek on 30 May 2010 due to injuries ASL 1976–94, passed away on 14 ’09, Tim Cirenza ’07, Dan Hughes sustained in an automobile accident February 2010, following a long illness. ’08, and David Preddy ’09 played for in Anchor Point, Alaska. Kathleen, a Joan was an inspired and dedicated 1 the alumni against the faculty/staff resident of Washington, DC, was on teacher and mentor, and a great friend. team of Rod Anderson (ASL 2008– holiday in Alaska to attend the wedding A celebration of Joan’s life took place present), Philip Brannan ’04 (whose 1 of one of her Georgetown University on 1 May, which was attended by many alumni status is in question as he classmates. At the time of her death, of Joan’s friends and colleagues from elected to play for the faculty/staff!) Kathleen served as Georgetown’s ASL. She will be greatly missed. Greg Gerken (ASL 2009–present), assistant to the associate provost. CT Henry (ASL 2005–present), During her 10 years at ASL (1993– Lars Anderson ’82 Matthew Hilmer (2009–10), Garret 2003), Kathleen excelled as a student Lars Anderson ’82 perished in an Hinebauch (ASL 2001–present), and contributed to numerous community auto accident on 23 January 2010 Jimmy Markham (bastketball service projects and arts programs. in New Jersey. While at ASL, Lars was coach), Erik Niemi (ASL 2007– She was an amazingly warm and an extremely active member of the present) and Fay Wheatley (2009– engaging woman with a contagious student body; he sang in the choir and present). In overtime, the faculty/staff smile to match. Our condolences to was a three season athlete—volleyball, team squeaked out an 18–13 win. her parents, Peggy and Thomas, and basketball and baseball. The ASL five brothers—Thomas ’93, Christopher community extends its heartfelt ’95, Patrick ’98, Michael ’00, and sympathy to his wife Donna, children Kevin ’05. Paige and Kurtis, siblings Eric ’84 A book in the Mellon Library and Lori ’86 and mother Corda Beth 2 3 Collection was dedicated to each P ’82 ’84 ’86. member of the ASL community 1 The faculty/staff and alumni teams whom we lost this year. For more with Eagle before the game information, please contact the 2 Sam Plotner ’09 scores for the American Memorial Collection alumni team 3 The HS dance team provided (AMC), [email protected]. halftime entertainment 4 A fan poses with Eagle 5 The final score board showing victory for the faculty/staff team 1 Kathleen Benz 2 Joan Simpson

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