TALK TALK ThistleThistle

21ST CENTURY TEACHING TRANSFORMATION

www.winchesterthurston.org 1 Winchester Thurston School Summer 2016 TALK

Winchester Thurston School BOARD OF TRUSTEES ThistleMAGAZINE 2016-2017 Volume 43 • Number 1 Summer 2016

Thistletalk is published by Winchester Thurston School for Jennifer Gonzalez McComb ’89 alumnae/i, parents, students, and friends of the school. Letters and suggestions are welcome. President

Cindy Akers Gerber Editorial Team Vice President Linsey McDaniel A’96, Director of Alumnae/i Relations Paul Rosenblatt Nancy-Rose Netchi, Director of Marketing and Vice President Communications

Dusty Elias Kirk Contributors Stephanie Bennaugh Treasurer Kathleen Bishop Kerry Bron ’84 Michelle Wion Chitty Jason Cohn Secretary Angela Crecca Dave DeNoma Gary J. Niels Maura Farrell Head of School Marie Forst Emily Mente

Shayln Muraco Kristen A. Burns Renee Rosensteel Manny Cahouet-Rotondi Jane Schilling Michelle Zaffary Simin Yazdgerdi Curtis Robert I. Glimcher Printing Rosanne Isay Harrison ’56, Broudy Printing Emeritus Elizabeth S. Hurtt ’74, Emeritus School Mission Winchester Thurston School actively engages each student Janet Harrison Kuzmishin ’87 in a challenging and inspiring learning process that develops the mind, motivates the passion to achieve, and cultivates the Kenneth M. Lehn character to serve. Elsa Limbach Credo Carole Oswald Markus ’57, Think also of the comfort and the rights of others. Emeritus Core Values We activate our Mission by creating a learning environment that Kathleen L. Metinko ’91 promotes and instills appreciation for these five Core Values: Deesha Philyaw Critical Thinking, Integrity, Empathy, Community, and Diversity. David L. Porges Equity and Inclusion Statement As a means to fulfill our credo, “Think also of the comfort and Henry Posner III, Emeritus the rights of others,” Winchester Thurston will be an inclusive community and will pursue the social and pedagogical benefits Martin E. Powell that diversity brings. We will place the highest value on enabling students to understand their own cultural identity and those Kelly Hanna Riley ’91 of others. It is our moral imperative to be courageous and intentional in promoting understanding, addressing bias, MaryJean Rusak identifying and honoring qualities of justice, respecting multiple Sharon Semenza perspectives and contributions, and valuing the dignity of all. Kurt C. Small Winchester Thurston School Christine M. Stone 555 Morewood Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15213 Philip T. Sweeney Jane Arensberg Thompson ’57, North Hills Campus at WT 4225 Middle Road Emeritus Allison Park, PA 15101 Jimmy Zhu 412-578-7500 www.winchesterthurston.org

Thistletalk content represents opinions, ideas, and perspectives of the authors that are not necessarily those of the Trustees or Administration of Winchester Thurston School. The editors reserve the right to accept, reject, or edit any content submitted for publication in Thistletalk. Winchester Thurston School is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools and is accredited by the Pennsylvania Association of Independent Schools. Winchester Thurston School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, or disability in the administration of its educational policies, admission policies, financial aid programs, and athletics or other school-administered programs. Copyright © 2016 Winchester Thurston School. 2 Thistletalk Summer 2016 All Rights Reserved. VOL. 43 • NO.1 Summer 2016 inside

The City as Out Campussm program is an extension of WT’s core academic curriculum, providing meaningful, real-world experiences for our students.

WT’s Pioneering Spirit 2 FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL Gary J. Niels 2 Features

wt smart 8 wt community 12 wt impact 13 wt sports 14 Commencement 2016 16 21st Century Alumnae/i News 24 Teaching Transformation 3 Class Notes 28 The Changing Face of College About the cover Admissions: At WT, we are leading the way in the transformation of teaching Q&A with Pamela Pratt-Galik 6 and learning. In this issue you’ll see how we address the importance of a richer, more multi-faceted environment in the learning process. At the same time we ensure that our teachers are adept at many different practices and have the tools necessary to evaluate student performance in non-traditional, project-based work.

THISTLETALK GOES DIGITAL Get more news, photos, and fun at winchesterthurston.org/digitalthistle

www.winchesterthurston.org 1 Gary J. Niels

respecting multiple perspectives and contributions, and valuing the dignity of all.” Much has been said about divisions within our country, of school especially recently through the presidential primaries. Our racial, political, social, economic, and religious divisions are profound and understandable. We are a nation of immigrants—some chose to come to America and, of course, some were forced. We are from all parts of the world—different languages, different cultures, different religions, different abilities, different genders, and often vastly different access to economic opportunity. Our from the head differences are exacerbated by mass media and social media; they are exploited, and there are underpinnings of frustration that can easily trigger anger. Political leaders are viewed as weak if they seek to reconcile differences. As our country has grown in numbers and diversity, we have not grown our capacity for civil “Think Also of the Comfort and the dialogue. Hope lies in our ability to seek understanding (note, I did not Rights of Others!” say agreement) through dialogue. We cannot change the current This statement from our founder, Miss Mitchell, was not conditions of our society, but among other things our mission is a suggestion but an imperative. This year, we have responded to her command in numerous ways. We’ve raised a dialogue about moral life in our commu- “... our mission is to graduate nity and recommitted ourselves to “choosing civility.” This work has been expressed in our teaching and programs as we students who have learned model four qualities: honesty, humility, respect, and empathy. to seek understanding by Respect and empathy grow through understanding. Yet, we cannot assume that understanding “just happens.” Rather, seeking dialogue.” it grows from dialogue, and dialogue grows from purposeful interaction. to graduate students who have learned to seek understanding by As human beings, we gravitate toward those who are seeking dialogue. like-minded. This is certainly true in schools. For example, We are allocating resources to bring the new Diversity while there has been deliberate effort by university admis- Statement above to life. Beginning next year, WT will employ a sion officers and residence life directors to diversify U.S. Director of Equity and Inclusion. I am delighted to announce that college campuses, students still self-segregate into homo- after a national search Diane Nichols has been appointed to lead geneous groups. One publication called this segregation the our school-wide commitment to dialogue and understanding. “Balkanization” of college campuses. Ms. Nichols joins us from Worcester Academy in Worcester, A diverse community does not necessarily result in MA, where she served as Director of Equity, Inclusion and understanding, respect, and empathy. It takes effort to Leadership. She served in the same role for 17 years at Hathaway promote interaction that cultivates understanding, which in Brown School in Cleveland, one of the premiere all-girls schools turn perpetuates empathy. in the nation. Ms. Nichols is a Licensed Professional Counselor. This year, a group of committed trustees, parents, and She has participated in numerous school diversity workshops faculty has composed a statement declaring our intention to and conferences, and was a contributing author to the publica- promote understanding. With the unanimous approval of our tion Diversity Work in Independent Schools, the Practice and the Board of Trustees WT has adopted the following intention: Practitioner. “As a means to fulfill our credo ‘Think also of the comfort Pat Bassett, retired President of the National Association and the rights of others,’ Winchester Thurston will be an of Independent Schools, has said that independent schools inclusive community and will pursue the social and pedagog- are counter-cultural. Today it is counter-cultural to graduate ical benefits that diversity brings. We will place the highest students who are open to dialogue and understanding, and who value on enabling students to understand their own cultural are respectful of others—whether like-minded or not. As I’ve identity and those of others. It is our moral imperative to be suggested, this is not easy work. Yet, this is our moral mandate: courageous and intentional in promoting understanding, “Think Also of the Comfort and the Rights of Others!” addressing bias, identifying and honoring qualities of justice,

2 Thistletalk Summer 2016 Kindergarteners explore concepts of flight with City as Our Campus partner Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh. This year-long program builds essential skills of innovation, critical thinking, communication, and collaboration. 21ST CENTURY TEACHING TRANSFORMATION “Thirty years ago, a high school history teacher had to going to do it, setting and managing a timeline, seeing that be an excellent lecturer, and that was usually enough to be project or interest through to an end goal—this contributes considered an excellent teacher,” declares Amanda Green- to a changing role in student-teacher relationships,” explains wald, Winchester Thurston’s Dean of Faculty and Director of Adam Nye, Director of City as Our CampusSM. “No longer are Middle School. “At WT, that’s just one of a teacher’s tools. Our teachers the sole holders of content. Now it’s more of a part- teachers need to have multiple tools, and be adept at many nership, where teachers serve as guides or facilitators.” different practices.” That doesn’t mean a teacher’s role is reduced, or even sim- While that’s long been the case at WT—to which Green- plified. On the contrary, it’s more critical—and more complex. wald, a 20-year WT veteran and former history teacher herself, Besides imparting foundational knowledge, teachers must can attest—it’s more critical today than ever before, as student- now also help students understand, research, interpret, and driven learning takes greater and deeper hold throughout connect all of the information they accumulate. This is infor- the school. As each of the WT Smart articles in this issue of mation which students may have gleaned through an online Thistletalk shows, student-driven learning is flourishing at math or language arts program, a trip to an art museum, or WT—and transforming the way teachers teach. through interactive animations allowing students to experi- “Students deciding what they’re focusing on, how they’re ment with materials not commonly found in the classroom.

www.winchesterthurston.org 3 It could also come through partnering with experts in a given meta-cognition, communication, collaboration, learning from field, like the new model for research science and computer feedback, to name a few. In addition to these cognitive skills, science innovations classes that connects students with com- there are important attitudes such as perseverance, resilience, munity experts as a regular part of the process. risk-taking, flexibility, and ambiguity of tolerance. How do “In David Nassar’s class, computer science innovations, you teach for them? By providing students with ‘messy,’ real- every student has a mentor who is a specialist in that field,” world problems instead of simple problems that have a single, says Nye, who orchestrated the partnerships. “For example, one known, right answer.” student is developing low-cost sensors with multiple functions Giving students the freedom to demonstrate their knowl-

WT’s Middle School students explore fundamental questions of leadership while working to understand their role in the community. Here students meet with City as Our Campus partner Bike Pittsburgh to learn about how the organization is advocating for a safer and more sustainable infrastructure.

that can be attached onto cars. This way, one would not have edge and skills in different ways makes an educator’s role even to buy an autonomous vehicle to enjoy those capabilities. That more challenging, Fay notes. “Teachers need to find valid and student is paired with a professor from the Robotics Institute fair ways to evaluate the skills and knowledge that students at Carnegie Mellon University who provides information that have mastered across a range of projects that students might David alone could never provide. During check-ins throughout create.” That could mean taking foundational knowledge the year, the student receives a wealth learned in a classroom and applying of information relevant to his topic, it outside of the classroom; develop- and David, who is part of that meeting, “How do you teach for ing process and learning content in a can take the information, elaborate on [important attitudes]? project-based, inquiry-driven course it, and utilize it throughout the produc- By providing students like research science; or creating a tra- tion process.” ditional essay, a blog, a YouTube video, “The science of how people learn with ‘messy,’ real-world or a website. But in each instance, shows that the richer, more multi- problems instead of assessing a student’s grasp of foun- faceted the instructional environment, simple problems that dational knowledge, and measuring and the more engaged and active the competency in 21st century skills now learner, the better the learning,” asserts have a single, known, requires much more than a simple A, Anne Fay, Director of e-Learning. right answer.” B, and C system of grading. At WT, that multi-faceted richness “Assessment is a craft within itself,” comes from off-campus exploration, acknowledges Greenwald. “Often technology resources that multiply and magnify educational faculty design summative and formative assessments to opportunities within school walls, and classroom environ- determine what students are learning and where they need ments re-designed to optimize learning. support.” Whereas summative assessments involve right and “The skills that are important today and will be tomor- wrong answers that translate into grades, formative assess- row are the ones that have always been important,” declares ments involve feedback. For example, a teacher may preview Fay. “Critical thinking, problem solving, self-monitoring or a student’s essay draft on Google docs and give preliminary

4 Thistletalk Summer 2016 feedback based on a rubric, or list of underlying skills, against lect partner schools to share in the development and testing which the final product will be graded, thus allowing students of the tools and to help in the development of scoring, and we to improve their writing before getting a grade that counts. Or, were asked to submit an application.” after a lesson, Middle School students fill out “exit tickets” to Last summer, Fay, Graig Marx (Science Department Chair), register understanding of the day’s topic. This tells the teacher David Nassar (Computer Science Department Chair), and if material needs to be re-taught in a different way. Formative Christine Benner Dixon (English Department Chair), met in assessments also help to assess “softer” skills—like effort and Palo Alto with faculty from Castilleja and the other partner schools to discuss their vision Freshman Elizabeth of the skills and activities each Merritt (R) cuts tessellating believed important for students tiles with math teacher Michael Davidson at City to develop. “Each school selected as Our Campus partner a subset to focus on for the next Union Project. This mash- year,” explains Fay. “At WT we up of geometry, art, and are focusing on problem-solving, City as Our Campus allowed students to collaboration, and empathy. Dif- visualize their learning. ferent departments are working to develop, implement, and revise assessment tools across a range of student assignments. So rather than just getting a B on a presentation and thinking, ‘I did pretty well,’ students will have clearer feedback on particular skills they need to focus on in the future.” Ultimately, the Partnership for 21st Century Assessment will empathy—and WT faculty have begun developing rubrics create a tool kit of resources that aimed at those, starting in the Middle School with “effort.” can be utilized by anyone. It is this kind of vision that continues “We went through a multi-stage process to develop cat- to transform teaching at WT—and to solidify WT’s position egories connected to effort: preparedness and organization, as an educational leader and innovator. problem-solving, cooperation, communication, and engage- “We have a strategic planning goal to revolutionize teach- ment,” says Greenwald. “Within each category are specific ing and learning at WT,” says Nye, “and we are committed not skills. Overwhelmingly, the teachers like having something only to sharing that with our faculty, but also with the broader more concrete to measure something that’s not concrete.” community so that other schools can learn from it.” In this realm, as in edu- cational innovation, WT is In addition to the leading the way on a national work at the North Hills scale as one of six independent Campus to test and schools comprising the Partner- understand the quality ship for 21st Century Assess- of water in the pond (see WT Smart article), ment. “We were already on the WT fifth graders joined path to developing tools that the Pittsburgh Parks would meet our needs,” says Fay, Conservancy in Frick “when the Castilleja School, a Park to learn about and address the needs of our highly regarded private school environment. Pittsburgh in Palo Alto, California, was Parks Conservancy is one awarded an Edward E. Ford of the more than 90 City Foundation grant to develop, as Our Campus partners with which WT has active test, and disseminate assess- relationships. ment tools and practices for 21st century skills. As part of the grant, they proposed to se-

www.winchesterthurston.org 5 THE CHANGING FACE OF COLLEGE ADMISSIONS: Q&A with Pamela Pratt-Galik

In a college landscape that Q: Colleges and universities is changing rapidly and radically, are now dealing with interna- the competition is tougher, tional student populations in costs are higher, and the college record numbers. How does this counseling process is more impact college admissions? critical than ever. Recently Pamela A: Most international Pratt-Galik, WT’s new Director of students do not qualify for need- College Counseling, sat down with based aid, so they have become Thistletalk to discuss the current increasingly attractive for what state of college admissions, how they bring to admissions in terms the field has changed and why, of diversity and academic ability and what parents and students with little or no cost. A positive can do to support WT’s college consequence is that colleges are application process. able to direct financial resources Q: During the last 20 years, toward building a greater diversity what are some big changes among their domestic students. you’ve seen in the college admis- With a greater number of inter- sions process? national students being admitted A: Today’s students are into U.S. colleges, the competition asked to think about college much for domestic students is greater, earlier than their parents had to, but has yet to approach other because their entire high school factors in determining selectivity. performance will be evaluated Q: Students here achieve at Pamela Pratt-Galik closely by admissions offices. the highest levels. How can they Moreover, how students choose also distinguish themselves as to spend time outside of the individuals with unique experi- classroom has become as important in differentiating them from ences and an authentic voice? the number of qualified applicants that highly selective colleges A: WT’s multitude of project-based and student-driven receive in increasing numbers each year. learning experiences and classes, programs such as City as Our Q: The number of students applying to US colleges has CampusSM, and a faculty that employs many different teaching increased dramatically. How has this affected competition styles and strategies, all encourage students to expand the for admission? boundaries of the classroom and see how their intellect and A: Many factors contribute to the increase in applications passion can actually change their community. Also vital is and competition for admission at highly selective colleges. Since the rich array of resources at WT, such as the Malone Schools the Common Application went online, the per-senior number Online Network (MSON) courses that allow our students to of submitted applications has steadily increased; this, in turn, access knowledge remotely and to craft a program of study that makes many colleges seem more selective—for example, more is uniquely their own. When it is time to present themselves to applications for the same number of admitted freshmen, which colleges, they can talk about how WT’s academic rigor prepared then promotes a greater frenzy of applications the next year. them to think critically about real-world problems and how they can play a part in solving them.

6 Thistletalk Summer 2016 PRACTICAL ADVICE WT students head into the college process with an outstanding academic foundation preparing them to excel at highly selective colleges and universities, but there are other important ways in which students—and parents—can build a compelling application, beginning in freshman year. “Our mission is to help students identify a unique set of colleges at which they will be attractive, well- qualified applicants,” says Pratt-Galik.

th th 9GRADE 10 GRADE

STUDENTS STUDENTS

Explore and evaluate academic and extracurricular Reflect on experiences and assess how WT’s array areas to determine success and interest in both. of academic and extracurricular options may be Excel from the start; most colleges consider utilized to define themselves. What subjects and freshman grades! activities bring the greatest satisfaction? How can they build upon these strengths and passions over PARENTS the next two years?

Talk with students about classes and activities PARENTS they enjoy. Encourage exploratory conversations with family Continue the conversation from ninth grade, friends or colleagues whose career experiences may focusing on helping the students clarify what they match their child’s interests and talents. are good at and really enjoy doing. Promote summer opportunities, including Support ideas students may have for summer meaningful community service to deepen interests. enrichment. Start visiting colleges, particularly those close to home or near vacation spots. Consider PSAT prep work over the summer or at the beginning of junior year, if sophomore PSAT scores th indicate National Merit Scholarship potential. 11 GRADE

STUDENTS th Select classes thoughtfully. 12 GRADE Increase best efforts; every year counts, but junior year grades are most important because they may be the last grades colleges use to evaluate a STUDENTS student’s transcript. Summer school: take the college counseling office’s PARENTS essay workshop, and complete a working draft of the Common Application essay. Continue to support students as they challenge For summer college visits, sign in at the admissions themselves academically and seek opportunities office to create a record of having been on campus. to define their character. And remember, the vibe is different when under- Listen throughout the college process and graduates are gone for the summer. encourage students to take the lead. Check whether colleges of interest offer summer Enjoy seeing students make decisions about their interviews; it’s a great way for prospective students future; they are on the verge of adulthood and to show serious interest. need parents to be their allies. For students scoring summer interviews, practice in advance; contact the college counseling office to Junior year is also when one-on-one advising schedule a mock interview. begins, and this continues until the student has Courtesy counts; post-college interview, send a committed to a college, reminds Pratt-Galik. handwritten or email thank you note

PARENTS

Complete Parent Survey on Naviance account.

www.winchesterthurston.org 7 wt smart STUDENTS HELP SOLVE COMMUNITY ISSUES IN URBAN RESEARCH & DESIGN Since its 2010 debut, Dr. Michael Naragon’s year-long Urban Research and Design course has been shaped by students’ interests—he planned it that way—but even he was surprised by the power of students’ passion not only to shape, but change, this year’s culminating project. “When I described my vision for our work, Jono Coles asked if it was possible to think differently about how to end the course,” Naragon recalls. “He had a vision for something he wanted to accomplish, and he outlined what became the VoiceChannel idea. I was so taken with the concept that I thought the best thing to do was to get out of the way.” Naragon’s original third trimester plans called for proposals targeting a Seniors Tamir Frank (L) and Jono Coles (R) demonstrate VoiceChannel common need. His students’ during the PA Presents Assemble event. longing to do something tangible resulted in group development for the Lower Hill software, most projects augmented projects with direct community impact. District’s 28-acre site and plans for the efforts already underway: re-designing Three tapped into existing issues: food Strip District’s produce terminal; they Homewood’s streets to reduce crime, deserts and crime and safety—both met with stakeholders, and developed partnering with a local grocer to obtain focused in Homewood—and recycling their own ideas with no limits on more fresh produce, and identifying disposal in Oakland and Market Square. budget or feasibility. By the third optimal recycling bin locations— A fourth, the VoiceChannel, is a unique trimester, students were eager to apply then designing and 3D-printing bin mash-up of performance art, public their knowledge, says Adam Nye, City prototypes featuring QR codes for relations, and social media—the “new as Our Campus Director. “They wanted instant access to recycling information. forefront of social justice,” according to see results.” Every project, both educators to its Facebook page—that provides Nye continues, “Students were emphasize, perfectly illustrates the students a platform for voicing their given total control. Each group did the beauty and benefits of student- opinions to policymakers. research, found people to consult, set centered, problem-based learning. “This During the first and second up their own meetings, and submitted is what I’ve been preaching to them for trimesters, students examined proposals including a budget, timeline, two years,” declares Naragon. “They are current and historical local urban goals, and roles of group members.” responsible for the culture they create, redevelopment of public spaces in While VoiceChannel originated and they are responsible for their own the city. Next, they studied mixed-use from personal passion, and operates learning. They up and took my word through custom-built, interactive for it.”

8 Thistletalk Summer 2016 wt smart IMMIGRANT INTERVIEWS DEEPEN CURTURAL UNDERSTANDING Immigration is one of today’s experience profound for the fifth “Shawnee Ferydouri (from Iran) foremost issues. It captures headlines, graders.” taught me to be strong even if there dominates presidential debates, and Through a City as Our CampusSM are situations that you don’t want to is a permanent—and growing—part partnership, students begin with a deal with,” reflected Georgie Rabner. of American life. Since 1965 alone, visit to the Children’s Museum of “She wants everyone to have hope and nearly 59 million immigrants have Pittsburgh, home to the Saturday Light know that things will get better.” moved to the U.S., according to the Brigade radio studios, where they learn The project culminated with a Pew Research Center. At WT’s City techniques for interviewing, audio celebration at the Children’s Museum, Campus, a recently transformed social studies unit is helping fifth graders to develop the ability to view the world through others’ eyes and to realize that all people share a common bond. “It’s easy to think of those leaving their home countries as numbers or statistics,” explains fifth grade teacher Karen Gaul. “Working with the StoryBox project, an innovative digital platform developed by Saturday Light Brigade Radio Productions, allows students to recognize that immigrants are real people, not just statistics on the evening news.” Long a cornerstone of WT’s fifth grade curriculum, the immigration study centers on historical and modern waves of immigration to the United States, the Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island. Now, added emphasis on Fifth graders (L-R) Rory Wides Payne, Nur Turner, and Jordan Poller-Prince cultural competence—“the ability talk with immigrant Nazir Noori. to successfully interact with others who may have customs, beliefs, or attitudes that are different editing, and radio production. Next, where the StoryBox containing than one’s own,” says Gaul—is students sit with their story subjects recordings of student reflections and deepening cultural understanding. to record interviews. Afterward, guided immigrant interviews was unveiled. The most powerful work happens by Lower School librarian Suzy Flynn, “I thought that it was a once- when students meet immigrants students craft personal reflections in-a-lifetime opportunity to be to interview them about their lives, about their experience. able to interview someone who and document their stories for the “It really struck me when Nazir came here from so far away,” wrote StoryBox project. (Noori) talked about his family,” Rishi Mukherjee, who interviewed “The opportunity to connect wrote Nur Turner. “It was like his an immigrant from Mexico. “I am personally with an immigrant is emotions bled through. He talked lucky to learn about and be inspired unparalleled,” asserts Gaul. “It’s the about how the Taliban threatened by Maria’s life story.”ee Ferydouri’s personal connection that makes this him in Afghanistan.” experiences emigrating from Iran

www.winchesterthurston.org 9 wt smart DYNAMIC PARTNERSHIP IMPROVES WATER QUALITY OF WT NORTH POND Ever since the first North Hills When Capezzuti began Campus kindergarteners studied studying the pond 19 years ago, a pair of geese building a nest and it teemed with turtles, water preparing for goslings, the pond has snakes, fish, filamentous algae, and enriched learning across disciplines and mayflies. In recent years, students divisions. Today, this living laboratory began noting fewer tadpoles and is launching deeper lessons than ever frogs; more rarely still, fish, turtles, before, thanks to a new partnership or snakes. Some improvements with Aquatic Edge Consulting. were made—installing a pond “The project authentically grew pump, adding plants for water out of a concern and need for action filtration and erosion control—but to restore and maintain the pond’s students grew thirsty to learn and Fifth graders Reagan Schriver (C) and Colin Helbling (R) collect pond samples with do more. Capezzuti, science teacher Heather Capezzuti (L). realizing this required more sophisticated and thorough testing, species for the fifth graders to plant to approached City as Our improve the pond’s health. CampusSM Director Adam “Our students are getting real Nye for support. The result: world experience by helping to solve the partnership between the real world problems,” asserts Capezzuti, North Hills Campus and acknowledging that answers won’t Aquatic Edge Consulting. always come easily. “I believe it is “The students were helpful to see that we don’t always have super excited to help plan the answers to everything, that the and implement a pond continual pursuit of knowledge and improvement project,” truth is the essence of science.” reports Capezzuti. The first meeting took place in Fifth graders Casey Forst (C) and Ryan Valenty (R) learn January, when Aquatic Edge about water quality testing from Aquatic Edge Consulting. experts Tim Wood and Dana Rizzo met with students habitat,” declares science teacher to discuss factors affecting Heather Capezzuti, whose fifth pond health. Fifth graders then trekked grade Aquatic Habitats unit explores to the icy pond with Wood and Rizzo to the essential question: Is the pond drill for water samples and learn proper a healthy aquatic habitat? The unit collection techniques. The samples begins each fall with a long walk were labeled and sent to the Penn State around the pond. “We make a list of Extension lab for testing. observations; talk about what a healthy Students interpreted the results to habitat might look like; learn about determine additional testing needs for watersheds; conduct simple water their next session with Aquatic Edge. quality tests; discuss how biotic and During that visit, the class learned abiotic factors in and around our pond about non-point source pollution and interact with each other; look at aquatic canoed to the pond’s inflow site for food chains and food webs; and search more samples and testing. In a third visit by Aquatic Edge, the specialists for indicator species whose presence Fifth grader Colin Helbling tests the tells us about the water quality.” led a discussion on the best native plant water at the North Hills Campus pond.

10 Thistletalk Summer 2016 wt smart HUMAN RIGHTS THEME RESHAPES EIGHTH GRADE RESEARCH PROJECT Human Rights was implemented as the new theme of the eighth grade Social Studies curriculum this year, a change that reshapes a capstone inquiry-based research and presentation project—and partners students with local human rights experts who provide guidance and feedback during the process. “Eighth graders are becoming increasingly aware of inequalities and injustices that exist in the world around them,” notes Social Studies teacher Kira Senedak. “One of the goals of switching the focus of this project—and the curriculum Katie Kunkle (R) gains additional insights into tactics used by activists fighting to secure and in general—is to help protect marriage equality in conversation with mentor Sarah Rosso of the Persad Center. students use and develop their skills of reading, opportunities for women, and child Services Eric Schatzman, students writing, speaking, and thinking labor on African chocolate farms. select a topic and investigate deeply, like historians to investigate these “We’ve studied the Universal honing critical research skills along events. Their natural desire to Declaration of Human Rights and the way. Students then create visual know the who, what, when, where, different views on the role the representations of their topic, and why, and how of these events lends United Nations and other countries give short presentations. But this authenticity to the work we do in should play in protecting those year, fueled by local human rights the classroom.” rights,” explains Senedak. “Then experts and community members The project forges strong we looked at several specific rights, serving as research mentors, the interdisciplinary links between Social Studies and Language Arts including the right to life, freedom project’s depth and dimension through rigorous research and of expression, social security, expanded dramatically. presentation. In previous years, and the rights of minorities. We “During roundtable discussions students selected any topic they studied historical examples of and consultations, students wished, exploring everything violations of these rights, what proposed their topic ideas to their from the environment to laser others did or didn’t do to help, mentors and brainstormed essential surgery. This year, students formed and highlighted those who fought questions, potential directions, and deeper curricular connections by for rights. Students then used this possible resources,” says City as identifying and examining real knowledge to support their choice Our CampusSM Director Adam Nye. world human rights issues such as of topic.” “Connecting with local experts not rights violations in Eritrea, school The bones of the project remain only enriches our students, it also conditions in developing countries, the same. In Senedak’s Social validates what they are doing. It music’s role in the African American Studies and Callie DiSabato’s allows students to connect their experience from slavery to present Language Arts classes, and with work with something bigger than a day, laws limiting educational support from Director of Library school project.”

www.winchesterthurston.org 11 wt community

PARENTS ASSOCIATION EXPEDITION: ASSEMBLE On April 11, 2016, the Parents Association, together with community partner Assemble Pittsburgh, hosted a City as Our CampusSM Expedition just for parents. Parents Heather Capezzuti (L), North Hills science teacher, with fifth experienced firsthand how students are learning outside grader Zach Allen and his water sampling equipment. of their classrooms. Seniors Tamir Frank and Jonathan Coles talked about developing design solutions for local communities from their Urban Research and Design course; eighth graders Scott Routledge and Claire Hughes, along with community partner Center for PostNatural History, talked about their research on the human impact of other species; and fifth graders at the North Hills Campus at WT, Brett Leeper and Zach Allen, explained how they are taking responsibility for the health of their campus pond through a partnership with Aquatic Edge Consulting (see article on page 10).

Senior Tamir Frank (L) discusses the next steps in the VoiceChannel project with Brooks Follansbee (C) and Julie Downs (R).

Eighth grader Claire Hughes explains the potential benefits and potential harmful side effects of the genetic modification of GloFish.

Eighth grader Scott Routledge (R) presents his research on Oxitec’s breed of mosquitos which are genetically engineered to eradicate mosquito-borne illness.

12 Thistletalk Summer 2016 wt impact “IT’S ABOUT LEADERSHIP.” THROUGH EITC, GLIMCHER GROUP SUPPORTS FUTURE LEADERS

ince 2009, commercial real estate developer since 2008. He has been Chair of the Development Robert Glimcher has changed the lives of 45 future Committee for many years. “Rob is one of our key Sleaders by supporting financial aid at Winchester leaders in philanthropy,” says Head of School Gary Niels. Thurston through the Pennsylvania Educational “He sets the tone and models for his fellow trustees and Improvement Tax Credit program (EITC). the wider community the importance of supporting Through EITC, worthy causes in multiple eligible Pennsylvania ways—with time, with businesses earn talent, with treasure. And significant tax credits he always does it with by donating to WT’s positive energy and a financial aid program. fantastic sense of humor. “I cannot see how any He embodies some of smart businessperson the most important would give up the chance characteristics of to give to WT in such a leadership.” prudent way. For every Philanthropy and $1,000 you give on a leadership are intertwined 2-year commitment, you concepts, and Glimcher receive a tax credit from sees the EITC program the state of $900. If you’re as an important way not in the 50% tax bracket, only to support students you receive close to a 50% who have financial need, credit on the remaining but also to provide them $100. The end result is a with the benefits of going cost of $50.00 to donate to school at WT, where $1,000 to WT. This is a they learn not only how ‘no-brainer’ to me.” Rob and Megan Glimcher to be leaders, but also how EITC is just one way to practice leadership, that Glimcher Group making a difference in expresses its ethos of community involvement and their communities and in the larger world. philanthropy. The company owns, develops, acquires, “To me, the concept of leadership encompasses and manages shopping centers throughout the United civic responsibility, philanthropy, problem-solving, States. Giving back is a core value of the business, and initiative,” says Glimcher. “Megan and I appreciate whether through making its facilities available for Winchester Thurston’s experiential approach to charity events that serve and showcase a diverse array learning; we know kids learn best by participating of causes, or making direct charitable contributions. and discovering. We also appreciate the school’s Glimcher is often at the center of these activities—for intention to develop engaged citizens. It’s important example, he is a regular in the MS150, a two-day, to us that students experience the larger world and see 150-mile bike ride that supports the National Multiple themselves as part of it, with a responsibility to more Sclerosis Society. In last year’s ride, Glimcher personally than just themselves.” raised more than $200,000. If your company pays Pennsylvania taxes, please Glimcher and his wife, Megan, have been WT contact Maura Farrell at 412-578-3731 or farrellml@ parents since 2003, and Rob has served as a trustee winchesterthurston.org to learn more about EITC.

www.winchesterthurston.org 13 wt sports BEARS PREVAIL WITH HISTORY-MAKING SEASON The winter season at WT yielded section championships, individual recognition, and lots of heart. “WT Athletics was a bright spot for our student athletes. This winter, the Bears were not hibernating,” said Kevin Miller, Director of Athletics. “We had full rosters, playoff appearances, and an energy that made the season a lot of fun! Our students and coaches have a lot to be proud of.”

VARSITY GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAM GOES TO STATES After a slow start, the girls basketball team regrouped and led the charge down the second half of the season to a third place section finish and a WPIAL playoff berth. The Bears bowed out of the WPIAL tournament in the second round against Quigley Catholic, but qualified for the PIAA play-in bracket. After big wins against Rochester and Riverview, the squad qualified for the state tournament against Keystone High School. The Bears found themselves down early only to mount a furious comeback in the second half that fell just short of the win. The team finished the season 14-12. Sophomore Ayanna Townsend was named to the WPIAL all-section team, and also named a High School Sports Unsung Hero by CoGo’s. Sophomore Ayanna Townsend

VARSITY BOYS BASKETBALL SETS A NEW RECORD The Upper School boys basketball team finished the season at 12-8, making the playoffs for the third straight year, finishing third place in the section. This season was a record-setting one for the Bears. Senior ​Tyler Coleman exceeded 1,000 career points and is now the boys all-time leading scorer at WT with a total of 1,079 points. He was also named an East Class A All-star for the Roundball Classic held at Geneva College on April 15. Senior Tyler Coleman

14 Thistletalk Summer 2016 FENCING TEAM MAKES FINALS The fencing teams at WT enjoyed solid seasons as the girls finished with a record of 4-5, and the boys tied for the league lead with a record of 8-1. The boys team qualified for the PIFA playoffs and opened with wins over Bethel Park and Pine Richland, earning a spot in the finals against the Dragons from Allderdice. In a tight match, the Dragons prevailed by a score of 5-4, and the Bears finished second in the PIFA tournament.

Junior EJ Eppinger

SWIMMER MAKES HISTORY Junior EJ Eppinger joins the ranks of only five other WT athletes to earn a WPIAL individual championship. He qualified for the 200 individual medley (IM) and the 500 freestyle at the WPIAL Championships and State Championship. Eppinger placed fourth in the 200 IM with a lifetime best swim of 1:59:50, and first in the 500 freestyle, making him the first-ever WT swimmer to win the WPIAL Championship.

www.winchesterthurston.org 15 Commencement 2016 Explore your passions. Learn from your mistakes. Use your voice. Change the world. These mandates were shared with the 56 members of the Class of 2016 as the WT community joined together for the school’s 129th Commencement exercises on June 5. Student speakers E. Xavier Horton, Tamir H. Frank, and Carrie M. Mannino were joined by Board President Jennifer Gonzalez McComb ’89 and Head of School Gary J. Niels in addressing the students and their guests.

“The class of 2016 isn’t just a group of students held within the same place. It is a functioning community… as a part of this class you will always have someone who’ll combine their skills with yours to create (L-R) Kristen Klein with commencement speakers E. Xavier something spectacular.”

Horton, Tamir Frank, Carrie Mannino, Gary J. Niels, and —E. Xavier Horton, Jennifer Gonzalez McComb President, Student Council The Loevner family

“We are all human and making a few mistakes along the way is part of that…it is a fact of life that we all must come to accept: mistakes will be made and lessons will be learned. But these lessons that we learn are what connects to shaping our character.”

—Tamir H. Frank, Senior Student Council Representative Sophie Burkholder Jia Ou The Chaudhry family

“Don’t forget to come back to your alma mater – it is the reason so many doors are open to you now.” —Jennifer Gonzalez McComb ’89, President, Board of Trustees

16 Thistletalk Summer 2016 “Whatever it is that you are fighting for, Winchester has both provided you with information about how to make a difference, and helped you to discover what your agent of change can be.”

—Carrie M. Mannino, Elsa Limbach and daughter Senior Student Council Representative Singing the Alma Mater Karolina Karagyozova

“I hope that in all of your life choices Miss Mitchell’s imperative to ‘Think also of the comfort and the rights of others’ guides your decision-making.”

—Gary J. Niels, Head of School

THISTLETALK GOES DIGITAL Get a full gallery of photos Tyler Coleman with (L-R) his sister, from graduation at mom Lisa Holt A’92, and brother winchesterthurston.org/digitalthistle The Ettensohn family

Winchester Thurston School Class of 2016

Benjamin Stuart Akers Andre Yazdgerdi Curtis Jackson Ethan Landman Max Gerson Rogow Charis Jean Allen Keanu Cinque Davis William Nathaniel Loevner* Ryan Anil Seth Jake Quint Averch* Jacob Joseph DeRiso Wanyan Ma Amanda Morgan Siegel Samuel Forest Beale Ilya Igorevich Deynega Ethan James Mackowick Nico W. Sleator Eric John Bianco* Remy Carver Erkel Sambrita Mally Scott Andrew Steiner* Fay Amelia Blelloch Leah Joyce Ettensohn Micaelyn Mann Richard Wellington Taylor, II* Gabriel Alexander Knowles Wesley Samuel Fox Carrie Michela Mannino Molly Ming Urbina Brodsky* Tamir Hezekiah Frank Patrick Stewart Moore Luke Michael Vacek Sophie Jewell Burkholder Jacob Ellis Gerszten Joan Kivuze Mukogosi Anna Vlachos Thomas Joseph Cahill Naomi Katharine Grossman w William Andrew Mullins* w Jessica Ann Wittig Yirong Cai Ernest Xavier Horton Jordan Renee Nash Min Wu John Kenneth Chaillet Troy Edward Husni* Jia Ou Jianing Zhang Ali Adam Chaudhry* Karolina Plamenova Skylar Maria Rella Jessie Jiaying Zhang Tyler Andrew Coleman w Karagyozova* Isabella Nemer Remor *WT Lifer w Legacy Jonathan Matthew Coles Kristen Maria Kozar Tyra Zhane Robinson

Excellence Honored

The Emily E. Dorrance award for a student The Mary A. Graham Mitchell award for The Nina Wadhwa Student Council award for a whose conduct, interaction, and leadership character, personality, loyalty, and scholarship student who best exemplifies Gentle in Manner, best demonstrates the school credo, Think also Tamir Hezekiah Frank Strong in Deed, endowed by the Wadhwa family of the comfort and the rights of others, given by Carrie Michela Mannino friends of the Dorrance family The Alice M. Thurston award for integrity, Gabriel Alexander Knowles Brodsky courageous leadership, and service The Jane L. Scarborough Award for Joan Kivuze Mukogosi teaching excellence The Mary A. Campbell award for outstanding Sharon McDermott scholarship, given by Katherine Houston Rush The Ruth S. Gamsby award for citizenship, John Kenneth Chaillet kindness, and courteous helpfulness, given by the Daniel F. Mullane family Leah Joyce Ettensohn

www.winchesterthurston.org 17 wt community

DAY OF GRATITUDE – APRIL 19, 2016 We set “Think also…” into action during a school-wide Day of Gratitude with gratitude themed morning meetings, classroom activities, service projects, reflective writing, a panel discussion about philanthropy, and lots and lots of thank you notes! Gratitude at WT means... • Awareness of the needs larger than our own and taking action to address those needs • Understanding our connections to each other and to the world around us • Acknowledging the generous and kind people – past and present – who give of themselves on our behalf What are you thankful for today? We welcome your thoughts and ideas about gratitude. Join us by engaging with us on social media or by contacting Michelle Wion Chitty at 412-578-3748 or wionm@ winchesterthurston.org. Together, we teach students the value of giving back to the teachers and communities that support them the most.

THISTLETALK GOES DIGITAL See more photos at winchesterthurston.org/digitalthistle

18 Thistletalk Summer 2016 STUDENT THANK YOU NOTES

“Dear WT, Thank you for letting me join the “Dear all 9th grade teachers, warm community during my junior We just want to thank you for and senior years. I learned not everything you have done for us this only academic subjects, but more year. From physics to history we are “Dear Kitchen Staff, importantly, how to be a person and surrounded by great teachers. You have be grateful for the things I have.” Thank you a lot for making food for made our first year truly memorable. me to eat. The food is really good!! —Min, Twelfth Grade You guys are the real MVPs.” Keep up the great work. Thanks!” —Jon, Jack, and Danny, —Luke, Sixth Grade Ninth Grade

“Today’s panel on philanthropy has broadened my horizon and given me a more complete view of the public service community. You have resurfaced much of my enthusiasm for the creation of new development projects and have encouraged me to participate more fully in all aspects of the community development field. Thank you for your insight.” (L-R) Seniors Fay Blelloch and Andrew Mullins, Ian —Maddie, Tenth Grade Sullivan ’04, Abby Robinson Foster ’03, Matt Hannigan of the Sprout Fund, and Kristen Maser Michaels ’01.

DONOR APPRECIATION LUNCHEON

Marstine Scholar and junior Maggie Swartz with Anne Molloy, Alumnae/i Parent and member of the Gary Niels interviews WT students (L - R) Sheldon Marstine. Thistle Honor Roll, and WT freshman M. Washington seniors Tyler Coleman and Tamir Frank, enjoy lunch. junior Roshni Nischal, and seniors Remy Erkel and Karen Ou.

Sue McLaughlin, Sheldon Marstine, and Tom and Linda Herward, Fourth grader Christian Zhu Rosanne Isay Harrison ’56. Alumnae/i Parents and entertains on the piano. members of the Thistle Honor Roll.

www.winchesterthurston.org 19 wt community

We love our Front of House volunteers for Middle and Upper School plays Chaperone a class trip for a hands-on City as and musicals like Into the Woods. Our Campussm experience with your student. The Spirit to Lead: WT Parents Association “We are all members of the “As parents, we are the greatest role WT Parents Association. When we models our children have, whether through activate that membership by being providing new experiences, volunteering involved, we foster meaningful at Applefest, or encouraging perseverance relationships with fellow WT parents, through a challenging assignment. We are teachers, and administrators. These fortunate to have the active, engaged, and connections have helped create a selfless commitments of WT teachers to bountiful community for Ava and our guide our children alongside us. My family family to thrive and grow together. values this collaboration and believes in the Parent engagement at WT truly helps power of the WT Fund because it directly provide a better understanding and strong foundation for supports the WT experience.” our children’s academic and social well-being.” —Manny Cahouet-Rotondi —Nicole Ansani-Jankowski Parent of Alexander and Emily, Parent of Ava Jankowski, Class of 2025 Class of 2022 2015-2016 Parents Association President 2015-2016 WT Fund Parent Chair and WT Trustee WT is profoundly grateful to Nicole for her extended service as PA President. The WT Parents Association Mission “An active, engaged parent body is to build community, camaraderie, and is crucial to the vitality of WT. The success of our children commitment by offering opportunities demands an open and inclusive environment where regular, for social, educational, and financial two-way, respectful communication is of paramount enrichment and involvement. importance. I value my exchanges with parents and providing them the opportunity for input.” —Gary J. Niels Head of School

20 Thistletalk Summer 2016 Parent volunteers are royalty at WT! Parents are generous with their time and treasure! Thanks to Manny Cahouet- Rotondi (L) for leading the 2015-2016 WT Fund parent campaign. The Spirit to Lead: WT Parents Association

What do you get when you add 1 President, +10 division coordinators, +6 event chairs, A warm, joyful +10 grade level social hosts, school year +25 WT Fund parent agents, filled with then stir in almost success. +40 room parents, and more than +200 additional volunteers?

How will you help in 2016-2017? Join us by contacting Michelle Wion Chitty at 412-578-3748 or [email protected].

www.winchesterthurston.org 21 Celebrate Legacies: The Miss Mitchell Society Enduring Credo Fuels Two Decades of Leadership: Kathleen Buechel More than 20 years ago, while searching for an Buechel returned to the Board in 2007 and helped elementary school for their daughter, Kathy Buechel and expand the concept of City as Our Campus to a full Fred Egler took note of the graceful calligraphy stenciled institutional bent through creation of an Advisory Board. on the wall in the Head’s office: “Think also of the comfort Comprised of corporate, nonprofit, educational, arts, and the rights of others.” science and technology, government, and ethics leaders, “The idea of looking beyond the self, of ‘otherness,’ was an ethos that I did not see at other schools; it was important to me that my children grow up understanding that there are many different paradigms and lenses through which the world is experienced and viewed. The ‘think also’ credo was a true differentiator that convinced me Winchester Thurston was the place for my children,” Buechel recalls. WT would become not just her children’s school—her daughter Moira Egler, a lifer, graduated in 2007, and her son Frederick Egler, also a lifer, graduated in 2011—but also an institution she would help lead into the future. During nearly two decades of Board service, completed on June 30, 2016, she took on key leadership roles that have made a lasting mark. “Kathy is driven to propel things forward, to recast and shape things anew,” says WT Board President Jennifer Gonzalez McComb ’89. “She is a great synthesizer and connector—cognitively, creatively, and also in her work to bring organizations and people together. Kathy has been a the Advisory Board met regularly to help the school think key to WT’s upward trajectory over the last 20 years.” beyond current-day challenges, projects, and strategies. In 1998, just before being appointed President of Since 2008, the Advisory Board has explored a variety Alcoa Foundation, Buechel joined the WT Board and was of topics, from City as Our Campus to STEM education, elected Vice President. She chaired the educational policy leadership, and global citizenship. committee as the school began to think about connecting “These ‘luminaries,’ as Kathy aptly calls them, have curriculum to the resources of the city, an idea that would helped us to elevate our thinking,” says Niels. “And Kathy eventually come to full flourish as City as Our Campussm was an amazing facilitator of their conversations. I’ve never after the arrival of Gary Niels as Head in 2002. seen anyone else synthesize a wide-ranging discussion the During her first nine-year term, Buechel served on way she does. She draws insights from a diverse group, the search committee that hired Niels, and was a key then pulls them together into eloquent conclusions. She strategist and leader in the Many Voices, One Vision brought that talent to Board meetings, and often helped capital campaign, which funded the Upper School building us to crystallize a complex issue and move it forward. She that opened in 2006. Her efforts to reconnect the school will be missed!” to the foundation community resulted in more than $3 Much of Buechel’s career has centered on philanthropy million donated to the campaign, as well as longer term as a force for change globally, locally, and personally. She ties that led to more than $3 million in the next campaign, serves as Executive Director of the Benter Foundation. As Celebrate WT. “Kathy helped us understand what we Senior Lecturer at Pitt’s Graduate School of Public and needed to do as an institution to become relevant in the International Affairs, she founded Philanthropy Forum. eyes of the foundation community,” says Niels. “It wasn’t “We’ve sought to expand the lens through which we see just about raising money; it was about showing how we are and appreciate what philanthropy is and who practices it,” an asset to the region.” says Buechel of the Forum. “I hope that each dimension of this project encourages more Pittsburghers to see

22 Thistletalk Summer 2016 themselves as part of this larger regional tradition of of Grantmakers of Western Pennsylvania, and on the philanthropy.” boards of Carlow University, YWCA of Greater Pittsburgh, Philanthropy Forum has brought a wide range of Women’s Center and Shelter, Oakland Catholic High thinkers to Pittsburgh from nationally and internationally School, Diocese of Pittsburgh, City of Pittsburgh Ethics known organizations, including the Ms. Foundation, Hearing Board, The World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh, Pew Charitable Trusts, Skoll Foundation, and Case Marian Manor, the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, and Foundation. The Forum’s web site, The Pittsburgh Riverlife. Philanthropy Project (storyline.gspia.pitt.edu), is a The “think also” credo remains a touchstone for treasure trove of stories, historic moments, and profiles Buechel in her work and her personal philanthropy. She about Pittsburgh philanthropy; Buechel is currently and her husband Fred Egler have made WT a philanthropic editing a companion book. priority for more than 20 years. Recently, she joined the The organizations counting Buechel among their Miss Mitchell Society with a bequest to Winchester champions include Independent Sector, the Conference Thurston. “Future generations of students will benefit as Board, and the Council on Foundations; she has served on they pass through WT, imbued with an ethic that is not the Advisory Board of the Pembroke Center for Teaching only dear to me, but in its straightforward simplicity a and Research on Women at Brown University and the quiet force for change,” says Buechel. “I want to be sure this national board of Women in Engineering Programs & credo remains vital and strong for future generations, and Advocates Network. Locally, she has served as president for the future of Pittsburgh.”

In 2002 Winchester Thurston created the Miss Mitchell Society to thank and recognize the many generous donors whose bequests and planned gifts continue to expand the vision of founder Dr. Mary A. Graham Mitchell. Including Winchester Thurston in your will or trust, or adding WT as a beneficiary of an insurance policy, IRA, or 401(k), is a smart way to provide future tax savings while making a sizable impact. And, every planned giving donor becomes a member of the Miss Mitchell Society—membership requires no particular gift or bequest amount. If you have made a provision for WT in your estate plans, we would love to welcome you as a member of the Miss Mitchell Society. For more information, or to let us know of your intentions, please contact Ashley Harper, Director of Advancement, at [email protected] or 412-578-3746. Miss Mitchell Society Members WT salutes the generosity and support of this very special group of alumnae/i and friends. Following are the current living members of our community who have remembered WT in their estate planning. Suzanne LeClere Robert I. Glimcher Pat Maykuth ’69 Susan Criep Santa-Cruz ’60 Barley ’52 Rosanne Isay Beverlee Simboli Jennifer M. Scanlon Loretta Lobes Benec ’88 Harrison ’56 McFadden ’55 Sheen Sehgal ’89 Barbara Abney Bolger ’52 Eugene S. Kerber J. Sherman McLaughlin, Molly Cannon Kathleen W. Buechel Elsa Limbach Honorary Alumnus Stevenson ’72 Marion Montgomery Louise Baldridge Kathleen L. Metinko ’91 Allyson Baird Sveda ’84 Colbourne ’52 Lytle ’51 Frances P. Minno Ruth Weimer Tillar ’41 Judith Rohrer Davis ’57 Carole Oswald Bee Jee Epstine Gaylen Westfall, Justine Diebold Markus ’57 Morrison ’56 Honorary Alumna Englert ’59 Gretchen Larson Henry Posner III Carol Spear Williams ’57 Anna-Stina Ericson ’44 Maslanka ’83 Kathy Zillweger Marga Matheny ’64 Putnam ’71

Please visit www.winchesterthurston.org/giving and click “Planned Giving: Miss Mitchell Society” for the complete list.

www.winchesterthurston.org 23 wt alumnae/i news

YOUNG ALUM LEADERSHIP CIRCLE Earlier this year, the next generation of alumnae/i leaders launched renewed efforts to develop stronger connections with one another and to give back to WT. Building on the Young Alum Leadership Council established in 2009, the Young Alum Leadership Circle (YALC) encourages graduates of the last two decades to stay involved with their fellow alumnae/i, share their expertise, and support the WT Fund. Co-chairs Jason Shavers ’00 and Abby Robinson Actor Jason Shavers ’00 (center), fellow Foster ’03 head the Steering Committee that thespian James Counihan ‘15 (L) and Ariel guides YALC initiatives. Find out how you can Stein ‘15 (R) following an Upper School assembly where Jason shared words of be an active part of the Leadership Circle by wisdom with the graduating Class of 2015. visiting www.winchesterthurston.org/alum.

Speaking at the April 19 Day of Gratitude, Abby Robinson Foster ’03 (with microphone) emphasizes to Upper School students that good philanthropy hinges on knowing the needs of a community, and asked students to let alumnae/i know ways that they can provide support. Pictured with Abby, (L-R) YALC Steering Committee member Ian Sullivan ’04, Matt Hannigan of The Sprout Fund, and Kristen Maser Michaels ’01. ALUMNAE/I CONNECTIONS Did you know that you can follow all of the latest updates on WT’s Facebook page? Be a WT ambassador— “like” us! Continue posting your updates at facebook.com/wtalums, tag Winchester Thurston Alums when you remember dear old WT, and be a part of alum Facebook groups. Make the most of your LinkedIn profile. Add WT to your LinkedIn profile and look under My Network to see who else in your profession or town is connected to Winchester Thurston.

Visit www.winchesthurthurston.org/alum to find friends and contacts through the online Alumnae/i Directory, update your alum profile, submit a Class Note, and learn about upcoming events.

24 Thistletalk Summer 2016 HOME FROM COLLEGE LUNCH WT welcomed back the Classes of 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015 to enjoy the company of friends and faculty at the annual Home from College Lunch in January. Joined by members of the senior class, recent graduates swapped stories about college life and caught up on what’s been happening at WT.

Zachary Hilton ’14 and Laurel Thompson ’14 Junior Dorian Epps and Tonya Armes ’14

Members of the 2015 Senior Gift Committee in front of the new recycling center. The class raised funds to enhance sustainable practices at WT. (L-R) Alexandra Uribe, Natalie Heywood, Justin Hare, and Elizabeth Siefert.

Members of the Class of 2014 (L-R) Alexandra ‘Ally’ Siegel, Charles Orr, and Kayla Goldstein.

THISTLETALK GOES DIGITAL Get a full gallery of photos from the Home from College Lunch at winchesterthurston.org/digitalthistle (L-R) Anastasia Jasiewicz ’13, performing arts teacher Mrs. Barbara Holmes, and Randon Bopp ’13.

www.winchesterthurston.org 25 wt alumnae/i news WT ON THE ROAD

Thanks to Ben Brody ’95 and his wife, Lauren, and to Elizabeth Samet ’86 and her husband, David Winitsky, for hosting alumnae/i receptions. These highly anticipated and engaging On the Road events provided Head of School Gary Niels with the opportunity to personally share highlights of the State of the School. Gathered at Lauren and Ben’s Manhattan home, NYC alums from the Class of 1943 to the Class of 2010 discovered that, in addition to their shared appreciation for WT, they are connected as professional colleagues, as neighbors, and even as parents of children who have attended the same New York school. Philadelphia area alums sampled local artisanal food and relived memories of their days at WT with Elizabeth and David in the eclectic Passyunk neighborhood.

(Front row L-R) Director of Alumnae/i Relations Linsey McDaniel A’96, Hannah Strong ’09, Phallon DePante ’08, Elizabeth Samet ’86, Emily “Tabby” Amerman Vagnoni ’65, James Vagnoni. (Back row L-R) Kristopher Pepper ’08, Marsia Gibel Seydoux ’77, Head of School Gary J. Niels, David Winitsky, Alex Wood, Brea Heidelberg ’02, Robert Nathenson ’01, Associate Head for External Affairs Maura Farrell.

(L-R) Brea Heidelberg ’02 and Emily (L-R) Kristopher Pepper ’08, Phallon “Tabby” Amerman Vagnoni ’65 DePante ’08, Hannah Strong ’09

(L-R) Hosts Elizabeth Samet ’86 WT ON THE ROAD PHILLY and husband David Winitsky

26 Thistletalk Summer 2016 WT ON THE ROAD NYC

(Kneeling L-R) Director of Alumnae/i Relations Linsey McDaniel A’96, Alexis Godlewski-Jackman ’88, Rachel Schmidhofer ’99, Sahar Ghaheri ’00, (Standing L-R) Drew Chelosky, Associate Head for External Affairs Maura Farrell, Advancement Assistant Emily Mente, Michael Brody ’99, Steele Tyler Filipek ’02, Ben Brody ’95, Matthew Grannemann ’94, Jamila Ponton Bragg ’92, Marguerite Tabor Yates ’43, Ellen Simonoff Picard ’63, Kerry Walk ’79, Francene Katz Oppenheimer ’81, Mary McKenna ’79, Brandilyn Dumas ’99, Zachary Hefferen ’98, Marthe ‘Molly’ Krause A’08, Lori Davis Polk ’99, Rosaleen Mahorter ’10, Gary J. Niels. (Not pictured) Jessica Schwartz Schapiro ‘06, Lauren Brody.

(L-R) Gary J. Niels and hosts Lauren and Ben Brody ’95 (L-R) Kerry Walk ’79, Ellen Simonoff Picard ’63, Mary McKenna ’79 HOST WT ON THE ROAD Have a little bit of WT and Pittsburgh wherever you are! Host a gathering or share your ideas for an alumnae/i event in your town. Contact Linsey McDaniel A’96, Director of Alumnae/i Relations, at [email protected].

www.winchesterthurston.org 27 class notes

1941 When Mary Minor Evans 1957 visited Frances ‘Fran’ 75th Reunion Oct 7 and 8 Phyllis Chinlund is enjoying Blasdell Hubbell at her life on the coast of Maine home she learned that Fran’s When Patricia ‘Pat’ Williams and is proud to announce photograph will be the Gilchrist graduated from Pitt, the publication of her new highlight of the Camera Club the war in Europe was just memoir, Looking Back from of Hilton Head Island exhibit over and she went to Berlin the Gate: A Story of Love, Art, at the Coastal Discovery to work as a civilian with the and Dementia published by Museum. U.S. Military Government for Maine Authors Publishing. Germany. Pat wrote a book From the unique perspective entitled It’s Midnight in Berlin: A Dana Spicer McCown ’54 of two careers, geriatric social True Story of an American Girl and her husband Bob in work and documentary film, in War Torn Berlin 1946-1947 India Phyllis confronts the cognitive that’s been published and is decline of her husband, available on Amazon. photographer Ray Witlin. Darin Geise Snyder sends Journals, photographs, and greetings to her classmates conversations bring the reader 1946 and hopes they are doing well. along on the rollercoaster of She is still busy with various 70th Reunion Oct 7 and 8 their lives and their move from activities including leading Manhattan to Maine. As Ray the Bay Village Community explores with his camera, the 1951 Council as co-president. book’s twin messages emerge: Darin’s grandchildren 65th Reunion Oct 7 and 8 the saving grace of creativity are growing up and one Mary Minor Evans ’55 (L) and enduring love. Phyllis will graduate next June in and Fran Blasdell Hubbell 1952 hopes that anyone interested California. ’55 (R) holding Fran’s in caring for people with Looking forward to seeing prize-winning photo dementia, creativity and aging, each other at their 60th Mount 1955 or the accomplishments of Holyoke College Reunion, WT grads can visit the website Barbara Abney Bolger and Frances Blasdell Hubbell 1956 is enjoying spending time www.phyllischinlund.com. Nita Dressler Argyres had 60th Reunion Oct 7 and 8 a wonderful telephone chat with WT friends. She writes that she “visited Linda recently. They agreed that After an extended illness Brown Beard not once last it will be good to see their Lynne Crookston Stull writes year, but twice. Recently, I WT classmates at their 65th that she is now “almost back spent a delightful few days Reunion in 2017! to my old self. I moved into with Mary Minor Evans a lovely, large mobile home and her husband, Bob. Soon park in December, not far 1954 I will be off to Costa Rica to from my home for the past 28 Dana Spicer McCown writes, photograph birds. On my way years in Cape Coral, FL. My “In spite of Bob breaking his from Hilton Head Island, SC son Brendan has completely hip three months before, we (where I live) to the airport revamped my home so now travelled to India in November in Ft. Lauderdale, I plan to it’s gorgeous! There are many to relive memories of our earlier have lunch with the Evans’ at activities for the residents, a visits there. Bob’s ‘young’ their winter “get-away”, and large clubhouse where there is protégé who became Deputy will spend a few days with a library, swimming pool, and Director of the Research Jeannie Murdoch Smith a large theatre room where Institute where we spent and her husband, John. What Phyllis Chinlund’s ’57 new they present famous and much time, invited us to come a treasure it is to be able to memoir, Looking Back not-so-famous people à la Las stay with them. I took the spend time with my wonderful from the Gate: A Story of Vegas. With over 600 homes opportunity to spend time with friends from long ago. I hope Love, Art, and Dementia here, there are many folks with the weavers whose heritage to ‘keep on my feet’ for a while whom one can be acquainted traditions I documented for my yet, and my door is always and befriend.” Master’s Degree. We also had open to you and yours.” the opportunity to be tourists.”

28 Thistletalk Summer 2016 class notes

1959 with her classmates last fall 1970 County in New York, is engaged and she plays bridge three and will be married to his Carolyn ‘Lyn’ Clark Pegg Jane Cauley, Sally Weigler days a week. fiancé, Krystie, this fall. Heidi writes, “This past year, as in Golden, and Jane Nash writes, “What a busy year this previous years, what’s most Holland were unable to is going to be for my husband significant in my life, other attend the October 2015 fall and me!” than family and the next reunion so they decided to generations, are educational have their own reunion in opportunities and advocacy NYC in December. Although 1975 by Witness for Peace in Latin disappointed to miss their 45th Randy Lyon Mayes had a America. This year has been at WT, they had a wonderful wonderful and serendipitous especially significant because time visiting. They went to lunch with Anne a week after I led a delegation see Beautiful: the Carole King Scheuermann last November to Honduras, Berta Caceres, Musical and the songs brought when Randy made a very a renowned and courageous back many memories of high brief pass through Pittsburgh. leader of the indigenous Lenca Joan Clark Davis ’65 school. Of course they also Anne’s Thai luncheon location people was assassinated were able to fit in some time posing by a thistle and happened to be on Mt. Royal due to her opposition to a for shopping! Jane writes, “We plaid bedecked tree at the Boulevard in the building hydroelectric dam project. all hope to make the next big Carnegie Museum of Art’s Randy’s father used to own! It is You can learn more about reunion, our 50th, and wonder “Holidays in the Highlands” fair to say that neither woman her life and work at www. where has the time gone!” wanted the conversation to end. witnessforpeace.org.” Scottish themed Christmas tree exhibit Randy took ‘Best of Show’ at the 2015 North Carolina State Fair 1961 in the ‘Culinary Preservation’ division and continues to hone 55th Reunion Oct 7 and 8 1966 her homesteading skills. 50th Reunion Oct 7 and 8 1965 Kristin Langley is still Margaret ‘Marny’ Riehl consulting in the insurance Peabody writes that “Class of industry as a problem solver. Jane Cauley ’70, Sally 65’ers Carol Heape, Cynthia She started a new contract in Weigler Golden ’70, and ‘Cynnie’ Pearson Turich, June and enjoyed travelling in Jane Nash Holland ’70 and my sister Becky and the interim. I, are headed for a Thelma 1973 and Louise road trip around Judith ‘Judy’ Uptegraff the Southwest. Starting and Spaeth and her husband Victoria Dym and director Randy Lyon Mayes’s ’75 ending in Vegas, this seven- Frank sold their optometry Banks Helfrich co-wrote a film, winning preserves day road trip has us visiting practice last year and have The Man with Elephant Hands. sites like Hoover Dam, Sedona, retired after 41 years. They Victoria also plans to assist Grand Canyon, Durango CO, will celebrate their 45th in directing to learn as much 1976 Aztec ruins, and many others. wedding anniversary this as she can from this talented, 40th Reunion Oct 7 and 8 At our age we really hope to do year. Although they will still award-winning filmmaker. something that needs to stay maintain a presence in North in Vegas!” 1977 Carolina where their children 1974 and grandchildren live, they Marsia Gibel Seydoux In recent years, Joan Clark have moved to Naples, FL. Heidi Kanterman Freedman writes, “I can’t believe that Davis has been doing a lot of Judy enjoyed connecting with recently retired after teaching almost 40 years have passed! travelling. She has now been a few of her WT classmates on for 35 years and is busier After five years living in Rio to all seven continents. Her Facebook and looks forward than ever! Heidi’s daughter de Janeiro, I have moved back most memorable trip was to to seeing them at their 50th Hillary and her husband Dan to Pennsylvania. I am on the Antarctica with the gorgeous Reunion this year. have an adorable two year- other side of the state in West scenery and all the penguins. old, Madelyn, and another Chester. My three children are The Taj Mahal in India, the grandchild is due this summer. 1971 grown. I am working now as a Pyramids in Egypt, and the They live in Connecticut and real estate agent in my town Great Wall of China were also 45th Reunion Oct 7 and 8 Heidi visits them as much and am involved in numerous fantastic sites. Joan enjoyed as she can. Her son, Andrew, activities like gardening, celebrating a 50th Reunion a police officer for Saratoga charity, and the arts. I hope I

www.winchesterthurston.org 29 will see some of you at our 40th 1981 Reunion next year.” 35th Reunion Oct 7 and 8

1979 Deborah ‘Debbie’ Leff Nancy Follansbee is in the Dutton and Lori Adelson immigration department of Derman met at Shanghai Cohen & Grigsby in Pittsburgh. Airport this past fall. Lori She writes, “I keep up with and her husband, Seth, were Monica Wolk James who leaving from their tour around went with me to Vanderbilt China as Debbie was arriving for a work-related trip. and lives in Atlanta with her (L – R) Linsey McDaniel A’96, ‘KC’ Henninger Sokol ’89, brilliant family.” Sheen Sehgal ’89, Vicki Taylor Stein ’89

Peggy Jo Vanderbeck home. Sheen’s friends and ocean for our 25th Reunion in Thomas writes, “Life as classmates included Kathryn October; I can’t believe it has a homeschool mom was ‘KC’ Henninger Sokol, been such a long time!” challenging and rewarding, Vicki Taylor Stein, and but I find my days are full even Linsey McDaniel A’96, who 1993 with my daughter, Shellby, enjoyed the magnificent view away at college. Shellby is Debbie Leff Dutton ’81 of Pittsburgh from Sheen’s Elisabeth ‘Lisa’ Bennington completing her sophomore (L) and Lori Adelson living room and wished her has formed her own firm, year as a Literature Major Derman ’81 (R) bon voyage on her upcoming Bennington Law Firm, LLC, at Patrick Henry College in travels to India. located on Ellsworth Avenue Virginia, and just returned in Shadyside and continues to 1986 litigate in the areas of divorce, from a college tour of Rome. 1991 I continue to teach piano 30th Reunion Oct 7 and 8 custody, and support law. Her lessons and am slowly growing 25th Reunion Oct 7 and 8 daughter Emma is enjoying my studio. I have also been Last July, Elizabeth Samet Kindergarten. taking art classes and really and her family relocated to Claire Bruyneel writes, “We enjoyed learning oil painting, Philadelphia, PA where she is had a rough year in 2015, 1996 something I never did as an the Vice President of Branding and the worst, for us, just 20th Reunion Oct 7 and 8 Industrial Designer. I have been and PR, and Creative Director happened as two terrorist co-teaching a Bible class and at the Destination Maternity attacks took place in Brussels Lauren Ober is the host of have found that both teachers Corporation which is the on March 22, 2016. Life is The Big Listen, a new weekly and students alike have been parent of both Motherhood becoming quite different show on WAMU 88.5, the richly blessed. For the past Maternity and A Pea in the as we cannot forget that NPR station in Washington, several years I have been Pod. Elizabeth’s boys Zeke, “something” can happen. We D.C. You can check it out at challenged with some health age 15, and Lex, age 12, are try to “keep calm and go on”, biglisten.org or on Twitter issues but have been grateful adjusting to urban life and but also have to make sure at @hearbiglisten. Lauren for recent improvement which attend a music magnet school that the kids are going safely also produces Orbital Path, has allowed me to resume some where she hopes they get the to school, usually by train. a podcast about space from activities and interests. My foundation to become rock We try to go to downtown PRX, and was recently a dear husband and I are looking stars. Her husband David Brussels to show that terror French American Foundation forward to retirement and continues to run a theater will not win but we also feel Immigration Journalism can’t wait to see what that new development company called better at home in the suburbs. Fellow in Russia. She tweets at season of life will hold for us!” The Jewish Plays Project, My husband Thomas still @oberandout. Her rescue dog, jewishplaysproject.org, where works as a lawyer. He started Raffie, doesn’t tweet. But he she sits on the advisory to play golf, loves it, and was does help her answer emails at board. Elizabeth and David followed on to the greens [email protected]. opened their new home to WT by our 12 year old daughter Laure. Antoine, age 10, is a alumnae/i for the On the Road 1999 Philadelphia event. field-hockey player. I still work as a judge of investigation and Emily Gropp Carlson’s try to get some breaks but I’m manuscript, I Have a Teacher, 1989 Peggy Jo Vanderbeck Thomas in charge of terrorism – quite won the 2016 Center for Book ’79 (R) with her daughter Over the holiday season, busy right now. My “break” is Arts Letterpress Chapbook Shellby (L) and husband Dan Sheen Sehgal hosted a still cooking, with love, mostly Competition judged by Mary (C), at Christmas canape and dessert potluck pastries and pies! I’m not Ruefle and Sharon Dolin. at her Mount Washington sure I’ll be able to cross the Mary Ruefle wrote about

30 Thistletalk Summer 2016 Emily’s work, “This intense, Kristen Maser Michaels 2003 remarkable, searing sequence is part of the team of local Abby Robinson Foster and takes, in seventeen steps, a women who rolled up their husband Michael Foster journey to that place where the sleeves to establish a store welcomed baby William ancient reciprocity between contributing to the stability Foster into their family the living and the dead (all and self-reliance of the in June 2015. He joins big but forgotten in a world of Wilkinsburg community. sister Beezie at their home in end-stopped sentences) is fully Modeled after Free Store Pittsburgh. Both are looking realized by a fragile mourner. 15104 in Braddock, PA, Free forward to WT Pre-K! Along the way, she becomes a Store Wilkinsburg distributes poet of steel and pure spirit.” donated goods to residents. Felise Dezen was named Emily’s chapbook of poems The Free Store currently Newlyweds David Peitzman employee of the month at New recounting her travels to operates out of a once-vacant ’07 and Maxine Pauley at York Presbyterian’s The Allen Lebanon during the Beruit storefront that was previously their March wedding. Hospital where she works as a invasion, Symphony No. 2, was home to a women’s boutique Psychiatric Social Worker. published by Argos Books last and, several years before that, a 2008 fall. Emily, her husband Sten, piano store. More information Sam Mindlin married and son Jules, welcomed baby is available at www. Robert ‘Bobby’ Allan, Stephanie Lotshaw last Ravi Iris to the world in March. freestorewilkinsburg.org. a recent graduate of the January. A number of WT University of North Carolina pals made it to Malibu for School of the Arts, appeared in 2002 2000 the wedding. Sam recently an episode of the SyFy series finished graduate work at Since 2007, Ian Pajer-Rogers Brea Heidelberg visited Dr. premiere of The Internet Ruined NYU in music technology, and has been privileged to work Naragon’s Politics class at WT My Life. Bobby is currently he and Steph live in Brooklyn. on a number of social justice to share her experience with living in Brooklyn, NY and is campaigns, including the nonprofit management and passage of the Affordable arts policy. Brea became the Care Act, organizing an effort Director of the Multicultural to move more than half-a- Studies program at Rider billion dollars out of big banks University in June. and into credit unions and community banks, and fighting to stop wage theft.

Jason Shavers and Connor (Mrozowski) McCanlus ‘07 shared the (L – R) Ben Boas, Alex Ruck ‘02, Sam Mindlin, Amy Nixon ‘73, Susie stage and stole the show Brea Heidelberg ‘02 (L) Finesman ‘73, Lisa Nixon Bishop ‘70, and Lisa Monheim Lampl ‘73 in Pittsburgh CLO’s spring and Dr. Naragon at Sam’s wedding. Not pictured: Jayne Mindlin Chase ‘75, Rachel production of the humorous hit Schmidhofer ‘99, and Joe Schmidhofer ‘02 Broadway Musical First Night. Lauren Radakovich Colosimo married Mr. 2006 performing with the St. Bart’s William Colosimo III on Players (Urinetown, Spelling July 3, 2015. 10th Reunion Oct 7 and 8 Bee as Vice Principal Panch). Bobby has also worked with the Little Radicals Theatrics 2007 (Addams Family the Musical) John Kanter graduated and Porchlight Productions from the Florida State (Altar Boyz, as Luke). University College of Medicine with an M.D. degree in May. His residence Connor (Mrozowski) will be in neurosurgery at McCanlus ’07 (L) and the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Jason Shavers ’00 (R) Lauren Radakovich Medical Center in New rehearsing for First Night Colosimo ’02 and her Hampshire. husband William 2001 Bobby Allan ‘08 \ 15th Reunion Oct 7 and 8

www.winchesterthurston.org 31 2009 him the school! Charlie worked attending classes, I continue with the WT boys tennis team participating as a member of Kevin Nguyen writes, “Joining and the WT Salsa Garden while Duke Environmental Alliance AmeriCorps as a middle and he was in Pittsburgh. and working as the newly high school teaching assistant elected Academic Chair of Mi might have been one of the Elena Falgione played Bottom Gente, a position designed best decisions I’ve made since in Seton Hill University’s to enrich the academic and graduating from Pitt. I’ve production of A Midsummer career experiences of minority faced many frustrations and Night’s Dream in November. students during and after their difficulties during my time time at Duke. with AmeriCorps, and there Kayla Goldstein is very will still be more to come Maggie Rogers ’11 and her excited to continue her before the end of the school husband Michael studies at Syracuse University year. However, the amount while pursuing a major in that I’ve learned and grown 2013 International Relations and has been worth every minute Modern Languages (Russian). I’ve spent in the classroom. Annie Jasiewicz’s dream She is excited to spend her This is my way of giving back has come true! Annie will be junior year studying in St. Alexandra Uribe ’15 at a to the community for all that working at the Pittsburgh Petersburg, Russia. Kayla Taekwondo tournament WT and my teachers did for Zoo and PPG Aquarium was recently elected to (middle row, behind trophy me. Find your passion, make it this summer. the Executive Board of her holder) happen, and always think also professional fraternity, Alpha of the comforts and the rights Natalie Adams spent her fall Phi Omega, with fellow WT of others.” semester in Washington, D.C. Honorary Alumnae/i alum Laurie Thompson. pursuing two internships: one in Senator Bob Casey’s Gaylen Westfall and Jane Morgan Gilbreath was L. Scarborough, Honorary accepted to participate in a office and the other at the 2015 Department of Education. Alumae, traveled to Virgin three-month fellowship this Justin Hare is doing very well Gorda, BVI in March. Gaylen spring at the Creative Glass In January she returned to the tundra of upstate New at Washington University in writes, “It was great to be Center of America (CGCA) at St. Louis. together—Jane is just as Wheaton Arts and Cultural York to continue her study of Comparative Literature at amazing as she always was!” Center in Millvale, NJ. This Alexandra Uribe Hamilton College. writes, “It artist’s residency will allow is hard to believe that almost Morgan concentrated time a year has gone by since creating her artwork alongside 2014 embarking on the college other glass artists. For over Ben Kostella plans to declare experience. The year has thirty years, the CGCA has a major in Political Science. He been full of challenging and encouraged artists from around writes, “I wish all the best to amazing opportunities, each the world to develop and refine those at dear ol’ WT. Keep on day promising to be more their work in an environment Gaylen Westfall (L) and keepin’ on!” exciting than the last. Some of that promotes experimentation the highlights include writing Jane L. Scarborough (R) with traditional and innovative Cecily Milligan is continuing for the Duke Chronicle, learning glassmaking techniques. More her undergraduate studies at Latin dances, and working information is available at Allegheny College and recently with Mi Gente, Duke’s Student www.wheatonarts.org. became a facilitator of the Next Latin American and Hispanic Chapter Book Club. Each week Organization. In addition, I 2 011 she reads with adults with participated with the Duke Taekwondo Team in the last 5th Reunion Oct 7 and 8 down syndrome. Eastern Collegiate Taekwondo

Conference tournament of the Maggie Rogers was married Charlie Orr took classes at year at Princeton University. on October 31, 2015 to Lt. the University of Pittsburgh We placed first in our division Sally Allan (rear), WT Visual Michael Houghton. Molly this semester as he prepares and returned with three Arts Department Chair, and Ostrow was one of her to transfer to State University gold medals, three bronze Gaylen Westfall (front) in the bridesmaids, and Jennifer of New York College of medals and a silver medal. In Italian Alps Shields and Sally Loevner Environmental Science and April, I competed with the also made it down to Charlotte, Forestry (SUNY-ESF) in Duke Taekwondo Team at NC for the ceremony and Syracuse, NY this fall. He Nationals in Colorado. When reception. thanks Kayla Goldstein and Laurie Thompson for showing not practicing for Nationals or

32 Thistletalk Summer 2016 Here’s to the next big step.

Congratulations, Class of 2016. WT’s Class of 2016 is ready to take the next step to the nation’s finest colleges and universities. We are thrilled to share this list of some of the outstanding schools to which these students were admitted. Allegheny College Columbus College Indiana University Rochester Institute of University of Maryland American University of Art and Design Bloomington Technology University of Michigan Bard College Denison University Jacobs University Sarah Lawrence College University of Pennsylvania Boston College Dickinson College Lehigh University Smith College University of Pittsburgh

WT’s Class of 2016 is ready to take the next step to the nation’s finest colleges and universities. We are thrilled to share this list of some of the outstanding schools to which these students were admitted. Boston University Drew University New York University Spelman College University of Southern Brown University Duke University Northeastern University Stanford University California Bryn Mawr College Franklin & Marshall College Northwestern University Swarthmore College University of Virginia Bucknell University Hampton University Oberlin College The George Washington University of Wisconsin, Carlow University Harvard University Pennsylvania State University Madison Carnegie Mellon University Haverford College University The New School Vanderbilt University Case Western Reserve Hofstra University Princeton University Tulane University Washington University University Howard University Rensselaer Polytechnic University of California, West Chester University Colgate University Illinois Institute of Institute San Diego Yale University Columbia University Technology Rhode Island School University of Chicago of Design

IN MEMORIAM Vivian Copeland Reed ’31 Rita J. Gould ’46 Mary Gordon Kraft A’32 Emily Seaberg Barends- The following members of the Louise Darling Luria W’35 Morse ’47 WT community will be missed Martha Johnston Reed ’49 by their classmates, friends, Barbara Foster Mars ’41 Virginia Lester Burns ’54 students, and colleagues. We Mary Barnhart Trainer ’42 Sara Otto ’60 offer sincere condolences to Janet Eisenbeis Johnson ’43 their families. Joyce Runk Wenston ’43 Phyllis Novick Silverman ’76 Alice Pitcher Dibble ’44

www.winchesterthurston.org 33 Winchester Thurston School Nonprofit Org. 555 Morewood Avenue U.S. Postage Pittsburgh, PA 15213 PAID www.winchesterthurston.org Pittsburgh, PA Permit No. 145

SAVE THE DATE Reunion 2016

Join us for alumnae/i weekend on October 7 and 8. Class years ending in ’1 and ‘6 will celebrate special class reunions. To volunteer to get plans underway for your class celebration, contact Linsey McDaniel A’96 at [email protected], post a message in your class Facebook Group, or call 412-578-7511. Hall of Fame Find out who will be honored at Winchester Thurston’s second Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, taking place during Reunion.

34 Thistletalk Summer 2016