TheBall on St. Thomas’s Day School Magazine for Alumni, Parents & Friends • Spring 2015

2015 SCIENCE FESTIVAL Exploring, Investigating, and Discovering Spring 201 5 contents

1 Message from Head of School, Gina Panza 3 Meet the New Members of the Board of Managers 4 Alumni Events 8 Accreditation 11 New Teachers 12 Spring Gala 14 In and Around the St. Thomas’s Community 18 Class of 2008: Where Are They Now? 19 Retirement Celebrations 20 Alumni Notes 28 Class of 2014 29 Legacy Society

Cover: Fifth grade students share their Science Festival projects with Kindergartners. Additional Photography: Jenna McNamee and Andrew Koh A Message from Gina Panza, Head of St. Thomas’s Day School

The strength and success community was engaged in a wide range of of St. Thomas’s Day fascinating activities and new initiatives. School emanates from our powerful mission Community outreach was front and center in the statement. It is the polestar minds of our children. How proud I am of our that has guided us through sixth graders for kicking off their first annual Small seasons of change and Change for Big Changes school-wide penny drive this growth. Over the years a past fall! This project based learning experience great deal has changed, but provided our children with a unique opportunity the core values that bind to support a local charity of their own choosing. us together as a diverse Our sixth graders also led the School’s efforts to community working raise funds as part of New Haven’s Ebola Drive in together to educate support of Freetown, Sierra Leone, New Haven’s children broadly by cultivating intelligence while sister city. These new initiatives are in addition to engaging heart and spirit endure. our traditional community outreach that includes the ongoing food and clothing drives to benefit the As we celebrate the success of our CAIS Decennial Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry; toy, hat, and mitten Reaccreditation, we look to the future with excited drives in support of Farnam Neighborhood House; anticipation. This past October, the CAIS Visiting and our students donating their time and energy in Committee commended the St. Thomas’s Day School support of Sunday in the Park, which provides funds community for their commitment to its mission. The to support, maintain, and restore Edgerton Park. Committee was struck by the power of our mission, awed by our children and our program! They We were the first school nationwide to participate recognized our students to be living examples of our in a special learning opportunity at Yale University. 1 Message from Head of School, Gina Panza commitment to character education. They observed Our sixth graders were invited to join the Yale kindness and empathy in the way our students University Art Gallery in launching a Portal 3 Meet the New Members of the Board of Managers interacted with one another and their teachers, and connecting the citizens of New Haven and Tehran, 4 Alumni Events they identified our school as a diverse and welcoming Iran this past February. Thanks to the power of learning community, where children from a variety of technology our students had an opportunity to 8 Accreditation cultures and religions are celebrated. virtually communicate with students in Tehran. New Teachers Conversations centered on issues of daily life. Our 11 The Visiting Committee recognized St. Thomas’s students were surprised to learn about Tehran’s 12 Spring Gala Day School as a lively place where children are single sex school system and amazed to learn that actively engaged in learning, where the special students on the other side of the world also ate 14 In and Around the St. Thomas’s Community qualities of childhood — exuberance, a sense of peanut butter! 18 Class of 2008: Where Are They Now? wonder, imagination, creativity and innovation — are nurtured while promoting academic excellence The year included establishing a Diversity Task 19 Retirement Celebrations through a dynamic, supportive, and structured Force, comprised of parents, teachers, and 20 Alumni Notes program. They recognized and commended us for administrators. This newly formed group spent our ability to come together as a community to work much of this past winter reflecting on the history of 28 Class of 2014 collaboratively in support of our students. diversity at St. Thomas’s Day School by examining 29 Legacy Society past diversity initiatives and brainstorming ways Dynamic and meaningful experiences highlighted we might take our school to the next level. Some the 2014-2015 school year. Every facet of our immediate actions included the creation of a school-

1 Message from Gina Panza

wide diversity statement to guide future work. This Head of School for nine independent schools, statement will be made available to everyone this including four Episcopal schools. We look forward summer. Please be on the lookout for our newly to working closely with Mr. Eanes. created diversity channel on the STTS website. As I noted in an earlier , I firmly believe We also spent time reaffirming the amazing work Balloon traditions foster stability in the midst of transition that is already happening at our School. Our goal and center us during times of change. I am pleased for next year is to invite Upper School students to to report our new faculty members have experienced provide their input on our task force as we consider much success as they complete their first year at our opportunities for increased curriculum integration school. They wholeheartedly embrace the traditions and diverse school-wide celebrations. We also look we hold near and dear and have brought us a fresh forward to sending faculty representatives to the perspective with new traditions that already have NAIS Annual People of Color Conference (POCC) been woven into the fabric of our school. in February 2016. Looking ahead to next year, our community will be Last year, our faculty determined a need to upgrade celebrating Father Michael Ray’s retirement. We our Technology Plan and identify organic ways to look forward to honoring Father Ray’s contributions integrate this plan with our current library program. during his tenure at St. Thomas’s at Family Day on This process included affirming our beliefs about September 20, 2015. Please save the date and plan student learning and the role of technology. We on attending this special day. view technology as a tool to support, enrich, and deepen student learning, and not as a replacement As I reflect on this past year, I would like to thank for the teacher. Other elements of the plan include the Board of Managers for successfully guiding the acquisition of additional equipment as well as me through my second year as Head of School the reallocation of devices throughout our building. at St. Thomas’s Day School. I am deeply grateful I look forward to sharing our progress as we work to Jennifer McTiernan, Board Chair, for her sage together to create a roadmap for the upcoming advice, support, encouragement, and thoughtful 3-5 years. insights. A very special thank you to all members of our community for their support in assuring This year we witnessed the first phase of the STTS St. Thomas’s Day School continues its legacy of Greening Initiative, spearheaded by students, offering an exceptional educational experience, teachers, parents, and administrators. Single grounded in the core values that have been integral stream recycling has been initiated and Student to our School for the past 58 years. “Green” Representatives from each class encourage participation, monitor, and collect recycling. The Warmly, School is researching other possible initiatives to encourage sustainability, conservation, and environmental education. Gina Panza Our Board of Managers has initiated a long-term Head of School Strategic Planning process to begin in September 2015. We are fortunate to have the expertise of Michael Eanes to serve as our consultant to assist us in this process. Mr. Eanes is a frequent presenter at NAIS and CAIS workshops and past Headmaster at the Gunnery School. He also has served as Interim

2 Meet the New Members of the Board of Managers

Gina Criscuolo, Greg Mokotoff, Representing the PTO Representing the PTO Gina is the Chief Financial Greg is a pediatric dentist Officer for All Panel Systems, and the Managing Partner LLC. She is a CPA who has of Kids First Pediatrics and spent fifteen years in public Orthodontics in Fairfield. He accounting. Gina graduated is a graduate of the University from Southern Connecticut of Vermont and completed State University with a B.S. his pediatric dental residency in Accounting. Gina is active in the St. Thomas’s at Temple University Hospital. Additionally, he Day School community where she has served as received an M.B.A. from Fairfield University. Greg Treasurer on the PTO Executive Committee for has been recognized as one of Connecticut’s “Top the past five years. In addition, she chaired the PTO Dentists” for the past five years by Connecticut Nominating Committee, co-chaired the Mom’s Night Magazine. He enjoys coaching youth soccer. Also, as Out Committee, and she was a member of the Gala an Eagle Scout, he now serves as a Cub Scout leader. Committee. Gina and her husband, Lou, reside in Greg and his wife, Heather, have three children, North Haven. They have two sons, Louis (grade 5) and Jackson ’18 and Olivia ’20, at St. Thomas’s and a Nicholas (grade 3), who have attended St. Thomas’s younger daughter, Samantha. Day School since Junior Kindergarten. Gina and Lou are active members in their parish, St. Barnabas Church, Rebecca Streeter, and in the North Haven community. Gina and Lou President of the PTO, are committed to raising funds for the American Lung Ex-Officio Association’s annual Fight For Air Climb-New Haven. Rebecca joins the Board as the current president of the Michael Fournier, Parent Teacher Organization. Representing the Vestry Her two daughters attend Michael has lived in West Haven St. Thomas’s Day School. for ten years with his wife, At St. Thomas’s Rebecca has Jennifer, and two teen-aged also served as the PTO Vice President, Room children, Emma and Christian. Representative Co-Chair, Outreach Committee He was born and raised on Co-Chair, and Room Representative. Rebecca the Connecticut shoreline and received a B.A. in religion from Columbia College currently works as a manager in and an M.D. from Columbia University College the automotive industry. He and his wife joined the of Physicians and Surgeons. She completed her St. Thomas’s parish four years ago and quickly fell in residency training in internal medicine at New love with the parish and its members. Father Ray has York Presbyterian Hospital-Columbia University been very welcoming and performed the ceremony Medical Center. Fellowship training in adult to renew Jennifer’s and his wedding vows during cardiology at Yale New Haven Hospital brought her a special Sunday mass. Michael joined the Vestry to New Haven. Rebecca practices cardiology with in 2012 to offer his help in continuing to grow the Cardiology Associates of Fairfield County where parish and preserve the future of the Church and he she has clinical interests in non-invasive imaging, looks forward to assisting on the Board of Managers preventive cardiology, and congestive heart failure. for St. Thomas’s Day School.

3 2014 Alumni Events Young Alumni Night

St. Thomas’s Day School was excited to welcome back alumni from the classes of 2008-2013 for our annual Young Alumni Night on Wednesday, April 23, 2014. In addition to reminiscing, socializing, and catching up with friends, the event was an opportunity to meet Head of School Gina Panza.

4 5 Inaugural New Haven Receptions

On Friday, May 30, 2014, St. Thomas’s Day School held its inaugural New Haven alumni reunion. This gathering was followed by our first-ever Thanksgiving reunion, which was held on Friday, November 28, 2014. Both receptions were held at 116 Crown in New Haven. Alumni in attendance represented classes ranging from 1983- 2007. Both gatherings were a huge success as alumni, alumni parents, and current and past faculty came out to celebrate together and rekindle memories from their days at St. Thomas’s Day School. Thank you to all who attended and we look forward to seeing you at our next New Haven alumni reunion.

6 Alumni Parent Association Gathering

The 4th annual Alumni Parent Association gathering was held on October 2, 2014 at Sage American Grill & Oyster Bar in New Haven. Former parents, faculty, and staff of St. Thomas’s Day School enjoyed reconnecting, reminiscing, and renewing while dining and listening to the sound of steel drums. Following a warm welcome by event co-chair, Lauren Pinzka (P ’07, ’09), Head of School, Gina Panza gave an update on the state of the School and introduced new faculty. Maria Freda (P ’06), new Grade 1 assistant, shared her perspective on the dedication and commitment of the faculty and staff at St. Thomas’s.

7 Ten Year Accreditation Granted!

By Gina Panza, Head of School, Roxanne Turekian, Assistant Head, and Miriam Battista, Development & Communication Director

St. Thomas’s Day School received glowing reviews on every component — from mission and curriculum to faculty and student experience — in the Visiting Committee report from the Connecticut Association of Independent Schools (CAIS). The final report was issued in January 2015 following the Committee’s four day on-site visit in October 2014; the final phase of our decennial accreditation process. The five member Visiting Committee unanimously agreed St. Thomas’s is an extraordinary school. They described the School using words and phrases such as, “an amazing school”…“great academic skills and exciting leadership opportunities”…“children receive the whole package every single day”…“a great visit”. The School was given a ten year accreditation and a vetted set of goals that will guide us in our upcoming strategic planning process.

For the first time in thirty-two years, St. Thomas’s past practices and an opportunity to reflect on ways Day School initiated a Self-Study Report under a we can meet the challenging demands of providing new Head of School. The Self-Study process in a 21st century education for our students. As we preparation for the reaccreditation provided an went through this intensive examination, there was excellent opportunity for all constituencies of the consensus about what we do well and agreement School to connect with one another during a time of about areas of challenge that demand our attention in transition. It offered us an extensive review of our order for us to go forward with passion, energy, and a renewed spirit.

In preparation for the October 2014 visit, the entire faculty and staff were engaged in writing and creating the 110 page Self-Study Report. Throughout the 2013-2014 school year, we gathered data and necessary information and worked in committees to create the final document. Writing this report proved to be an extremely informative and reflective process. It was an opportunity for us to give shape to the future direction of our school and identify the steps that are necessary for us to realize our vision.

Of the more than 35 commendations from the Visiting Committee, they specifically recognized our commitment to our mission and commended “the entire St. Thomas’s Day School constituency for creating a vibrant, rigorous and caring school

8 community.” It was obvious to the Visiting The Self-Study Report is our story; who we have Committee that St. Thomas’s Day School is deeply been, who we are, and who we aspire to be. It committed to, and proud of, its mission. The mission captures with honesty an emerging consensus about captures the essence of the School and is what makes our strengths and growth opportunities. As we look St. Thomas’s such a remarkable place. to the future, the work of the Strategic Planning Committee will help identify ways to further enhance “The Visiting Committee commends the School’s our exceptional program. We embrace the principle new Head of School, administration and faculty of self-improvement and are eager to excel in our for fully embracing and living the School’s responsibilities to our students. This exercise in mission in a highly visible, committed manner. analysis and planning proved to be the perfect vehicle The fulfillment of the School’s mission is reflected for us to get to know one another through frank and open conversations. This process brought us together daily in the excellent academic outcomes, the as a community and validated that we truly are “a wonderful, positive character and empathy small school where big things happen.” of the children and the sheer love of learning exhibited by students, making St. Thomas’s a “I am grateful to the CAIS Visiting Committee for school experience highly valued and supported their guidance and wisdom in identifying areas of focus that we should consider,” says Head of School by both students and their parents.” – Visiting Gina Panza. As we embrace these challenges with Committee Report

“After reading the Self-Study Report we had very high expectations; and our expectations were exceeded.” - Mark Griffin, CAIS Visiting Committee Chair

9 10 Year Accreditation Granted!

vigor and vitality, we remain hopeful that we will continue to grow as a school community dedicated to the intellectual, moral, emotional, spiritual, and social development of our children. With insights we gained from this self-examination and recommendations from the Visiting Committee, we look to the future with anticipation and optimism as we reshape and reaffirm our commitment to provide a model 21st century education for our children.

Other Commendations: The Visiting Committee commends the School for its support of individual teachers in their use of technology. The Visiting Committee commends the teachers in their ability to demonstrate the mission of the School through their teaching and interaction with the students. The Visiting Committee commends St. Thomas’s commitment to carefully examine and develop curriculum that focuses on culturally diverse learners using book lunches, diverse text, holiday celebrations and months of theme study. The Visiting Committee commends St. Thomas’s for addressing all needs recommended by the CAIS Commission on Technology. The Visiting Committee commends the School for recruiting and retaining a strong, competent, vibrant faculty throughout the entire program. New and veteran teachers alike have embraced the St. Thomas’s mission wholeheartedly and evidence of their commitment is visible in each and every classroom of the School. The Visiting Committee commends the Head of School for a successful transition following a long standing Head and for undertaking the Self-Study process in her first year of leadership at St. Thomas’s Day School. The Visiting Committee commends the School for its commitment to using numerous assessments as a tool for determining a developmentally appropriate program of study for each of its students. The Visiting Committee commends the School for having many effective internal and external communications featuring recently implemented vehicles such as the re- launched website, the SchoolReach system and the Heads Up quarterly newsletter. The Visiting Committee commends the School for its management of the School’s accounting, auditing and budgeting processes and for its stewardship of debt, cash flows and endowment funds.

10 New Teachers

Craig Bottiger, Grade One Teacher Craig Bottiger joins St. Thomas’s Day School as first grade teacher. Prior to teaching at St. Thomas’s, Craig taught third grade in a public school and was a pre-Kindergarten teacher in three different schools (two in Missouri and one in Connecticut). Craig was a substitute teacher for one year at St. Thomas’s and knew he wanted to work here. He was attracted to the environment and spirit of the school. From left: Jennifer Highsmith Brooks ’93, Third Grade Teacher; Molly Craig perceives a quality of gentleness DeLeone, Physical Education Teacher; Sarah Walters, Grade Two Teacher; among the student population that and Craig Bottiger, Grade One Teacher is very different from any other school where he has worked. Craig loves the sense of Physical Education majors. As part of her graduate community that is affirmed each day in Chapel when work, Molly worked at the Willie Ross School for the we recite A Prayer for the World to “Make this a better Deaf. Molly is excited to work at a school that offers world, and let it begin with me.” Craig graduated with Physical Education classes several times per week. an Elementary Education degree from Northwest Missouri State University. Sarah Walters, Grade Two Teacher We are delighted to welcome Sarah Walters as second Jennifer Highsmith Brooks ’93, grade teacher. Sarah comes to us with fifteen years Grade Three Teacher of teaching experience; primarily in first and second We are thrilled to welcome back Jennifer Highsmith grade. Prior to joining St. Thomas’s Day School, Brooks to St. Thomas’s Day School! Jenn, who graduated Sarah worked as a Classroom Teacher and Educational in 1993, has joined St. Thomas’s as third grade teacher. Consultant at The Children’s School in Stamford, Following her graduation from St. Thomas’s, Jenn Connecticut. Sarah also has worked as an Adjunct attended Hamden Hall and graduated with a degree in Professor in the Education Department at Long Island European History from Northwestern University. Jenn University, a Staff Developer at Chaplin Elementary earned her Master of Arts in Elementary Education from School, and as a Kindergarten Consultant and Literacy Quinnipiac University and her Master Degree in Special Consultant at Bronx Charter School for Better Education from University of Saint Joseph. Prior to Learning. As an educator, Sarah was drawn to St. joining St. Thomas’s, Jenn was a teacher in the Hamden Thomas’s as she found it to be a school where children and New Haven public school systems. Although much thrive, love to learn, and explore their world through has changed since Jenn was a student, the wonderful experiential learning, field trips, plays, etc. Sarah balance of academics and celebrating childhood combined shared the story of her first visit to St. Thomas’s. It was with creative projects and hands-on experiences remain a snowy, icy morning and Sarah fell and cut her knee critical parts of the St. Thomas’s experience. as she walked to the school – not an auspicious way to begin her visit. However, as soon as she walked in the Molly DeLeone, Physical Education Teacher front door, she “immediately felt something special Molly DeLeone recently graduated from Springfield and calmed down.” She ended up having a great visit College where she earned her BS and MS in Adapted despite a difficult morning. Sarah knew St. Thomas’s Physical Education. During graduate school, Molly Day School was the right choice for her as well as for was a teaching fellow working with undergraduate her two children, Sierra and Jose.

11 Spring Gala 2014: A Night in the Caribbean

Guests took a trip to the Caribbean We thank those who gave services, time, expertise, on May 10, 2014 as St. Thomas’s Day and assistance to the Spring Gala: School held its annual spring gala at David Gibson: Auctioneer – Live Auction the School. Proceeds from the event Lisa Lovejoy: Decorating/Flowers were used in support of technology. Kirby Mahoney: Lighting More than 100 supporters came out Elisa Billings: Class Baskets for a magical evening that included a delicious Sandy Chang: Auction Items meal prepared by Soul de Cuba Cafe, dancing, and Soul de Cuba Cafe: Food conversation with friends. Peter and Monica DiAdamo: Beverage Sponsor Gala Chair: Melissa (’82) and Duncan Goodall, Koffee: Melissa Callender Coffee Donation

12 13 In and Around the St. Thomas’s Community

STUDENTS SCORE HIGH IN SPECIAL PRESENTERS: MATH ASSESSMENT: ANNIE MURPHY PAUL, author, consultant, and St. Thomas’s Day School students participated speaker, was invited to speak at St. Thomas’s Day in a pilot assessment program conducted by the School in December 2014. A large group of parents, Connecticut Association of Independent Schools faculty and staff were enlightened by her presentation, (CAIS) to measure math competencies at Connecticut Brilliant: The Science of How We Get Smarter, which independent schools. The test, Connecticut addressed the question, what makes people smart? Independent School Test of Mathematics (CISTM), is Annie Murphy Paul believes it is “profoundly a professionally designed replica of the TIMSS, The influenced by factors like the amount of sleep and International Math Test. Doug Lyons, President of exercise we get; by the way we take in new knowledge the CAIS, shared the following with Head of School and the techniques we use to commit material to Gina Panza: “The goal of the CISTM is to provide memory; by our reaction to mistakes and how we Connecticut Independent Schools with a benchmark handle distractions; by the information we glean from comparison relative to students in the 26 countries in classmates and coworkers and the roles we occupy in the TIMSS sample. St. Thomas’s Day School’s average our organizations.” student score falls in the highest band possible: The St. Thomas’s Day School hosted breakfast and average student score places the school at or above the conversation with BILL BROWN (P ’82, GP ’15, ’19), achievement level of the countries in the top decile Director of the Eli Whitney Museum, on February 6 of performance (Singapore and Chinese Taipei). You as part of our annual week-long Science Festival. Bill’s and the faculty at St. Thomas’s Day School should be presentation, Sense/ability in Science, discussed ten proud of this result.” rules that guide what we do in our work. Following SIXTH GRADER CHOSEN AS the presentation, parents were encouraged to visit the Science Festival as upper school students shared their NUTMEG READER: projects with first graders. Congratulations to sixth grader Ruari Putnam for being chosen to serve on the 2017 Intermediate NUTMEG BOOK AWARD SELECTION COMMITTEE as a Student Reader. The committee is comprised of thirteen adults and two students. There were more than 30 applications from students around the state for the two committee positions. As a committee member, Ruari will be expected to read all 120- 130 books on the list over a ten month period. The committee meets five times during the selection process (January-October) to discuss the books and STUDENTS PARTICIPATE vote on possible award nominees and alternate titles. IN A PORTAL TO TEHRAN: At the last meeting in November, the committee will Sixth grade students were invited to join the Yale meet to choose the final ten nominees and alternate University Art Gallery on Tuesday, February 24, 2015 titles. Congratulations, Ruari! in launching a PORTAL connecting the citizens of New

14 Haven and Tehran, Iran in conversations about daily Connecticut’s communities.” In total, the students life. The PORTALS are gold shipping containers that collected approximately $175.00 in support of IRIS. are equipped with immersive audio-video technology. St. Thomas’s Day Yale Law School student Amar Bakshi is the founder School joined of Shared Studios, a design collective that launched other New Haven the Portals to get everyday people from very different schools by holding cultures standing face to face and talking – virtually a QUARTER so. Our sixth graders entered the Portal and had an DRIVE in support opportunity to speak with students in Tehran. This of Citizens to project was launched in New York City in December Drive Out Ebola, 2014 and received press from around the world. chaired by Althea Norcott (P ’87, ’91), chairwoman of the Freetown- New Haven Sister City Committee. Funds raised were used to purchase medical transport vans, medical supplies, and protective equipment. Althea was the featured speaker at our annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Chapel service on January 15, 2015. ROBOTICS: More than 20 students in Grades 4-6 spent several months learning basic programming to make robots complete tasks: move backward, forward, execute turns, and use sensors for following lines to get out of a box. The St. Thomas’s Day School ST. THOMAS’S GOES GREEN: Robotics Team will use these programming skills when St. Thomas’s Day School initiated single stream they participate in the ROBOnanza competition at recycling this year. Containers for collection of Greenwich Academy on Saturday, May 2, 2015. The recyclables have been placed in all classrooms and theme of this year’s ROBOnanza is BOTS OF THE office spaces. Student “Green” Representatives collect ROUND TABLE. and empty the containers into the recycling dumpster at the end of every day. Sustainability and conservation efforts throughout the School are ongoing and we look forward to implementing additional initiatives. COMMUNITY OUTREACH: The sixth grade launched their SMALL CHANGE FOR BIG CHANGES project in December 2014. Teams of sixth graders presented research on three New Haven community organizations during Chapel services. Following the presentations, the children in the school voted on the organization they wanted to support with a school-wide penny drive. Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services (IRIS) was the organization selected by the children. IRIS helps “refugees and other displaced people establish new lives, regain hope, and contribute to the vitality of

15 In and Around the St. Thomas’s Community

TECHNOLOGY: THE ARTS THRIVE AT ST. THOMAS’S: St. Thomas’s Day School launched a newly The New Haven Lawn Club hosted a ST. THOMAS’S designed WEBSITE (www.stthomasday.org) last DAY SCHOOL ART SHOW of “Jazz Cats” inspired summer! The new website uses drop down menus with by the collage art of Romare Bearden and the music updated information. The new site uses a responsive of Charlie Parker. These vibrant, energetic paintings design to provide optimization for smart phones, included in the show were painted by students in last year’s first grade class under the direction of Art Teacher tablets and desktops. Updates and improvements to the Jan Nichols in collaboration with Grade One Teacher site will continue so that it best serves our community. Craig O’Connell. Included in the show were Watercolor Last fall, with funds generously provided by the Landscapes painted by last year’s fifth grade class, also St. Thomas’s PTO, the school purchased 21 under the direction Jan Nichols. These landscape CHROMEBOOK LAPTOP COMPUTERS for use paintings were inspired by the Connecticut paintings of the Hudson River School impressionists. An Art in the Grade 5 and Grade 6 classrooms. Fifth and Opening reception for the artists and their families was Sixth graders were each assigned a laptop to share held at The New Haven Lawn Club on May 8. from a cart located in the landing at the top of the stairs from the all-purpose room. This has meant A collection of third grade artwork was on display at that the equipment has been readily available only a Christopher Martins Restaurant during the month of few steps from the classrooms. June 2014. The children in last year’s third grade class Chromebooks are designed to support Google apps created snow leopard artwork under the direction of Jan Nichols. An Art Opening for the entire St. Thomas’s such as Gmail, Google Docs, and Presentations. It’s a community was held at Christopher Martins on June cloud-based system, where students create projects and 8. Christopher Martins will be hosting a show of then have the ability to share them online with their Kindergarten artwork during the month of June 2015. classmates and teachers. Judging from the log sheets students fill out when retrieving or returning their equipment, the Chromebooks have been used multiple Below left: Grade One “Jazz Cats” on display at the New Haven Lawn Club. Below right: Grade Three “Snow Leopards” at times each day by virtually every student. It’s been one Christopher Martins Restaurant. of the big tech success stories of the year! The positive experience with these devices is leading us to expand the program to include Grade 4. In addition, plans are being made to use Chromebooks and headphones to create a language lab in the Spanish classroom.

16 In and Around the St. Thomas’s Community

Students in grades four through six saw a special ELIZABETH ALEXANDER (P ’10, ’11), speaker at performance by the ALVIN AILEY AMERICAN the 2014 St. Thomas’s Day School graduation, wrote DANCE COMPANY. The dance troupe a beautiful story that was published in the New Yorker. performed excerpts from Revelations, their signature Her memoir, The Light of the World, was published choreographic work comprised of a suite of dances in April 2015. A reading and book signing was held set to spirituals and blues music that tells the story of on April 22, 2015 at the Yale University Art Gallery. African-American faith and tenacity from slavery to Elizabeth also wrote an article for the New York Times freedom. Many of our students were truly impressed about Maya Angelou, In a Commanding Literary by this powerful experience. Voice, Maya Angelou Sang Out to the World, which was published in May 2014. YOUR TIME TO SHINE! played a concert for the St. Thomas’s community on January 30, 2015. Your Time to Shine! is an exciting variety show featuring talented youth and aspiring professional singers, musicians, and dancers. More than 40 members of the St. Thomas’s community attended this year’s trip to the JAZZ STANDARD in New York City on March 8, 2015. It was a fantastic afternoon of extraordinary jazz and award-winning barbecue from Blue Smoke. FACULTY AND STAFF continue to serve on Connecticut Association of Independent School (CAIS) Boards and Commissions. GINA PANZA serves on the Board for CAIS and KIRBY MAHONEY serves on the Commission on Professional Development. GINA PANZA attended KARYL EVANS (P ’06) was honored by the Arts the National Association of Independent School Council of Greater New Haven in December 2014. (NAIS) 2014 Institute for New Heads in Atlanta, The theme of the Arts Award Luncheon was Small Georgia. Several of our teachers attended Seedlings City, Big Art. According to the Arts Council, “With Educators Collaborative summer workshops, which her Connecticut Public Television documentaries, were held June 26-July 2, 2014. KIRBY MAHONEY, including ‘Grove Street Cemetery: City of the Dead, POLLY MAHONEY, POLINA MANN, NORINE City of the Living’ and ‘Creating the Peabody’s PAGE, and MAGGIE RAHE participated in the Torosaurus: Dinosaur Science, Dinosaur Art,’ Emmy workshops and returned to school with new strategies, Award-winning filmmaker Evans has skillfully shared curriculum integration plans, practical materials, stories of extraordinary treasures and institutions that connections to community resources, and much more. have contributed to the region’s rich cultural history.” The teachers shared their experiences with the faculty ALANNA SHRADER (P ’08, ’11) was elected to and staff during our beginning of school faculty the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) in 2014. workdays. Scientists are elected by their peers to membership CHAPLAIN TRACY JOHNSON RUSSELL was in the NAS in recognition of their distinguished offered a new position as Rector of St. Monica’s and continuing achievements in original research. Episcopal Church in Hartford beginning in January Membership in the NAS is considered one of the 2015. On December 11, the children celebrated highest honors that a scientist can receive. Chaplain Tracy’s years of service at St. Thomas’s with song and fond memories of her time with us.

17 Class of 2008: Where Are They Now?

The Class of 2008 at Graduation

Hannah Aylward Carleton College Margaret Baumgartner Wesleyan University Allison Carroll Bowdoin College Markese Clark Unknown Kathleen Dadio Eastern Conn. State University Joshua Greenberg Northeastern University Lucas Hoffman Mitchell College Michael Kravitz Middlebury College Jane Logan Unknown Lucas Marshak Unknown Helen Park Princeton University Bennett Rollins Bates College Eric St. George-Kreis Drew University Serena Sakheim Smith College Sara Seymour Yale University Abigail Shrader Reed College Monté Stewart Pittsburg State University Anderson Tirro Carleton College

18 St. Thomas’s Celebrates Our 2014 Retiring Teachers

From left: Jocelyn Freeman, Ann O’Connell, Craig O’Connell, Susan Blanchard, Hannah Grimes, Sheryl Skroski, John North

Tears were shed as St. Thomas’s Day School bid had an opportunity to say “good-bye” to their teachers farewell to several beloved teachers who retired at the around the ice cream truck. The children presented end of the school year. Celebrations were held to honor personalized prints to the retiring teachers as a parting second grade teacher Susan Blanchard, grade one gift. Finally, a reception following Class Day Chapel assistant and Extended Day teacher Jocelyn Freeman, was held in honor of all the retiring teachers. We miss Kindergarten aide Hannah Grimes, Technology seeing them on a daily basis, but they continue to stay Coordinator John North, third grade assistant Ann connected to St. Thomas’s through their attendance O’Connell, first grade teacher Craig O’Connell, and and participation in events and field trips. We also have Physical Education teacher and fourth grade assistant been fortunate to have several of the retired teachers Hannah Aylward Carleton College Sheryl Skroski for their many years of dedicated service return to our classrooms as substitutes this year. to St. Thomas’s Day School. Margaret Baumgartner Wesleyan University Below, left: Barbara Schaffer (P ’07, ’12) reflects on At the Spring Gala on May 10, 2014, current parents, Allison Carroll Bowdoin College retiring faculty at the Spring Gala. Center: Students Markese Clark Unknown alumni parents, alumni, and faculty reflected on the enjoying ice cream and viewing some personalized prints joy and learning these iconic individuals have given to Kathleen Dadio Eastern Conn. State University around the ice cream truck. Right: Sheryl Skroski and our children over the years. On June 6, the children Nikki Skroski Fournier ’94 at the Class Day Reception. Joshua Greenberg Northeastern University Lucas Hoffman Mitchell College Michael Kravitz Middlebury College Jane Logan Unknown Lucas Marshak Unknown Helen Park Princeton University Bennett Rollins Bates College Eric St. George-Kreis Drew University Serena Sakheim Smith College Sara Seymour Yale University Abigail Shrader Reed College Monté Stewart Pittsburg State University Anderson Tirro Carleton College

19 1973 our speaker for the 2015 St. Thomas’s graduation ceremony. Alumni MARTIN BEATTY is the head coach of the track and field teams at Notes Middlebury College. Martin, who fondly 1987 remembers his days at St. Thomas’s, graduated from Middlebury in 1984, PHOEBE FELLOWS lives in Miami, PLEASE NOTE: Students who where he was a sprinter on the track Florida and is partner/head designer transferred from St. Thomas’s Day team and a running back on the football at EDGE Collections, a design and School before completing Sixth Grade team. manufacturing house that specializes are listed according to the year in which in large-format production of custom they would have graduated. We gather wallpapers, tiles, and textiles. news of our former students from various 1976 sources. If our information is incorrect, please accept our apologies. Please inform SALLY DAWIDOFF wrote a new play, 1988 us of any errors, and we will be happy to The Crazed, based on the acclaimed publish correct information in the next novel by Ha Jin (winner of the National JOHN FORREST and his wife, Emily, issue of The Balloon. Thank you. Book Award and two PEN/Faulkner have a son, William, in the St. Thomas’s awards) about a young scholar coming Kindergarten class. 1970 of age in Communist China on the eve of the Tiananmen Square massacre. DAVID DELGIUDICE writes, “I The play premiered at Central Works in 1989 attended St. Thomas’s from fourth Berkeley, California in May 2014. LURETHA McCLENDON through sixth grades under the direction TOLSON and her husband, Wayne, of Father William Robbins and assistant 1981 welcomed their baby girl, Trinity Aliyah, clergy Father Spellman. The school in March 2014. was run by Headmistress Ms. Ethel GERRY GIAIMO and his wife, Sarah, Baer, formerly from Hamden Hall. had a baby girl, Abigail, in May 2014. I attended St. Thomas’s Church as a Gerry is an equity partner in the law 1991 parishioner with my parents, Michael firm Halloran & Sage. and Phyllis DelGiudice of Hamden for ALEXIS HIGHSMITH SMITH is over 30 years. In the last 20 years I have ELLIE APPLEWHITE TERRY Deputy Director at New Haven Legal been a successful chemist, researcher lives in Acton, Massachusetts with her Assistance Association where she works and science educator/administrator husband, Bronson, and their three in the education and employment and presently reside in Stamford, children. Ellie serves on the clergy staff units. Alexis was named to Connecticut Connecticut with my wife Nancy (also a of the Old North Church in Boston. Magazine’s 40 Under 40 Class of 2015, teacher). I hold a BS, MS in Chemistry which recognizes the best and brightest and 6th Year Certificate in Educational among Generation Next – all nominated Leadership. I presently am active in 1983 by friends, family, coworkers, admirers, NSTA, NEA, ACS, AAPT, and hold and Connecticut Magazine editors. “As an administrative 092 License as a Class Correspondent: the deputy director of New Haven Legal Connecticut Administrator for over 10 Mercy Burwell Colberg Assistance, Smith has been involved years. If it was not for the outstanding [email protected] with standing up for those who aren’t education I received from St. Thomas’s SARAH MERRIAM is a newly always able to stand up for themselves. Day School, I would not have gone on to appointed U.S. Magistrate Judge. Most She is also past president of the George become a great contributor to my family, recently, Sarah was an Assistant Federal Crawford Black Bar Association, and has community and to science research so to Public Defender. Sarah has clerked for a served as secretary for the Connecticut advance science education into the 21st Chief Judge and for a Circuit Judge; she Bar Association, the Connecticut century.” was an associate at a criminal defense Center for Arts and Technology, firm; she was the campaign manager and Community Partners in Action. in a successful bid for a Congressional She referees high school soccer and seat; and she is active in the Connecticut basketball when she’s not taking care of Bar Association’s Federal Practice her two young children.” Section. It is an honor to have Sarah as

20 1992 STEVEN McDONALD is in his first Anthropology at University College year of emergency medicine residency London, with a regional specialization in SARA NADEL is living in Lima, at NYU/Bellevue where he is seeing a Japan. Peru, where she is founder and CEO completely different side of New York. EAMON DUFFY graduated from of Farolito, a company that connects Steven is fortunate to see Barrie Segal Middlebury College and currently talented, low-income job seekers with and Alejo Cabranes occasionally. businesses that are growing in Peru. attends Yale School of Medicine. TARYN RATHBONE-DAUB SCOTT PANZA lives in Milford, currently lives just outside Seattle with Connecticut and is a financial planner at 1995 her husband. They moved to the Pacific MetLife. Northwest this past summer and Taryn SCOTT ASTRADA is a policy analyst started her own veterinary practice, in the Washington, D.C. metro area. Balanced Horse Veterinary Service, 2000 In May 2014, Scott was appointed PLLC. The practice specializes in Confidential Assistant at the White equine acupuncture and Chinese herbal Class Correspondent: House Office of Management and medicine. Charles Depman Budget. MARTHA ROYSTON graduated [email protected] JP SCHNAPPER-CASTERAS from Boston College Law School and ALI ACETO is living in Boston and began a new job this past fall as Special passed the Connecticut Bar Exam this Counsel on Supreme Court Advocacy works at Liberty Mutual in the Digital past summer. Martha is an associate at Marketing department. and Litigation at the NAACP Legal Halloran & Sage and works for Gerry and Educational Defense Fund, Inc. Giaimo, also a St. Thomas’s graduate CHARLES DEPMAN made a major He and his wife, Tamara Klajn, live in (‘81). She is getting married on New career switch and now is working as a Washington, D.C. Year’s Eve. software engineer in San Francisco. He is enjoying exploring the many national DANIEL TURNER-EVANS has parks in California. 1997 settled into the Washington, D.C. area and is enjoying both work and getting LINDSEY GLAZER works in SHALONA STEWART is a Case into the city. His lab has recently Stamford at indeed.com, the number one Manager at the Community Mental discovered an internal compass in the job site in the world, where she recently Health Center of Crawford County in fruit fly brain, and they are all hard at got a promotion. She recently purchased Pittsburg, Kansas. work trying to figure out exactly how it her own place and adopted a puppy. functions. Otherwise, Dan eagerly awaits CHANNING HILLIARD is working 1998 spring so that he can get out on the in capital markets in New York City. Potomac for some white water kayaking, Class Correspondent: but is distracting himself with pickup ALEKS ROMANO completed her Steven McDonald basketball in the meantime. degree in opera at Yale. She was a [email protected] Mid-Atlantic Regional Finalist and McALLISTER WINDOM is finishing Encouragement Award Winner in the up her pediatric residency with the MATTHEW ALLEN lives in 2014 Metropolitan Opera National plan to work as a hospitalist in the bone Philadelphia where he is a third year Council Auditions and was awarded the marrow transplant unit at Duke and then medical student at Penn. He is deciding Phyllis Curtin Career Entry Prize from pursue a Pediatric Cardiology fellowship between internal medicine and the Yale School of Music. She currently – possibly back in New Haven at Yale. anesthesiology. is in her first season of Washington National Opera’s Domingo-Cafritz ALEJO CABRANES graduated from Young Artist Program. In the summer 1999 Columbia Law School in 2014. He is of 2015, Aleks will return to the living in Brooklyn and working for a law Glimmerglass Festival to sing Second firm in Manhattan. Class Correspondent: Scott Panza Lady in The Magic Flute and Marzia in MARY-BETH GRIMALDI lives in [email protected] Vivaldi’s Cato in Utica. Pittsburgh and works in the drug and CHRIS STEWART and Lindsey Chase JESSE BIA graduated from the alcohol treatment field. In her personal were married in September 2014. time, Mary-Beth does Pure Barre, which University of Oxford with his Masters is an exercise form similar to ballet and in Social Anthropology. He currently pilates. is pursuing his PhD in Medical

21 2001 PETER GRECO currently attends law automotive technology. Julian also is school at George Mason University. Pete working at the Elizabeth Ives School JAMES BEALL is working and will be working at the U.S. Attorney’s and is training to become an EMT this applying to graduate school for his MBA office in Florida this summer. summer. and is engaged to Giuliana Galant. ALICE KAMENS graduated from BONNIE CHATFIELD is thoroughly MATT CARROLL lives in Brookline, Barnard College and currently is a enjoying her senior year at Fairfield Massachusetts and works as a manager Program Associate at Cities of Service in University. and real estate agent for NextGen New York City. Realty. ZANE FENN is a senior psychology JEREMY LOGAN graduated from major at Morehouse College in NATE GIBSON is a student at New Gettysburg College with a B.A. degree Atlanta where he is a member of Psi York University School of Law. in Philosophy in December 2013. He is Chi (the international psychological currently working as a paraprofessional honors society), statistics tutor for at Elizabeth Ives School for Special underclassmen, and working on research 2002 Needs in North Haven. regarding bipolar disorder. Zane is enjoying the last bit of college life and DEVIN EATON graduated from the CHRIS WRIGHT graduated from looking at graduate schools. New Haven Police Academy. He was Trinity College with a degree in sworn in as a police officer in March American Studies. Chris is living in New MARCO GASPARRO is graduating 2015. York City and working as an Account from Indiana University in May with a Manager. degree in Economics. 2003 CONSTANTIN GEANAKOPLOS 2004 is a senior at Yale University. He has CATHERINE BLOOMER graduated accepted a job with Robert A. M. from Barnard College and currently is MOLLY GIBSON graduated from Stern architects in New York starting attending the New School in New York Princeton University where she was September 1. Between graduation from City. awarded a Fulbright grant to teach Yale and September, Constantin will be traveling around the world. JOHN EMMET is working as a deck in Brazil. Molly currently is working hand on a tug with McAllister Towing in New York City as a Development SAM GRECO is graduating from and Transportation Company, based Associate at Education Through Music. the Edmund A. Walsh School of in Staten Island. He’s still living in Foreign Service at Georgetown Hamden. 2005 University in May with a Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service, majoring Class Correspondent: in International Politics with a Earl Lin concentration in International Security. [email protected] After graduation, Sam will be staying in Washington, D.C. doing management ELIZABETH BAUMGARTNER is consulting with Ernst & Young for graduating from Wesleyan University in federal clients. Sam plans to go to law May with a double major in neuroscience school in the near term as well. His and science in society. At Wesleyan, family is well and spends most of their Elizabeth is captain of the women’s time now in south Florida, in Palm varsity swimming team and is a double Beach County, although they still have varsity record holder. She is the first a house in Connecticut and summer up author on a published scientific poster/ here. abstract on characteristics of opioid NATE HUETHER spent a good abuse/dependence by gender. Elizabeth part of last summer in Buenos Aires, Head of School, Gina Panza, along with is applying to medical school this spring/ researching his senior history thesis in Development Director, Miriam Battista, summer. Her sister, Meg ’08, is also at the National Archives and absorbing the traveled to the Yale Club in New York City Wesleyan as a freshman. to meet with alumni during a reception on café culture. Nate is in his last year at May 16, 2014. From the Class of ’03 (left JULIAN BEACH earned his CAD Brown, and very happy, living off campus to right): Chris Wright, Alice Kamens, and certification from Gateway Community with good friends. Nick Andreassi College, where he is currently studying

22 EARL LIN is graduating in May from great fit! She is taking intensive Russian, the qualities of leadership, academics, Wesleyan University with a double excited about her class on slavery and and achievement. major in History and American Studies. economics, and has auditioned on to ABIGAIL SHRADER graduated from Earl currently is writing an honors the Opera Workshop. Anna is involved Hopkins and currently is a freshman at thesis about urban renewal history in in many activities, and loving the Reed College. Middletown/New Haven. He is captain rural environment and intellectual, of the Wesleyan University Sailing international milieu. MONTÉ STEWART graduated from Team, was nominated to the Inter- Cooperative Arts and Humanities High SPENCER LOWLICHT is a Collegiate Sailing Association’s All- School and currently is a freshman at sophomore at Lehigh University where Academic Team, and is editor-in-chief Pittsburg State University. he joined Phi Kappa Alpha Fraternity. of Historical Narratives undergraduate history journal. Earl currently is 2009 pursuing jobs in the public interest 2008 sector in which he is planning to work SAMUEL BERRY currently is for a few years before applying to law WILLIAM BEALL is in his second year a senior at Hopkins. He won the school. His family continues to live in of university in Canada. New Haven. Elizabeth Tate Prize for Excellence ALLIE CARROLL graduated from in English in Grade 11, awarded for ZHACH PHAM is graduating from North Haven High School and excellence in English at the eleventh Colorado College this spring. He is currently is a freshman at Bowdoin grade level. Sam is a jazz pianist and working as an associate at a private College where she plans to major in accompanies the Latin Jazz Ensemble equity firm called Roman Road Capital biochemistry. Allie was named a New at the Neighborhood Music School Partners. Zhach is planning to stay out Haven Register All-Area Youth of the and is a volunteer teacher in the west following graduation. Year. At North Haven High, Allie was Breakthrough New Haven program the senior representative on the Board at Hopkins. He is the prose co-editor of Education, peer tutor, and captain of Daystar, the Hopkins literary 2006 of the varsity tennis team. Outside of magazine, and is a Senior Mentor and school Allie was a volunteer tutor for Peer Tutor. Sam will be attending Yale ROBBIE EMMET is finishing his New Haven Reads and she was a senior University in the fall. junior year at Carleton College in apprentice at the Eli Whitney Museum. Minnesota, double majoring in Statistics MARAYA CLARK is a senior at and Classics. Robbie will be doing MICHAEL KRAVITZ graduated from Hopkins where she is a member of the statistics work for the National Oceanic Hopkins and currently is a freshman at varsity fencing team. and Atmospheric Administration Middlebury College. CECILIA CREWS is a senior at (NOAA) Northwest Fisheries Science HELEN PARK currently is a freshman Hopkins where she is a member of the Center in Seattle this summer. at Princeton University. varsity field hockey team. She received MAGGIE MIGDALSKI attends the field hockey award for dedication BENNETT ROLLINS recently University of Rhode Island, double and sportsmanship. Cecilia will be graduated from North Haven High majoring in marine biology and animal attending Yale University in the fall. School. During his senior year he was sciences. inducted into the National Honor ALEXANDER DeVAREZ is a senior CHRIS PETERS currently is a junior Society and Italian National Honor at Cooperative Arts and Humanities at Yale University. Chris is one of 14 Society. He won the Science Department High School. Alex will be attending rising senior Yale men selected to be in Award for excellence in Physics and an Quinnipiac University in the fall of the Whiffenpoofs, one of the world’s Award for Community Service. He is 2015. best-known a cappella groups. currently a freshman at Bates College ALLIE KUBICK currently is a senior where he plans to major in Physics. Ben at Hopkins. Allie spent her junior year is also a member of the golf team. 2007 studying in China. SARA SEYMOUR graduated from VICTORIA McCRAVEN is a senior Hopkins and currently is a freshman MICHAEL BERRY is a sophomore at at Hopkins where she is a member at Yale University. Sara was named a Yale University where he is a psychology of the varsity volleyball and softball New Haven Register All-Area Youth of neuroscience major. teams. She continues to be interested the Year, awarded to a member of the in photography and hopes to take a ANNA HUETHER started at Bard graduating class who best exemplifies College in early August, and what a photography trip this summer. Victoria

23 will be attending Dartmouth College in was named Athlete of the Week in of the top-ranked junior squash players the fall. January 2015. in the United States, played in the Hong Kong International Squash Open last FRANCES NEMETH is a senior at SOPHIE CAPPELLO is a junior at summer. North Haven High School. Earlier Hopkins where she is a member of the this year, Frances was recognized for basketball team. This past December, EMILY MALISON is a junior at receiving SCC All-Academic Honors Sophie attended the Student Diversity Hopkins where she is a member of the and she received the sportsmanship Leadership Conference (SDLC) in squash team. Emily participates in the award for swimming and diving. Indianapolis, which was sponsored by Hopkins Science Olympiad team, which the National Association of Independent took home the first place trophy in the ALEXANDER TELLIDES is a senior Schools (NAIS). At the conference, state competition at the University of at Chase Collegiate where he plays participants engaged in workshops and Connecticut. lacrosse and has been named an Honor seminars to promote understanding and Student and AP Scholar. Alex will be KATIE MALISON is in eleventh best practices in diversity and inclusion attending Union College in the fall. grade at Hopkins where she is a work. Upon returning from Indianapolis, member of the varsity volleyball and ROSABELLA ZIOU is a senior at Sophie shared her impressions of her basketball teams. Katie, captain-elect Wilbur Cross High School where experience at SDLC with her fellow for the 2015 Hopkins volleyball team, she is involved with their theater and students at Hopkins. Sophie’s address played in the Volleyball All-Star drama programs, participated in the was featured on the Hopkins website. Game and was a Fairchester Athletic True Colors Conference at UCONN, ANNIKA EBERLE is a junior at Association (FAA) All-League recipient and was involved with the production Hopkins where she was a member of for volleyball. Last summer, Katie, of the Yearbook. This past summer the Tech Crew for the Hopkins Drama along with other members of the she had a Tech Internship with the Association spring musical, Gypsy. volleyball team, volunteered her time to Elm Shakespeare Company. Rosabella Annika is a member of the varsity be a mentor coach during a two-week also is a Teaching Assistant at Creative fencing team. workshop for students from St. Martin Arts Workshop, studies voice at de Porres Academy in New Haven. Neighborhood Music School, and PHILIP GEANAKOPLOS is a junior Katie also is captain-elect of the 2015- volunteers at Columbus House. She at Hopkins where he is a member of 2016 basketball team. received the Connecticut Association of the varsity soccer and fencing teams. As Schools (CAS) Art Award for Theater in a member of the fencing team, Philip R.J. PANTALENA is a junior at 2015, a merit award at Neighborhood competed in individual states where he Hopkins where he is captain-elect for Music School in 2014, and had a work of earned 8th place in the boys sabre. Philip the 2015 football team. short fiction published inTeen Ink, a teen is captain-elect for the 2015 Hopkins NATALIE PASSARELLI is a junior literary magazine and website. soccer team. at Hopkins where she is a member of MILES LOURENCO is a junior at the field hockey, basketball, and lacrosse 2010 Hopkins where he is a member of the teams. varsity soccer, fencing, and lacrosse CATHERINE BABBIDGE is a junior teams. Miles is captain-elect of the at North Haven High School where she 2015-2016 fencing team. This past 2011 received the sportsmanship award for December, Miles participated in the Class Correspondent: field hockey. Sticks for Soldiers Charity Lacrosse Tournament, along with over 60 teams Sanaea Bhagwagar EMMA BANKS is a junior at from Connecticut and beyond. [email protected] Hopkins where she plays varsity field hockey, basketball, and lacrosse. SPENCER LOVEJOY is a junior at SANAEA BHAGWAGAR is a Emma, the 2014 captain for field Hopkins where he is the co-captain and sophomore at Hopkins where she serves hockey and captain-elect for the 2015 number one player on their squash team. on the Student Council, is an Assistant team, received Fairchester Athletic He received the Squash Cup Award for Editor of Hopkins’ student newspaper, Association (FAA) All-Star honors for commitment, class, and tenacity. At the The Razor, and enjoys participating in field hockey. Emma also is captain-elect New England Prep School Squash Team the Science Olympiad team. Sanaea plays of the 2015-2016 basketball team. Championships, Spencer won the New field hockey and basketball and works at England #1 singles championship match. the Eli Whitney Museum on weekends. TRAVERS BROOKS attends Avon He was chosen as a 2014-2015 Squash At the end of ninth grade, she won the Old Farms where he is a member of High School All-American. Spencer, one Mary Brewster Thompson Scholar the varsity wrestling team. Travers

24 Award, which recognizes a student for ALEXANDRA McCRAVEN is a MARTIN TIPTON is a sophomore intellectual maturity, enthusiasm for sophomore at Hopkins and continues to at Hopkins where he is a member of academic pursuits, and the ability to play soccer and sing. She is a member of the squash team. Martin has fallen in share that enthusiasm with others. the varsity basketball team and captain- love with boat building and sailing. He elect for the 2015 Hopkins soccer has built one small sailboat already, ALLISON CHUN currently is a team. Alexandra received Western New and is planning on making a bit more sophomore at Hopkins where she is a England Prep School Soccer Association ambitious one this summer. Over the member of the Varsity A squash team. (WNEPSSA) All-League honors and summer Martin will be going to Costa Allison and her teammates finished as was named to the All-Star Team. She Rica on a Spanish language immersion runner up in the 2015 U.S. High School also plays soccer in the CT Elite Clubs trip. Team Squash Championships. National League and travels as far as JESSICA ELIASON currently is in Orlando, San Diego, and Seattle playing tenth grade at Hamden High School soccer games and tournaments. 2012 where she plays volleyball and lacrosse. CLARA MERRILL-BLOCH is in her ANNIE BANKS is in ninth grade at Jessica made the honor roll this year. fourth year at Hopkins and her second Hopkins where she plays on the varsity SIMON GHEBREYESUS attends year as a rower. This past summer, field hockey, basketball, and lacrosse The Ethical Culture Fieldston School Clara tried out for and was admitted to teams. In 2014, Annie won the Junior in New York. Last summer Simon Connecticut Boat Club. Rowing is her School DPH Sportsmanship Award, studied in Barcelona for a month. passion and, along with Hopkins, the awarded to the student who shares her most important aspect of her life; she knowledge and experience with her JEFFREY GU is a sophomore at rows and/or trains every day of every teammates and encourages the team to Hopkins where he is a member of the week, month, and year. Clara loves come together as a cohesive unit. lacrosse team, serves on the Student working hard with this fantastic team. Council, and writes for the Hopkins’ HENRY HAYDEN is enjoying his This past fall, her novice boat brought school newspaper, The Razor. Outside of freshman year at Deerfield Academy home several gold medals and they school, Jeffrey continues to play hockey. where he is pursuing a Classics won the Head of the Schuylkill Regatta Distinction program. He plays the oboe HENRY JACOB is a sophomore day in Philadelphia; a triumph of which in the wind ensemble and won first student at Choate Rosemary Hall. they’re very proud. Clara is an Editor- chair for the western Massachusetts Henry starts for the varsity soccer team at-Large of The Razor, Hopkins’ student regional competition. This spring he and is really enjoying his physics class. newspaper. traveled to South Korea and Hong KATHARINE LARSEN is a ZANE MEYER is in tenth grade at Kong, performing with the Deerfield sophomore at Hopkins where she is a Hopkins where he is involved with music ensemble. He sings in the festival member of the varsity swim team. theater and tech crew. Zane participated and honors choir, as well as the all- in the Hopkins Drama Association male a cappella group, the Mellow-Ds. GWYNETH MALOY currently is in spring musical, Gypsy. Outside of school, Henry competes on the varsity wrestling tenth grade at Hopkins where she is a Zane participates in tap dancing and team and is a coxswain on the crew team. member of the swim team. At the Bud plays the guitar. He is looking forward to the summer Erich Western New England Swim when he will attend a choral course at Championships in February 2015, WILLIAM RACCIO graduated from Eton in the UK, followed by sailing in Gwyneth tied the Hopkins school record Foote School and currently is in tenth the British Nationals I-420 competition. in the 50 Free and was a member of grade at Choate Rosemary Hall. At the the 200 and 400 Free Relays, which set Choate graduation ceremony, William JOSHUA IP is in ninth grade at new school records as well as new pool was co-winner of The Foote School Hopkins where he is a member of the records. The 200 Free Relay earned Prize, “an award given to the student or varsity swimming and water polo teams. All-American consideration. Gwyneth students who best exemplify the spirit of ELLIE LATHAM is a freshman at participated in the New England Swim the school and who have demonstrated Choate Rosemary Hall where she was Championships in March 2015 where leadership, school spirit, love of learning, part of the costume, hair, and make-up she broke the school record in the 200 generosity of heart and service to crew for the fall play, Alice’s Adventures in Free and was a member of the 200 others.” Wonderland. and 400 Free Relays, which broke the JACOB SHRADER is a sophomore at Hopkins school record and qualified for EMMA PHAM is a freshman at Hopkins where he is a member of the All-American consideration. Gwyneth Hopkins where she is a member of the varsity football and baseball teams. also is a member of the field hockey team. varsity soccer team.

25 ZACHARIAH PINE MAHER is in lacrosse and participates in Junior School THEODORE TELLIDES is in ninth grade at Foote School where he is Scrapbook. Outside of school, Clare eighth grade at Hopkins where he the Head of the Environmental Action sings with the Trinity Girls Choir. writes for The Hilltopper, the Junior Group. School newspaper, is a member of the PRISCILLA EHRGOOD is an soccer, wrestling, and lacrosse teams, MADISON SAKHEIM graduated eighth grader at Hopkins where she is and is a Junior School Representative from Foote School and currently attends a Junior School representative on the on the Student Council. Theo also is a Choate Rosemary Hall. While at Foote, Student Council. During spring break, member of the school band, the Science Madison won the Eighth Grade Athletic Priscilla was one of fourteen students Bowl (science club) and the Hopkins Award and earned Maxima cum laude who traveled to Paris. Priscilla was a MathCounts team that participated in with a silver medal on the 2014 National silver medalist in Kyukpa (Breaking) the first locally sponsored middle school Latin Exam. and placed 19th in Poomsae (Forms) math competition. Theo was Hopkins’ at the 2014 USA Taekwondo National ELLIOT SAWYER-KAPLAN highest scorer in the AMC 10, a national Championships. She spent last summer graduated from Foote School and math test given to students in grade 10 at a French immersion camp. currently is in ninth grade at Choate and below. Rosemary Hall. Elliot won the Eighth ERIN ELLBOGEN is in eighth grade Grade Athletic Award at Foote. at Hopkins where she is a member of the Junior School swim team and 2014 OLIVIA SCHAFFER is enjoying her participated in the Junior School theater freshman year at Hopkins where she is a production. Erin joined thirteen other Class Correspondent: member of the soccer and squash teams. students at Hopkins on a trip to Paris McKinley Palmieri ALEXANDRA SCHEVE is in ninth during this year’s spring break. [email protected] grade at Palo Alto High School in CONNOR HARTIGAN is in eighth CHRISTEENA AARON is in seventh Stanford, California. She plays on the grade at Hopkins where he is a member grade at Chase Collegiate where she is Palo Alto Junior Varsity soccer team of the cross country and squash teams a member of the middle school soccer where she was named All-League MVP. and participated in the Junior School and basketball teams. She was able to Outside of school, Ally plays soccer on play. Connor also writes for The see some St. Thomas’s Alumni at the the MVLA Monsoon Blue soccer team, Hilltopper, the Junior School newspaper. Foote, Hamden Hall, and Hopkins plays the flute, and is a board member of During this year’s spring break, Connor games. Christeena participates on the the Giving Tree. traveled to Paris with a group of students school panel and is a Green Key member LILLY TIPTON currently is a ninth from Hopkins. for prospective parents and students. grader at Hopkins where she is a Christeena made honors for her first BENJAMIN LEVINE is an eighth member of the cross country and track semester and has been elected as the grader at Hopkins where he plays teams. Lilly earned All-Fairchester student council advisory representative. squash and lacrosse. He is a member of Athletic Association (FAA) honors for She is a member of the Middle School the Junior School Science Quiz Bowl cross country and was a member of the 4 Chorus and participated in the school team that participated in a statewide x 400 relay that participated in the track play, High School Musical 2. Outside of competition at the University of and field Penn Relays. Lilly was awarded school, Christeena is a member of the Connecticut. Ben’s team was undefeated the John B. Smith Prize for Excellence United Girls Choir Chamber Singers in the morning tournament, earned in English in Grade 8, which recognizes and is an Altar Server at her Church. the top seed in the championship an eighth grade student who displays tournament, and placed second out of 36 NATHAN AHN is in seventh grade love of the play of language and an teams and 200 middle school students. at Hopkins where he is a member of ability to share that love with others. Ben also participated in the Junior the Junior School Science Quiz Bowl School theater production. During team that participated in a statewide competition at the University of 2013 spring break, Ben traveled to Portugal. Connecticut. Nathan was a member of CONNOR PIGNATELLO is in eighth Class Correspondent: the car racing team that built a lithium- grade at Foote School where he plays ion battery car that carried a cylindrical Liana Tilton soccer and basketball and participates in [email protected] salt container on a 20 meter track. Their drama productions. Connor continues car racing team took first place. CLARE CHEMERY attends Hopkins to sing with the Trinity Boys Choir and where she is in eighth grade. At he received the Choirmasters Award for Hopkins, Clare plays field hockey and best leadership.

26 COURTNEY BANKS is in seventh SAM LOVEJOY is really enjoying ANNA SIMON is in seventh grade grade at Hopkins where she is a member seventh grade at Foote School! He at Hopkins where she writes for The of the field hockey, squash, and tennis continues to excel in sports and his Hilltopper, the Junior School newspaper, teams. Courtney also writes for The involvement in two sports, squash and and plays on the soccer, basketball and Hilltopper, the Junior School newspaper. swimming, doesn’t leave much time softball teams. Outside of school, Anna for other activities. Sam swims on the plays the guitar as well as soccer in the ALEXIS CHANG is in seventh grade Foote swim team, as well as the Omni fall and spring. at Hopkins where she was in the Junior Swim Club team out of Yale. During School play. Outside of school, Alexis JULIA TELLIDES is a seventh grader the Fall Short Course season, Sam participates in Taekwondo and plays the at Hopkins where she is a member of earned Age Group times in 5 events. He piano and guitar. Alexis had the winning the Junior School/JV soccer, Junior also participates in various squash brochure for her science project. School basketball, and varsity track tournaments, where he is looking to teams. In addition to being a member CORINNE EVANS is in seventh improve his current ranking. of the science club and band, Julia grade at Hopkins where she writes McKINLEY PALMIERI is enjoying writes for The Hilltopper, the Junior for the Junior School newspaper, The Hopkins where she has discovered that School newspaper, as well as the literary Hilltopper, and is a member of the she likes field hockey, basketball, and magazine. Hopkins MathCounts team. In March, writing for The Hilltopper, the Junior the MathCounts team participated ANNA ZIMOLO is in seventh grade School newspaper. She continues to in the first locally sponsored middle at Hopkins. Anna plays on the Junior perform with the Elm City Girls Choir school math competition. Hopkins’ School basketball team and writes including recent performances with the team won First Place Team for total for The Hilltopper, the Junior School Wallingford Symphony and at a Yale combined scores and also won the Team newspaper. Men’s Basketball game. Last summer Countdown Round. Corinne also is a she enjoyed attending a leadership member of the Junior School squash conference in Washington, D.C. team. Outside of school, Corinne and traveling to Vermont and New participates in Capoeira, an Afro- Hampshire with her family. Brazilian martial art/dance form. JAMES HAYDEN is enjoying seventh grade at Hamden Hall. He was voted class Vice President and is active in Class Correspondents are committed and loyal alumni who represent their planning events and activities for his individual class years. They are some of our most valuable volunteers. class. He loves to sail on the high school The job requirements are simple — a minimal time commitment and sailing team and this past summer sailed an interest in keeping in touch with your classmates and friends. to victory with his brother, Henry, winning the Commodores Cup in the What does a Class Correspondent do? Communicate on a regular basis with 420 at Sachem’s Head Yacht Club. He classmates; either via letter, email, or social networking sites (this is facilitated continues to play basketball at school by the School’s Development Office) to gather accurate contact information and for the recreational team and is as well as news for publication in The Balloon. enjoying tennis this spring. James was Interested in being a Class Correspondent? Contact Miriam Battista, one of three students invited to attend Development and Communication Director, at [email protected] a Diversity Conference at Kingswood- or 203-776-2123, Ext. 122. Oxford School this spring. James is in his first year of playing the bassoon. He Information also can be posted on St. Thomas’s Day School’s website, is looking forward to his first visit to www.stthomasday.org, by clicking on the Alumni link. Europe this summer!

St. Thomas’s Day School Alumni

27 Graduates 2014

Christeena Alexandria Aaron – Chase Collegiate Nathan Seong-Jin Chun Ahn – Hopkins Courtney Margaret Banks – Hopkins Alexis Grace Chang – Hopkins Fatima Cisneros – Our Lady of Victory Philip Paul DeLise, Jr. – Hopkins Molly Virginia Drew – Hamden Hall Corinne Hui-Mei Evans – Hopkins Jack Nathan Gill – Hamden Hall James Gillies Hayden – Hamden Hall Samuel Menegon Lovejoy – Foote McKinley Kathryn Palmieri – Hopkins Christian Richard Panagrossi – Hamden Hall Charles Nathaniel Seymour – Hopkins Anna Juliette Simon – Hopkins Julia Maria Tellides – Hopkins Anna Marta Zimolo – Hopkins

28 Help Plan for the Future of St. Thomas’s

We invite all loyal friends of St. Thomas’s Day School If you have already included us in your charitable to consider including St. Thomas’s in your estate estate plans, please let us know so we can thank planning. The School seeks to garner bequests and you appropriately for your visionary generosity and other deferred gifts in support of endowment in order welcome you to the Legacy Society. to secure the financial well-being of the School in perpetuity. As St. Thomas’s Day School approaches To become a member of the St. Thomas’s Day School its 60th anniversary, we are pleased to initiate this Legacy Society simply notify the Development Office important philanthropic vehicle which will have long at 203.776.2123, Ext. 122 or mbattista@stthomasday. lasting positive effects on the future of this institution. org of your intentions to name the School in your estate plan. A list of Society members will be As parents, alumni, grandparents, alumni parents, published in the next Annual Report unless anonymity faculty, staff, and friends, you already have made lasting is requested. contributions to St. Thomas’s Day School and for that we are very thankful. We hope that you will consider making another lasting investment by becoming a member of the St. Thomas’s Day School Legacy Society.

29 St. Thomas’s Non Profit Day School US Postage 830 Whitney Avenue, New Haven, Connecticut 06511 PAID New Haven CT Permit #350

Grade 6 Musical Thursday, May 21, 2015 The Grade 6 musical, The Sound of Music, will be presented on Thursday, May 21, 2015 at 9:30 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.

Art Show and Opening Reception June 1 – 28, 2015 A collection of Kindergarten artwork, Interpreting the Abstract, will be on display at Christopher Martins Restaurant in New Haven from June 1 through June 28, 2015. An Art Opening for the entire St. Thomas’s community will be held at Christopher Martins on Sunday, June 7 from 1:00-3:00 p.m.

Graduation Wednesday, June 10, 2015 Kindergarten abstract artwork Graduation is a very special day for the sixth graders at St. Thomas’s. The service takes place in the Chapel at 10:00 am.

A Celebration of Rev. Michael Ray Sunday, September 20, 2015 Please contact Miriam Battista Mark your calendars for a special celebration of Father at St. Thomas’s Day School Michael Ray, which will take place at Family Day on Sunday, with any questions about these events at September 20, 2015. [email protected] or 203-776-2123