Bulletin summer 2012

Commencement

Retirement girls night out

Baccalau r eate senior dinner ce r emony r ds awa r eunions To the class of Congratulations2012

Welcome to the Alumni Association Like us on Facebook and join our Pingree School Alumni Group on LinkedIn 2012 – 2013 Board of Trustees Kirk C. Bishop P’06, ’06, ’08 Table of Contents President Diane Kaneb P’10, ’12, ’13, ’14 From the Head’s Desk 2012 Baccalaureate Vice President 2 46 Neale Attenborough P’11, ’12 Secretary Farewell to Ailsa 2012 Commencement Richard Tadler, P ’09, ’13 4 54 Treasurer Reunions 2012 2011 – 2012 Report of Giving Timothy M. Johnson Head of School 11 63 Dwight B. Corning P’10, ’13 Senior Tribute Dinner Nagaraja Donti P’11, ’13 23 Sarah Emerson P’15 David Giunta P’13 2012 Awards Gloribel Gonzalez P’06, ’13 William Heffron P’13 40 Amanda Crawford Jackson ’96 Lisa Jones P’11, ’15 Polly Knowles P’11, ’12, ’13 Philip G. Lake ’85, P’15 Victor T. Livingstone P’12, ’14 Therese Melden P’09, ’11 Theodore E. Ober P’12, ’16 Oliver Parker P’06, ’08, ’12 Michael Patrican P’12, ’13, ’16 Jeffrey A. Rawlins P’09, ’12 Clifford Rucker P’14, ’16 Binkley C. Shorts P’95, ’00 Joan Sullivan P’12, ’14 Joyce W. Swagerty Lisa Stern Taylor P’08, ’12 William J. Whelan, Jr. P’07, ’11

Barbara Cunningham P’14 PaRENTS Association President

Cara Angelopulos Lawler ’01 Alumni Leadership Board President

BOARD OF OVERSEERS Alice Blodgett P’78, ’81, ’82 Susan B. Brown ’70 John R. Chandler P’92, ’97 Malcolm Coates P’01 Herbert F. Collins P’80, ’84, ’86 Peter M. Cowen James C. Deveney, Jr. Alice Roberts Dietrich ’68 John P. Drislane P’90, ’93 Mimi Davis Emmons ’64, P’87, ’90 Bulletin Editor: Judith Klein p’04 Richard Harte, Jr. P’69, ’74, ’77 Photography: David Goff, Linda Haas, Tom Underwood, and Scott Proposki Richard C. Kennedy P’75, ’76, ’78 Design: Graphic Details Anne H. Kneisel ’66 Printing: Cummings Printing Susanne Phippen P’75, ’78, ’80, ’82 Charles W. Pingree P’78 DIRECTOR OF INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT: Kimberley C. Moore John R. Pingree P’74 DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS: Judith Klein p’04 Jane Blake Riley ’77, P’05 DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI RELATIONS: Laurie Harding Polese ’84, p’13 ’16 Charles P. Rimmer, Jr. P’86 Director of Pingree Fund and Leadership Giving: Diana Batchelder Mathey p’01, ’04, ’09, ’11 William S. Rogers P’68, ’70 Edward S. Rowland P’77, ’80, ’82 Gilbert L. Steward, Jr.† P’83 Alexander A. Uhle The Pingree School Bulletin is published for alumni, †Deceased parents, and friends Of the school. Please send Pingree School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, address changes and other communications to: privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of Marketing & Communications Office race, color, national and ethnic origin in adminis- Pingree School, 537 Highland Street, tration policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered South Hamilton, MA 01982-1399 programs. Phone: 978.468.4415 • Fax: 978.468.3758 Every effort has been made to ensure that the Web address: www.pingree.org information in the Pingree Bulletin is correct. Please direct any errors to the Marketing & Com- Alumni e-mail: [email protected] munications Office and accept our apologies. Publications e-mail: [email protected] 1 | Bulletin Summer 2012 From the head’s desk

The 2011-12 academic year at Pingree will be remembered as one of innovation and significant accomplishment.I am proud to report that we completed our next five-year strategic plan; committed to beginning construction on our new arts and athletics facilities; developed forward-thinking programs such as Engineering, American Cultural Studies, and Competitive Robotics; furthered the comprehensive and thoughtful integration of educational technology and flexible learning spaces; celebrated the ten-year anniversary of Prep@Pingree and strengthened our institutional commitment to P@P’s future; launched the use and application of our core program pillars; transitioned to a robust online platform for student data management; and created a myriad of auxiliary programs to extend our relationships and build community partnerships. Most importantly, however, our 79 seniors are now launched to their various destinations for the summer and fall, all of them prepared for and excited about the opportunities ahead. This Bulletin is a celebration of their achievement. Inside this summer issue you will find photographs and speeches from all of our end-of-year events, which include glimpses into the Coffeehouse Celebration of the Written Word retirement event for Ailsa Steinert; reunions; the Senior Tribute Dinner, the Awards Ceremony, Baccalaureate, and Commencement. In closing, I stopped short on my bike recently to observe excavators and construction vehicles beginning preliminary work for our new arts and athletics facilities on the now former lawn beside the rink. Similar to the sketching process prior to the completion of a painting, the ground-tearing early rounds of construction are not meant for public display. Great beauty, however, almost always requires behind-the-scenes toil, and we’ll all have a front row seat in the construction studio over the next few years. In the fall, Proudly Pingree: The Campaign for Arts, Athletics, and Access will be full steam ahead as we strive toward our goal of $20 million to complete the facilities and fund the endowment to increase financial aid and access expenses. With $11 million already pledged by 50 generous donors, the rest will rely on the generosity of all members of the greater Pingree community. I invite you all to be a part of our latest chapter in Pingree’s progress. This campaign is for and about the people who make Pingree so special. Thank you, as always, for your support of and dedication to our wonderful school.

Sincerely,

2 | www.pingree.org Their future…Be a part of it

SCAN THE QR CODE OR GO TO WWW.PINGREE.ORG/CAMPAIGN TO TAKE A VIRTUAL TOUR OF THE NEW FACILITIES AND LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CAMPAIGN AND ACCESS TO A PINGREE EDUCATION.

2 | www.pingree.org 3 | Bulletin Summer 2012 FAREWELL TO PINGREE’S OWN

of wisdom

English teacher Ailsa Steinert hung up her Shakespeare Celebration of the and Thoreau this spring after 46 years of guiding Written Word students through tomes of poetry and prose at Pingree. Coffeehouse Retirement Party in honor of Ailsa Steinert Outside the classroom, she spearheaded the school’s Saturday, May 5, 2012 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. student coffeehouses, the literary and arts magazine thank you to all of our presenters Pegasus, and the annual trips to Monhegan to and performers Dr. Tim Johnson, Head of School English Department Faculty contemplate and write amidst nature. Martha Donovan, Former English Faculty Amy Singleton Adams ’82 Izzy Attenborough ’12 Lily King ’81 Ralph Sneeden, Former English Faculty Her contributions to the education of hundreds Ann Cahill ’87 of avid readers and writers was celebrated on May Erika Mitkus ’08 Andrew McGarrah ’10 5 at a Retirement Party Coffeehouse and Celebra- Amy MacDonald ’69 tion of the Written Word on the school’s cam- Sarah Durkee ’73 pus. Hundreds of past and current colleagues, Sarah Greenough ’69 Keith Morency ’12 and Charlie Parker ’12 friends and students, as well as family members, Marissa Walsh ’90 traveled from near and far to attend the tribute Donna L. Gilton ’68 Erik Jalajas ’11 in the Hedge Garden and hear poetry, music, Emma Catherine Perry ’05 and prose performed in honor of the master June Jeswald, Former Dance Teacher and teacher so beloved by all. Some of those pieces Fine Arts Chair are reprinted on the following pages. Special announcement by Jay Esty, English Faculty, Russell Steinert ’78, Langley Steinert ’81, As Dean of Students Buddy Taft later Arthur Steinert ’88, and Tim Purinton ’88. remarked, “As the numerous students, friends and col- Special thanks to our “hosts” this afternoon, Pingree’s 2012 Pingree Pegasus Editors Alex Caruso, Olivia Miller, leagues spoke of the impact she had on their lives and sharing their work, it was Catherine O’Hare, and Diana Zion. as if I was witnessing the laying their gifts before the master. As each shared their work

4 | www.pingree.org that Ailsa had inspired, Ailsa sat, grinning like the Cheshire cat, feeling what must have been the ultimate fulfillment.” Taft spoke for many in the community when he said he could not imagine Pingree without Ailsa Steinert. “She is the stone and mortar, she is our foundation. She is the master, our institutional conscience.” Seniors dedicated their yearbook to Ms. Steinert, and commencement speaker Matthew Soursourian ’04 dubbed her Pingree’s very own “Athena, Goddess of Wisdom.” Indeed, she will be missed by all. But, as she herself noted, when you leave a place, you take some of it with you and leave some of yourself behind. Ailsa Steinert has left Pingree much of herself and all to our good. Many thanks to everyone who shared their talents and passions with Ailsa and all the guests. This was a magical afternoon we will all treasure for years to come.

To further honor the extraordinary “Ailsa’s House” contributions of the beloved Ailsa Steinert, A Replica of Henry David Thoreau’s a group of alumni and current students are Cabin at Walden Pond constructing an exact replica of Henry David Thoreau’s cabin at Walden Pond on the Pingree campus using 19th-century tools. The cabin will be a quiet place for study, contemplation and writing for students and faculty when it is completed. To follow the construction, go to http://highlanderthoreauhouse.blogspot.com

4 | www.pingree.org Ailsa Steinert A Riff on the Round Room: Literary Places of the Heart Amy Singleton Adams ’82 What better place to feature on the “save the dates,” invitations and reminders for this event than the Round Room, the starting point of our literary journeys? You can picture it: Mrs. Steinert lean- ing against the tiny blackboard, one foot crooked and resting on the wall behind her. She never read just a little, but a lot, long enoughTributes to mesmerize us, to allow us time to join the world of the book, the poem, the play. Maybe because it was intended as a home, Pingree is full of places we love – the Link, the window seats that would make Jane Eyre jealous, the alcoves, the back staircase echoing with clogs, the classrooms with bathtubs and balconies – but the Round Room still stands out. On one hand, there was no second row, no place to hide if you didn’t do your reading. But, on the other, the slate floor radiating out, the niches in all their post-modern emptiness, Book Group Failures and the glass doors that led both in and out invited us to set off, Marissa Walsh ’90 Mrs. Steinert believed in me, and that made all the difference. She told me I could to envision the invisible places, and to go there with the characters do or be anything, and she fully supported all my plans and wacky ideas. When I told that inhabit them. In the Round Room, Mrs. Steinert took humble her I wanted to be a writer and live in an attic in Greenwich Village, she said, “I have no bookworms – who, in childhood, guarded the flashlights we used to doubt that you will do that.” And although by the time I moved to New York an attic in read under the covers long after “lights out” and braved the wrath Greenwich Village was out of my price range, I did move there (Brooklyn!), and I did of the seaside town librarian by taking plastic-covered books to the become a writer. beach – and she metamorphized us into the much more chic “lovers of literature.” I also became a Girl with Glasses, and part of that identity was formed at Pingree, with Mrs. Steinert as my mentor. She was a true Girl with Glasses--one of the origi I am tempted to regret the loss of the Round Room. But a lesson nals. She had her own sense of style; confidence; intelligence; an infectious laugh; and we learned there tells me to resist the urge. It’s a lesson I remem- - amazing hair. (I miss the bun!) She was/is a powerful woman--a force to be reckoned bered recently when one of my sons asked, “Is Hogwarts real? Can with!--and that is what I wanted to be, too, out in the world. we go there?” (These little questions lobbed from the back seat of the car are always bigger than they seem.) The simple answer, of course, I was too serious at Pingree most of the time, and Mrs. Steinert taught me that it was, “No. Hogwart’s is fictional.” But instead, something told me was OK to laugh, to be silly, to make stupid jokes. One of my favorite things about her to say, “yes.” “Yes, we can go there any time we want in our imagina- is her sense of humor, and I loved being able to make her laugh. We laughed a lot in tions.” Because, while Mrs. Steinert taught us the about the inner the third floor Gadfly office, me sitting cross-legged on the floor laying out yearbook workings of literary functions – about the symbolism, the allego- pages, her on the computer working on her poems. ries, the themes – she also cultivated and reinforced in us the belief a great escape for me--I would go there during free periodsI had a keyto work. to the She office, never and looked it was in the reality, the magic and, ultimately, the power of imagination. over my shoulder--I had complete creative control of the yearbook, which when you And it may be this shared belief that binds the reader and writer so think about it now, was pretty amazing. Mrs. Steinert gave me free rein to be myself, intimately together, allowing both to transcend the here and now. on and off the page. Children know how to visit 14 Cherry Tree Lane, the Neverland Excerpts from “Book Group Failures” in Marisa’s zine, “I and Huck’s cave. Mrs. Steinert reminded us how not to forget. We #1. I didn’t say anything. I ndignant Gingham”: sit with Anna Karenina in her train compartment, hoping to catch t was at a local bookstore. I had read the book separately and loved it, and it was a coincidence that they were discussing it. I went alone, and a glimpse of Vronsky in the snow; we crowd the threshold of Ras- it was an intense discussion, about an intense book, and I just sat there. At the end, a kolnikov’s coffin-like room; we dream of Manderly and wander woman approached me and said, “You didn’t say anything,” and I said, “No.” the halls of Pemberly. We stroll Dublin with Leopold Bloom and knit with Madame Defarge in her wine shop. For us, Mrs. Stein- #2. I didn’t read the book. I watched the movie instead. I ert’s Round Room classes gave us the passport, visa and tickets to and I wanted to see what the group was like. I kept offering myt was thoughts my first on timethe movie, going, all the places we could imagine. and someone else kept talking about how she knew Dave Eggers, who had no relation to the book or the author, but it was important to her that we know. I suggested the The Round Room no longer exists as we knew it. But the next book, and never showed up again. architect did leave us with the idea of the room, a hint of what it was as we pass through, enough to imagine it any time. Come #3. They didn’t read the book. I was there as an author, but only two people actually to think of it, it’s a perfect and realized metaphor for the place, had the book, and had read it. I don’t think it was what they were expecting. I from where we can always access those literary places of the the home of a family friend, and she was trying to be nice. She served a three-courset was at heart and remember the time we spent there with Mrs. Stein- dinner, and pink cocktails, and two hours later someone said, “What about the book?” ert, who will always have a place in our hearts as well. and I just smiled. Tribute to Ailsa from The Goddess, aka June Jeswald*

I would like to begin with a line of poetry company; not even a hint of ennui. She is from a poem by Helen Keller: “There are red interesting, inspiring, thoughtful, supportive, letter days in our lives when we meet people and irritating when she fails to agree with me. who thrill us like a fine poem.” There are those who are inclined to think My good friend Ailsa is one of these that ours is an unlikely friendship, and a people, and she also writes the poem. rather strange one. I would agree that it bears We are here today to acknowledge and a resemblance to Alice’s fall in Wonderland. What am I supposed to do? Whip celebrate Ailsa’s long, legendary, extraordinary We have even been referred to as Thelma and into a tap dance or a grand jete in order to career at Pingree. Louise. We have yet to become violent in our make my opinion somewhat poetic? At the travels. However, I frequently talk to strangers, conclusion of every disagreement, we part She is a gifted teacher whose passion for and Ailsa stands by, packing heat, ready for the company for a while, then we meet face to face life, literature, philosophy, poetry, and creative rescue! and burst into laughter. writing has changed the lives of many students and guided them in the direction of their We are from different backgrounds, There is one thing that I have taught Ailsa, dreams. different worlds, and therefore have a few although she will not admit it, and that is how differences of opinion. to hug properly. She has made significant Ailsa has also made a considerable progress, but come, let’s try again. difference in my life. She is a loyal, wonderful When we are in the midst of a disagreement, I admire her knowledge, her * June Jeswald, Ailsa’s close friend, was Chair of the Fine friend, and probably the greatest compliment Arts Department and Dance Director at Pingree for I could give, I give to Ailsa. She brings out passion, and fluidity, and it is obvious that she more than 40 years before her retirement in 2010. the best in me and I am never bored in her delivers the best possible argument for her opinion, even though I am always right.

three black birds are unstiching the white sky. December first somewhere in the deep parts of you you know Erika Mitkus ’08 what will happen, have always known. picture this: you’re remembering staring at his shirts all neatly in the closet, swinging on their hangers, and you’re walking to class and it’s snowing outside. you’re moving faster now, - it’s heavy snow, dark and wet, and you’re remem the sky arching overhead like a bowl, overturning. bering when you were small, someone telling you’re still walking. you won’t go to class. you’ll sit you the flakes were pieces of the sky that got free in the library with the stained glass windows and somehow wonder about angels, about like plaster peeling off the ceiling, or the skin their wings blunt as butter knives, scraping off shucking off an onion, curving in your palm. pieces of sky. how did they get loose? you remember asking. you’re not going to go to class, you won’t calculate your mother’s hand was on your forehead. your the velocity of falling objects, won’t learn about father was lacing up your sneakers. atoms nudging each other in space, did it matter? about clouds racing up from the mountains. it doesn’t matter now. you’re happy and you’ve got a tight grip on it, your nails digging in. it’s not trying to run away, walking to class and the trees folded with snow, but you hold on anyway. the sky like a bruise with steam gushing from the buildings. the city breathing, a long exhale and green eyes on a dark night, words that mean you’ll then in, stay, words that mean something else entirely. - further in. you’re standing on your front steps. you’re stand ing in a warm room full of people. you’re standing you are walking in the park and the earth is wet. - in the park and it’s still snowing. this is all strangely comforting; the hushed morn - ing air, the mud on your shoes. white flecks landing on your palm, just for a mo ment but why do you need comfort? last night your boyfriend had done the laundry; before the heat inside you burns bright and clear, and everything melts away. socks with shirts, darks with lights, the slap of hot air when the dryer door swung open. Murder for the Teacher Emma Catherine Perry ’05

All my better habits:

I try and try and cannot kill attempted murderings everything. quixotic, no— ick! These things elude me: Ahab!

Emersonian Thoreauvian Through elisions, intervening Kantian?! years, they gleam brass bright

and I have you to thank Heideggerian Dostoevsky-ish Tolstoy-like for all these simple gleamings.

You see, I keep them – Dickensian Dickensonian Whitmanian

pressed or blooming: Seamus Heanian I follow i expand

The house at Canaan and the cows the tumbled slide – down the road: mellow hooves, heavy How I still fumble bites in mud of nearly summer. to arrange this bouquet:

sheepishly present these flowers, The Trophy Room. The Pond Room. slightly wilted and mismatched, The Harte Room and chambers palm-muddled and finger-bruised of heart filled with sea shushing to you

– stuck ashore at Tenant’s Harbor. to prove that I was listening.

Eider ducks at Schoodic: rafted Though I try and fail to kill, loosely in the cove, wing over beak. cutting at the stalk, yanking by the root. The sinusoidal lifting of Atlantic up I am still your student: from under. Young. Clumsy. So sincere. Oh, the darlings. I flail out in great gratitude.

That is to say: I still expand. The quiet ride to Windsor in the borrowed Pingree van – This is to say: thank you. How to listen at a reading and how to speak to poets. No matter how famous.

Where to go for tea in Wenham and any taste I have for phrases.

How to speak to poems, and how to love

home in all its drizzling Novembers.

8 | www.pingree.org Ailsa Stienert

Planning My Escape TributesAndrew McGarrah ’10 I can be better than I’ve been lately And in my life, all the questions in the night wake me So I wait on to see it through When in all honesty I wish I knew Why do we stop dreaming And just being who we are I wont give in, not yet Chorus: I’m planning my escape No time to hesitate I’m out on seas of grey The stars to navigate my way Cause this time it cannot wait This time, I’m planning my escape You can be anything you want they said to me But as time went by, their words got faded And their promises untied So why do they say follow your dreams When in all honesty It ain’t what they mean (it ain’t what they mean) When did we stop dreaming And believin’ who we are I wont give in, not yet (Chorus) Bridge: Planning my escape to places that I’ve never gone before My life is getting better all time Spent, questioning the reasons why I’m here I’m here now, and it’s up to me So time passes by me And friends make me lonely But I carry on Cause this time I know it’s fate And this time I won’t be late This time it cannot wait This time I’m planning my escape

8 | www.pingree.org 9 | Bulletin Summer 2012 Major Events for 2012-13

Tuesday, September 4 Convocation – First Day of Classes Flying Horse Outdoor Sculpture Exhibit Opens

Saturday, September 22 Portsmouth Abbey Day Athletic Honor Society Induction Ceremony and Celebration

Sunday, September 23 Flying Horse Outdoor Sculpture Exhibit Reception with Honorary Chair Joanne Patton and Artists

Monday, October 1 James C. Deveney Golf Tournament at Myopia Hunt Club

Friday, October 5 Grandparents Day

Saturday, October 13 Admissions Open House Wheeler Day and Alumni Football Tailgate

Friday, May 3 Class Reunions

Saturday, May 4 Spring Gala

Sunday, June 9 Commencement

10 | www.pingree.org Reunion weekend

Girls Night Out

Mimi Davis Emmons ’64 Alumni Association Award

2012 Class Reunions

10 | www.pingree.org 11 | Bulletin Summer 2012 REUNION WEEKEND 1 Girls Night Out

Celebrating milestone reunions for the Classes of 1967 (45th) and 1972 (40th) Pingree’s First Ladies had the house all to themselves complete with cocktail hour in the Alumni Room, Pingree student jazz trio in the foyer, “class” with Head of School Tim Johnson in the Trophy Room including a presentation of Pingree’s expansion plans, and a lovely dinner in the school library. There was positive energy all around and unanimous 2 sentiment that we should continue hosting “Girls Night Out” events in the future. Many thanks to everyone who came back to celebrate, reminisce, and toast to friends, classmates and everything we love about Pingree!

4

3

1. Karen Durkee Heywood ’67 reconnects with Evalyn Beckwith ’67 during the cocktail reception. 2. Joie Mayo ’67 and Isabelle Keating ’67 proudly wearing their reunion yearbook-photo pins with thanks to Karen Durkee Heywood ’67. 3. “Class” was held in the Trophy Room with Head of School Tim Johnson. Many thanks to all the “Girls” who came back for the first of many “Girls Night Out” events. 4. Laura Lorenz ’72 and Penny Haug Winter ’71 share some laughter.

12 | www.pingree.org REUNION WEEKEND 1 Girls Night Out

2 3

4 1. The Class of 1967 had a terrific turnout for their milestone 45th reunion! Left to right, back row: Connie Bell Mason, Kathy Greenough, Posie Means Mansfield, Joie Mayo, Barbara Miller Ewell, Evalyn Beckwith, Joanne Nickless Powers, Judy Adamson, Isabelle Keating, Dale Grant Dick. Front row: Cathy MacKenna Greenough, Barbara White Tilley, Sally Haug Murphy and Karen Durkee Heywood.

2. Sarah Durkee ’73 catches up with June Jeswald, Pingree Goddess of Dance.

3. Barbara White Tilley ’67 reconnects with Ailsa Steinert.

4. Head of School Tim Johnson shares the 5 exciting news of Pingree’s plans to expand the arts and athletics facilities, as well as addressing the growing need for more affordable access. Everyone gathered around the model to take a look at what is in store for Pingree’s near future.

5. The Class of 1972 had a mighty time together! Left to right, back row: Pam Daly, Susan Ballou Carter, Sarah Dorsey, Peggy Greenough Johnson, Anne Griffin, 7 6 Catherine Makay-Smith Kempson, Sukie Curtis, Lisa Rudenberg. Front row: Laura Lorenz and Derby Jones.

6. Posie Means Mansfield ’67 and Judy Adamson ’67.

7. Barbara Miller Ewell ’67 gets a hand with her reunion pin.

12 | www.pingree.org 13 | Bulletin Summer 2012 REUNION WEEKEND Jane Riley ’77 Receives Mimi Davis Emmons ’64 Alumni Association Award

The Alumni Association Award was established in 1982 and was renamed the Mimi Davis Emmons ’64 Alumni Association Award in 1999 in honor of Mimi’s retirement and many years of service to Pingree School. This distinguished award is presented each year to a Pingree graduate who has, through extraordinary effort and dedicated service, made a significant contribution to the quality of life of his or her school, community, or society as a whole.

“This year’s recipient is Jane Riley, and I can’t imagine a more deserving person. Proud wife of Tom and mother of Blake and Paige, Class of 2005, Jane graduated from Pingree in 1977. She was a member of the Board of Trustees from 1998-2011, she served as Board President from 2006 - 2010, the final year of which I am privileged to have shared my inaugural year as Head of School. Currently, Jane is an Overseer Head of School Tim Johnson, Jane Blake Riley ’77 and who sits on our Committee on Trustees. Mimi Davis Emmons ’64. Jane’s commitment and contributions to Pingree are nothing short of miraculous, and I am so proud to have an opportunity to be part of this I will forever cherish the times in my office when Jane looked presentation. A staunch advocate for doing the right thing, no at me with unflinching and disarming confidence to make a matter the personal consequence, Jane time and again dedicates hard decision, or her explosive laughter in a time of need. herself to her alma mater. It is because of her vision and governance savvy that we are Her wicked sense of humor, humility, sharp emotional currently positioned as a school to focus on bold program and intelligence, and ability to lean into discomfort with a singular campus initiatives that likely would still be dreams without her focus on what is best for the future of Pingree, has been leadership.” – Tim Johnson invaluable to our school.

14 | www.pingree.org REUNION WEEKEND 2s and 7s celebrate!

It was Reunion Year for the Classes of 1977, 1982, 1987, 1992, 1997, 2002, and 2007. Members of all these classes came together to reminisce and celebrate with their classmates at a cocktail reception followed by dinner under the tent in the Hedge Garden.

14 | www.pingree.org 15 | Bulletin Summer 2012 REUNION WEEKEND 2 Reunions 2012 1

6 3

5 1. 2002 Classmates Nick Walton, Rebecca Wasserman, Justin Parker, Sarah Buck, and Julie Kent

2. Justin Parker ’02, Michael Nelligan ’02, Tess Stern, and Tom Salter ’02.

3. The Boys of 2007! Chris Lange, Greg Dooley, Jason Hostetter, J. D. Willets, Ware Cady, P. J. Yasi, Brian 4 Adam, German Disla, Tedi Begaj, and Alexander Reichert.

4. 1977 Classmates Carle Shotwell, Pixie Hawkes Seamans, Jane Blake Riley, Josh Burns, Victoria Burke, and Ellen Reinhalter Shain.

5. Arriving for the cocktail reception Ellen Reinhalter Shain ’77 with her husband, Bruce. Good friend, Tom Riley, right behind them.

6. Brian Adam ’07 and Buddy Taft catch up.

16 | www.pingree.org REUNION WEEKEND 5 Reunions 2012 6 1

2

3

4 1. Cindi Lopez and Peter Reske ’02.

2. Elizabeth Reichert ’02 and Jessica Seymour ’02 pose for the camera.

3. The festive tent filled the Hedge Garden.

4. Alice Miller ’82 (center) with John Gilson and Liz Taft ’73.

5. Something was missing from the class of 2007…the women! Make plans to come back to Pingree next spring for the Gala on May 4—all alumni are invited back and a 2007 reunion re-do is in order!

6. Newly engaged! Tova Kaplan ’02 and Matt Harrington ’00.

16 | www.pingree.org 17 | Bulletin Summer 2012 REUNION WEEKEND 2 Reunions 2012 Proudly 1 Pingree

5 North Shore’s Finest for More than 50 Years! 1. Michael Tarshi ’97 and Kasie Jacobs Van Faasen ‘97

2. Chris Lange ’07, Tedi Begaj ’07, Jason Hostetter ’07, Greg Dooley ’07, and Brian Adam ’07.

3. Paige Cogger Sostek ’87 and, 3 4 her husband, Josh Sostek ’87, taking a look at the model of the campus expansion plans.

4. Party favors for everyone. A perfect summer tote bag.

5. Reunion guests happily headed to the Hedge Garden for dinner under the tent.

Stay connected

THANKS FOR A GREAT YEAR! WE LOOK FORWARD TO STAYING CONNECTED AND SEEING YOU NEXT YEAR!

Email: If you are not receiving emails from Pingree – please send your preferred email to the Alumni Office. To save paper and postage we often send invites and reminders via email.

Alumni Contact Information Form: Have you recently moved, changed careers, had a name change, married, divorced, or have other contact information you would like to update? Visit the alumni page on Pingree’s website and use the simple online form to update your information.

“Pingree School Alumni”

“Pingree School Alumni”

18 | www.pingree.org Proudly Pingree North Shore’s Finest for More than 50 Years!

Show off your Pingree Pride and appear in the Fall Bulletin!

We are betting that nearly all Pingree alumni will remember visiting Nick’s Roast Beef in Beverly, MA with their friends, teammates and for frequent late night snacking. We are also certain you are familiar with the collection of photos found at Nick’s where loyal customers share their personal adventures with a snapshot including Nick’s famous bumper sticker. Playing off this fun idea we are sending all Pingree alumni a Proudly Pingree bumper sticker later this summer. Next time you are with a group of Pingree friends, competing in a race, celebrating a milestone, completing a masterpiece, traveling the globe, or simply goofing around, bring along your Pingree Pride sticker and send us your photos and stories!

We plan to publish the photos in the 2012 Fall Bulletin. Send photos and stories to either the general alumni mailbox [email protected] or directly to the alumni office, [email protected] attention, Laurie Polese ’84, Alumni Director.

18 | www.pingree.org 19 | Bulletin Summer 2012 Calling all Fans of Pingree Athletics!

September 22, 2012 Save the Date anD Join us when the Pingree Athletic Honor Society will induct • Vincent “Vinny” Bono ’83 • Joanie Johnson and the Johnson Family • Elizabeth “Weze” Shorts Harrigan ’95 • Frederick “Derry” Mason IV ’92

and recognize the coaching excellence of Buddy Taft and Alan McCoy

Invitations will be mailed in August. To learn more about the Pingree Athletic Honor Society, go to the Alumni page at www.pingree.org.

20 | www.pingree.org More than 45 rising eighth and ninth graders spent five weeks this summer engaged in academic and co-curricular enrichment at Prep@Pingree, Pingree’s signature, nationally recognized public-private partnership program celebrating 11 years of doing something bold. Coursework in math, English, engineering design, and history is coupled with training in public speaking, interviewing techniques, and collaborative learning. Prep@Pingree alumni matriculate to public, independent, and parochial schools. Five percent of Pingree School’s current enrollment is comprised of Prep@Pingree alumni.

Pingree is proud to be one of the few independent schools in the country providing access to high quality education to a wide range of students in innovative and meaningful ways.

To learn more about Prep@Pingree, go to www.pingree.org or contact Director Steve Filosa at [email protected] or 978-468-4415 ext.265. 20 | www.pingree.org 21 | Bulletin Summer 2012 Don’t forget your friends at Pingree!

Kenneth Aboagye-Adinkra Amherst College Sami Amine Halloul MA College of Pharmacy Morgan Katherine Patrican College of Charleston Vinícius Rodrigues Aguiar Lehigh University Simonetta Elena Harrison Bowdoin College Hannah Margaret Perkins Providence College Brandon K. Ashe Musicians Institute Emily Malloy Hawthorne The George Washington U. Francesca Alessandra Petrillo Babson College Isabelle Rochon Attenborough Elon University Teah Marie Hayward Fairfield University Daniel Brian Prawdzik Northeastern University Caroline S. Bachelder University of Vermont Scott Campbell Helfrich Arizona State University John Whitaker Rawlins St. Lawrence University Rachael Nicole Berman Bentley University Kathryn MacNeille Iverson Dickinson College Luis Gabriel Rodriguez Stonehill College Verónica Andrea Bland Elon University Benjamin Hilton Johnson Whitman College Michael Alexander Rogers U. of Colorado at Bianca Angelina Capone Columbia University Rachel Elizabeth Kaczynski Boston College Boulder Scott David Caradonna Trinity College Luke Robert Kaneb Santa Clara University Natália Faria Rosa Lesley University Isaac Bernard Carp Skidmore College Joseph Dillon Knowles The George Washington U. Lily Cynthia Sabatini Providence College Alexander Joseph Caruso Skidmore College Joshua Andrew Linton University of Michigan Ian Greer Shain U. of Southern California Conor Daniel Clement U. of Mass., Dartmouth Jake Victor Livingstone University of Vermont Kelly Ann Shaw College of the Holy Cross Matthew Edward Colbert Elon University Eric Scott Margolis Lehigh University Nathaniel Todd Soter Stonehill College Samuel Morton Cregg St. Lawrence University Elle Pelagia Martins University of Michigan Katherine Elizabeth Sullivan Providence College Jeremiah Timothy Cronin West Virginia University Matthew Robert Mattie Providence College Marykate Surette University of Pennsylvania Victoria Elizabeth DaMore Trinity College Kevin Thomas Mazzeo Gap Year Charles Sloan Swayze University of Vermont Samuel Eliot Day Carnegie Mellon University Brontë Elizabeth McGarrah Connecticut College Dylan Francis Taylor Union College Louisa Castle del Río Boston University Page Briggs McManus College of Charleston Lisa Zhang Truong Wellesley College Shelby DiFiore Quinnipiac University Molly McSweeney University of Richmond Sara Jean Vargo U. of Colorado at Boulder Andrew Corey Dixon U. of Mass., Amherst Olivia Rose Miller Harvard University Michael Patrick White University of Rhode Island Gwen Ellen Dougherty Trinity College Jazmin Minaya Lesley University Anika Dinna Randolph Whitmore Spelman College Elizabeth Lunt Faulkner Rollins College Jackson Ely Mitchell University of Connecticut Reinhold Turner Willcox McGill University Sabrina Galiney University of Rhode Island Amanda Eve Monteforte Union College Darren Russell Wilson Skidmore College Emma Sullivan Gaquin The George Washington U. Keith David Morency Lewis & Clark College Alexandra Bess Wittner Emerson College Samuel Rafael Garcia Northwestern University Kate Evelyn Ober Colby College Samshita Yalamanchili Boston College Anna Mei Elizabeth Gubbins Davidson College Catherine James O’Hare Pitzer College Diana Grace Zion Colby College Alexander Lars Guldemond Boston University Charles David Parker University of Vermont

22 | www.pingree.org senior 2012 tribute A highlight of Pingree’s Commencement Week each year is our Senior Tribute Dinner when each student stands with a chosen faculty member to hear himself or herself described in 90 words or less. Humorous, heartfelt, poignant, and spot on, the tributes reflect just how incredibly well each Pingree student is known in our community. Abridged versions of the tributes are read at Commencement with the awarding of diplomas. 22 | www.pingree.org senior tributes to the class of

It is your fearless honesty that inspires most. In pursuit of truth, you ask tough questions, generously offer your experiences and reach out to others for understanding. Kenneth Aboagye-Adinkra Amherst College

Your curiosity and imagination have Vinícius Rodrigues Aguiar With High Distinction our classrooms and enriched enlivened Lehigh University (IDEAS Honors Program) the lyrical and expressive writing that flows naturally from your soul. You possess an Musicians Institute Brandon K. Ashe extraordinary amount of faith and courage and Songbird, amazing writer, all-star care for others. We’ll runner, and all-around worker. Very miss your warmth busy, Izzy approaches every part of and easygoing life with thought and candor. nature.

Isabelle Rochon Attenborough Elon University

24 | www.pingree.org Classy and fabulous, you are kind, compassionate, creative, talented, and full of positive energy. Enjoy the happiness that surrounds you.

University of Vermont Caroline Sears Bachelder

Rachael Nicole Berman Bentley University

You move across the stage with An intense curiosity power and grace, glide across the ice drove you in your studies, with determination and beauty, and while on the courts you take on controversial issues with were determined to support conviction and passion.

the play of teammates. Bianca Angelina Capone Cum Laude With Highest Distinction Columbia University Your peers gravitated toward your bubbly personality and loyalty. Proud, kind hearted, calm, caring, brave in the classroom and on the athletic fields, you have evolved from a quiet freshman to a , witty young man. You have added your confident mark to Pingree and now, Trinity College Scott D. Caradonna as you take yourself away, part of you will stay. You are a driven scholar who gives Always remember, all the 100% daily, a scoring phenom in world is your stage. basketball, you have made us a better community in your two years here. Alto cinco! Skidmore College Isaac Bernard Carp With High Distinction

Veronica Andrea Bland Elon University

24 | www.pingree.org senior tributes

You are a poet. You weave images, Inviting smile, sincere and tap into veins of feeling that resonate in honest conversations, all of us, but few can identify as well. We will it’s no wonder people miss your many gifts. flock to be near you. A spokesperson Skidmore College Alexander Joseph Caruso for your passions, you also radiate care and shine when in the presence Conor is athletic, loyal, intelligent, of people. and unflappable. He is a true man of honor and a kind and thoughtful soul.

Conor Daniel Clement University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth

Matt leads by example, from the heart, with honesty and integrity. We are awed by his courage, inspired by his conviction, heartened by his honesty. Jeremiah Timothy Cronin Matthew Edward Colbert Elon University With Distinction West Virginia University

An accomplished athlete, Sam has not allowed himself to be defined by this area of success. He has emerged as a thoughtful and diligent student, garnering the respect of his teachers and peers.

Samuel Morton Cregg St. Lawrence University

26 | www.pingree.org Victoria is understated, yet her You are uncomfort- contributions to our school cannot able in the spotlight, be. A loyal and thoughtful friend, a yet you shine leader on so bright. You the field and walked through our court, she doors with your Samuel Eliot Day has left With Distinction heart on your Carnegie Mellon University her mark on this sleeve and you

community. taught us the He impresses perfect balance us still…every day. of seriousness and Victoria Elizabeth DaMore Trinity College Sam is fascinated silliness. with art, architecture and film. He notices every- thing and he can

make anything. He’s likely to be

You’re a fearless captain. A famous. Louisa Castle del Río With Distinction tenacious student. A true and honest Boston University friend. Your admirable approach of giving Stoic and full of resolve, you are a young man your all, all steadfastly determined of the time, to consider the present, dwell will yield on what lies ahead, great things. and sup on the wonder of what will be.

Quinnipiac Shelby Rose DiFiore University With High Distinction University of Massachusetts, Amherst Andrew Corey Dixon

26 | www.pingree.org 27 | Bulletin Summer 2012 senior tributes

You are the consummate You have evolved from a shy, competitor. But what impresses reserved freshman, struggling to us most is how you blend that find your voice, to aconfident , competitive desire with a powerful senior, eager to beautifully tackle whatever is put in front reflective of you. Rollins College Elizabeth Lunt Faulkner and respectful

demeanor. You are an enthusiastic Gwen Ellen Dougherty Trinity College and creative member of the class. With Distinction A lively contributor to class discussions, watching you Your qualities cannot be on stage was a delight to our

numbered. Your sayings cannot be Sabrina Alexandra Galiney University of Rhode Island community. Latinized. You may not be Harry Potter but you Unfailingly , warm hearted are you. loyal , you take on challenge with intelligence, There’s magic , and . in you. persistence balance We will miss your radiant smile and the hint of mischief in your eye. Samuel Rafael Garcia Emma Sullivan Gaquin Cum Laude With Northwestern University The George Washington University Highest Distinction With Distinction

Brilliant physicist and mathematician, dedicated cross country captain, intuitive writer, and a sensitive and thoughtful young man with an incredible wit and a generous heart.

Alexander Lars Guldemond Boston University Cum Laude With High Distinction

28 | www.pingree.org You have an insatiable hunger for knowledge, sushi, and orange creamsicles, though not at the same time. As you go forth “to get the thing that makes it worth the

journeying,” you will be missed. Sami Amine Halloul Mass College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences Anna Mei Elizabeth Gubbins Davidson College Cum Laude With High Distinction His energy, enthusiasm, and determination are complemented “The Seamstress” – because you combine with a sincere desire to diligence with creativity, focus with make a positive impact. fun, social action with compassion, Generous, compassionate, and you are someone who brings ideas and eager to share his joie de and people together. vivre with others, he is

Bowdoin College Simonetta Elena Harrison sure to “turn the beat around.” Cum Laude With High Distinction

Some people just seem to be born friendly, You are a hardworking born to be your friend...like Emily. She student who sets the is an outstanding standard of performance. Your artist and fine commitment to family is student, but seen in all that you do. We will it is her goodness miss your kindness and that we will giving spirit. Fairfield University Teah Marie Hayward With Distinction remember the most.

Emily Malloy Hawthorne The George Washington With Distinction University

28 | www.pingree.org senior tributes

Whether driving to the Your quest to spread cheer was goal or successful, constantly playing the role of lacrosse attacking a math problem, fanatical teammate, dedicated friend, you have and upbeat classmate. Bounce shown everyone what can happen forth and best of luck. Arizona State University Scott Campbell Helfrich with determination and hard work. Your tenacity is remarkable. A mind engaged. You have discovered the wisdom and wonder and balance of following your own way and connecting with meaningful people in the world.

Benjamin Hilton Johnson Whitman College

You always seem to know when to share a silly joke, a sincere smile, or a genuine compliment. We are in awe of your fearless confidence. You are a true gift! Katherine MacNeille Iverson Rachel Elizabeth Kaczynski Dickinson College Boston College With Distinction

A brilliant conversationalist who possesses a wealth of information. His sense of irony provides those around him with a great opportunity to experience a road less traveled.

Luke Robert Kaneb Santa Clara University

30 | www.pingree.org You understand that it all starts with an Long, lean, likable Linton. You idea, with a leap of the imagination. make it all look so easy, but we know That is your the hard work and dedication gift… and it will behind each aspect of make all the difference. your life. Joshua Andrew Linton University of Michigan Cum Laude With High Distinction

Joseph Dillon Knowles The George Washington University

The embodiment of the classical Renaissance man Calm and always collected, you have departs Pingree having taught us that no obstacle is too left footprints in all large to overcome. Your love for corners of campus. life, family, and friends Jake Victor Livingstone University of Vermont make you an inspiration.

Eric Scott Margolis Lehigh University

With a passion for learning, you challenged yourself academically with impressive results. You have enriched us with your Your gentle spirit is matched only enthusiasm, by your dogged determination loyalty, in the classroom, on the field, dedication, and and on the ice. You have made numerous other Pingree a better place and attributes. for this we are all grateful.

University of Michigan Elle Pelagia Martins With Distinction Providence College Matthew Robert Mattie

30 | www.pingree.org 31 | Bulletin Summer 2012 senior tributes

The way you present yourself You’re an iceberg of talent, makes you a role model for of magic, and multi-octave your peers and teachers. You have warblings, and you’re gonna bust taught us that is it possible to this boat wide open. preserve You’re here, and there’s

one’s roots nothing we fear. Olivia Rose Miller Harvard University Cum Laude With whilst continuing Highest Distainction to grow. Never change. Attentive, curious, and level headed, you Gap year Kevin Thomas Mazzeo approach life with a smile. When you experience success, the world is a joyful, bright, happy place, Molly McSweeney With Distinction full of your infectious University of Richmond enthusiasm that Watch carefully, her actions model buoys us all. An excellent her beliefs. Be patient, she does student and not seek center stage. Then wait, superb competitive swimmer, and be amazed. A committed environmentalist, your dedication quiet to everything you leader, undertake is admirable. passionate Talented and egalitarian, responsible, you live and supportive up to all your friend. commitments. Page Briggs McManus Brontë Elizabeth Connecticut College McGarrah College of Charleston

32 | www.pingree.org We hang on your every word, your Warm, friendly, personality is magnetic, you have the modest but never best manners in the school, and we all shy, you charmed wish you would never leave. us all, and became University of Connecticut Jackson Ely Mitchell the student we all knew you could become. You are a friend of sterling value whose concern is long term, balanced, readily offered, and strong. You give yourself unstintingly – you listen well – you stand behind your convictions.

Amanda Eve Monteforte Union College

Fiercely independent, driven by an inner compass set firmly on “meaningfulness,” Keith is Jazmin Minaya a force of nature. Underneath, lie deep Lesley University waters that relish reflection, that contem- plate, consider, conspire to make meaning. Keith David Morency Lewis & Clark College With Distinction

Katie is a magical talent. It seems like everything she touches turns to gold. Her writing, her paintings, her music… they all share her sense of wonder… they are fresh, honest, beautiful.

Kate Evelyn Ober Colby College With Distinction

32 | www.pingree.org 33 | Bulletin Summer 2012 senior tributes

To be in your circle of light is to be in a magical place where the world is brighter and full of promise. Thank you for reminding me of what we can see if we just

Catherine James O’Hare Pitzer College open our eyes. with High Distinction

You are a troubadour, a merry prankster, Hannah Margaret Perkins With Distinction set down amidst our linear and mechanistic Providence College world to remind us that the joy in life is spending all that you have in the A swirl of energy, present moment. burst of laughter, University of Vermont Charles David Parker litany of the day’s

happenings, all

Continue to ask questions. Smile. It in a minute. Your enables you to persevere when hard work and things are difficult, rejoice in the compassion victories, and laugh at the ridiculous. guide you and help light the way for others. Morgan Katherine Patrican College of Charleston

Fully attentive to what matters most, you are your own person. You proudly wear your heart on your sleeve – not to provoke or to garner attention, but to empower others to stand up.

Babson College Francesca Alessandra Petrillo

34 | www.pingree.org You always break down the task and take care of business. Your sound Let the rumpus begin! As you instincts, sharp joust about the place, stirring the dust and mind, and good raising a hue and cry, you quest for heart will take new horizons and wilder experiences. you far. We will always be home, Max.

University of Colorado (Boulder) Michael Alexander Xavier (Max) Rogers

You arrived knowing yourself and eager to learn. You sowed seeds of compassion, provided sound advice to friends, and led with understanding.

Daniel Brian Prawdzik Jr. Northeastern University Natália Faria Rosa Lesley University With Distinction

You arrived an athlete You have the rare ability and leave a scholar-athlete-artist. You to get to the heart of a leave us with film awards on your matter, with an incisive shelf, video intellect. It’s rare to contracts in find one who speaks your in-box, and such truth and more of both in asks such provocative your future. questions.

St. Lawrence University John Whitaker Rawlins Stonehill College Luis Gabriel Rodriguez

34 | www.pingree.org 35 | Bulletin Summer 2012 senior tributes

Scholar, singer, actor, you have been recognized for your dedication to high achievement. You served as a steady and reliable resource to students and faculty and remained dedicated

to what is right. University of Ian Greer Shain Southern California Cum Claude With Highest Distinction

Lily Cynthia Sabatini Your emotion struck a cord in all Providence College of us as a testament to the authentic

during With your dogged relationships formed your time at Pingree. You have gained the determination, confidence to know who you fierce pride, and and who great tenacity, coupled are Marykate Surette you are not, with that Cum Laude With Highest Distinction bright University of Pennsylvania and we are smile of yours, there with is nothing you cannot happy Organized, what we got. achieve. diligent, a leader in many areas of our College of the Kelly Ann Shaw Holy Cross With High Distinction community. You encouraged sustainability, supported your Like Clark Kent, quiet and mild mannered on the peers, and led your outside, but those who know him know a fierce team to victory, all competitor, a genuine and loyal friend, a while consistently patient and maturing scholar, and a truly subtle, excelling yet hilarious, jokester. academically. Nathaniel Todd Soter Stonehill College

36 | www.pingree.org If you were a pair of socks, you wouldn’t match. If you were a pencil, friends would be crayons. If an elephant, you would have a closet instead of a trunk. Charlie is completely unique, and that’s why everybody loves him.

Charles Sloan Swayze University of Vermont

You are a man of commitment and honor, one who accepts responsibility and acts responsibly. You are a loyal member of this community, your leadership has improved our community more than you

will know. Union College Dylan Francis Taylor

Katherine Elizabeth Sullivan Providence College You are , alive… a You are playful, serious, silly, fresh magic carpet ride. You are Always ready with and sincere – all in one exchange. a thinker, a , a laugh, she is Your intricate drawings, listener an , and our seriously focused. thoughtful gifts, and inscribed artist best . You are Poised to embrace poems are a few examples of friend our conscience and our independence, her how you confidant. family ties keep her make grounded. We can’t people wait to see her on life’s around

next stage. you feel special.

Lisa Zhang Truong Wellesley College Sara Jean Vargo With High Distinction University of Colorado (Boulder)

36 | www.pingree.org 37 | Bulletin Summer 2012 senior tributes

Your keen mind lets you cut to the heart of the matter, and from there you proceed with an understated humor that lightens our load, and a calm demeanor that says everything is under control.

Michael Patrick White University of Rhode Island With Distinction Anika Dinna Randolph Whitmore Spelman College

You are an outstanding Pingree scholar: The only part of you that Francophile, physicist, mathlete, and outshines that smile middle school mentor, you have made is your heart. Students quantum leaps of growth, maturity, look up to you. Teachers . and leadership. McGill University Reinhold Turner Willcox look up to you With Distinction Your leadership will leave a lasting impression. You should listen to all those exceptional actors, dancers, comedians, and artists. Because one day, Allie, they’re going to stop, and Your quiet demeanor

Alexandra Bess Wittner Emerson College we’re all going to be listening to you. belies the intellectual With Distinction energy that courses through your being. You "Most folks are as happy as they make up their have developed a deep minds to be.” We are not surprised that Sam respect for the selected this as her yearbook quote. Sam chooses dignity of others. happiness every day. Sam Yalamanchili Boston College With High Distinction

Mind in constant motion, your intrepid insights startle, provoke. You confront and inject

playfulness into the mess of life. Darren Russell Wilson Diana Grace Zion Colby College Skidmore College

38 | www.pingree.org Senior Tribute Dinner spray, we talked about the legacy we wanted just follows, but chases them with every Closing Remarks to leave behind us. As we sat around the fiber of our being. Our years at Pingree Emma Gaquin campfire toasting marshmallows, we have taught us that success is happiness. reminisced about the Class of 2009, or Success does not come from money or I would like to talk to you about the OUR seniors when we were freshmen. To fame but from doing what you love. It is class of 2012 as a whole. Every group of put it best, we worshipped them. To our rare that you find a group of young adults seniors differs from the last. I am not going grade, those seniors were the epitome of who have grasped this true meaning of to tell you that we are unique but rather, Pingree. They exemplified fun and hard success. I owe this to the fact that we are HOW we are unique. Over the past four work. We decided that we would strive to a supportive and caring group. While years we have overcome many missteps be just like them. We failed. Instead we our passions and hobbies may differ, we and downfalls. We survived multiple bouts created our own identity. I can say with have never faulted from believing in each of the Pingree Plague and the Swine Flu. certainty that each of you is friends with other. I believe that Sam Day will be the We suffered through Keith and Brontë’s at least one underclassman. We were not next famous architect, and that Alex will lengthy absences last year. We were the worshipped from afar this year. We were be the next Walt Whitman. Brandon’s first first seniors ever to lose powder puff, befriended by freshmen, sophomores, CD will top the charts, Molly will take the even though Caroline fought bravely on juniors, and even faculty. I am honored to college swimming world by storm, and the dodgeball court. Our triumphs were leave these friendships as our legacy. one day Olivia and Sam will be accepted more subtle. We have built up Pingree’s I would describe us much more as a into Hogwarts. Even those of you who programs and clubs, we threw ourselves giant family of bickering siblings than have no idea what your future holds, you into everything that this school has to as a happy go lucky group. That is not will follow your hearts. I believe that is the offer. And because of that we are leaving to say that there is no love between us. legacy we have left Pingree with. We have behind our essence. Our love comes with respect. Each of set the example: Do your work and do it Like every grade before us, the teachers us is distinctly different from the next, well, but don’t forget the fun stuff. Respect at Pingree have become our best friends. making us a group of individuals that those who think differently from you; the As you’ve heard tonight, we have formed comes together in a unique way. We love world needs all types. We have laughed close bonds with each other over the past and respect each other thoroughly, and and joked our way through high school four years and collected many cell phone it is this respect that has allowed us to but we have also been respectful. I think numbers. Along with teaching us, they leave Pingree with another longstanding we were the first grade to not give Mr. Taft have inspired us and imparted their life legacy. Marykate has turned Pingree green. a heart attack on senior prank day. Our wisdom to us. I owe our Pingree legacy in Although not everyone has her passion for pirate takeover was perfectly annoying and part to them. They have taught us that with environmental protection, we helped her charming and the perfect way to end our friendship comes respect. Even through lead the crusade against litterers and gas senior year. our complaints about homework and guzzlers. Mr. Kloman, along with the help Academics, athletics, and arts are all their assigning endless readings we have of his Soil and Humanities class, erected very important. We have focused on them managed to maintain close relationships. a greenhouse where students will be able for the past four years. Pingree has helped This is how we learned that different to grow their own crops. Jimmy started make us well rounded and hard working opinions do not mean that you cannot a maple sugar club, proving that maple people. So now, I encourage you to follow get along. At the beginning of the year we sugaring is an art form that will never your instincts and your hearts. Do what created a group on Facebook that included die. Elle introduced us all to a whole new you love because it’s what you will be best the entire grade. On this page we could level of organization. Katie and Izzy have at and where you will find true success. help each other to remember assignments been gracing us with their angelic voices Just think of how far we’ve come since our and debate and discuss events during our for years, and Ian created a peer tutoring first unbearably awkward dinner at Prince senior year. We came together because of program that will save future generations Pizza four years ago. In another four years the example our teachers had set for us. of Pingree scholars from the stresses of we will graduate college and take the world We also came together at the beginning physics. We are leaving Pingree students by storm. of the school year when our grade traveled with the example to try new things, bust Thank you for your time. This to The Forks in Maine. Along with braving down doors, and smile while doing so. concludes the senior tribute dinner the water rapids, and suffering through What I want to emphasize is that we tonight. Have a great night! our unpreparedness in clothing and bug are a group that follows our passions. Not

38 | www.pingree.org 39 | Bulletin Summer 2012 2012 AWARDS

40 | www.pingree.org The weather report forced us inside, but we were full of good cheer 2012 as we honored students in all grades for their achievements AWARDS in academics, the arts, athletics, and service.

40 | www.pingree.org 41 | Bulletin Summer 2012 Grade Nine Prizes Harvard Book Prize The Natalie Gates Scott Fiery and Kelsey Dion Erin Thomassen Lawton Award Matthew Edward Colbert Anika Dinna Randolph Whitmore

Awarded to a boy and a girl in the ninth grade who model the Pingree mission through their love of learning, their Awarded annually to the outstanding Given to a member of the school integrity, decency, compassion, and student in the Junior Class who, in the community in any grade who, like Natalie commitment to others and the world at opinion of the Faculty, combines excellence Lawton, with courage, generosity, and large. in scholarship with achievement in extraordinary compassion, consistently other fields. reaches out beyond him/herself and Grade Ten Prizes reminds us all of our connections to one August Umholtz and The Wellesley College Prize another. Michelle (Gina) Kim Connie Truong Faculty Award for Diligence Kathryn MacNeille Iverson

Awarded to a boy and a girl in the tenth grade who model the Pingree mission through their love of learning and their Awarded to a student in the Junior Class integrity, decency, compassion, and whose academic record and character are commitment to others and the world at exceptional and who has already made a Given to a member of the Senior Class large. significant personal contribution to his/ who, over the course of his/her time at her school and/or community. Pingree School, has continually set high The Dartmouth Book Award personal goals for achievement and has Danielle Kanter Yale Book Award been an unfailing model of diligence and Peyton Beatrice perseverance in pursuit of understanding and knowledge. The Nathan Chandler II Award Catherine (Jimmy) James O’Hare

Given to a student in the top 10% of Given to a member of the Junior Class the Junior Class who has attained an who has exhibited outstanding personal outstanding combined academic average character and intellectual promise. in Mathematics, English, and Foreign Given annually to a member of the Senior Language. Above all, the student has Class who, without thought of reward demonstrated outstanding leadership in or recognition, has enriched the quality a highly visible school-sponsored activity of life for every member of the school and/or service to the community. community.

42 | www.pingree.org The Robert Thruston Houk 2011 Departmental Awards for Excellence Thayer, Jr. Award Sami Amine Halloul Art Department Science Kenneth Aboagye-Adinkra Performing Arts: Samshita Yalamanchili Samuel Rafael Garcia Visual Arts: Lisa Zhang Truong

Given annually by the Parents Association to a senior who exemplifies the qualities The Science Department Award for of courage, infectious good humor, school The Art Department recognizes those Excellence is presented to a senior who spirit, and concern for others for which seniors who have exhibited the highest has achieved outstanding scholarship in Robby Thayer ‘78, himself, is remembered. level of commitment and diligence in the sciences. their artistic pursuits. Alex Uhle Headmaster’s Award History Samuel Rafael Garcia English Bianca Angelina Capone Samuel Rafael Garcia

Awarded to a member of the Senior Class The History Department Award for who, over the course of his or her career at Excellence annually recognizes a Pingree, has displayed a love of learning, The English Department Award for member of the senior class whose excellence in academic achievement, and Excellence is given each year to a senior interest in the study of history has exemplary character. who has exhibited overall excellence in been revealed through his or her the field of English. commitment to intellectual inquiry The William S. Rogers Award and academic excellence as evidenced Language Elle Pelagia Martins by outstanding achievement across the Vinícius Rodrigues Aguiar Bianca Angelina Capone history curriculum. and Ian Greer Shain Mathematics Samuel Rafael Garcia and Bianca Angelina Capone

Established by the Faculty in honor of Robin Rogers, the founding Headmaster of Pingree School, and awarded annually to a member of the Senior Class who, in The Language Department Award for the opinion of the Faculty, has been with Excellence is awarded to a senior who The Mathematics Department Award loyalty and enthusiasm an outstanding has shown unfailing dedication to their for Excellence is awarded to a senior contributor to the school community. work, outstanding performance at all who, in the opinion of the department, levels of the language, and a great interest has demonstrated excellence in all for other people and their cultures. aspects of the study of mathematics.

42 | www.pingree.org 43 | Bulletin Summer 2012 Jeswald Art Awards The Marcel LeFlem great achievement, either in improvement Erin Thomassen, Emily Corbin Language Award or in performance, in mathematics. Anna Mei Elizabeth Gubbins Sacharuk Science Award Named in honor of Alexander Lars Guldemond Marcel LeFlem and given to a junior or senior who, in Given each year to two juniors who, in the opinion of addition to their outstanding record of the Language Department, has shown achievement, are developing and sharing continued dedication, extraordinary their talents in the fine or performing arts. enthusiasm, and notable achievement in language studies. Butler English Prize Given annually in honor of Eva Sacharuk, Olivia Rose Miller, Nickless Mathematics Award former Chair of the Science Department, Alexander Joseph Caruso Marykate Surette by the Pruett family, whose five children were graduates of Pingree School, to a Given in memory member of the Junior or Senior Class of Barbara J. Nickless, who has demonstrated extraordinary one of Pingree’s first accomplishment in the physical sciences, faculty members and while at the same time maintaining an Chair of the Math- outstanding record in the humanities. Given to that student in the Junior or ematics Department for many years, to that Senior Class who, in the opinion of the student or students whose enthusiasm Senior Highest Honors Bowls English Department, has exhibited a for, and dedication to, mathematics, and (95 and above for the year) constant appreciation and perception of whose loyalty to Pingree best represent literature. the standards set by Mrs. Nickless. Bianca Angelina Capone Shelby Rose DiFiore Davis Art History Award Charles P. Rimmer, Jr. Samuel Rafael Garcia Catherine (Jimmy) James O’Hare Award in Mathematics Anna Mei Elizabeth Gubbins Alexander Lars Guldemond Reinhold Turner Willcox Named in honor Joshua Andrew Linton of Fellowes Davis Given by the Par- Elle Pelagia Martins and given to that ents Association in Olivia Rose Miller student who has appreciation of Mr. Catherine James O’Hare shown a continued Rimmer’s years of Ian Greer Shain interest in, and devotion to Pingree Kelly Ann Shaw enthusiasm for, Art History, and who has and its students to Marykate Surette set and maintained a high standard of that student who, in the opinion of the Reinhold Turner Willcox academic achievement. Mathematics Department, has shown a keen interest in the intellectual challenge Junior Research Paper Award of mathematics and who has demonstrated Alexandra Willcox Awarded to a student in the Junior Class who has produced an excellent research paper in our United States History class.

44 | www.pingree.org Burrall Athletic Awards The Community Service Award William S. Rogers Teaching Chair Kenneth Aboagye-Adinkra, Dylan Anna Mei Elizabeth Gubbins Stephen Carey Francis Taylor, Shelby Rose DiFiore, and Kathryn MacNeille Iverson

Presented to a member of the Senior Class The Rogers Teaching Chair is presented who, through compassion, enthusiasm, every three years to honor a member of inspiration and hard work, has the faculty whose dedication, scholarship, demonstrated extraordinary commitment and love of learning serve as an example to serving others. of the highest tradition of excellence in the classroom. Named for Marjorie F. Burrall, Athletic Mary Reinhalter Award Director at Pingree from 1967–1969, and Mary O’Hare Mimi Davis Emmons ’64 presented each year to a senior boy and Alumni Association Award senior girl who, through outstanding Jane Blake Riley ’77 performance, dedication, sportsmanship and enthusiasm, have contributed most to the quality of athletics at Pingree. The Richard L. Pesce Memorial Awards Eric Scott Margolis, Michael Patrick Named in honor of Pingree’s first White, and Anika Dinna Randolph development director and awarded to Whitmore an individual who, by dint of his or her commitment to the school, enthusiasm, and sheer hard work has left an everlasting mark on the school community. Charles P. Rimmer, Jr. Award Michael Gracey

Named in honor of a member of Pingree’s first graduating class who served Pingree School with energy and commitment Presented to the seniors who, in addition for many years as Director of Alumni to their own loyal participation in Pingree Established to honor a member of the Affairs and Director of Development, athletics, have shown enthusiastic support faculty whose service to his or her students and presented to a member of the for the play of others and for the entire has lived up to the highest standards Alumni Association who has, through sports program. of the teaching profession, as Charlie extraordinary effort and dedicated service, Rimmer’s did. Since this award was made a significant contribution to the established, it has recognized recipients quality of life in his or her school or for their scholarship, commitment to community. their students, and devotion to the ideals of the school.

44 | www.pingree.org 45 | Bulletin Summer 2012 2012 baccalaureate

46 | www.pingree.org The sun shone brightly in the Hedge Garden as Pingree’s annual Baccalaureate celebrated the Class of 2012 in music and prose. Departing English teacher Ailsa Steinert and seniors Sam Day, Allie Wittner, and Andrew Dixon offered their humor, insight, wisdom, and guidance to the assembled audience. Pingree’s jazz trio and instrumental and vocal ensembles provided beautiful musical interludes.

46 | www.pingree.org 47 | Bulletin Summer 2012 Both you and I leave here “ with full hearts. Ailsa Steinert both, and learn along the way the virtues of humility and tolerance…maybe above “ all, learn to have a good time doing so. The last thing I have to say to you as Thank you, my colleagues, for a a member of Pingree’s faculty, is a huge long good time. I have always been Thank You… tremendously proud to be a member of When my husband began his teaching this faculty. career, and I decided that, considering Seniors, I know both you and I leave economics, I had best teach too, I had no here with full hearts. When I think of idea that I was to begin a love affair with leaving, I fall back on the thoughts of an a profession that would last for 46 years. early Pingree Baccalaureate speaker, Tom Teaching does not exactly make one part Kelly, who reminded us of the essentially of Fortune’s 500, but teaching English transient nature of schools. Once you at Pingree has provided me a rich and leave, the school will not be the same rewarding working life. without you, he said, but you will carry Although I liked my job as a fashion yet independent voices I have heard your school and its people with you as reporter—in spite of my sometimes less and, mostly, heeded—those colleagues well as leave yourself behind. That is both than fashionable appearance here—by willing to listen and reflect, counsel, a comfort and a challenge for us in the the time I married and left Fairchild’s W, commiserate, and perhaps above all, days ahead. I’d had enough of writing about hemlines laugh. To unwind the old misconception, A few lines from Shakespeare’s and necklines. Hemlines and necklines those who can’t do, do not teach—at least Merchant of Venice have kept recurring have their place from time to time in they do not teach well. Because teaching in my mind for almost as long as I Pingree faculty discussions for reasons well is rooted in the experience and love have taught here. I don’t really know other than fashion, but neither is the of living. Teaching well can start you on why they so often happen, but I have focus of our life here or of our writing. the road to wisdom. always welcomed them, and so I leave Standing between students and books, I have known for a long time that one them with you: I have had the happy chance to draw on of the best ways of testing the value of an The quality of mercy is not strain’d both and try to bring them together in idea is to run it by my colleagues—either It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven some lasting fashion. Pingree students are singly or as a full faculty. Doing one or Upon the place beneath. It is twice blest: wonderfully receptive. You are intelligent, the other almost guarantees one the It blesseth him that gives and him that takes. challenging and accepting all at once, ability to stay realistic and grounded. As The Old English meaning of goodbye funny, courteous, and curious. And, as you Pingree’s first headmaster, Robin Rogers is “God be with you”, and so, seniors, know, “books are the best of things, well told us frequently, “take your jobs and faculty, and Pingree, goodbye and used.” They hold the wisdom of human not yourselves seriously”. By and large, bless you. souls and challenge us to stretch our own the Pingree faculty still manages to They can save us from ignorance, narrow- respect what matters and temper it with mindedness, hatred, and boredom. a degree of irreverence. They have always Sam Day Working to make the connection between been a well-informed, self assured, group, you and books can be electrifying. Thank thoughtful and careful towards their you, seniors and all Pingree students, for students and each other, more aware than I’d like to start with an embarrassing the many chances you have given me to be most people of the day’s ironies. anecdote: a part of your realizations. Most teachers know that the best way When I found out I was speaking Thank you, Dr. Johnson, faculty, to learn something is to teach it, and at Baccalaureate about a month ago at and staff, whom I have worked with thereby deepen understanding both of school, I had no idea how to turn this over the years—the discerning, patient subject and students, deepen respect for ten minute speech into a summary of 48 | www.pingree.org our high school lives here at Pingree. Nonetheless, without you. And to the parents. Parents, —it’s all been a part of Pingree. I went for it, hoping that in the next you’ve seen us change, you’ve watched What has made our graduating class month or so I would miraculously come timid freshmen turn into college bound so special is our eclectic creativity. We are up with a solid idea for this speech. To seniors, and through the stress, love, all teenagers with different passions and bring things to a good start, I texted tenacity, and an unspeakable number of drives, and for the past four years we have my father at the time to give him the checks, you’ve made it here with us. We made choices and taken risks that have good news, yet problematically could definitely could not be here without you. made us creative individuals. We are artists barely tell even the number of syllables And to the people in front of me. The in the art room and on sports fields; we in the word Baccalaureate let alone its people who have been my true mentors, are musicians who play guitar, drums and spelling. So carelessly, I whipped out my my friends and my bros. We’ve made it. take an AP calc class; we are filmmakers iPhone and did my best at typing the Every time I look back on myself as a who shoot anything they see and create word “baccalaureate” onto that cramped freshman, I can only see a 6-foot-5 senior music on a computer; we are people who keypad, heedlessly believing that the with scruff and a low voice running can do front flips and backflips on flat brilliant autocorrect feature, that all you down the narrow freshmen staircase ground and off of stuff and who can make iPhone owners know about, would know and knocking his head on the low drop a hole-in-one; we are skiers, recreationally its spelling better than I did. Later, after down ceiling. All I am saying is that when and competitively at heart; and people classes, I checked my phone to see if the you try to look back, it’s hard to see who who can dunk a basketball and beatbox. message had sent. This is what it read: you once were, it’s strange to recollect But most importantly, we can share this “Hey Dad gonna be the bachelorette how you acted, how you talked, what you eclectic creativity with one another, on speaker.” My dad replied: “So does this looked like, how tall you were with the and off campus—we learn from each mean you’re a young unmarried woman present day always slipping itself in there other. Our friendships, interactions, and or the Baccalaureate speaker?” Sorry, Ms. somewhere. Memories collide, visions experiences here are the secret education Swanson…Moving on. blur, a few knocks on the head from that that Pingree doesn’t fully advertise. We I’d like to thank everyone who has low wall don’t help either. But the feelings have found our maturity and happiness been a part of these last few weeks and we’ve shared are as evident as ever, and through one another. We all saw what our these last few years. Thank you to the they always will be. The memorable class grade had become during August’s Forks smart, funny, and overall cool people who moments, the sports teams, random Trip in Maine. We enjoyed those first few work here at Pingree: teachers, staff, Dr. occurrences in our freshmen area, the days of our senior year as friends, teachers J.—you’ve been our mentors and friends weekends with friends, or even the quick included, and not just classmates. Max and we couldn’t have reached this point sideways glances or hellos in the hallways fell out of his raft, everyone met Charlie Swayze, and all saw the stars on that cold field both nights. Every year has been better for us, and senior year has been the climax of our endeavors, friendships, Our friendships, maturity, and happiness. interactions, and experiences here Looking forward. This past fall, I came are the secret education that Pingree across a website that has taken up a fair amount of my procrastination time in the “ doesn’t fully advertise. past few months. Its called InfinityList, a 48 | www.pingree.org “ 49 | Bulletin Summer 2012 (played by Redford) suggests shooting Pingree, and whether or not you see that their way out and risking their lives to as a good thing or a bad thing depends escape. But Newman (playing Butch on the person. When I was in Paris for Cassidy) takes the creative root. In life, my senior project, I sat in on a few classes site devoted to videos about extreme the risks are there and yours for the with my host at her high school. In her sports, freedom, life, and seeking goals. taking. Sundance and Cassidy found history class the teacher never made eye That description may seem broad and their way off that cliff by forging a new contact with me. Later I learned that general, but trust me, look it up and path, a new destiny. We are moving on in he did acknowledge my presence by you’ll understand it’s exactly that and it’s this world very soon. You might not be cracking a few jokes about Americans in addictive. For the past year, I’ve watched able to swim like the Sundance Kid, but rapid French, but that was the extent of these videos and shared them with sometimes you just gotta jump. his welcome. Can you imagine bringing friends. Surprisingly, unlike Facebook in a stranger to Mr. Glessner’s class? True, or Twitter, it never stops inspiring me. Glessner’s way of welcoming someone is InfinityList is a sharing ground for people Allie Wittner a supreme-court style cross examination, seeking their purpose in life. The athletes but it’s something. in these videos break rules to build new The ensemble of teachers here ones and, unlike most, do little of it for My name is Allie Wittner and I am a have an uncanny way of sensing what’s entertainment, but for themselves. To my member of the Emerson College Class wrong and sometimes that can be surprise, what was, at the start, a source of of 2016. My dream school. My one and exhausting. For example, when the fifth pure enjoyment to watch these amazing only. However, first and foremost, I am videos of people skydiving, skiing, proudly a member of the Pingree School surfing, and climbing, has become a Class of 2012. Because if you rewind source for life lessons, which no website six months, you will see me sitting at a has ever done for me. InfinityList has table in the Commons, crying because I showed me that success comes from the have just been deferred from Emerson. assured. Never be shy. Boldness keeps Also at the table are Jazmin, Vini, and you awake in life, letting you make new, Luis. Jazmin is being sensible, trying to daring choices that put you on different rationalize with me and calm me down. paths. These special athletes all have Vini has his big grandpa arms around me, eclectic creativity, like us. They are just not saying anything. And Luis is trying to seeking creative ingenuity in themselves cheer me up with some joke. It doesn’t like we are. This eclectic creativity in us matter what it was because we all know it will be there as we move onward. Keeping didn’t make sense. You’ll have to excuse your cool and staying confident through the actress in me, but let’s analyze this college and onwards will turn your life scene. The very first thing you look for into a journey filled with different roots, is motivation: what each character wants detours, and side adventures that lead you and how they plan on getting it. My three We all sit here to the unexpected and the rewards. friends are comforting me. They want to today bound together by In Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, make me feel happier, more in control, a film from 1969, the characters played hopeful. And what do I want? What’s my our shared experiences. by Robert Redford and Paul Newman motivation? Well, it’s clear that I wanted “ And the strength of that get caught in a sticky situation on top to be comforted. I’ve sat down, crying, bond is nothing tangible, of cliff with raging waters below them with three people I can trust, three people and a team of mercenaries on their trail. who I know care about me. but stronger than any Contemplating their way out, Sundance Because one is never really alone at rope or lock. 50 | www.pingree.org “ teacher that day tells you that you think. We are challenged, but we are look tired. guided, and never allowed to completely Let’s continue rewinding, this time fall. In the real world we will be allowed to October. It’s a Thursday late start and to completely fall. So never forget that at morning talking about if there could I am sitting in a diner with cinnamon Pingree there was always someone who ever be positive stereotypes. waffles and another Pingree senior. cared about you. And Mr. Taft had me ponder the age The cinnamon waffles are important Keep rewinding, now through the blur old question: Why is there braille on a for two reasons. Number one: physical of junior year. Through the mess of SATs, drive-up ATM? action is always important for a dynamic research papers, and fatigue, and stop in a Zip into sophomore year. We are scene and the voraciousness with which history classroom, empty except for Alex shorter, still awkward, and just relieved I am attacking them adds some visual Caruso and me. I’ve had a revelation, an not to be the youngest anymore. And stimulus for the audience. Number two: exciting new thought that has changed then there is a car crash and we know the assembly we will attend after this how I see most everyone. If I remember what it feels like to almost lose someone breakfast just so happens to be one on a correctly, Alex has already figured out we love. I didn’t know the proper way to healthy diet and lifestyle. what it is I’ve just discovered a long time react. In my immaturity, I didn’t know At first this scene seems unextraordi- ago. But he’s still listening. Because here’s how much I should cry, if at all. I didn’t nary. But this was the first day I fully rec- the thing about a scene you’ve already know how much dramatic behavior this ognized and came to accept the realities done once before: there’s ALWAYS event allowed. It’s embarrassing to admit, and challenges that I will face in my adult something new to be discovered. Even if but it’s true. You’re probably thinking how life. And I was scared. There is a strange the night before your performance was dare she make such a horrific incident phenomenon at Pingree that I’m sure we inspired, stellar, genius, there is more to about herself—and I would have to agree all have experienced where at once you are learn. Your acting will become stale if with you. But what I was feeling was true. both comfortable in this warm nest and at you rely on work you’ve already done, and And what is most beautiful to watch on the same time are dying to move on and don’t continue to work and listen in the stage is the truth. The audience can spot get out. However, for a long time we don’t moment. And for me, that’s the hardest inauthentic feeling in a second. So I recognize what it truly means to leave and part about acting. And in life, that’s the learned to trust what I was feeling. And I what is waiting for us on the outside. That hardest part about learning. The challenge cried by myself in the bathroom because Thursday in October, real life slapped me is being open to hearing things in more I had been so scared for my friend. I felt in the face, but I had a friend to soften the than one way, from more than one person, the parental emotions of being scared blow. He listened, which is the sign of and to temporarily forget your own ideas and angry at the same time. a true friend. And he didn’t offer advice in order to absorb new ones. Look at our beautiful parents sitting or empathy, but instead, once again, the Barbara staged a show in the seats of here with us today. Scared—for US. knowledge that I am never alone. the theater and at first all the theater divas, Proud—of US. Nostalgic, loving, relieved, Sometimes Pingree is accused of myself included, complained because supportive. All these years it was all for us, being too insular, too contained. And “the stage was their home.” so the only thing we can offer in return maybe for some people that’s true. And Mr. Glessner had me debate for the is to take what you’ve given us and use it maybe some days for me that’s true. new strip-search law, knowing I would be for good. I will try, and I truly believe my But what that means to me is that this speaking against my morals. classmates will as well. is a place where everyone who enters is At the Student Diversity Leadership A mark of a good ensemble is one valued for who they are and what they Conference, we stayed up until one in the in which everyone feels supported both 50 | www.pingree.org 51 | Bulletin Summer 2012

on and off the stage. So, Class of 2012, as you leave to do and lifelong friends that we’ve The worst feeling in the world is one of what it is you’re meant to do, please don’t all made. Parents, you made the right being alone onstage, floundering. Good forget to look back once in a while at the decision to send your son or daughter castmates will never allow you to feel that beautiful movie that is our time spent to Pingree. Another thanks goes out to way, and you will do anything to make here, together. the teachers. You are a special breed. each other look good. Somehow you turned our juvenile and So let’s rewind one last time, to the rowdy freshman class into intelligent very beginning. Freshman year hasn’t Andrew Dixon and slightly more mature high school started yet and our grade is coming graduates; yes, Mrs. Rogers, even Max. together for the first time at Prince Pizza. Good evening, everyone, and thanks And one more thanks: to Mr. Kloman, Mr. This will be my first look at the people I for coming. My name is Andrew, but for Gracey and Mr. E. If it wasn’t for you three, will be with for the next four years of my the last four years it has been Dixon. I would not be standing up here today. life. I’ve just gotten my eyebrows waxed, Four years ago, on my first day of high The amount that these teachers have which, if you know the process and the school, I walked onto the Newburyport taught me is inconceivable. Mr. Kloman, redness that ensues, was clearly a terrible train platform just about as confused as a go easy on Nickel next year in advisers; he idea. But I have green calming lotion on cow on astroturf. I had never taken a train won’t have his three intellectual advisees my face from the esthetician that I have to before. I didn’t even know which train to to take the heat for him when he doesn’t quickly wash off before I go inside. I don’t get on. Then, just as the conductor was do his English reading. know anyone. There is a dull pain beating closing the doors, guess who bolted up At Pingree there are a few things that in my stomach and I have waves of cold the stairs and onto the train platform... you can always count on. Your hat is never shivers then hot sweats sweeping through Sam Day, looking just as confused as me. safe with Mr. Stacey around. Snack will my body. Stage fright at its finest. I have I am proud to say that we both made it. from now on always be in a cup. And to go in there and put on the best show of Not only to Pingree on our first day of senior pranks will never be funny to my life—pretending to be cool. school, but to this day, when we both get BSav or Mr. Taft. The Class of 2012 didn’t I get in there and launch into my fall to stand up here and make fun of people abide by all of Pingree’s rules, though. back routine—funny, snarky stories. I for what they did freshman year. Most of us had our fair share of verbal finish one and hear a laugh—beautiful There are a lot of people that I would chastisement from Ms. McCoy freshman and genuine. It’s Emma. In that one like to thank for these last four years, so year. Especially when she would find moment she let’s me know it’s going bear with me and I will try to make it the lights off in the freshman area. Or to be okay. I’m never going to be alone, brief. First, thank you, Dr. Johnson, for sophomore year when we threw enough floundering onstage. the opportunity to speak today, and for pencils into the ceiling boards that they We don’t have freeze frames of all the all that you’ve done for Pingree in the collapsed. The main culprits were Joe scenes that shaped our Pingree experience. short time that you have been here. I am Harmon and Brian MacLaughlin, neither There was no cameraman to capture every- sure that this school can only improve of whom made it all four years at Pingree. thing that meant something to us. But that with you as headmaster. On behalf of my In fact, last time I talked to Brian I asked doesn’t make them any less real. Because classmates, I’d like to thank the Pingree if I would ever see him again. He looked we all sit here today bound together by our parents. Thanks to you guys and your me straight in the eyes and said, “No, shared experiences. And the strength of check-writing abilities, we now have probably not.” that bond is nothing tangible, but stronger those lovely circular tables in the English Of the 79 graduates in the Class of 2012, than any rope or lock. rooms, never mind the great education every single one of us has been accepted 52 | www.pingree.org

students but is as important about this school as the average SAT score. It is When we have the reason that Mrs. Steinert chose to work here for 46 years. It is the way we all grown up and joined welcomed our Chilean friends, Nacho, the real world, the only Isa, and Bee. It is what made Paul from “real way to measure the kitchen so happy every day. Whatever it is, it cannot be described in a mission success is in happiness. statement or school description. It is the key to the success of Pingree graduates. One benchmark for post-graduation success should be how many of these to a college or several colleges. Just when“ “home” would be changing, made me people are still your close friends 20 years we thought we had a full understanding want to savor the little time left at Pingree. from now. Studying and working hard is and control of this institution, we began For some, that would mean spending part of being successful but, maybe more filling out applications to another. By the time in the theater, with your team, in Mr. importantly, is the way that you relate and time spring rolled around and acceptance E’s art room, or just spending time with interact with other people. Pingree has letters began to arrive, all of us were your friends. Everyone has their niche at enabled us to do both of these. If there is feeling a little anxious to get out. With the Pingree and when we graduate tomorrow, one thing that I’ve learned, it is that time news from colleges, many of us learned I am sure that everyone’s thoughts will be spent in your friend’s basement is time that we would be moving away, either to reminiscent of their place at this school. well spent. When we have all grown up another part of New England or another Pingree has become a second home and joined the real world, the only real part of the country. This realization for all of us, even the kids rolling their way to measure success is in happiness. changed the disposition of our class. eyes right now. No student can deny Instead of feeling cooped up and ready that there is something more to Pingree to escape, the recognition that within than just a school. It is something that a matter of months the place that I call is impossible to explain to prospective

52 | www.pingree.org 53 | Bulletin Summer 2012 2012 Commencement

54 | www.pingree.org THE Class of 2012 was happy to have their Commencement full of sunshine and outside in the Hedge Garden! A processional by bagpipers preceded an invocation by students of different faiths. Matthew Soursourian ’04 delivered an encouraging and humorous keynote address. Head of School Tim Johnson offered remarks and then was surprised to be the recipient of an award himself. Musical interludes by our student performers were an added delight. Most importantly, our seniors received their diplomas, each and every one!

54 | www.pingree.org 55 | Bulletin Summer 2012 Matthew Soursourian ’04

I am very honored to be here. in some “athletic” pursuits; freshman year Congratulations to the graduates. In I played on the ultimate frisbee team, preparation for this talk, I thought back to sophomore year I participated in ‘fitness,’ my graduation—and I couldn’t remember which for me consisted of walking around much. I couldn’t remember if it rained or the student parking lot with my dear not (it did). And I couldn’t even remember friend Emily and sharing gossip. Her goal who spoke. So I’m well prepared to was to lose fifteen pounds by summer. As recognize that you may not remember me a scrawny self-conscious 16-year-old, my either. Which is maybe okay since I’m 26 goal was to gain fifteen pounds of pure and most days I feel like a mess. What do muscle. Neither of us reached our goals. story about things turning out pretty well I know? Our proclivity for gossip and slothfulness for you.” Okay, yeah, it did turn out well, A lot of things have changed in the may have had something to do with it. But but I certainly wouldn’t have believed that short eight years since I graduated. There the story I really want to tell happened my when I was hunched over in the woods, was no academic center when I was at senior year, when I thought it would be waiting to throw up. Stick with me, I Pingree—we went to school in trailers a good idea to try running cross-country promise there’s a lesson here. behind the theater. We also didn’t have a instead of doing the fall drama. As I I also faced challenges and failures in football team, which, for someone of my said before, I hadn’t participated in any college, maybe too many to recount here. stature, was a pretty big disappointment. real competitive sports at Pingree. But I But I wanted to tell one story about how Prep@Pingree hadn’t yet been founded decided that I wanted to try. It was HARD. my freshman year I decided to take a large when I began here which ended up playing Really hard. Our first race was at home, lecture course called Ethics and Public a huge role in my Pingree experience, and on the same track that we had practiced Policy. At Brown you’re allowed to take which I’ll talk more about in a bit. on for weeks. Regardless, I somehow courses pass/fail, and because I had never In that lovely introduction from managed to take a wrong turn and ended taken a public policy course before, I opted Natalia, you heard about some of the up lost in the woods, dry heaving with for pass/fail. True story: I almost didn’t successes I’ve enjoyed during and after my my hands on my knees. In what felt like pass. Looking back, I’m not even totally time at Pingree. First off, I just want to say hours later, I emerged from the woods, sure why I found the course so difficult. that I am very grateful for all the support determined to finish the race. I did end up But I distinctly remember talking to my I received from folks at Pingree and from completing it, but it was twenty minutes friends about the class and saying “My my family and friends. I wouldn’t be where after everyone else, and I’m pretty sure I brain just doesn’t work that way. I’m not a I am without them. But I’d actually like to theatrically cried out “I’M DYING” as I ‘public policy person.’” I did pass, but the spend a few minutes telling you about crossed the finish line. But fast forward TA, a poli sci grad student named Tony, some of the times that I’ve come up short to the end of the season, after a LOT of expressed a lot of concern for me. And I —times when I didn’t necessarily feel encouragement from my teammates and didn’t take another public policy course like the self-assured, “successful” person Coach O’Donahue, it turns out I was until my junior year. And now I’m going you may have envisioned during Natalia’s actually pretty good at this running thing. to grad school to get a Master’s in public introduction. At the New England Championships policy. Take that, Tony the TA. I’ll start with a story from when I ran for our division, I ran in the JV race So why am I telling you these semi- cross country my senior year at Pingree. and ended up coming in first. At the embarrassing stories about some of the I was heavily involved in the arts at fall athletics awards, Coach O’Donahue pitfalls I faced during adolescence? For a Pingree, participating in the fall drama named me Most Improved Player. I think few reasons. First of all, it has to do with and the winter musical, singing in various that’s a pretty great denouement, right? something called “mindset.” Some of you choruses, and performing in the dance You might be thinking “that wasn’t really may be familiar with this theory, developed concerts. In the spring seasons, I dabbled a story about coming up short. That was a by a psychologist at Stanford named Carol

56 | www.pingree.org Dweck. In short, Dweck’s theory not doing as well as they wanted and proposes that our successes have more to difficulties and tell yourself “I guess I’m who were concerned with their academic do with our attitudes and less to do with just not cut out for this,” question that performance. Half of the students innate abilities than most of us think. In assumption because you might be wrong. watched videos of junior and senior year other words, how well we do depends in I wanted to talk about Dweck’s theory students explaining how their grades had large part on our mindset. Dweck believes today because I think it might be a really improved over time. And the other half of that there are two ways we think about powerful thing for you to hold onto the students received a control treatment our talents: a fixed mindset and a growth as you begin your journeys to college. that didn’t include information on grade mindset. People who subscribe to the There’s another psychologist I want to improvement. And Wilson discovered fixed mindset believe that we are born talk about briefly, because he actually that the very simple intervention ( just with a certain amount of talent in specific did an experiment at the University of hearing about the experiences of other fields, and we can’t really improve our Virginia that I want to try recreating today. students) seemed to have a big effect. Two abilities. So my exclamation that “I’m not a Timothy Wilson, who’s a social psychology years later, the students who watched the public policy person, and my brain doesn’t professor at UVA, lays out a similar videos had better grades and were less work that way!” was a perfect example of framework to Dweck’s. In his hypothetical likely to drop out of college. belief in a fixed mindset. Those who have example, there are two first-year college So to recreate that experiment, I’m a growth mindset believe that they can students, Bob and Sarah, who both score a going to tell you that college is, indeed, improve their talents, intelligence, and D on their first calculus exam. Bob enters great—you’re going to have a blast and abilities through practice, diligence, and a self-defeating cycle after receiving his you’re going to meet amazing people commitment. And according to decades score, telling himself “I should have just and have incredible experiences. But of her research, Dweck argues that the gone to community college. I clearly don’t here’s something people might not tell growth mindset folks are right. Turns out have what it takes, so why should I even you. College can also be hard. Socially, we can change our abilities—but only if try?” So he stops trying, continues getting emotionally, academically. You might face we go into challenges with the perspective bad grades, and convinces himself he’s a some self-doubt. You might feel lonely. that failure is an opportunity to learn and failure. Sarah scores the same grade, but You might get homesick. You might feel it will take hard work to improve ourselves. instead enters a self-enhancing cycle, in like you’re not as smart as you thought you With the support of my teammates and which she tells herself, “I guess I need to were. So to finish my little experiment, I’m coach on the cross country team, I was work harder. The kind of studying I did going to take on the role of those older able to vastly improve my performance. in high school isn’t gonna cut it here.” So students and let you know that you’ll do Interestingly enough, Dweck’s book has she studies harder, pushes herself, and better over time. If you remember nothing a whole section on athletics and how ends up getting better grades and gaining else I say today, try to hold onto a growth some of today’s sports heroes (think self-confidence. Professor Wilson wanted mindset next year and remember that if Muhammed Ali and Michael Jordan) to find out how he could get students something is hard for you, it doesn’t mean actually faced pretty big difficulties early who initially were thinking like Bob to that you’re intrinsically bad at it. It means in their careers and are not the “gifted start thinking more like Sarah. What if we that it’s hard. And most things that at first athletes” that we tend to think of them as. could catch students at the moment when are difficult get easier in time. Yes, we might face some real limitations they first get a bad grade in college and are Switching gears, I want to spend a little (for example, I’m never going to be an at risk of starting a self-defeating thought time talking about my path to a career NFL star…which is something I still pattern? So Wilson created an experiment in public service. In 2002, during my have trouble accepting), but in general, that - as I said - I’d like to try recreating sophomore year, Steve Filosa and former our talents are more malleable than we today. The basic premise of his experiment Pingree teacher Clay Thomas asked me might initially believe. So when you face was calling in first-year students who were if I’d be interested in working for a new

56 | www.pingree.org 57 | Bulletin Summer 2012 walk me through Heidegger, Kierkegaard, received. But it is, I believe, Plato, Socrates. As most of you know, Ms. summer program for Lawrence students. I our responsibility to work toward a more J. has claimed the nickname and title of had spent the previous summer as a camp equitable distribution of opportunities. Pingree’s resident Goddess. But I’d like to counselor at a nearby country club and I And we come equipped with well-honed nominate Ms. Athena Steinert as Pingree’s felt ready for a change of pace. As a member tools to begin this project. So I would Goddess of Wisdom. We are grateful for of Pingree’s Multicultural Coalition, I had encourage you to think about ways that your willingness to share your wisdom. spent many hours discussing diversity at you can use your spheres of influence To conclude, I offer a paraphrased Pingree, so when I realized what it meant to guide us toward a more inclusive and quotation from the poet Rainer Maria to be a part of Prep@Pingree, I knew I had equitable future. And that’s as political as Rilke, by way of the late historian Tony to be involved. I’ll get today! Judt. “Remember Rilke’s admonition: love The four summers I spent teaching Before I finish, I’d like to thank a few consists in leaving the loved one space to at Prep@Pingree sparked my interest in people who helped make my Pingree be themselves while providing the security education and education equality, and it experience especially meaningful. Mr. within which that self may flourish.” And led me to continue exploring this interest Filosa, for inviting me to be a part of as saccharine as it may sound, I think that in college, volunteering as an SAT tutor Prep@Pingree from the beginning. Ms. what Pingree does best is loving. Pingree and as a college counselor, and assisting Brile and Ms. J. for supporting my creative has given you the chance to discover your in a professor’s research on the academic pursuits and providing a safe space when true selves, take risks, experience failure pathways of immigrant children. My focus I needed it. Sra. Rogers for forcing me and success, while all along you knew that later changed as I engaged in coursework to watch Destinos the summer before the entire community was there for you, to and internships and became more my senior year and for providing lots catch you if you needed it. And to reiterate interested in the structural and macro of laughter. Ms. P. for helping inspire the lessons from the social psychologists I forces that influence the distribution of a passion for justice. My parents, for talked about earlier, my wish for you is to opportunity. But clearly, Prep@Pingree everything. Let’s give a round of applause hold onto the love that you’ve been given played a big role in my decision to to all the parents and guardians here here, and draw on that strength so that dedicate my career to public service. Now today. And finally, I’d like to single out you may continue to challenge yourself, I am not going to tell you how to live your a very special woman who has helped view failures as opportunities for growth, life, but I will take a moment to tell you shape the minds of hundreds of Pingree be a lifelong learner, and make the world about how I’ve begun to think about mine. students: the beautiful Ailsa Steinert, for a little bit better for people who haven’t We are very, very lucky to have received a whom today is also a commencement of been given all the opportunities that you Pingree education. I think it represents sorts. A quick story about Ms. Steinert. and I have enjoyed. an extraordinary privilege that has been My senior year, she taught a one-semester Thank you. And once again, bestowed upon us. The small classes, seminar on philosophy that I desperately congratulations to the Class of 2012. the individual attention, the beautiful wanted to take, but couldn’t because of a resources—these are not found in most schedule conflict. Ms. Steinert offered me Matthew Soursourian graduated from schools across the country. There may an incredible alternative. What if I did all Brown University in 2008 and worked as a be a time when you feel guilty for the the readings on my own, and then we met policy associate for the City of Providence before privileges you enjoyed here. Don’t. Instead, twice a week for an hour to discuss what moving to San Francisco to be a Research recognize that the flipside of being a I’d read and talk through the important Associate for the Community Development recipient of privilege is that we are in a philosophy concepts. How cool is that? Department of the Federal Reserve Bank. He position to effect change in far-reaching How lucky was I? Those are some of my will begin a Master’s program at the Woodrow ways. It is not our fault that not every child fondest memories: sitting at a table in Wilson School of Public Affairs at Princeton is guaranteed the wonderful education we the Commons, listening to Ms. Steinert University in the fall.

58 | www.pingree.org Dr. Timothy M. Johnson Head of School

Pingree, and here’s my final report back way too cliche for you. However, you to you. sometimes wished the ninth and tenth Ladies and gentlemen, this is a class graders weren’t quite so comfortable of specialists: seated before you we have lounging in your presence. You valued the NFL draft experts, DJs, Hogwarts, Eagle trust we had in you, and you responded by Scouts, Rock Lobsters, world-class sailors, accepting the responsibilities that come beat-box machines, and accomplished with freedom. writers and musicians. And as we learned You had good intentions with your at senior tributes, we also have titanic- actions and you gently reminded us sinking icebergs, troubadours, and about the conflicting challenges and One more round of applause uncontainable energy bolts. opportunities that come with change, be for Matthew and our incredible musical And as the seniors informed me this it with the new schedule, rotunda, dress performances from throughout the spring, we also have future ocean engineers, code, or 3-2-1 policy. And because of you, I weekend. columnists for Rolling Stone, finance gurus am now acutely aware that snow days can, I now ask our graduating seniors to on Wall Street, math professors, doctors, and in your strong opinion should, be please stand. Before you leave us on that ski instructors, ESPN analysts, professional called when there is no snow. I am sorry jet plane, take a deep breath and reflect on poker players, teachers, drifters, cranberry for letting you down on this one this year. what has led you to this achievement. boggers, Nashville musicians, Ms. P. Class of 2012, you depart Pingree Look at your parents and family clones, environmentally-friendly CEOS, with limitless possibility, and I have members in the audience. Think for a oncologists, fashion magazine editors, been thinking about a send off that can moment about a time when they gave peace corps volunteers, urban planners, increase your future happiness. This is a you that hug when you were down, drove tech entrepreneurs, KIPP principals, day for pats on the back more than advice, you to morning or evening games or statisticians, and the list goes on. but I can’t resist the final opportunity to rehearsals, or sacrificed their own needs to Continue to create a vision of who you share three tips for final rumination this ensure that you had what you needed. want to be, and then live into that picture afternoon: Now, look at your teachers. Think for a as if it were already true. What you do is First, and this may seem counter- moment about the ways they encouraged what matters, not what you think or say intuitive, put audacious problems at the you to delve deeper, inspired you to or plan. And while you’re getting there, center of your decision-making. Ironically, explore, gave you sage advice, or simply in the words of Steve Jobs, “Pretend to we become happier if we worry less about cared enough to ask you about your day. be completely in control and people will what makes us happy. People working on And finally, now that you are next assume that you are.” the biggest problems are compensated to each other, look to either side of you, As a group, the class of 2012 will forever in the biggest ways. I don’t mean this in to your classmates. Think about the be remembered as inclusive, playful, close- a strict financial sense, but in a deeply friendships that have evolved over time; knit, approachable, and adaptable. And to human sense as you shift your attention the laughter, stories, perhaps tears; find a build on Emma’s closing words at senior from you to others and the wider world. time when someone in this group made tribute night, with regard to not living By doing this, you stop dwelling your day a little brighter. up to the standards of the senior class Please thank them all with a hearty you adored four years ago, I would round of applause! Please be seated. much rather be befriended than This year, you told me about your worshipped. experiences at Pingree, your plans for the You set the tone for us this year future, and what you would be focusing on and didn’t flaunt your seniority, if you were a teacher or Head of School at which would have been easy but

58 | www.pingree.org 59 | Bulletin Summer 2012 emphatic statements with will be more important than ever in your this modest qualifier.” next decade of life. Meaningful education Your success will likely require you to teaches the importance stand out, to break the mold, to introduce of tempering profound disruptive change, and perhaps, to convictions with a measure dislodge the status quo. of tolerance and a judicious And through your actions you will sense of humility. These affirm our belief in the future and the are lessons well learned importance of our efforts here at Pingree. and act. We know that at Pingree and at home, and I know you In doing so, trust that the extended your acquired skills and freedom will will take them with you as you leave the Pingree family around you today will afford you delicious opportunity to dive relative safety of this learning community be here to provide love, support, and deeply into the complex issues. to your new destinations in a few months. encouragement. As each of you begins the next stage And third, and this one is more of a Now, by the power vested in me by the of your life, I hope you are able to find tip of the cap to you, continue to cherish Board of Trustees, I invite Kirk Bishop, something more important than you are humor and play. Hold on desperately to Kristin Brown, as Academic Dean, and and dedicate your life to it. your childlike humility and lack of an Beth Savarese, as Senior Class Dean, to agenda. The most underrated component join me in the conferring of diplomas. of happiness and leadership, in any field, We will read a line from each graduate’s is the ability to maintain a sense of humor. senior tribute as they are called to the Continue to create a vision of As you pour yourselves into complexity podium. It is a Pingree School custom who you want to be, and then and problems, you must also leave room to ask trustees, faculty, and staff who have live into that picture as if it were to NOT take yourselves too seriously. family members who are graduating to already true. The landscape of your yearbook assist in the awarding of diplomas. “ inspirations gives me great hope: from Mark Twain to McLovin, from Cormack Success, like happiness, must ENSUE Mccarthy to Lucky Charms, from as the unintended side-effect of one’s Napolean to Tina Fey, you know how to personal dedication to a“ course greater keep it real. Your perspective and irony than oneself. Research shows overwhelmingly that people who learn to control their inner experience will be able to determine the quality of their lives, which is as close as any of us can come to being happy. Don’t ever relinquish this control. In the words of Seth Godin, “Human nature is to need a map. If you’re brave enough to draw one, people will follow.” Second, I encourage you to use the word “PERHAPS” often in your life. James Freedman, the former president of Dartmouth, once wrote that “we would all do better if we prefaced our most

60 | www.pingree.org ELLE MARTINS ’12

perspectives on topics explored inside probably more nervous than you were in the classroom. We have challenged tackling high school. They have sacrificed each other to think from different their time and energy into helping you perspectives, and defend our own. survive the ups and downs of the past 4 While reflecting on what I would years. They have also helped to shape your miss most about Pingree, it wasn’t one opinions and personalities. Your insights particular person, place, or time of the inside and outside of the classroom are day, it was the relationships we have mostly thanks to them. had with one another. There will be no Lastly, take one last look around you. other time in our lives that we will know Look to your left and your right, behind everyone so well in one place—teachers, you, or in front of you. Although you may Playful. That is the adjective students, staff—and be able to name their not consider those directly surrounding Jimmy used to describe this class to Dr. hobbies, their best friend, and even where you your closest friends, they have at Johnson in our closing interview. Playful they get their coffee in the morning. one time made an impact on you. Each is the only word that came to mind while Theoretically, any member of the Pingree person sitting beside you has taught trying to fully capture each member of community could walk down the hallway you something you never knew, made this class. Pingree has provided us a place and smile at each and every person who you laugh in the hallway, or surprised of comfort, a place to discover ourselves passed them—and it wouldn’t be weird. you on the stage or on the field. Each of freely without boundaries or consequence. That’s what makes Pingree unique, and you have made a lasting impression on We are the class of curiosity, creativity, and it won’t be until next year when you’re someone, whether you realize it or not. lighthearted humor. We are entertained by walking around college campuses, or So thank one another and congratulate the ordinary. Hand one of us a hackeysack wherever else you have in store for you, them on what they have achieved. I am during break time and soon enough there that you will appreciate the tight knit confident that this class’s passion, energy, will be 20 of us playing on the patio. Give community you once had. and enthusiasm will allow them to leap us a tiny cabin in Forks only big enough Graduates, look ahead of you to the into their futures and take on whatever to fit 4 bunked beds, and we will soon try teachers sitting in front of you. Remember comes their way. Thank you all for being to fit every member of our class inside. those late nights you spent writing a paper wonderful friends, there is no other group Place someone in the senior area singing for one, or studying for an impossible test of people that on the guitar and a crowd will soon form for another? Consider that it was out of could have around them. love. The teachers we have had at Pingree forced me to A theme of this week has been that have been the most compassionate, caring grow as much the Class of 2012 has not been a cohesive teachers you will encounter your whole as you all group that has a shared niche, but we are a life. They have challenged you to take have, and no group of unique individuals that support one step beyond where you wanted to be. other group one another in achieving our goals. We They asked you to answer one question I would have are not just athletic, artistic, or academic. deeper. Thank them. They have molded rather have We are well rounded. We may have you from awkward, shy freshmen, to the spent the come to Pingree as athletes, and turned intellectual, matured graduates you are past four into artists along the way. We may have now. You are now more than prepared for years with. arrived here as just students, and walked the future you have waiting for you. Next Remember to stay playful my away with a passion for sports as well. look further to your parents, grandparents, friends: dabble in the unexpected, We are playful enough to be comfortable brothers and sisters. They have been your the uncomfortable, and the ordinary. with disagreement. Our many passions support system from your first autumn Congratulations to the Class of 2012! have given us different experiences and day at Pingree. In most cases, they were

60 | www.pingree.org 61 | Bulletin Summer 2012 Head of School Surprised By Pingree Family Award

Given to that exceptional and inspirational person who, by virtue of his or In the midst of a ceremony celebrating the Class of 2012, Head of School Dr. her character, leadership, Timothy M. Johnson was totally surprised when Board of Trustees President Kirk Bishop stood at the podium and announced: performance, vision, Charlie, John, other members of the extended Pingree family who are with us today, and distinguished guests, it is my great pleasure to announce the establishment of and tireless dedication, The Pingree Family Award. This award will be given periodically, as determined by the Pingree School Board of Trustees, to that exceptional and inspirational has demonstrated person who, by virtue of his or her character, leadership, performance, vision, and tireless dedication, has demonstrated extraordinary service to Pingree School and the education of young people. Bestowed in honor of Sumner, Charles, and John extraordinary service to Pingree, whose parents Sumner and Mary Pingree gave their home for the creation of a school to educate future generations, and who themselves have supported the growth of the school, this award recognizes that rare individual who indelibly Pingree School and the advances the mission and promise of Pingree School.

We honor the Pingrees with the creation of this award, and I would ask Charlie education of young people. and John to please help me in presenting the first ever Pingree Family Award to our Head of School, Dr. Tim Johnson.

62 | www.pingree.org Pingree 2011 – 2012 report of giving Summary of Giving to Summary of Revenue and Pingree School 2011 – 2012 Expenses for Pingree School 2011 – 2012 Annual Fund Unrestricted...... $728,538.55 Restricted...... $34,327.04 Expense Sources Total...... $762,865.59

Capital Gifts I ATHLETICS (3%) Academic Building Fund...... $1,000.00 Campaign Unrestricted...... $1,389,227.94 I BUILDING & GROUNDS (6%) Campaign Restricted to Scholarship...... $100,000.00 I EDUCATIONAL (9%)

Campaign Restricted to Arts...... $657,219.98 I ADMINISTRATIVE (11%) Campaign Restricted to Athletics...... $433,000.00 I FACULTY/ADMIN SALARIES Prep@Pingree Endowment...... $50,784.00 & BENEFITS (71%) Total...... $2,631,231.92

Endowment, Restricted and Memorial Gifts Revenue Sources Maher Esperanza Fund...... $2,500.00 Edith Knight Meyer, Class of 1968, Memorial Fund.$2,000.00 William T. Carpenter III Scholarship Fund...... $7,000.00

Prep @ Pingree...... $138,559.10 I ENDOWMENT 1% Ailsa Steinert House...... $16,385.00 I OTHER INCOME James C. Deveney Golf Classic...... $33,734.00 & AUXILIARY 3% Auction...... $62,666.00 I ANNUAL GIVING 6% Snack Shack...... $3,410.57 Total...... $266,254.67 I TUITION 90%

Total:...... $3,660,352.18

Thank You Thank you to everyone in the Pingree community who has supported the school so generously this year! In our effort to be green, we will publish the lists of donor names online in September. You will be sent a postcard with a password that you may use to view them.

In compiling our Report of Giving, we made every effort to ensure that the information is accurate and complete. Please direct any changes, errors or omissions in the printed information in the Bulletin or in the information online to the Office of Institutional Advancement. Additional information on Pingree’s Giving Programs, as well as other gift planning opportunities, can be viewed on our website or obtained by calling the Office of Institutional Advancement at 978-468-4415.

62 | www.pingree.org 63 | Bulletin Summer 2012 Dear Pingree Friends,

Building on a year of celebrating our 50th Anniversary, this year we devoted ourselves to gearing up for an exciting and ambitious next 50 years. To date, the Board of Trustees has approved a dynamic Strategic Plan for 2012–2017, completed the quiet phase of the Campaign for Arts, Athletics, and Access and already raised more money than we did for the entire previous Academic Building Campaign, and closed this year’s Pingree Fund with the highest parent participation rate in a decade. I am pleased to report that Pingree is in the best financial shape in our school’s history—and it’s all because of you!

From the launch of the Pingree Fund in September, Head of School Tim Johnson emphasized that participation was his point of pride in all aspects of our school community—from students in our classrooms to parent volunteers at school events to financial support. Participation in all these forms really does matter.

In terms of our Pingree Fund, it takes many gifts of many sizes— from $5 to $50,000—to reach our goal and to support our faculty and students with financial aid, classroom materials, athletic and arts supplies, faculty compensation and so much more. Seven generous parent donors pooled their resources and created a $25,000 Parent Participation Challenge. In response, a record setting 79% of our current parents made a gift to the Pingree Fund, up 18% from the previous year. Alumni, parents of alumni, grandparents, and friends of Pingree school also made a significant impact on the life of our school.

Thank you for believing in Pingree and supporting our mission! We couldn’t do it without your generosity!

With deepest thanks and appreciation, I am every inch Proudly Pingree.

Kirk C. Bishop President, Board of Trustees

64 | www.pingree.org EE SCH R OO G L IN ’S P JAMES C. DEVENEY GOLF CLASSIC

October 1, 2012 Myopia Hunt Club, South Hamilton, MA

ur annual golf tournament is named in honor of James C. Deveney, beloved Director of Athletics at Pingree School from 1971 until 1983. Jim is a lifelong New Englander, educator, and golfer. He Ohas competed in USGA, regional, state and local golf tournaments. A low handicap player his entire life, a club champion in five consecutive decades, Jim has experience in all aspects of golf and golf administration at both the local and state level. A graduate of Brown University, Jim arrived on the Pingree campus in 1971, just a few weeks before the first 19 boys took their places at the previously all–girls school. During the first year, the 15 freshmen and four sophomore boys played soccer, ice hockey, and baseball. He and Bill Walsh, the Pingree family’s caretaker, took on the task of laying out the school’s first soccer field. The hockey team used the Gordon College rink and the baseball team played on the field at Hamilton’s Cutler School. While girls already fielded teams in field hockey, basketball, and lacrosse, Jim soon added basketball and lacrosse for the boys. Jim successfully built and expanded Pingree’s athletics teams and witnessed the numbers of boys grow from 19 to 90. When he retired, after spending his post-Pingree years at Buckingham, Browne and Nichols, Jim could measure a career spent working with 11 different heads of schools over 28 years. In recognition of his contributions to athletics at Pingree, Jim was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame at Pingree in 1999. In addition, he serves on the school’s Board of Overseers.

To register and for more information, go to www.pingree.org and click on James C. Deveney Golf Classic. EE SCH R OO G L IN ’S P JAMES C. DEVENEY GOLF CLASSIC

October 1, 2012 Myopia Hunt Club, South Hamilton, MA

ur annual golf tournament is named in honor of James C. Deveney, beloved Director of Athletics at Pingree School from 1971 until 1983. Jim is a lifelong New Englander, educator, and golfer. He Ohas competed in USGA, regional, state and local golf tournaments. A low handicap player his entire life, a club champion in five consecutive decades, Jim has experience in all aspects of golf and golf administration at both the local and state level. A graduate of Brown University, Jim arrived on the Pingree campus in 1971, just a few weeks before the first 19 boys took their places at the previously all–girls school. During the first year, the 15 freshmen and four sophomore boys played soccer, ice hockey, and baseball. He and Bill Walsh, the Pingree family’s caretaker, took on the task of laying out the school’s first soccer field. The hockey team used the Gordon College rink and the baseball team played on the field at Hamilton’s Cutler School. While girls already fielded teams in field hockey, basketball, and lacrosse, Jim soon added basketball and lacrosse for the boys. Jim successfully built and expanded Pingree’s athletics teams and witnessed the numbers of boys grow from 19 to 90. When he retired, after spending his post-Pingree years at Buckingham, Browne and Nichols, Jim could measure a career spent working with 11 different heads of schools over 28 years. In recognition of his contributions to athletics at Pingree, Jim was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame at Pingree in 1999. In addition, he serves on the school’s Board of Overseers.

To register and for more information, go to www.pingree.org and click on James C. Deveney Golf Classic. 537 Highland Street South Hamilton, MA 01982 www.pingree.org

You are cordially invited to become a member of the Pegasus Society at Pingree School.

As a member you may: To learn more about the benefits of Pegasus Society membership, contact • be eligible for a current income tax deduction Director of Advancement Kim Moore • receive a regular payment stream at [email protected] or • remove or eliminate capital gains tax on 978-468-4415 ext. 282. appreciated assets

All members receive the satisfaction of knowing Planned gifts may take the form of bequests, including they are supporting Pingree School and our benefits from retirement plans or life insurance policies; students of today and tomorrow. charitable gift annuities; or charitable remainder trusts.

We’re on Facebook! Please “like” our page. It’s a great way to find former Scan with your classmates, too! Once you become a fan of Pingree School, you will occasionally smartphone receive news and event updates, as well as registration reminders on your personal to view our mobile Facebook news feed. It’s just one more way we want to keep you connected. website.