2011 Alumni Newsletter

T U X E D O
P A R K
S C H O O L
Alumni News
F O R T U X E D O PA R K S C H O O L A L U M N I • S P R I N G 2 0 1 1 • I S S U E 4
I think it is safe to say that none of you took
17 years to graduate, but that is what it has
taken me to finally move beyond the Pamela
McLean Graduation Garden into the next
chapter of my life. Each year has been filled
with wonderful memories of students who
learned crucial lessons about themselves and
the world about them. Most of you have
been sealed in amber as eighth or ninth
graders, forever young, on the walls of the
front hall and in the athletic hallway.
O Captain! My Captain!
I hope that you come back to revisit those
memories to remind yourselves of the faculty
members who cared so much for you, (even
when they were being mean!), and of your
friends that I hope are still with you.
I will carry with me many fond memories
of the times we have shared; many of them
joyous, but some of them sadly poignant. I
am also proud of your successes as you have
moved on into adulthood. Individually and
collectively, you are impressive and set a
standard for all those who follow.
And finally, I am proud to be, in the words of
the Green and Gold Induction Ceremony,
“now and forever” a faculty alumnus of TPS.
We are connected, no matter how far apart,
so be well and stay in touch.
Cheers,
Jim Burger
Headmaster Jim Burger and Biscuit
J
im Burger, Headmaster and Amy his wife and faculty colleague, are in the midst of
packing up the Pink House and, indeed, their lives in Tuxedo Park, to venture back to a
new life that is calling them to Cleveland, Ohio. Jim likes to joke that Cleveland is a natural
choice for retirees and the hub of the universe, but it is with full hearts that the Burgers
return home. So with beloved Biscuit, our school mascot in tow, they will bid farewell to
Tuxedo Park School, taking with them seventeen years’ worth of memories, and all the love
and respect this community can offer.
Many in the TPS alumni community have been the beneficiaries of Jim’s leadership,
mentorship, and friendship. Each child who has entered the doors of Tuxedo Park School
under Jim’s headship has been known, appreciated, and encouraged to grow and flourish in
a nurturing and safe environment. We wish Jim and Amy many happy and fulfilled days in
Ohio, and many trips back to see us at TPS! h
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of Tuxedo Park School is to teach students to become life-long learners
and thoughtful, productive citizens and leaders in their communities, our country and
the world. In all aspects of school life we value integrity, independence, co-operation,
responsibility, compassion, and respect for others.
The School supports and expects excellence in the faculty and in all academic and
co-curricular programs, incorporating high academic standards which are both
accessible and challenging to motivated students. Our teachers help students
appreciate the joy of learning and the satisfaction of meeting significant challenges.
The School provides a safe, nurturing educational community that is small enough for
each child to be known, to be appreciated, and to have appropriate opportunities to
participate and to lead.
Tuxedo Park School is an independent, coeducational day school educating children
from Tuxedo Park and surrounding communities in grades pre-kindergarten through nine.
The School values its relationship to all the communities it serves and will preserve its
historic connection to the Village of Tuxedo Park and its beautiful and natural setting.
Approved by the Tuxedo Park School Board of Trustees, October 18, 2007
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FOR TUXEDO PARK SCHOOL ALUMNI • SPRING 2011
Greetings from the Advancement Office!
S
pring has come to Tuxedo Park School, and our
thoughts have turned to Field Day and the end of year.
In this season of hope and change, we look forward to the
graduation of our students, yet mourn their departure from
our daily lives. This year we are particularly conflicted, as
we say good bye to Jim Burger, who has lead our school
from good to great over the past seventeen years, and
welcome our new Head, Kathleen McNamara, who will
take office in July. Included in this edition of the Alumni
Newsletter is a letter of farewell from Jim Burger and an
introduction to Kathleen.
Mrs. Watts and I bid farewell to Mrs. Caitlin Rycewicz, Mrs. Ellen Calves, Mrs. Chris Watts, Mrs. Fiona Duffy, and Mrs. Caitlin Rycewicz
and thank her for her hard work and sharp sense of humor!
Caitlin is leaving us for a position at Bank Street College of Education, to be closer to home in NYC. We are also pleased
to welcome Mrs. Ellen Calves as Director of Institutional Advancement. Ellen is currently employed as our resident Public
Relations and Communications Associate, is married to Herbie, has an alumna daughter, Emma Zahren Newman ’09 in
Goshen High School, and two children at TPS—Evan in 3rd grade and Nina in 1st grade.
All our alumni are important to us, and this office is committed to keeping and renewing friendships. From the
family that is Tuxedo Park School, to your family, we wish you all the blessings that spring and summer can offer, and we
invite you to visit us at one of our many celebrations, or just stop by! h
Welcome Kathleen McNamara!
T
he TPS Board of Trustees unanimously approved the Search Committee’s recommendation
to name Kathleen McNamara as Tuxedo Park School’s next Head of School beginning
July 1, 2011. The Board of Trustees is confident that Kathleen possesses the skills and experience
necessary to move our school forward with wisdom, warmth, and energy. Kathleen comes to
TPS from Marin Country Day School, a K-8 school with 558 students, located in Corte Madera,
California. She is currently Assistant Head of School, where she is responsible for the oversight
of 270 students and 50 faculty and staff. Prior to MCDS, Kathleen was Head of the 5th-9th grade
division of the Rippowam Cisqua School in Bedford, NY, a 550 student, Pre-K-9 coed day
school. There she also served as the Director of Secondary School French. Kathleen plans to spend time on the TPS
campus on several different occasions between now and her start date of July 1. Over the next few months, she will work
closely with the Board, Jim Burger, and a Transition Committee, whose job it will be to ensure that her introduction to
our special school is as seamless as possible.
Kathleen and her husband, Jihad Mirza, a history teacher and a development and technology consultant for independent schools, have two children: Hannah, 19, and Alex, 16. We enthusiastically welcome Kathleen and her family to the
Tuxedo Park School community! h
FOR TUXEDO PARK SCHOOL ALUMNI • SPRING 2011
The TPS Alumni Council
O
n a sunny Sunday in September, the Alumni Council gathered to meet with Board President Jonathan
Whitney, Board Secretary Lili Neuhauser and Chair of
the Committee on Trustees Diane Curland. The goal of
the Alumni Council is to support the school and help us
to reconnect with alumni. This is a dynamic group of
alums determined to make a difference.
A few members of the Alumni Council joined us at
The Tuxedo Club on April 16 for a night filled with fine
eating, drinking, merriment and fundraising for TPS!
Our thanks to Adrianna Holiat ’98, Kate McAleer ’02,
Sean Murray ’02, Sean Duffy ’02, and Max DeFrancesco ’03 for starting an alumni tradition, and to Liz Gunnison
’98 for getting the ball rolling! Special thanks to Adrianna Holiat for the yummy table favors and for donating a
beautiful basket of her Baked by Bub goodies to the Silent Auction; to Heather Bullard ’83 for her donation of a
cocktail party for 25 guests; and to Max DeFrancesco for the gift of his beautiful voice. Max and Heather joined
forces to create a memorable evening at the Pink House for a lucky bidder!
We are planning to have a substantial alumni presence on Field Day, spearheaded by the Alumni Council.
Alumni should be ready to go to battle for Green and Gold points as they compete in a tug of war—so call your
friends! This is also a wonderful opportunity to join Jim Burger celebrate his last Field Day and to meet with
incoming Head of School Kathleen McNamara. Please consider joining the Alumni Council and the students
of Tuxedo Park School on Field Day, May 21, 2011. h
Alumni of Tuxedo Park School
T
he mission of the Alumni Office is to establish
and maintain long term relationships with
alumni, parents, and friends through reliable and
consistent communication. We seek to create
opportunities for alumni to gather, stay in touch,
and give back to the school by channeling their
interests into meaningful expressions of support.
The recent formation of an Alumni Council moves
us one step closer to making these ideals a reality.
Alumni are an important link to the past who will
help inform the future of this very special school.
We encourage our alumni to join the Tuxedo
Park School Alumni Facebook group, created by
TPS alumnus Kristian Andersen ’89 and to become
a fan of our newly established Tuxedo Park School Facebook page. Reading the Alumni Newsletter, published
annually, will help to keep alumni abreast of what’s happening at TPS and in the lives of former classmates.
The Tuxedo Park School website, (www.tuxedoparkschool.org), contains content exclusively for the alumni
of our school. If you are a member of this community, please contact Fiona Duffy for your sign in and password.
We look forward to hearing from you! Fiona may be contacted via email: [email protected]. h
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FOR TUXEDO PARK SCHOOL ALUMNI • SPRING 2011
Meeting in Manhattan!
L
ed by the newly formed Alumni Council, Tuxedo Park School Alumni once again made The Racquet and Tennis Club
of New York a rendezvous point for this year’s gathering in Manhattan. We were pleased to welcome those who
joined us for the first time, as well as many familiar faces. Conversation and laughter, sparked by archived photographs and
yearbooks, generated a warm and welcoming atmosphere. At the end of these evenings, many alumni leave to continue
the conversation over cocktails and dinner.
With the help of the Alumni Council, we are planning an event for the Fall of 2011. Anyone for Green and Gold
bowling? Gather your team and look for a “save the date” reminder coming this summer! h
Martha Nesbitt ' 56 and Jean Claude Kaufmann '57
Karim Momin '87 and Ray Javdan '86
Tom McKay '61, Adrianna Holiat '98 and Liz Gunnison '98
Anjuli Netram '00 and Andrea Klein '00
Alumnus Ed Mattes ’71 and TPS Faculty, John Ham and Jeff Feinberg
Valentine’s Boutique
T
he TPS Valentine’s Boutique brought together alumni and alumni moms in support
of Tuxedo Park School. Alumna Adrianna Holiat ‘98 was assisted at her “Baked by
Bub” confections table by her mom Irena, a former TPS Trustee. Alumni mom Marina
Case Alario brought along
Alex ‘08, to help with some
of the heavy lifting for “The
Red Shutters,” a design and
decorating business from
Warwick, New York. Marina
treated us all to her workshop,
“Your Home: The Story of
Your Life,” a warm, witty and
informative presentation of
how your home should reflect
your life story. h
Alex Alario ‘08 and mom Marina
Adrianna Holiat ‘98 and her mom, former Trustee, Irena Holiat
FOR TUXEDO PARK SCHOOL ALUMNI • SPRING 2011
On the Allée
Memories of Blairhame
Every year our resident Poet
Laureate Lori Calderon writes
a poem for the graduating class.
Please enjoy the wonderful
poem Linden Trees written for
the Class of 2002, and enjoy
some green and gold memories.
by Jeannie Doscher ’63 as told to Fiona Duffy
LINDEN TREES
Like Linden trees transported here
From midwest lands and placed along
The path that leads to this great house
Of learning lives, these graduates
Have come from elsewhere, too. Their feet
Now settled in our soil, they stretch
Their arms for more to grasp, for more
To come, for more. Their branches reach
Like buttresses, upholding quests
Of mind, of soul, of family.
They stand and sometimes sway above,
Not breaking nor uprooting—still
When tempests battle them to break
And knock their pillared trunks of faith
In this—our place called school that’s seen
Well-canopied by leaves and lives
Of green and gold and gold and green.
Their roots with us eternally,
Their spirits soar, their minds are free.
— Lori Esmond Calderon, June 2002
R
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ecently, Jeannie gifted Tuxedo Park
School with a beautiful William
Linzee Prescott sketch of children
playing on Shepard field. This gift was in
memory of her parents, Helen and Jack
Doscher. The picture hung on the walls in
Jack’s office, after Mr. Prescott gave this gift
in appreciation for some “gentle dentistry.” Dr. Doscher practiced dentistry and
dental surgery for 47 years in Tuxedo.
Linzee, as Mr. Prescott was known locally, was quite a character in Tuxedo.
His murals hang in The Tuxedo Club, at West Point, and he also created some
large murals for the Golf Club, spoofing the new and novice golfers of the Park.
Local lore tells us that he paid a bar tab at the Orange Inn with a large mural
decoratively commemorating his time, living life to the fullest, in Tuxedo Park.
Joan Blair Overton lived in Blairhame as a child with her older sister Natica, their parents, and a
retinue of servants. After the passing of J.Insley Blair, the family found the house to be too large and abandoned it, moving to the annex, the building that we now know as “The Pink House.” Later, they built a
large ballroom so they could continue having parties and large gatherings. Jeannie, who could see Blairhame
from her window, describes living in that remote areas, before any of the buildings were occupied.
“My parents were close friends of Joan and Woody Overton, who lived in Newburgh. Uncle Woody
was a precise and gifted ophthalmologist who loved to come up to the properties and engage in a sweaty
struggle with an oversized gravely tractor, cutting paths and keeping snakes at bay. He and my dad would
rouse every rabbit and grouse within 100 miles, sending them charging into the woods for safety. Aunt
Joan assisted my parents in renting and then purchasing their house, the home currently owned by the
MacKinnon family. “The Big House,” which is what Blairhame was called before it was a school, stood
empty and still. “The Annex” and “The Garages,” where some teachers now reside, were vacant as well.
These buildings were later donated to the school by Aunt Joan because of its continued success.
As a child, I would take the short walk with my mom and Aunt Joan from my home to “The Big
House.” Aunt Joan would look up at the building wistfully, wishing happiness and life back into its
windows and doors. I didn’t hear the words, because I wasn’t listening. But I know that she was wishing
and hoping for something better, something more. Mom was listening, and she told me many times that
the school, with its newfound life and energy, was Aunt Joan’s greatest miracle.
The School first opened when I was entering fourth grade. Before that time, there was just a giant
field with very tall grasses that led to an empty building. Kathy Neumann and I would stand at the edge
of the field at night, and challenge each other to run across that space alone, and to touch the brass
doorknobs. The return run, before the unknown ghosts and goblins of the house could catch us, was perhaps even more of an obviously dangerous part of the dare. This, of course, was traditional on or close to
Halloween, and preferably with a full moon watching. Anyway, the spirits were consistently pleasant,
as we never felt any real fear. But it was a long run across that range of shoulder-high grass, especially for
short, small legs.
It was sad in many ways to lose that expanse, that long moonlit field of grass, guarded by the horse
chestnut tree. Also gone was the profound and shadowed muteness of “The Big House,” with so many
stories locked inside. It was quite a magical building when it was standing alone, struck dumb, without
additions or cars or people. That incredible building stood holding its own breath, proudly full of its own
memory. The acoustics of insects, birds, and wild nightlife are no match for today’s busy campus. Now,
the area is bustling, noisy, and energized. Now, it carries the lives of countless children onto better lives
with cherished memories.
There was stillness living alone on the empty estate of Blairhame. Curiously, its vastness reached
its arms around my small childhood with feelings of protection and promise. Living in that world, that
house, wandering the woods close to those uncharged buildings, devoid of activity or life, all deposited
wonderful seeds for my young and open imagination.” h
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FOR TUXEDO PARK SCHOOL ALUMNI • SPRING 2011
CLASS NOTES
1940’s
1950’s
1960’s
Eben Richards ’41
Elizabeth Jackson Rose ’50
Nicholas Gmur ’60
Alumna Elizabeth Jackson Rose reports that all three
alumnae daughters are doing well! Renee Amory
Ketchem ’71 is living in Connecticut. Caroline ’73 and
younger sister Gillian live in Bradenton and Ocala,
Florida, respectively.
Having worked for Brookhaven National Laboratory on Long Island for thirty-five years,
Nicholas has shortened his work week and
speaks of the pleasures of a four day weekend!
When not at the lab, Mr. and Mrs. Gmur
travel to visit their family in California,
including a three year old grandson. Nicholas
has no immediate plans to leave Bellport and
his view of the Great South Bay!
In a letter to Jim Burger, Eben Richards tells us a little
of his life in the historic Virginia countryside. Mr.
Richards lives in what seems like a pastoral idyll! He
describes his home, “Little Yatton,” as the type of home
he has always wanted. On the Virginia House and
Garden Tour last year, Eben saw over 1,436 people tour
his property, some coming from as far as England.
Mr. Richards lived in Tuxedo Park as a young man,
then in Orange County, California, and now in Orange
County, Virginia. He wonders if the universe might be
sending him a message! He ends his letter to Mr. Burger
by wishing him a “happy and fulfilling retirement”.
Robert Shaw ’43
Mr. Shaw, first Green Team Captain, writes that he and
Cass have been married for fifty-eight years and are
living in North Andover, M.A. Their four children, all
of whom attended TPS, are leading full and successful
lives. Dr. Christopher Shaw ’75 teaches at Phillips Academy Andover and has a son, Turner; Alexander ’67,
(Sandy), has three children and lives in Hamilton,
M.A.; Robert ’67 has lived in Holland for 30 years and
has two children, and Cass (“Bitsey”) ’69, is the equivalent of a Bishop in the Presbyterian Church, and has an
adopted daughter. Mr. Shaw sends a message to the
Green Team Captain: “Keep them winning!”
Martha Wendt Nesbitt ’56
In 1951, the Wendt sisters,
Martha and Nancy, attended
Tuxedo Park School when it
was located in the Tilford
House. Martha describes it
as “beautiful, with wonderful
paneling in many rooms, a
huge staircase, and three lovely
terraces.” The youngest children played on the first
terrace while the older children were designated to the
second and third, with games of capture the flag played
below the third terrace. Martha recalls how wonderful
the teachers were, mentioning in particular
Miss Huntington and Mr. Potter, Head of School.
The school had a very small boarding department,
which Nancy says was a very handy thing for their
parents, since the Wendt sisters stayed for a few days
while their parents were on a trip! Among the boarders
in Martha’s class were Marjorie Mooney and
Candy Schrafft. We have no idea where in the world
Candy and Marjorie are today. If you are in touch
with either of these ladies, please contact this office!
We are delighted to have caught up with Martha at
the Manhattan alumni gathering; we look forward to
seeing her again and to hearing more school lore!
Mary Margaret Alvarez de Toledo ’51
Mary Margaret is still pursuing her passion for watercolor
painting and is currently showing her work in a solo exhibition titled, “Painting with Light and the Feeling of
Space” in Concord, M.A.
Ms. Alvarez de Toledo has served as a Board
member of the Emerson Umbrella for the Arts and on
Concord’s Arts Lottery Council and is a former member
of Boston’s Copley Society and the Marblehead Art
Association. Painting became of interest to Ms. Alvarez
when she was living in Brazil in 1970 and first painted
in oils. She went on to study fine arts, at Toledo University in Ohio and set up her studio in Concord when
she returned in 1982.
Jeannie Fenton ’55
J. Scott Finn ’69
Scott is currently enjoying the pleasures of
Bella Roma, spending his seventh semester
abroad with Auburn University’s International
Studies Program. He invites us to join him
there! Scott, who is on the faculty in the
School of Architecture, tells us that he has
enjoyed reconnecting with TPS alumni on our
Facebook group page, and meeting for lunch
in NYC! On the family front, Scott is proud to
report that his daughter is finishing graduate
school at Cranbrook this spring. Ciao Scott!
Jeannie has fond memories of her early schooling in the
first Tuxedo Park School which was then in Tilford
House, and she tells us, “No school I have ever seen
compares to the school I attended in Tuxedo Park”.
Nancy Wendt Cushing ’58
Nancy Wendt Cushing’s life reads like an adventure novel. After
her formative years at Tuxedo Park School, Nancy went on to The
Masters School and subsequently received degrees from the University of Colorado, Harvard Law School and the University of South
Carolina. She was admitted to the Bar in California, Massachusetts,
and New York, where she worked in private practice as an attorney,
specializing in historic preservation tax matters. During this period
Nancy met her husband Alex Cushing, the founder and owner of
Squaw Valley Ski Corp. This meeting led to a lifetime partnership
for Nancy and Alex, and a passion for Squaw Valley. Alex founded the resort having visited the
West with a friend in the 1940’s. He opened it in 1949 with a double chairlift, but went on to host
the Winter Olympics in 1960. Nancy’s love for skiing began as a girl on visits to Sterling Forest,
and then to Vermont, with her sister Martha Wendt Nesbitt ’56, and their family.
Nancy has been both President and CEO of Squaw Valley Ski Corp. for sixteen years, carrying
on the legacy of Alex, who died in 2006. She describes the adventure of life in Squaw Valley as
being some of “the most exciting times.” Her involvement with the people who work for her and
who make up the “Squaw Valley Family” has been a daily source of pleasure, and even though
Nancy is ready for retirement, she will not be leaving Squaw Valley. She will remain in the role
of consultant thus giving her time to ski “the mountain I love so much.” The rest of the year she
will spend at her home in Newport, R.I.
As for Squaw Valley’s future, Nancy is confident that it is in good hands and looks forward to
the day when guests will feel that they have arrived at a world-class resort.
We wish Nancy a rich and rewarding retirement full of deep powder runs in winter and warm
ocean breezes in summer and we hope a trip to visit us in Tuxedo Park might figure in some
future plans!
FOR TUXEDO PARK SCHOOL ALUMNI • SPRING 2011
CLASS NOTES
1970’s
Edward C. Mattes ’71
Congratulations to Ed Mattes ’71, who was named Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the
Vermont Law School. Ed has been a Board member for several years and is also an alumnus.
Ed is also a member of the Tuxedo Park School Alumni Council.
Taylor Mickle ’73
Taylor, who is a photographer based in the Mid-Hudson Valley, specializes in macro, tabletop and still- life photography. In April she showed her work in a solo exhibition held in
Great Barrington, M.A. This summer, Taylor will be teaching a class in macro photography
at the Berkshire Botanical Gardens. To see her beautiful work, please check out Taylor’s
website: www.theluxfarm.com.
1980’s
Dean Strober ’80
Leaving the bright lights of New York behind him, Dean has moved with his wife and baby
to Albuquerque, N.M. and has just produced the First Annual Southwest Chocolate and
Coffee Festival. We can’t think of anything sweeter or more satisfying!
Christopher Cook ’83
“I attended the Park School for 3rd and 4th grade, in ’77 and ’78,
thus making me Class of ’83. And though I left long before graduating, I still have many memories of my classmates and friends—
whether they were Gold or Green!
“It would have been fun, of course, to stay at the Park School
and grow up with all of them, but my family moved on to new
adventures in Connecticut. And now, three decades later, after
having lived in Connecticut, Scotland, Massachusetts, Montana,
Los Angeles, and Phoenix, I have returned to New York! My
wife Judy, five-year-old son Connor, and I are now living in a
small town west of Rochester. We have our own business,
consulting in multiple arenas at the confluence of public policy,
politics, and culture.
“I am pleased to be reconnected with Park School alums via Fiona Duffy, and I look
forward to the possibility of hearing from old friends!”
1990’s
Camilo Cepeda ’90
Camilo and his wife, Yoonkyoung Ahn, welcomed little Arabella
Cepeda to the world on March 30, 2011. Arabella was born in
Seoul, Korea, where dad is once again working for Samsung.
Pamela Diem Willis ’92
Making beautiful jewelry is something that Pam Diem Willis does very well. Her pieces are
fresh yet timeless, classic yet dramatic. Pam, her husband Chris, and baby Augusta are moving back to Brooklyn from Tuxedo Park. Summers find Pam on Nantucket, behind the
counter of her store, Little Miss Drama Jewelry. To take a peek at Pam’s beautiful creations,
take a look at her website: www.littlemissdrama.com.
Jennifer Esty Briller ’92
Congratulations to Jennifer and her husband Ryan, who welcomed
a little girl into their lives. Rose was born in February 2011.
Nakima Benjamin ‘96
Nakima Benjamin is the embodiment of a TPS life-long learner following an educational path that took her
from an early education at Tuxedo Park
School, to Yale University and University of Pennsylvania Law School.
Though Nakima began practicing law
with the corporate department of
Simpson, Thacher & Bartlett LLP, her
love of fashion pulled her into the
world of fashion styling. Since 2010
Nakima has worked with Havana
Laffite, a contributing editor to Teen
Vogue and i-D magazine. As well as
handling independent projects, Nakima has had the opportunity to work on editorial photo shoots and advertising
campaigns for national and international clientele, such as
Vogue Spain, Vogue Turkey, W Korea and Vogue Italia Gioiello.
Nakima and her mom, Michelle, joined us at this year’s
Alumni Moms Lunch at The Tuxedo Club. One of Nakima’s
favorite memories of TPS is the Green and Gold competition; she believes athletics at Tuxedo Park School laid the
foundation for the running that she likes to do today. She
has competed in 5K and 10K races with her goal being the
NYC marathon!
Elizabeth Bauer ‘96
It is hard not to be excited by
the colorful rooms and accessories
featured on alumna Elizabeth
Bauer’s Facebook page, which
showcases her West Village store
and design business. Describing
her goods as, “Bright, Chic and
Unique things for your home,”
Liz has created an outlet for her
designing passion. Her work has been featured in myriad print
and online magazines, most recently Traditional Homes, which
named her as one of “20 Young Designers to Watch.” Other
mentions include So Haute’s 2010 tally of “Most Buzzed About
Interior Designers,” and her style, which has been described,
by a fellow designer as, “Paris meets Palm Beach,” is an eclectic
blend of traditional and modern design. Liz can be found in a
Paris flea market searching for hidden treasures just as easily as
she can be found on eBay, searching for those hard to find and
even whimsical pieces, which can punch up a room.
Her bold use of pattern, along with a courageous use of
color, creates bold and dynamic living spaces—they are at once
fresh yet grounded, “modern in a traditional silhouette.” Liz is
opening a second store on Nantucket this May which her mom,
Mary Jane, (who better!), will captain. Liz’s design treasures
and aesthetic are on view, and for sale, in her chic downtown
store, on her website, and later this spring in her new
Nantucket store. www.elizabethbauerdesign.com.
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FOR TUXEDO PARK SCHOOL ALUMNI • SPRING 2011
CLASS NOTES
Timothy Hull ‘94
Adrianna Holiat ‘98
Upon graduation from Kent
School in 2001, Adrianna attended
Fordham University, majoring in
Classics and Art History, and then
went on to attend the Natural Gourmet Institute for Food and Health.
She then studied for her Holistic
Health Counseling degree at the
Institute for Integrative Nutrition.
In 2006, Adrianna established
her own company, Greenwich Village
Green, a NYC based holistic health
and wellness company. Not only does
Greenwich Village Green serve
private corporate clients as well as
families at home and abroad, but it
also offers educational and support
services to those with unique diets.
Clients who are gluten intolerant,
vegan, or who need to tailor their
diets due to ADD/ADHD, receive
help with nutritional counseling,
menu planning, cooking classes
“green” lifestyle services and celiacsafe pantry and home tutorials. Private
chef services are also available.
Adrianna recently launched her
organic food line, Baked By Bub.
This line features organic, naturally
crafted snacks and confections,
including raw cocoa truffles,
meringues and gluten-free granolas,
cakes, cookies and special order items.
Baked By Bub also participated in the
TPS Valentine’s Boutique. Adrianna
is a member of the Tuxedo Park
School Alumni Council, is a strong
supporter of TPS and continues to
stay in touch with many of her
former school friends!
Timothy Hull still enjoys
memories of his early education at TPS. He has
chosen a career in art,
earning a BFA from NYU
and an MFA from the
Parsons School of Design.
Tim has held solo exhibitions of his work in New York, Los Angeles and Milan,
and it has been reviewed in some major art publications
including Artforum, Flash Art, and the L.A. Times.
More recently, Tim was featured in a N.Y. Times online
article and will be presenting his work in a new show
at the Taylor de Cordoba Gallery this month in Los
Angeles.
2000’s
Kevin Cannon ’00
Kevin is studying Environmental Education and Sustainable
Agriculture at Sterling College in Vermont.
Ryan Murray ’00
Ryan continues to work for Goldman Sachs in San Francisco,
where he shares a life with his wife, Candace. Alumni Mom
Sheryl writes that Ryan and Candace enjoy all the area has
to offer, including wine tours in Napa valley and skiing in
Squaw Valley. I wonder if Nancy Went Cushing ’58 and Ryan
have ever bumped into each other on the slopes!
Caitlyn Porto ’00
Jackie Hall Robinson ’95
If you are in the market for beautiful invitations, be sure
to check out alumna Jackie Hall Robinson’s website:
www.42pressed.com. Jackie, who designs, prints, and
runs the entire operation, was recently featured in
Martha Stewart Weddings. Jackie and her husband
Tyler will welcome their own little work of art in a few
months! Best wishes to all three from TPS!
Matt Rodano ’97
Matt is currently working as a Software Test Engineer
for Northrup Grumman Information Systems, supporting the United States Army Research, Development,
and Engineering Center in Picatinny Arsenal, NJ.
He recently announced his engagement to Elizabeth
Fuller of Depew, NY. Liz is a graduate of Niagara
University and is working as a learning specialist at
TEAM Academy in Newark, NJ, serving special
education students. Matt and Liz are planning a July
2011 wedding!
Joe Collins ’97
Joe Collins and wife
Meagan welcomed
their first child on February 21, 2011. Alyssa
Grace Collins weighed
in at 7 lbs. 14 oz. Joe
tells us that both mom
and baby are well, and that he and Meagan have adjusted well to a lack of sleep!
Caitlyn has joined the Tuxedo Park School Board of Trustees
and is part of the Development Committee. She remains
physically active and most recently took part in a rowing
camp in Lancaster, Virginia with the River Rowing Association of Nyack. Check out her t-shirt, Green Team fans! You
can take the girl out of Tuxedo Park School...
Megan Duffy ’00
Megan is enjoying everything that life in Southern California can offer! She and her partner, Paul Privett, are excited
about the impending birth of their little boy in August!
Ann Marie Palmer ’00
Congratulations to Ann Marie Palmer who graduates from
The University of Florida, with the degree of Master of
Education, with a major in Student Personnel in Higher
Education.
Lauren Willis ’00
Lauren reports that she is doing well and that a move to
San Francisco may be in the cards. Looks like a TPS reunion
in California might be a possibility some day!
Rachel Cannon ’02
Rachel is working at The Department of Justice in
Washington, D.C. and has just decided to attend William &
Mary in the fall to study law. Before then, Rachel will spend
her summer as an intern at the Kripalu Center for Yoga and
Health in Lenox, M.A. An avid student of yoga, Rachel will
participate in many levels of classes, programs, and retreats in
exchange for time spent working at the Center.
Piera Tocci ’02
Piera is working for Gilt Groupe, an internet company
dealing in e-commerce fashion.
FOR TUXEDO PARK SCHOOL ALUMNI • SPRING 2011
9
CLASS NOTES
Nicole Burns ’02
Peter Luck ’02
Max DeFrancesco ’03
Nicole is living and working in Columbus, Ohio for
J.P. Morgan Chase, completing a two year Retail
Financial Services Leadership Development Program.
This program provided Nicole with a very diverse
experience, providing support to pricing, strategy,
finance, and marketing divisions. She will be relocating to New York with the firm in August.
On the personal front, Nicole is an active member
of her sorority, Delta Sigma Theta, and serves on many
committees which help drive public service initiatives
in Central Ohio. She is also developing a non-profit
mentoring organization which will serve young girls
between the ages of 11-18. She plans to further her
education with an MBA and is running in 5k races
when she gets the time!
Peter is back on the
tennis court after a
back injury put him
temporarily out of
commission. In addition to playing, Peter
is working as a tennis
pro and getting ready
to go back out on
tour, now that he is
feeling stronger than ever! Peter’s mom Louise tells
us that Peter is also engaged in a secondary passion
of meteorology, and that he spent much of last
summer storm chasing throughout the US and the
Caribbean.
Peter is pictured with his little sister, Lauren,
who will be part of the TPS family in the near
future!
Max, who graduates
this month from
Montclair State University, joined us at
An Evening in the
Park, the Tuxedo Park
School annual dinner
and auction at The
Tuxedo Club. This
“rising professional
classical singer” has
generously offered to perform at a dinner in The Pink
House, where he will regale the lucky bidders and their
friends with an evening of opera. Max has studied
singing for fourteen years and describes it as his
“greatest passion in life.” He has quite recently played
the lead role in MSU’s production of Benjamin
Britten’s Albert Herring. This was Max’s last performance as an undergrad. Max has been accepted to the
Opera Studio at the American Institute of Music in
Graf, Austria, and will travel onward to Italy to
continue his professional education.
Spencer van Schaack ‘02
Spencer has been “living the dream,” (according to
Darren Larsen ’98), and working in Jackson Hole,
Wyoming for the past two years. He will join brother
Chandler ’97, who is living in Denver, C.O., where he
will study for an MBA at Denver University.
Alexandria Eliopoulos ’02
Alexandria is studying for a Masters in Social Work
at Boston College. Brother Thomas ’03 speaks of
Alexandria’s kind nature and her sense of service
Alex Katzenstein ‘02
Alex has joined dad Ben
in the family business,
Star Kay White, along
with brother Gabe ’03.
On a recent trip to
Wyoming, Alex caught
up with former TPS
classmate Spencer van
Schaack!
Sean Murray ’02
Sean Murray continues to
reach new heights both as
an actor and a producer,
in conjunction with his
work at Madwood Entertainment. Mom Sheryl
gave Sean a great surprise
on his most recent birthday. When Sean showed up
for work on the set of a movie in Tarrytown, New York,
he thought one of the extras looked uncannily like his
mom, but knowing she was off visiting her sick father,
he dismissed the idea. However, the woman, dressed in
1930’s costuming, winked at him and laughed, giving
the game away! Sean’s friend had quietly arranged for
Sheryl to be on the set. Sean says, “Looking back, it
was one of the most incredible moments ever—doing
what I love with the person I love the most—my
mom!”
As Sean says, the moment is now captured forever
in The Broken Tower, directed by and starring Academy Award winning actor, James Franco!
Ciara Duffy ’05
Rachel Pelosi ’02
Rachel is living in Middletown, New York while
studying for a Masters in General Psychology at
The New School for Social Research in NYC. She
plans to further her education by continuing on the
doctoral program in Clinical Psychology, specializing in health psychology. Rachel credits her love of
education, and life-long learning, to her days at
TPS. She tells us, “I know that TPS has been an
integral part of my desire to keep learning and the
foundation for much of what I know and apply
every day.”
She bids a fond farewell to Mr. Burger in his
retirement; her parents, Dick and Susan, are happily retired and living in Palm Beach Gardens,
Florida.
Ciara, a student at Savannah College of Art and
Design, spent the fall semester in Lacoste, France, a
beautiful preserved medieval village of about 300
residents. Provence has been luring artists for centuries, and Ciara was thrilled to walk the same ground
as van Gogh, Cezanne, and Picasso. She loved the
beauty and simplicity of French life and hopes to
return to Provence to visit friends in the near future.
Nicole Martin ’05
The City of Light has been Nikki’s home for the past
few months as she spends her semester abroad from
USC. While Nikki is thoroughly enjoying all that
Paris can offer, and even though her French is fluent,
she looks forward to seeing her family soon, especially
her little brother and sister!
Brooke Jackling ’03
Austin Carpenter ’05
Having graduated from Dartmouth last June,
Brooke is presently with Teach for America and
working in Brooklyn at The Uncommon School, a
charter school. Mom B.J. tells us, by way of a letter
to Jim Burger, that Brooke is teaching Kindergarten
and loving it! Both B.J. and Michael are very proud
of all Brooke’s accomplishments and say, “We have
always taken great pride in her educational experiences, and TPS ranks high on the list as having
given her the best.”
After completing two years at St. Lawrence University, where he played squash and threw javelin on the
track and field team, Austin has transferred to Duke
University where he continues to throw javelin.
Matt Wiltshire ’05
Matt Wiltshire surprised us with a phone call from
Hamilton, where he is an undergraduate, to bring us
up to date on his life, and to wish Mr. Burger good luck
in his retirement. Among Matt’s favorite memories of
his time at TPS, his classes with John Ham rank
amongst the most vivid. Mark and Alicia, Matt’s parents, have just returned from a sojourn in London.
Emma ’07 is an undergrad at University of Richmond.
10
FOR TUXEDO PARK SCHOOL ALUMNI • SPRING 2011
CLASS NOTES
Eric Deraney ’06
Thomas Loehr ’08 and Faith Loehr ’09
Michael Glendening ’08
Eric is in his sophomore year at NYU studying hospitality and finance. He has been interning with J.P. Morgan
for over a year and has recently accepted an offer to
work for the company this summer as a finance analyst
in their Corporate Real Estate offices. Next year, Eric
will travel to Buenos Aires, (if he can leave his job as
social chair of the NYU chapter of the Zeta Psi Fraternity!), for a year of study abroad.
Thomas, who is in his final semester at Choate,
will be off to Lehigh in September, with a new
found passion for dancing! He is President of the
Choate Hip-Hop Club while younger sister Faith
is a member of the Step Club at St Andrew’s!
Mom Paula wonders if Dancing with the Stars is
next for the siblings!
The French lessons that Michael took in his second
grade year at TPS began a lifelong love of the language,
and now as a senior at Salisbury School, Michael will
graduate, having taken AP French(as a junior) the
highest level one can achieve at the school. This year he
has been involved in independent study. Michael is part
of a band called “The Young DeVotchkas,” whose lead
singer is Parisian, and most songs in their most recent
recording are in French.
Michael has accepted a place at Skidmore College
for the fall.
Amanda Coyne ’08
Tara Murray ’06
After a few very busy and productive years,
Amanda will graduate from Warwick Valley High
School in June 2011, with an Advanced Regents
Diploma and High Honors. In the past year,
Amanda has sung for the New York State School
Music Association Zone 9 All-State Women’s
Jackie Yordan ’06
Choir, the OCMEA All-County Choir, and
Jackie, a sophomore at Middlebury College, will be was in the regional premiere of “The Wedding
working this summer at Deutsche Bank in New York. Singer.” She has also performed at Carnegie Hall
She is going to spend her Junior Year at Worcester with Jubilate, a regional youth choir, and played
College in Oxford, England in the study of Literature, the role of Mrs. Jaffet in a regional production of
Spanish and English.
Noye’s Fludde. Amanda has accepted a place at
the University of South Carolina and is looking
Kebrecht Walker ’07
forward to her freshman year in the fall.
Kebbie’s freshman year at Agnes Scott College has been
a busy one! In addition to studying Psychology and Ryan Toth ’08
History in a double major, she is also studying French In May, Ryan Toth graduates from The
and Creative Writing in a double minor. She has writ- Lawrenceville School, where he has excelled
ten a play titled Arabesque which will be making the academically and athletically. This spring sees
tour of high schools around NY State. Upon gradua- Ryan busy on the baseball field catching for
tion, Kebbie hopes to work in hostage negotiation and the team. Mom Joan tells us that both she and
Stephen are very proud of all Ryan’s accomplishmilitary interrogation for the U.S. Army.
ments.
Tara is a sophomore at the College of Charleston, South
Carolina where she is majoring in Communications.
Tara would like to pursue a career as an event planner
after college.
Catherine Duffy ’07
Catherine is a freshman at Sarah Lawrence College, enjoying both the social and intellectual sides of college
life. Occasionally, Catherine belts out some jazz and
blues with a group of friends who have formed a
band. They have performed in some local clubs and
at charitable functions. Her favorite songs are from the
Bessie Smith songbook, a singer whom Catherine
studied while at TPS. Mrs. Rodin would be proud!
Kylie Ambrose ’09
Kylie’s devotion to
helping those in need
is something that we,
at TPS, will always remember. Her leadership in our school’s
community service
program has propelled
her on to greater things at Holy Angels Academy,
where she is a sophomore. In February, Kylie accompanied the Sisters of Notre Dame to Honduras, where
she worked in two orphanages, a nutrition center, and
a center for tutoring. She found this trip both rewarding
and heart breaking, and came back home with a strong
desire to return. In June, Kylie will be attending the
National Leadership Conference at Monmouth State
University and in August, Kylie is off to Beijing for the
Operation Smile Conference. She continues to enjoy
Holy Angels, and when not helping others, Kylie is out
looking at colleges!
Zack Perini ’08
We are thrilled to
hear that Zack Perini
has continued his
love of singing and
acting while at Blair
Academy, acting last
year in Once Upon a
Mattress and this
Monica Yordan ’07
year in The Drowsy
Monica is a Freshman at Middlebury College and will Chaperone. Last summer he visited Nairobi,
spend this summer as an assistant teacher at Haverford where he taught in schools and orphanages while
High School.
working on community projects and distributing
clothes to needy children.
Brian Perry ’08
He has also had a busy year in many other
Brian joins the undergrad class at the School of Visual areas, taking all AP classes. Mom Rose credits
Arts in NYC this fall to pursue his passion for film TPS for having prepared Zack well, and Jim
making, which he discovered in his sophomore year at Burger for having been a source of admiration for
Procter Academy. His school won 5th place in the Zack. We couldn’t agree more!
Green Cup Challenge, for a video that Brian filmed and
directed. We hope he remembers TPS in his Academy
Awards speech!
Emma Zahren-Newman ’09
Emma Zahren Newman
has had a very full sophomore year at Goshen
Valley High School.
She has continued to
pursue her love of the
stage and this year
played the role of a
nurse in South Pacific.
She has decided to
decline an offer from Chewonki Camp to spend a
semester with them, in favor of spending her last
few terms with friends and family.
Carter Toth ’09
Carter Toth is finishing up his sophomore year at Don
Bosco, where he continues to excel in baseball, and he
is also playing for the varsity team, which is ranked
fourteenth in the nation. In June 2011, he will play
baseball for the Junior Olympics!
FOR TUXEDO PARK SCHOOL ALUMNI • SPRING 2011
Moms Meet for Lunch!
HIGH SCHOOL
ACCEPTANCES
T
PS Alumni Moms enjoyed reconnecting at
The Tuxedo Club where they met for lunch,
and were treated to a design and decorating workshop given by Marina Alario, mother of Alex ’08
and Andrew ’10. Marina presented an informative
talk supported by beautiful boards showing examples of color, texture, and design. She related how
one can incorporate new design ideas into one’s
home, while retaining a sense of personal history.
Marina has a green aesthetic and has developed a
strong organic philosophy, leading her to encourage
clients to use much of what they have in a new
way. We invite you to join TPS Alumni Moms at
next year’s luncheon, and bring a friend! h
11
After a rigorous and highly
competitive secondary
school season, Tuxedo Park
School students made it
through the Secondary
School process and have
been accepted to the
following schools:
Dee Gross, Nancy Ambrose, Lydia Kennelly, Robin McFadden, Marina
Case Alario, Nadine Pulver and Pam van der Lee
Michelle Benjamin, Nakima Benjamin, Caitlin Rycewicz, Christina Dow,
Naomi Goldfarb
Dana Deraney, Mary Ellen Eliopoulos, Liz Freaney, Karen Galletly, Beverly Johnson,
Paula Fagan, Michele Lindsay
Barbara Katzenstein, Val Napolitano, Mare Sturgill, Louise Luck, Loretta Stadler,
Elizabeth Betti, Paula Loehr
Serene Swirbul, Nancy Ambrose, and Loretta Stadler
Burke Catholic School
Don Bosco Prep
Deerfield Academy
Gill St. Bernard’s School
Hackley School
Immaculate Heart Academy
Kent School
Loomis Chaffee School
Masters School
Millbrook School
Pomfret School
Portsmouth Abbey School
Taft School
The Gunnery
Saddle River Day School
Salisbury School
Scranton Prep
Seton Hall Prep
Tabor Academy
Trinity-Pawling School
Tuxedo Park School
Wyoming Seminary
Marie Claude Wrenn and Sally Sonne
atop Blairhame
The weathervane
date. Tell us the
has initials and a
th and the first
significance of bo
will win a Green
s
er
n
in
ew
iz
pr
e
thre
d your answers to
or Gold hat. Sen
rkschool.org and
FDuffy@tuxedopa
you were on!
specify which team
12
FOR TUXEDO PARK SCHOOL ALUMNI • SPRING 2011
May Traditions
Time to say goodbye...
Jim Burger will always be remembered as a keeper of tradition. Some of our alumni
have shared their thoughts about Mr. Burger’s impact on their young lives:
“Mr. Burger, and his family, was always so friendly to me. I wish them the best!”
— SEAN THOMAS ’96
“The last time I visited TPS, even though it had been over ten years since I graduated,
Mr. Burger not only remembered me but was genuinely interested to know what I had been
doing. Mr. Burger’s commitment to all students, past and present, truly marks him as an
exceptional Headmaster and educator”
Upper School Sports Banquet
The Upper School Sports Banquet celebrates team athletic achievement and recognizes individual students for their hard work, dedication,
and skills. The Jake Shepard Ski Bowl, the Lorillard Cup, and the
Kennedy Cup are engraved with the recipient’s names and will forever
remain part of the history of Tuxedo Park School and on view in
Blairhame. Athletic Director Dawn Kranzo has for the past few years
engaged an alumni speaker to address our young athletes.
Field Day
The magnolia trees are in full and fragrant flower, the majestic chestnut trees are dressed in their finest blooms, and the air is filled with the
electricity of joyful anticipation along with the smell of early morning
coffee. Welcome to Field Day! Created under the Headship of Tony
Barber in 1942, this has become one of Tuxedo Park School’s most
revered traditions, symbolizing all that is good about this school. The
first team captains were, for the Green Team, Robert Shaw ‘43, and
for Gold, Henry McVickar ’43. Celebrated and enjoyed every year
since by students, faculty, parents and alumni, this day marks the
culmination a yearlong academic and athletic competition, as Green
and Gold teams battle it out on Shepard Field.
We encourage all alumni to join us as we celebrate Headmaster
Jim Burger’s final Field Day on May 21, 2010. Call up your old
teammates, join in the alumni tug of war for Green and Gold points,
and have some barbecue with us on the lawn!
Green and Gold Banquet
Barely a week after Field Day, the entire school gathers to celebrate the
valiant efforts of the Green and Gold Teams, to induct our youngest
members, and to “tap” the next year’s captains, who are chosen by the
students from a pool of Upper School candidates. For many alumni,
the memory of Mr. Burger proclaiming them as “now and forever” a
member of their team is strong. Tradition at TPS dictates that once a
family member has been inducted to a particular team, every family
member thereafter will be part of the same team.
Then it is time to reveal the new captains! All heads rest on
the tables, and feet pound the floor as the new captains are tapped.
Then it’s off to another year of competition as the teams battle to
win The Cheer!
Mountain Farm Road
Tuxedo Park, NY 10987
TEL: 845.351.4737 FAX: 845.351.4219
www.tuxedoparkschool.org
— MATT RODANO ’97
“All of my best to Mr. Burger, a fellow Hamilton alum and a fantastic Headmaster!
He will be missed!”
— RACHEL CANNON ’02
“My fondest memory of Mr. Burger would have to be the day I came to visit as a
prospective student in third grade. We went to his office for him to read to us…and
although I did not know the book, Mr. Burger made me feel welcome and I could tell, just
by the way he read to us, that there was no other thing he would rather be doing...From
that moment, I learned that with passion and patience...a proud future is always within
your grasp. So I thank you, Mr. Burger, for teaching me one of the most important lessons
of my life.”
— KEBRECHT WALKER ’07
“Mr. Burger’s entertaining and animated reading, took us to the heart of the story; he is a
master story-teller.”
— CATHERINE DUFFY ’07
“I remember having my whole class sit in Mr. Burger’s office as he read us a story. It was
always such a treat and an exciting event that the whole class looked forward to...we had
the chance to sit, listen and imagine the story in our heads. The stories painted pictures,
and I still remember some of these. Mr. Burger, those pictures ‘now and forever will be
appreciated. Thank you very much.”
— GRACE JENKINS ’06
“My fondest memory of Mr. Burger was shaking his hand as a third grader and hearing
him tell me in front of the whole school, ‘You are now and forever will be, a member
of the GREEN Team!’”
— ERIC DERANEY ’06
“My memories of Jim Burger are fond and many, and include warm welcomes, smiles and
handshakes when I got off the bus in the morning; someone who knew every student’s name
and made us each feel special; and an enthusiastic proclamation of my membership on the
Green Team.”
— JILLIAN SOBO ’01
And finally from alumna, RACHEL PELOSI ’02:
“A special memory of Mr. Burger cannot really be narrowed down to one memory, but
instead an ongoing series of happy memories of reading to us third graders in the library,
welcoming me as a member of the Gold Team, giving the welcoming speech at the beginning
of every new school year...I did my best to fulfill his suggestion of making at least two new
friends, attending the Ninth Grade Dinner at the Pink House, and finally seeing his proud
face at graduation. Just as I miss TPS, TPS will surely miss Mr. Burger.”
All alumni are warmly invited to join the entire Tuxedo Park School community on
June 12, from 2:00 -5:00 p.m., as we celebrate Jim and Amy Burger and bid them
Godspeed.