looking back - St. George`s School of Montreal

3 1 00 T H E B O U L E VA R D , M O N T R E A L , Q U E B E C H 3 Y 1 R 9
3685 T H E B O U L E VA R D , W E S T M O U N T , Q U E B E C H3Y 1S9
Spring 2014
ST. GEORGE’S SCHOOL OF MONTREAL
ÉCOLE ST-GEORGES DE MONTRÉAL
WE THANK AND CELEBRATE JAMES OFFICER FOR HIS 21 YEARS
OF DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AS ST. GEORGE’S HEAD OF SCHOOL
Director of the High School. I happened
to join St. George’s at a halcyon moment
when illustrious and iconic teachers such
as Sylvia Stuchberry, Maureen Wallace,
Noreen Tansey-Lee, John Plant, Bruce
Blake, Marie Hade and Viviane Cameron
(all of whom have since retired) were at the
top of their game. I also had the pleasure
of working with many revered high
school teachers and Department Heads
who have also since retired, including
Monique Rozenfarb, Carolyn Manzer,
Paule Tremblay, Jacques DesRochers,
Michel Binette and Serge Rousseau.
LOOKING BACK
As I enter into my last few months at
St. George’s, I find myself reflecting
with ever-greater frequency upon my
21 years at our exceptional school.
My thoughts always seem to begin
with the remarkable members of the
faculty, staff and administration who
were there to greet and welcome me
in 1993, as I assumed the helm as
the Principal. I was most fortunate
to be supported (and by that I mean
trained) by my then Assistant Monique
Papillon, Business Manager Pam
Leonard and Advancement Director
Lola Mendelson. These three impressive,
knowledgeable and dedicated women
were instrumental in my transition from
heading a public school to becoming an
independent school Principal.
My education continued with the
incredible support of Beatrice Lewis, the
passionate Director of the Elementary
School, and the legendary Gilbert Plaw,
chairs, each with their own strengths,
styles and personalities, yet all of whom
held firm to our school’s mission and
values.
And so I leave you with the following
thoughts: 21 years later, we are still a great
school because of our faculty, staff and
administration; we are still a great school
because of the exceptional students we
continue to attract and because of their
families who continue to enthusiastically
support our school; and we are still a great
school thanks to our Board members who
continue to uphold our raison d’être and
In addition, I was embraced by a most keep us true to our purpose and mission.
enthusiastic Board. In particular, I fondly
remember my first Board Chair, Ken I have been privileged to have been part
Salomon ’64, who met with me frequently of St. George’s during one quarter of its
during my first few, nervous months and 84 year existence and so it is only fitting
provided me with his unique counsel that I have chosen to leave in a special way
and perspective as both an alumnus and by walking off the stage with my daughter,
a current parent. You can imagine how Eugénie, as she and her classmates graduate
special it is for me that Ken has continued this spring. To quote Orson Wells: “If
his unwavering support of both the you want a happy ending, that depends,
school and me throughout these years, of course, on when you stop your story.”
and that he was once again a member of Although I have enjoyed every moment at
the Head Search Committee, this time to St. George’s, it does now feel that it is
time for me to stop the story. I know that
choose my successor.
I will leave the school in good hands to
During my 21 years here, I have whoever succeeds me, for it is not for
met and been inspired by over 2,000 the grace of any one individual that this
exceptional students, many of whom exceptional school continues to thrive,
have made an impressive mark on the but rather due to the collective efforts
world, and most of whom speak fondly of many. And so I now choose to move
of their days at St. George’s. I have on. Rest assured, the school will continue
had the privilege of meeting and to flourish and prosper, even as the next
befriending their families and remain chapter begins.
awed to this day with our parents’ level of
engagement, their willingness to volunteer James A. Officer
and their financial generosity. I have
worked alongside eight different board Head of School 1993-2014
PLEASE SEE THE BACK COVER FOR AN INVITATION TO “A FAREWELL GALA HOLLYWOOD-STYLE” STARRING JAMES OFFICER ON MAY 21st
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MILESTONE YEARS & BOARD OF DIRECTORS
IN THIS ISSUE:
• Message from Head of School ........... 1
• Board of Directors ............................... 2
• Milestones ............................................... 2
• Annual Giving 2013 .............................. 3
• Parent Grad Gift .................................... 6
• Valedictorian Address .......................... 7
• Graduation Class of 2013 ................... 9
2013-2014
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Eleanore Ballentine
Member-at-Large
Madeleine Bonnard
Member-at-Large
Lynn Butler-Kisber
Outside Educator
Brian Foote
• St. George’s 2013 Scholars .................. 9
HS Faculty Representative
• Alumni Representative Message ........ 10
David Gameroff
• Alumni Reunions ........................... 11-13
• Alumni Updates .............................. 14-23
• In Memoriam ......................................... 23
• Upcoming School Events ................... 24
Member-at-Large
Kim Holden
Member-at-Large
Pamela Itzcovitch
Secretary, Chair of Governance and Marketing Committees
George Kfouri
Chair, Buildings and Grounds
ST. GEORGE’S
FACULTY & STAFF
MILESTONE YEARS
(COMPLETED AS OF JUNE 2013)
WITH 10 YEARS OF SERVICE
• Germain Belouin (Buildings & Grounds)
• Mary Opalinsky (HS Social Sciences)
• Emily Watts (HS Science)
• Sean O’Neill (HS Media & Robotics)
WITH 15 YEARS OF SERVICE
• Pierrette Dupont (HS French)
• Aaron Stamboulieh (Information Technology)
WITH 20 YEARS OF SERVICE
• James Officer (Head of School)
• Bill Nevin (HS Mathematics)
• Louise Girouard (Finance Department)
• Saundra Tobman (HS Resource Centre)
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Spring 2014
Patricia Klein ’88
Alumni Representative
Tamara Elias Liebmann
Chair, Education Committee
Risa Lukofsky ’82
Chair, Advancement Committee
Carlos Obando
Member-at-Large
Michael O’Connor
ES Faculty Representative
James A. Officer
Head of School
Leslie Pokrass Ornstein
Marketing Committee Representative
Louise Anne Poirier
President
Lorne Steinberg
Treasurer and Chair, Finance Committee
Cheryl Weigensberg-Wood
PAC (Parent Activity Committee) Representative
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ANNUAL GIVING
ADVANCEMENT
COMMITTEE
MEMBERS
Risa Lukofsky ’82
(Chair)
Don Belec
(Campaigns Manager)
David Gameroff
Patricia Klein ’88
ANNUAL GIVING 2013
Every year, St. George’s School relies on parents (both current and past), faculty,
staff and alumni to support its Annual Giving Campaign. Annual Giving is a critical
source of funding for projects and initiatives that enable us to continue providing
an environment in which our students can excel. The ability to upgrade our physical
spaces, enhance our curriculum, co-curricular and extra-curricular activities in new,
exciting and forward-thinking ways, and to offer financial assistance when required,
all contribute to providing a unique experience at St. George’s.
The following two important areas of need were identified as
requiring your support in the 2012-2013 academic year:
A
P Re rti
ro n s
po de t’s
se rin
d g
Fi
el
d
Patricia Lavoie
(Coordinator, Advancement)
of
James A. Officer
(Head of School)
Louise Anne Poirier
(Board President)
Lorne Steinberg
(Treasurer)
Dorothy Yule
(Director, Finance)
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
t
ro
P
c
id a
ap M
R ing
yp
ot
ne
hi
Nathalie Bossé
(Assistant Head,
Curriculum & CLE)
Outdoor Soccer Field (Installation 2014)
Raised over $95,000
Tr
an
un sf
de orm
rw a
ay tio
! n
ADVISORY
ROLES
Elizabeth Gomery ’93
(Montreal Children’s
Hospital Foundation)
George Kfouri
(Building & Grounds Chair)
Colleen Wicha
(Tribute Gala
Committee Chair)
HIGH SCHOOL
Science & Art Department Enhancements
Raised over $28,000
Spring 2014
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ANNUAL GIVING 2013 CAMPAIGN
ANNUAL GIVING CONTRIBUTIONS TOTALLING $9,628 WERE MADE
IN SUPPORT OF THE FOLLOWING DESIGNATED GIVING FUNDS:
GILBERT PLAW/AGNES MATTHEWS FUNDS FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
The Gilbert Plaw Fund was established on the occasion of his retirement in 2000 to recognize
his commitment to providing a unique educational opportunity to as many students as possible.
Agnes Matthews was the school’s second Head and for the 28 years between 1935 and 1963,
her vision, dedication and foresight created the blueprint for curriculum and student life at
St. George’s. These funds benefit mission-appropriate students whose families may not have the
financial means to provide them with a St. George’s education.
BEATRICE LEWIS FUND FOR ENRICHMENT
Beatrice Lewis was the Elementary School Director for close to 20 years. Retired since 2007, she
is still fondly remembered by students, parents and teachers alike. This fund, in honour of her
long-time dedication and service to the School, is for enrichment programs at St. George’s.
SERGE ROUSSEAU FUND FOR FRENCH ENRICHMENT
During his 32 years at St. George’s, Serge Rousseau championed language instruction and made
the French culture an integral part of the St. George’s curriculum. He has been described as a
great pedagogue and a true innovator, one who constantly looked for ways to improve the French
program at St. George’s. Ces fonds nous permettent de continuer à développer et à explorer de
nouvelles opportunités linguistiques et culturelles.
TAMMY LEVY FUND FOR TEACHER TRAINING
This fund was created in the memory of Tammy Levy (1963-2003) who was the Coordinator of
Student Support Services between 1997-2003. Tammy’s methodology was founded on humour,
compassion, patience, intuition, insight and a mother’s love. Donations toward this fund serve to
support our Professional Development program.
JOHN DORE FUND FOR ATHLETICS
In John Dore’s career at St. George’s, he guided and mentored students both on and off the
court. The John Dore Fund for Athletics is used to enhance and develop athletic initiatives at
St. George’s.
JACLYN LINETSKY FUND FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
This fund was established in memory of St. George’s Grad, Jaclyn Linetsky ’03, who died tragically
in a car accident at the tender age of 17. Her name on our Performing Arts Program ensures
that Jaclyn’s force and character will always be remembered and that she will continue to be an
inspiration for generations of St. George’s students. Donations to this fund are used to further
enrich the Performing Arts program at St. George’s.
JOHN PLANT FUND FOR MUSIC
John Plant was a Music teacher, director and musician at St. George’s for 29 years. Legions
of pirates and princesses, Geisha girls and London bobbies have crossed the stage under his
inspired direction. This fund was established to support the on-going development of the Music
program at St. George’s.
YOUR GIFT MATTERS! Please make a gift today by visiting our online donation page at www.stgeorges.qc.ca/giving
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Spring 2014
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THANK YOU TO ALL OUR 2012-2013 DONORS
THIS LIST REPRESENTS DONATIONS MADE FROM JULY 1, 2012 TO JUNE 30, 2013 TO
ANNUAL GIVING, PARENT GRAD GIFT, ON-LINE AUCTION, EXCEPTIONAL FUTURES AND NAMED FUNDS.
THANK YOU TO ALL OUR ON-LINE AUCTION 2013 CONTRIBUTORS.
$25,000-$49,999 | Earl & Caroline Luger, David Nathaniel & Caroline Zilkha
$10,000-$24,999 | Andrea Bronfman & Martin Pouliot, Catherine Claman, Brenda Rosenzweig & David Gameroff, The Oldland Family,
Vicki & Stan Zack Family Endowment Fund
$5,000-$9,999 | Wendie Polachek ’86 & Dan Bensoussan, The Dym Family, Lynn Harris Nulman & Andy Nulman, Janice Silver &
Mark Sherman, George Weisz
$2,000-$4,999 | Nikola Reford & Marc Delplace, Andrew Molson, Nathalie Bossé & James Officer, The Ryer Family, Transtate Logistics,
Mark & Linda Zimmerman
$500-$1,999 | Katsuhiro Yamazaki & Manon Asselin, Beyond the Rack, Judith Bronfman-Thau ’69, Lynn Butler-Kisber, Christopher Carty,
Dragon Kitchen Traiteur, Doris Clerc & Daniel Frank, Edward Gaiotti, Deborah Adams & Don Gillstrom, Lenore & Robert Goldfarb &
Family, Aijun Wang & Liping Guo, Heidi Lein & Enderson Guimarâes, Lee & Janet Harrison, Josée Houde, Lesli Green & Steven Kirstein,
Laurie Shapiro & George Kfouri, John Stix & Dora Knez, Donna-Lynn McMurray & Antony Kovic, Rachel Cobrin & Steven Kramer ’92,
Kevin Lachapelle & Marie-Andrée Beaudry, Christina Lattermann & Ralph Lattermann, Martha Franco Architecture & Design, Lois Wiltzer &
Lorne Mayers, Benn Mikula and Nicole Rolland, Cliff Morham ’66, Irene Nattel & Louis Morissette, The Moses Family, Christine Kostecki &
Michael Newton, The Obando Family, Louise Anne Poirier & Connor O’Brien, Martine Culty & Vassilios Papadopoulos, Valentino Polidori,
Susan Starr ’73 & François Prénovost, Donna Motz & Paul Perozek, Laurie Plotnick & Max Reim, Carla Bolsius & Robert Savard, Kim Holden
& Gary Shannon, L. Cynthia Semenic, Anna Abbandonato & Lorne Steinberg, Valerie Abdoo & Patrick Telio
$250-$499 | Ramiz Djamalov & Shatha Ahmed Al-Musawi, Sari Wieskopf & Roger Antebi, Atwater Club, Ellie Ballentine, Alicia Black,
Angela Auclair & Mark Bloomfield, Marie-Josée Béliveau-Crevier & Korin Bobrow ’86, Michele Gagne & Thomas Bourke, Liz Finney Brinberg
& Harvey Brinberg, Claudine & Stephen Bronfman Family Foundation, Kathay Carson & Rodney Bushey, Luigi & Candida Cappuccio, Nik
Diksic & Valerie Cherneski, Alina & Octav Cornea, Katharine Diane Ridgway-Cross & Scott Cross, Holly Durkee, Elite Laser, Claire Berger
Fagen & Alvin Fagen, Marc & Sharon Fischli, Ivan & Maureen Greenstein, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, The Green Mountain Inn, Joanie
Schwartz & Glen Grossman, The Hart Family, Loretta Chiesa & Louis Hechter, The Issenman Family, Maria Marsillo & Joseph Kholam, Samuel
Landsman, Jane Gabrielle Darling & Brian Lindy, Brian & Cheryl Lynch, Giang Dang & Thomas Loughnan, Corinne Prost-Macdonald & Marc
Macdonald, Dikran & Lina Markarian Family, Dara Charney ’83 & Cameron McKenzie, Gail Goldman & Scott Miller, Nancy Sousa & Stavros
Mitropoulos, Brent Muir, Michael O’Connor, Gary & Leslie Ornstein, Sunny & Nini Pal, Sharon Picard, Elvira Flores & Fernardo Respicio,
Rio Tinto Alcan, Jasmin Uhthoff & Andrew Robb, Nancy Rosenfeld, Heather Young & Lawrence Routtenberg, Kenneth Salomon ’64, Se Ce
Apparel Co. Ltd., Nathalie & Yona Shtern, Matthew Smiley ’99, Herbert Srolovitz & Eva Strofova, Payman & Roya Tavassoli, Jaqueline Hart &
Robert Trestan ’82, Voyages Groupe Ideal, Qing Peng & Li Wan, Anna-Sue Greenberg & Allan Wiltzer, Molly & Maurie Wiseman Endowment
Fund, David & Nancy Wiseman, Cheryl Weigensberg & Rodney Wood, Brian & Jacquie Young, Dorothy Yule
$25-$249 | 123Proto, 5 Nations Catering, Katrin Nakashima & Doron Altman, Rune Andersen, Donna Anderson, Angelos Restaurant,
Antiquités Pour La Table, Joyce M. Arsenault, Au Premier | Coiffure • Spa, Anne Vieira & Mark Bayne ’89, Mark Berger, Sarah Borowski,
Madeleine Bonnard & Louis-Martin Boucher, Tewfik & Malak Boudiaf, Brutopia Pub, Rachel Byck, Naveena Thind & Mark Cahill, Stacey
Caraco Silverberg ’87, Deborah Cohen & Nissen Chackowicz, Restaurant Chao Phraya Inc, Sandra Chartrand, Chef En Vous, Club Sportif Côte
De Liesse, Marla & Lloyd Cooper, Cindy Entis & Daniel Copnick, Melissa Dair, Thomas Daly ’77, Jeff Deeprose, Danielle Delhaes, Coreen
Delormier, The Denzer Family, Ann Denis ’62, Aidan De Jean, Shirley Herskovits & Howard Dolman, Anna Beth Doyle, Boutique Marie
Dumas, Brenda & Tony Flanz, Michele Peress and Brian Foote, The Garriga Family, Marc Garneau & Pamela Soame Garneau, Gibby’s, Fleuriste
Gilchrist, Desbel Inc., Donald & Arlene Devine, Mark Driedger, Ellen & Ron Evans, EV Fitness Centre, Svetlana Dobin & Eduard Fishilevich,
Jeanne Gan, Cynthia Garber-Adam ’83, Alyssa Kramer-Migicovsky & Steven Glazer, David Glickman ’79, Laura Fish & Paul Goldin Charlotte,
Kamryn & Devyn Goldberg, Annmarie Adams & Peter Gossage, Stacy Zipkin ’82 & Barry Gurman, Marie Hade, The Hatta Family, Hatley,
Stephanie Hébert, Helix Global Solutions, Hannah Hershman, Adriana Hirian, Jana Hsab, Joan Hudson-Hayes , John-Michel & Bärbel Huss,
IceJerseys.com, Lucie Gregoire & Sydney Isaacs, Ilios Restaurant, D. Jansen, Les Jardins de Linnaea, Restaurant Juni, Juste Danse Inc, Donald
Kennedy, Lori Kiteala, Stephanie Klam-Goodman ’86, Ummuhani Kolata, Mei-Chin Wang & Vincent Kou, Catherine Lechter & Lior Koren,
La Boîte À Saveurs, Gisèle Molgat & Pierre Laurin, Andrea Espinal & Carlos Leal, Brenda & Jason Levine, Lezvos West, Rick & Tamara Liebmann,
Teresa Little, Douglas Loerick, Paul Macdougall, Michael MacGillivray, Leigh-Ann Malcolm, The Malkinson Family, Svetlana Gromova & Andrei
Malyguine, Maria Mammis, Maman Loup’s Den, Mandy’s Salad, Marcie Richstone Photography, Joyce Benenson & Henery Markovits, Chantal
Martin, Leigh McCarthy, Andrea & Dean Mendel, Mikado, Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, Moksha Yoga, Rumki Mukutmoni, Lidia Milazzo &
Giovanni Moruzzi, Mitchell Moss, Geyda Nayman, Sandra Novalija, Oink Oink, Kevin O’Leary ’70, Sean O’Neill, Orbite Inc., Helen Tiritidis &
Dennis Papakostas, Balwant & Carole Patel, Patricia Payne, Cathy Browman & Nick Patulli, Francis Plante, Gilbert Plaw, Claudia Escobar Pfeifer
& René Portal, Paula Procaccini, Susan & Kevin Ratcliff, Leslie Kirstein Rawas & Steven Rawas ’87, Reffini Bean Bags & Pillows, Denburk Reid,
Ren-Wil Inc., Resto Pro, Ingrid Zimmer & Laurence Rosenbloom, Valentina Rosales & Nicolas Rosales, Angela Polidoro & Gianni Rossi, Susan
Byck ’82 & Stéphane Roy, Candace Grynol & Edouard Saidah, Rick & Lynn Sala, Carol Sanadee Jessop, Johanne Dastous & Paul Sara, Beverly
Ostronoff & Ben Schwartz, Steven & Donna Shein, Joelle Sholzberg ’93, Jonathan Simons ’89 & Jennifer Deleskie, John Sichel ’59, Roxana
Mckenzie & Sidney Simons, Simplement D’liche Boutique de Cupcakes, Spa St. James, École de Danse Sportive “Quartier Latin”, Lisa & Ronny
Steinberg, Theodora Brinckman & Shelley Stein-Sacks, Shane and Ginger Swift, Vanessa Sylvere & Cosimo Tamburri, Famille Thibodeau,
Lavinia Stan & Lucian Turcescu, Harry Toulch Vision, Wid Kattan & Fadi Toonsi, TNT Montreal, Trevor Williams Basketball Academy, Vago
Cucina Italiana, Victoria Park, Carole Weiner, Risa Lukofsky ’82 & Anthony Wolfe ’80, Monica Friedman & Donald Woloz, Francesco Zito
Spring 2014
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PARENT GRAD GIFT
Over the years, it has become a tradition for the
parents of the Graduating Class to offer a gift of
appreciation to the school – their way of saying
“thank you”.
The Student Lounge, on the lower level of the
high school, has historically been an oasis for our
students – a space where friendships are born,
grown and forged, where community becomes
more than just a word. Over the years, it has
become the heart of the school.
Contributions from the parents of the Class of
2012 were used towards Phase I of the Student
Lounge revitalization, the installation of a computer bar extending fully along the sunny window space. Phase II,
which was made possible through the generosity of parents of the Class of 2013, saw the addition of comfortable
and durable lounge furniture.
The Class of 2014 Parent Grad Gift, Phase III, has been identified as the installation of multimedia screens along
the gym wall of the lounge. The transformation continues!
PHASE II STUDENT LOUNGE REVITALIZATION
THANK YOU TO THE FAMILIES
OF THE FOLLOWING 2013 GRADUATES:
Michaela Kovic, Erica Patulli, Lianne Koren, Alexa Sherman,
Kevin Guo, Larissa Cahill, Josh Reim, Max Shein,
Alexander Modonese, Raquel Gurman, Alessandra Cappuccio,
2013 GIVING
BY THE NUMBERS
ES DONATIONS
74
HS DONATIONS
78
PARENT GRAD GIFT
33
Charles Adams-Gossage, Alexandra Srolovitz, Beatriz Pfeifer Portal,
Jake Bloomfield, Isabel Elena Simons, Hannah Brinberg,
Stefano Mammis-Gabellini, Michelle Wiseman, Marc Harrison,
Ella Browman, Alexander Landsman, Filip Andersen, Hilary Mikula,
Philippos Papadopoulos, Shawn Clara, Patrick Adams-Gillstrom,
Mikolaj Rastawicki, Jenna Schwartz, Matthew Lindy, Rachel Kirstein,
Alara Gülçin Ülker, Beatrice Glickman, Mark Savard,
Joshua Artzy-McCendie & Benjamin Fagen.
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Spring 2014
PARTICIPATION RATES
PARENTS
50%
BOARD
100%
STAFF
100%
OVERALL FACULTY
82%
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GRADUATION CLASS OF 2013
On May 31st 2013, the graduating class of St. George’s School of Montreal took to the stage at Oscar Peterson Concert Hall.
In front of proud families, faculty and staff, they received their diplomas and officially closed out the high school chapter of
their lives, knowing full well that their time at St. George’s will never be forgotten.
VALEDICTORIAN ADDRESS – ELLA BROWMAN
My heart is
full of amazing
memories from
my many years at
St. George’s, and
leaving is going
to be bittersweet.
Change can be
scary sometimes.
And we are
looking ahead at
some very big
changes. Though we all have grown
and changed in our own ways, it’s a
comforting thought that we somehow
managed to stay that same peculiar,
fun-loving and kooky group that’s
always been able to laugh at itself.
Even from my first day at St. George’s
I knew that this group would make for
many interesting years to come.
I still remember all the anticipation
leading up to my first day at
St. George’s eleven years ago. I was
so nervous about all the changes I
was about to undergo: a new school,
a new city, new friends. Looking back,
what stands out to me the most is how
quickly all my worries vanished. That
first day set the tone for the following
eleven years with the school – which
has now become a second home to
me. On that day I was immediately
embraced into the St. George’s
community by all the incredible
people that were a part of it. The
St. George’s family has made me want
to continuously learn new things and
has taught me how to embrace the
people and world around me.
I think as a grade we’re the first ones
to admit that we are most certainly a
motley crew yet somehow we all mesh
together and help each other out. For
example, the AP English class this
year is made up of many different
shapes, sizes and most of all opinions.
Over the course of the year we’ve had
countless class debates ranging from
the importance of “shoveling” to
the meaning of a simple bouquet of
flowers. Even though we didn’t always
agree, we were always comfortable to
express ourselves. And that is what
community is about, not being the
same but feeling accepted for who you
are. I felt that way in English class. I
know my fellow grads found their own
communities at school, whether it was
on a team, in a show or even just in
Paul’s office. To me that’s something
that is so special about our silly grade,
we all fit. This may sound dorky but
once during my elementary school
days someone referred to this class
as a puzzle, we’re all different but
you need each one of us to make the
whole picture. That statement remains
true today and looking around I must
acknowledge we make one goodlooking puzzle.
I’m so happy to be part of a community
that encourages its students to “just
go for it” and shoot for the stars.
St. George’s is a place with an
abundance of opportunities. What
other school would give you the chance
to travel half way across the world to
a place like Sheela Bal Bhavan in India
to let you connect with their wonderful
and welcoming family? A place that is
rich with culture and new in almost
every way. I’m so happy to have had
the occasion to take part in such an
exciting adventure and I couldn’t have
asked for a better school to take me
there and make it happen. My big trip
was to India but maybe yours was your
time at Bishops or your very exciting
win at Glee Nationals. No matter what
you’re interested in, St. George’s has
an opportunity for everybody – the
greatest of which is making so many
new friends.
Looking back, I’m just so thankful to
have been able to learn and grow so
much in such an incredible place. I
am grateful that I had the opportunity
to meet and make lasting bonds with
so many marvelous people. This
obviously includes the wonderful, crazy,
intelligent and driven group of people
behind me. We definitely know how to
make class interesting and we always
have something to say, not to mention
that we single-handedly fund Roots.
So thank you so much to everyone
who has contributed to my learning
experiences at St. George’s, both inside
and outside of the classroom. And a
huge congratulations to the class of
2013. I love you crazy kids.
Spring 2014
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GRADUATION CLASS OF 2013
VALEDICTORIAN ADDRESS – RACHEL KIRSTEIN
I’m proud to say
that the people
who are on this
stage with me
right now have
all
developed
into some pretty
great individuals.
And I’m one
hundred percent
certain
that
our school has
helped us transform into even better
people and students than we were when
we first came here. It doesn’t matter if
some of us have been here since Pre-K
or just arrived in Grade 10 – we have all
grown in some way or another. I came to
St. George’s eight years ago as an
extremely talkative, overly excited kid.
Today, I stand before you as that same
kid – but thanks to St. George’s, I’ve been
able to become a more well-rounded
individual. Every person here today has
helped me grow. I’m honoured to have
the opportunity to speak on behalf of
my classmates and to thank the people
who got us here.
not only was I doing full turns… but
I was in the front sometimes! In this
case, success wasn’t about spotlight
moments… it was about becoming the
best performer I can be. All of us have
our own story where personal growth
has proven more valuable than being
“the best.” This has helped us become
more enlightened students who get
more out of what we’ve learned and
studied.
The teachers at St. George’s are
especially incredible – they’re dedicated
and inspiring. They push us to try our
hardest and reach our full potential,
even if we don’t think we can get there.
I’m sure every one of us can remember
a teacher who has helped us thrive –
whether it’s in the classroom, on the
stage or on the court. Because of the
teachers, not only do we learn about
math and grammar and science, but
we also understand ourselves better,
gain confidence and exceed our own
expectations.
Each and every person on this stage is
an individual who knows what makes
them different and is proud of that.
We’re taught that it’s good to stand
out and be ourselves. So, we’re more
self-aware and less afraid to show
who we are. It’s amazing to grow in an
environment where there is something
for everyone. In our grade, we have
people representing the sports teams,
robotics, visual arts club, the debating
team, the performing arts productions
and we have the student council
president, vice president and treasurer.
All of these opportunities to be a part
of something beyond the classrooms
have allowed us to discover more about
ourselves.
Our graduation is a way of celebrating
our success. We’re not just here
to get diplomas. We’re here to
acknowledge all the hard work we’ve
done. At St. George’s we know that
what’s important is our personal
improvement and the knowledge we’ve
gained over the years. For example,
I’m not the most coordinated person.
So you can imagine that when it’s
time to learn a dance in Glee or in
the musical, I haven’t always been
at the front of the group. In my first
St. George’s performance in Grade 7,
I would get tired towards the end of the
dance numbers. So, instead of doing a
beautiful, full turn like everyone else I
would do a half turn. Fast-forward five Even though we’re all encouraged
years to my final Glee performance… to be ourselves and be proud of our
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Spring 2014
individuality – and I think we are –
we are still able to work together as
a team and achieve a great sense of
togetherness. I remember in elementary
school, in fifth grade, we went on an
overnight trip where we had quite a
bit of free time. Instead of breaking
off into our own little friend groups,
we all got together and invented our
own sport. It was a bit like elementaryschool-version tackle football… with a
shoe. Everyone was involved in playing
this game, even the people who hardly
ever played or understood sports. I
came back from those trips feeling so
united with my grade.
And I find it amazing how today, years
and years after being together, after
some joined our group, and others left,
through thick and through thin, we still
managed to stay as that unit, that family.
We’ve evolved and improved over the
years – on an individual level and on
a group level. But we are still able to
be more comfortable with each other,
whether we are considered “friends” or
not, than most teenagers in most high
schools. I think I speak for many of us
when I say that I couldn’t have imagined
myself growing into the person I am
today at any other school and with any
other group of people.
Thank you to all the faculty, staff and
families for helping us grow into more
enlightened, self-aware, articulate,
confident, friendly, empathetic, wellrounded individuals and for giving
us the opportunity to reach our full
potential. And a personal thank you to
my fellow grads – yes, we did it. And we
did it together.
DRAGONLINK
GRADUATION CLASS OF 2013
Top Row:
Patrick Adams-Gillstrom, Charles Adams-Gossage, Filip Andersen, Joshua Artzy-McCendie, Jake Bloomfield,
Hannah Brinberg and Ella Browman
2nd Row:
Larissa Cahill, Alessandra Cappuccio, Shawn Clara and Benjamin Fagen
3 Row:
Beatrice Glickman, Kevin Guo, Rachel Gurman and Marc Harrison
4 Row:
Rachel Kirstein, Lianne Koren, Michaela Kovic, Alexander Landsman, Matthew Lindy and Stefano Mammis-Gabellini
5 Row:
Hilary Mikula, Alexander Modonese, Philippos Papadopoulos, Erica Patulli, Beatriz Pfeifer Portal and Mikolaj Rastawicki
rd
th
th
Bottom Row: Josh Reim, Mark Savard, Jenna Schwartz, Max Shein, Alexa Sherman, Isabel Elena Simons, Alexandra Srolovitz,
Alara Gülçin Ülker and Michelle Wiseman
LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR
GENERAL’S AWARD
Congratulations to St. George’s School of Montreal’s
students Benjamin Fagen ’13 and Lianne Koren ’13, who
were awarded the Lieutenant Governor General Medal
at a ceremony that took place on May 26, 2013 at Laval
Liberty High School.
CONGRATULATION TO OUR
ST. GEORGE’S 2013 SCHOLARS
– Filip Andersen
– Lianne Koren
– Beatrice Glickman
– Erica Patulli
– Kevin Guo
– Alara Gülçin Ülker
GOVERNOR GENERAL’S AWARD
& BIRKS SILVER MEDAL
The St. George’s Scholar Award is St. George’s most
prestigious internal academic award.
St. George’s School of Montreal presented the Governor
General’s Award to Beatrice Glickman and the Birks
Silver Medal to Rachel Kirstein for having achieved the
highest and 2nd highest GPA respectively amongst their
graduating class on January 15, 2014.
Students must:
• maintain an overall average of 85% in Grades 10 & 11
• have no course grade lower than 75%
• be recommended by each of the relevant academic
departments
Spring 2014
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WELCOME FROM ST. GEORGE’S ALUMNI REPRESENTATIVE
To my fellow St. Georgians,
please contact [email protected].
My term as Alumni
Representative comes to
an end this academic year
and what I will miss
most is the excitement of
connecting with generations
of St. George’s alumni, all
of whom share a unique
connection with one another
and the school itself.
In addition, please check out the Alumni Page on our
website (www.stgeorges.qc.ca/alumni). As alums, we
are a valued part of the St. George’s community. Make
sure that you are registered in our Alumni Directory
(www.stgeorges.qc.ca/alumnidirectory). Offer to be
a Class Coordinator or talk to us about planning
your own class reunion! Reach out and drop us
a line for the next issue of the Dragonlink at
[email protected] telling us where you are and
what you are up to! Volunteer to be an Alumni Speaker
or nominate another alum that you think would be an
inspiration to our current students. St. George’s doors
are always open to its alum so feel free to just drop in
and see us! Take advantage of all the various ways you
can remain connected to St. George’s.
Over the course of my three year term, a renewed
focus has been placed on updating our database of
alumni contact information, re-structuring our Class
Coordinator program and improving the Alumni
content on the website. My own graduating class held
its milestone 25th year reunion in November 2013 and
as one of our Class Coordinators, I can say that the
success of any high school reunion really depends
on these invaluable core volunteers who reach out
to their past classmates. As the liaison between
classmates and St. George’s, Class Coordinators play
a critical role in preserving the cohesiveness of a
graduating class and maintaining its communication
with the school. If you are interested in becoming
a Class Coordinator for your graduating class,
2014
Milestone Years
Interested in getting together with your old
classmates? Curious as to what St. George’s High
School looks like now?
The Alumni Office can help coordinate a wine and
cheese reception or weekend brunch at the school
for you and your classmates. For more information,
contact Patricia Lavoie at [email protected].
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Spring 2014
Thanks for staying in touch,
Patty Klein ’88
Alumni Representative,
Board of Directors
Scan the code
to view a clip from
the 1988 Reunion
2009 – 5 years
1984 – 30 years
2004 – 10 years
1974 – 40 years
1994 – 20 years
1964 – 50 years
1989 – 25 years
DRAGONLINK
ALUMNI REUNIONS
1978
35 years
CLASS OF 1978 – 35th YEAR REUNION
MAY 25 AND MAY 26, 2013
A dinner and brunch was arranged for
this class by Alumni Class Coordinator,
Rick Bercuvitz, who graciously hosted the event. There were 16 classmates present, including one from
Nebraska, one from California, one from Vermont and one from Antigua.
1980
CLASS OF 1980 – MINI REUNION OCTOBER 11, 2013
A very impromptu St. George’s mini-reunion
took place at the initiative of Stephanie Bernstein
Covall ’80, currently a resident of Atlanta, Georgia.
Attending a casual dinner at Café Claremont
were the following St. George’s alumni (plus a
couple of significant others who patiently listened
to all the stories about St. George’s in the ’70s).
Photo (from left to right): Risa Lukofsky ’82, Mitchell Labell, Gil Kastner, Lilianne Reichmann, Anthony Wolfe,
Stephanie Bernstein and Ryk Edelstein.
1983
30 years
CLASS OF 1983 – 30TH YEAR REUNION – MAY 25, 2013
A lovely time was had by the members of the Class of 1983 who attended their 30th year reunion. They came
from both near and far to be together on this rainy day, sharing memories with each other and their former
teachers. A special thank you to Dan Dorsey, Alumni Class Coordinator, who helped organize this event.
Spring 2014
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ALUMNI REUNIONS
1988
25 years
CLASS OF 1988 - 25th YEAR REUNION – NOVEMBER 9, 2013
What a night – the Class of 1988’s 25 Year Reunion was fantastic!
Thanks to all those who attended for making it such a special celebration,
and special thanks to Patricia Lavoie from the Advancement Office for all
her amazing work and support!
In sum, everyone looks exactly the same!
Scan the code
to view the gallery
It was wonderful seeing our former teachers and classmates. We even had an alumnus from the Class of 1976
crash our Class of 1988 reunion because she heard that Mr. Plaw was going to be there! I had a couple of
surprises planned for this milestone reunion, the first of which was “Skyping” in Ms. Young from L.A. on the
big screen in the theatre! She had a blast trying to guess who was who! Needless to say, Ms. Young has the same
fabulous sense of humour and infectious laugh as she did 25 years ago!
Then there was a very special video presentation, thanks to Tally Reisman. Her family hosted our breakfast party
25 years ago where her father made a video of us one by one answering the very overwhelming question “Where
do you see yourself in 10 years?” As you can imagine, this footage is hilarious!
We all chatted endlessly as we had so much to catch up on, and then we took a guided tour of the school which
brought back so many fun memories. We were having such a great time at the school reception that we ended
up over-staying our welcome by 2 hours! We finally made our way as a group to a charming little Mexican
restaurant near the Atwater Market, where the festivities continued until the restaurant closed in the wee hours
of the morning!
It was a truly memorable milestone reunion.
Everyone’s already buzzing about the next one.
Hope to see you all there!
Sincerely,
Patty Klein
1988 Class Coordinator
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ALUMNI REUNIONS
1993
20 years
CLASS OF 1993 – 20th YEAR REUNION
TO BE HELD IN 2014
Better late than never! Stay tuned!
2003
10 years
CLASS OF 2003 – 10th YEAR REUNION
JUNE 14, 2013
A wine and cheese reception was
held in the High School’s Bahadur
Bhatla Studio.
21 graduates were in attendance and the energy of being together again in the School was infectious.
A special thank you to Katie Morton, Alumni Class Coordinator, who helped organize this event.
2008
5 years
CLASS OF 2008 - 5th YEAR MINI REUNION – SUMMER 2013
The Class of 2008 got together at Murray Hill Park on a
warm late summer Saturday afternoon to relax and catch up
with old friends.
Alumni in attendance included: Sten-Erik Gruman,
Robert Khoury, Jacob Lavigne, Ariel Charney, Ari
Shiller, David Wilson, Bianca Cordileone., Lauren Miller,
Emily Mendel, Daniel Inhaber, Catherine Millington, Bryan Zimmerman, Maya Cadieux and Lara Sancton.
A special thank you to Sten-Erik Gruman, Alumni Class Coordinator, who helped organize this event.
Spring 2014
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ALUMNI UPDATES
1950
- 1972
JANE (PARKIN) BLACKWELL ’50
My passion is choral singing.
I am still at it in my 28th year
singing with Orchestra Seattle/
Seattle Chamber Singers.
I moved to a retirement community
in downtown Seattle a year ago.
I met a fellow Montrealer some
months ago and discovered that his
Montreal grandchildren go to
St. George’s! I would love to
connect with graduates of any
age coming to Seattle to hear their
stories or memories of the school.
PATRICIA MOORE ’54
(CLYTIE ALEXANDER)
Under the professional name
Clytie Alexander, I am an artist who
works in New York, Los Angeles
and New Mexico. My work resides
in more than 100 private collections
worldwide.
Visit my website for more details
http://clytiealexander.com
CAROLINE BIELER-BRETTELL ’67
Since the summer of 2012 I have
been serving as the Director (with
a new endowed position) of a
new Interdisciplinary Institute at
Southern Methodist University
which was funded with an initial
gift of 5 million dollars.
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Spring 2014
ROANNE (COHEN) WEISMAN ’69
ANDREW ARMSTRONG ’71
My latest book In Sickness
As In Health can be found at
www.insicknessasinhealth.com
My previous books are here:
www.roanneweisman.com
Andrew is a retired Canadian
Coast Guard Officer. His current
occupation is Soil Remediation
and he is a yoga instructor as well.
He also included International
Triathlon Official and Technical
Coordinator, Triathlon BC to his
profile.
I have been living in the Boston
area for more than 30 years,
working as a science/medicine/
health writer and author, with a
particular interest in integrative
medicine: the combination of
alternative/complementary
modalities with conventional care.
I am single and the mother of two
wonderful people, Benjamin (30)
and Elizabeth (26), each of whom
is helping to make our world a
better place.
NORA GOLD ’69
Nora’s debut novel, Fields of Exile,
will be published this spring by
Dundurn Press. Her first book,
Marrow and Other Stories, won
a Canadian Jewish Book Award.
Fields of Exile is a story about
love, betrayal, and the search for
courage, and is also the first novel
to deal with the contemporary issue
of anti-Israelism in the academe.
www.dundurn.com/books/fields_
exile.
Nora lives in Toronto with her
husband, Dr. David Weiss. Her son,
Joseph Weissgold, is doing a master
in design at the School of Visual
Arts in New York.
For more info: www.noragold.com.
JANE GALBRAITH-ARMSTRONG ’71
I run my own personal coaching
business. My passion is coaching
triathlon, running and duathlon.
I compete in duathlon on the
National Duathlon Team and
have raced every Duathlon World
Championship since 1994. My
daughter is a chiropractor, living
in Vancouver, married to a
chiropractor and raising two boys.
JANE BROWNE MERRITT ’72
I have been living in Penticton,
B.C. for the past 35 years. I was an
elementary/Kindergarten teacher
for 27 years. I am married with 3
children (Tyler-26, Dustin-24 and
Shayla-23). I am semi-retired and
work with Autistic children at our
local Neurological Center. I do
pottery as a hobby, love to downhill
and cross-country ski, and travel
whenever I can!
I would love to connect with
old classmates and friends from
St. George’s! Specifically Karyn
Young, and Donald Douglas....
as well as anyone else from my
graduating class (especially if they
live in B.C.)
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ALUMNI UPDATES
JULIE MARTZ ’75
PIERRE LAFONTAINE ’79
I’ve been living in Vancouver
for 20 years, married to Tim
Oberlander. I’ve had a great time
homeschooling 3 girls of which
2 are university undergrads and
the 3rd is a 6th grader. I hope to
return to my medical career in the
near future. Don’t be shy about
contacting me when any of you
pass through Vancouver.
I retired as of October 2012 from
the RCMP…enjoying life and
travelling lots. My son is 15…6’2”
going on 30. As we used to say
back in 1978-79: “It takes a lot
less to go a lot further, in a lot less
time…for a space cadet…”
Pierre aka Rocky
DEBBIE BERCUVITZ ’82
1975
- 1982
and I began practicing yoga this
year. I finally gained Internet and
cell access when I left my rural
farm, but I am a Facebook (and
smartphone) holdout. I would
love to hear from old classmates at
[email protected].
RICHARD DIAMOND ’77
CLAIRE DESJARDINS ’82
I’ve been married to Rhonda for
31 years! We have two daughters,
Kelly and Kimberlee. Kelly married
Sean two years ago and the great
news is I am now a grandfather to
beautiful little Avery.
NAOMI GUTTMAN ’77
Naomi is a writer and professor.
She recently noted the following
interests on her profile: poetry;
education; social justice,
contemplative practices, especially
yoga; literature and the arts.
NANCY MILLER ’78
Not that much to report,
except that I am a small animal
veterinarian living and practicing
in Toronto with my common
law partner, Stan. We don’t have
children, other than a standard
poodle, named Mavis, and ragdoll
cat named Walter. I consider myself
a very good runner, tennis player,
and veterinarian and a very BAD
golfer!! (Keep hoping that part will
improve).
I live in Northampton, MA and
welcome any visitors (college
tours, anyone?!). I work for the
MA Dept. of Public Health in
the field of perinatal addiction,
currently figuring out how to work
2.5 hrs. from where I live as my job
transitions! I moved from my large
farm a year ago but still keep some
animals--horses, chickens, dog,
cat, and snake, all crammed into a
couple of acres. My partner Kris
Thomson and I have been together
for 21 yrs., and we have an almost
12 yr. old and almost 17 yr. old who
is beginning her college search. As
a parent, I have had many years of
my kids’ education to reflect on
how lucky I was to go to St. G’s-the incredible teachers, progressive
ideas, and community. My time
seems to be spent on those neverending household/family tasks so
there isn’t lots left for hobbies. I
am becoming bat mitzvah in June,
I am not married, but I do live with
my boyfriend, David Glickman
’79 and his two kids (who are with
us part-time), Harry ’11 (is now at
McGill Pre-Med) and Beatrice ’13
(who is now attending Dawson
College). I have no children of my
own. We did just adopt a lovely
dog, Lily, from the SPCA, last
April!
I work as an artist, still, painting
abstract paintings in my studio
on St. Ambroise Street. At the
moment (October 2013), however,
I am at a month-long artist
residency in south China. David
will be arriving today, and we will
spend a couple of weeks traveling,
after the residency is over. It’s all
very exciting for me! I’ve been
posting photos on Facebook, for all
the world to see!
My solo exhibition at Muse Gallery,
in Toronto, “Then and Now”, was
held in September 2013. Muse
Gallery represents
me year round.
Spring 2014
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ALUMNI UPDATES
1982
- 1985
NAOMI FARAJ ’82
I am living in Montreal, married
to Richard Bell ’78 and we have
3 children: Sophie (18), Daniel
(16) and Melissa (Class of 2016 at
St. George’s). I am working as a
commercial real estate broker
doing leasing and sales of
offices and industrial space.
CHRISTOPHER MORRIS ’82
I live in Vancouver with my wife
Lara Penno and daughters Caitlin
(age 10) and Paige (age 5). Life is
good here on the West Coast, we
enjoy the beach in the summer and
the mountains all year round. Both
of our girls take after their parents,
and are heavily involved in sports.
Caitlin plays baseball and does track
& field, and Paige does competitive
gymnastics. They both love skiing
and rock climbing. Lara is a
running coach and personal trainer,
and I’m heading into my 29th year
as a photojournalist.
My work (www.christophermorris.
com) focusses on sports, portraits,
and documentary photography. I
am very excited to be shooting
at my third Olympic games in
Sochi, Russia. The only drawback
to living in Vancouver is that I
miss out on alumni basketball on
Saturday mornings.
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Spring 2014
OREN SAFDIE ’82
Oren has written many successful
plays but they have never been
staged in his hometown of
Montreal until now. Unseamly,
runs from February 11-March 9
at Infinithéâtre.
BIRGITTA WOODS ’82
As soon as I arrived on Saint Kitts,
I was packing to go back to Nigeria
so I have closed down my activities
on Saint Kitts and am in Nigeria
indefinitely. Somehow, I feel most
relaxed living in chaos! I’ve been
coming and going to Africa since
1994 and my background in power
systems, both commercial and
alternative, gives me a real niche
in West Africa. What a ride this
is going to be! Plus my Harley
arrived this past Christmas!
I am divorced with 2 daughters,
ages 12 and 15 (Erynn and Maia
respectively). We also have a little
dog, Stanley and our cat, Ollie.
We live in Vancouver. I am a
psychiatrist. I just earned my
license this year after 9 years of
slog through medical school and
residency as a single mother. It is
nice to be a staff doctor now!
TOM LISZT ’83
I like hiking and bicycling and of
course - travelling! I hope to do
more of it now...
STEPHANE CARRIER ’85
JOHN LAIDLEY ’83
Well, let’s see, since the reunion this
past May, I went back to Saint Kitts,
continued with island projects.
Then I snuck off to the island of
Panama to erect a 200 ft. tower
complete with solar aviation lights.
I’m happily married since 1989.
I have two kids and live in Welland,
Ontario. I am a marketing
consultant.
I have been living in London
England for the past 15 years
where I work in the field of
investment banking. I am a
Managing Director at Barclays, an
investment bank. My partner Lisa
and I recently had twins – Melodie
and Cedric who are now 18 months
old and barrels of fun. We try to
visit Montreal once a year, usually
around Christmas time to visit
family and friends.
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ALUMNI UPDATES
SHAWN LEVY ’85
Shawn is a director and producer
with credits in both the film and
television worlds. After directing
the first two films of Fox’s
Night at the Museum franchise,
Shawn will be directing the series’
third installment in early 2014.
He most recently directed an
adaptation of the acclaimed
best-selling novel This is where I leave
you, which will be released in 2014.
The film stars Jason Bateman,
Tina Fey, Jane Fonda, Rose Byrne,
Connie Britton and Adam Driver.
His recent work as a producer
includes the Sundance indie darling
Spectacular Now, released this past
summer, and Alexander, a family
movie adaptation of the children’s
classic Alexander and the Terrible,
Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day,
starring Steve Carell and Jennifer
Garner.
Shawn is also an executive producer
on the ABC comedy Last Man
Standing, currently in its third
season. Shawn currently lives in
Los Angeles with his wife and four
daughters.
projects in the US, and they are
currently completing the company’s
first Manhattan flagship store.
Jordan was recently among four
artists selected for a global invited
competition to design the entryway
to the Huakeland Children’s
Hospital in Bergen, Norway.
GREG ADELSTEIN ’87
On February 15, 2013 my wife
Sarrah gave birth to our second
son named James Ryder or JR.
He plans to attend St. George’s
and then go on to win the Nobel
Prize in physics and be the starting
quarterback for the Denver
Broncos. The boys hope to eclipse
all of the Manning brothers’
records by 2043.
ADAM ATLAS ’88
Adam has three sons and lives in
NDG. He works on Monkland
Avenue as a New York attorney
advising payment businesses
worldwide.
KERRY KAUFMAN ’88
TAMARA FITCH BURACK ’86
Congratulations to Tamara who
had twins this past December!
JORDAN PARNASS ’86
Jordan lives in Brooklyn with his
wife Melanie and two sons Micah
and Shiloh. Jordan’s architectural
practice Jordan Parnass Digital
Architecture (jpda.net) is busy with
a mix of commercial, residential,
retail and art projects. JPDA has
been appointed as the official
architect for Harley-Davidson
I am living in Montreal. I have
four kids. I am a stay-at-home
mom, (bachelor from McGill in
psychology and a second bachelor
from McGill in Elementary
Education) raising my four kids. I
do lots of community volunteer
work. I run an initiative called
Kerry’s Kitchen which is through
En Famille, a program for Hope
and Cope (JGH), where me and
my team of volunteers (40+)
cook full meals for needy families
that are going through cancer. En
famille helps many needy families
with various needs and along with
1985
- 1994
Kerry’s Kitchen; I co-chair this
initiative.
I am also a breast cancer survivor
and I mentor other woman going
through what I did.
Life is busy! I am also recently
remarried with 3 wonderful
step-sons!
ANOUK MUKHERJEE ’88
I’ve moved back to France after
having lived in the UK for 6 years
to pursue a PhD in Paris. Loving
the life in France and the teaching.
Happy to be a St. Georgian in
Europe.
NOAH BILLICK ’94
My daughter Carly celebrated her
first birthday in October 2013.
On July 2, 2013, I was appointed
General Counsel and Chief
Compliance Officer of 3Macs
(formally known as MacDougall,
MacDougall & MacTier Inc.),
a wealth manager with its head
office located here in Montreal.
MOLLY DUER ’94
I recently passed the Physical
Therapy Assistant Maine State
Boards Exam this past July. I am
currently awaiting my license to be
issued and will be looking for work
in my field shortly.
Spring 2014
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ALUMNI UPDATES
1994
- 2001
ERIN SIMMS ’94
I currently live in Los Angeles
and work as a development
executive and producer for Robert
Redford’s film company Wildwood
Enterprises. I also continue to take
small acting roles from time to time
in our projects if time permits!
I am not married and don’t have
children yet. All in due time...
AMY DE VORE SALOMON ’95
I’m living in North Reading,
Massachusetts, with my husband,
Matt Deninger, and my two
daughters, Norah (four), and
Barrett (one). I’m lucky enough
to be a full-time parent right now,
and plan to return to teaching
elementary school in a few more
years. Thanks!
GIGI CUKIER ’97 & JAY SALA ’97
Jay and Gigi married in 2005 and
are living in Montreal. They now
have three sons age five, three, and
one: Yuri, Arthur, and Lincoln.
(Jay was one of three brothers that
went to St. George’s).
In 2010, Jay went into partnership
with two other St. G. graduates he
met in Pre-K and Kindergarten
Ryan Hayes ’97 and Jamie Galaty
’97. Their company Imajery
provides design, web development
and internet marketing solutions.
They currently have nine employees
and have enjoyed good growth
since they opened.
I am completing an Emergency
Medicine Research Fellowship at
UCLA. I was recently awarded a
research grant from the NIH to
study palpitations in the
Emergency Department.
Ace Norton and actor Emile
Hirsch. My second show was with
actor/director James Franco and
Jeff Wack. I’m still living in Los
Angeles and preparing to shoot
a documentary (in March) with
Paracas Films in Ecuador on the
lost Inca gold.
ALISON MURPHY ’99
SCOTT USHEROFF ’99
I live in North Vancouver and
work for Lululemon Athletica on
their social and environmental
sustainability team. I am doing
my Masters in Environmental
Management at Duke University
through a program that is both
place-based and distance ed so
I can keep working through my
degree. No kids yet, but happily
married and loving the West Coast
lifestyle!
I am married and celebrated my
one year anniversary on Labour
Day. I am an Agile Product
Owner for a young award winning
Montreal tech startup named
Wajam (http://blog.wajam.com/)
(www.wajam.com).
MARC PROBST ’98
MATT SMILEY ’99
I produced two shows with
Ashton Kutcher showcasing
Foster the People and Mr.
Brainwash for “Rituals”.
I then produced and directed a
documentary in northern British
Columbia “Highway of Tears” on
missing & murdered women along
Highway 16 which premieres in
Toronto at The Human Rights
Watch Film Festival. I’ve received
support from the Human Rights
Watch on my efforts to raise
awareness on the issue of missing
& murdered aboriginal women
across Canada. I also produced
a music video for David Guetta
& Nicky Romero for the song
“Metropolis” which has garnered
over 8 million hits online. The
video was directed by Mr.
Brainwash.
Lastly, I had two arts shows:
Hirsch Norton Smiley with director
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JOANNA CAPLAN ’01
I am currently living in
Massachusetts as a Resident
Artist with Double Edge Theatre
and I have spent the past 3 years
developing a solo-performance
called Total Verrückt! at Double
Edge Theatre’s Farm Center. This
original work, directed by Matthew
Glassman one of the lead actors of
the Double Edge Ensemble, tells
the true story of Jewish cabaret
performers held in the Dutch
transit camp of Westerbork. The
piece premiered in May at the
Charlestown Working Theater
in Boston, and had its Canadian
premiere at the Island Fringe
Festival, in Charlottetown, Prince
Edward Island in August 2013. The
show was also presented at Double
Edge’s Farm Center in Ashfield,
MA in November and December.
I am currently booking tours and
am hoping to bring it to Montreal.
DRAGONLINK
ALUMNI UPDATES
TAYLOR LEVY ’01
Taylor got married in May to
Che-Wei Wang. They met at NYU
and are partners in a technology
and design business CW&T. They
were both invited to do another
master’s degree at the Media Lab at
MIT. Taylor really thinks outside
of the box - thanks to St. George’s
and is doing amazing things.
Fuqua School of Business at Duke
University.
ELYSE BERENBAUM ’03
I am a Special Care Counsellor and
a Recreation Therapist.
MORGAN CHINKS ’03
Talia is living in San Francisco,
working as an Executive Assistant
to Peter Thiel a venture capitalist.
He was the first investor in
Facebook.
I am currently a makeup artist and
have started my own company,
Morgan Leigh Makeup.
(www.morganleighmakeup.com)
I am still extremely close with
several of my classmates and
cherish my St. G’s years in such
real way!
ALEXIS LEVY ’02
JOSEPHINE ESPOSITO ’03
I have some fun news. Nathaniel
Devine ’01 and myself got married
this past August (August 8th to be
exact) in Mallorca Spain. We had
many St. George’s graduates there
with us to celebrate including,
Stacey Shulak ’02, Jeremy Shaki ’02,
Arthur Cohene ’01, Zak Miller ’01,
Pablo Salzman ’01, Justin Heitner
’01, Fabio Avella ’01 and Alanna
Devine ’97. Nathaniel is currently
head of operations at Ye Olde
Orchard Pub Group while I am an
Account Executive at L’Oréal.
I graduated from Concordia
University in Applied Human
Sciences. I worked at a preschool
for 5 years and that’s when I
decided to become a teacher. I
then went to Ottawa University in
the one year education program. I
am now working at Herzliah High
School hoping to open my own
daycare.
TALIA PARNASS ’01
DANIELLE BARRS ’03
Danielle was the Dean’s Medalist
of the School of Earth and
Space Exploration at Arizona
State University in 2013. She
was awarded a scholarship into
the Nicholas School of the
Environment at Duke University
where she is currently pursuing a
Master’s Degree in Environmental
Management in Economics and
Policy. Danielle is also working
as a Sustainability Fellow for the
RANIA ILIYAN ’03
I graduated from university and
am currently working at McGill
University. I work in the Faculty of
Medicine, in the Department of
Radiology. I am the Coordinator
for the Residency Program. I love
my job and all the residents and
staff doctors I work with. As for
the future, who knows where I will
end up but for now, I am as happy
as happy can be.
2001
- 2003
SARAH LEBLANC ’03
I am currently finding myself
through the cubist poetry of
Gertrude Stein.
MARGAUX MOUNIER-FOLDIAK ’03
I got married on September 23,
2012. I work as an interior designer
and graduated from Dawson’s
Interior Design program in 2012.
No babies…yet! Love all my
St. G’s grads, and I still see most
of them.
MELISSA MURPHY ’03
Since leaving St. George’s, life
has been full of ups and downs.
However, with great friends, most
of whom I met right here at this
beloved school, I’ve been able to
face every obstacle life has thrown
at me. I’m still in the process of
writing my story and loving every
moment of it. I’m happy, blessed
and surrounded by people I love
everyday… life couldn’t be better.
Hopefully we’ll all be able to share
more stories at the 25th reunion.
Thanks for the memories.
ALEXANDRA ORNSTEIN ’03
Alexandra lives in Montreal and
has a B.SC. Psychology at McGill.
She got married in 2011 and is
working in fashion accessories –
import/exporting and as Assistant
Merchandiser and Assistant
Imports Traffic Manager.
Spring 2014
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ALUMNI UPDATES
2003
- 2005
ERIN ROSENTHALL-BRAHM ’03
I currently live in Montreal
working as a special needs educator
and preforming artist in theatre and
film.
NOAH SABER-FREEDMAN ’03
I am currently a master’s student
at Concordia University in
Environmental Engineering. I
spend a lot of time talking about
what happens after you flush the
toilet! I am studying Blue-Green
Algae at a lake in the Laurentians.
It was good to be back at the
school for our reunion in June.
Mr. Bell would have loved the
new robotics labs.
AMANDA SCULNICK SPIRO ’03
I am married to Aaron Spiro for
four years and have a little boy.
up my own clinic and perhaps
specializing in orthodentistry or
orthodontics.
MATTHEW VACHON ’03
Matthew went to McGill in Civil
Engineering and graduated in 2009.
In the summer of 2008, he took
an internship at Bechtel, a global
private engineering firm, and has
been working there ever since. He
specializes in hydraulic engineering
and has designed a storm water
drainage system for an aluminum
smelter in B.C. He currently lives
in Montreal.
TARA ALTNER ’04
Tara graduated from Concordia
with a Bachelor’s in Sociology.
She currently has a career at the
Royal Bank of Canada.
STEPHANIE MOTTER HANSEN ’04
My husband is an Officer in the
United States Army and we are
stationed in Germany for a few
years.
RUSSELL SIMCO ’03
Russell is working as an analyst
at Direction Santé Publique
de Montréal. He says he is a
non-committed hipster who plays
bluegrass fiddle in his spare time
and is a late-blooming athlete.
KELLY STIVALETTI ’03
After 8 years of university, intense
research and hard work, I have
finally graduated and have become
a dentist. I look forward to opening
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Spring 2014
JULIAN STAMBOULIEH ’04
BENJAMIN WARNER ’04
In the summer of 2012, Julian and
Benjamin teamed up to create their
commercial and creative video
company Beanduck Productions,
and while their first year was a
success, they were more than
ready to move forward with their
own personal projects. With an
exceptionally talented creative
team, Beanduck is proud to be
producing the first season of their
new webseries LARPs (Live Action
Role Play).
Alumni as well as current students
and staff of St. George’s have
had a major role in the cast and
crew. The team includes Julian
Stamboulieh ’04 (creator, director,
editor, supporting actor), Benjamin
Warner ’04 (producer, assistant
director), Jonathan Silver ’04
(actor), Joe Baron ’98 (director
of photography), Jamie Mayers
’16 (supporting actor), Nicholas
Gertler ’14 (production assistant)
and Donny Kennedy (composer).
After months of pre-production
and a grueling, bond-building 12day shoot, LARPs will be launched
in March 2014.
See the teaser:
www.beanduck.com
www.larpstheseries.com
MAXIME BILLICK ’05
Maxime is back in Montreal after
a year-long fellowship with Global
Health Corps at the organization
HIPS in Washington, DC. She is
currently in her first year at McGill
medicine.
JORDANA PEARSON ’05
After St. George’s, I graduated in
therapeutic recreation at Concordia
University. After Concordia
University I did a one-year tour
with Cavalia’s horse show Odysseo
as a rider and acrobat. My goal is
to use horses as therapy for people
recovering from addiction and at
risk youth.
DRAGONLINK
ALUMNI UPDATES
NAOMI ADAMS ’06
DEVIN ORNSTEIN ’07
Although I am not yet married
or with kin, I have moved to
Vancouver and attend the Adler
School of Professional Psychology,
doing a Masters of Counselling
Psychology! Not sure how juicy
that is, but I am very happy and
proud to be part of the counselling
community :)
I graduated from Concordia
University with a Bachelor’s Degree
in Political Science and Human
Rights. I’m currently interning
for the Montreal Institute of
Genocide Studies as a Domestic
Media Monitor and for the
Parliamentarian Group for the
Prevention of Genocide and Other
Crimes Against Humanity. I write
reports for both institutions on
the situation in Burma regarding
genocide and ethnic cleansing.
ZACK BATIST ’07
Zack completed an undergraduate
degree in Directed Interdisciplinary
Studies (with a particular focus
in archaeology) at Carleton
University in Ottawa, graduating
with high honours in 2012. His
honour’s thesis was also his entry
into the highly specialized field of
Computational Archaeology, which
he is now pursuing in graduate
school at McMaster University in
Hamilton.
Zack has continued his passion
for travel, which has a big part
of its origin in those European
student exchanges while at St.
George’s. More recently he has
combined his love of travel
with his academic pursuits, as
he participates in symposia and
workshops important to his
academic interests throughout the
world. Most recently Zack’s work
was accepted for oral presentation
at the annual meeting of the
prestigious Archaeological Institute
of America in Chicago this past
January 2014.
MICHAEL STEPNER ’07
I started my PhD in economics at
MIT this year, and I also work as
the program reporter for “Social
Interactions, Identity and WellBeing” program at the Canadian
Institute for Advanced Research.
JAMIE TAJFEL ’07
I graduated from F.I.T. in New
York in Shoe and Handbag Design
and am presently working as a shoe
and handbag designer in Montreal.
REBEKAH WARD ’07
Is at Colgate University and
has been awarded the following
Fellowship:
Unraveling Bias and Conviction:
Roma Cultural Communication
and Activism. I will travel across
Europe and then to Brazil, where
a recent wave of Roma have
settled, attempting to understand
how Roma groups communicate
their culture and how the tensions
and challenges of this endeavor
vary depending on state laws and
rhetoric. I will also meet with Roma
activists globally to learn what
drives their dedication.
2006
- 2009
JEREMY MICHAEL SEGAL ’08
St. George’s nurtured my artistic
interests and gave me the courage
to be experimental in my work.
This past summer, I was fortunate
enough to have the opportunity
to direct a play with my theatre
company (Title 66 Productions) as
part of the Fantasia International
Film Festival. The History of
the Devil by Clive Barker was
presented August 1, 2, & 3 at
Cinquieme Salle in Place des Arts.
It was by far the most surreal,
challenging & rewarding experience
of my life. I’m happy to say that
we were met with very positive
reviews. You can check out our
website at www.title66.com.
ARIK PARNASS ’09
Arik is a junior at Georgetown
University Washington DC. He is
very active in the sports jounalism
world.
JAKE SHERMAN ’09
I am pursuing my Undergraduate
Thesis in the history honours
department at the University of
British Columbia, Okanagan.
Project Entitled, “the
paleocybernetic revolution:
The underground Press, radical
filmmakers, and instrumentum –
The United States, 1965-75.
Spring 2014
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ALUMNI UPDATES
2010
- 2012
ZACHARY GUTTMAN ’10
Last May Zachary finished the 3
year Professional Theatre program
at Dawson and shone all the way
through it. This past summer he
starred in the Shakespearean play
“A Comedy of Errors” and it was
produced as an 80s rock opera.
The play was a great deal of fun
and Zac was amazing! This year he
started studying in New York City
at the Atlantic Acting School in
order to further his knowledge and
abilities.
ELLEN SHAW ’10
I’m currently living in Scotland,
doing my second year studying
Art History at the University of
St. Andrews. I graduated from the
CALL program at John Abbott
College in 2012; receiving volunteer
awards for my participation in
English tutoring at the Learning
Centre as well as a scholarship for a
short film I produced titled ‘Image
Making Love’.
I recently founded my
own photography business
Shawtography which specializes
in event photography, portraiture
and fashion editorials. We are
currently the exclusive photography
company for one of the major
fashion shows as well as a number
of charitable societies and big
social events such as the annual
Christmas ball. In addition I’ve
been doing photography for
various nightclubs as well as the
school paper ‘The Saint’ and the
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Spring 2014
local art magazines ST.ART and
Owl Eyes. I am also the vicepresident of the photography
society at St. Andrews, as well as
Communications Officer for
HA@STA, the yearly Art
History journal. For fun I do
contemporary dance, MMA, weight
lifting, singing and playing guitar
and writing short stories. Last but
not least, I do volunteer work for
a listening helpline much like Kids
Helpline in Canada. I am currently
married to my work, both academic
and photographic and am not
seeking romance outside of such a
needy tumultuous relationship.
JONO THORPE ’10
I just started studying Jazz
Performance at McGill University
this fall, an extremely competitive
program that only takes 15 students
per year. It is considered the best
school in Canada for jazz, and is
in the top 10 schools in North
America for jazz. My jazz group is
performing around the Montreal
jazz scene and we will be recording
an EP soon!
My band M.T.L has also recently
signed to a new label this July.
We released our debut album
“Sunshine” in February 2013, and
we were on tour for the summer
of 2013. We had 3 top 10 singles
on Quebec Radio, and our video
for “Red Cups” was number one
on Musique Plus for 6 weeks. We’re
currently recording in Toronto and
Quebec City for our new album
which is planned to be released
in March of 2015. For more
information on the band, check out
our Facebook page:
www.facebook.com/mtlband.
JASON STOBER ’11
Jason is now studying Civil Law at
the University of Ottawa. He was
admitted on scholarship.
AARON DOLMAN ’12
Aaron is now in his second year in
the Jazz Program at Marianopolis
College, studying drums. His band,
“Mr. Grizzly & The Big Nothing”
has been working on their first
album of original folk and rock
compositions which was released
on August 27th. It is titled “Baby
Bird” and is made up of four
original songs by Matthew Azrieli,
one collaborative effort and one by
Aaron Dolman, titled “When I Was
Young”. Aaron Plays drums, guitar
and sings on the record. Aaron,
along with Jesse Kirman Matthew
Azrieli and Solomon Azrieli
performed at the band’s album
launch show on August 27th at
Petit Campus in front of their
friends, family and the growing
local fan base they have proudly
built over the past two years.
www.facebook.com/
MrGrizzlyandTheBigNothing
You can listen to/buy their music
here:
mrgrizzlyandthebignothing.
bandcamp.com
CARLOTTA GIULIANA GHEZZI ’12
I am currently attending
Engineering School in Milan (Italy).
I am actually studying Physical
Engineering, a preparatory course
which will hopefully assist me
to get into Nuclear Engineering
School in three years from now.
DRAGONLINK
2013
ALEXANDER MODONESE ’13
ALARA ULKER ’13
Alexander is studying in communications. He still
enjoys making videos and plans to continue his creative
pursuits. He has recently submitted a proposal to his
school’s gallery.
Alara is currently studying
Sciences at Lower Canada College, Pre University. She
ended her classical piano examinations and is currently
studying Jazz Piano at the McGill Conservatory.
PIPO PAPADOPOULOS ’13
Philippos (Pipo) just started the Pathways to Science at
Abbott College. Philippos is one of only two St. George’s
students who chose to go to Abbott, but he has made
new friends and so far, he loves the program, the place
and the people there. He does not even mind the long
commute back and forth to the end of the island. Let’s
see if winter will not dampen his enthusiasm!
ALEXA SHERMAN ’13
Alexa is in Child Studies at Dawson.
IN MEMORIAM
JILLIAN (JILL) KATHERINE ARMSTRONG ’87
Passed away peacefully in her sleep surrounded by loved
ones, in Kitchener on November 14, 2013 at the age of
43.
Jill graduated from St. George’s High School in Montreal
and then the Claude Watson Arts Program at Earl Haig
Secondary School in Toronto. She held a Bachelor’s
degree in Theatre Design (York University) and a
Master’s Degree in Canadian Studies with a specialty in
Heritage Conservation (Carleton University). Jill pursued
many passions and her work included theatrical set and
costume design, stage management, project management,
heritage conservation and museum curation.
She was active in her community. She was an avid
world traveller and foodie and she loved to dance and
spend time at the family cottage in northern Ontario.
Her creativity, intellect, boundless curiosity and love of
reading made her a consummate learner, and she was
able to engage with people on almost any topic. Jill
was constantly using her many skills to help the people
around her, even helping plan a friend’s wedding from
her hospital bed.
well as four aunts and their spouses, eight cousins and
their spouses and children, in-laws Helga, Colin, Mark
and Lindsay and their families and many close friends,
including Sherri and Christopher. A memorial service to
celebrate Jill’s life will be held at a later date. For details
on the service please email [email protected].
Donations in Jill’s memory can be made to Ovarian
Cancer Canada, the Architectural Conservancy of
Ontario, or the Cancer Centre at Grand River Hospital
in Kitchener.
Published in the Toronto Star on November 16, 2013
MARY MOLSON ’37
Mary Molson passed away in September 2013. Mary was
a member of the first ever class of St. George’s in 1930.
VIVIAN TALLBOY
St. George’s School was informed in March 2013 of the
passing of Vivian Tallboy. Ms. Tallboy was a teacher at
the school during the 1970s.
Jill is survived by her husband Marc Plumb, parents
Pat and Hugh Armstrong, sister Sarah Armstrong, as
Spring 2014
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2014 UPCOMING EVENTS
Jaclyn Linetsky Performing Arts Program
2013-2014 Season:
School Play
School Musical
by: Ken Ludwig
novel by: Alexandre Dumas
Music & Lyrics by:
Robert Lopez & Jeff Marx
G Major in
“Sweet Dreams”
March 26-28, 2014
May 14-16, 2014
Bahadur Bhatla Studio
St. George’s High School
DB Clarke Theatre
Concordia University
“The Three Musketeers”
H
IT
DecemberH
4-6, 2013
SMAS
Bahadur Bhatla Studio
St. George’s High School
St. George’s
Glee Club
“Avenue Q”
Tickets: www.stgeorges.qc.ca/tickets
an OfÀcer and a Gentleman
Visual Arts
Festival
A TRIBUTE GALA
April 8, 2014
HS Campus
HONOURING
Sumo Robotics
Competition
JAMES A. OFFICER
RETIRING HEAD OF SCHOOL
CELEBRATING 21 YEARS
May 12, 2014
HS Campus – Gym
WEDNESDAY, MAY 21ST 2014
May Cabaret
LE WINDSOR, 1170 RUE PEEL
May 26, 2014
Bahadur Bhatla Studio
HS Campus
COCKTAIL
ATTIRE 6:00 PM – COCKTAIL, DINNER AND DANCING $300
9:30 PM – DANCING AND DESSERT ONLY $150
TICKETS AT
www.stgeorges.qc.ca/tributegala
PROCEEDS FROM THIS GALA WILL SUPPORT THE JAMES A. OFFICER LEGACY 21 CAMPAIGN
A PARTIAL TAX RECEIPT WILL BE AVAILABLE
For more information, visit www.stgeorges.qc.ca
Editors
Patricia Lavoie
Christine Allen
Aaron Stamboulieh
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Spring 2014
Contributors
James A. Officer
Patty Klein ’88
Don Belec
Design & Production
Victoria Dobbin
Photography
Victoria Dobbin
Patricia Lavoie
DRAGONLINK
is published by
The Advancement Office
St. George’s School of Montreal
3100 The Boulevard,
Montreal, Quebec H3Y 1R9
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