gsb news: march 2013

NewsMarch 2013

RDFZ Marching Wind Band Visits GSB

The GSB Players Present Little Women

PA Shows Appreciation for Faculty and Staff

Community FoodBank of N.J. Recognizes Turkey Day The Lower School “Passport Program”

First Semester Upper/Middle School Honor Roll Recipients

Carlson Brown ’14 Advances in National Math Competition

College Acceptances

Andrew Devine ’13 Named National Merit Finalist

Student Life Recap: Joe Show

Class of 2023 Practices Ekphrastic Writing

Model UN Attends PhilMUN Conference

Seventh Grade Earthquake Challenge

Middle/Upper School Recital

Computer Class Connects with World

Auction News: GSB Dinner Dance & Auction Update

Meghan Cohen ’22 Becomes “Cheerleader for a Day”

Afghan to Become New Auction Item

Athletics: Jaren Sina ’13 Earns 2,000th Career Point Varsity Sports Round-Up

Dates to Remember

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The Monthly Newsletter for Gill St. Bernard’s School

Gill St. Bernard’s School • St. Bernard’s Road • Gladstone, NJ 07934 1.

From the HeadmasterSpring is certain to arrive in the next few weeks, despite a few last bursts of wintry weather. Vacation time is here, and it is especially welcome this year given that we had to eliminate the Presidents’ Day weekend in order to make up class days lost in the fall. February proved to be especially long.

In this edition of the newsletter, you will find our Middle and Upper School Headmaster’s and Honors lists for the first semester. I want to highlight these lists and congratulate all of the students for their many achievements in the classroom.

It may appear at times that the arts and athletics garner most of the attention at GSB. However, while students do spend a fair amount of time outside the classroom at GSB, it is still that which takes place inside the classroom that comes first. Celebrating student achievement is important in our school community, whether it comes as a whole or in an individual course. I am often reminded of the fact that a student, who has raised his or her class average from a 76 to an 83 from one marking period to the next, also deserves recognition.

Each year during this week, I also take the opportunity to offer a few reminders on the importance of vacation. All of us—students, teachers, parents—need a break from time to time. Our lives are increasingly busy these days, and the first thing that gets sacrificed is rest, be it sleep, or just the chance to relax. Yet, we are (or should be) well aware of the

importance of rest and the negative impact on our lives when it is either insufficient or nonexistent. Stress is a very real problem for all of us. Although a little to moderate stress may bring out the best in us, too much is harmful.

Over the course of the next two weeks, I hope that everyone will be able to get at least a little “time off ” in order to “recharge” for the final months of the academic year. Hard as it may be to believe, when we return on March 25, Commencement will be a less than 10 weeks away!

Warm regards,

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Sid Rowell

Headmaster Sid Rowell.

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Inside

More than 750 students joined GSB faculty and staff to enjoy the world-renowned RDFZ Marching Wind Band of Beijing, China in the Athletic Center on February 12. The band, from The School Art Troupe of RDFZ, is made up of 80 trombone, saxophone, tuba, French horn, clarinet and bassoon players all under the age of 18.

Under the direction of conductor Zhao Haoting, the band performed classical songs like the “Spring Festival Overture” by Li Huanzhi as well as fun Latino hits like “Tequilla.” “Our viewers appeared enraptured during the band’s performance and, perhaps, surprised by its playful showmanship,” Karen Loder, director of admission and financial aid, and coordinator of the event, said.

Since its establishment by The High School Affiliated to Renmin University (RDFZ) in 2004, the award-winning Marching Wind Band travels more than 7,500 miles from Beijing each year to play at premier schools and venues throughout the United States. While additional stops included Harvard University, Lincoln Center and Georgetown Day School in Washington, D.C., Gill St. Bernard’s marked the only independent school in New Jersey on the band’s 2013 tour schedule. According to Loder, this prestigious honor came as a result of a partnership forged when GSB introduced six female students from RDFZ to be part of its newly established International Student Program (ISP) for the 2012-13 school year. “Our Chinese students, who were attending Renmin prior to enrolling at Gill, were bursting with pride and thrilled to reunite with friends and members of the group,” Loder said. “It was a special exchange and one that we hope will happen again next year.”

Before beginning the concert, Shen Xianzhang, deputy principal of the visiting high school, not only thanked the entire GSB community for its hospitality and warm-heartedness, but also expressed his excitement for performing at Gill on the third day of the Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival. The RDFZ concert signified just one of several Spring Festival events held on campus throughout the month of February (see article below).

“Hosting cultural events such as these provides a wonderful opportunity for our students and faculty,” Gill St. Bernard’s Headmaster Sid Rowell said.


Gill St. Bernard’s School • St. Bernard’s Road • Gladstone, NJ 07934

March 2013

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Award-Winning Band Holds Special Performance at GSB

A Chinese New Year Celebration

After ringing in the Chinese New Year with a performance from the RDFZ Marching Wind Band on February 12, Gill St. Bernard’s continued its Spring Festival celebration with division assemblies led by dancers from the New York Chinese Cultural Center, a non-profit educational organization associated with Young Audiences Arts for Learning New Jersey, in the Athletic Center on February 19.

In addition to witnessing various cultural dances including the Chinese Handkerchief Dance and Monkey King Dance, students across all divisions at GSB also practiced words like “Hӑo,” meaning “good,” and “Ni Hӑo,” or “hello” with members of the cultural center. To conclude the assemblies, students and faculty volunteers learned and performed a Chinese ribbon dance for the audience.

Also held throughout Gill St. Bernard’s 15-day Lunar New Year celebration were numerous Chinese tea parties, hosted by the Upper School’s six ISP students who come from Beijing. Aside from sharing their culture with students in various Upper School history classes, the girls also held an exclusive tea party for faculty and staff members in Hockenbury on February 19. Along with sampling Chinese foods such as green bean cake and mandarin oranges, faculty and staff members also listened as Marissa Yingdan Guo ’15 explained the story of “The Great Race,” which features 12 creatures of the Zodiac. Before departing, all in attendance also received party favors made by Kelsey Minghan Guo ’15. A Chinese tradition symbolizing good fortune, each was given a red envelope containing a gold (in this case, chocolate) coin.

(L. to r.) Dean of Students Gerald Cirillo discusses the story of “The Great Race” with ISP student Marissa Yingdan Guo ’15; Zackary Wendell ’23 joins students and faculty members in a Chinese ribbon dance, led by visitors from the New York Chinese Cultural Center.


The Monthly Newsletter for Gill St. Bernard’s School March 2013

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GSB Players to Present Little Women in AprilThis spring, the GSB Players will present Little Women, a heartwarming musical about the lives of four sisters—Jo (Jessica Kundla ’13), Amy (Alexandra Baker ’15), Meg (Erin Wetzel ’15) and Beth (Katherine Coscia ’15)—and their mother Marmee (Jana Bernard ’13), alone at home in Concord, Mass. during the Civil War.

Based on the 1896 novel by Louisa May Alcott, Little Women premiered on Broadway in 2005. Bringing the classic American tale to life, Gill’s rendition of Little Women will contain scores by Jason Howland (conductor of Les Miserables and Jekyll & Hyde) as well as showcase elaborate costumes and sets, a trademark of the GSB Players.

Directed by Performing Arts Chair Paul Canada, Little Women will open Thursday, April 4 at 7:30 p.m. Additional performance dates and times include:

Friday, April 5 at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 6 at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, April 7 at 2:00 p.m.

Tickets for parents ($24.50) and students ($20.00) can be purchased online via www.seatyourself.biz/gsbschool. Meanwhile, faculty and staff members interested in reserving a ticket should contact Sandra Bilynsky P ’13, ’16 at [email protected].

Cast Jo March: Jessica Kundla ’13 Professor Bhaer: Nicholas Bilynsky ’13 Amy March: Alexandra Baker ’15 Meg March: Erin Wetzel ’15 Beth March: Katherine Coscia ’15 Margaret “Marmee” March: Jana Bernard ’13 Mr. Laurence: Andrew Devine ’13 Laurie Laurence: Ryan LaPré ’13 Aunt March: Katherine Giordano ’14 John Brooke: Stark Kirby ’13 Mrs. Kirk: Isabelle Demontigny ’15 Clarissa: Jamie Goetchius ’15 Braxton: Mycroft Zimmerman ’16 Rodrigo: Maxwell Lieblich ’14 Knight: Henry Holmes ’14 Hag: Emily Fischer ’13 Troll: Kasey Collins ’14

Stage Crew Stage Manager: Madeline Connell ’13 Stage Manager: Pilar Dominguez ’13 Assistant Stage Manager: Anastasia Caron ’15 Stage Crew: Colette Bilynsky ’16

Parents’ Association Shows Appreciation for Faculty and Staff

Faculty and staff members attended a professional development meeting led by Headmaster Sid Rowell after school on February 21. Prior to joining Rowell in the newly renovated Founders Hall addition, all were also invited to enjoy complimentary refreshments provided by the GSB Parents’ Association. The brief afternoon reception, chaired by Upper, Middle and Lower School room parents Lynne Casternovia P ’13, Joanne Marcus P ’17, ’19 and Sheri Cohen P ’22, ’23, showed appreciation for the hard work and dedication demonstrated by the 155 faculty and staff members at Gill St. Bernard’s each day.

After extending his thanks to the Parents’ Association for organizing the reception, Rowell then shared an address from National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) President Pat Bassett, who was the keynote speaker at a NJAIS Trustee Enrichment Day held on the GSB campus on January 12. Bassett’s lecture focused on the importance of teaching excellence and what he perceives will be the driving forces of change for schools in the future.

(L. to r.) Upper School Administrative Assistant Meredith Swenson and College Counselor Karen Blair; (L. to r.) Science teacher Laurence Bostian with history teacher Michael Wendell.

Top row: (L. to r.) Alexandra Baker ’15, Erin Wetzel ’15, Jana Bernard ’13; Bottom row: (L. to r.) Katherine Coscia ’15, Jessica Kundla ’13.



March 2013

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“Passport Program” Expands Global Outreach for Second Grade StudentsSecond grade students will travel to the most exotic destinations the world has to offer this year, all from the comfort of their very own classrooms. The newly established “Passport Program,” founded by Lower School Director Peggy Campbell-Rush, organized by Kindergarten Reading Specialist Linda Nisky and supervised by second grade teachers Mary Tuohy, Susan O’Brian and Debby Miller, will feature nine fun and exciting parent-led presentations that increase the global awareness of second grade students.

After discovering that parents with vast traveling experience would be willing to share their adventures and stories, the idea behind GSB’s “Passport Program” was introduced at Back-to-School night in September. The “Passport Program” has since received an overwhelming number of responses from Lower School families. Among frequent travelers is “Passport” parent-coordinator Mark Mazzatta P ’21, ’23, who has traveled to more than 30 countries throughout his lifetime. “Opening our children up to the world around us will help them better appreciate the life that we live,” he said.

As a means of demonstrating its commitment to the GSB motto “Schola Mundus Est” (The World is Our Classroom), the Lower School’s “Passport Program” will highlight nine different countries including Germany, Israel, Iceland and Italy, in four separate lessons throughout the 2012-13 school year. With each presentation, students will have the unique opportunity to discover interesting facts about a country’s location, receive cultural information pertaining to the arts, music and food, or learn what it is like for kids their age to live in that country or region of the world. “These children are destined to be travelers at some point in their lives, whether through literature, great programs, with their families or through their jobs,” said Campbell-Rush. “Second grade is the perfect level to expose them to this diverse global experience.”

The “Passport Program” officially began January 31 when students in the Class of 2023 grabbed their passports and boarded a plane to Greece, the birthplace of both Anna Walz P ’23 and Ralph Walz GP ’23. Once there, students learned the colors on the Greek flag, visited famous places like the Parthenon and developed an understanding of letters in the Greek alphabet. In addition to sampling

Tenth Annual Turkey Day Efforts Recognized by Community FoodBank of N.J.During Upper School assembly on February 25, representatives from the Community FoodBank of New Jersey formally recognized Gill St. Bernard’s School as the second largest donor of turkeys (563) among the approximately 45 sites it collected from at Thanksgiving. An event established in 2003, the school community donated more than 8,000 pounds of poultry at its 10th annual Turkey Day celebration on November 16, 2012.

Community FoodBank food sourcing supervisor Tristan Wallack attended the assembly to offer the school, as well as Turkey Day co-founders Randell and Peter Schmidt, a certificate of appreciation for their efforts and contributions to the annual drive. “Your initiatives in the community are very valuable to us,” Wallack assured the Upper School students, noting that 40 million pounds of food is needed for distribution to nearly 1.2 million residents throughout the state each year.

Also joining Wallack was Laura Sodano, hunger action coordinator at the Community FoodBank of New Jersey, who shared additional ways to get involved.

Tristan Wallack (l.), food sourcing supervisor for the Community FoodBank of New Jersey, presents Gill St. Bernard’s School and Turkey Day co-founders Randell (m.) and Peter Schmidt (r.) with a certificate of appreciation at Upper School assembly.

Sabrina Garguilo ’23 models a national Greek costume called an Amalía dress for her fellow classmates.



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traditional Greek foods like black olives and feta cheese, Sabrina Garguilo ’23 also modeled a national Greek costume called an Amalía dress.

That same day, students also paid a visit to Australia with Tania Wright P ’17, ’20, ’23. A former inhabitant of Australia, she explained the meaning of words like “cozie”—equivalent to a women’s bathing suit in the United States—and took the children on a wild safari that showed marsupials and other animals commonly found throughout the continent. “So far, the parents have done an amazing job, presenting stellar programs that are so ‘child friendly,’” said Campbell-Rush.

In order to help students remember the places they have visited, passports, created by Nisky, were given to students and will be stamped with various symbols representing each country. In addition, a newsletter will be created by Betsy Halstead P ’23, ’25 and distributed to each student, providing highlights and fun facts from every trip.

Campbell-Rush shares her belief that the “Passport Program” will certainly grow and expand to include new and exciting global destinations each year.

Grade 12: Headmaster’s List- Nicole DeRosa, Andrew Devine, Jessica Ferrando, Ryan LePré, Ryan Osterman, Natalia Sachs, Kelly Stefanick and Laura Wood; Honors List- Matthew Amoroso, Robert Anderson, Jenna Arasim, Nicholas Baker, Jana Bernard, Benjamin Brown, Peter Carollo, Margot Chowansky, Madeline Connell, Caragh Corcoran, Jasmine Davis, Sarah Hassett, Emily Iannaconi, Alekzandra Jackson-Rakovsky, Blake Jenkins, Tina Jiang, Stark Kirby, Jessica Kundla, Margaret LePré, Hannah Layden, Mark Leonhard, Kimberly Lindquist, Harrison Loomis, Kyra Madden, Katherine McLellan, Haley Miller, John William Murphy, Samantha Murray, Sarangi Patel, Elizabeth Prins, Andrew Provines, Emily Quinn, Michael Renna, Sienna Roth, Alexander Rowe, Jonathan Schreer, Jaren Sina, Brian Steck, Caitlin Stefanick, Katelyn Stephenson, Peter Stone, Sucheta Swaminathan, Kyle Swartz, Pearson Treanor, Thomas Troxell, Ella Valdes, Bethany Valentine, Sam White, Brian Williamson, Jae-Chiang Wong and Scoey Young.

Grade 11: Headmaster’s List- Carlson Brown, Joshua Corbett, Emilie Dizdarevic, Katherine Giordano, Oscar Gomez, Henry Holmes, Maxwell Lieblich, Carly Meyers, Kristin Murtha, Kiliaen O’Connor, Kensey Olsen, Harald Parker, Dylan Polachi, Casey Puglisi and Charlotte Reid; Honors List- Kaitlyn Avery, Alexander Bauer, Kathryn Bednarsky, Juliet Benjamin, Alexandria Benoit, Kimberly Calabrese, Kristen Calabrese, Emily Carmosino, Emma Clayton, Raena Dell’Ermo, Brendan Dougher, Kendall Dunn, Justin Durcan, Alexandra Ferreira, Alexander Ferruggia, Stephanie Fuentes, Hannah Geldzahler, Gabriella Gomes, Elizabeth Gordon,

Claire Jenkins, Dana Klein, Sabrina Kogut, Ryan McCluskey, Clarke Mehmel, Jasmine Muldrow, Cara Napolitano, Craig Pilla, Caitlyn Raia, James Reiner, Rebecca Richardson, Caroline Roch, Taylor Rooks, Dylan Rowell, Casey Saladino, Jasmine Sina, Kelly Staples, Kara Stevens, John Stumpf, Jordan Taylor, Cricket Treanor, Christopher Ward, Mariana Weber and Kyle Williams.

Grade 10: Headmaster’s List- Madison Bruno, Katherine Coscia, Jinghan Guo and Yingdan Guo; Honors List- Patrik Andersen, Alexandra Baker, Connor Beasty, Luke Beveridge, Hope Braue, Eliza Brookman, Daniel Brownstein, Maximilian Burrows, Anastasia Caron, Armani Comick, Mary Cors, Ian Demarest, Isabelle Demontigny, Nita Diverio, Margaret Donlin, Joseph Esposito, Soraya Falcao, Edward Fischer, Kaila Gong, Sandra Gooen, Minghan Guo, Disha Gupta, Brianne Hanafin, Alessandra Haversat, Devon Kaiser, Jacob Kruger, HaoZhen Liu, Jolie Loeber, Jack Lowe, Jade Macaylo, John Michael Mea, Kenneth Meyer, Gabrielle Morris, Zeel Patel, Michael Petrilli, Madeline Quinn, Olivia Salama, Alyx Schrecengost, Lauren Small, Samuel Solondz, Jonathan Sonnenberg, Daniel Spear, Jenna Steele, Tyler Stil, Michael Tafaro, Ricardo Torres, Emily Western, Erin Wetzel, Eric White, Andrew Wible, Amanda Wu and Xauen Zirpolo.

Grade 9: Headmaster’s List- Sarah Abowitz, Colette Bilynsky, Emma Corbett, Alexa Hait, Michael Iannaconi, Amanda Leonhard, Brian Quispe, Kara Saladino, Ruoyu (Carla) Tian and Ludi Zhu; Honors List- Nathaniel Benoit, Ryan Chestnutt, Will Clayton, William Conlan, Sophie

GSB Announces First Semester Honor Roll The following Upper and Middle School students achieved Honor Roll status for the first semester. Making the Headmaster’s List requires earning an A in all classes. The Honors List requires that all grades be B- or better.

Congratulations to 11th grade student Carlson Brown, who recently advanced in the American Mathematics Competitions (AMC), a series of national contests sponsored by the Mathematical Association of America which recognizes and rewards excellence in mathematics.

Brown qualified for the April 3 American Invitational Mathematics Exam (AIME II) after obtaining a score of 93.0 on the AMC 12—a 25-question, 75-minute multiple choice exam administered to 26 11th/12th grade students at GSB on February 5. To be eligible for the AIME, the MMA requires a score of 85.5 or over. Brown received recognition from Upper School math teacher Greg Washburn at Upper School assembly on February 25. Also acknowledged for having the highest score (100.5) among the 27 9th/10th grade GSB students who completed the AMC 10 exam on February 5 was Marissa Yingdan Guo ’15.

Carlson Brown ’14 Qualifies for American Invitational Mathematics Exam

Connell, Jada Davis, Samantha Delehanty, Sahara Ensley, Luke Fischer, Hope Fluet, Jacqueline Fuentes, James Grant, Kathryn Harback, George Harris, Aaron Hinton, Benjamin Hiramoto, Patrick Janas, Malika Jones, Charles Kasman, Samantha Kramer, Jinchun Li, Jacqueline Luberto, Ravi Malik, Veronica Maoli, Morgan Margolis, Catarina Matthews, William Metzler, Elisabeth Middleton, Adam Mitola, Jennifer Montejo, Andrew Noll, Marc Orazietti, Sebastian Pampalone, Krishna Patel, Ross Pollack, Zoe Quan-Shau, James Raia, Nicholas Ross, Destiny Salter, Austin Scott, Alexander Showell, Carter Silvey, Matthew Taylor, Jessica Torgovnik, Renee Turner, Michael Urowsky, Kennedy Whitehead, Lillie Wilson, Samuel Zimmer and Mycroft Zimmerman.

Grade 8: Headmaster’s List- Kate Alexy, Will Dadouris, Jenna Donatiello, Louise Horn, Hannah Lazar, Sadie Loeber, Armeen Mozaffari, Erica Phiansunthon, Luke Solondz, Charlotte Walsh and Lachlan Wright; Honors List- Felix Andersen, Maxwell Aunger, Connor Beard, Samantha Bittman, Carolyn Brand, Drew Braue, Cameron Campbell, Julia Castrucci, Amy Cox, Emma Cullen, Alyssa DiFazio, Evan Druskin, Genevieve Fischer, Juliette Jacobson, Melissa Jean, Justin Marcus, Amanda Miller, Nichole Morley, Michael Morreale, Sophie Morris, Charles Papandreou, Jack Riccardo, Rachel Richardson, Lauren Seng, Kaitlyn Sleyster, Paige Stewart, Emily Supron and Jacob Udoff.

Grade 7: Headmaster’s List- Rachel Auslander, Scott Begane, Esme Burrows, Anna DeLuca, Charles Han, Anthony Lake, Katherine Lioudis, Matthew Parisi, Catherine Quan-Shau and Daniel Wang; Honors List- Jessica Abowitz, Jacquelyn Benoit, Sarah Caminito, Emily Cavanaugh, Claire Chestnutt,

Catherine Davino, Alexandria Delehanty, Ava Diggins, Chloe Esposito, John Gordon, Robert Haversat, Kennedy Hayes, Jack Herrlin, Nicole Johnson, Connor Kirk, Amanda Lazar, Christopher Licata, Nour Marzouk, Amity Matthews, Jonathan Moore, Pierce Norwood, William Orazietti, Sophie Parker, Lauren Reid, Charlese Reynolds, Alexander Roch, Nicole Ruggiero, Tyler Schrecengost, Andrew Silverschotz, Lauren Silverschotz, Noah Steinbaum, Ryan Turse and Sabrina Yekta.

Grade 6: Headmaster’s List- Andree Aloise, Alicia Amoroso, Genevieve Caron, Olivia Escousse, Lily Fischer, Gillian Fritzlo, Carolyn Herrlin, Lucas Horn, Anja Kroon, Sebastian Laboy, Stefanie Morrison, Olivia Showell, Peyton Sloan, Sarah Smith, Surbhi Srinivas, Sophia Stil, Iyanah Vemuri, Catelyn Woelfle; Honors List- Matthew Alexy, Lillian Cannon, Alexander DeRing, Ilana Druskin, Lucy Friedland, Seth Gelwarg, William Henderlong, Allison Keeler, Luca Magee, Emma Malian, Ryleigh Marcus, Tyler Merna, Andrew Moglianesi, Susanne Mundt, Vallika Saraswat, Eddie Walsh, Eric Wang, AJ Witte, Nicholas Wu and Daniel Zoumas.

Grade 5: Headmaster’s List- Kierstyn Brown, Morgan Champey, Pierson Chan, Kerry Colford, Bridget Coscia, Erin Devine, Rylie Drozjock, Quinn Flanagan, Julia Gateman, Eleanor Gustafson, Daniel Heo, Julia Hersh, Theodore Lazar, Skylar Macak, Alexis Maus, Edward McCarthy, Adrian Meyers-Massuet, Rebecca Michaels, Emily Raia, Michael Taylor, Lloyd Wright, Teresa Zimmer and Lucas Zuanic; Honors List- Massimo Borghese, Gary Bossert, Nina Fracalossi, Grace Hamerschlag, Christopher Johnson, Zachary Layden, Andrew Lutz, Andrew Margolis, Brandon McCall-Sulton, Lila McNamara and Matthew Steinbaum.



March 2013

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(L. to r.) Upper school math teacher Greg Washburn recognizes the results achieved by AMC participants Marissa Yingdan Guo ’15 and Carlson Brown ’14 at Upper School assembly.



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The University of Alabama Albright College Arcadia University (3) Babson College Baylor University Bentley University (2) Boston College (2) Brandeis University Bridgewater College Bucknell University (3) California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo The Catholic University of America College of Charleston The University of Chicago (2) Clarkson University Coastal Carolina University Colorado College Columbia University University of Connecticut Davidson College Denison University Dickinson College Drew University (3) Drexel University Elizabethtown College Elon University (4) Emerson College Fairfield University (3) Florida Southern College Furman University (4) Georgia Institute of Technology High Point University (5) James Madison University (2) Lafayette College Lasell College Lehigh University (2) Loyola University Maryland (2) Lynchburg College Lynn University

Marist College Maryland Institute College of Art (2) University of Maryland, College Park (2) Marymount Manhattan College Marywood University (2) University of Massachusetts, Amherst McDaniel College Mercyhurst University Michigan State University University of Mississippi Montclair State University (2) Muhlenberg College (2) Neumann University New College of Florida University of New Haven The College of New Jersey New York University Northeastern University (4) Northwestern University University of Notre Dame (2) Ohio Wesleyan University (3) Pace University, New York City (2) Pennsylvania State University, University Park (3) University of Pennsylvania Polytechnic Institute of NYU Providence College (2) Purdue University (3) Quinnipiac University (2) Rhodes College University of Richmond (2) Rider University Roanoke College (3) Rochester Institute of Technology Roger Williams University (2) Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey at New Brunswick (6) Saint Joseph's University (2)

Saint Michael's College Savannah College of Art and Design (2) School of the Art Institute of Chicago School of Visual Arts The University of Scranton (2) Seton Hall University (3) Skidmore College Southern Methodist University College of Staten Island Stevens Institute of Technology Sweet Briar College Texas Christian University Tulane University The University of the Arts (2)University of Vermont (2) Villanova University (3) Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (2) Washington College Washington University in St. Louis Wellesley College Worcester Polytechnic Institute (3)

College Calls Class of 2013The following is a list of senior college acceptances as of February 22, 2013:


Andrew Devine ’13 (l.) receives a formal letter from Headmaster Sid Rowell at Upper School assembly, recognizing his selection as a National Merit Scholarship finalist.


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Andrew Devine ’13 Named National Merit Scholarship FinalistCongratulations to Andrew Devine ’13, a finalist in the 58th annual National Merit Scholarship Program. Devine, who joined 16,000 other high school seniors nationwide as a semifinalist in September, was among the nominees selected to advance to the finals this February. In recognition of this prestigious appointment, Devine was presented with a formal letter informing him of his accomplishment by Headmaster Sid Rowell at Upper School assembly on February 25. All scholarship winners, who will receive more than 8,000 awards totaling $32 million, will be announced in April.

STUDENT LIFE RECAPSecond Annual Joe Show Heats Things Up this February The second annual Joe Show on February 16 proved once again to be a school favorite, as more than 15 Upper School students showcased a variety of talent to a packed audience of family, faculty and friends. In fact, the growing popularity of the show is what prompted coordinator David Southerland to schedule two shows for 2013, a matinee and evening performance. This year’s show featured solos on guitar and piano, songs by contemporary artists like Ingrid Michaelson and Taylor Swift, and a hula hoop routine. Students in GSB’s International Student Program (ISP) also showcased their talents and introduced the audience to Chinese culture and customs. Marissa Yingdan Guo ’15 performed a flute solo of Chinese music and a traditional Chinese tea service was presented by Kelsey Minghan Guo ’15 and Sunny HaoZhen Liu ’15. More than $300 was also raised through donations to help support victims of Superstorm Sandy at this year’s standing-room only shows.

Left: Participants in the Upper School’s second annual Joe Show; Top row: (L. to r.) Kelsey Minghan Guo ’15 and Sunny HaoZhen Liu ’15 perform a traditional Chinese tea service; Laura Wood ’13 presents an original song on piano; Bottom row: (L. to r.) Peter Carollo ’13 sings “More Than Words,” accompanied by his fellow classmate, Thomas Troxell ’13, on guitar; Bryce Neville ’14 sings “The Way You Look Tonight”.

Gill St. Bernard’s School • St. Bernard’s Road • Gladstone, NJ 07934 9.

Second Grade Students Put Art to Paper with Ekphrastic Writing AssignmentDrawing inspiration from both Upper and Middle School artwork on display in the Founders Hall art gallery last month, students from the Class of 2023 completed an ekphrastic writing assignment with teachers Debora Miller, Susan O'Brian and Mary Tuohy on February 21.

Used throughout history by poets like John Keats, the primary goal of ekphrasis is for the writer to enter into “a conversation” with the artwork and represent it in literary form. Second grade students were instructed to select a piece of artwork through which they could create a short story. “They communicated with the art, became part of the art and used it to tell stories,” said Miller.

In the end, students were able to develop a main character, setting and plot through the simple use of their imagination and the artwork they selected.

Upper School Students Attend Model UN Conference in PhiladelphiaAccompanied by Model UN advisors and teachers Carrie Grabowski and Candace Pryor Brown, 14 Upper School students traveled to Philadelphia’s historic district on February 21 to take part in a two-day PhilMUN Conference with 540 peers from other high schools across the region.

The PhilMUN Conference is sponsored by the Institute for Domestic and International Affairs, Inc. and is, essentially, a simulation of regular proceedings at the United Nations that allows students to gain a better understanding and perspective of the work done. Given the opportunity to engage in debate about global and politically-charged issues, GSB's students were required to research critical topics such as debt, and represent Japan on a variety of traditional committees ranging from the Commission on Sustainable Development to the World Tourism Organization. After conducting extensive research on how their selected national delegation would respond to various international issues,

each GSB student then presented a case and negotiated terms during six sessions with other committee members. Gill St. Bernard’s also participated in advanced committee discussions throughout the PhilMUN Conference such as: Pinochet’s Chile in 1980 and the International Monetary Fund.

While GSB currently attends one Model UN Conference per year, the school has seen growth in student participants over the years. “Due to increased student interest, we are currently exploring ways in which to expand the program,” said Grabowski.

March 2013The Monthly Newsletter for Gill St. Bernard’s School

Jamison Wright ’23 draws inspiration from a piece of artwork on display in the Founders Hall gallery.

Robert Anderson ’13 at the 2013 Model UN PhilMUN Conference in Philadelphia, Penn.



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Class of 2018 “Shakes-Up” Lesson on Earthquakes with Contest Children in Teri Cosentino’s seventh grade science class went from Middle School students to structural engineers last month when they designed and built several two-story buildings strong enough to withstand 500 grams in mass on each level, and stable enough to survive a large-scale earthquake for at least 10 seconds.

The 36-centimeter building structures were positioned on cardboard foundations and constructed using no more than 30 straws, two meters of string, 100 paperclips and 20 pins. “Before building, the students explored how mass distribution, height of the sections, shape of the design and foundation would affect the movement of their buildings,” Cosentino said. “They also researched what structural elements are required for buildings in earthquake-prone regions.”

Soon after completing individual blueprints detailing the look and size of each structure, students were then asked to test their designs during a friendly earthquake competition with fellow classmates on February 25. Among the five groups competing in the “Earthquake Challenge,” the teepee-shaped building constructed by John “Andy” Gordon ’18, Yashraj Bajaj ’18 and Robert Haversat ’18 was the only “building” able to hold approximately one kilogram in mass during the large-scale earthquake test.

In recognition of their winning design, the group was awarded 20 bonus points, as well as given a package of Pop Rocks® and a roll of mega Smarties® candy. “Considering both the focus of this project and the ingenuity of the structure completed by Andy, Yash and Robbie, I thought it more than appropriate that our winning team receive these distinctly-named candies,” said Cosentino.

Middle and Upper Schools Present Annual RecitalStudent musicians in the Middle and Upper schools presented family, friends and faculty members with a Middle/Upper School Recital in the Chapel on February 25.

In addition to presenting a full range of classical works, which included Bastien’s “Sonatina in C” (Erin Devine ’20 and Stefanie Morrison ’19) on piano and Bach’s “Minuet in G” (Jack Rosenfeld ’19) on guitar, the evening recital also featured songs by contemporary artists like Katy Perry (Anja Kroon ’19) Sara Bareilles and Ingrid Michaelson (Mycroft Zimmerman ’16). According to music instructor Kathleen Burke, this year’s repertoire was especially eclectic. Speaking on behalf of fellow instructors Sheri Alexander and Beth Shirley, Burke said, “In working with so many of the same students from year to year, we are in a rare position to witness not only their development of musical skills and independence, but also their growth and maturity in other ways as well.”

Also among songs performed by the 10 musicians at the recital were Sammy Fain’s “Alice in Wonderland” by guitarist Christopher Johnson ’20, Martha Meier’s “Beach Buggy Boogie” by pianist Alexandria Delehanty ’18, and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Music of the Night” by pianist Edward McCarthy ’20. “It was incredibly gratifying and encouraging to

hear such impressive performances, as our students have worked diligently to expand their repertoires,” Burke said. “The end result truly demonstrated each student’s commitment and enthusiasm for exploring and mastering new genres.”

Members of the winning “Earthquake Challenge” team, (f. to b.) John “Andy” Gordon ’18 and Yashraj Bajaj ’18.

Carolyn Herrlin ’19, ready to perform Mozart’s “Rondo in C Major” on piano.



11.

Sixth Grade Computer Class Successfully Connects with Outside WorldIn addition to acquiring the skills needed to write a formal business letter, sixth grade students in Carrie Petkiewich’s Middle School computer lab also had the unique opportunity of connecting with representatives from some of the nation’s most historic landmarks this February.

Each year, Petkiewich requires that her computer classes exercise their formal writing skills by establishing contact with various educational organizations. In hopes of generating an intriguing response, previous categories have included national parks and museums. For this year’s exercise, the students reached out to affiliates from historical landmarks like Alcatraz (Sebastian Laboy), Old Faithful at Yellowstone National Park (Eddie Walsh) and the New York State Capitol Building (Emma Malian).

While some students are still waiting to hear back from their contacts, the class has already received 14 replies from landmark hotels such as the Biltmore (William Henderlong) and Hotel Del Coronado (Kamal Brown), famous homes to animals like the Cincinnati Zoo (Vallika Saraswat), the Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge (AJ Witte) and King Ranch (Peyton Sloan), and historical sites ranging from the Portland Observatory (Allison Keeler) to Fort Ticonderoga (Lily Fischer) and Mount Rushmore (Eric Wang). “We are hoping to garner even more responses, if possible,” Petkiewich said. “The students really enjoy receiving mail.”

Some students not only received a reply from their chosen contact, but were delighted to also receive several souvenirs including maps, brochures, books, postcards, newsletters and pictures from Grand Central Station (Nicholas Wu), the Cape May Business District (Susanne Mundt), Davidge Hall at the University of Maryland (Christopher Kruger) and

the Metropolitan Museum of Art (Sarah Smith). Aside from working with Petkiewich to draft both a semi-block and full block letter using appropriate language and formal phrasing, the assignment also required that students create a PowerPoint presentation detailing the history and importance of their chosen destination. “I am so proud of their dedication to this project, and hope they will remember their letter-writing skills for years to come,” she added.

Sixth grade students (l. to r.) Eric Wang, Nicholas Wu, Eddie Walsh and Vallika Saraswat with replies received from historical landmarks.

This January, third grade student Meghan Cohen had the unique opportunity of joining the GSB varsity cheerleading squad both on the floor and from the sidelines at a basketball doubleheader against Bridgewater-Raritan High School.

A dream made possible by her parents—Sheri and Robert Cohen P ’22, ’23—who were the successful bidders for a “Cheerleader for a Day” silent auction item at the Gill St. Bernard’s Dinner Dance & Auction last spring, Cohen spent two days practicing and performing with the team. “The girls had so much fun teaching her the cheers and having her sit with the team during the games,” said head varsity cheerleading coach Brittany Casser.

For parents of students in grades kindergarten through eight, this auction item will once again be available at the 2013 Dinner Dance & Auction on April 27. Similar silent auction items covering such sports as varsity baseball and basketball will also be open to Middle and Lower School parents at this year’s event.

Meghan Cohen ’22 Becomes “Cheerleader for a Day”

Meghan Cohen ’22, winner of the 2012 auction item, “Cheerleader for a Day.”



March 2013

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AUCTION NEWS GSB Presents 31st Annual Dinner Dance & AuctionJoin fellow parents, faculty and other members of the school community for a “day at the races” on Saturday, April 27, as Gill St. Bernard’s presents the 31st annual Dinner Dance & Auction, Run for the Roses, at The Westin Governor Morris in Morristown from 6:30 to 11:30 p.m. With silent and live auction items, a three-course dinner and musical entertainment, it’s a safe bet to say that you won’t want to miss this year’s derby-themed event, chaired by GSB parent Ann Matthews P ’16, ’18, ’24.

The auction, which supports the school’s general funds, is truly an all-school effort! “The Dinner Dance & Auction is a great way for parents from all divisions of the school to come together for a fun and exciting evening of friendship and community that ultimately helps fund various projects that benefit all of our children,” said Matthews.

Lower School classes have been busy completing one-of-a-kind items for the silent auction with special project co-chairs Kathleen Brown P ’24, ’26 and Marcella Criscola P ’25, ’26. Parents and friends of GSB are partnering with quilt co-chairs Lynne Casternovia P ’13 and Jaime Messina Goodrich ’01, P ’27 to turn the artwork of 31 Middle School students into a beautiful quilt depicting the world-famous Kentucky Derby. Students whose designs were chosen to appear on this year’s quilt include: eighth graders Drew Braue, Cameron Campbell, Julia Castrucci, Will Dadouris, Hannah Lazar, Sadie Loeber, Sara Merton, Sophie Morris, Sophie Parker, Erica Phiansunthon, Rachel Richardson and Lauren Seng; seventh grade students Chloe Esposito, Amanda Lazar, Amity Matthews, Eric Wang and Sabrina Yekta; sixth graders Andree Aloise, Gillian Fritzlo, William Henderlong, Anja Kroon, Tyler Merna, Stefanie Morrison, Peyton Sloan, Sarah Smith and Sophia Stil; and fifth grade students Pierson Chan, Quinn Flanagan, Nina Fracalossi, Grace Hamerschlag and Daniel Heo.

Dawn Richardson P ’17, ’23, chair of the live auction committee, has prepared a selection of unique experiences and offerings that are sure to create a bidding buzz at the event. The silent auction committee, co-chaired by Lisa Bothwell P ’16, ’18 and Kim Ferruggia P ’12, ’14, ’16, has also compiled a wish list for this year’s auction baskets. The 2013 wish list can be found under the wish list tab for Gill St. Bernard’s School on Amazon.com. Additional auction committee chairs include Robyn Lake P ’18, ’21 (50/50 Raffle), Sharon Bittman P ’17, ’23 (Invitations), Joanne Marcus P ’17, ’19 and Lee Amoroso P ’11, ’13, ’19 (Decorations). A special thank you to Mark Spallucci P ’21 and Paravista, Inc. for printing the invitations as well.

To donate an item, or join a committee, please contact Ginny Needham-Doyle in the development office at [email protected] or 908-234-1611, ext. 219.

Varsity boys’ basketball player Jaren Sina ’13 earned a Gill St. Bernard’s milestone—his 2,000th career point—in a 76-54 win against Watchung Hills Regional High School on February 7, making him the first Somerset County high school basketball player since 1989 to reach this mark. Also, accompanying this major accomplishment from Sina was a school record in points earned during a 77-63 victory at Hillsborough High School just two days prior. The school’s previous record—1,978 points—was secured last winter by Alex Mitola ’12, now a freshman basketball player at Dartmouth College.

Shortly after obtaining his 2,000th career point, which came off a 23-foot shot scored with two minutes and 20 seconds left in the third quarter, Sina received a commemorative basketball from Director of Athletics David Pasquale at center court. “Jaren is a special player and we’re incredibly proud of all that he’s been able to accomplish at Gill St. Bernard’s,” said Pasquale.

Sina, who will play Big Ten basketball for Northwestern next year, has led his high school team to three prolific seasons including two Somerset County Championships and one Non Public B South Sectional Championship. In addition, this three-season varsity basketball captain was twice named “Somerset County Player of the Year” by The Star-Ledger, earned numerous all-conference, all-county and all-state honors, and received nomination for the 2013 McDonald’s All American Games along with fellow teammate Austin Colbert ’13.

Sina Hits Milestone 2,000th Career Point in Win Over Watchung

Jaren Sina ’13 receives a commemorative 2,000-point basketball.



13.

New Auction Item Promotes GSB’s Tight-Knit Community A new, handmade item will debut at this year’s annual Dinner Dance & Auction. At the event on April 27, attendees will be able to bid on a blue and white afghan proudly knitted throughout the winter by various members of the school community. In an effort to make the creation of this year’s knitted auction item more inclusive, volunteer opportunities were extended beyond the faculty and staff community to include parents, grandparents, current students and alumni.

“While GSB’s silent auction, over the past three years, had contained 12 hats (one for each month) knitted exclusively by faculty and staff members, we decided this year to do something the children could also help with,” said project leader and Upper School French teacher Carrie Grabowski.

Along with parents, grandparents and faculty and staff members who will be responsible for knitting 12 white squares with intricate patterns, 10 current and former students will also work with Grabowski after school to knit 13 blue patches for the afghan. Once all 25 squares are complete, Grabowski said she plans to assemble the afghan over spring break.

ATHLETICS

Several volunteers knitting squares for an afghan that will serve as a silent auction item this spring. Top: (L. to r.) Amy Coscia ’22, Meghan Cohen ’22, Harriette Ward GP ’08, ’12, Carrie Grabowski P ’08, ’12 and Kelly Kim ’22; Bottom: (L. to r.) Anneliese Gattoni ’21, Julia Hersh ’20 and Callie Silvey ’21.



March 2013

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Varsity Sports Round-Up*RESULTS AS OF 2/24/2013

Varsity Boys’ Basketball: Record: 17-7

Season at a Glance: Shortly after defeating Immaculata High School 70-50 on January 29, the varsity boys’ basketball team continued its winning streak with an 82-66 Skyland Conference victory over Hunterdon Central High School two days later. In the game against Hunterdon, Jaren Sina ’13 earned 28 points and 14 assists. Also posting double digits for the Knights were Christopher Jenkins ’13 with 16 points, Austin Colbert ’13 who netted 14 and Tyus Battle ’16 who scored 12.

GSB’s next win of the season came while playing Roselle Catholic at the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J., on February 1. Leading the team as MVP in the 63-59 come-from-behind win was Sina, who sank four free throws in the final seven seconds of the game. Overall, Sina finished with 22 points and 10 assists, while Colbert scored 10 of his 15 points in the fourth quarter to help the Knights defeat the state’s fifth-ranked team. The boys also defeated Hillsborough High School 77-63 on February 5, with a balanced team effort from Colbert (24 points/14 rebounds), Sina (16 points/14 assists), Jonathan Schreer ’13 (18 points) and Jenkins (14 points). The winning continued on February 7 when Sina (20 points/nine assists) knocked down a third quarter jump shot to eclipse the 2,000-career-point mark. Additional contributors in the 76-54 win over Watchung Hills included Jenkins and Colbert with 12 points apiece, and Ian Demarest ’15 who chipped in with seven points and three rebounds off the bench.

The team earned its sixth consecutive victory with a 56-36 win over Lakewood High School in the Prime Time Shootout at Roselle Catholic on February 10. While Jenkins scored 22 points and grabbed nine rebounds, Sina had 11 points and 10 assists, and Schreer and Battle chipped in with eight points apiece. Looking to defend their 2012 Somerset County Championship, the boys successfully defeated Montgomery High School 65-43 with points from Jenkins (17), Sina (14), Battle (13) and Colbert (10) at the Somerset County Tournament (SCT) quarterfinals on February 12. Shortly

after earning a 73-56 regular-season victory over Ridge High School on February 14, the boys next continued tournament play with a semifinal game against Bound Brook High School on February 16, clinching a 77-52 win and ticket to the finals behind double-doubles from Sina (25 points/12 assists), Colbert (18 points/13 rebounds) and Jenkins (15 points/12 rebounds). Despite 23 points by Sina and 22 from Battle in the SCT finals on February 23, the Knights—with a four point lead into halftime—were outscored in the second half and fell 69-56 to the tournament’s top seed Ridge High School.

Varsity Girls’ Basketball: Record: 20-4

Season at a Glance: Following a 62-45 victory against Immaculata High School on January 29, the varsity girls’ basketball team next secured its 14th consecutive win of the season over Hunterdon Central Regional High School on January 31. Leading the Knights throughout the 66-39 victory was Taylor Rooks ’14 with 20 points and 11 rebounds. Also pacing a balanced offensive attack against Hunterdon was Jasmine Sina ’14 who earned 15 points, eight assists, and Trevena Bennett ’14 with 12 points and 11 rebounds. They were followed by both Alexandra Ferreira ’14 and Samantha Kramer ’16 with seven points apiece, and Morgan Rooks ’15 who added five points and five rebounds. Despite seeing Taylor Rooks pour in a game-high 34 points and grab 12 rebounds at the team’s next match of the season on February 2, the girls had their 14-game winning streaked snapped in a 73-62 loss to Christ the King High School of New York, N.Y.

Gill St. Bernard’s quickly recovered with back-to-back victories over Hillsborough and Watchung Hills the following week. Leading the Knights in the 80-35 win against Hillsborough on February 5 was Taylor Rooks with 21 points. Also adding a career-high 17 points and six assists was Kramer. While Bennett (11 points/10 rebounds) and Sina (13 points/seven assists) made significant contributions, Kennedy Whitehead ’16 and Morgan Rooks also combined for 16 points and 15 rebounds, respectively. The girls’ basketball team remained undefeated in conference play with an 81-31 thrashing of Watchung Hills on February 7. Taylor Rooks

VARSITY GIRLS’ BASKETBALL Trevena Bennett ’14.

VARSITY BOYS’ BASKETBALL Jonathan Schreer ’13.



15.

VARSITY SWIMMING Dylan Polachi ’14.

had 25 points and 15 rebounds, Sina scored 20 points and distributed five assists, and Bennett earned 18 points, eight rebounds, six assists and five steals in the win.

The girls kicked-off post season play with the Somerset County Tournament (SCT) quarterfinals on February 12. Leading the defending SCT champions in an 81-41 rout over Montgomery High School was Taylor Rooks with a game-high 31 points. Meanwhile, Sina had 18 points and seven steals, Kramer dished out nine assists and Bennett earned 16 points and seven rebounds. Shortly after securing a 69-47 regular-season win over Blair Academy on February 13, the girls next earned a 61-39 victory over Watchung Hills in the SCT semifinals on February 16. While Taylor Rooks had 26 points and 11 rebounds, Sina also contributed 18 points and eight assists, and Kramer chipped in with seven points and three assists. The Knights then faced Franklin High School in the SCT finals at Bridgewater-Raritan High School on February 23. The tournament’s Most Valuable Player, Taylor Rooks, scored 31 points and grabbed 10 rebounds as the GSB girls’ basketball team successfully defended its 2012 Somerset County Tournament Championship with a 63-57 win. Meanwhile, Sina had 10 points and seven assists and made critical free throws down the stretch. Also helping the Knights withstand a furious Franklin rally and secure their seventh consecutive 20-win season were Bennett and Morgan Rooks, who combined for 18 points and 15 rebounds.

Together, Taylor Rooks (26), Kramer (13), Morgan Rooks (11), Bennett (10) and Sina (nine) also led the balanced offensive effort in a 71-40 win over Watchung Hills on February 19, allowing the girls to finish their regular season unbeaten in conference play.

Varsity Swimming: Record: 0-3

Season at a Glance: The varsity swim team concluded its 2012-13 winter season with the Somerset County Swimming Championships at Montgomery High School on February 2, during which Joseph Esposito ’15 became the first GSB swimmer to qualify for the NJSIAA State Championships after taking third (4:56) in the day’s 500 yard boys’ freestyle event. Aside from finishing sixth in the 200y freestyle (1:50) as well, Esposito also joined Carter Silvey ’16, Pearson Treanor ’13 and Dylan Polachi ’14 for an eighth place finish (1:48) in the 200y freestyle relay race, which brought the Knights to an overall eighth place team finish—GSB’s highest ranking ever at a county meet. Also swimming for the boys’ squad throughout the meet was Ivor Guest ’15 who joined Pearson Treanor and Silvey in the 50y freestyle, and John

Eckert ’15 who joined Polachi in the 100y freestyle. From the girls’ squad, which finished 12th overall, Jennifer Montejo ’16 earned a top-15 time in both the 100y butterfly (1:04) and 100y backstroke (1:05). In addition, Cricket Treanor ’14, Elisabeth Middleton

’16 and Hannah Geldzahler ’14 each competed in the 100y breaststroke, while Emily Western ’15 and Nita Diverio ’15 performed well for GSB in the 50y freestyle. Caragh Corcoran ’13, Western, Montejo and Middleton also took 11th in the 200y freestyle relay. Meanwhile, Sophie Connell ’16 joined Corcoran, Diverio and Montejo in the 200y medley relay.

Varsity Fencing: Boys Record: 2-11 Girls Record: 3-10

Season at a Glance: The varsity fencing team traveled to Butler High School on January 29. While Jaclyn Hammond ’13, Devon Kaiser ’15, Jacqueline Luberto ’16 and Iman Jebara ’13 secured a 9-0 sweep at sabre, also leading the girls’ squad to an 18-9 team victory over Butler were Jasmine Davis ’13, Jada Davis ’16, Katherine McLellan ’13 and Madison Bruno ’15 who went unbeaten in epee competition. From the boys’ squad—which earned a 17-10 win over Butler—Stefan Lambert ’15, Ross Pollack ’16 and Sam Zimmer ’16 exhibited a perfect 9-0 effort at foil, while Luke Fischer ’16, Mycroft Zimmerman ’16, Kenneth Meyer ’15 and Xauen Zirpolo ’15 earned a 5-4 victory at epee. In addition, Harrison Loomis ’13 finished 2-1 at sabre. Also capping off the scoring with a point at sabre was Samuel Solondz ’15.

The girls earned their next win of the season at Somerville High School on January 31. Leading the squad in the 15-12 victory were Hammond (sabre), Margaret LaPré ’13 (foil) and McLellan (epee), who went 3-0 in each of their weapons. Also contributing to the win was Jasmine Davis, who won her epee match, and Juliet Benjamin ’14 with a win at foil. In addition, Kaiser picked up a point at sabre and Bruno did the same at epee. Gill St. Bernard’s later hosted the Pingry School on February 7. Despite a 6-3 victory from the girls’ sabre trio comprised of Hammond, Kaiser and Jebara, the squad fell 15-12. Also scoring for the girls throughout this close match against Pingry was Benjamin who went 2-1 at foil, Margaret LaPré who won 2-1 at epee, Luberto (foil) and Jasmine Davis (epee). Similar to the girls’ squad, the GSB boys



March 2013

16.

also suffered a narrow 14-13 defeat to Pingry. Leading the way for the Knights were Fischer, Zirpolo, Zimmerman and Meyer, who combined for a 6-3 win in epee competition. In addition, both Lambert (3-0) and Solondz (2-1) saw victories at foil and sabre, while Loomis (sabre) and Zimmer (foil) each added points for the varsity fencing team.

Despite falling to Newark Academy on February 12, the varsity fencing team defeated Montclair Kimberley Academy (MKA) during its final regular-season match on February 14. Leading the boys’ squad in a decisive 16-11 win over MKA were foil fencers Lambert, Pollack, Zimmer and Meyer who went 7-2. Meanwhile

at sabre, Solondz, Loomis and Ryan LaPré ’13 each went 2-1 against the Cougars. Zirpolo, Fischer and Zimmerman secured epee points as well. The girls’ squad also won—this time 14-13—behind a stellar performance from the epee squad comprised of Jasmine Davis (3-0), Jada Davis (3-0) and McLellan (2-1). Hammond (2-1) also teamed with Kaiser, Zeel Patel ’15 and Jebara for a 5-4 effort at sabre, while Margaret LaPré added a critical point at foil.

GSB next headed to the Prep B Fencing Championships in Princeton, N.J., on February 20. The girls were led throughout the event by Hammond who not only secured a silver medal in her individual bout at sabre, but also teamed with Kaiser and Jebara for third overall in squad competition. Likewise, the girls’ epee squad comprised of McLellan, Jasmine Davis and Jada Davis placed third overall. Meanwhile, among those highlights in the boys’ competition was an overall fourth place finish at sabre from Solondz, Loomis and Ryan LaPré.

Varsity Indoor Winter Track:

Season at a Glance: After securing several gold medals and school records at the Skyland Conference Championships on January 26, the varsity indoor track and field team next headed to Lawrenceville High School for the Poreda Invitational on January 30. Taking third for GSB in the distance medley relay (12:41) were Dana Klein ’14, Emily Quinn ’13, Emily Iannaconi ’13 and Alexandria Benoit ’14.

GSB next returned to Lawrenceville for the NJISAA Prep B Championships on February 10. From the boys’ squad, Brian Steck ’13 earned three gold medals in the 55 meter dash

(6.9 seconds), the 400m run (52.7) and the 3200m (10:14). Third place times were also posted by Jordan Taylor ’14 in the 55m (7.1) and Svetozar Brankov ’13 in the 800m (2:17), as the boys finished second overall in team competition. Additional points came from Jacob Kruger ’15 (4th/1600m), Michael Tafaro ’15 (4th/shot put), Michael Iannaconi ’16 (5th/1600m), Shane Burchard ’15 (5th/shot put) and Alec Johnson ’15 (6th/800m) as well. Leading the girls’ squad, which also finished second overall at the event, were Emily Quinn and Alexandria Benoit who took first in the 1600m (5:21) and 800m (2:29). They were followed closely by Klein and Emily Iannaconi with second place finishes in the 1600m (5:40) and 800m (2:32). Emily Quinn, Alexandria Benoit, Klein and Emily Iannaconi also combined for a runner-up finish in the 4x400 relay (4:25). Rounding out the scoring for the girls were Ludi Zhu ’16 (3rd/200m), Zoe Quan-Shau ’16 (5th/shot put) and Sahara Ensley ’16 (6th/1600m).

Success continued for the Knights when eight GSB athletes qualified for the NJSIAA Meet of Champions (MOC) following stellar performances at the NJSIAA Non-Public B Group Championships in Toms River, N.J., on February 15. Leading the boys’ squad to a fourth place team finish with both a gold medal in the 800m (2:00) and silver in the 1600m (4:23) was Steck. Also running well were Brankov (13th) and Johnson (26th) in the 800m, and Kruger (19th) and Michael Iannaconi (29th) in the 1600m. In addition to the 1600m, Kruger also placed 10th in the 3200m. Meanwhile, Tafaro and Joshua Corbett ’14 posted top-20 distances in the shot put. From the girls’ squad, which finished second overall at the Non-Public B Group Championships, Emily Quinn won gold and set a new meet record in the 3200 meter run (11:04). In addition, she finished runner-up in the 1600m (5:08). Also with a second place finish, this time in three events—the 800m (2:27), the 1600m (5:08) and the 3200m (11:46)—was the team’s points leader, Klein. Other MOC qualifiers included Alexandria Benoit (3rd place/800m), Armani Comick ’15 (3rd/shot put), Amanda Leonhard ’16 (4th/55m) and Ensley (4th/3200m). The 4x400 relay team consisting of Quinn, Klein, Alexandria Benoit and Emily Iannaconi qualified as well, finishing fifth in a loaded field. Quan-Shau also had a fine showing with a 13th place effort in the shot put.

VARSITY INDOOR WINTER TRACK Brian Steck '13.

VARSITY FENCING Jacqueline Luberto ’16.



17.16.

Dates to Remember Monday, March 11-Friday, March 22

Spring Break (Classes resume Monday, March 25)

Friday, March 29School Closed

Thursday, April 4-Sunday, April 7 Spring Musical, Little Women

(Tickets on sale now!)

Sunday, April 7Hi-Hills Open House

Friday, April 12Upper School Semi Formal Dance

Wednesday, April 17Jazz Band Concert

Friday, April 19Lower School Performance, 101 Dalmatians

Monday, April 22Lower School Piano Recital

Wednesday, April 24Middle School Talent ShowTravel Unit Parent Meeting

Saturday, April 27GSB Dinner Dance & Auction

Wednesday, May 1Upper School Concert

Thursday, May 2Lower School ConcertMiddle School Concert

Sunday, May 5Hi-Hills Open House

VARSITY ICE HOCKEY Casey Saladino '14.

To view more school events, or information on the above, please see GSB’s online calendar.

While both Comick and Leonhard found themselves unable to compete due to injuries, Emily Quinn finished sixth in the girls’ 3200 meter run and established a new school record time of 10:55 at the NJSIAA Indoor Track Meet of Champions on February 23. Also representing the Knights throughout this prestigious meet was Klein who took 12th in the girls’ 1600m (5:06) and Steck who placed 15th in the boys’ 1600m (4:26). In addition, Alexandria Benoit ran the girls’ 800m in 2:25 and Ensley finished the girls’ 3200m in 12:18.

Varsity Ice Hockey: Record: 4-14-3

Season at a Glance: Despite suffering several losses to opponents from Madison, Morris Hills and Park Regional High School throughout the month of January, the varsity ice hockey team soon recovered as it defeated Morris Catholic at Mennen Arena on February 2. Contributing to the 4-0 win was Christopher Ward ’14 with three goals and an assist, Kiliaen O’Connor ’14 with one goal, and Nicholas Blackman ’13 and Alexander Ferruggia ’14 with assists. Meanwhile, helping goaltender Brian Williamson ’13 secure the shutout were defensemen Blackman, Ferruggia, Jack Lowe ’15 and Alexander Bauer ’14.

Shortly after falling 6-0 to Parsippany Hills on February 6, the ice hockey team also suffered a 4-2 loss to Vernon High School on February 9. Opening up scoring for the Knights against Vernon was Casey Saladino ’14, who earned the first goal of the game off a pass from Thomas Troxell ’13. Ferruggia also assisted on a Ward goal in the final minute of the contest. The team once again faced Vernon during its final match of the season on February 18. Leading GSB in the 6-4 loss was Ward with two goals and an assist. He was also followed by Troxell and O’Connor with one goal apiece. Also chipping in with assists for the Knights were Ferruggia, Harald Parker ’14, John William Murphy ’13 and Peter Stone ’13.

GILL ST. BERNARD’S SCHOOL

St. Bernard’s RoadP.O. Box 604Gladstone, NJ 07934908-234-1611www.gsbschool.org

gsb news: march 2013

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