tower hill school bulletin - summer 2014

Summer 2014 Volume 50.Number 1

August 2014

Dear Friends,The last nine months have been a continuous stream of “this is the fi rst time I have done that” events for me, and this letter is just the latest. But I am relishing the task because this issue of the Bulletin is the best one that I can remember. Nancy Schuckert, who handled the director of communications position so ably and retired in July, outdid herself in putting together this last Bulletin of her tenure. The articles celebrate all the terrifi c constituencies of the school. They highlight the positive infl uence of “many things done well” on our graduates, as well as how many things are done so well by the students, faculty and staff who continue the legacy passed down to them.

Josephine Chu ’14’s article, which chronicles the National Recognition Weekend for the 140 students selected as Presidential Scholars, only implies the level of hard work and the exceptional level of achievement attained by these young people, and in an extraordinary stroke of luck, Dr. Anisha Abraham ’86, our last Presidential Scholar, recently returned to Tower Hill from Hong Kong while visiting her family. Josephine and Anisha had the chance to compare their experiences, which was a wonderful connection between two extraordinary students whose talents go far beyond the classroom.

The article on Dr. Ellis Wasson recognizes one of the great faculty members at Tower Hill for the last 20 years. It properly focuses on Ellis’ exceptional teaching skills. It also recognizes his signifi cant efforts to develop the Forum Speaker Series, but does not have the time to document his infl uence as an internationally recognized authority.

Jackie Hamilton and John Newlin give voice to two disparate programs that illustrate the range of the educational program. Digital literacy and the disABILITIES Awareness program are two great examples of the importance of educating the whole person. Add an article on the new Math and Science Center and recognition of the accomplishments of this year’s senior class, and there is a sense of the many things that are being done well right at this moment. If we add the alumni, the picture becomes complete.

The stories about Audra Noyes ’06, Chris Byrne ’74 and Meghan Lyons ’09 certainly spotlight a fascinating range of occupations that have captured their imaginations. The idea that foundations for careers in the fashion industry, toys and Google+ were born in classrooms and on athletic fi elds is exciting as we consider the future possibilities for our present students. The experience of being expected to do many things well has also clearly paid dividends with the multiplicity of challenges they have faced. Add Chris Casscells ’02 and the Flynn brothers to the mix, and you have even more interesting occupational layers and two stories, of many, about alums who have found a way to give back to Tower Hill.

A sense of the power of a legacy that includes a commitment to education could not possibly be clearer than in Jack Flynn ’81’s article, which chronicles his family’s connection to independent education and Tower Hill School. The Flynn and Gianforcaro families also understand that being able to access independent education is as diffi cult today as it was in the past for many families. They are committed to making a difference for those families, and it is a commitment for which we are immensely grateful.

So I encourage you to read the articles, enjoy the class notes and the pictures of the events, but most of all join us in the celebration of “many things done well” and the continuing legacy of Tower Hill.

Sincerely,

Harry Baetjer, Headmaster

Headmaster Harry N. Baetjer III

2014-2015 Board of Trustees

Earl J. Ball III, Ph.D., Chair

Ellen J. Kullman ’74, Vice Chair

William H. Daiger Jr., Treasurer

Linda R. Boyden, Secretary

Jon E. AbramczykTheodore H. Ashford III

Anthony R. Cucuzzella, M.D. ’82Régis de Ramel

Benjamin F. du Pont ’82 Charles M. Elson

W. Whitfi eld Gardner ’81 Pierre duP. Hayward ’66

Eric T. Johnson, M.D. Henry C. S. Mellon

Ann C. Rose David P. Roselle

Michelle D. Shepherd Matthew T. Twyman III ’88

Lance L. Weaver

Chief Advancement Offi cer Julie Topkis-Scanlan

Editor Nancy B. Schuckert

Communications Director Teresa Messmore

Associate Director of Advancement Kimberly A. Murphy

Director of Alumni Programs and Development Offi ce Special Events

Kathryn R. Warner

Advancement Services Manager Julie R. Goldston

Database/Administrative Coordinator Ellen Odren

Photography Feehly Photography

Jim Graham Photography Nancy B. Schuckert

Valeri Stanton

Design/Layout Kedash Design

Submissions to the Bulletin, suggestions for articles, photographs or letters are welcome. Mail information to

the Development Offi ce, Tower Hill School, 2813 West 17th Street, Wilmington, DE, 19806 or email [email protected].

We reserve the right to edit submissions for space and content. Tower Hill School welcomes students of any race, religion, color or nationality. The school does not discriminate in its administrative policies or in the administration of its program.

If you would like to submit Class Notes, check our updated sport scores or read about the latest events sponsored by the Alumni Council, please visit our website

at www.towerhill.org.

Cover: The Flynn Family—Terry ’85, Michael ’91, Dan ’89 and Jack ’81

with their father Jimmy Photo by Jim Graham

In this issue...2 ............. Paying It Forward

4............. Beating Her Own Drum: Success on the Runway

6 ............ Explore, Experience and Express: Taking Play to a New Level

8 ............ A Plus for Google+

9 ............ Connecting Alumni

10 .......... The Iconic Symbol of Greatness

12 .......... Tower Hill Legacies

15 .......... Graduation 2014

20 .......... Tower Hill School News

22 .......... Welcome to New Faculty and Staff

24 .......... Around Tower Hill

26 ......... What’s New in the Math and Science Center

28 ......... disABILITIES Awareness: It’s About the Person!

31 .......... Teachers as Learners

32 .......... U.S. Presidential Scholars National Recognition Weekend

33 ......... Reunion and Homecoming 2013

34 ......... Reunion and Homecoming 2014

37 .......... Class Notes

49 ......... In Memoriam

50.......... Alumni and Donor Events

2 Tower Hill BulletinSummer 2014

t was 1975, America was deep in recession—9% unemployment, 9% infl ation—Delaware public schools were reeling from the “court ordered busing” crisis and my mom and dad, Fran and Jimmy Flynn, were about to make a crazy fi nancial decision: They were going to give their six children the best education in the world, regardless of cost or sacrifi ce. Jimmy was a coach and physical education instructor at the University of Delaware; Fran had left her teaching job at Brookside Elementary to be home with the kids, then ages 12,

PAYING IT FORWARD

T O W E R H I L L A L U M S S U C C E E D

I

11, 9, 7, 5 and 3. There was no margin or savings, but we were okay. However, the schools were not. My brothers and I were bored, unchallenged and in big classes, while the focus seemed to be on court rulings and teacher contracts. Mom, with her education background, was particularly concerned for our future, and after returning one day from my 6th-grade parent-teacher conference, told me she would fi nd a way to get me to a better school. I took the test for Tower Hill and was admitted for 7th grade, with some fi nancial aid. The award was generous, but the tuition left a large bill that did not fi t in the Flynn family budget. Not even close. But Mom and Dad said, “We will fi nd a way.” So, one September day in 1975, I walked across the Kirkwood Highway, boarded the DART bus for Wilmington and began six years at Tower Hill, receiving an education that has helped make all my dreams come true. My brothers Terry, Dan and Michael later followed me at Tower Hill, entering in Middle or Upper School. My brother Jim chose Wilmington Friends, and my sister Tracey chose St. Mark’s.

My brothers and I quickly embraced Tower Hill’s “Multa Bene Facta” ethos. Sorely lacking in artistic talent, we tried to contribute on the fi eld. I was the quarterback of the football team and a pitcher in baseball. I wasn’t a particularly good athlete, but Tower Hill let me develop my passions. I played in the state baseball All-Star game and was All-Conference in both football and baseball, and I went on to play both at Johns Hopkins. My younger brothers were vastly more talented. Terry captained the football and track teams, and he was DISC 100m, 200m and pole vault champion both junior and senior years. He was on the student council, wrote for the Dial and was in Oklahoma, among other plays. Dan was a three-sport athlete who captained both football and baseball, was All-State in both football and baseball and helped lead Tower Hill to its 1987 baseball state championship. He also

By Jack Flynn ’81

Gathered this spring on DeGroat Field were (front row) Michael Gianforcaro ’19,

Katie Gianforcaro ’16, Jimmy Flynn, Thatcher Flynn ’26; Back row: Terry

Flynn ’85, George Gianforcaro ’15, Jack Flynn ’81, Dan Flynn ’89, Melissa “Missy” Wagner Flynn ’91 and Michael Flynn ’91. George, Michael and Katie are the children

of Tracey Flynn Gianforcaro (St. Mark’s ’86) and George Gianforcaro. Thatcher is the son

of Missy and Michael Flynn.

Tower Hill Bulletin Summer 2014 3

endowments as the most powerful way to magnify our donations and build strong scholarship funding for the future. Our goal is to bring a Tower Hill education within reach for students whose parents are willing to prioritize education, to make sacrifi ces as our parents did, but need some extra help to cover the tuition payment. If we can help tip the balance and bring more of the most talented kids in the region to Tower Hill, the school is improved for all students.

wrote for the Dial and performed in several plays. Michael, whose football and track pursuits were interrupted by an ACL injury, was a speedy running back and football captain and won the David E. Scherer Dramatics Award. Each one of us believes that it was Tower Hill’s outstanding teachers, coaches and mentors who helped us fully develop our potential.

At one point, Mom and Dad had two in college and four in private schools on a salary of less than $20,000 and no full scholarships. Of course the weekly food budget only lasted four or fi ve days, the house was nearly repossessed, the car was always breaking down and stranding us somewhere and our power was turned off. We never went to Disney; in fact, my parents were never able to pay for us to take any vacation, ever. It was all about priorities, Dad says. The best investment he could make was not in “stuff”, not in vacations, not in retirement savings...It was in the education of his children, and only the very best would do for his children. Today, Dad says it’s the best investment he and Mom ever made, as he watches his children—a surgeon, a teacher, a civil servant, a nurse, a business executive and an attorney—make huge fi nancial sacrifi ces to provide his grandchildren with a world class education of their own. Mom and Dad’s sacrifi ces were enormous, but their legacy is even bigger.

Now it’s time to pay it forward, and the stakes have never been higher. Fifty years ago, you could coast through a

bad high school and have an upper-middle-class lifestyle with a union job. I clearly remember sitting in our neighbor’s kitchen while my friend’s father mocked my parents for “wasting” money on high school and college. Mr. C said that his kids could leave Newark High, go straight to the Chrysler plant where he worked and make more money than we ever could, and even if we earned a little more, we would never make up for the money wasted on college. Back then, college gave you more opportunities, but not a huge economic advantage. Today, America is a land of widely divergent opportunities for kids. For those who work hard and are fortunate enough to receive a great education, our global, knowledge economy presents unlimited options. But there are talented kids who are bored, trapped in mediocre schools with a culture where peers discourage high achievement. These families are like ours 40 years ago. We must fi nd ways to level the playing fi eld, to put an extraordinary education in reach for those who are from limited means, but not limited dreams.

We have launched the Flynn Family Scholarship Fund at Tower Hill. We want to provide immediate partial scholarships and also start an endowment that will grow over time and spin off additional revenue to support scholarships in perpetuity. We believe in partial scholarships because humans do not seem to fully value things that are completely free. We believe in

The Flynn Family Scholarship Fund at Tower Hill The fund was inspired by the sacrifi ces made by Frances and Jimmy Flynn, both Delaware teachers, to give their children (Jack THS ’81, Jim WFS ’82, Terry THS ’85, Tracey SMHS ’86, Dan THS ’89 and Michael THS ’91) extraordinary educations. The goal of the Flynn Family Scholarship Fund is to pay forward on their vision: That a Tower Hill education should be in reach for those willing to make it a priority. The fund will assist with tuition for students entering or continuing in the Upper School at Tower Hill who have demonstrated academic excellence and ambition, with promise in athletics, music or the arts.

Tower Hill has some of the best teachers, facilities and educational leaders in America. The school’s reputation for producing well-educated and well-rounded students is widely recognized. But excellence in education comes at a price. It should not be out of reach for any family who prioritizes and sacrifi ces to give their children an education that makes dreams come true. The Flynn family encourages all Tower Hill graduates to pitch in and pay it forward, because the landscape now is even tougher than it was in 1975. They believe “to whom much is given, much will be expected.”

For information about the Flynn Family Scholarship Fund, contact Chief Advancement Offi cer Julie Topkis-Scanlan at 302.657.8353 or [email protected].


For the Flynn family, football is as big today as it was in 1991 when this photo appeared in the Evergreen yearbook on Michael’s senior page. Pictured are Jack ’81, Terry ’85, Dan ’89 and Michael ’91.



Kirby Smith, who exposed her to new techniques, mediums and artistic styles and encouraged her to blend concepts, textiles, paints and mediums together. In the structured environment of academia, Mr. Smith gave Audra a safe environment to stretch her creative expression. By our junior year, Audra was determined to pursue her dream of going to an art school. Many people—myself included—pressured her to change her path in favor of a more traditional college experience, but in true Audra fashion, her mind would not budge. She was accepted to the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) and began her new journey south of the Mason-Dixon line.

While at SCAD, Audra enrolled in the fashion program and spent countless

nights studying fabrics, styles and trends—harnessing her skills in preparation to work in the fashion industry. She often slept in the fabric bins in the studios, just trying to catch a few winks before another long day of designing began. Her work ethic was clearly well-recognized, when in 2010 Audra won two prestigious national fashion competitions—YMA Fashion Scholarship and the Cotton Incorporated Scholarship. She was also mentored by famed designer Zac Posen during her senior year. Her fi rst collection of work was shown in Savannah in May 2010 and proved that Audra was a talent worth watching. Her 1930s elegant and “haute couture” collection caught the eye of Andre Leon Talley, former fashion editor of Vogue America. Talley was so impressed with her work that he wrote a letter of recommendation to several Parisian couture houses, opening the door for her to pursue her dream. Audra was soon accepted as a “stagiare,” or intern, at the renowned French luxury fashion house Jeanne Lanvin. Even today, my ears still ring from the high pitched, squealing phone call I received when she told me the news. She was moving to Paris and her dreams were coming true!

By Margaret DeWees ’06

Beating Her Own Drum:

W hen we graduated from Tower Hill in 2006, Audra Noyes ’06 was just a wide-eyed, curly haired blonde with a set of well-used oil paints and a knack for breaking the dress code. When she walked out the doors of 2813 West 17th Street as a new graduate, no one, not even Audra herself, imagined she would be sharing the Paris fashion stage with designers like Dior, Lanvin and Givenchy in just a few short years.

Audra began her love affair with fashion design as a girl, constantly playing dress up with her parents’ clothes. As best friends, we grew up discovering new outfi ts to play with and new Halloween costumes to create. Audra’s play time slowly evolved into a mature and eclectic style. She paired Tower Hill-approved clothing with retro and vintage fi nds from her mother’s closet. Even as a young girl, she had an eye for styling and a desire to express herself through clothing—completely untethered to the trends and expectations of her peers. As the younger of two daughters, Audra has always marched to the beat of her own drum, which at times, beats so loudly it can seem like her very own parade.

While at Tower Hill, Audra was a strong student and dove headfi rst into her passions. The daughter of a doctor and a nurse, she had a passion for science—especially biology—and enjoyed making herself available to help her classmates, particularly me, get through diffi cult algebra problems. As a three-season athlete,Audra consistently led her teammates with laughter, strength and confi dence, even against insurmountable odds.

In Upper School, Audra took classes with her beloved art teacher and mentor

Margaret DeWees ’06 joins Audra for her debut at the Paris Fashion Week in October 2013, one of the most prominent fashion events in the world.

Audra Noyes ’06 talks with Tower

Hill art students in February 2014 about

her journey as an emerging designer.

Her passion to pursue art and design as a career began in her AP Studio Art class taught by Art Department Chair

Kirby Smith (right).


As the music started, the models paraded Audra’s garments onto the catwalk—ethereal, haunting and effortlessly graceful. Audra’s show consisted of three sections—Caterpillar, Cocoon and Butterfl y—designed to refl ect the seasons of growth that a young woman experiences as she matures from a girl into a woman. The garments showed Audra’s personal experiences: the times she played dress up, too small to fi ll her dad’s over-sized shirts; her awkward season of growth as she put mismatched pieces together seeking self-expression; and fi nally, her season of glory, coming into herself and blossoming as the beautiful and confi dent woman she is today. To me, the meaning behind Audra’s designs adds another layer of brilliant creativity; they are not just fascinating works of art but an expression of who Audra is and the story of how she became that person.

Seeing Audra’s show come to life was the experience of a lifetime for both of us. We have shared countless experiences through our years at Tower Hill and beyond, and I could not be more proud of the quirky, curly-haired, paint-smudged girl I befriended all those years ago. If there is one thing I have learned from my dear friend, it is to follow the beat of your own drum, for it’s actually the beating of our own hearts and will always lead us where we are destined to go.

Audra’s collection is sold at Peter Kate in Greenville, Delaware. Visit www.audraoffi cial.com for more information.


With hopeful hearts, I helped Audra pack her bags and move to Paris for the greatest adventure of her life. I remember countless late-night Skype dates with my best friend, intently listening while she detailed the confusion of trying to work in an environment where she couldn’t understand anyone and how she got lost numerous times on the Metro. On the other hand, Audra was most defi nitely loving all of the pastries.

While at Lanvin, Audra worked under two designers, allowing her to grow her draping, embroidery and concept development skills. She was chosen to draw the collection imitating the famous hand of Lanvin’s Creative Director, Alber Elbaz. This allowed her to explore the workings of the “atelier,” or studio, discuss construction with the pattern makers and try her hand as an illustrator. Upon fi nishing her time at Lanvin, she

joined John Galliano, where she assisted the head designer in all aspects of design from concept development to styling the lookbooks.

After three years of working under world-renowned designers and learning the ins and outs of French luxury fashion, that “Audra drum” started beating once again—loudly and incessantly telling her it was time to stretch her creativity, just as it had in the art studios of Tower Hill. In the spring of 2013, the company AUDRA became a reality. She began acquiring a team of talented and dedicated employees who are still by her side today, and together, they created, organized, styled and launched a breathtaking collection of 37 looks, which she debuted at Paris Fashion Week in September 2013.

On a warm fall day, our families arrived in Paris in support of our glowing “golden girl.” I knew Audra had been working hard the last few weeks building up to the show, but I had not expected to see a sleep-deprived zombie. Her new collection was like a newborn, and she was its doting, ever-caring and exhausted mother. Finally, the day had come for Audra to stake her claim in the luxury fashion market. One by one, the room fi lled up with bloggers, photographers, journalists and fashion editors. A gorgeous, white-walled warehouse with 50-foot ceilings and rooftop skylights that smelled faintly of macaroons and café was buzzing with anticipation of the big reveal.

SUCCESS ON THE RUNWAY

Audra Noyes ’06, center in the pink vest, stands with models wearing her AUDRA fashion line.

When she walked out the doors of 2813 West 17th Street as a new graduate, no one, not even Audra herself, imagined she would be sharing the Paris fashion stage with designers like Dior, Lanvin and Givenchy in just a few short years. –Margaret DeWees ’06



Explore, Experience and Express:

TAKING PLAY TO A NEW LEVEL

By Chris Byrne ’74

I was, for all intents and purposes, born into Tower Hill. My parents had arrived from The Rectory School two years prior to join the faculty, and for the next 17 years, Tower Hill would be part of my life pretty much 24/7. We hear about “Tower Hill families,” but our lives and the life of the school were completely entwined. And when we moved into what is now the Alumni House at the end of my 8th grade year, the near total immersion was complete. Friends of mine today are always surprised to hear that, with the help of a good pair of binoculars, I could lie in bed and see into my 10th and 11th grade homerooms. So, when I graduated in June 1974, it seemed, certainly to a solipsistic teenager’s mind, that I was fi nally breaking free. I practically sneered, when I sang, “O’er the earth our feet may wander, back we come at last...” Because I was out of there.

In the ensuing 40 years, however, I’ve come to appreciate the metaphor, as I discovered fairly soon after graduation how fortunate I had been and began to develop a profound appreciation for the ways in which the accident of my birth, the choices of my parents and the dedication of the faculty—even those with whom I had sometimes rocky relationships—and the lifelong relationships I formed as far back as Lower School have enriched my life. They are also an indelible part of who I am—part of what I keep coming back to. And to think I never credited Helen Steers Burgess ’23—writer of the alma mater—with anything but post-Edwardian gusto.

And lest one think that nostalgia is causing me to paint a rosy picture of the past, I had all the garden-variety angst and upsets that go with being a kid and teenager trying to fi gure out who I was and where I fi t in. Certainly, though, in what I’ve observed working with young people over the years, the community of Tower Hill—where it was virtually

As a researcher, analyst and consultant, Chris Byrne works with

Fortune 100 companies tracking kid trends and related product

development and marketing. He is regularly sourced by the

investment community for insights into aspects of the toy and children’s

products industries.

Right: Chris Byrne’s book Toy Time, published in October 2013, is an

exploration and celebration of the toys that roused our imaginations, shaped our memories and touched our lives.



impossible to drop out of sight—made this inevitable part of growing up more manageable.

When I look back today, I think that the most important thing I got out of Tower Hill was an ability to learn, to analyze a situation and think imaginatively and see possibility, regardless of subject matter. I was an indifferent math student at best, but when Mrs. Kelly said, “let’s close our books and reason together,” that would turn out to have implications that went way beyond geometry, particularly when considered relevant to the contemporary educational environment where the drive for results can eclipse the process of learning. I’m not sure we knew how much at the time, but the bar was set high for us, and there was help when we needed it. Again, something I’ve observed with kids as I’ve worked in literacy programs is that when there are high standards and a support system, kids work harder to reach them and the results are signifi cantly better.

While the physical plant at Tower Hill is vastly more sophisticated than when I was a student, there were plenty of opportunities to engage in the arts as well. Mr. Bourgeault and Mr. Scherer, in particular, helped me nurture my innate love of music and theater, and when I left Tower Hill for Boston University’s theater program, I thought that’s where my life would go. Arriving in New York with my newly minted B.F.A., I worked as a stage manager in some pretty sketchy places on some pretty wretched shows, way, way off Broadway. Later I worked with a small Shakespeare company, which was a big step up, though only marginally closer to Broadway.

For all its romanticized glamour, however, building a career in the theater is not easy. One of my mentors at BU had always said, “If you fi nd something else that makes you as happy, do it.” And that’s what happened as my “day job” at a publishing company owned by CBS

writing promotions for college textbooks led to a job in the creative department of CBS Toys. Over the next six years, I was able to learn the business from the ground up and discovered a love of research and an ability to understand science and math when related to manufacturing that would have left Mrs. Kelly—and Mr. Chase, for that matter—gobsmacked. More importantly, though, I became fascinated with the sociology of play, play in cognitive, social and emotional development and of course the role of toys in all that. Eventually I was handling PR for the division, which allowed us to do all kinds of great programs with kids and learning as well. After CBS folded the toy division, I was invited to help launch a new board game—and spent the next 18 months traveling the country, playing Pictionary with just about anyone who would play with me and my team. In 1988, I launched my own company consulting on product development and research and writing about toys. Shortly thereafter, I got a call from a TV producer asking if I’d come on a show and talk about toys. There really has been one sentence that has guided my career, “Sure, I’ll try that.” So I did. It’s been a real privilege to be able to share my excitement over toys and play through that medium, not to mention such things as having buckets of slime dumped on my head on national TV.

Today, I work with an amazing team on a website devoted to toys and

play—www.TTPM.com—and that’s been another wild ride and amazing learning experience as the worlds of communication, marketing and even product development are changing at an unprecedented speed. (During many of my years at Tower Hill, the computer sat in an offi ce under the stairs on the lower fl oor and used punch cards and tape. I avoided it.) I’ve also continued to write and last year published Toy Time, a look back at some of the most beloved toys from the 1950s to the 1980s. I continue to study and write about play and its impacts and am currently working on research on how the principles of play can enhance innovation and productivity in business.

I’ve been privileged to speak all over the world on toys and play, and every time I get off a plane in a new country, I vividly remember sitting in Mrs. McDougal’s 3rd grade classroom and looking at pictures in our social studies text, Exploring the Old World—which we, with the level of humor that only kids that age can muster, called Exploring the Old Junkyard—and I marvel at how many I’ve seen. And I didn’t have to give up theater completely. I write reviews for various publications, journals and websites and belong to the Drama Desk, a critics’ organization, that provides me with the opportunity to see about 200 shows a year and work with young people hoping to foster their appreciation for and love of theater as well, whether as a profession or for developing skills with much broader application.

Mostly, though, I’ve managed to achieve that third grader’s dream—how to make every day all about play. Play really serves three functions in our lives: to explore our worlds, experience new things and express ourselves. The toys and the stories may change as we age, but its function and its benefi ts never do.

The Dial staff gathers for the 1974 Evergreen yearbook photo. Chris, seated in the center, participated in many activities, including the Lit Page, band, chorus and drama productions.



and biggest supporters sitting beside me. When I left high school, I was tremendously proud of my little sister, who had grown into a female role model and carrier of the Multa Bene Facta torch.

Transitioning to North Carolina from Tower Hill, Meghan instantly gained recognition due to her selection to the sacrosanct UNC women’s fi eld hockey team. However, Meghan’s journey at UNC was not simply defi ned by her experiences on the fi eld. She chartered new paths with the groundbreaking business journalism program and developed innovative programs such as raising awareness about skin cancer, while also serving on numerous administrative bodies, including the prestigious North Carolina Honor Court. Never one to take her responsibilities lightly, Meghan balanced her commitment to the fi eld hockey team, her extracurricular responsibilities and her studies to become a contributing force on the Tar Heel campus. Meghan embodied all the fi ner points of Multa Bene Facta as a Tar Heel and moved the goal posts further down her educational journey.

Meghan approached campus challenges with a degree of innovation more like an entrepreneur than a college student. Therefore, when she graduated from UNC in May 2013, it was no surprise

that she would join a progressive company like Google in the fall and serve as an innovator in the nascent technology sector: the Google+ Hangout.

Meghan’s career started off with a series of accomplishments only dreamed about by young college graduates. She interviewed famous athletes, joined in launching a Google+ Hangout with NFL draft prospects, helped pioneer Google’s classroom initiative and participated in bringing the NFL Super Bowl experience to life for Denver Bronco fans. However, more impressive than her list of accolades, Meghan continues to push the creative envelope, redefi ning the bounds of positive human interactions via technology. We are now able to connect athletic role models with aspiring youth all over the world.

Refl ecting on Meghan’s accomplishments, I cannot wait to see what the future holds for this promising businesswoman. Her artistic prowess and understanding of humanity will serve her well as she continues on her journey to many more things done well.

A PLUS FOR Google+ By Garrett Lyons ’08

reative talent. Networking mastermind. Passionate supporter. Dedicated family member. Refl ecting on Meghan Lyons ’09’s career as a student-athlete at Tower Hill, a standout scholar-athlete at the University of North Carolina (UNC) and an entrepreneurial innovator at Google, there may not be four better attributes that encompass her persona. As an older brother, I’ve watched Meghan’s growth from the kid who always loved fi lming skits with her siblings to one of the national stars of Google+ Hangouts, an instant messaging and group video chat platform launched by Google in 2013. While her travels have certainly multiplied over the past few years, her pathway will always bear elements from the formative years of her life spent at Tower Hill.

As a Tower Hill “lifer,” Meghan embodied the creed of Multa Bene Facta. Her journey as a Hiller included seven state championships, numerous all-conference and all-state awards and academic and community service accomplishments. Meghan was a diligent student, creating color-coded outlines and meticulous notes that spoke to her willingness to refi ne her educational experience down to a precise science. More importantly, her classroom personality enlivened discussions and her keen insights into textual passages often left a mark on other students. Over the course of my time at Tower Hill, I had the pleasure of taking my second semester senior English class with Meghan. As most people are aware, sibling dynamics are always tough to navigate. However, I arrived at class every day and demanded to sit next to my sister! While we would certainly engage in some light verbal banter, as siblings do, I would always take comfort knowing that I had one of my best friends

Meghan Lyons, right, in Google’s

New York offi ce with co-worker

and UNC alumna, Abby

Bouchon.

C

PH

OTO

BY

CH

RIS

KLE

ME

NS


commented, “I don’t think a strong regional alumni club should be limited to universities and colleges. At Tower Hill, you spend the fi rst 18 years of your life with these people, and these shared experiences create a very unique bond, very different from the people you spend time with in college. It’s great to catch up with people you haven’t seen; even alumni a decade older or younger, we all have so much in common.”

While at Tower Hill, Chris was a three-sport athlete. He played varsity soccer and basketball and was a captain of the track team. In track, he set and continues to hold the school record for the fastest 400m dash (FAT). His proudest moment was winning the 2001 Division II Track State Championship with seven fellow Hillers. Chris continued his track career at UVA where he competed for three years.

While Chris enjoys reconnecting with the Tower Hill community, the school has benefi tted from this young alum’s continued involvement with his alma mater. We are thankful that he has shown not only a way to celebrate the school but to support it as well.


Above: The Casscells family gathers for Tower Hill’s Tree Trim celebration.

Right: Chris Casscells ’02 and George Mueller ’01 enjoy catching up at the regional alumni reception in New York City last April. Chris ran track during his years at Tower HIll.

Connecting ALUMNI By Kathy Warner, Director of Alumni Programs

Hillers in the area and help make it a success. For the past three years, the alumni attendance at the reception has increased, which has encouraged more faculty and staff to travel to the event to reconnect with former students and other community members. When it came time for his 10th year reunion, Chris headed up the recruiting and planning efforts for his class. In fact, the Class of 2002 had a record reunion turnout and much of that was the direct result of his efforts to encourage people to return for Homecoming.

It might be said that Chris was destined to attend Tower Hill. His father Dr. Christopher Casscells ’71 was a lifer, and his uncle S. Ward (Trip) Casscells ’74 and two aunts, Margaret Casscells Hamby ’78 and Anne Casscells ’76, attended as well. After medical school at UVA, Chris’ father returned to Delaware to join his father’s orthopaedic practice and sent his three children—Nick ’04, Sara (Fry) ’05 and Chris ’02—to Tower Hill.

Making Chris’ connection to Tower Hill even stronger than just family history are the relationships and friendships he made while attending school. Chris

C hris Casscells ’02 currently resides in New York City and has worked at Fox News Channel for the last eight years. He lives a very active lifestyle, playing squash and softball in his free time. In the winter he loves to ski. When he’s not working, he spends time vacationing in the Outer Banks with his siblings and parents. Even with his busy, active big-city life, he continues to stay involved and connected with Tower Hill.

Chris started attending Tower Hill’s NYC alumni reception in 2008. Early on, he helped spread the word to other young alumni in the area generating interest for the event.

“It’s a great way to stay connected with the Tower Hill community and at the same time spend an evening with old friends and classmates,” he said.

After attending the 2011 reception, Chris called and graciously offered to host the reception at the Yale Club the following year. The Library at the Yale Club turned out to be the perfect venue for the event and was very well-received by the attendees. Chris took it upon himself to promote the event to fellow


By Oremia Caimi, Upper School Language • Edited by Coleen Hubler, Upper School English

I doubt if Ellis has ever been to one of several online sites that rate teachers. For most educators, a sojourn to one of these venues can be a rather disquieting and bruising experience, since they tend to focus on the less positive. Unlike many, though, Ellis probably would not want to look, not because he fears negative comments, but because of his genuine humility. So I decided to do so in his place and was impressed, but not the least bit surprised, by what I found. Ellis, of course, received an excellent numerical rating. However, it was through the words of those he has taught that one could gain a real sense of the effect he has had on former Tower Hill students. One wrote, “He is honestly one of the most intelligent men I have ever met and is by far the most refi ned in his teaching style. You have truly missed out if you don’t get him as a teacher during your time at Tower Hill.” Another added, “Anyone interested in becoming an

amazing teacher should study Wasson’s approach. Simple, effective; he knows EVERYTHING.” Likewise, in a memory book created for Ellis’ retirement, William Spruance ’14 remarked, “We are all very grateful for the tremendous impact [Ellis Wasson] had on our lives. [Dr. Wasson] changed how I approached academics, sparked my love of history and helped drive my passion for politics. Only my parents have had a greater infl uence on my studies and academic interests.” Clearly his former students offer high praise for an outstanding teacher, who for 23 years at Tower Hill and three decades at the University of Delaware as an adjunct professor has dedicated himself to instilling a love of learning in all those who enter his classroom.

This high praise is well-earned. Ellis does know almost everything, but he is neither boastful nor pretentious in his wisdom; rather he has a quiet, informative presence, which imparts his knowledge to others based on their interests. For instance, he knew of my love of architecture, so he invited my husband and me to a lecture at the Athenaeum in Philadelphia, which inspired us to become members. We have been enjoying our association with the organization for more than 15 years. What a wonderful gift of knowledge and enjoyment he has given us through this simple gesture.

Most are aware that Ellis earned his Ph.D. in British history at Cambridge. He is the author of a number of books, including an AP European History study guide. He is a contributor to

GREATNESS{ {The Iconic Symbol of

“I f there were a Mount Rushmore for Tower Hill teachers, it’s very safe to say that Dr. Ellis Wasson would be on it. Rarely does one fi nd a combination of utmost erudition and kindness; unquestioned knowledge and empathy. You know him as a master teacher in the classroom, but he has also been an untiring advocate for students and making sure their voices and perspectives are represented in everything we do at the faculty and administrative levels. We have speakers in the Forum series he oversees that are renowned experts in their fi elds, but somehow they still pale in comparison to the stature Dr. Wasson has attained. We never could get him to put on a pair of Levi’s during a jeans day, but his attire is yet one more example of the class and dignity he has brought to Tower Hill every day for the last 23 years.”

Dr. Daniel E. Hickey, Associate Head of School and Head of Upper School, delivered this fi tting tribute for Dr. Ellis Wasson at the Awards Assembly last May. Dan and those of us in the Tower Hill community who know Ellis understand the impact of his retirement. For more than two decades, he has been History department chair, teacher, colleague and friend. He has enriched Tower Hill in many ways, most recognizably through the Forum series of lectures but also in a more meaningful way as an educator who connects on a personal level with his students and engenders in them a genuine love of learning, while earning their admiration and respect.

Dr. Ellis Wasson


scholarly journals, several of which are associated with English history. As with his students, he has also expanded and broadened my interest in history. It is an honor to have a number of his works—especially one that he personally inscribed. Having the opportunity to hear curator, author and TV presenter Dr. Lucy Worsley, guest speaker for The Royal Oak Foundation, has broadened my horizons and provided scholarly entertainment.

Despite his prestigious curriculum vitae, Ellis does not consider himself too distinguished nor take himself so seriously that he is not willing to participate in other aspects of school life outside his own discipline. For example, he was associated with two hypothetical murderous events at Tower Hill, the result of his volunteering to participate in the forensic science unit of Leigh Thompson’s Chemistry course. For this lesson, Ms. Thompson presented students with scenarios in which their teachers were either suspects or victims in murder plots. In “Where’s Wasson?” and “Señora’s Somber Siesta,” Ellis was victim and assassin, respectively.

History is defi ned as the study of past events, particularly in human affairs. While Ellis recognizes historical conventions, he is not buried in the past, but rather always links tradition to the present and future. He will

emphasize this connection between past, present and future next year when he is scheduled to come back to campus to work on the Tower Hill archival initiative in preparation for the 2019 centennial celebration. His lunch table companions are eagerly anticipating his return so that those of us who for years have shared time and a meal with him can continue to enjoy the spirited and companionable conversations we had on topics both serious and amusing. Ellis has a wonderful sense of humor and a quick wit that often had everyone laughing so loudly that the students, known for their boisterous conversations, paused to look in the direction of a table full of teachers being all too similar to themselves.

Recently, I took the opportunity to ask Ellis to summarize his years at Tower

Hill in one word. As he thought and carefully considered, I had time to ask myself a related question: What single word would I choose to best describe his tenure at Tower Hill? Legendary was one of the fi rst that came to mind, quickly expanding to associated synonyms: remarkable, celebrated, renowned, esteemed, popular, distinguished, eminent and illustrious. While I pondered what a Renaissance man Ellis is, his answer cut into my thoughts and was surprising in its simplicity, but typical of him, “Fun!”

I realized then that in my zeal to pay tribute to a dear friend and colleague as admired and respected as Ellis Wasson has been to the Tower Hill community, it was easy to become overly sentimental and solemn. Yet, he has made it clear since he announced his retirement that this is the very reaction he does not want. In an effort to conform to those wishes, while also allowing one fi nal acknowledgement regarding the signifi cance of his departure, I must say, as Dan Hickey knew all along, Ellis should be on the Mt. Rushmore of Tower Hill. After all, monuments are built to commemorate a notable person or event, but I would urge the artist to capture Ellis’ warm smile and personality that have always been there for all of us to see.

Forum speaker Gwen Ifi ll, PBS Newshour and Washington Week host, joins History teacher Arturo Bagley and Dr. Wasson before her talk with students about The Media and Electoral Politics.

The spectacular Forum series of lectures, made possible by the Rappolt family, has been led by Dr. Wasson since its inception 16 years ago.

The work Dr. Wasson has done in the classroom is, arguably, the most important of his contributions. He has inspired interest, developed skills, imparted knowledge and remained a positive role model for students for over two decades.


TOWER HILL

Elizabeth (Lizzy) du Pont ’14 and her father John E. B. du Pont ’75. Not pictured is Lizzy’s sister Emily ’12. The du Pont family believes that Tower Hill has prepared each of them in many ways to better succeed in life. The lessons and education learned over the years have been invaluable.

Andrew W. Edmonds lll ’14 and his sister Barbara A. Edmonds ’13, grandchildren of Andrew W. Edmonds ’52 and great-great grandchildren of one of Tower Hill’s founders, Lammot du Pont.

Eliza Gardner ’14 and her father W. Whitfi eld Gardner ’81. Eliza’s brothers, Greg and Jay, are in the Class of 2017 and 2024, respectively.

Austin Gray ’14 and his father Brad Gray ’80. Austin’s sister Brynn is a member of the Class of 2017.


Courtney Hayman ’14 with her father LaMontz (Monty) Hayman ’87 and aunt Stephanie Hayman-Lambert ’88. Courtney’s sister Brooke is a member of the Class of 2015.

’ h h f h ( )

David (Dave) Hobbs ’14 with his father George Hobbs ’75 and his sister Mary Hobbs ’09, who is returning to Tower Hill this fall to teach Middle School Science. Dave’s sister Natalie is in the Class of 2018. Legacies are important to the Hobbs family. Not only have Mary, Dave and Natalie attended Tower Hill like their father, aunts, uncles and cousins, but Mary attended Haverford like her father and Dave will be attending Yale, like his uncle and cousins.

Michael Patrick (Pat) Kelly, Jr. ’14 with his father Michael Patrick Kelly ’75 and his sister Joanna Gerard Kelly ’10. Not pictured is Pat’s aunt Mary Ann Kelly MacDonald ’79 and uncle John D. Kelly IV ’75. The Tower Hill motto Many Things Done Well has encouraged the Kelly family to pursue excellence in academics and athletics.

Jaime Manlove ’14 with her mother Vici Yelton Manlove ’79, aunt Lyn Yelton ’71 and uncle Bruce Yelton ’67. Not pictured are David Yelton ’62 and Rhett Yelton ’64.


TOWER HILL

Benjamin Watson ’14 with his aunt Elisabeth Watson Blair-Johns ’78, uncle Andrew Watson ’83 and father Robert Watson ’81. Ben’s sister Ellie is in the Class of 2017.

Thomas (Kitchel) Chilton ’14 with his uncle Harold Murray Sawyer III (Chip) ’93, great-grandmother Helen Lloyd Kitchel Gawthrop (Nonie) ’40 and mother Ann Sawyer Chilton ’85. Not pictured is Amy Greenwood Sawyer ’88. Kitchel’s sister Sawyer will graduate next year with the Class of 2015. Kitchel is part of a long generation of Hillers from the Gawthrop, Sawyer and Chilton families. He is the 4th generation to graduate from Tower Hill on his mother’s side and a 3rd generation on his father’s side.

William Halsey Spruance III ’14 with his father William Halsey Spruance Jr. ’81 and his grandfather William Halsey Spruance ’56. William’s brother Jamie is in the Class of 2017.


Graduation 2014


Class of 2014 By the NumbersCollege Admission

More than $2.5 million in merit-based scholarships

Admitted to...

Columbia UniversityCornell UniversityDuke UniversityGeorgetown UniversityLehigh UniversityNorthwestern University

Academics

U.S. Presidential Scholar: 1

National Merit Commended Students: 10National Achievement Scholarship Program Finalist: 1

National Achievement Scholarship Program Participant: 1

American Chemical Society Exam: First, Second and Fourth Place (tie) in Delaware

Serving the Community3,020 service hours in Upper School

Jefferson Awards for Public Service: 2Jefferson Awards Students in Action—Gold Award: 1President’s Volunteer Service Award: 1DuPont Service Award: 1

Tulane UniversityUniversity of VirginiaU.S. Merchant Marine AcademyYale University...and more! See page 18.

17Summer 2014Tower Hill Bulletin

AthleticsIndividual All-Conference Awards: 39Conference Championships: 9State Championships: 2Individual All-State Awards: 4National Academic Squad Awards: 2All-County Award: 1First county championship in track in Tower Hill’s history

First undefeated season in football since 1959

Arts

National High School Flute Choir: 1All-National Honors Ensemble: 1All-State Chorus: 1All-State Band: 2Scholastic Writing Awards: 2Scholastic Art Awards: 3Golden Key Music International Festival Award: 1


Yasi BastaniaslSt. Joseph’s University

Kitchel ChiltonLynchburg College

Mark ChristieWashington College

Josephine ChuCornell University

Jimmy DamewoodThe Johns Hopkins University

Natasha DevAmerican University

Russell DiGateUniversity of Rochester

Alexandra du PontUniversity of Colorado—Boulder

Elizabeth du PontDrexel University

Andrew EdmondsJohn Jay College of Criminal Justice

Kaeini EkongUniversity of Delaware

Amelia EllimanUniversity of Colorado—Boulder

Eliza GardnerWake Forest University

Matthew GatesVirginia Tech

Ireland GibsonNew York University

Austin GrayColorado State University

Sammy HaqUniversity of Rochester

Courtney HaymanUniversity of Tampa

David HobbsYale University

Kai InguitoUniversity of Delaware Honors

Beau IskenUniversity of Delaware

Michael Patrick KellyUniversity of Miami

Jermaine KnottsWidener University

Rachel LeagueGeorgetown University

Julia LindsayKenyon College

Jaime ManloveUniversity of Delaware

Benjamin ManningLehigh University

Christopher MartelUniversity of Delaware

Zachary MekusWashington University in St. Louis

Carina MillerColumbia University

Samuel MurphyUniversity of Georgia

Zachary NitscheBoston College

Meghan OkoniewskiUniversity of Delaware

Rodney OrrNorthwestern University

Bradley PedanoHigh Point University

Austin RafettoTexas Christian University

Vanna RamirezSkidmore College

Julia ReithOccidental College

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CLASS OF 2014William RollinsDuke University

Grace RovnerUniversity of Alabama—Tuscaloosa

Thomas SchornHigh Point University

William ShegogHobart and William Smith Colleges

Jake SimonBucknell University

Claude Isaiah SmallsMorehouse College

Peter SmithTrinity College

Isabel SobieskiSouthern Methodist University

William SpruanceVanderbilt University

Michael StackUniversity of Delaware Honors

Nicholas ThompsonCollege of Charleston

Jamie TiganiUniversity of Delaware

Grier Wakefi eldUnited States Merchant

Marine Academy

Benjamin WatsonUniversity of Richmond

Harrison Cole WenzelUniversity of Richmond

Elizabeth WuerstleThe Johns Hopkins University

Sophie XueUniversity of Rochester

Madeleine YemcUniversity of Notre Dame

Miranda YurginSavannah College of Art and Design

T ower Hill’s 94th Annual Graduation Exercises occurred on Saturday, May 31, 2014. Elizabeth (Wiz) Applegate ’79 gave the invocation, followed by greetings from Headmaster Harry Baetjer. William Spruance, class president, and Ben Watson, the class-selected speaker, addressed the graduates and guests. Class of 2014 member Ireland Gibson introduced Charles Sharon, Lower School teacher and coach, who delivered the commencement address. Headmaster Baetjer, Board Chair Dr. Earl Ball and Upper School Head and Assistant Headmaster Dr. Dan Hickey presented diplomas to members of the Class of 2014. Following the ceremony, the graduates and their guests celebrated with a reception at the Hayward House.

For photos, video, speeches and more, go to www.towerhill.org/graduation2014


PARENT RECOGNITION The following parents were recognized for having accumulated 20 or more “student years” at Tower Hill School. Their last Tower Hill student is graduating with the Class of 2014.

Ms. Lisa S. DiGate: 24 years Dr. Russell J. DiGate: 24 years Mr. & Mrs. Alfred B. du Pont: 28 years Mr. & Mrs. John E. B. du Pont: 28 years Mr. & Mrs. Andrew W. Edmonds, Jr.: 24 years Dr. Caroline I. Ekong: 22 years Dr. Ekong A. Ekong: 22 years Mr. & Mrs. D. Trowbridge Elliman III: 36 years Mr. & Mrs. David C. Gates: 25 years Mr. & Mrs. Paul A. Isken: 27 years Mr. & Mrs. Michael P. Kelly: 28 years Mr. & Mrs. Edward H. Murphy: 32 years Dr. & Mrs. Louis K. Rafetto: 28 years Mr. & Mrs. G. Stevenson Smith, Jr.: 25 years Mr. & Mrs. Robert S. Watson: 24 years

FACULTY AWARDS AND RECOGNITION Cum Laude Induction Carol Pepper, John Robinson, Frank Singles, Leigh Thompson (Honorary)

Timothy B. Golding Endowed Faculty Chair in English Jill Zehner

Faculty Chair in Lower School Samantha Spruance

William Lloyd Kitchel II Endowed Faculty Chair Elizabeth (Wiz) Applegate ’79

Tower Hill recognized departing members of the faculty and staff who have contributed signifi cantly during their years of service.

Dr. Ellis Wasson: 23 years Kathy Williams: 16 years Peter Rust: 12 years Diane Smith: 12 years Leigh Thompson: 11 years Dr. Kevin Ruth: 10 years

AWARDS CEREMONY—MAY 30, 2014Cum Laude Induction Seniors inducted at the beginning of their senior year: Josephine Fongyu Chu James Kent Damewood David Sullivan Hobbs Carina Suejean Miller William Halsey Spruance III Madeleine Grace Yemc

Seniors inducted at the awards ceremony: Eliza Ann Gardner Matthew Aaron Gates Galicano Kai Labio Inguito III Rachel Nicole League Zachary Ryan Nitsche

Haon Award In Art Vanna M. Ramirez Miranda Kaylie Yurgin

David E. Scherer Dramatics Award Julia Lauren Reith Harrison Cole Wenzel Certifi cate of Honor: Rodney Dawan Orr Jr.

Algard Mathematics Award James Kent Damewood David Sullivan Hobbs Certifi cate Of Honor: Carina Suejean Miller

Frank C. Ashby Language Award Josephine Fongyu Chu Zachary Ryan Nitsche

Hugh Atkins English Award Elizabeth Nicholle Wuerstle

P. Edward Hughes History Award William Halsey Spruance IIICertifi cate of Honor: Zachary Ryan Nitsche

Crichton Science Award James Kent Damewood David Sullivan Hobbs Carina Suejean Miller

William J. Carveth Music Award Josephine F. Chu Carina Suejean Miller Certifi cate of Honor: Julia McPheeters Lindsay Certifi cate of Honor: Rodney Dawan Orr Jr.

Tower Hill School Community Service Award Rachel Nicole League

Tower Hill School Athletic Awards Thomas Kitchel Chilton Ireland Gabrielle Gibson Samuel Joseph Murphy Certifi cate of Honor: Michael Patrick Kelly Jr.Certifi cate of Honor: Peter Bruun-Andersen SmithCertifi cate of Honor: Harrison Cole Wenzel Certifi cate of Honor: Elizabeth Nicholle Wuerstle

Spiller Achievement Award Bradley James Pedano Jamie Pala Tigani

Trustees’ Award for Academic Excellence James Kent Damewood David Sullivan Hobbs

Trustees’ Award for Service Benjamin Robert Watson

Alison Arsht Leadership Award Zachary Ryan Nitsche

U.S. Presidential Scholar Josephine Fongyu Chu

National Merit Commended Students Josephine Fongyu Chu James Kent Damewood Courtney Azaria Taylor Hayman David Sullivan Hobbs Rachel Nicole League Zachary John Mekus Carina Suejean Miller Jeffrey William Rollins Jr. Michael Ryan Stack Madeleine Grace Yemc

National Achievement Scholarship ProgramFinalist:

Courtney Azaria Taylor HaymanOutstanding Participation: Claude Isaiah Smalls II

Loretta Moniz: 8 years Nancy Schuckert: 7 years Valeri Stanton: 7 years Judith Kennedy: 6 years Lisa Lindert: 1 year


By Jacquelyn L. Hamilton, Head ofLower School

Our Lower School is a place where children are valued, nurtured and challenged to reach beyond

their potential. We continually focus our efforts to create a program that captures the essence of what childhood and education can be at its very best—one that is full of infi nite possibilities, exploration, imagination and enchantment. Further, we work to instill and encourage a love of learning and a sense of wonder in each Lower School child.

Last summer, Tower Tot teacher Jean Snyder was a volunteer for the Ocean Isle Beach Turtle Protection Organization in North Carolina. For the past four years, Tower Tots have studied the endangered sea turtles and earned money through a bake sale to adopt and support a nest of turtles. Jean worked with a team that assisted 114 hatchlings to safely enter the Atlantic Ocean. As part of her work, Jean created a movie that highlights her activity to enrich her students’ learning experience. We are delighted that this year’s Tower Tot preschool class was presented with the prestigious Jefferson Award for Public and Community Service.

By Paul Capodanno, Head of Middle School

Many Things Done Well was unquestionably the theme for the Middle School for the 2013-14 school year. The students

in 5th through 8th grades performed very well in academics, athletics, arts and

An addition to the Prekindergarten curriculum this year was Pageturners. Developed through a partnership between the reading specialist Erica Shippen and the Prekindergarten teachers, Pageturners is a book club through which small groups of students work with a teacher to increase language and literacy development utilizing guided book discussions. Each book discussion focuses exclusively on a developmentally appropriate comprehension strategy. These strategies, along with instruction and discussion, complement the students’ language and critical thinking development. This early literacy experience with books and discussion will, in turn, support the foundation for a successful transition to literacy-based experiences in our Lower School.

Also new to Prekindergarten this year was a series of arts residences that utilized the expertise of specialist faculty to give our young learners enriched experiences that coincided with the units and themes of this school year. There were residencies introducing the children to the ballet The Nutcracker, one combining cooking and literature utilizing the story Stone Soup and one introducing the children to orchestral instruments.

Just as the school experienced an infusion of energy from the recently completed Math and Science Center, so did our Kindergarten drama program.

Students had the opportunity to learn for the very fi rst time at Tower Hill dance partnered with theater! Through dance, emphasis was placed on gross motor skills, refi ning control, extended movement and the articulation of space relationships with young bodies. Drama Department Chair Darla Max focused on creative and interactive play.

Third Grade faculty and Dr. Amy Cuddy, School Psychologist, revised and expanded Friendship Class. Lessons were developed on the Lower School code of conduct and the concepts of honesty, respect and responsibility.

Math teacher Samantha Spruance began working with some of our students to strengthen executive function skills through work in our Math Lab. Elements of Singapore Math have been utilized in combination with other math programs in Math Lab. One focus was, “What makes ten?” The Math Lab also utilized its newly acquired interactive Smart Table to support mathematic processes and concepts.

As technology becomes an important resource for supporting the work that we do in teaching and in learning, digital literacy guides us as we develop methods to assist us in that effort. We have conducted in-school research to fi nd effective materials and methods for preparing our students and ourselves moving forward.

Tower Hill School News

LOWER SCHOOL

MIDDLE SCHOOL community service. Speaking on behalf of the Middle School faculty, I congratulate our students for their dedication and effort during the school year.

Academically, our students performed well in the classroom and in competitions outside of the classroom. Three students in 5th grade, six in 6th grade and one in 7th grade received outstanding recognition in the Math Olympiad international program. This year, a group of 12 8th grade students comprised two teams in the Delaware

Math League. Competing in four meets in our region, the two teams captured fi rst and second place and were invited to the statewide competition with 30 other schools. In the science area, 5th and 6th graders also captured top awards in the statewide Science Olympiad competition.

Middle School students were very active and successful in the area of music. Ten of our students in the 7th and 8th grade were selected for the 2013-14 All-State band and chorus. During


By Dan Hickey, Head of Upper School and Assistant Headmaster

It was another year full of memorable and diverse accomplishments for Upper School students. The

following includes but a sampling that illustrates the meaningful experiences that comprise what are, luckily for us, representative of a typical school year.

We held our fi rst annual leadership series for the student leaders. The series’ mission is to foster the growth of youth leadership by focusing on the development of various skills such as goal setting, communication, collaboration and implementation. Guest speakers address various leadership styles as well as have students identify and evaluate their personal philosophies on leading. In addition, Tower Hill won the Gold Banner for Leadership in Service from the Jefferson Awards.

The “Tower Hill Through the Ages” dance saw students dress up in their favorite Tower Hill decade to raise money for Darkness to Light, an organization that supports victims of child abuse. Proceeds from the dance were tripled by two outside donors. As part of our new Health and Decision Education program, an assembly was held on stress management. Additionally, seniors were also certifi ed in CPR.

On the travel front, we continued our French exchange with students from Lyon, had a trip to Madrid and Spain and witnessed our band and chorus receive multiple awards during their spring break trip to Disney World.

The Forum lecture series continued to inspire students with this year’s theme of “Sports: More Than Just a Game.” Highlights included a Blue-Gold panel, through which students learned not only of the genesis and growth of this noteworthy program that supports people with cognitive disabilities, but also Tower Hill’s prominent role in its founding and growth. To close the series, Pat Chambers, head coach of men’s

Tower Hill School News

MIDDLE SCHOOL , cont.

UPPER SCHOOL basketball at Penn State University, gave a stirring and motivational speech about staying positive in the midst of adversity and taking advantage of opportunities.

Another extremely successful athletic year was highlighted by three undefeated teams including football for the fi rst time in 54 years, men’s tennis for the fi rst time in 26 years and the women’s tennis team which has been undefeated fi ve seasons in a row and has a 54-game win streak. Men’s basketball had their best season in a decade, fi nishing 15-5 and qualifying for the state tournament. In addition, the 11th seeded volleyball team made it to the fi nal state tournament game for the fi rst time in school history. In track, senior Ireland Gibson was crowned state champion in the 800 meters with the fastest time in the state this year. Finally, of the 16 conference championships available in the DISC, Tower Hill teams took eight. Despite our size, our athletes continue to amaze.

the spring, our 7th and 8th grade musicians were invited to the Hershey Park competition, Music in the Parks Festival. The students put on an amazing performance and won the fi st place award for best band and chorus.

The athletic teams in the Middle School were not to be outdone. During the fall, the 7th and 8th grade fi eld hockey team had an undefeated 10-0 season. The 7th and 8th grade boys’ soccer team posted a record of 9-1-2. In the winter, the girls’ 7th and 8th grade B basketball team had a season record of 11-0. Lastly, in the spring, our girls’ 7th and 8th grade soccer teams fi nished their season with an overall record of 15-0.

The Middle School students participated in numerous service projects. They supported the Hiller Harvest, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Darius

Goes West, Halloween bake sale, Sprint to Spring for disABILITIES, the Middle School Fair and Gift of Service Week, as well as cleaned up Rising Sun Lane, wrote letters to troops in Afghanistan and made Thanksgiving baskets for Tower Hill staff. Students also raised and donated $2,900 for the Faculty Fund to Aid Students (FFAS) at Tower Hill.

We are all very proud of the many things done well by the students in

the Middle School. I would be remiss if I didn’t recognize dedicated faculty members who left Tower Hill at conclusion of the 2013-14 school year. These faculty members were teachers and advisors to many of our middle school students, and we wish them success in their future endeavors. They are Judy Kennedy (Reading), Peter Rust (Science) and Diane Smith (Reading).

“Many Things Done Well was unquestionably the theme for the Middle School for the 2013-2014 school year. The students in 5th through 8th grades performed very well in academics, athletics, arts and community service. Speaking on behalf of the Middle School faculty, I congratulate our students for their dedication and effort during the school year,” says Head of Middle School Paul Capodanno.


THERESA COLLURAFICI: RECEPTIONIST

Theresa comes to Tower Hill with almost 30 years of experience with NuCar Connection. Most recently, she was the payroll clerk and human resources representative responsible for administering employee benefi ts, hiring

and policies. Prior to that she was the receptionist and handled a number of accounting responsibilities.

DR. DOROTHY ESCOBAR: UPPER SCHOOL CHEMISTRY

Dorothy has a B.A. in biology and a M.S. and Ph.D. in pharmaceutics. After working in the business world, she took time off to take care for her family. Since then, she has been a tutor for the College Living Experience, a substitute teacher

and fi nally a chemistry and biology teacher at Chaminade-Madonna College Preparatory School in Hollywood, Florida, since August 2009.

MARY HOBBS ’09: MIDDLE SCHOOL SCIENCE

Tower Hill welcomes Hiller Mary Hobbs as a new faculty member. Mary received her B.S. from Haverford College in 2013 and distinguished herself in college as a student and an athlete. She is completing the Masters Plus Certifi cation Program

in Exceptional Children and Youth at the University of Delaware and has been a paraprofessional at Gateway Lab Charter School.

HANNAH KELLY: UPPER SCHOOL SPANISH

Hannah earned her B.A. in Spanish from the University of Dallas and her M.A. from the University of Notre Dame. Last year, she completed a teaching internship and was a residential advisor at Culver Academies, an independent boarding

school in Indiana. During part of her high school career, Hannah lived in Spain.

STEVEN MCCARTHY: UPPER SCHOOL PHYSICS Steven joins Tower Hill from Christ School, a boarding school in North Carolina where he taught Physics and AP Physics. He also developed elective courses in electronics and engineering. Steven received his B.S. from Kutztown

University and earned his M.Ed. from Concordia University.

TERESA MESSMORE: COMMUNICATIONS/MARKETING

Teresa received a B.A. in anthropology from New York University and her M.S. from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University. Prior to joining Tower Hill, Teresa was the director of communications for the

Delaware Museum of Natural History and a communications specialist in the Environmental Public Education Offi ce of the University of Delaware’s College of Earth, Ocean and Environment, among other positions.

AMANDA RASBACH: UPPER SCHOOL CHEMISTRY Amanda received her B.S. in chemistry, minor in physics and minor in biology from Bucknell University. Her M.S. in chemistry was completed at Villanova University. While at Villanova, she was a graduate teaching assistant. Most

recently, she taught chemistry at Friends Select School in Philadelphia.

SARA RASH: NURSE’S OFFICE ASSISTANT

Sara Rash graduated from Paul M. Hodgson Vocational Technical High School, where she received a diploma in nursing. During high school, she became a certifi ed nursing assistant and worked at Stonegates Health Center.

She is currently completing her B.S. in biochemistry at the Delaware Technical and Community College.

Welcome TO NEW FACULTY AND STAFF


CHRISTOPHER SANNA: MIDDLE/UPPER SCHOOL HISTORY

Chris attended Archmere Academy and graduated from Ursinus College. He will complete his M.Ed. this fall at Wilmington University. For the past four years, Chris taught Middle and Upper School history at the Conrad Schools of Science.

CHRIS THEIM:MIDDLE SCHOOL ENGLISH

In addition to teaching English at Immaculate Heart of Mary in Wilmington, Chris was also the admission director, baseball coach and a committee leader for the school’s accreditation. An experienced teacher, Chris earned a

M.F.A. in poetry from the University of Montana and his B.A. in English from Beloit College.

JASON TOY: UPPER SCHOOL WORLD AND EUROPEAN HISTORY

Jason is a graduate of Salisbury University and received his M.A. from Washington College. He has taught AP European and AP U.S. History and has been involved with the AP program as a reader of exams. Jason has taught history and geography

at Cecil College in North East, Maryland, since 2007.

Welcome TO NEW FACULTY AND STAFF

New assignments VILMA ANDREWS: UPPER SCHOOL ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Vilma joined Tower Hill in 2013 as the front offi ce receptionist. Prior to that, she was with Upland Country Day School for fi ve years as the administrative assistant to the head of school.

AMY BICKHART: ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF LOWER SCHOOL ADMISSION, ASSISTANT HEAD OF LOWER SCHOOL Amy joined Tower Hill in 2007 as a Prekindergarten teacher and was later named the assistant head of the Lower School. She has been supporting student enrollment initiatives since 2012 and her role in helping attract prospective families in the Lower School will be expanded this year.

ALI HENKEL ’08: PREKINDERGARTEN Ali holds a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Delaware and also had a concentration in French. After graduating from college, she taught in Tower Hill’s After School program and substituted in the Lower School. She became a full-time teacher last year in Kindergarten and will transition this year to Prekindergarten.

TARA MALLOY: HISTORY DEPARTMENT CHAIRPERSON

Tara received her B.A. in history from Yale University with a concentration in U.S. history. She was a member of the Phi Alpha Theta History Honor Society. After completing her M.A. in world history at New York University, she taught at Morristown-Beard School in Morristown, New Jersey, for three years. Joining Tower Hill in 2007, Tara has taught 9th, 10th and 11th grades in the Upper School.

KATHRYN REESE: MIDDLE SCHOOL READING CURRICULUM COORDINATOR

Kathryn earned her M.Ed. in reading, writing and literacy from the University of Pennsylvania, and her work in the Middle School was recognized when she won the Timothy B. Golding Chair in English in 2012. She joined Tower Hill as a 3rd grade teacher in 1997 and became part of the Middle School English department in 2004.

GABRIELLA STELLA-CARLTON: TOWER TOTS Gaby received her B.S. in elementary education from Wilmington University. She joined Tower Hill in 2005 and has since taught Prekindergarten and Kindergarten. In her years at the school, she has also worked in the After School and summer programs.

Tower Hill’s excellent faculty is at the forefront of education. These caring and accomplished individuals, who have a multitude of talents, have chosen to put their life’s energy into teaching, coaching, advising and guiding students.


AROUND TOWER HILL

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1. Fourth graders explore in their Science class the uses of a Smart Table, a learning center for small group collaboration.

2. Tree Trim 2013 was a joyous celebration, which brought together the entire Tower Hill community—students, faculty, staff, parents, grandparents and friends.

3. The football team captures the league championship and has the fi rst undefeated season since 1959. In addition to earning nine league and two state championships, Hillers made history this year when senior Ireland Gibson became Tower Hill’s fi rst county 800/880 champion of either gender, and the girls’ volleyball team reached the state tournament playoffs.

4. Eighth graders perform Wild-er West-ier, four mini-plays written by playwriting students at Coe College and brought to life by the Tower Hill students.

5. On April 4, 2014, Carmen Wallace ’93, NFL sports agent professional, spoke to Upper School students as part of the Forum speaker series. After the presentation, he reunited with Elizabeth T.B. Brown Pierson ’60 and Jay Pierson ’87.

6. Tower Hill music groups excelled this year. Middle School band and chorus received the best overall ratings at Hershey Park competition. At the Festival Disney Music Competition in March, the Upper School concert band and chorus won best in class. The chorus and vocal ensembles won silver trophies for overall top scores in the mixed/specialty choir categories.

7. Over a thousand area parents and kids fl ood Carpenter Field House at the 21st Annual Community Camp Fair, sponsored by the Tower Hill Home and School Association, to meet with over 130 camp representatives.

8. Upper School actors show their theatrical prowess in Comedy Combat ’13 last October. The theater was reconfi gured to create an interactive space, similar to a small comedy club.

9. Malcolm MacDougall ’63, a state champion wrestler, talks with Hillers in February 2014 about his years on the team and how to keep a strong focus and work ethic in athletics and life.

10. Studio Art installations at the Evening of the Arts on April 23 are creatively executed large-scale projects by juniors and seniors.

11. Over 600 grandparents engage in the Grandparents’ and Friends’ Day held on April 17.

12. Students in the Lower School display their many talents—singing, dancing, writing and more—in the Town Meetings. The events were held throughout the year for a packed crowd in the P.S. du Pont Theater.

13. Seniors volunteer—and have fun—at the Food Bank of Delaware during one of the Senior Week activities.

AROUND TOWER HILL

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he Math and Science Center has changed the way teachers teach and students learn,” commented Tom Hoch, chair of the Science Department, at the end of this school year. With a Physics drop area, writable surfaces, movable desks and amazing space, the new facility has provided students with an opportunity to discover a new world of collaboration, sharing, interacting, leading and taking risks.

Following the opening of the 25,000-square-foot building in September 2013, there have been a number of enhancements that build on the foundation that creates an environment for assimilating the study of math, science, technology and engineering to ensure that students are fully prepared for college-level work and the real-world challenges they will subsequently face.

TOWER HILL’S OBSERVATORY

When the initial construction plans for the Math and Science Center were in development, an observatory was just a dream. Through diligent planning and management of the $7-million budget, the school was able to allocate funds for a 9-foot dome, which was installed on the top of the building in January 2014.

Thanks to the generosity of Michele and Jack Wuerstle (parents of Elizabeth Wuerstle ’14)—who donated funds for the telescopes, software and computers—the Tower Hill observatory is becoming a reality. The observatory is furnished with a refl ecting telescope, a solar telescope for making observations of the sun during the day, a camera for taking pictures, software to control the

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telescope and camera, and three high-resolution computers to run the software and view the images. The Class of 1963 50th reunion gift to the school was the purchase of observatory furnishings. In full operation, Tower Hill’s observatory will be comparable to the Mount Cuba Astronomical Observatory, Delaware’s only public observatory. Science Department Chair Tom Hoch has been working with experts to program the software to enable the telescope to be controlled remotely in the room below. In addition to integrating astronomy into the Upper School curriculum, Tom sees the opportunity to extend the use of the telescope to students in the Lower and Middle Schools.

TOWER HILL’S BUCKY-BALL

In the open, two-story lobby of the Math and Science Center is a six-foot

spherical sculpture of the “bucky-ball.” When the Science department was polled for ideas for a hanging structure in the lobby of the new facility, Chemistry teacher Leigh Thompson suggested the Buckminsterfullerene, a molecule of 20 hexagons and 12 pentagons, with a carbon atom at each vertex of each polygon and a bond along each polygon edge. She commented, “I can think of no better element than carbon. We are carbon-based life forms, our fuel (glucose), economy (petroleum products) and everything we do depends on carbon. There are three allotropes of carbon—graphite, diamond and buckminsterfullerene. The last—a 60-carbon structure that looks like a hollow soccer ball—was discovered in the 1990s and has since launched the fi eld of nanotechnology.”

What’s New in the Math and Science Center By Nancy Schuckert

Donors Michele and Jack Wuerstle, along with their daughter Elizabeth Wuerstle ’14 and Science Department Chair Tom Hoch, examine the new telescope in the Math and Science Center.

Tower Hill Bulletin Summer 2014

The observatory in the Math and Science Center will provide expanded learning opportunities in the study of astronomy, celestial objects and the physics, chemistry and evolution of such objects.

Right: The six-foot sculpture of the Buckminsterfullerene molecule, inspired by the Tower Hill Chemistry department, hangs in the two-story lobby of the Math and Science Center.

With generous funding from an anonymous donor, the search began for a way to create the Buckminsterfullerene...a structure that would build a sense of curiosity in students and visitors, and enhance the facility.

With generous funding from an anonymous donor, the search began for a way to create a structure that would characterize Leigh’s concept, build a sense of curiosity in students and visitors, and enhance the facility. Christian Kanienberg, a local painter and sculptor, was selected to create a one-of-a-kind sculpture of the Buckminsterfullerene molecule. He creatively constructed the cage-like fused-ring structure of one-inch round tube steel with individually welded pentagons. Once the pentagons were created, the hexagons were formed, and after the circle frame was complete, six-inch foam balls encapsulated the intersections. Layers of resin mixed with sand and sawdust coated the 60 carbon balls, fabricating a visible texture on the sculpture. The carbon balls were hand painted with a mixture that included clear glitter and a sealer, to further enhance the texture and detail on the surface. WWWWWiiittthhhh gggeenneerroouuss fffffuuunnndddddiiiinnnggg fffffrrrooommmm

aaann anonymous donor, the seeaarrcchhhhh bbbeegan for a way to creeaattee thhee BBBBuckminsterfullerenee...aa sttrruucctttuurreee ttthhat would build a sense oofff cccuuriosity in students andd vvviissiittoorss,,, aaaannnddd eeennnhhhaaannnccceee ttthhheee ffffaaaccciiillliiittyyyy..

With generous funding from an anonymous donor, the search began for a way to create the Buckminsterfullerene...a structure that would build a sense of curiosity in students and visitors, and enhance the facility.

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“disABILITIES Awareness really opened my mind to special needs children and left me with an unforgettable experience.”

–AMANDA DESHANE ’18

n the fall of 2001, Jodi Keller arrived at my offi ce with an idea. The parent of Emily ’06 and Ben ’10, Jodi had been contributing her fi ne cooking skills to the Middle School’s Octave program. But this visit had nothing to do with her cooking class.

She and husband Bill’s third child, Wes, had been born with Down syndrome, a genetic disorder that includes characteristic facial features and moderate to severe intellectual disability. Jodi, Bill and the children had noticed that when they were in public, many people, particularly children, acted strangely around Wes. That stood in sharp contrast to how Ben and Emily had always treated Wes, who was simply their beloved brother. Jodi wanted to help people see that Wes, and all people with disabilities, were just as human as anyone else. Why not offer an Octave course that helped students see people with disabilities as being more like themselves than different; people with the same feelings, hopes and loves that they had?

“I’ve learned that just because you’re disabled doesn’t mean you can’t thrive.” –LUCAS ZHENG ’19

Within a day or two, Jodi and I had met with the late, great John Pierson ’59, 7th grade English teacher, head class advisor and long-time coordinator of the Upper School’s Blue-Gold Club. Leaping at the

disABILITIES Awareness: IT’S ABOUT THE PERSON!By John Newlin, Head of Middle School from 1979-2008

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idea of creating an Octave course, John set up another meeting with Dr. Tony Glenn, the executive director of DFRC, Delaware Foundation Reaching Citizens with Cognitive disABILITIES. Within a week, the wheels were in motion to create a course that would help students learn about some of the many kinds of disabilities that affl ict people, help them see such people as human as themselves and inspire them to get involved with programs that support other members of the community.

“When we went bowling with the kids from H.B. DuPont who had cognitive disabilities, I was a little nervous at fi rst. But then I realized that they are just normal kids like us who like the same things we like...”

–MADDIE SACHS ’19

Jodi began making phone calls to individuals and agencies that would be open to having our students visit them or would send representatives to make presentations at Tower Hill. Jodi, who through her efforts to secure the best

Students in the 7th grade disABILITIES course examine a prosthetic presented by Bill Cawley, who lost limbs in a diving accident.


possible academic and social settings for Wes, had made many great contacts in the community and found many people eager to welcome our students and to come to us to make presentations. She soon had compiled a slate of a dozen or so experiences for the students.

“Bill Cawley was inspirational to me because he kept doing everyday things like cooking, working and playing, while being partially paralyzed. –DEAN SARIDAKIS ’19

For that fi rst course, Tony Glenn set the tone for subsequent meetings, describing his work with DFRC—which sponsors the annual Blue-Gold football game,* several high school athletic contests, Holly Dazzle and other state-wide events—and his work with the many high school Blue-Gold Clubs throughout Delaware. Tony pointed out that one thing he hoped students would learn was a new vocabulary, one that showed respect for all people, including those with disabilities. For example, he noted that the term “retarded” was really negative and non-descriptive and should be replaced with the more appropriate and descriptive “cognitive

disability;” that “disabled people” should be called “people with disabilities.” He also provided students with an outline of the people they would meet, where they would go and how they should try to handle themselves.

“Jon Stoklosa was one of the nicest people I have ever met.” –NATALIE HOBBS ’18

Classes took two forms: sometimes students met in John Pierson’s classroom after lunch, other times they raced to board a bus immediately after fi fth period, fortifi ed by a pizza lunch generously provided by Jodi, for a trip to one of a variety of places. Later some amazingly generous parents offered their assistance, including Karyn Weaver, Mary Lou Fyrwald, Marlene Zeleny, Deanna Kelly, Jennifer Abramczyk, Amy Johnson and others. Our visits included a trip to Meadowood Elementary School, a preschool and elementary level program for students suffering from a variety of disabilities; Sterck School for the Deaf; Richardson Park Elementary School, to which we took pizza and sodas and where our students played board games with their students, all of whom had various degrees of learning differences; Prices Bowling Lanes, where we had lunch

and bowled with special education students from H.B. du Pont Middle School; and to the Wilmington Group Homes which had been established by Micki and Lanny Edelsohn to establish a semi-independent living situation for adults with cognitive disabilities and where their son Robert was a resident. Everywhere we went, we were amazed by the dedication, skill and patience of the pros working with students.

“Mrs. Edelsohn is creating such a great opportunity for adults with special needs to live independently.” –SAFIYA MILLER ’18

“The kids at Richardson Park didn’t seem like they had disabilities... I learned that no matter how someone looks on the outside, it’s what’s on the inside that counts.” –DELINA IRGAU ’19

The other events took place at school. These were just as instructive and usually highly interactive. The fi rst year they included an interactive and animated presentation by neurologist Dr. Lanny Edelsohn showing us how the brain works, how it should be protected and how it can be injured; a fast-paced program directed by Charlie Conway

International Special Olympian bronze medalist, Jonathan Stoklosa, demonstrates weight-lifting skills.

Interacting with a number of individuals affl icted with disabilities has helped students see their human side and has inspired them to get involved with programs supporting those with disabilities. continued on page 30


of the Delaware Theater Company and his “Totally Awesome Players,” students with cognitive disabilities who worked in teams with our seventh graders to put on a rollicking version of Maurice Sendak’s Where the Wild Things Are; a presentation by Jon Busby of Special Olympics Delaware, one that later included a weight-lifting demonstration by International Special Olympian bronze medalist, Jonathan Stoklosa; an inspiring talk by Bill Cawley, who lost the use of his legs and part of one of his hands in a diving accident; a visit from Mary Ann Nolan and her wonderful daughter Elizabeth, who, born with Down syndrome is now a high school graduate, 2013 Special Olympics Delaware Outstanding Athlete and co-president of a dog biscuit business; as well as presentations that showed students what it’s like to suffer from dyslexia, have only one working arm and not be able to form words; and another that demonstrated supportive technologies that help people with some physical disabilities manage their lives better.

After more than a dozen trips and classes, students were asked to provide feedback about their experiences. Without exception each student

described having been intensely affected by the class, and almost everyone cited a different visit or class that had made the greatest impact on them. Word of the new course spread instantly through the class, and other students begged to have a chance to take it. Jodi, John and I agreed, and with Jodi’s hard work, we were able to put together a second class later in the year.

Excited by the success of the class, we decided to make the course a requirement for all seventh grade students. During the 2002-2003 school year, every seventh grade student took the class. Since its beginning, nearly 450 seventh graders have been touched in many ways by their experiences in the disABILITIES course. Many have gone on to become active members of the Blue-Gold Club.

“Empathy...becomes tangible with each connection created during the year.” –JILL ZEHNER, MIDDLE SCHOOL ENGLISH TEACHER

In 2009, Tony Glenn, on behalf of DFRC, presented the Middle School teachers and students with a check for $2,000 in recognition of their outstanding and ongoing work with the disABILITIES Awareness program, noting that is the only such program for middle school students in Delaware. He visited again in 2011 with another citation and presented a check.

This year, the menu of classes and visits was strikingly similar to the one offered 12 years ago. One of the highlights was the 7th and 8th graders’ “Sprint to Spring for disABILITIES.” A few weeks later teachers Jill Zehner and Annie Zeberkiewicz ran in the Boston Marathon to raise funds in support of the Michael Lisnow Respite Center in Hopkinton, Massachusetts.

While the format has changed slightly over the years, the essence of the program has remained the same. When the Octave program was disbanded, disABILITIES Awareness became part of the formal seventh grade curriculum. After John Pierson left the classroom to work in the Alumni Offi ce, Gale Flynn took over and coordinated the program magnifi cently. When Gale retired several years ago, her successor, Jill Zehner, was right there to continue the program. In 2014-2015, seventh grade teachers Annie Zeberkiewicz and Jen Houston and Middle School librarian Cinda Crane will carry on, creating experiences designed to help students better understand all people, regardless of their differences.

“We learned many things in disABILIITES Awareness that we will remember for a lifetime.” –LUKE FRIETZE ’18

*The Blue-Gold Football Game, fi rst played in 1956, was the brainchild of Tower Hill parents, R. R. M. (Bob) Carpenter, Jr. ’34 and Jim Williams.

Anthony T. Glenn, Ed.D., Executive Director of DFRC, talks with Middle School students and presents a check to the school for the outstanding efforts of the disABILITIES Awareness program.

disABILITIES Awareness continued from page 29

The 7th and 8th graders line up for the Sprint to Spring for disABILITIES race, a highlight of the program.

he Lower School faculty continues to focus on what really matters in teaching and

learning. To that end, we decided this year to learn how we—as a learning community—should utilize additional technological tools and strategies in our curriculum to directly support the learning needs of the children.

As technology becomes an increasingly important resource for supporting and informing the work that we do in teaching, the notion of Digital Literacy—how we utilize the technology—guides us in the development of methods to assist us in that effort. A group of faculty, the Digital Literacy Committee, collaborated on digital literacy this year, creating pilot programs in order to gather information on the following concepts and programs: reading comprehension and online distraction, online literature circle, mystery Skype, navigating apps and electronic citizenship.

The goals in piloting the programs were varied. The teachers’ observations assisted them in developing hypotheses as to which factors infl uenced the outcome of each project. As a result of their work, the teachers identifi ed myriad ways in which the programs would best support the work of the students, how they might be utilized within the curriculum and the skills that students and teachers need to acquire prior to the use of specifi c programs. A digital report of the work completed was released for parental review in May.

One of the projects, Online Literature Circle, was designed to meet the needs of our 4th graders in the development of their reading skills. Using the novel Fever 1793 as the

Learners


Teachers as Learners By Jacquelyn L. Hamilton

mentor text, students discussed and commented on digital assignments that combined in-class discussion with elements of technology (i.e. posting and commenting on video segments related to the story). The goal of the project was to examine how 4th grade students communicated online in comparison to in-class discussion. It was observed

that the online responses were not as thorough as their classroom contributions. After examination of all factors that infl uenced the project, it was determined that several interventions should be integrated into the next phase of the project. Among those interventions were the provision of direct instruction on how to write or

communicate online and the addition of teaching time to model and instruct students how to successfully engage in online discussions.

Moving forward, the Digital Literacy Committee will partner with the technology faculty and school librarians to begin discussions about further inclusion of technology in the curriculum, online search behavior of Lower School children and electronic citizenship. Those discussions will also include the development of Lower School specifi c policies to support the

work that we will do with children. As curriculum implementation begins and new strategies and policies are developed, the community will be updated.

Another in-school faculty research project was launched in early April with Dr. Amy Cuddy, doctoral interns from Widener University and the fi rst grade faculty. The goal was to discover whether mild exercise before doing class work improves cognition. The children engaged in a series of short work sessions on previously taught concepts, preceded by exercise through Me Moves, a digital series dedicated to establishing movement as a positive activity in the classroom. Following the controlled exercise, the children completed auditory comprehension, mathematic and handwriting tasks. Currently, the doctoral interns are compiling the results and analyzing the data. The results of this work will be shared in the next school year.

We continue to appreciate more deeply that our classrooms are places where life-transforming work unfolds when teachers and students come together around new ideas. In the Lower School, we do not believe that sitting still results in success; rather, learning more about learning prompts us to be bold and explore the frontiers, with the students as benefi ciaries.

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Above left: First grade students participate in Me Moves, an activity that establishes movement as a positive activity in the classroom. Psychologist Dr. Amy Cuddy and doctoral students from Widener University have been working on several studies at the forefront of early education.

Above right: Digital literary focuses on developing the ability for students to effectively and critically navigate, evaluate and create information using a range of digital technologies.


group of individuals I had ever witnessed on stage. A hauntingly moving tap dancing duo, a beat-boxing fl utist and a heart-wrenching rendition of Corner of the Sky from the Broadway Musical Pippin were just a few of the many talented acts featured that evening.

On my fi nal day in D.C., we visited the Capitol and had the opportunity to hear from a number of congressmen, including Joe Kennedy and Raul Ruiz. That afternoon, I packed up my things and said my goodbyes. It was truly an honor to share that unforgettable weekend with all those extraordinary young men and women. It was so inspiring to hear their stories and ambitions; they motivate me to work harder and aim higher everyday.

Selected by the White House Commission on Presidential Scholars, Josephine is one of 140 American seniors and the only female from Delaware this year to receive the award for demonstrating outstanding academic achievement, leadership, citizenship, service and contribution to school and community.

Dr. Anisha Abraham ’86, who last received the U.S. Presidential Scholar award at Tower Hill, visits the school in May 2014 and congratulates Josephine Chu ’14 on her award. Anisha is a successful pediatrician in Hong Kong specializing in the care of teenagers.

U.S. PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS National Recognition Weekend

discussed the meaning of citizenship. They talked about the responsibilities of a U.S. citizen, and one scholar even explained how her experience as a fi rst-generation Iranian has affected her life in the U.S. Finally, it was time to go to the White House to meet the First Lady. We were required to pass through multiple security screenings before we were allowed into the building. When I fi nally stepped foot into the White House, I was absolutely blown away by the glistening chandeliers, presidential portraits and elegant furniture decorating every room. We congregated in the East Room to wait for Michelle Obama and meet the Commissioners of the Presidential Scholar Program, the group who selected the Presidential Scholars. I heard the doors open, revealing a long red carpet that seemed to go on for miles. I tried to hide my overwhelming excitement and appear calm as Michelle Obama glided down the hall in a glowing white dress. She gave a quick speech and posed for a group photo with us. I was pretty disappointed that I couldn’t stand next to her in the photo, but as soon as it was over, I ran around to the front to shake her hand. That night, we watched the Presidential Scholars in the Arts perform at the Kennedy Center. They were without a doubt the most talented

U.S. Presidential Scholar Josephine Chu named Chemistry teacher Leigh Thompson as her most infl uential teacher. Leigh, the Chemistry Teacher of the Year for Delaware in 2012, joined Josephine at the White House ceremony in June 2014.

TBy Josephine Chu ’14

his past June, I had the honor of meeting 140 of the nation’s most accomplished high school graduates. We stayed at Georgetown University for three days for National Recognition Weekend. When I arrived on campus, my advisor and several past Presidential Scholars were there to greet me and help me move into my dorm. My roommate was a fi lmmaker/screenwriter and one of 20 Presidential Scholars in the Arts selected for their excellence in visual, creative and performing arts. Over the next couple days, I had the opportunity to meet so many amazing people with diverse backgrounds and talents. I met a scholar who survived cancer, one who played Frisbee with Tibetan monks and another who built houses in Africa! I felt honored to be among them and incredibly humbled by their great achievements. That evening, we gathered in the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium for the long-awaited medallion ceremony. Arne Duncan, the U.S. Secretary of Education, spoke about how we represent the best in the nation and are the future leaders of America. One of the arts scholars took everyone’s breath away with his beautiful performance of the national anthem. Shortly after that, we lined up backstage in preparation for the presentation of medals. I heard my name called from the microphone and walked out onto the stage. Cameras fl ashed and applause fi lled the hall as I received my medallion. After the ceremony, I went out into the audience to greet my family and chemistry teacher, Ms. Thompson, whom I nominated as a Distinguished Teacher. It meant so much to me that they were there to support me that weekend.

The next morning, we attended a panel where three of our fellow scholars

Reunion and Homecoming 2013

Far left: Then–1955 Football Players Front row: Ruly Carpenter ’58, Charley Munson ’57, Gil Yule ’57, Pete Wardenburg ’58, Don Hanson ’56, Denys McCoy ’56, Bill Beck ’57. Back row: Cam Robinson ’57, Dave Nichols ’58, Jim Wild ’57, Walter Rowland ’57.

Left: Now–Homecoming 2013Front row: Ruly Carpenter ’58, Charley Munson ’57, Gil Yule ’57, Pete Wardenburg ’58, Bill Beck ’57. Back row: Cam Robinson ’57, Dave Nichols ’58, Jim Wild ’57. Not pictured: Walter Rowland ’57, Don Hanson ’56, Denys McCoy ’56.

September 27-28, 2013

Many alumni were present at the Homecoming reception to congratulate the 2013 honorees of the Founders’ Achievement Award: Betty Richardson, girls’ athletic director from 1952-1996; Bill Wood ’59, former Trustee and Board of Trustees president (read a remembrance on page 49); and Charlie Gummy, Jr., former Trustee and Board of Trustees president.

The Class of ’82 gathers at

Homecoming 2013 on the

Alumni House terrace to dedicate

a “remembrance bench” in honor of

Jesse Dendy ’82, as well as alums who have passed

before and will pass after him.

eunion and Homecoming Weekend 2013 was a great success. Summer-like temperatures and clear skies encouraged alums and other community members to join us for new activities, as well as the traditional favorite events. Many reunion classes met casually on Friday evening at various locations in the Wilmington area. ■ To kick-off events for the day, more than 200 people participated in the 5K Run/Walk and the Kiddie Fun Run on Saturday morning. Later in the morning, over 85 people attended the inaugural state of the school address in the Lecture Hall of the new Math and Science Center, followed by a tour of the school with Harry Baetjer. The Alumni Art Show featured the works of over 15 alumni artists. While many enjoyed the tour and art show, others participated in the classic car rally, and children had their own fun with arts and crafts, face painting and balloon creations. ■ The perfect fall weather held for lunch, the alumni games, the athletic contests and into the evening for the increasingly popular reunion reception held at the Hayward House. Many stopped by to congratulate the 2013 honorees of the Founders’ Achievement Award: Elizabeth H. Richardson, William T. Wood, Jr. ’59 and Charles F. Gummey, Jr. After the reception, classes celebrating their reunions attended dinners at clubs, homes or restaurants to reminisce about their days at Tower Hill. Thanks to Steve Hyde ’59, Alison McKenna ’57, Gil Yule ’57, Ruly ’58 and Stephanie Conklin Carpenter ’58 and others, a special celebration was held all weekend for football players and cheerleaders from 1954 to 1959. ■ Thanks to all who joined us for Reunion and Homecoming 2013. We are looking forward to seeing you at Reunion and Homecoming 2014 on October 17-18, 2014.

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M l i h H i i



Homecoming is a perfect reason to return to campus to reconnect with former classmates and enjoy the Hiller spirit! Come join fellow alumni, students, parents and friends in a fun-fi lled weekend of activities for the whole family.

Reunion and Homec


ecoming 2014SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2014

Tower Hill School’s Hiller Harvest will be collecting canned goods to support the Lutheran Community Services Food Pantry. We would appreciate your support. Look for the collection bins on the Alumni House terrace.

8:00 a.m. 5K Run/Walk and Kiddie Fun Run—Register on the terrace of the Alumni House. Kiddie Fun Run starts at 8:15 a.m. on DeGroat Field. 5KRun/Walk starts at 8:30 a.m. on West 17th Street in front of the main entrance.

9:15-10:45 a.m. Kids Make and Take—Arts, Crafts and More—Drop by and create fun Homecoming arts and crafts. Childcare provided by THS faculty for families attending State of the School Address/Tour. Stabler Building, enter main entrance on West 17th Street and follow signs.

9:30 a.m. State of the School Address, Q&A and Tour— Join Headmaster Harry Baetjer in the Lecture Hall of the Math and Science Center.

10:00 a.m. Classic Car Rally—Vehicles will assemble along West 17th Street and take a few laps around the school and Rockford Park. At the conclusion of the drive, all vehicles will reassemble in the paved lot beside the Homecoming Tent.

11:00 a.m. Balloon Creatures and Face Painting Alumni House Terrace

Noon-2:00 p.m. Lunch under the Homecoming Tent

5:30 p.m. Alumni Reunion Reception at the Hayward House for classes ending in “4” and “9” and all classes that previously celebrated a 50th reunion are invited. Group class photos will be taken throughout the evening.

ATHLETIC EVENTS

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2014

5:30 p.m. Volleyball (JV) vs. Wilmington Christian—Weaver Gym

7:00 p.m. Volleyball (Varsity) vs. Wilmington Christian—Weaver Gym

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2014

11:00 a.m. Field Hockey (Varsity) vs. St. Andrew’s—Richardson Field

11:00 a.m. Soccer (Varsity) vs. St. Andrew’s—DeGroat Field

11:00 a.m. Soccer (JV) vs. St. Andrew’s—Nitsche Pitch

12:30 p.m. Field Hockey (JV) vs. St. Andrew’s—Richardson Field

2:00 p.m. Cross Country (Boys)—Rockford Park/Stoltz Alumni Stadium

2:10 p.m. Cross Country (Girls)—Rockford Park/Stoltz Alumni Stadium

3:00 p.m. Football vs. St. Andrew’s—DeGroat Field

2014 Schedule of Events


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HOMECOMING & REUNION REGISTRATION OCTOBER 18, 2014

HOMECOMING 5K RUN/WALK8:00 a.m. Registration; 8:15 a.m. Kiddie Fun Run; 8:30 a.m. Walk/Run Name/s Run/Walk Relation to THS Age T-Shirt Size

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Waiver for 5K In consideration of this entry being accepted, I, intending to be legally bound, hereby for myself, my heirs, executors, and administrators, waive and release any and all rights I may have against the organization holding this event, its agents, representatives, successors, and assigns for any and all injuries suffered by me at said event.

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Signature (parent if participant is under 18) Date

ACTIVITIES AND LUNCH Name/s Class Home Phone Email

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How many will be joining us for lunch (12:00-2:00 p.m.)? ______

ALUMNI COCKTAIL RECEPTION—5:30 p.m. Classes ending in “4” or “9” and all classes that previously celebrated a 50th reunion are invited.

Name/s Class Name/s Class

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Mail or fax this completed registration form to: Tower Hill School, 2014 Homecoming, 2813 W. 17th Street, Wilmington, DE 19806

Or register online at www.towerhill.org/homecoming Phone: 302.657.8353 Fax: 302.657.8373.

(S/M/L/XL) (Youth/Adult)

FOR THE MOST CURRENT SCHEDULE OF EVENTS, GO TO

WWW.TOWERHILL.ORG/HOMECOMING

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Class Notes Submit your news and high-resolution photos to [email protected] Stay Connected

It’s a Boy1994 Nathaniel Jacob Salva to Anthony Salva and Mandy Salva on October 13, 2013

1995 Garrett Webb Hoopes to Tara Morgan Hoopes and Matt Hoopes on September 8, 2013

1996 Demetri Karakasidis to Stephanos Karakasidis and Evaggelia Karakasidis on June 14, 2013

1997 Carson James Case to Theresa Collins Case and Charles Case Jr. on April 11, 2013

1998 J.A. Fiechter to Elizabeth Sproesser Fiechter and Sam Fiechter on July 3, 2013

1998 Luke Alfonso Heinle to Carolina Robinson Heinle and Court Heinle on May 15, 2013

1999 Jackson Hook Baetjer to Patrick B. Baetjer and Jessica Baetjer on July 16, 2013

2000 Dylan Michael Reisch to James Reisch and Kim Reisch on July 17, 2013

2001 Caelen Penn Gillen to Mona Yezdani Gillen and Peter Gillen on March 2, 2014

It’s a Girl1987 Samantha Rachel “Sam” Pierson to Jay Pierson and Heather Brown Pierson on March 11, 2014

1987 Acadia Buonocore to Todd Buonocore and Allison Kolody on March 11, 2014

1996 Sylvia Angela Saez to Pembry Keller Saez and Pedro Saez on August 2, 2013

1997 Callisto Julaina Evelyn Holden to James Holden and Yvonne Holden on June 3, 2013

1998, Elsa Claire Villalon to Katherine Long1999 and Daniel Villalon on August 9, 2013

1998 Whitney Wells Kilmartin to Blair Morris and Michael Kilmartin on June 12, 2013

Weddings1998 Brian Smigielski married Anne Marie Adamczyk on August 31, 2013

2003 Jason Smith married Allison Shirley on August 17, 2013

2004 John Mongan, Jr. married Kristen Sprano on June 15, 2013

2005 Katie Hoopes Bates married Michael Bates on May 4, 2013

2006 Daisy Lidz married Thor Ritz in July 2010

2006 Elizabeth Anne Glen Capone married Anthony Capone on July 13, 2013

2007 Clint Laird married Carla Chirico on March 1, 2014

DeathsH. William Anderson ’48 on June 27, 2013

Greta Brown Layton ’42 on June 13, 2014

Elizabeth Coats Cox ’54 on May 11, 2014

Thomas K. Crichton ’72 in December 2013

Mona Ishita Dasgupta Sen ’89 on December 17, 2013

Edwin W. Dean ’54 on January 9, 2014

J. Simpson Dean, Jr. ’45 on March 7, 2014

Mary Fowler Curtiss ’36 on December 1, 2013

Alfred J. Gawel ’82 on May 22, 2013

Holger H. “Rusty” Harvey ’58 on May 31, 2010

Robert E. Hickman ’39 on March 30, 2014

Robert W. Hill, Jr. ’52 on January 28, 2014

Platt C. Holden ’48 on May 31, 2014

Grant “Gil” Gilpin Jacquot ’62 on January 17, 2014

Wendy Klauck Knoedler ’64 in December 2013

William V. Krewatch ’60 on May 23, 2014

Alexander MacLeod ’80 on February 14, 2014

Marion Dunham Miller Lowndes ’37 on September 6, 2013

Mary Louise Porch Frechtling ’33 on September 9, 2013

William Pricket ’43 on January 30, 2014

Richard E. “Jerry” Riegel, Jr. ’53 on August 11, 2013

Harlan “Harley” Scott ’35 on January 25, 2014

John W. Sparks ’59 on May 22, 2014

Robert J. Walton III ’40 on March 26, 2014

Anthony E. “Sandy” Weymouth ’60 on March 16, 2014

Joseph A. Wheelock, Jr. ’56 on December 17, 2013

Margaret Wilson Archer ’59 on July 16, 2013

William T. Wood, Jr. ’59 on May 2, 2014

Right: Hillers connect at the wedding of Katie Hoopes Bates in May 2013 at Winterthur. Pictured

are Lisa Perkins ’05, Tina Singles ’05, Katie Hoopes Bates ’05, Lauren Arrington ’05 and

Lara Popel ’05. Not pictured but in attendance were Anna Mraz ’05 and Jimmy Ashton ’00.

Born in August 2013, Else Claire Villalon is the pride and joy of Katherine Long ’98 and Daniel Villalon ’99.

Proud parents Mona Yezdani Gillen ’01 and Peter Gillen hold their son Caelen, who was born on March 2, 2014.


Class NotesStay Connected Update your email address at www.towerhill.org and receive Class Notes monthly

1954John Lorand and his wife Cil celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on June 15, 2014.

1956First State Ballet Theater elected of longtime Chadds Ford resident Peter Scoville Wells to the company’s board of directors. First State Ballet Theatre is Delaware’s professional ballet company and the resident ballet company at Wilmington’s Grand Opera House. FSBT President and Executive Director Robert Grenfell said, “We’re delighted to welcome Peter—who is both a knowledgeable balletomane and an ardent FSBT fan—to our board. His professional experience, his enthusiasm for our beautiful art form and his longtime involvement in the Chadds Ford cultural scene and support for its cherished institutions will be instrumental in assisting us to grow our southern Chester County audience.”

1957Rosalie Sellar Brainard wrote that she loved her 55th reunion. She went on to report that she and her husband Peter have 12 grandchildren, “Six are his and six are mine! We have two granddaughters at Groton and one at St. Andrew’s where her mother attended and whose grandfather Jon O’Brien was headmaster for 20 years.” RoRo and her husband still foxhunt with Fairfi eld county hounds in Connecticut. “I am in the second fi eld these days.” John Lopez

1947Doris Harvey Dickerson reports that she and her husband are back in independent living (an apartment) at the Landis Homes Retirement Community in Lititz, Pennsylvania. They retired in 1993 after 40 years in Thailand working with the Karen, an ethnic group that lives in the mountains on the western border.

1948,1959,1989,1992John Hyde reported, “There is now a Tower Hill ‘pod’ in the Berkshire Hills of western Massachusetts, which includes four members of the Hyde family who are alums of both Tower Hill and Williams College. Though not a member of the Hyde family, Robert Behr was a Tower Hill teacher from 1962 to 1980 who works for the alumni travel offi ce at Williams College.” The Berkshire pod includes: John M. Hyde ’48, professor of History emeritus, Williams College; D. Stephen Hyde ’59, former teacher and coach at Tower Hill School; Alix Hyde Barrale ’89, varsity fi eld hockey coach at Williams College; and Kathleen Hyde ’92, freelance graphic artist.

1953Mary Ann Filson Smith enjoyed Chinese New Year in Shanghai in February 2013, and year round she Skypes with her Chinese students. Tina Weisbrod Sverdrup enjoyed meeting up with Dave Nichols ’58 at his Seaside Gallery in Bellingham, Washington, after many attempts to connect.

1937Jean Howell Gates and her husband Robert celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary on May 1, 2013. Jean’s daughter, Gini May, donated her mother’s silver charm bracelet for display in the Alumni House. Like other alumnae in the Class of 1937, Jean had received a bracelet upon graduation from Tower Hill with her name engraved on a charm. The school is so appreciative of this priceless keepsake.

Jean Howell Gates ’37 and her husband Robert celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary in May 2013.

Tina Weisbrod Sverdrup ’53 reconnects with Dave Nichols ’58 in his gallery in Bellingham, Washington.

1938Irénée du Pont and his wife Barbara enjoyed the festivities at the reunion reception at the Hayward House over Homecoming weekend 2013. Their daughter Irene du Pont Light ’63 celebrated her 50th reunion that same evening.

Irénée ’38 and Barbara du Pont with their daughter, Irene du Pont Light ’63.

If the photo you submitted is not included, it unfortunately did not meet required

high-resolution needed for this publication.



reports, “I keep fl unking retirement. Consulting gigs so far this year with a month in Katmandu, Nepal, two months in Ndjamena, Chad, and on my way to Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, in July. In the meantime, Diana and I are enjoying summer in Durango at the Half Moon. After Africa, we will be back on Buck Road near Jack and Margo, our Weymouth grandchildren, whose parents Kate Lopez ’94 (M.D., Centreville psychiatrist) and Timo (a Middle School science teacher at Tower Hill), have their hands full.”

1957,1958,1959Thanks to Steve Hyde ’59, Alison McKenna ’57, Gil Yule ’57, Ruly ’58 and Stephanie Conklin Carpenter ’58 and others, a special celebration was held for football players and cheerleaders from 1954 to 1959 during Homecoming 2013. Steve recollected that it all started with a phone call from Gil Yule ’57, who lives in Franconia, New Hampshire. He was about to come down to help celebrate the 55th reunion of his class and wanted to know if it was possible to gather players from the fall of ’56 undefeated football team—about a dozen strong—including several from the Class of ’58. Not likely, given that Homecoming-Reunion weekend was several days away. Instead the gathering was postponed until September 2013. Starting in February 2013, several locals got together, with Gil’s call of inspiration. Given the relative size of the school in that era, the plan was to include six Hiller football teams (ranging from the fall of 1954 through 1959), which collectively won 43 and lost 3 games. After a slow start, everything fi t into place. On the Friday before Homecoming, most of the 23 players who accepted the invitation met in the dining room at Tower Hill, along with a group of former cheerleaders. Highlights of the reunion included a Friday night gathering at the Columbus Inn, with the former players and cheerleaders, spouses and VIPs in attendance. The former players were recognized at half time of the Homecoming football game. Lastly, a farewell brunch was hosted on Sunday by Ruly Carpenter ’58 and his wife Stephanie Conklin Carpenter ’58, one of the cheerleaders. Speakers lauded the occasion and related anecdotes from the ’50s, and everyone agreed that the occasion was a vivid memory of Tower Hill at its best.

1958, 1959On April 14, 2014, former faculty member and alumnus Steve Hyde ’59 and Ruly Carpenter ’58 joined a panel discussion for the Forum on the topic “Blue-Gold and the Advancement of Disabilities Participation in High School Sports.” The fi rst Blue-Gold Game was played on August 25, 1956. DFRC’s founders (and Tower Hill parents), Bob Carpenter and Jim Williams, two local sports enthusiasts who were the parents of children with intellectual disabilities, inspired the game. They wanted to host a fundraising event that spread awareness about intellectual disabilities, while raising funds for programs benefi ting these children. The Blue-Gold game today includes 50 schools and hundreds of volunteers while maintaining its original goals. Members of the panel in addition to Hyde and Carpenter were Dr. Anthony Glenn, Executive Director, DFRC; Kevin Charles, Executive Director, DIAA; and Jodi Keller, former ambassador and Tower Hill parent, and board member of DFRC. The discussion was moderated by Headmaster Harry Baetjer.

1958On November 23, 2013, the 70th anniversary of the Carpenter ownership of the Phillies, The News Journal interviewed Ruly Carpenter and highlighted the family’s contributions to pro sports. Bob Murray had quite a surprise in the summer of 2013 when he went to dinner with a friend who was renting his brother’s house in Quogue, New York. “We all went out to dinner and his friend who was visiting him started talking about where he had grown up. He said ‘Wilmington, among other places.’ I said, ‘I went to Tower Hill,’ and he said ‘Bob Murray!’ and I said ‘Bill Robertson!’ We had been chatting away and didn’t recognize each other. WOW… we just didn’t look like our yearbook pictures! Had a great time talking about old times and catching up, and the lobster was great!” Former 76ers general manager, Pat Williams received the Legacy of Excellence Award from the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame during its 10th induction ceremony on November 7, 2013. Larry Beck ’58 joined siblings Sally Beck Baker ’62 and Bill Beck ’57 in celebrating at the reunion reception at Homecoming 2013.

1959 55th Reunion YearMatthieu Hoopes is in his 40th year of working for Brewster Academy, with the last 20 years in the Bahamas as an alumni correspondent and “fun raiser.” He also has 200 banana trees. “Need any bananas?” Many stopped by the reunion reception at Homecoming on September 28, 2013, to congratulate the 2013 honorees of the Founders’ Achievement Award: Elizabeth H. Richardson, William T. Wood, Jr. ’59 and Charles F. Gummey, Jr. Sadly, Bill passed away on May 2, 2014.

1960Thanks in part to the funding from the Class of 1960’s 50th reunion class gift, the Upper School music ensembles attended the Festival Disney Music Competition from March 13-17, 2014, in Orlando, Florida, and competed against over 20 choirs and eight bands from across the country. Both the band and jazz band received excellent ratings, and the band won best in class in the concert band category. The chorus received a superior rating, winning best in class in the mixed choir category, and the vocal ensemble received a superior rating as well. The chorus and vocal ensembles won silver trophies for overall top scores in the mixed and specialty choir categories. Sydney Robertson Jimenez moved back to Wilmington two years ago after spending most of her adult life out of the country. She is very much enjoying life in Wilmington, particularly the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute on the University of Delaware’s Wilmington campus.

Larry Beck ’58, left, with siblings Sally Beck Baker ’62 and Bill Beck ’57.



Hank Abernathy ’62 meets with Tim Carey ’62 and wife Bobbie for lunch in New York. The classmates enjoyed the opportunity to catch up after many years.

1961Although Ron Strickland claims he was “embarrassingly inept at anything mathematical,” he shared that it was his Physics class that laid a solid foundation for his lifelong interest in the nature of things. In fact, he commented, “Tower Hill’s new Math and Science Center is such an important advance that I almost wish that I were able to retake Physics in the grand new facility.”

on the 18th. He and Bobbie looked great.” Jimer Krewatch attended the funeral of his brother Bill Krewatch ’60 at the end of May. Also in attendance were Jimer’s three children.

1963The Class of 1963 had a very successful 50th reunion over Homecoming and Reunion weekend 2013. The chairs for the class were Margie Kay Pumphrey and Jim Skelly. Members of the 50th reunion committee were Andy Cadot, Rob Dugger, Dan Fleming, Justine Neff Hawley, Malcolm MacDougall, Aiden Jones, Sheila Cavanagh Marshall and Dee Harding Purdy. The class initially gathered on Friday evening at a “welcome back” reception at the Mendenhall Inn. On Saturday morning, they had a very strong showing at the school tour. The class enjoyed the picnic lunch and athletic events on campus where they reconnected with each other, former faculty and alums from other classes. After the cocktail reception at the Hayward House, they had dinner at the Wilmington Club. The weekend festivities ended with a “come if you can” brunch at Buckley’s. From all reports, the entire weekend was a great success, and they have vowed to stay in touch and not wait another fi ve years to get together. Brett Lunger was featured in a News Journal article in September 2013 about Ron Howard’s race car fi lm “Rush.” The fi lm vividly re-creates, with the aid of original footage from the accident at the 1976 German Grand Prix, when former Formula One driver Lunger straddled the top of Niki Lauda’s fl ame-engulfed car and saved his life. Malcolm MacDougall talked with

Tower Hill wrestlers in February 2014 about his years on the team. Malcolm was a state champion in wrestling in 1961 in his sophomore year. As a junior, he fi nished second in the state and third in the state as a senior. While his teammates were honored with his success, and Malcolm was justifi ably proud, he realized that his last two years were lacking in focus and his best work ethic. Malcolm had attended homecoming last October for his 50th class reunion. He and his wrestling buddies were impressed when they toured the campus and saw the renovations in Carpenter Field House. Especially impressive was the new wrestling room where Malcolm’s name appears on the wall for this 1961 championship. After his visit at homecoming, Malcolm wanted to share his message with the 2014 wrestling team. The Hillers were extremely happy to hear about his experience and ask questions of a man who had accomplished all that they aspire to achieve. His positive and encouraging message was for them to give their absolute best effort because one never knows if an opportunity will present itself again in the future.

1964 50th Reunion YearJoan Rice Saxton has a message for her classmates. “This year makes our 50th reunion. Let’s all return to celebrate growing up as Hillers!” Reunion and homecoming weekend is October 17-18, 2014.

1965Karen Farquhar still lives in Port Clyde, Maine. She often bumps into Peg Fields ’63 and is in touch with John Bird. She says, “Hello to the ’65ers.” Fred LaMotte has published a book of poems, Wounded Bud: Poems for Meditation. Fred is a Quaker and has devoted his entire career to dialogue between the world’s religions. Fred has degrees from Yale University in English literature and in biblical studies from Princeton. Fred, his wife Anna and two daughters, Abigail and Elizabeth, live near Seattle, Washington. Fred’s book is available from Amazon. Thomas Valk lives in the Piedmont area of Virginia, runs a small horse farm and consults. His daughter Jeanne is now 16 years old and is a junior at Wakefi eld School in The Plains.

Ron Strickland ’61 works in Mr. Hutt’s Physics class, circa autumn 1960. Ron shared the photo, a reminder to him of the immense contribution that Tower Hill makes annually to students, families and community.

1962Hank Abernathy, who recently connected with Tim Carey and his wife Bobbie shared, “Many of you may remember Tim Carey, who left the class after the 9th grade when his parents moved to Pittsburgh. He fi nished high school at Shady Side Academy there. Tim and I grew up together when we were quite young. He was a good friend of Bill Mullis ’60 and Tower Hill/Vanderbilt fraternity brothers Tommy McCoy and Jimer Krewatch. Tim and his wife Bobbie came through New York recently and had lunch with Pam and me. It was really great to see them after so many years. He was in the Navy after graduate school at Stanford and served in the Seabees in Vietnam building roads and other structures. After a series of jobs in the oil pipeline services business, he bought and later sold his company and now circulates between his primary home in Houston and retreats in Costa Rica and Highlands, North Carolina. Tim and Bobbie have three sons. Tim continues to be an outstanding golfer who just recently shot his age (69) with a hole in one on the 17th and birdie



1966Tina and Pete Hayward were presented with the 2014 Presidential Award for Philanthropic Commitment from University of Delaware President Patrick Harker. The award recognizes a donor or family whose scholarship support has had a signifi cant impact on the University and its undergraduates.

1967, 1972Susan Hanke Warren ’67 and Trip Trepagnier ’72 reconnected at the 2014 Annual Summit meeting of the Diagnostics Marketing Association (DxMA). As leaders in medical diagnostics, Trip was an invited speaker addressing point of care testing trends, and Susan serves on the board of directors and was the meeting co-chair.

1970Rob Witsil continues to practice law in Sussex County, Delaware and serve as a lifeguard and medic for the Rehoboth Beach Patrol. He is also a member of the Mt. Mansfi eld Ski Patrol in Stowe, Vermont, and works part-time in the winter.

1971Heather McClean Nickodem writes under the pen name of Heather Ashby. Her debut Navy romance novel, Forgive & Forget, was voted “Best of 2013” by Suspense magazine. The second novel in her Love in the Fleet series, Forget Me Not, is also available. Heather’s books are her gift back to the military for her Army son’s safe return from Afghanistan and Iraq. She donates 50% of her royalties to Fisher House Foundation, supporting wounded warriors and their families. Visit www.HeatherAshby.com for more information.

1972,1974Ellen Cannon had fun catching up with Rick McCabe ’74 and his wife Alexandra while in Wilmington over Christmas 2013.

1973Jeannette Brokaw Lindvig wrote us about the Class of 1973 gathering, “On February 1, 2014, the Tower Hill Class of 1973 held a celebration honoring our classmate Harry DiSabatino, who died 40 years ago in February of 1974 on

an icy New England road, riding back to college. Even though Harry only attended Tower Hill for the last three years of high school, he exerted a profound impact on all of our lives. Harry’s inherent sweetness and inclusiveness, coupled with his warm and joyful personality, permanently and positively changed the dynamic of our class. To celebrate our enduring love for Harry, we gathered for a potluck dinner at the home of Rick and Barbara Cairns, in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. Classmates traveled from as far away as Australia, Canada and Colorado. We were especially fortunate that Harry’s mother Dottie May, sister Jean Betty and brother Terry, were able to join us for this special evening. We took turns telling tales about Harry on a makeshift, milk crate podium. Tears were shed—absolutely—but ’the boys’ especially made sure to lighten our hearts with reminiscences of some of Harry’s humorous and sometimes naughty, misadventures. Mabs Buck remembered when Harry forgot to pick her up for school one morning. He, of course, rushed back, and got Mabs to school (almost on time). We concluded with my yearbook, where Harry wrote to me: ‘I can’t remember when I thought a bad thought about you. Keep me in mind please, in the years to come.’ I believe Harry never had a bad thought about anyone. Harry DiSabatino is still very much alive in the hearts of the Tower Hill Class of 1973.” Cynthia Williams has moved back to Toronto, Canada, where she has resumed her position at Osgood

Hall Law School at York University as Osler Chair in Business Law. She and her husband Franz spend summers and Christmas in Austria. She commented, “So, I count myself extremely lucky in life! I have much gratitude this reunion year to Malcolm Coates and to the wonderful teachers and coaches at Tower Hill, all of whom helped challenge and encourage me and many others. Every student should be so lucky.”

1974 40th Reunion YearChristopher Byrne reported that his book Toy Time! was published. Visit www.timetoplaymagcom/toytime. See page 6 in this publication for Chris’ article. Ellen Jamison Kullman, chairman and CEO of DuPont and vice chair of the Tower Hill Board of Trustees, was named the 31st most powerful woman in the Forbes 2014 survey.

1975Jim Ehret and his wife Lori moved back to Wilmington from Haddonfi eld, New Jersey. Their three children are doing great. Mike is at the University of Delaware in the civil engineering program, Catie is pre-med at Tulane and Jenn is in her last year of high school. Leslie Harvey Lemonick and her husband are “almost empty nesters.” Leslie’s mother moved out to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, to live with them. Leslie’s son Ben studies at St. Andrew’s University in Scotland and their daughter Sarah is at the Hotel School at

Pete ’66 and Tina Hayward, with scholarship recipients Jennifer Oscar and Dorothy Hussey and University of Delaware President Patrick Harker, received the 2014 Presidential Award for Philanthropic Commitment.

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Cornell. Their stepdaughters are still in school in Ardmore, Pennsylvania. “I would love to catch up with classmates!” Mike Kelly hosted the holiday alumni reception at the Kelly’s Logan House on December 19, 2013.

1976Lisa Olson hosted the Washington, D.C. alumni reception at the Cosmos Club on December 5, 2013. John E.T. Taylor writes that he sold his home of 31 years and bought a townhouse in Wilmington!

1981Chris Coons was featured on August 1, 2013, in the News Journal about his fi rst-term as a Senator in Washington. His key committee assignments, including the Appropriations Committee, made him the fi rst Delawarean to serve on that panel in 40 years. Charlie Copeland was elected as the new chairman of the Delaware State Republican Committee in July 2013. He was the youngest minority caucus leader in the Delaware State Senate, where he served from 2003 to 2009, representing the Brandywine Hundred and Hockessin senate district. He ran for Lt. Governor against Democrat Matt Denn in 2008. E. Talley Brown is looking for an original (or as old as possible), preferably woman’s Tower Hill School class ring. “I promise to love, cherish and honor it forever.” Contact Talley at 302.998.7067.

1982In the spring of 2013, the Class of 1982 suffered the loss of the effervescent Jesse Dendy due to pancreatic cancer. As a group, the class exchanged many emails reminiscing good times with Jesse and conjuring a way to create something good out of his passing. Jesse was a friend to everyone, so the class came up with an idea that would mirror Jesse’s personality. At Homecoming 2013, his class and Jesse’s family dedicated the Class of ’82 remembrance bench. The bench, which overlooks the track and football fi eld where Jesse had many triumphs, is now a place of refl ection for the whole Tower Hill community. “We envision it as a peaceful place where any member of the Tower Hill family can sit and remember classmates, alumni, teachers and friends who have passed,” said Tony

Cucuzzella, president of the Alumni Council and classmate of Jesse, who spearheaded the dedication. After the ceremony, Jesse’s family sat on the bench just as it was intended—to watch the Tower Hill vs. Tatnall football game and to celebrate and honor Jesse’s steadfast light. All are invited to share the gift from the Class of ’82.

1983Jennifer Fidance Weldon and her husband Will live in Kennett Square and their daughters, 12 and 14 years old, attend Kennett Middle School and Kennett High School. She has been working part time at Friess Associates for almost 22 years. Paul Foldi reports that after almost 25 years in public service—fi rst as a diplomat for the Department of State, then as a senior staffer on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee—he is now the Director for International Development Affairs at the Professional Services Council, based in Arlington, Virginia. Mary-Stuart Gamble Freydberg works for Berkshire Hathaway as a real estate agent in Greenwich, Connecticut. She would be delighted to hear from and connect with alumni.

1985,1987Susan Reed Allabashi ’87 passed along a photo from a dinner at the home of Randy Williamson ’85 in Wilton, Connecticut. The dinner included former Tower Hill Headmaster David Blanchard, Randy and his wife Gwenna, and Susan and her husband Tim Allabashi ’85. Gwenna was part of the search committee who hired David

for the interim headmaster position at the Wilton Montessori School where her son attends. The Blanchards were relocating from Maine and were staying at the Williamsons’ home while getting their Connecticut house ready. They were delighted to enjoy a great night of laughs and stories from more than 25 years ago.

1986Anisha Abraham, who was until this year the last Tower Hill student to be named a U.S. Presidential Scholar, visited the campus in May 2014 and had the opportunity to tour the school with Headmaster Harry Baetjer. She had the opportunity to congratulate Josephine Chu ’14, who was named a 2014 U.S. Presidential Scholar. Anisha is a successful pediatrician specializing in the care of teenagers in Hong Kong. See the Bulletin article on page 32.

1987Erik Wildt reports that he is living in the Upper East Side in New York City, working as a partner of the boutique consulting fi rm SCIO | Financial Technologies.

1988Sarah “Sally” Bugbee Keidel was selected as Montgomery School’s 11th Head of School effective July 1, 2014. Sally has 22 years of experience in independent schools, including the last seven years at The Agnes Irwin School, where she served as the Assistant Head of School. Montgomery School is located in Chester Springs, Pennsylvania.

Former THS Headmaster David Blanchard, Randy Williamson ’85, Tim Allabashi ’85 and Susan Reed Allabashi ’87, holding son James, enjoy reconnecting over dinner at the Williamsons’.



1990Susan Wood Waesco was elected to be a partner of Morris Nichols on January 1, 2014. She joined Morris Nichols in 2002 and is a member of the fi rm’s Corporate and Business Litigation Group. Her practice focuses on proceedings in the Delaware Court of Chancery and the Delaware Supreme Court arising under the Delaware General Corporation Law, including litigation involving corporate mergers and acquisitions and shareholder class and derivative actions. She also represents national and regional clients in complex business disputes pending in the Delaware Court of Chancery, the Delaware Superior Court and the Delaware District Court. Susan is a 1998 graduate of The University of Michigan Law School.

1991Thomas “T.J.” Hanna and his boys—Tommy ’24, Bo ’25 and Sam ’27—along with Richard Angiullo and Holly Lissner’s children—Bella ’19, Ellie ’21 and Richie ’25—participated in the Delaware KIDS Fund 5K race in August 2013. Delaware KIDS Fund, organized by Hanna, raises

money to help Delaware children and supplies food to many families in need. T.J. is also a new member of the Tower Hill Alumni Council.

1993On April 4, 2014, NFL sports agent professional Carmen Wallace spoke to Upper School students as part of the Forum speaker series. Carmen is director of research and promotions at Athletes First, LLC, based in Laguna Hills, California. The theme for 2013-14 Forum was “Sports: More Than a Game.” A committee of students and teachers selected this topic, which looked at the ways society is shaped for good and ill by athletics.

1996On May 15, at its annual convention and meeting in Atlantic City, New Jersey, Shanna McCann became the chair of the Young Lawyers Division of New Jersey State Bar Association and was appointed to serve a second term (2014-2016) as a trustee from Salem County on the New Jersey State Bar Association’s Board of Trustees. Shanna also currently serves as vice president of Salem County Bar Association. She has also

been selected as a Rising Star by New Jersey Super Lawyers for the third year in a row. Emily Tepe performed as IVA at the Barnes Foundation on November 1, 2013. She sang Scandinavian classical music with Linda Lorgus on piano, followed by a set of IVA originals with the band. In March 2014 she performed at Melodies Café in Ardmore with music to warm the soul, a good antidote to the long winter.

1998“Media vet” Timi Lee was on ABC’s 20/20 on November 22, 2013. Timi has gained national attention for her expertise and care with pets through her work with Fox 5 News, Animal Planet and Good Housekeeping magazine. She has practiced with Tribeca Soho Animal Hospital since 2007. Blair Morris and Katherine Long got together in October 2013 to swap new mother stories. Whitney Morris was born June 12, 2013, and Elsa Long was born on August 9, 2013. Mike Roberts was nominated and selected to be a member of the Delaware Track and Field Hall of Fame. He was inducted at the Hall of Fame banquet on November 26, 2013. Carolina Robinson Heinle was appointed president of Serviam Girls Academy in New Castle, Delaware, on September 23, 2013. Brian Smigielski and

Shanna McCann ’96 chairs the Young Lawyers Division of New Jersey State Bar Association and serves as a trustee on the New Jersey State Bar Association.

Thomas “T.J.” Hanna ’91 with his sons—Sam ’27, Tommy ’24 and Bo ’25—and Richard Angiullo and Holly Lissner’s children—Bella ’19, Richie ’25 and Ellie ’21 after the Delaware KIDS Fund 5K race.



Anne Marie Adamczyk were married on August 31, 2013, at St. Mary of the Annunciation in Danvers, Massachusetts. The reception was held at Tupper Manor in Beverly. Many Tower Hill alums from the Class of 1998 were in attendance, including Maria Karas, Andrew Finkelman, Carolina Robinson Heinle, Scott Pragoff and Elizabeth Sproesser Fiechter.

1999 15th Reunion YearMelissa Martinenza Newell spoke to the 9th grade Biology classes at Tower Hill in October 2013 about her work at the Medical Examiner’s Offi ce in Wilmington. She gave a brief overview of DNA and talked about how she uses it to solve murder cases. Melissa explained the process and how it works once someone’s DNA is found at a crime scene. She helped the police solve the Newark rapist case several years ago using the DNA database. Jen Patterson was featured in the May 2014 Delaware Today magazine article, Riding High—Wilmington Native Jen Patterson Helps a Local Barn Create Kentucky Derby Champions. Jen’s single-minded dedication to Orb in the months leading up to the 2013 Kentucky Derby was a key factor in the horse’s win.

2000Marianne Dages presented a series of letterpress prints made in 2013 that explore pictographic modes of communication, which was part of the Due North exhibit that featured the work of 26 Icelandic and American artists, curated by Marianne Bernstein and presented by Philagrafi ka. The exhibition ran from January 9-25 at the Icebox Project Space in Philadelphia.

2002Chris Casscells hosted the New York City alumni reception at the Yale Club of New York City on April 30, 2014. See the article on page 9.

2003Jason Smith was married in Hamilton, New York, in August 2013. Attending from the Class of 2003 were Bobby Mattina, Michael Wilson, Mohit Honwad, Hugh Bender, Jehan deFonseka and Corbin Director. Margaret “Gogo” Lidz is director of social media at SnagFilms in New York City and a cultural correspondent for Newsweek. In October 2013, Jon Holzman and his wife Kristin visited Tower Hill. After his deployment to Afghanistan, Jon was adopted by Laurie Edinger’s 4th grade class. In appreciation of the kindness and support from Tower Hill students, Jon and his company, the Phantoms, fl ew over 100 missions over the skies of Afghanistan with an American fl ag honoring Tower Hill School. Jon was featured in the 2012 Bulletin as “Our American Hero.”

John Holzman ’03 and his wife Kristin make Tower Hill a stopover on their visit to the U.S. in October 2013. During his service as a fi ghter pilot in Afghanistan, Jon became pen pals with the 4th graders. His life-size image and the American fl ag, which accompanied him in over 100 missions over Afghanistan, were on display in the school.

Class of 2003 alums attend Jason Smith’s wedding in Hamilton, New York, in August 2013. Hillers included Bobby Mattina, Michael Wilson, Mohit Honwad, Jason Smith, Hugh Bender and Jehan deFonseka.

Not pictured is Corbin Director. Thanks to Hugh Bender for sharing this photo.

Melissa Martinenza Newell ’99, right, with science faculty member Jennifer Szaroleta.



2004 10th Reunion YearJohn T. Mongan, Jr. ’04 married Kristen Sprano in June 2013 in Charlottesville, Virginia. They met at the University of Virginia.

2005Katie Hoopes Bates married Michael Bates on May 4, 2013 at Winterthur. Their photographer was Carly Abbott ’97. Katie had many Tower Hill alums at her wedding.

Katie Hoopes Bates ’05 and Michael Bates with family following their wedding at Winterthur.

Right: Hillers join in celebration at the wedding of John Mongan and Kristen Sprano in June 2013. Class of 2004 attendees included Jillian Noyes, Tim Reed, Mimi Kelly Hayward, Jessica Vollmer, Ben Marsden and Nick Casscells.



2006Elizabeth Anne Glen Capone has been teaching Upper School Spanish at Sanford School since September 2010. She married Anthony Capone on July 13, 2013. They recently bought a house in the Pike Creek area. Maggie Glassman released her fi rst CD in October 2013. She had a record release party in Nashville with several industry people in attendance. She recorded four songs and one features Steve Cropper, legendary guitarist, rock-n-roll hall of famer and member of the Blues Brothers band. Maggie’s website is itsmaggie.com and her album is available on iTunes. Daisy Lidz runs the Story Department at Xbox Entertainment Studios in Santa Monica, California. She graduated from Sarah Lawrence College and in 2010 married Thor Ritz, a Ph.D. candidate at Syracuse University. On February 4, 2014, Audra Noyes visited Tower Hill and talked with art students about her journey as an emerging designer. Audra has garnered attention both locally and worldwide with her collection AUDRA after her debut at Paris Fashion Week this past October. Her passion to pursue arts and design as a career began in her Tower Hill AP Studio Art class taught by Kirby Smith and continued through her time at Savannah College of Art and Design in Savannah, Georgia. After college Audra interned with Lanvin, one of the fi rst fashion houses in Paris, and designer John Galliano from whom she learned all phases of the design industry. She was featured in a News Journal article on October 10, 2013. (See page 4 in this

publication.) After graduating from Princeton and going on to get her M.A. in Journalism and Public Affairs at American University, Chandler Clay is a media coordinator for the Environmental Defense Fund in Washington D.C.

2007Kathlyn Gamble was engaged to Casey Rivers on December 21, 2013. Witt Godden released his debut single on iTunes in December. Witt

is currently performing in various Los Angeles clubs and raising money to release his album. His single, Old Brick Road is on Spotify and iTunes. Witt’s website is www.wittgodden.com. Thanks to Daisy Lidz ’06 for sharing his news. Scott C. Nickle is working in Massachusetts and training with his dog Tillie for several races in New England and the Delaware area. Clint Laird married Carla Chirico on March 1, 2014, in Charleston, South Carolina. They both live and work in downtown Raleigh, North Carolina.

2008Ericka “Missy” Chehi has been working at the Campbell Soup Company in the corporate audit department since April 2013. Caitlin Van Sickle was one of 18 fi eld hockey players in the country selected from the U.S. Women’s National Team roster for the Pan Am games in September 2013 in Mendoza, Argentina. The U.S. team fell 1-0 to host Argentina in the championship match. As part of the Pam Am team, Caitlin qualifi ed for the World Cup in 2014 in the Netherlands. She currently lives and trains in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

Maggie Glassman ’06 had a record release party in Nashville and her album is available on iTunes.

Caitlin Van Sickle ’08 (left) competes on the

U.S. Women’s National Field Hockey Team.



Hillers Emily Schuckert ’10 (Yale fi eld hockey ’14), Kathryn DeLillio ’13 (Trinity lacrosse ’17), Caroline Ashford ’13 (Deerfi eld ’14; Harvard lacrosse ’18) and Caroline Holliday ’10 (Amherst lacrosse ’14) reunite after the April 23, 2014, Amherst vs. Trinity lacrosse game. Amherst went to the NCAA fi nal four and lost to eventual NCAA champion Salisbury.

Kali DiGate ’11, Kathyrn DeLillio ’13 and Katie Applegate ’10 gather after the Tufts vs. Trinity lacrosse game on March 22, 2014. Kathryn’s team (Trinity) made it to the fi nals of the Division III NCAA tournament, losing to Salisbury 9-6. She was the only freshman starter on the team and started in every game.

2009 5th Reunion YearMeghan Lyons is pursuing her passion for sports and social platforms as a marketing associate in Google+’s community partnerships in sports in New York. She is one of six UNC alumnae who completed a minor in entrepreneurship or “e-minor” program and now work for Google. (See the Bulletin article on page 8.) Lucy McMurry lives in Charlotte, North Carolina, where she is working as a marketing analyst.

2010, 2011, 2013On March 22, 2014, Division III #8 Trinity women’s lacrosse defeated #18 Tufts 11-8. Kali DiGate ’11 (Tufts), Kathryn DeLillio ’13 (Trinity) and Katie Applegate ’10 (Tufts captain) started for their respective teams. Wiz Applegate ’79, Katie’s mother and Tower Hill lacrosse coach, enjoyed the game and many hugs.

2010Gettysburg College senior Lizzy Kuhn was named to the Capital One NCAA Division III Academic All-District 4 First Team in volleyball as selected by the College Sports Information Directors of America. Demetrius Murray was elected by his teammates and coaches as a co-captain of the 2014 men’s club lacrosse team at Clemson. A former All-State goalie while at Tower Hill, he ranked 4th in the South Eastern Lacrosse Conference in both 2012 and 2013 while achieving national rankings of 9th (2012) and 14th (2013) in the Men’s Collegiate Lacrosse Association. Demetrius majored in Chinese and international trade at Clemson. Jenni Williams will be attending medical school at Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine in the fall. She graduated from the University of Delaware in May 2014. Katie Applegate, captain of Tuft’s women’s lacrosse team, was selected to the 2014 NESCAC Spring All-Sportsmanship team. The team is composed of one student-athlete from each institution for each sport that the conference sponsors. The honorees were selected by players and coaches from their respective teams. There were a total of 102 athletes selected from 11 NESCAC schools. Joanna Kelly celebrated her graduation from Columbia University with her father, Mike Kelly ’75 in May 2014.



2010, 2011, 2013 During the spring of 2014, eight Tower Hill alumnae competed on varsity lacrosse fi elds for colleges and universities on the east coast. Hillers included Katie Applegate ’10, Tufts University (captain); Caroline Holliday ’10, Amherst College (captain); Kali DiGate ’11, Tufts University; Sam Reichard ’11, Swarthmore College; Jenna Chodos ’13, Williams College; Meghan Cobb ’13, University of Vermont; Kathryn DeLillio ’13, Trinity College; and Sophie McCoy ’13, University of North Carolina.

2011Kathleen Batman is working the summer of 2014 in development operations at The George W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas, Texas. She will also be giving tours and working in the SMU Undergraduate Admissions offi ce. Lauren Boudreaux has been elected president of the Zeta Chi chapter of Delta Gamma at the University of Delaware. Gracie Firestone led the University of Delaware soccer team to the club soccer fi nals in Phoenix. Delaware beat Texas A&M, a school with three times the enrollment. After making the sweet 16, the tourney was canceled due to weather. Gracie led her team in scoring.

2012Christina Freibott was named MVP of the year for the Columbia fi eld hockey team. She was also named to the Ivy League Weekly Honor Roll twice in October 2013. Bradley Wolak helped direct a viral video recreating the television show Friends opening. It originally aired on the University of Delaware’s student television network in May 2014.

2013Lindsay von der Luft, a fi eld hockey goalkeeper for the Northwestern Wildcats, was selected to represent the U.S. on the Junior National fi eld hockey squad, competing on the U19 team. Players selected to the teams are eligible for competitive opportunities with Team USA and tour internationally during the spring. In addition, Lindsay was selected to the USA Women’s Junior Indoor Team for the third time. Lindsay traveled with the team to Scotland and Germany while at Tower Hill. Chris Martinez was one of 12

players on the Colgate men’s tennis team this year, after walking onto the team. A fi ve-year starter at Tower Hill School, Chris was the senior captain and a state fi nalist in 2013. Tower Hill coach Leigh Thompson commented, “He may be our fi rst male division one tennis player. This is huge!” Anne Grae Martin and Simona Scotto had the opportunity to meet Sonia Sotomayor, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, at the University of Delaware in September 2013. The UD students had read Sotomayor’s memoir titled My Beloved World, which envisions America’s infi nite possibilities. Anne Grae and Simona were among the fi nalists to attend her lecture and have dinner with her. Meghan Cobb, who plays lacrosse for the University of Vermont, was named to the America East All-Conference All-Rookie Team. As a freshman, she played in 17 of their 18 games and helped the Catamounts fi nish with their best season in the history of the program. The team qualifi ed for the AE Conference championship tournament.

Faculty Paul Mulvena, Middle School Math teacher, graduated from Wilmington University with his Master’s in Education in School Leadership in January 2014. The internship and practicum for his degree was completed at Tower Hill with Assistant Head of Middle School Carl Wismer and Head of Middle School Paul Capodanno as his mentors. This past October, he designed and presented a Collaborative iPad session to teachers and administrators at the University of Delaware’s fi rst iPads in Education Conference. During the summer, Paul is a management consultant for the Hockessin Athletic Club summer camp. In August 2013, his camp team raised $10,000 for the Special Olympics of Delaware. Carol Pepper, Director of Curriculum Development and Middle School Math teacher, has been accepted into the Doctor of Education Program Online from Johns Hopkins University School of Education. Johns Hopkins University School of Education was recently ranked #1 by U.S. News and World Report. This fall, Carol will begin the three-year program, which focuses on the dramatically changing landscape of education in the 21st century. Coursework will cover areas such as the science of learning, educational organizations,

contexts and systems, and applied research and evaluation. In addition, Carol will participate in the 21st Century Educator specialization, which is designed to develop innovative thought leaders who can identify future trends, lead system change related to emerging technology and nurture a digital-age learning environment that fosters critical thinking and inquiry-based learning. Kirby Smith has been attending the National Consortium on Teaching Asia at the University of Pennsylvania. The course on Asian art history brings together teachers and writers from China, Korea and Japan, who hear lectures by experts from several Ivy League schools and other top ranked universities. Kirby commented, “It has been wonderful to be in the company of a vast range of experience and origin. While there was a ton of homework, it was great to read, write and present to such a knowledgeable responsive class.” Leslie Sysko, English Department chair, has published her poems in a few notable places. Her poem Checkout appeared in Amazon’s Day One, a new literary journal, which features one poem and one short story a week. Her poem titled “Just Try” was one of 50 selected out of 4,000 submissions for 2013 Best New Poets, an annual anthology of poems from emerging writers. Leslie’s pen name is L.J. Sysko. In addition, the state poetry calendar for Texas features one of Sysko’s poems, even though she has no personal connection to the Lone Star state. Sysko was invited to her alma mater, Lafayette College, to give a reading for the 20th anniversary of the H. MacKnight Black Poetry Prize, an honor she won as a senior at Lafayette. Poets and fellow alums Ross Gay, Yolanda Wisher, and Leslieann Hobayan read their poems and viewed an exhibit of Lafayette poet visitors and alums in which their work is included. Head football coach, Kevin Waesco, was selected to be an assistant coach for the 59th Annual DFRC Blue-Gold All-Star Football Game on June 21, 2014. Proceeds from the game benefi tted programs for individuals with intellectual disABILITIES throughout Delaware. This year’s game marked the 59th time the game has been played. It will also be the 40th anniversary of the Hand-in-Hand Program and 50th anniversary of the DFRC Blue-Gold Marching Band. The Tower Hill School Board of Trustees appointed Harry Baetjer as head of school in January 2014. Harry has



William (Bill) Wood, Jr. ’59 . February 24, 1942–May 2, 2014 s a student, alumni, parent, grandparent and trustee, Bill Wood created during his lifetime a legacy to benefi t the Tower Hill community. He served on the Board of Trustees for 25 years and was president of the board from 1993 to 1996. He was a founding member of the Green and White Club, an organization dedicated to supporting athletics, and was a strong supporter of the arts at Tower Hill, culminating in the building of the P.S. du Pont Arts Center while he was on the board. In September 2013, Bill was honored to receive the Founders’ Achievement Award from Tower Hill.

Following his graduation from Tower Hill, he attended Lafayette College. After his freshman year, he transferred to Stanford University and graduated with a B.A. in 1963. He went on to attend the University of Michigan Law School and received his J.D. in 1966. While there, he met his wife, Jane Klotzbach Wood. In 1968, while living in Atlanta, Georgia, and practicing law at Smith, Currie & Hancock, Bill’s fi rst child, William (Bill) Taylor Wood, III ’86 was born. The following year, Bill and his family moved to Moorestown, New Jersey, and he joined the legal department of the Campbell Soup Company. Bill’s daughter, Susan Wood Waesco ’90, was born in 1972.

Shortly after Susan’s birth, Bill and his family moved to Wilmington, where he lived until his death. He worked for E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company in the Legal Department for 15 years, retiring as the Director of State and Local Affairs. In 1986, Bill left DuPont to found his own government relations fi rm. Prior to his retirement at the end of 2013, he represented a wide range of clients before the Delaware legislature.

Bill was a longtime member and past president of the Rotary Club of Wilmington, helped found the Delaware Business Roundtable and served on various boards and advisory committees. He was a member of Grace United Methodist Church in downtown Wilmington since childhood.

Bill loved to travel. He was especially fond of vacationing in Sanibel, Florida, each spring and spent much of the summer in Suttons Bay, Michigan. He was a devoted family man and took great pleasure in spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren. He was passionate about University of Michigan football and basketball, Tower Hill football and the Phillies. Prior to his illness, Bill made time nearly every day to walk and spent many mornings walking around the outdoor track or inside Carpenter Field House at Tower Hill.

Contributions may be made in Bill’s memory to the Tower Hill General Financial Aid Fund, which supports fi nancial aid awards for students attending Tower Hill, or to the Ronald McDonald House of Delaware.

s a c AIN MEMORIAM

Bill Wood ’59, center, with Charlie Gummy, Jr. and Steve Hyde ’59 at the donor reception held at the Hayward House on March 6.

served Tower Hill in teaching and administrative capacities for over 43 years. After teaching and coaching Middle and Upper School students, he became the dean of students in the Upper School in 1981 and four years later was appointed head of the Upper School. In 2008 Mr. Baetjer became the associate head of the school, managing many of the day-to-day operations. He is the father of three Tower Hill graduates. He completed his B.A. at Trinity College in Connecticut and his M.A. from the University of Delaware. Dr. Kevin Ruth was appointed the CEO and executive director of ECIS (European Council of International Schools),

effective July 2014. Headquartered in London, ECIS is a collaborative global network promoting and supporting the ideals and best practices of international education. ECIS addresses the needs of increasingly complex international schools by providing professional development programs at various sites in Europe and around the world. With more than 800 members from 90 countries, ECIS hosts two major annual conferences and offers many programs, including: the International Teacher Certifi cate program, the Leadership Program, the Sustainable International School Governance program, consultancy services,

interest area-specifi c conferences hosted by member schools and webinars as well as well as myriad print publications and social media channels. Security specialist Steve Van Vechten, who is often seen around the Tower Hill campus, completed the Delaware Constable Certifi cate this year. Steve is now qualifi ed to serve as a law enforcement offi cer on campus. To become certifi ed, Steve completed a number of minimum standards established by the Council on Police Training. In addition, Steve attended four other programs during 2013 focused on school safety.


Alumni and Donor Events

Washington D.C. Alumni Reception—December 5, 2013From the top: Holly Hoopes Hudimac ’73 and Ginger Smith ’66; Patricia (Trish) Green Tilson ’80 and host of the reception, Lisa Olson ’76; Rich Stetson ’81, John Stratton ’05 and his guest Susanne Miller

Donor and Volunteer Reception at the Hayward House—March 6, 2014Above, left: Board of Trustees members Michelle Shepherd, Earl Ball (chair) and Pete Hayward ’66

Above, right: Puss Draper Schutt ’62 and Chip Schutt ’61

Alumni Holiday Reception at the Logan House—December 9, 2013

Above, left: Jeff Simonton ’75, Carol Sullivan Taylor ’75, Mike Kelly ’75, George Hobbs ’75 Above, right: Patrick Kaiser ’02, former teacher George Stetson, Wilson Braun ’01

Math and Science Center Donor Preview Reception—September 3, 2013

Alumni Tailgate Before the Wilmington Friends Football Game—November 8, 2013Above: Lauren McCrery ’03, Lauren’s guest Aaron Stulman, Middle School teacher and coach Wiz Applegate ’79


Senior Dinner Hosted by the Alumni Council

May 28, 2014

Above: Sam Murphy ’14, Ben Manning ’14, Russell

DiGate ’14, Ben Watson ’14

Right: Speaker for the Senior Dinner, Meghan Lyons ’09

Luncheon with Forum Speaker Carmen Wallace ’93—April 4, 2014Ryan Viner ’94, Carmen Wallace ’93, Mark Smolko ’93

New York City Reception at the Yale ClubApril 30, 2014

Meggie Friedman ’07, Ashley Gahagan ’08, Erica Bickhart ’08, Meghan Graham ’08, Ashley Isken ’08

Alumni Tailgate Before the Lacrosse Game vs. St. Andrew’sMay 2, 2014

Danielle Whitaker ’08, Brett Smith ’08, Lower School teacher and coach Charles Sharon, Justin Hicks ’09

25th Anniversary of the Golf Outing at Bidermann Golf Club June 9, 2014Hosted by the Alumni Council

Above: Members of the Board of Trustees Bill Daiger, Lance Weaver and Pete Hayward ’66 with Pete’s wife Tina

At the top: Deb Colbourn ’92, Paula Janssen ’91, Alisha Wayman Bryson ’91


Show your support for Tower Hill by giving to the Annual Fund.There are more reasons than ever to be proud of our tremendous school–the challenging academic curriculum, beautiful grounds, passionate faculty, vibrant arts program, championship sports teams & engaging community service initiatives.

MOST IMPORTANTLY, WE ARE VERY PROUD OF THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF OUR STUDENTS AND ALUMNI.

Visit www.towerhill.org/makeagift to show your support—every year!

TOWER HILL

Connect with Tower Hill AlumniIntroducing the Tower Hill Alumni App, powered by EverTrue! You’ll be able to network exclusively with Tower Hill alums right from the palm of your hand. The app, for iPad, iPhone and Android devices, will launch Homecoming 2014!

Networking and ConnectingThe Tower Hill Alumni App is an online directory. You can easily build and maintain your alumni network. Below are just a few examples:

• Connect with Classmates: Use the Tower Hill Alumni App to see classmates who are nearby your current location, whether you’re at home or traveling by clicking “Alumni Nearby.” From your classmates’ profi les, you can email, call or connect with them on LinkedIn directly.

• Search for Jobs: The Tower Hill Alumni App is an effective resource for alumni who are interested in networking professionally or searching for a job. Through the app’s fi lters and directory, you can fi nd fellow alumni in a specifi c fi eld.

• Moving to a New City? Connect with the Tower Hill Alumni App: When moving to a new city, the map feature is a great way for alumni to connect with each other. By using the map, you can see fellow classmates in the area where you’ve relocated.

• Invite Your Tower Hill Friends: The Tower Hill Alumni App has an easy way to fi nd former classmates and friends by simply searching by name, town and class years. With a simple touch of “Tell Your Friends,” you can invite others in the directory, in your email contacts or in Facebook and LinkedIn to join your network.

• Integrate Your Social Media: The Tower Hill Alumni App makes it simple for alumni to visualize all their different social media feeds and information in one place. And by clicking “News and Social” in the app, it is easy to retrieve and view all of Tower Hill’s social media posts, photos and videos.

The app is the fastest and easiest way to update contact information, network professionally with other alums, fi nd alums in your community and get in touchwith old classmates. Directory information is secure, and the app is accessible exclusively to Tower Hill alumni through the use of the email addresses on record with the school. Questions? Call the Alumni Offi ce at 302-657-8353.

The Tower Hill Alumni App, Powered by EverTrue

Coming Homecoming 2014

TOWER HILL SCHOOL

2813 West 17th Street

Wilmington, DE 19806

Please keep us informed with all updated addresses.

Non-Profi t Org.U.S. Postage

Permit No. 562Wilmington, Delaware

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The Tower Hill Alumni App Connect with Tower Hill alumni from the palm of your hand. See inside for details.

Coming Homecoming 2014

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