Thistletalk Winter 2010

Thistle T TALK ALK The Power of Partnership in this issue: City as Our Campus Partnership with Pitt Asian Studies Center Young Alum Leadership Council Builds a Bridge to Beijing and Beyond Reunion 2009 Urban Arts Revealed Connects WT Students Reflections on the G-20 to Pittsburgh’s Vibrant Arts Community Winchester Thurston School Winter 2010

Malone Scholars Thistle TALK M A G A Z I N E Volume 37 • Number 1 • Winter 2010 Thistletalk is published two times per year by Winchester Thurston School for alumnae/i, parents, students, and friends of the school. Letters and suggestions are welcome. Contact Maura Farrell, Winchester Thurston School, 555 Morewood Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213. Editor Maura Farrell Assistant Head for Planning farrellml@winchesterthurston.org Alumnae/i Editor Gaylen Westfall Director of Development and Alumnae/i Relations westfallg@winchesterthurston.org Contributors David Aschkenas Kathleen Bishop Dionne Brelsford Jason Cohn Lisa Kay Davis ‘97 Max Findley ‘11 John Holmes Ashley Lemmon ‘01 Karen Meyers ‘72 Lee Moses A’98 Melissa Rostek ‘11 Jennifer Scanlon Jane Schilling Jonathan Springer ‘10 Karyn Vella Justin Weinstein ‘12 Gaylen Westfall Printing Winchester Thurston School proudly acknowledges our Herrmann Printing 2009 - 2010 Malone Scholars. Design Anne Flanagan Congratulations to this year’s Malone Scholars: Alexander Zukoff ’12, Noah Vito ’12, Kyle Czurko ’14, and Alexa Yu ’11. These outstanding students received this distinction School Mission Winchester Thurston School actively engages as the result of a $2 million grant from the Malone Family Foundation in recognition of each student in a challenging and inspiring learning process that develops the mind, WT’s challenging academics and its excellence in serving the needs of gifted and talented motivates the passion to achieve, and cultivates the character to serve. students. WT was selected as one of only three schools for this prestigious award in 2007. Core Values We activate our Mission by creating a learning envir onment that pr omotes and instills appreciation for these five Core Values: Critical Thinking, Integrity, Empathy, Community, Inspired minds. Record enrollment! and Diversity. Thistletalk content represents opinions, ideas, Winchester Thurston School opened its 123rd year with record enrollment of 639 students. and perspectives of the authors that are not necessarily those of the Trustees or Administration From their athletic and artistic accomplishments to their exceptional scores on the entrance of Winchester Thurston School. The editors exams, from their leadership accolades to their demonstrated commitment to thinking also reserve the right to accept, reject, or edit any content submitted for publication in Thistletalk. of the comfort and the rights of others, we are pleased to welcome 110 new students in Winchester Thurston School is a member of the grades PK -12 for the 2009 - 2010 school year. National Association of Independent Schools. Winchester Thurston School is accredited by the Our new families hail from more than 30 zip codes, 50 schools, five states, and four countries. Pennsylvania Association of Independent Schools. More than 23 percent are students of color, and a significant number of families speak more Winchester Thurston School does not discriminate than one language at home. We welcomed 24 siblings and have more than 20 legacy children on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, in attendance this year. WT also offered over $2 million in financial aid and scholarships. religion, or disability in the administration of its educational policies, admission policies, financial Each year over 80 percent of our families learn about WT from a current parent, a WT alum, aid programs, and athletics or other school- administered programs. or a colleague. Thank you for referring your friends and helping to build the WT community! Contact the Admission Office at admission@winchesterthurston.org if you would like us to Copyright © 2010 Winchester Thurston School. All Rights Reserved. include a friend of yours in WT Admission monthly emails or mailings.

VOL. 37 • NO.1 WINTER 2009 contents Great Teaching: Imagination, Dedication Make the WT Difference FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL Gary J. Niels 2 FEATURES: Young Alum Leadership Council Formed 4 COVER STORY: The Power of Partnership: Dynamic City as Our Campus Programs 15 Emerge from Meaningful Partnerships that Benefit WT Students and the Community 5 DEVELOPMENT & ALUMNAE/I NEWS: Gerard Michael D’Emilio ’07 24 WT TODAY: Young Alum Profile SCHOOL NEWS Fall Arts, Academics, and Athletics Highlights…New Boats for the Crew Team…Warhol Alums Reconnect at WT…Girls in Science…Joseph Cornell Shares in Manchester-by-the-Sea 25 Nature with North…Upper School Students Reflect on the G-20…Eighth Grade Holocaust Museum Loretta Lobes Benec ’88 Enters the Public Realm…Faculty Highlights 14 and the Miss Mitchell Society 26 Judy Apt Nathenson ’69 Lessons and Legacies 27 29 Reunion ’09 28 Janet Marstine ’77: This Is Not Art. Or Is It? 30 20 Class Notes 31 www.winchesterthurston.org 1

Winchester Thurston School BOARD OF Great Teaching: New Faces on the Board TRUSTEES 2009-2010 Imagination, Dedication Deborah L. Acklin ’80 is Chief Operating Officer for WQED Multimedia. As Executive Producer at WQED from 1996-2000, she developed blockbuster music specials for PBS, Make the WT Difference Henry Posner III generating more than $45 million for public television; oversaw production of national documentaries for PBS; and created WQED’s nightly magazine program “OnQ.” President Her many awards include a national Emmy nomination for a documentary on the Ralph L. Bangs legendary Fred Rogers; seven Emmy awards (Mid-Atlantic); a CINE Golden Eagle; Vice President imaginative, disciplined, knowledgeable, recommendations for seniors applying White House Press Association honors; the Catholic Communicators Conference and dedicated! The common thread is to college. Gabriel Award; the Pearl Award from the descendants of the Warner Brothers; the Kathleen Buechel Daughters of the American Revolution Pennsylvania TV/Film award; Associated Press their desire to play a role in developing Under the leadership of a few honors for Best Newscast; Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters awards for Excellence in Broadcasting; one Vice President young people. In choosing this vocation faculty members WT is engaging in an of Pittsburgh’s “40 Under 40”; YWCA Leadership award in Arts and Culture; and one of Pittsburgh’s Outstanding Stephen G. Robinson they have made significant lifestyle important discussion of how we might Women in Science by the Women & Girls Foundation. Vice President decisions. Teachers, it is widely known, more effectively “reward and support Acklin serves as chair of the Three Rivers Arts Festival board, and is on the boards of the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG do not become wealthy through teaching. great teaching.” This has been identified Aquarium; Carlow University; The Steeltown Entertainment Project; St. Vincent Seminary; and The Pittsburgh Douglas A. Campbell Psychoanalytic Society. She holds a B.A. from Duquesne University and completed the prestigious Advanced Treasurer However, they are enriched by teaching as a vital component in our strategic Management Program at Harvard Business School. children who want to learn and whose future. One of the ways that we wish to Deepak Kotwal families have high aspirations for them. implement this goal is through a more Choreographer, performer, and teacher Elsa Limbach studied dance in Pittsburgh Secretary Gary J. Niels and at the University of Michigan, Banff School of Fine Arts, Pennsylvania Ballet, and with numerous teachers in New York City. As a founding member and artistic director Gary J. Niels T alk to anyone about t heir “WT teachers of the past and present are a of Dance Alloy Theatre in Pittsburgh, she performed in works by such contemporary choreographers as Bill T. Jones, Victoria Marks, Charlie Moulton, and Mark Taylor. Head of School educational experiences and the special group of human beings—imaginative, She has performed and taught in the United States and abroad, particularly in Bulgaria, Deborah Acklin ’80 first thing you will hear is a story about a life-changing teacher. The stories disciplined, knowledgeable, and dedicated!” where she worked with the Ballet Arabesque and the State Musical Theater in Sofia. She was awarded a Fulbright Lectureship to the Bulgarian National Academy of Theater Ronald J. Bartlett Barbara Abney Bolger ’52 are sometimes dramatic, and not always and Film Arts. Limbach’s recent work includes a collaborative venture, Ensemble John B. Christie-Searles romantic. Undergirded by a deep belief Our class sizes are smaller than effective evaluation system that will Palimpsest, whose first project, “Stalking the Sublime,” premiered in Costa Rica in 2007. Robert I. Glimcher in the student, these accounts are often those in public and parochial schools, the also enable us to reward exceptional Limbach has served on the boards of the Bulgarian Macedonian National Educational and Cultural Center, Dance Rosanne Isay Harrison ’56 ◊ Alloy, Shady Lane School, and Society for Contemporary Craft. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in political science Diane Holder of a teacher’s challenging the student to curriculum is demanding, and the faculty teaching. Pat Bassett, the President of from Chatham College. Elizabeth S. Hurtt ’74 a higher level of performance. Invariably has a remarkable commitment to develop the National Association of Independent Limbach’s daughter Karolina Karagyozova attends WT (Class of 2016), as does her nephew Angel Karagyozov Ian James the student recounts that the teacher’s each student intellectually and ethically. Schools, often says, “Give me 30 minutes (Class of 2010). Angel’s brother Nikolay graduated in 2008 and attends Roanoke College. Dusty E. Kirk passion for her or his subject or craft To achieve all of this, WT teachers in your school and I’ll tell you who the Elsa Limbach became infectious. It is not uncommon must be dedicated to more than just great teachers are!” Bassett explains that David L. Porges has been president and COO of EQT since 2007, after serving as senior Steve Loevner vice president and chief financial officer. He has served on the board of directors of Carole Oswald Markus ’57 ◊ to hear adults say that they chose their transmitting knowledge. They also serve every school has teachers about whom EQT since 2001 and was named vice chairman and executive vice president, Finance Linnea Pearson McQuiston ’69 careers because of the influence of a as mentors and advisors to students. In students, parents, and administrators & Administration in 2005. Douglas H. Ostrow particular teacher. addition to teaching their regular classes, speak openly and effusively because Porges joined EQT from Bankers Trust Corporation, where his positions included David L. Porges Nowhere are these stories more during a typical school day a WT teacher of the impact that they have on their leading Bankers Trust’s energy advisory efforts as managing director for the firm’s BT Martin E. Powell prevalent than at Winchester Thurston. is likely to spend his or her “free periods” students’ lives. The challenge of our Wolfensohn Mergers & Acquisitions unit. Prior to joining Bankers Trust, Porges was Susan Santa Cruz ’60 In my eight years as Head of School meeting with students for academic faculty committee is to determine a with Exxon Corporation in various managerial positions, first with the Asian head- Nancy T. Scott quarters in Houston and later with its Esso Australia unit in Sydney and Melbourne. Stephen B. Thomas I have heard countless stories about and non-academic guidance, planning system that quantifies truly exceptional A Chicago native, Porges holds an MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business and a Bachelor’s degree in Jane Arensberg Thompson ’57 ◊ such legendary and beloved teachers classroom activities, and communicating performers both in and outside the industrial engineering and operations research from Northwestern University. He serves on the board of directors as Ann Peterson in Art History, Fae with parents; they teach elective courses, classroom, and recognizes and rewards at City Theatre and is a member of the Independent Producers Association of America. ◊ Emeritus Trustee MacCamy and Jinny Sheppard in History, advise clubs, coach sports teams, direct such excellence. Porges and his wife, Gabriela, have two children at WT: Victoria (Class of 2021) and Amelia (Class of 2022). Selma Kress in Music, Dorothy Seif in performing arts shows, and attend I’ve talked to countless alums over Science, Genevieve Yagodkin and Annie games and performances. They serve the years and witnessed that which is Winchester Thurston School Patrick Dowd, Member of City Council, Pittsburgh City Council District 7 Guentner in French, Fran Hein in Math, on committees, mentor colleagues, special about WT today. One of the most Gloria Acklin in English, and Judy Apt and meet with their fellow teachers to important aspects of our history is the ADVISORY BOARD Lee B. Foster, President and CEO, L.B. Foster Company Nathenson in Kindergarten. I did not review and evaluate curriculum with the “hall of fame” of dedicated, talented, 2009-2010 Tori Haring-Smith, President, Washington and Jefferson College have the privilege of knowing many of student’s learning at the center of the demanding, supportive, and truly John T.S. Keeler, Dean and Professor, University of Pittsburgh Graduate School Carol R. Brown, Former (Retired) President and CEO, of Public and International Affairs these great teachers who transformed conversation. Yet, it is what teachers take exceptional teachers who have called and Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Indira Nair, Vice Provost for Education, Carnegie Mellon University the lives of WT alums, but I do know the home at night that is often so demanding who currently call themselves members Esther L. Bush, President and CEO, Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh Jim Roddey, Senior Consultant, McCrory & McDowell LLC teachers who are influencing the lives of of their personal lives—lesson plans of the WT faculty. Year after year, day Ronald Cole-Turner, H. Parker Sharp Chair of Theology and Ethics, Alan J. Russell, Director, McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine current students and recent alums. to develop or review, tests to correct, after day these are the people who make Pittsburgh Theological Seminary WT teachers of the past and present papers to read and comment on, and the WT experience so outstanding. Lisa Schroeder, Executive Director, Riverlife Task Force Thomas Detre, Emeritus Distinguished Senior Vice Chancellor for are a special group of human beings— such invisible responsibilities as writing Health Sciences, UPMC Tom Sokolowski, Director, The Andy Warhol Museum Aradhna Dhanda, President and CEO, Leadership Pittsburgh Inc. Janera Solomon, Executive Director, Kelly-Strayhorn Theater Nathaniel Doyno ’02, Vice President, Clean Technology, The Ecolibrium Jane Werner, Executive Director, Children's Museum of Pittsburgh 2 Thistletalk Wint er 2010 Group, President, Doyno Consulting LLC www.winchesterthurston.org 3

feature story cover story Winchester Thurston School Young Alumnae/i Leadership Council THE POWER YOUNG ALUM Co-Chairs Jennifer Gonzalez McComb ’89, Physician, West Penn Hospital Pulmonary and Intensive Care LEADERSHIP COUNCIL FORMED Adam Witt ’97, Vice President, Witt Pest Control Ann Stanton Adams ’93, Volunteer Project Manager, Grow Up Great, PNC Financial Services Group Lauren Ames ’95, Attorney, Davies, McFarland & Carroll, P.C. Azadeh Masalehdan Block ’98, Teaching Fellow, OF PARTNERSHIP University of Pittsburgh, Outpatient Therapist, UPMC Eric Brown ’94, CEO, ImpactGames Lisa Kay Davis ’97, Freelance Writer/Graduate Student, Carnegie Mellon University Michael Della Vecchia ’03, Law Student, University of Pittsburgh “I thought it was David Farkas ’02, Main Street Regional Coordinator, Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Foundation time to try to Molly Dorrance ’01, Designer/Marketing give more and in Nathaniel Doyno ’01, VP Clean Technology, , a different way." The Ecolibrium Group; President, Doyno Consulting LLC — Jennifer Gonzalez Michael Larson-Edwards ’04, Project Engineer, McComb '89 Massaro Corp. Ashley Lemmon ’01, Assistant Director of Athletics, Winchester Thurston School Members of the WT Young Alum Leadership Council gather on the Upper School terrace during their June 2009 meeting. Kristen Maser Michaels ’01, Marketing Manager, Air and Waste Management Association I Kathleen Metinko ’91, Principal, Special Acquisition n January 2009, WT realized its long-standing desire to A physician and mother of two, McComb identifies WT as Services, Deloitte & Touche LLP create a council of young alumnae/i leaders to serve the integral to her development. “The skills I learned at WT were school in an advisory capacity, and to act as a liaison to other crucial to my success. I have always tried to give whatever I Daniel Michelmore ’97, Attorney, Swartz Campbell LLC When a school embraces its community, a context for WT young alums. In less than one year, the Young Alumnae/i could financially to the school, but I thought it was time to Antoinette Oliver ’98, Attorney, Meyer, Unkovic & learning emerges and adds vitality to the educational Leadership Council has evolved into an actively engaged body try to give more and in a different way. I would like to have a Scott LLP experience. The strengths of a region may contribute of thoughtful champions for their alma mater. The Council significant and positive impact on how WT alumnae/i perceive Kelly Hanna Riley ’91, Real Estate Agent, Howard Hanna currently boasts a membership of 28 WT alums from the classes their school and hopefully increase their participation as Real Estate unique experiences and opportunities not found of 1989 through 2005. alumnae/i, friends, and future parents of WT students,” she says. elsewhere, while the challenges of a region may provide Abby Robinson ’03, Graduate Student, University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of The Council’s specific focus, which they developed over the Witt, Vice President of Witt Pest Control, believes the Young Public and International Affairs a learning laboratory for programs that shape an ethos course of their first two meetings, will be to advise and assist Alumnae/i Leadership Council has tremendous potential Anjali Sachdeva ’96, Fiction Writer and Freelance Editor of inquiry, critical thinking, service, problem solving, the school in a number of areas, including Admission and for impact. “[The Council] is going to be the nerve center Marketing, Communications, Networking, and Philanthropy. connecting the three segments of WT’s ‘immediate family,’ the Christie Schroth ’95, Veterinarian, Point Breeze and community. Partnership is powerful because it Veterinary Clinic “We are so excited about the participation of this group in the older alumnae/i, the younger alumnae/i, and current student draws on the strengths and resources of all involved. life of WT,” says Gary Niels. “Their energy is infectious, and they body. Hopefully we can be the conduit, allowing for all of these Laurel Shaw ’96, Senior Program Officer, McCune Foundation In the following pages, you will read about some of the are committed to ensuring that Winchester Thurston remains a connections to create opportunities, strengthen relationships, vital institution of which they can be proud. Their involvement and promote Winchester Thurston to the ‘extended family’ of Kerry Soso ’01, Program Administrator, Office of dynamic City as Our Campus programs at WT which Experiential Learning, University of Pittsburgh will be an important contribution to that vitality. This group has parents and Western Pennsylvania for that matter.” would not be possible without the contributions of our personal knowledge of the Winchester Thurston experience, and the alums are clearly dedicated and supportive of our mission.” “The group has already helped WT move forward with new Benjamin Sota ’99, Executive Director, Zany Umbrella Circus partners. Moreover, you will read about how Winchester ideas and suggestions,” says Jennifer Scanlon, Director of Laura Stack ’01, Manager of Operational Research, Thurston is striving, through these partnerships, The Council has two co-chairs, Jennifer Gonzalez McComb ’89 and Institutional Advancement, who convenes the Council. Adam Witt ’97. Both were eager to participate in the Council “They’re a positive force for WT.” University of Pittsburgh to connect to and benefit the community. Through and look forward to implementing many of the new ideas already Jennifer Staley ’91, Supervising Attorney, Program & partnership, WT models for students the “think also” Policy Coordinator, Kid’s Voice developed in the early meetings. credo of Miss Mitchell. Ian Sullivan ’04, Planning Specialist, Westinghouse Electric Company 4 Thistletalk Wint er 2010 Steven Tracy ’05, Credit Analyst, PNC Financial Services www.winchesterthurston.org 5

cover story cover story Hong Kong, and Northern Vietnam—studied migration and identity and has used her research to significantly augment third grade units not only on China, but also pioneers and Pittsburgh. “When we study Pittsburgh, we talk about where you come from and why your ancestors came to Pittsburgh,” she explains. “When we talk about pioneers, we discuss moving west. Because of the tremendous amount of Chinese goods purchased by Americans, it’s impossible BUILDING I n 2006, Director of Middle School Holly Hatcher-Frazier “[Students] should to understand modern formed a committee whose charge was to explore how WT begin to recognize China without examining, a Bridge to Beijing might develop a Pre-Kindergarten through grade 12 Asian even on a third-grade level, Studies program. They began with an audit to locate points that they have a role factories and their impact in the curriculum where Asian Studies was emphasized and in a wider global on Chinese culture and found much upon which to build, particularly a third-grade multidisciplinary unit on China, sixth-grade social studies, community as they internal migration. Many young people leave their & BEYOND and ninth-grade contemporary world history. Realizing that connecting these points into a comprehensive curriculum analyze and compare villages because of lack cultures, economies, of opportunity. They go and politics that to the cities where the factories are, and they shape the countries send home their earnings they study.” to help their families.” Gaul is including China’s ethnic minorities and religions in her teaching. “There are many faces of China. Visiting temples and shrines across China gave me a significantly improved understanding of Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism from the Chinese perspective. China also has a rich Islamic heritage.” “When you have authentic travel opportunities like this, the world becomes smaller,” says Hatcher-Frazier of her trip to China, adding, “It was important to me that my students have the opportunity to learn more about a region that many have little knowledge of. I want to make ‘the strange familiar and the O familiar strange’ to my students. They should begin to recognize ver the past three years, Winchester would require outside expertise and professional development, Hatcher-Frazier sought advice from the National Consortium that they have a role in a wider global community as they analyze and compare cultures, economies, and politics that shape the Thurston has embarked on a virtual on Teaching about Asia (NCTA), part of Pitt’s Asian Studies countries they study.” Center. NCTA supports and facilitates teaching and learning journey to East Asia, enriching student about East Asia in K-12 schools. Among other things, Hatcher-Frazier’s study tour focused on exploring the Chinese education system to better understand learning, developing faculty expertise, and serving A core NCTA program is a seminar on East Asia. Five WT its culture and people; learning how to best support WT’s new teachers have participated, resulting in a slate of new Asian Middle School and Upper School Chinese teacher, Tian Yu; and as a resource to the community in true City as Our Studies academic electives and enhancement to existing units enriching the Asian Studies Program. In addition to touring major Campus fashion. WT’s Asian Studies program and courses. Through NCTA support, WT has also begun to establish an Asian Studies library/resource center. cultural centers, she visited a number of Chinese schools, which resulted in invaluable sharing of perspectives and pedagogical is emerging from a unique partnership forged Perhaps most powerful is the extraordinary travel philosophies. “The cross-cultural exchange was a powerful opportunity two faculty members had last summer. Hatcher- development experience for me,” she says. with the University of Pittsburgh’s Asian Studies Frazier and City Campus third-grade teacher Karen Gaul were Pitt’s Asian Studies Center had much to offer WT beyond Center, one of only 15 national resource centers selected to participate in two separate NCTA research trips to East Asia. NCTA, particularly the Confucius Institute (CI). Sponsored by the Chinese government, CI has the mission to promote Chinese on East Asian Studies in the United States. Gaul—one of only 18 teachers chosen for a three-week language and culture worldwide and provides Chinese teachers study tour of Beijing, Guangdon, Guangzhou, Guilin, Shenzen, for K-12 schools via China’s Hanban program. Michele Heryford, 6 Thistletalk Wint er 2010 www.winchesterthurston.org 7

cover story Managing Director of Pitt’s CI, provided guidance and support during WT’s two-year exploration of adding Mandarin to the foreign language curriculum; she ultimately secured a teacher for WT, Tian Yu, who arrived from his native China in July and is now teaching Mandarin to Middle School and Upper School students. He also serves as team leader to all Confucius Institute teachers in Western Pennsylvania and shares his research findings with the University of Pittsburgh and Wuhan University. Yu is pursuing a Master’s degree at Wuhan University in teaching Chinese to speakers of other languages (MTCSOL). He has won numerous awards for teaching excellence, for his performance in English-speaking competitions, and for coaching others in such competitions. Warm and friendly, Yu enjoys working with his new students and continues to be inspired by their level of commitment and When Brian and Lynn Schreiber learned that WT would be bringing Tian Yu intellectual curiosity. “I appreciate the fact that my students are from China through the Confucius Institute, they offered him their carriage self-motivated to learn something difficult, and they take on house apartment and welcomed him when he arrived in July. The Schreibers, the challenge.” Yu incorporates as many cultural lessons as he along with their sons Sam (a WT freshman) and Josh (who attended WT through eighth grade), have helped Tian Yu assemble the accoutrements of can, introducing music, customs, popular culture, and food to a household, taken him to see the Steelers at Heinz Field, hosted him at their the students. His classroom is a rich display of colorful photos, Thanksgiving table, and made him a part of their family. They all share an appreciation for music and for Asian culture; Tian Yu jogs regularly with Josh paintings, and decorations representing the vast history and and teaches the boys Mandarin on weekends. “Having Tian Yu here has really culture of China. One of his many goals is to provide his students been a gift to us,” says Brian. with a complete picture of China. “Through this program, they get to really know China and Asia. What they learn in the Perceive, classroom is current and relevant.” Understanding China, Connecting to Pittsburgh,” and a 2009 From sambas, ragas, and glass casting to contemporary Driven by his students’ high energy and strong performance, film/discussion series at WT, “Asia Unreeled,” co-sponsored Yu hopes to help WT develop a student trip to China, where they with Silk Screen, a Pittsburgh Asian arts organization; the dance, silkscreen printing, and murals a la Andy Warhol and will be able to apply what they have learned. Heryford sees no limits to the partnership. “The benefits for both the University series is scheduled to run again in 2010. In addition, with Yu as the instructor, WT launched Chinese language classes for Create, Shepard Fairey, the arts pulsed through WT’s Upper School during its first ever Arts Immersion Day on November 19. of Pittsburgh and Winchester Thurston are numerous. From our perspective, we are able to expand our mission to have Chinese adults last fall. Heryford considers community involvement key to Connect, Students were steeped in an electrifying, interconnecting Reflect language and Asian-related curriculum incorporated into the advancing cultural understanding. “Having both students and array of on-campus and off-campus workshops led by schools. We recognize that these young learners are the future adults learning Chinese helps to support Pittsburgh’s emerging scholars, business people, and diplomats of the United States, image as a world-class, internationalized city. The enthusiasm artists, curators, choreographers, performers, and educators and the earlier we can introduce them to Asia, the more likely for the programs at WT certainly seems to imply that there is from WT’s core arts partners: ATTACK Theatre, The Andy they will approach their chosen fields with a greater sense of both interest and need for us to understand China.” Warhol Museum, Pittsburgh Public Theater, The Carnegie Museum of Art, Manchester the entire world.” Looking forward, WT hopes to expand and enhance its From the Asian Studies program’s inception, WT partnership with Pitt’s Asian Studies Center. “We are fortunate Craftsmen’s Guild, The Pittsburgh Glass Center, and Artists Image Resources. The theme intended to create cultural bridges within the classroom, as to have one of the most highly regarded centers of East Asian for the arts immersion day: Perceive, Create, Connect, Reflect. well as within the community. To this end, the partnership studies right in our backyard,” says Hatcher-Frazier, “and has involved educational programming for adults, including a everyone at Pitt has been extremely interested in working with 2008 lecture series on China at WT, “Great Wall, Terrible Towel: us as true partners.” Above: The Pittsburgh Glass Center was just one of many sites for intensive arts workshops during the Arts Immersion Day. 8 Thistletalk Wint er 2010 www.winchesterthurston.org 9

cover story Creativity, Connection… and Chemistry “Everyone is creative,” asserts Pittsburgh Public Theater’s Lisa Ann Goldsmith. “It’s almost more important for those of us not in the arts to express creativity.” Goldsmith’s acting workshops focused on expanding creativity, honing concentration, and fostering communication through script exercises and a series of complex yet playful theater games involving balls, patterns, The immersion day is a core element of The Urban Arts “It was a day Music: The Keeper of Culture and rhythm. She points out that whether one is an actor, a Revealed, a new City as Our Campus program. Last spring, when Grammy Award-winning Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild jazz scientist, a mathematician, or an attorney, success stems from Winchester Thurston School was named an Edward E. Ford of experience musicians—Marty Ashby, Jay Ashby, Dwayne Dolphin, and the creative ability to see connections. “If you’re a medical Foundation leadership school for its proposal to expand and and reflection, Roger Humphries, accompanied by vocalist Maureen Budway— researcher and you’re looking at two diseases, maybe there’s enhance City as Our Campus in the Upper School, the school not of perfecting swept students on a musical journey from be-bop and swing something that connects them. How do you decide which developed this program to build upon unique partnerships that to Latin jazz and funk while teaching the jazz language. “Jazz WT had already established with Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild one art form.” really is the physical embodiment of the Golden Rule,” says direction to go? It’s all creativity. Mathematicians and scientists have to analyze and connect just as actors do.” and Pittsburgh Public Theater. Through immersion days, the Ashby, MCG Jazz executive producer. “Each musician on the Students experienced the cross-pollination of art with program will provide all students with exposure to a variety of bandstand treats other musicians the way they want to be other elements at The Carnegie Museum of Art in an exhibit by “The students were exposed to an incredible smorgasbord of experience,” says ATTACK Theatre co-founder and managing artistic director Michele de le Reza, who worked closely with Sadowski and Allan to shape Arts Immersion Day. “It was a day of experience and reflection, not of perfecting one art form.” Dance: More than Movement One goal of the day was to encourage students to open their minds and take risks. “The hope was that the students would rely on each other in their workshops for strength, encouragement, and the opportunity to take risks and try things they may have never tried before,” explains Sadowski. In an ATTACK Theatre workshop, students learned first- hand the essential nature of trust, momentum, and timing for dancers. Through a series of partnering exercises, students discovered that when these elements exist—and not just brute strength—it is possible even for smaller dancers to lift larger ones. “We were surprised at how easy it is to trust someone,” art forms; ultimately, WT intends also to provide students who says Hallie Goldstein ’11. “It was so cool to see people lifting treated; this is the core component of jazz. If somebody plays a renowned engineer Cecil Balmond. His installation, “H_edge,” have deeper interest in the arts with opportunities for more each other up!” riff or a phrase, I’m going to play the riff or phrase that I’d want builds an aesthetic structure derived from the study of math intensive experiences and projects. Salvador Dali’s The Persistence of Memory, with its iconic to have someone play back to me. There’s a certain element we and patterns, and provided the jumping-off point for students’ “The idea...is to have the students experience the richness images of melting pocket watches, inspired another group want to get across on the bandstand that [students] can take exploration of the intersection of math, structure, and nature. of the arts in Pittsburgh regardless of their individual interests exploring choreographic strategies. “This is the way we create out into their daily lives.” In Pittsburgh Glass Center (PGC) workshops, students or talents,” says Performing Arts Chair Dan Sadowski, who structure and movement,” explained ATTACK Theatre co- ATTACK Theatre’s music director Dave Eggar and literally had a hand in making connections between art, math, spearheaded the event with his colleague Sally Allan, Visual Arts founder and producing artistic director Peter Kope, who led bandmates Tom Pirozzi and Charlie Palmer illustrated basic and chemistry. “We’re using heat and gravity,” says PGC’s Chair. “We hope to expand our students’ awareness, knowledge, the workshop with colleague Ashley Williams. “We spend components of music and demonstrated how music differs from Heather Joy Puskarich of projects including bead making, and experience of how the arts impact each of our lives and how hours analyzing. We start with a simple concept and layer one culture to the next. “Think of mazurkas, polkas, and waltzes, glassblowing, and glass casting, in which students carved molds the arts can enhance their curriculum regardless of the subject.” it with different emotions and feelings.” Through their own or a raga,” said Eggar. “In Southeast Asia, there are 72 notes in to create glass blocks with a bas-relief design. “The students… choreography, students spontaneously responded to Dali’s art the musical scale. Here, we have 11 notes; our music sounds learn the value of teamwork, problem solving, and concentration enhanced by original music. “I was impressed with how open dissonant to [other cultures].” The trio also described the process skills. But it’s not just art—it’s using both sides of the brain.” the students were to the emotional layering,” says Williams. “I of collaborating with dancers to “turn melody into motion,” and “We’re hoping to spark curiosity within a student who’s didn’t think they would open up to it so easily.” played student compositions in a lively songwriting session. always participated in sciences, for example, and was never 10 Thistletalk Wint er 2010 www.winchesterthurston.org 11

cover story Harris’s work fueled a second workshop in which students carefully analyzed his photographs to study how subject, composition, and technique converge in a successful photograph. Then, armed with digital cameras, the students crisscrossed WT’s campus to document the day. Doing and Reflecting The immersion day culminated in reflective workshops; in interested in painting or drawing,” says Tresa Varner, Curator small groups, students created visual representations of their of Education and Interpretation at The Andy Warhol Museum, impressions, which they shared in a large-group reflection. where students created collages and large-scale murals featuring “We learned that art is something everyone can do, and it’s really high-contrast, silk-screened serial images in the styles of Andy approachable,” says Chris Bangs ’10. Warhol and street artist Shepard Fairey. “Maybe seeing how “Rarely do students see how the various performing or artists use photography in silk-screen printing will grab that visual arts connect with one another,” observes Allan. “Hopefully student and get him to the museum. We also want people to students will begin to see how the creative process is similar no realize that looking at work and interpreting it is just as creative matter the discipline and, eventually, how it connects to every Student Photographs as making it.” subject in the curriculum. The ability to be creative is becoming DOCUMENTING a a la Charles Teenie Harris Creation and Interpretation more and more important to success in any field.” Interpreting is key, agrees Marilyn Russell, Curator of Education “There has been a growing schism in education—between for The Carnegie Museum of Art. “Art is a way of navigating the a utilitarian approach, which focuses on facts, grades, and world,” she declares. “It makes sense of everyday experience— scores as a way to position students for success in life, and the visually, socially, culturally, emotionally—and it translates that conviction of some thought leaders who are calling for students experience. Art is about life, and by coming into closer contact to be prepared as imaginative problem solvers,” says Head of with the work of other artists, or by making art, you can process School Gary Niels. “Although I would not discount the reality your own experiences, be they humble or profound.” and place of the former, we are committed to the development Students were given access to the Museum’s historic archive of the whole child, and this includes the development of the of Charles “Teenie” Harris, a Pittsburgh photographer who imagination through the arts. A crucial part of City as Our documented life in the Hill District from the 1940s through the Campus is partnership with Pittsburgh’s outstanding arts 1970s. Using Harris’s work as a springboard, students learned organizations.” how visual art communicates character, setting, plot, and theme, and then they developed their own written narratives. 12 Thistletalk Wint er 2010 www.winchesterthurston.org 13

wt today FALL HIGHLIGHTS Class of 2013: Building Bonds The mystery unfolded throughout the month of October as WT parents were The annual Ninth Grade Retreat at Ligonier asked, “wtup?” and invited to Camp and Conference Center brought together find out on October 23, when the freshman class with student leaders from a special WT Fund challenge the senior class and ninth grade faculty advi- was announced: An anony- sors. The purpose of the retreat is for the class mous donor had agreed to give Medieval to begin to work together to strengthen their an additional $500 to the WT bond as they begin their Upper School experi- Fund each time a class reaches ence. Retreat activities included white-water Festival 100% parent participation. rafting, high and low rope courses, and group As of December, four WT initiative activities. classes had reached 100%, and 139 parents had made Fifth-graders concluded their their first-ever gift. There is multidisciplinary study of still time to participate: Medieval times with a www.winchesterthurston.org/ traditional Medieval Festival, wtup a celebration of the students’ extensive study of social studies, language arts, art, music, and dance; each fifth-grader was formally “knighted” by Mr. Swauger, Mrs. Simon, and Mr. Perkins. HONK! The Middle School presented a twisted, APPLEFEST! wacky take on Hans Christian Andersen's The Ugly Duckling with More than 100 volunteers—WT parents, students, faculty, HONK! in November. staff, and grandparents—created one of WT’s best Applefests The Olivier-award- ever! A long-standing tradition of the Parents Association, winning musical Applefest opens WT North to the entire community for a followed the journey of fall festival featuring apples, pumpkins, crafts, food, and fun! one determined duck This year, more than 600 people from the WT community and and his unstoppable beyond attended. A new tradition was created by the Athletics mom on their search for acceptance in a discriminating world, and Department—the Applefest T-Shirt Shoot! A bull-riding record wove a funny, imaginative tale of love and understanding for all ages. was set by the WT Bear at 4 minutes 19 seconds! Road Fairy Houses Trips Dried grasses, pine cones, tree bark, and berries were the stuff of imaginative architec- Eighth-graders traveled ture as North Hills Campus fifth-graders and to Washington, D.C., their Kindergarten buddies designed and built and seventh-graders these whimsical fairy houses after collecting First Day Festivities to Williamsburg on their annual curricular trips. A highlight of the the natural objects around the campus. At both the City and North Hills Campuses, faculty, parents, eighth-grade trip was a and students welcomed each other back for another school tour of the White House, year. The Parents Association hosted parents at welcome back given by WT alumna Margaret Campbell ’03, who is personal coffees, and the WT Bear gave high-fives and hugs. assistant to Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joe Biden. 14 Thistletalk Wint er 2010 www.winchesterthurston.org 15

wt today wt today directly to the students. He acknowledged that one may not always see or know the people that contribute to one’s quality FALL SPORTS ROUNDUP A Team Built on of life, and that it takes many people to help shape the person one becomes. He SMASHING! Philanthropy and Community encouraged students to give back in any way possible. For the second consecutive year, the Girls Varsity Tennis team made their way to the WPIAL Playoffs, led by coaches Leslie Leopold and The WT crew program has been Job Brennan. The girls’ regular season record was 8-4, taking them to A s the sun set on a beautiful with Steel City Rowing—a spirit that built and sustained by families like the the playoffs to face off against Montour High School in the first round. O c t o b e r a f t e r n o o n , t h e John Charley captured in his remarks. Charleys and Bartletts. Having started Despite a valiant effort, the Bears fell to Montour with a 3-2 loss. Winchester Thurston and Steel “The rowing technique is only part of in 1990 as a club sport, thanks to the City Rowing community gathered the education that occurs at Steel City perseverance of Emily Dorrance ’93, crew on the banks of the Allegheny River Rowing. Another enormous part is an joined the varsity leagues in 1994 coached to ceremonially by art teacher name three new additions to the crew fleet and C h r i s Fe t t e r. Af t e r a h a rd - f o u g h t b at t l e FIELD DAY Boasting a season record of 10-7, the Girls to acknowledge w i t h c a n c e r, Varsity Field Hockey team was third-seeded in the WPIAL Class AA division, taking them the generosity of Emily passed to the playoffs. In a close game, the team fell to two WT families. away in 1998. Shady Side Academy, 3-2. Seniors Morgan Re John and Her parent s, and Chris Schmidt were elected to the WPIAL M a rg a re t Susie and Roy AA Section and League All-Stars team. Charley, parents Dorrance, of Tom ’07 and Ben ’08, both of made sure that Emily ’s legacy FOR KICKS Upper School Boys Varsity Soccer had whom rowed and dreams their strongest season since entering the during their four would live on. WPIAL league in 2001. With a season TEE-RIFFIC! Upper S cho ol The Dorrances record of 9-6-1, and a conference record of 8-5-1, the team missed the playoffs by y ears and are donated two Senior golfer Miranda Santucci only one game. The last game of their now rowing at boats: a four season proved to be monumental, when finished her season on a high note, the collegiate oared shell in placing third in the state with a the Bears defeated powerhouse Trinity level, donated Maggie and John Charley, left, and Ron and Renee Bartlett, right, christen the Charley, the Ally honor of Emily, two-day total of 156. This was Christian Academy, 1-0. Junior David Bartlett, and the Lucy Tuttle-Smith. Curtis was nominated to the All-Section a new Empacher an d an e i g ht - Miranda’s second year to make it double. The crew oared shell in to the state championships and her Team. Coaches Adam Brownold and best finish yet. Sophomore Sammy David Piemme could not be prouder of team had already been casually referring extension of the Winchester credo: ‘Think honor of previous head of school, Linda the team's effort. Pollack represented WT in the to the new double as “Charley,” so the also of the comfort and the rights of H. Kelley, Ed. D. Over the years, other WPIAL qualifying round, shooting Charley family followed the team’s lead others.’ It is a code of ethics that has had families have also stepped forward to a 77, tying for second place, and and christened the Empacher the Charley. a favorable effect on many participants donate boats. advancing to the sectional round. Unable to reach a qualifying score of Young Bears Prepare for Future Seasons WT trustee Ron Bartlett and his wife of the rowing program. I can say that After hearing of the additions Renee, parents of crew team member my sons seem to have turned out well. to WT’s crew fleet, Susie Dorrance 81 to move onto the regional tourna- With a record 40 players, the Middle School Soccer team Allyson ’12 and WT alumna Kate ’07, They are considerate of others. They commented, “I’m smiling as I think back ment, Sammy finished the season earned wins over Community Day School, Falk School, strong at the WPIAL Sectionals. Sewickley Academy, and Aquinas Academy. The team was donated two new Vespoli singles. One have attained a sense of Arête, and I truly to the fledgling crew program that began coached by Jeff Cronauer, Courtney Rovnan, and Kevin Miller. they christened the Ally Bartlett, and the believe that a large influence on them was in 1990—before co-education—with other they named the Lucy Tuttle-Smith, provided by WT’s environment and also very few, mostly ninth-grade girls and Highlights of the Middle School Field Hockey season included ON TRACK after Steel City Rowing coach and mother by the learning environment that [the no equipment of their own. Practices wins against rivals Shady Side Academy and St. Edmund’s of Penny (current WT sophomore) and coaches] provide.” Charley added, “The were before the school day began. I was Academy. The team also hosted a play day with St. Edmund’s Academy, Greensburg YWCA, and Valley School of Ligonier. WT alum A.J. Smith ’07, who now rows experience with Winchester crew had among several mothers who carpooled The Boys Varsity Cross-Country The team was led by Ashley Lemmon ’01 and Brenda at Trinity College with his WT classmate been a favorable one for our sons, so we for a group of sleepy-eyed but determined team had their best season yet, Carnahan. and friend Tom Charley. wanted to give something to that program neophyte rowers. I know that Emily joins finishing in their section with a record of 4-3. They ended The Middle School Cross-Country team had record participa- With its spirit of camaraderie and with the idea that future Winchester the rest of us Dorrances in beaming with their season at the WPIAL tion, with 11 Middle School students coming out to run. The enthusiasm, the naming ceremony students would benefit in similar ways.” pride over all that has been accomplished Championships, placing 18th out of team ran against Community Day School, Riverview, and Falk reflected the tightly knit community of Head of School Gary J. Niels thanked and in cheering the crew teams on for 38 teams. The team is coached by School. Coaches Pete Frey and Travis Bui have high hopes for the WT crew team and its partnership the Bartletts and the Charleys and spoke continued success.” Pete Frey and Travis Bui. the team’s future. 16 Thistletalk Wint er 2010 www.winchesterthurston.org 17

wt today EAGER , EXCITED, EMPOWERED: SHARING NATURE WITH CHILDREN: GIRLS IN SCIENCE JOSEPH CORNELL The prints were made available to WT for educational purposes. “It’s a meaningful experience for students to have this close relationship with the works throughout the academic year,” says Eric Shiner, The Warhol’s Milton Fine Curator of Art. Tina Plaks, City Campus Lower School art teacher, says that studying Warhol’s work is a natural fit for even the youngest students: “Children relate easily to the vibrant colors, lines, and images L S of the human face.” Warhol-inspired projects aunched in 2008 by City Campus Lower School science tudents at the North Hills Campus traveled back to the include a first grade unit teacher Kelly Vignale, WT’s Girls in Science was 1800s last October, when world renowned naturalist on printmaking; a study originally created for girls in grades 2 through 5 at both Joseph Cornell visited them in the guise of John Muir, of Warhol’s use of contour WT campuses. In a series of lunchtime lectures, girls meet an early preservationist who co-founded the Sierra Club and line by third-graders; female scientists and engage in hands-on activities. Last year the whose activism and philosophies remain important in the and, for fifth-graders, an program boasted nearly 100 percent participation. “It’s immensely environmental movement of today. extensive Warhol unit that rewarding to see the girls participate so eagerly, and to hear the Cornell, who leads workshops around the world, seeks to includes creating multiple thoughtful questions they ask of our speakers,” notes Vignale. inspire students with Muir's legendary sense of adventure and self-portrait prints, Coke Inspired by enthusiasm for the program, she recruited advocacy for the earth. Through his books Sharing Nature with A n d y Wa r h o l : can compositions, and a Middle School science teacher Tracy Valenty to help her expand Children and Sharing Nature with Children II, he has provided one of the 20th field trip to The Warhol it to Middle School; the program was selected for the 2009 Mary a compendium of resources that are used all over the world to century ’s most for silk screen printing Houston Griffin Award for Excellence in Teaching. Additional develop an appreciation for the natural world within young influential artists…key workshops. enhancements include drawing more speakers from Pittsburgh’s children. In his meeting with North students, he drew from a figure in the American Seventh-graders will rich science community, in medicine, animals and wildlife, chem- unique narrative "autobiography" he has written about Muir, Pop Art movement… dig deeply into Warhol’s istry, technology, robotics, and engineering. John Muir: My Life with Nature. Prince of Pop. Now the works with Jean-Michel “So many talented women gravitate away from careers in the Cornell’s visit to Pittsburgh included a workshop for list of laudatory titles Bas quiat, whose “… sciences. It’s in the upper elementary and middle school grades educators, co-sponsored by WT and the Audubon Society can include “patron of c ollaborat ive work s when girls’ interest levels and performance in science drops below of Western Pennsylvania and made possible by the Judy Apt partnership”—thanks to are often referred to as that of boys,” Valenty observes. “Given the importance of science in Nathenson Fund at Winchester Thurston School, which fund an alliance between the ‘physical conversations’ our everyday lives, it’s imperative that girls maintain their interest an annual teaching award. The 2008-2009 recipient, North Hills Andy Warhol Museum using images instead of in science regardless of the career they ultimately choose.” Campus Kindergarten teacher Lynne Raphael, was eager to use and WT that brings a words,” explains Middle This year's program will culminate with a trip to the the award to continue her work with fifth-grade teacher Brock collec t ion of iconic School visual arts teacher Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium. “Many women work there,” Perkins to develop engaging environmental programming. Warhol silk screen prints to the City Campus for the entire Mary Martin. “The project will explore the notions and meanings Vignale explains. “The girls will see women working as sea lion “Our campus is a place of wonder for young learners,” says academic year. “While we do take advantage of having The of words, symbols, and images that reflect pop culture and trainers, cat keepers, and aquarists. One woman works with Raphael. “We wanted to understand unique and effective ways Warhol in Pittsburgh,” says Sally Allan, visual arts Department contemporary issues. Ultimately, students will create a series of gorillas. We’re also planning an activity; for example, acting as we could use this setting to not only teach the children about Chair, “there is no comparison to having actual Warhol prints images that are the outcome of their dialogues.” animal researchers, the girls will observe and collect data.” the natural world but inspire them to become knowledge- just down the hall. Close up, the sense of scale is heightened. Allan selected prints with the intention of inspiring projects “It’s meaningful to have the support of administration and able, passionate advocates for the environment. Mr. Cornell’s The colors are more vivid; the black in the Lenin portrait is not only across divisions, but across curricula. “I’m looking other faculty, notably Kristen Hannan, City Campus fourth and workshop provided us with a huge leap forward, and we were cavernous. There is an excitement that you feel being right next forward to finding more and more ways to integrate Andy fifth grade science and computer teacher, and Heather Capezzuti, very pleased to be able to offer it to other area teachers and to them that you don’t even get in the museum.” Warhol’s art into our curriculum!” North Hills Campus science teacher. But most of all,” Vignale educators.” smiles, “it’s inspiring to see young girls feeling so empowered.” 18 Thistletalk Wint er 2010 www.winchesterthurston.org 19

wt today A with five of the nation’s largest technology companies, one of chains nearby. Even this protest, the extreme of the Pittsburgh the nation’s leaders in healthcare (UPMC), and Westinghouse, G-20, was quite mild. WINDOW a national leader in alternative energy. All of these companies Most protests were peaceful. The rally for Clean Energy Jobs contribute to making Pittsburgh what it is today. epitomized them: Riot police greeted entrants to Point State Don Staple from Arizona said that Pittsburgh has made a Park. Local union leaders gave passionate speeches about what remarkable turnaround, though our city still has challenges the average worker could do to push for clean energy and, ON THE ahead. Eldrin Bell, the county leader from Atlanta, stated that therefore, more jobs. In between speeches, Joan Jett and the transportation is at the epicenter of what a city like Pittsburgh Black Hearts played, along with others, to attract a crowd. The WORLD needs to attract people. Pittsburgh International Airport serves protest wasn’t violent; the guards were bored. eight million customers annually, in comparison to Atlanta, When the summit ended, the city was almost disappointed which sees more than 90 million travelers. by the anticlimactic finish. Downtown opened back up intact It is crucial for people to see Pittsburgh as a “green” city with a and all the precautions seemed unnecessary. President Obama broad range of culture. The old Pittsburgh—steel mills, the smell called the Pittsburgh G-20 one of the most peaceful ever and of sulfur in the air, and an industrial polluted city—are images gave kudos to the city’s officials. The Pittsburgh G-20 was calm of the past. A new canvas has been created, filled with medicine, and sent good messages about the city. The summit, although technology, and alternative energy that have a positive impact without groundbreaking developments, was a huge success for on the future of Pittsburgh. the city of Pittsburgh. The leaders shed light on what the G-20 Summit means for Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh’s economy represents, on a micro level, All eyes were on Pittsburgh as world leaders what the nation is trying to do on a macro level. This transition Voices Staff Attends G-20 Media Panel from steel to technology has made our city a model for what converged on our city for the G-20 Summit our nation needs to do to overcome the current economic crisis By Melissa Rostek ’11 September 24 and 25, 2009. WT Upper School and harvest growth that lives on from generation to generation. In September, the editors of Winchester Thurston’s student Our city needs to be nimble to address the needs of the future. students participated in a Mock G-20 Summit The only way our city and nation can overcome this economic newspaper, Voices, had the privilege of attending a Carnegie Mellon University College of Engineering media panel on the sponsored by the World Affairs Council, a G-20 downturn is to bring education into clear focus so my generation G-20 Summit. Voices members have attended such panels in can become a prosperous, diverse, and educated group of Media Panel at Carnegie Mellon University, and citizens, each offering our own expertise to society. Winchester the past, but this was easily the most interesting. a roundtable discussion of county executives and Thurston’s ability to change with students’ needs stands as a WT students were the only high school students in attendance. model for education, as Pittsburgh stands to the world. The panel itself consisted of Howard Fineman from Newsweek Justin Weinstein ’12 (left), Melissa Rostek ’11(center), and Max Findley ’11 (right) other local government leaders from around the and MSNBC, Dennis Roddey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, James United States. (Bob) Hagerty of the Wall Street Journal, and Jonathan Kersting of TEQ Magazine. All four journalists had engaging insights and A Long Sigh of Relief opinions surrounding the G-20. They discussed how the event “Winchester Thurston’s By Max Findley ’11 would be covered by various news outlets, what the protesters Pittsburgh’s Paradigm Shift were protesting, and the specific issues likely to be discussed ability to change with By Justin A. Weinstein ’12 Pittsburgh was swamped. The city was preparing for the Group of 20 Summit on every level. Numerous security measures were by world leaders at the summit itself. All four had something to say about why Pittsburgh was chosen as the location for the put in place. Not only were thousands of police brought in, many summit. Some felt Pittsburgh’s selection underscored the region’s students’ needs I was honored to be a part of a meeting on Friday September 18 with community leaders from around the nation, where we equipped with riot gear, but nearly half of downtown Pittsburgh reputation as a leader in green technology and cited our LEED- was shut down. Even Pamela’s Pancakes was preparing! certified convention center as an example of this innovation. were briefed on Pittsburgh’s economic development. One leader stands as a model referred to Pittsburgh’s progress as a “renaissance” from steel to Local news sources raved about possible protests, and Others noted that Pittsburgh is a city that has transformed itself into a center of industrial and economic growth. technology and medicine. The leaders stressed the importance apprehension gripped the city. Global companies boarded up for education, of education and the ability for students like ourselves to find jobs in Pittsburgh and support the community. their windows, and schools were cancelled. No one knew what Overall, it was an honor for WT students to attend the panel. It was going to happen. Some groups feared Pittsburgh would be was fascinating to learn more about an internationally important as Pittsburgh stands In 1983, the last time our nation faced a deep recession, broken by the G-20. event from those who work in the center of the media. It is opportunities like these that make WT great. Pittsburgh’s unemployment rate was 10 percent above the There was only one violent protest, on Baum Boulevard, where national average. In today’s financial crisis, Pittsburgh has some windows were broken. No one really knew what the protest to the world.” maintained unemployment of two percent below the national was about, except that it was somehow anti-G-20. Without clear average, illustrating the paradigm shift from industrialism to reason, the main target of the mob’s frustrations was Boston technological innovation. Our city has a balanced economy, Market, which is not a global company, unlike many other 20 Thistletalk Wint er 2010 www.winchesterthurston.org 21

wt today faculty highlights wt today The Plentiful Lessons of Project Zero Last summer Middle School Language classrooms. Founded in 1967, Project Zero promotes its mission “to Arts teacher Kathryn Gaertner partici- understand and enhance learning, thinking, and creativity in the LOST, LOVED, REMEMBERED pated in Project Zero Classroom, a program of Harvard University’s Project arts, as well as humanistic and scientific disciplines, at the individual and institutional levels.” Project Zero Classroom focuses on helping Z ero. Each summer, Project Z ero teachers create learning environments that promote intellectual I n 2007, Middle School language arts teacher Kathryn This year, the WT Holocaust Museum project, “Lost, Loved, conducts this program for teachers, inquiry, that recognize and develop students’ multiple intellectual consisting of symposia and workshops strengths, and that encourage students to think critically and Gaertner, inspired by a trip to Poland with the Agency for Remembered,” took shape in the public realm, as Allswede forged designed to help them integrate Project creatively. Jewish Learning, was determined to create an experience a partnership with Pittsburgh Ballet Theater and its production Zero’s ideals and ideas into their own for her students that would guide them to understand that even of Stephen Mills’s “Light/The Holocaust & Humanity Project.” as lone individuals, they could effect change. That fall, after the The partnership emerged after PBT’s Executive Director Harris eighth grade visited the Holocaust Museum in Washington, D.C., Gaertner and social studies teacher Amanda Greenwald worked Ferris visited WT’s 2008 Holocaust Museum, “Never Shall We Forget,” and attended the student forum on genocide. Ferris says, ISRAEL: Past, Present, and Future with the students to create a Holocaust Museum of their own in "I was stunned and moved. The students brought the historic Last July, Israel's rich past, present, and examples of the capability of literature to shape our understanding an empty classroom. significance to life, and the museum showed the students’ deep future came alive for Upper School and challenge our presumptions. English teacher Matthew Bachner, who I also became quite fascinated with the architecture of Jerusalem. Since then the project has expanded to incorporate social understanding of the Holocaust and genocide.” participated in a study tour organized by In many streets of the Old City, one can find architectural styles from studies, visual art, language arts, and community outreach. A goal of “Light” was to educate the community on the the Agency for Jewish Learning. The tour various periods interacting with and supporting one another. For In 2008, under the direction of Lisa Allswede, the Holocaust Holocaust, and PBT invited a number of Pittsburgh organizations immersed the group in Israel's history, example, the Tower of David, located in the Armenian Quarter of current social and political climate, and a the Old City, features the stratified layers of architecture from the diverse selection of schools. Bachner writes Hebrew, Medieval, and Muslim worlds, a result of the many groups Students conceive, design, Students prepare to display of his experience: who gained control of the structure over time. Such buildings truly create, and build the museum. their artist books at the I [prepared] for my trip by reading represent how the story of Jerusalem is literally carved into the walls Byham Theater. the poetry of Yehuda Amichai, one of and streets of the city. Israel’s most renowned poets.…[His] words shaped my outlook of I am looking forward to integrating more Israeli authors into my Old Jerusalem and drew my attention to details that I would have curriculum….I’m also exploring the prospect of developing my experi- otherwise overlooked had I depended solely on my own percep- ence into a Winterim course which would explore the architecture of tions. Ultimately, I found this experience to be one of the clearest the region as well as the importance of oral tradition in preserving cultural history. been teaching drums in the WT Musical Arts Program for six years, and Stahurski has taught bass. WT senior Jonathan Springer took the CD jacket photographs, and alumnus Jess Naus’s (Class of 2004) company, Red Caiman Media, did the CD layout and pressing. Gary J. Niels learns from a KDKA-TV interviews eighth- student about the exhibition. graders about their museum. U p p e r notice their own reactions to a School text, question, or idea, and then history build upon those reactions. I want teacher to help my students develop this Museum became a full-blown multimedia art exhibition in the and institutions to participate in this effort, including WT’s Lindsay awareness.” WT art gallery, conceived, designed, created, and built by the eighth grade. Their artist books were displayed in the lobby of the Phillips C i n d y students. “The process of creating the space takes the students Byham Theater in November, during the performances of “Light.” attended Green, beyond the textbooks and connects them to a more in-depth The partnership resulted in an array of enriching experiences the Insti- Middle understanding of their world,” comments Allswede. “Art is an for Middle School students. PBT’s Director of Arts Education, tute for School essential part of critical thinking and allows the student to Carol Meeder, and dancer Gabrielle Thurlow visited WT in The Kind of Gray Project: Writing and Thinking at Bard College. Phillips spent a week lan g ua ge a r t s make emotional connections to the past and present.” Further developing the museum's concept, art teacher Mary Martin October to discuss the making of the ballet. In addition, the entire Middle School attended a performance of “Light,” after which the Maione Releases CD in a writing workshop, reading and writing and talking about t e a c h e r, attended guided students to combine memoir and historical research in eighth-graders shared experiences with Stephen Mills. Winchester Thurston congratulates guitarist, composer, and WT narrative and analysis with 10 Te a c h i n g the creation of artist books. “This project has gone from a research paper to an music teacher John Maione on the release of his latest recording, The other teachers. Phillips says, “I English with Technology in Study of the Holocaust expanded to the study of genocide experience of compete understanding,” reflects eighth-grader Kind of Gray Project. Maione celebrated the release with a concert came away from the program Boston, where she learned about at Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild in October. The recording, several highly aware of the importance Web 2.0 applications—Wikis, in contemporary times; last year the students hosted a forum on Rachel Dubner. Allswede says, “Our goal is to create community years in the making, was completed at Mr. Small's recording studios of metacognition—of helping Voicethreads, Nings, and Blogs. genocide for eighth-graders from other schools, participated in members with a conscience, who have an awareness of history, in Pittsburgh. It features Jeff Berman on vibraphones, Gino Maione, students to be aware of their own She also spent some time trying advocacy efforts with Amnesty International, and volunteered and how it plays out in our world today.” on drums, Brian Stahurski on bass guitar, and John Marcinizyn on mental processes. Independent out Audacity—a program that at local community centers. guitars. It also has many WT community connections. Berman has learning requires students to can be used to create radio shows. 22 Thistletalk Wint er 2010 www.winchesterthurston.org 23

development & alumnae/i news WT On the Road Alums Reconnect in Manchester-by-the Sea A bluff overlooking the Atlantic Fifth Avenue to Morewood Avenue, WT provided a fantastic setting for a faced financial challenges that tempted brunch hosted by Kathy Zillweger some to sell a parcel of land at Bayard Putnam ’71 and her husband, George, on Street and Morewood Avenue. McDowell Sunday, October 4, in their lovely home in knew this could be a long-term mistake Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts. and requested a loan from Mr. Henry Approximately 20 alumnae/i and friends Hillman. Hillman agreed to the loan and YOUNG ALUM shared Winchester Thurston memories. later forgave it, thus securing the land for Among those attending was former WT. Judith Getty Treadwell ’59, whose trustee Put McDowell, father of Mouse ’67, father, Bill Getty, served as President of GERARD MICHAEL D’EMILIO ’07 Lucy ’68, Barbara ’69, and Martha ’73, and president of WT’s board of trustees the board and personally supervised the construction of the new building in 1962, in the 1960s. McDowell’s foresight and also attended the brunch. “I leadership ensured that WT was able Gary Niels reported news and Gary J. Niels, Put McDowell, and Kathy “I wanted can honestly say that I can’t imagine having a several master classes; and most recently, singing for to preserve the land upon which the highlights from the new school year and Zillweger Putnam ’71 better foundation than that which WT gave to me,” internationally acclaimed pianist Warren Jones and to leave declares Gerard Michael D’Emilio ’07. “The overall world-renowned mezzo-soprano Marilyn Horne. It’s a new Upper School was later built in ended by thanking the Putnams with a Below: Guests gathered to share WT memo- 2006. After moving the school from special gift of appreciation. ries at the home of George Putnam and Kathy some mark faculty quality at WT is unbelievable. I still maintain schedule he handles with aplomb, due in no small part Zillweger Putnam ’71 on this close connections with several teachers—their knowl- to lessons learned at WT edge, support, and expertise undoubtedly made me “When I hear there is a perception that the institution who I am today.” academic rigor at WT is too low…I scoff. It’s utter that has As a Winchester Thurston student, D’Emilio bunk,” declares D’Emilio. “I can’t tell you how easy meant so distinguished himself in many ways, serving as Vice Oberlin has been because of my time at WT. Mark my much to President of his senior class; garnering numerous awards for academic performance, including the words—there is not a better school in the country, let alone Pittsburgh, than Winchester Thurston in terms me.” Mary Campbell Award, the Virginia Ann Sheppard of college preparation, individualized instruction, and History Prize, the Williams College Book Prize, and nurturing intellectualism.” the Senior English Award; and winning the Gene Kelly D’Emilio’s deep appreciation for WT has only Award for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of increased since his student days; having worked in the Officer Lockstock in Urinetown. In addition, D’Emilio’s Development Office for the past two summers doing original musical, Peasants! The Musical, received the everything from data entry to making donor thank Elizabeth ’45 and Douglas Black Scarborough Arts Award, and a junior research paper you calls, he has gained a different perspective on the was tapped for The Concord Review, which publishes school. exemplary history essays by high school students from “Working in the Development Office definitely all over the English-speaking world. changes your perspective on things. Tuition only covers As an alum, D’Emilio—now in his third of five 86% of the cost of each student’s education, which is years at Oberlin College, double-majoring in Vocal why it's important to give. Beyond this, being on the Performance and Politics—has made another kind of inside makes you appreciate what each and every contribution to the WT community: his first gift to the employee does on a daily basis. SHOPPING FOR A CAUSE Retail merchants in family’s business, Henne Jewelers, 32 stores participated, school, a milestone that means as much to him as any “I wanted to leave some mark on this institution the heart of Shadyside banded together to support financial and more than $5,000 was raised for financial aid at WT. other, and maybe more. “WT runs on the generosity of that has meant so much to me,” concludes D’Emilio. “I aid at Winchester Thurston School with SmartGifts 2009, Winchester Thurston extends a warm and sincere thank you alums and parents, and it was the least that I could do will always consider WT, above all other institutions, a special promotion to the WT community providing to these companies for their generosity. Read more about to give a small amount back to a school that enabled my alma mater, my home. It allowed me to pursue both discounts and dona- SmartGifts 2009 on me to do what I love to do.” music and academics, to perform and pontificate, to In college as at WT, D’Emilio pursues music ponder and create. My confidence, my abilities, my love tions during the week the WT Web site: www. while maintaining academic excellence. To date, of learning—all these things and more I have because of of Thanksgiving. winchesterthurston. highlights include performing in four operas, notably Winchester Thurston. It is an open community, a place Led by Meg Henne org/smartgifts. principal roles in two Mozart classics (Sarastro in where students can truly realize their dreams, a school Gibson ‘91 and her The Magic Flute and Don Alfonso in Così fan tutte); that absolutely allows for uniqueness and courage.” 24 Thistletalk Wint er 2010 www.winchesterthurston.org 25

development & alumnae/i news ReUNiON ReWiND Alumnae/i spanning six decades, from the classes of 1944 to 2004, returned to their alma mater October 16 and 17 More than 160 alums and guests, many flying to Pittsburgh from across the country, partied at a Friday evening cocktail party in the Upper School. to reunite with classmates and former teachers, and to get a glimpse into life at WT today. A panel discussion with Lower School and Middle School girls and three WT On Saturday, alums returned to Garland Field to play field alums who are physicians: hockey with the Upper School Field Hockey team. Bruised shins ( left to right) Catherine and swollen knees signaled a highly competitive match, which Farinet ’84, Christina Sabeh fortunately ended in a tie. Players and spectators enjoyed a ’89, and Jennifer Gonzalez lovely barbeque lunch for 100 in Mellon Gymnasium. McComb ’89. They talked about their careers in medi- A luncheon in the Mitchell Room honored the Class of 1959 and all alumnae who have celebrated cine, their transitions to their 50th reunion. They were entertained by WT’s a cappella choir and enjoyed an intimate college and medical school, conversation with Head of School Gary J. Niels. and their memories of WT. Save the Date for Reunion 2010: Mark your calendar now for October 15 -16, 2010 28 Thistletalk Wint er 2010 www.winchesterthurston.org 29

development & alumnae/i news class notes ReUNiON class notes “The Warhol is an unusual institution, and Andy Warhol is a 2006 face.” After high school John Theater at a school located in fascinating figure for museum ethics. Twenty-two years after moved to Hollywood, CA, a small town in Tuscany. His Don Mike Mendoza is now with aspirations of becoming circus, The Zany Umbrella his death, he continues to be an inspiration to this museum, an an intern for the 88.5 WAMU- a film director. He completed Circus, is still performing, and institution that is transparent, democratic, and refuses to be FM Newsroom at American schooling and then moved on he hired a managing director censored or self-censor, that works closely with the community University. He is learning to UCLA to complete a degree to keep things going while he about NPR, being a reporter, and with some of the most difficult issues, more difficult than in film scoring (music for the is away. He is sorry he missed assisting in research, and almost any art museum in this country.” movies). During this time he his 10 year reunion at WT this writing script in preparation began writing classical music, past October. He extends his Marstine developed her passion for art while at WT: “[Art for graduation in May 2010. including a piano concerto, apologies for losing touch! teacher] Ann Peterson influenced me in many deep ways to Don is the vice president violin concerto, and string of his fraternity, Alpha Phi think historically, to look at images in profound ways. [English quartets. John recently started Emily Wood Heffelfinger Omega, an organization teacher] Susan Brownlee taught me how to read text in a very a new on-the-side career as a just celebrated her tenth WT founded on the principles of “Historical Private Detective.” reunion. She is a child life deep way, and [history teacher] Fae MacCamy really got to the community service. He also 2003 He states, “I look up the history specialist, having worked at heart of the deep societal and social conscience issues that we served as the PR Director for Rebecca Barnett graduated of your house, family, objects, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Visual Arts Department Chair Sally Allan and confront. Human rights issues are an area of interest for me the on-campus student theatre Janet Marstine ’77 from Carnegie Mellon and books, and tell you who for three years until her troupe, AU Players. He is part in museum ethics and in thinking about social history. Mrs. University in 2007 with a B.S. originally owned them and husband decided to pursue a of an original show called “The what kind of historical value physician assistant degree in This Is Not Art. MacCamy was the one who made that come alive for me.” Cast” that explores what it’s in chemistry with University Honors, and a minor in art. they might have. It is a VERY West Virginia. She now works Upper School visual arts teacher Michele Farrell states, like to be an Asian-American For the last two years she has exciting job that hopefully will in the pediatric intensive student studying theatre and Or Is It? “Dr. Marstine’s talk...will sensitize students to the important take off.” John was recently care unit at WVU Children’s the challenges that are faced been employed by Pfizer Global question of museum ethics by making [the students] more Research and Development profiled by the Pittsburgh Post- Hospital. Her role is to help in terms of casting in an aware of how they are experiencing a work of art in a museum as an Associate Scientist in Gazette North section about children and families cope with industry where his ethnicity Janet Marstine ’77 context. I think Dr. Marstine will make the students more savvy is underrepresented. It ran in Product Enhancement and how he has been trying to save the stress of hospitalization a house from the 1820s. through play, talking, etc. She Addresses Issues of Museum Ethics museum-goers.” December 2009 at American Solids Development, in Groton, CT. Becky is enrolled at West does procedural preparation, University’s Katzen Arts Center. in WT Art Gallery Talk That’s precisely the point, says Marstine, urging students Virginia University School of 1999 helps distract patients during to “think about museums as an active space…[Students] need Medicine, class of 2013. procedures, and engages to think about how that space is constructed for them, about 2004 Ben Sota is in Italy after children in medical play to help D deciding to go back to school them to feel more in control uring Reunion Weekend and against a backdrop of silk the boutique lighting, why color was chosen and the effect that Jim Allan left for Korea on Abby Robinson was engaged to pursue his M.F.A. in Physical and to be more familiar with November 15 for a year-long to Michael Foster on Friday, screen prints on loan to WT from The Andy Warhol it has. They should think about the juxtapositions of objects, commitment to teach English November 13, 2009 in Ligonier, Museum, WT alumna Dr. Janet Marstine ’77 addressed about who gets a mention in terms of donors, and where, and PA. Abby and Mike are looking in Seoul. Jim will work with a large crowd of Upper School art history students, faculty, and what that means to the way you understand the exhibition, students ages 8 through 12 in forward to a summer 2010 alumnae/i in the WT Art Gallery. collection, or whatever it is you’re looking at…All of these an after-school program. wedding. Marstine’s presentation, “This Is Not Art. Or Is It? Artists things...impact the meaning of the object...in profound ways.” Winston Posvar was 2001 and Museum Ethics in the Twenty-first Century,” described “I really enjoyed the way Dr. Marstine talked about the commissioned as a Second recent social, economic, political, and technological shifts that juxtapositions [in] museums,” says Hazel Eaton ’10, “because Lieutenant in the United John Schalcosky, Associate present museums with new challenges and opportunities. that’s not something one typically thinks about with museums, States Army in May 2008 Alum says that WT North especially those that are more traditional. Also interesting was upon completion of the shaped him into the person he Marstine, Assistant Professor at Seton Hall University and Boston University Army ROTC is today. He can still remember founder of the Institute for Museum Ethics, argued for a new how she spoke about drawing people in….It made sense to me Program. In October 2009, almost everything from that museum ethics that alters the purpose of the museum from as a young person who often sees museums as more for older time in his life (the school, Winston deployed to Iraq in traditional, monolithic repository of art and artifacts, to demo- people. She made them seem much more accessible to me.” support of Operation Iraqi the people), while the rest cratic, dynamic resource that engages with the community. “Having an alum like Janet Marstine in a cutting edge field Freedom. He is currently a Rifle of his schooling afterwards Platoon Leader in the tenth “is just a big blur,” he says. “Right here in Pittsburgh…we have a great example of an speak to our students is wonderfully motivating,” adds Farrell. Mountain Division. Through Facebook he has incredibly democratic museum, The Warhol,” declares Marstine. “They will realize how vast and varied the art field is, and how Sarah Baker, Hillary Thomas, Teresina Cardamone-Rayner, kept in touch with most of it is possible to discover a new area in the world of art and art Emily Wood Heffelfinger, and Katie Lofquist at Emily’s May 9 his original classmates but wedding to Dan Heffelfinger in St. Pete Beach, FL history and to carve a niche for yourself there, like she did.” has yet to see any “face-to- 30 Thistletalk Wint er 2010 www.winchesterthurston.org 31

class notes class notes class notes the things that are happening and student support for the pumpkin regattas, and making effects of border protection on support law, after time off with in the wonderful City of Lights to them. Emily traveled to P.M.B.A., the Flex M.B.A. biodynamic sauerkraut. She the rural landscape. This winter, the little one! She would love from 1905-1945. It opens in Vietnam in November with program, and specialized occasionally writes about she gave herself the ridiculous any “mom-to-be advice” from February, so for all of the folks Operation Smile, a non profit master’s programs, including serious topics like the decline challenge of snowboarding at her classmates. living in New York, it’s an easy organization that does cleft the new Executive Master of dairy in Vermont and the all 20 ski resorts in Vermont, train ride to Philly from NYC! lip/palate surgeries in other of Science in Finance and even the one that doesn’t Sherri Hercules Sokolovich Miesha will also be working on countries. Executive Master of Science allow snowboarding. She is not lives in Cincinnati and the contemporary art side of in Managing Information married, has no children, and is finishing her M.S.N. in things; right after Picasso opens Technology. doesn’t have a book to promote. anesthesia. She will be done in February, she’ll start on a She would like you to visit her in March 2010. Sherri’ s son, project on British pop artist 1997 blog at Oberandout.com. She Zakarije Sokolovich, was born Richard Hamilton. She writes, hopes you are all of good cheer. on December 10, 2008. “That should be a fun romp!” Adam Witt married Gina Herrington on September 5, 1993 1979 2009. Adam is currently serving as Co-chair of WT’s Young Elisabeth Bennington and Kathleen Paylor has Alum Leadership Council. her husband, Brad Korinski, are recently launched her own expecting their first child in firm, Conscious Capital. Meridith Deluzio Pettigrew January 2010. They are excited She is working with social and Stacey Stanczak Smith to welcome a little girl in the entrepreneurs to raise capital, took their crew to the Children’s Lauren Ober ’96 at the New Year! Lisa will return to her and also with social investors Museum while Meridith was in Giant Pumpkin Regatta practice of divorce, custody and and philanthropists to town, and they had a blast! strategically place their capital. “I have more potential clients 1991 than I know what to do with, Dorothy McLaughlin had a but it is inspiring to see the daughter on September 19, 2009 amazing social ventures upon named Norah Rose Sachs. which people are embarking Emily Wood Heffelfinger ‘99 Constance Paras Wong ’89 and how many investors, even and Sarah Wood ‘06 Michelle Bowden is happy in this climate, are willing to as manager of Family Services support them. It's a very to a bird rescue, after which exciting time to be in this of Western Pennsylvania, Anne D’Appolonia Dickson Constance Paras Wong is he was returned to Constance. space!” The Web site address Greensburg and Tarentum is the Director of Marketing employed at the main branch It’s amazing, and can only be for Conscious Capital is: offices, and choir member and & Development for Propel of the Carnegie Library in described as miraculous. He www.consciouscap.com. cantor at St. Vincent Basilica. Schools, a charter school Pittsburgh. She works in the is safe and sound and being organization based in Children’s Department where nursed back to health. Nancy Packer co-curated an Pittsburgh. She lives with her 1989 she does the morning toddler exhibition that opened 9/24/09 husband, Andrew, and their Dina Kaplan, Associate Alum storytime and gets to interact 1987 called “Lace in Translation” dog, Wally, in Point Breeze. started an internet company with lots of lovely people. Lately at The Design Center at 1996 she has been training her poodle Miesha Harris, Associate Philadelphia University. It called blip.tv and is enjoying the puppy, Kyra, and just adopted a Alum accepted a job at the features new commissions by After three and a half years entrepreneurial insanity. 1998 10-year-old maltese/poodle mix. Philadelphia Museum of Art three internationally known writing about municipal Blip.tv is a platform for creators She goes to a lot of classes and as one of the curators in the artists and designers. Toby McChesney has been squabblings and cats stuck in Sarah Gross Fife ’96 and Laurel Shaw ’96 (pictured with Sarah's of Web shows offering free is training for obedience titles. Department of Modern and named director of the newly trees for The Burlington Free husband, Tim) recently enjoyed a trip to Turkey together in July. hosting, distribution, media Along the animal front, her Contemporary Art, which is formed Graduate Recruiting Press in Vermont, Lauren In addition to seeing some of the things that they learned about management, and optional 1978 bird, Mr. Hoover, whom she has nicknamed “ModCon.” She is and Student Services Ober dodged the lay-off bullet advertising with a revenue in their WT history classes, they also enjoyed seeing beautiful owned for 11 years (since he was working on an upcoming show Jan Mermelstein Shaw has Department at Georgia State and became a staff writer at share. Dina would love to landscapes (including the bizarre terrain of Cappadocia from a a baby) flew off in June. After called “Picasso and the Avant- been married for 18 years to University’s J. Mack Robinson Seven Days, Burlington’s alt- connect with classmates in hot air balloon ride, pictured), setting off on a sea voyage for four being gone for two months, Garde in Paris,” which traces Don Shaw. They have two boys, College of Business. In his weekly paper. There she writes NYC. days, eating delicious Turkish cuisine and, of course, spending someone found him, took him Picasso and his peers working Andrew, 16, and Matthew, new role Toby will oversee about playing Wii Sports with recruiting, admissions, the elderly, rowing in giant time together catching up, laughing, and having fun! 12. They live in Pittsburgh 32 Thistletalk Wint er 2010 www.winchesterthurston.org 33

class notes class notes class notes 1974 community organization You” won Best Pop/R&B Song 1958 1954 I have many fond memories of boards, volunteers as a mentor at the 2009 Malibu Music our Class of 1953, and wish I Holly MacIsaac Linda Lear recently gave a Sarah Buchanan to a nine-year-old girl in a big Awards. The ceremony was held could see them again.” Berkley enjoyed talk about Beatrix Potter and Braun writes, “Sorry we could sister-little-sister program, on September 26, 2009. her 3,000 mile solo her work in general at a special not attend reunion due to and coaches and manages her 1950 motorcycle camping reception at the North Hills previous plans. I still live in the son's soccer team. In her spare 1966 trip around the Public Library in Glenshaw, same home in NJ for 50 years.” Robena Moses Spencer lives time, she gardens, collects and southwest this Jane Soxman is still practicing PA. A portrait of Linda was in Santa Barbara, CA. “I love refurbishes vintage and antique summer, and says as a pediatric dentist and commissioned and presented Darin Geise Snyder chairs the Winchester Thurston,” says furniture, sews, paints, skis, and “Trips like this lecturing at dental meetings that night as well. Her Quilt Project, celebrating the Nena. “I have done so many plays tennis and paddle tennis. reconnect me with nationally. Her daughter, Bailey, grandparents and parents were 200 years since the settlement wonderful things; I travel and She credits all of her English my self-reliance!” In is a senior at the University of founders of the library. Linda of Bay Village, OH, in 2010. have met many movie stars.” teachers at WT for developing addition to writing Maryland, and her son, Zachary, was also a speaker at Chatham and encouraging her love of on body-mind graduated from the US Naval University’s Founder’s Day Sally Helsel Price spent most writing, and thanks them 1948 issues for various Academy in 2008. He has just celebration held in December of September driving to and immensely. publications, Holly is completed nuclear power 2009. from CA. “We revisited many Gloria Palmer Fuller had a celebrating 20 years school in preparation for his places we took our three sons broken leg for four months, but of assisting women 1972 to see years ago. Kind of a her surgeon was outstanding. service on a nuclear submarine 1955 worldwide to Find Carolyn Cramer Sanford, in Pearl Harbor. sentimental journey. Attended She is as good as new and still Your Way through Suzanne Dressler Kellar has our bonus’ granddaughter’s above the sod! Associate Alum wrote “Hi Holly MacIsaac Berkley ’74 the different stages to all the Class of 1972! It was been helping to feed Seattle’s wedding on the shores of Lake of life using Energy 1965 hungry for 35 years. She Tahoe. First of the six grandkids wonderful seeing all of you 1946 Psychology and Eleanor Levinson Peris recently won the Volunteer of to get hitched. Wonderful trip where she has her own recently she worked with the at our last big gathering in Energy Medicine. She welcomes retired as Director of Special the Year award at the mayor's and beautiful wedding.... Best Thelma Levin Levine lives in business helping salespeople National Cancer Institute on a Pittsburgh at Patty Peters’ lovely contact with other alums. Services for the Rahway, NJ End Hunger Awards on October wishes.” Boca Raton, FL, with husband and busy small- to medium- film that helps communicate home. Scott and I are raising Board of Education in January 19, 2009. She said she is driven Robert. sized business owners build the critically important role three teenagers at the moment, Carolyn (Carey) Field lives in 2008. She now spends time with by the concern she had when those important relationships biospecimens play in today’s so life is full! I hope we will all 1953 Wilton, CT, with her husband her six grandchildren. She is she moved to Seattle: that they need to build, through cancer research. Stacy received continue to keep in touch!” 1941 John Guth, her daughter, Sarah, also on the board of a non- the poor ought to be fed and Judith Allen Summersby and the use of greeting cards. Jan an International Science clothed. Each week Suzanne husband Ed (of 47 years) are Ruth Weimer Tillar had a 16, and her son, Jake, 13. She profit, I Have a Dream, which is an independent rep for Animation award for animation 1968 gathers bags of bread donations enjoying retirement She writes, wonderful trip to Norway graduated from Middlebury helps students in urban schools SendOutCards. When you’re featured in HBO’s “The and takes them to St. Vincent, “No more icy ski slopes for me! in June with her son, Tom. College in ’78, and after a short Margie Balter is known as reach college. She still loves in Pittsburgh, look her up. She Alzheimer’s Project.” travelling by bus. “It’s been We like photography— She visited both Virginia stint as an assistant buyer Piano Coach to the Stars, to spend her free time outside would love to catch up! marvelous,” Suzanne said. “I’ll everything from yellow Tech and William and Mary at Bloomingdales in NYC, having coached Holly Hunter exercising or traveling with her Susan Dunmire and her keep going as long as I can.” flowers, to bright red trucks, for football game weekends left retail for the advertising to play in the film The Piano. husband. 1976 husband, Sam, are enjoying an [Posted by Charles N. Wainger to gauze like clouds over the this fall. She also visited her world. During her 17 years at This was the start of her 17 empty nest after their twin girls on seattlepi.com] seashore. Of course our two daughter in New Hampshire Stacy Jannis Tamerlani is still several major NYC advertising films with Tom Cruise, Scarlett left for Connecticut College 1959 grandchildren are our first love, in October and enjoyed seeing living in Silver Spring, MD, and agencies, she rose to Senior Vice Johansson, Sandra Bullock, in August. Their son, Robert, and then our adorable black the campus where she teaches enjoying a busy life in DC. President and managed major Greg Kinnear, and many others. Lyn Clark Pegg writes, “Our is close by at CMU, so he is cat, Oliver. Sometimes they at Plymouth State University. Husband George works as a accounts that included Smith Margie Balter’s CD, Music from 50th WT reunion was the best, getting all of the attention. can get all three together. I Ruth has attended meetings television news producer for Barney, AT&T, L’Oreal, General My Heart: Solo Piano Pieces by and we don’t plan on waiting Susan was reminded of the have spent some time in recent for the DAR and the Hospital Thompson Reuters, and son Mills, and Procter & Gamble. Margie Balter, has been named another 50 years to be together close bonds that WT forges years expressing my love for Auxiliary in several Virginia Eric is a sophomore at DePaul She is currently the editor- the winner of the 2009 L.A. again! We had a great time when her cousin, Sara Mitchell, our beloved constitution in cities recently. She hopes to visit University in Chicago. Stacy in-chief of Wilton Magazine, Music Awards for Best Acoustic reviewing sketchy memories passed away in October. She protesting the war in Iraq and Marion Thompson Kerwin produced films and interactive the lifestyle magazine for the Piano Performance. This is the and becoming friends again. heard from more than 20 of other abuses in the Bush years in Alexandria. She writes, “We media for LA’s new Grammy towns of Wilton, Weston, and second year that Margie has Coming up right away is a their classmates (they only had and now feel very anxious keep in close touch with each Museum and directed and Georgetown, and a freelance been honored by LAMA. The Witness for Peace delegation to 43 at graduation) who came about the war in Afghanistan. other, and we roomed together produced a computer animated writer for many other local red carpet award ceremony Colombia in February 2010, and together to share memories and I am not eager to protest for three years at WT.” film for NIH on Alzheimer’s and national publications. was held on November 12, another delegation to Nicaragua grieve at their loss. She thanks President Obama for whom I Disease, which was featured In addition, she is an active 2009 at the Avalon Theater in in June.” For more details, them all for their friendship and worked very hard. We shall see. in the HBO series, “The volunteer in her community. Hollywood. Yet another award, contact Lyn at carolynpegg@ support. Alzheimer’s Project.” Most She has served on several Margie’s song “Thinking About yahoo.com. 34 Thistletalk Wint er 2010 www.winchesterthurston.org 35

class notes class notes 1937 Nancy Steigerwalt Dwyer was visited by Gaylen Westfall Ruth Succop celebrated her in October 2009 in Boston; 90th birthday at Longwood. Gaylen gave Nancy her Miss Mitchell Society pin, signifying Mary George Gast is still Nancy's participation in WT’s working on a 28 foot sailboat in planned giving society. Nancy her backyard. She is planning a and her husband, Vincent, were fall 2010 launch party, then on celebrating 67 years of marriage! to Presque Isle Bay, Lake Erie, Nancy shared many stories “to see if she floats.” about Miss Mitchell and WT in the 1930s. Pam Shaw, Honorary Alum ’02, paragliding in the Alps this summer. Pam and her husband Tom accompanied a European performance tour of youth dance companies. Pam is Head of School at Canton Country Day School. Class Notes Please send us your news and photos! Send information to Gaylen Westfall, Winchester Thurston School, 555 Morewood Avenue, Nancy Steigerwalt Dwyer ’37 and her son, Court Dwyer, who Pittsburgh, PA 15213 or westfallg@winchesterthurston.org. attended WT Kindergarten. Class notes do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Winchester Thurston School or the editors of Thistletalk. Save the Date REUNION 2010 October 15-16 Especially for the Classes of 1935 1940 1945 1950 1955 1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 36 Thistletalk Wint er 2010

In Memoriam The following members of the WT community will be missed by their classmates, friends, students, and colleagues. We offer sincere condolences to their families. Sara Mitchell ‘76, October 24, 2009 Sara Ann Kalla ‘73, May 31, 2009 Aline Massey ’62, August 25, 2009 Anne Sauers Brassert ‘57, August 28, 2008 Suzanne Scott Kennedy ‘52, June 21, 2009 Antoinette Vilsack Seifert ‘32, October 6, 2009 Condolences To Mrs. Marilyn Alexander on the death of her husband, To Gray Pipitone ‘14, Gianna Pipitone ‘16, Gunnar Robert D. Alexander, May 19, 2009 Pipitone ‘21, and Scott J. Pipitone on the death of their mother and wife, Stella Ann Aggazio Pipitone, September 5, 2009 To Daryl Massey Bladen ‘65 on the death of her sister, Aline Jay Massey ‘62, August 25, 2009 To Helene Stone Prince ‘79 on the death of her mother, Marylou Stone, July 7, 2009 To Mr. John Brassert on the death of his wife Anne Sauers Brassert ‘57, August 28, 2008 To Marjorie Vilsack Propst ‘35 on the death of her sister, Antoinette Vilsack Seifert ‘32, October 6, 2009 To Enid Mitchell Dunmire ‘42 and Susan Dunmire ‘76 on the death of their niece and cousin, Sara Mitchell ‘76, October 24, To Sandra Metz Qureshi ‘54 on the death of her husband, 2009 M. Mohsin Qureshi, October 6, 2009 To James Eversmeyer ‘04 and Alex Eversmeyer ‘99 on the death To Emma Raizman ‘89, Noah Raizman ’95, and Mrs. Dorothy of their father, Michael Eversmeyer, August 2, 2009 Raizman on the death of their father and husband, Dr. Richard E. Raizman, September 22, 2009 To Amy Guccione MacMillan ’96, Taylor Guccione A‘99, and Mrs. Leslie Guccione on the death of their father and husband, To Kate Rogal ‘02, Jacob Rogal A’06, and James Rogal on Joseph Q. Guccione, November 3, 2009 the death of their grandmother and mother, Mrs. Ann Rogal, July 13, 2009 To David Hallas and Keenan Hallas ’07 on the death of their father and grandfather, Robert G. Hallas, September 10, 2009 To Sally Guy Stone-Worsing ‘57 on the death of her husband, Robert Worsing, October 9, 2009 To Nancy Quick Langer ‘84 on the death of her mother, Mary Jane Quick, September 4, 2009 To Simone Jackiw Ahlborn ‘82 on the death of her mother, Sharon Jaciw on November 13, 2009 To Ms. Suzanne K. Martin on the death of her mother, Kate Corinne Howat Waldron ‘43, October 19, 2009 This issue of Thistletalk is printed on Reincarnation Matte from New Leaf Paper, 105# text (cover) which is made in North America using 100% recycled fiber and bleached without the use of chlorine compounds, and 70# text (text) which is 50% recycled, 50% post-consumer waste, and 50% processed chlorine free. In using this recycled paper versus using virgin fiber paper, Winchester Thurston saved 14 fully grown trees, 2,644 gallons of water, 6 million Btu energy, 671 pounds of solid waste, and 1,015 pounds of greenhouse gases.

Winchester Nonprofit Org. Thurston U.S. Postage School PAID Pittsburgh, PA 555 Morewood Avenue Permit No. 145 Pittsburgh, PA 15213 www.winchesterthurston.org Painting by Olivia Bargeron, WT Class of 2018, City Campus fourth-grader.

Thistletalk Winter 2010

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Thistletalk Winter 2010 — Document Transcript