Issuu

2016

VOLUME XIV

Olympic Gold Medalist Named Distinguished Alumnus Middle School Launches TEDx Event Campus STEM Center Announced Benjamin Partners with Palm Beach Symphony and Max Planck Society

MISSION STATEMENT The mission of The Benjamin School is to provide a challenging college preparatory education to a diverse student body in a structured, nurturing community environment. The School motivates students to master the skills of learning, communicating and evaluating choices, and encourages them to grow intellectually, socially, morally, aesthetically, and physically to their fullest individual potential. Benjamin inspires its students to develop a coherent set of values that includes love of learning, personal responsibility, self-motivation, concern for others and a commitment to serve society.

VOLUME XIV

In This Issue 2016

Board of Trustees 2015-2016 �� 2 Our New Trustees 2016-2017 �� 3

Robert S. Goldberg, Head of School

THE BUCCANEER

From the Head of School �� 4 Campus Features �� 5 Faculty Spotlight �� 18

Kathy Aiello, Ed. D., Editor

Academic Accolades �� 20

Contributing Photographers

Advancing the Mission �� 25

Douglas Benedict Photography Elle Kay Photography Moya Photography Julie O’Brien Photography Erica Sousa W Studio

Service to Community �� 30 Bucs Sports Highlights �� 33 Alumni Focus �� 38

Photo Submissions

Kathy Aiello, Nick Crisafi, Jeaneen Garcia, Jeff Johansen, Jessy Fulford Padon ’01, Palm Beach Symphony, Jenna Smith '07, Rhonda Thomas

Advancement Office Staff Marketing Jessy Fulford Padon ‘01 Director of Marketing

Kathy Aiello, Ed. D. Director of Publications and Communications Rhonda Thomas Web Manager

Development Gloria Boyd Gift Services Coordinator

Mattie Higgins Hayes '94 Advancement Associate/BASH Donna Minard Director of Annual Giving and Special Events Jenna Smith '07 Alumni Relations Manager Andriana Zachariades Advancement Database Manager

Lower/Middle School Campus 11000 Ellison Wilson Road North Palm Beach, Florida 33408 561.626.3747

Upper School Campus 4875 Grandiflora Road Palm Beach Gardens, Florida 33418 561.472.5998

www.thebenjaminschool.org

The Buccaneer | 2016

Table of Contents

Board of Trustees 2015-2016

Front row (left to right): Georgia Heard Oâ€™Brien, Ellin Miller, Head of School Robert S. Goldberg (ex-officio), Shannon Smith, Lynda L. Jacobs Second row (left to right): Brian Waxman (Secretary), Euclid Walker, Ray Graziotto (Chairman), Sheree Davis Cunningham Third row (left to right): Michael Bracci (Treasurer), Ari Zur, Thomas Frankel, Alan J. Ciklin Back row (left to right): Jack Nicklaus II, Joseph Zaluski, Vince Marotta, Christopher M. Tighe, Jr., Bob Martin, Sal Tiano, David McAuliffe, Charles H. Witmer II, Ray Celedinas, Nate Dalton, Dirk Ziff Not pictured: Al Hoffman, Jr., Eric Silagy (Vice Chairman)

Table of Contents

The Benjamin School

Our New Trustees 2016-2017

Our New Trustees 2016 -2017 Krista Nicklaus moved from

Kelly Perkins is a principal and

Rice Lake, Wisconsin to Orlando in 1990 to attend the Southeastern Academy of Travel and Tourism, after which she re-located to North Palm Beach to manage the Travel Incorporated agency, an industry leader in executive, individual and group travel. In 1997, she opened Eloquence Fine Jewelry & Gifts in North Palm Beach, the area’s most trusted a n d re c o m m e n d e d j e w e l e r, offering custom-designed pieces.

co-Chief Investment Officer of Lighthouse Partners, a global alternative investment firm. He made the South Florida area his home after several years working for a hedge fund based in Bermuda. Kelly, a graduate of the College of William and Mary, recently served as grade chair for The Benjamin School Annual Fund. He resides in North Palm Beach with his wife, Lily, and two children: Alexander, a TBS third grader, and two-yearold daughter, Annabelle.

Krista and her husband, Steve, a 1981 TBS alumnus, have three children who currently attend The Benjamin School (since PK4): Stevie (grade 11), Nicole (grade 6) and Taylor (grade 3). For the past two years, the couple has served as co-chairs of the BASH Gala. Krista remains actively involved in her children’s school and sports activities, and enjoys volunteering in the classroom as a “Team Mom.”

Sandy O'Connor is a 1982 graduate of Boston College School of Management, where she received a BS in Finance. After earning her MBA from Babson College, Sandy was employed at Copley Real Estate Advisors in Boston, Massachusetts, where she served in various capacities, including financial analyst, asset manager and portfolio manager. She became a principal of the firm in 1988 and remained until 1996 when the firm merged to form AEW Capital Management, L.P. Sandy was married to the late Joe O'Connor for 24 years and together they have four children: Jerry, a 2014 Benjamin graduate and current junior at Yale University, and triplets Chris, Katie and Joey, members of the TBS Class of 2017. Sandy has been an active Benjamin parent since relocating from Boston in 2001, serving as co-chair of BASH Pizza Days, Grandest Friends’ Day and the BASH Gala, as well as volunteering on numerous committees during her 15 year tenure as a Benjamin parent.

The Buccaneer | 2016

Christopher Sorenson, o r i g i n a l l y f ro m Av o n P a r k , Connecticut, is a graduate of Rollins College where he majored in English literature and minored in business. After working in San Francisco at Salesforce. com, he returned to the East Coast and earned an MBA from Emory University. Since 2006, Christopher has been employed with Carling Technologies. The business, founded by his greatgrandfather in 1920, focuses on the design, manufacture and sales of industrial electrical/electronic products. Currently, Christopher oversees the company’s international operations, which consist of European sales and distribution, manufacturing in mainland China and sales throughout Asia-Pacific. Christopher and his wife, Christine, are involved in several School activities as active volunteers at TBS. The couple’s two daughters, Sage (grade 4) and Elle (grade 1), have attended TBS since PK3. The family enjoys traveling, fitness, boating and many of the outdoor activities South Florida has to offer.

Our New Trustees

From the Head of School

Dear Members of The Benjamin School Community, The timing of The Buccaneer Magazine is such that it helps us review one academic year as it ushers in the next. The most important aspect of this publication is that it chronicles for all of us who love and nurture this school all the many ways we stretch to provide the most meaningful opportunities for the children in our charge. My letters home to you often include such summaries which clearly support the unique advantages of the Benjamin experience. So, this year’s Buccaneer, as all that have come before it, will bring to life pictorially and journalistically the richness of discovery awarded each of our students. Our Leaps and Bounds capital campaign affords us exciting programmatic expansion as well as essential faculty training for the 21st century schoolhouse. I am proud to report that our teachers have been immersed in professional development opportunities and exposed to resources that fortify an already stellar and competitive academic program. Benjamin Hall has passed its first-year mark as our first capital project. As you are well aware by this point, our new theater on the Upper School campus has been the crown jewel of TBS in its beauty and function. Coming up next in “bricks and mortar” as the second Leaps and Bounds addition to program is the future focus of our integrated Lower and Middle School STEM (Science-Technology-Engineering-Math) initiative. A lead gift has been donated, and plans for construction of an extraordinary STEM center are now underway! These new facilities, and those still to come, continue to place The Benjamin School well beyond its competition both regionally and nationally. The young people we serve have filled us with pride over their outstanding work this year and the many ways they have been recognized for excellence. This

From the Head of School

certainly has been a banner year for our students of all three divisions in myriad competitions-- world languages; choral and instrumental music; the Pharcyde newspaper; TV news program; the Benjineers engineering club; math, writing and science contests; visual and performing arts juried events; and on and on. This was an over-the-top year as well for our athletic program, with more district championships and regional play than have been seen, for some sports, in decades! As a matter of fact, twenty-one Upper School students have been invited to commit to their sport at the collegiate level. At the same time, Middle School teams have celebrated undefeated seasons and garnered 1st Place spots in Palm Beach County tournaments. All told, Benjamin’s students, teachers and coaches excelled during school year 2015-2016! I look forward to hearing from you about this 2016 edition of The Buccaneer! It is a veritable digest of how our students have learned and grown in a single school year. Please take note of the 21st century innovations infused into a curriculum that sends Benjamin graduates off to many of the most highly selective colleges and universities in the country, and most importantly, to lives of integrity and good citizenship in a rapidly changing, more diverse and complicated world. My best to all of you,

Robert S. Goldberg Head of School

The Benjamin School

Campus Features 06 Partnership with Palm Beach Symphony Brings Classical Music to Benjamin Hall 08 Fine Arts Day Celebrates Visual and Performing Arts 10 Max Planck and The Benjamin School Pair Up for Science Meets Music Series 12 Summer Interns Plunge Into Scientific Research 14 Middle School Launches Inaugural TEDx Conference 16 Lower School Mandarin Classes Immerse in Chinese Culture The Buccaneer | 2016

Campus Features

Partnership with Palm Beach Symphony Brings Classical Music to Benjamin Hall by Kathy H. Aiello, Ed. D.

The Palm Beach Symphony and The Benjamin School came together January 27 for an enchanting evening of classical music in Benjamin Hall. Two German Romantics was the Symphony’s first concert in northern Palm Beach County as well as the first professional concert performance to resonate in Benjamin Hall. The result was an audience filled with parents, students, trustees, faculty, staff, local city officials and an influx of new audience members from the community, in addition to regular Symphony members mesmerized by the lush, soaring melodies and rich textures of two symphonic masterpieces. Artistic and Music Director Ramón Tebar led the orchestra in a wonderfully romantic program specifically designed for Benjamin Hall - "Schumann’s Symphony No. 1, Op. 38" and "Brahms’ Symphony No. 4, Op. 98."

Campus Features

Head of School Bob Goldberg welcomed the Symphony and the audience for this muchanticipated performance. “We are thrilled to be able to host this magnificent facility to the Palm Beach Symphony for the community to enjoy this superb concert as part of our ongoing partnership with them,” said Goldberg. “We are fortunate, also, to have several of these professional musicians in our classrooms providing master classes to our students in our instrumental program.” Goldberg also extended his appreciation to Board of Trustees Chairman Ray Graziotto for his campaign leadership in bringing the construction of Benjamin Hall to fruition as well as facilitating the School’s partnership with the Symphony, along with Director of the Palm Beach Symphony David McClymont.

The Benjamin School

Student Musicians Perform with Palm Beach Symphony Three talented Benjamin musicians accompanied by 10 members of the Palm Beach Symphony presented individual solo performances for the upper school student body, faculty and staff during a special assembly concert featured February 10 in Benjamin Hall. The classical music concert, conducted by Upper School Music Director Dr. Alexander Nagy, was also made available to classrooms on the Lower/Middle School Campus, via livestream.

(L to R) The Palm Beach Symphony's Executive Director David McClymont, Board of Directors President Dale McNulty and Artistic and Music Director Ramón Tebar join Board of Trustees Chairman Ray Graziotto and Head of School Bob Goldberg in Benjamin Hall.

“What a spectacular introduction of the Palm Beach Symphony to northern Palm Beach County in this premier venue,” said McClymont. “We are grateful and delighted to be uniting with The Benjamin School in our educational outreach efforts to help us expand our concerts and programs, and igniting our mission to bring classical music to the greater Palm Beaches.”

The Buccaneer | 2016

Flutist Roya Shirzad, a sophomore, opened the concert with her performance of Johann Sebastian Bach's "Orchestral Suite No. 2 In B minor: Menuet and Badinerie" followed by vocalist Kristine Hewitt, a junior, who sang the aria "Lament" from the opera Dido and Aeneas by Henry Purcell. Fourth grade violinist Flora Nagy concluded the assembly concert with her performance of "Concerto in A minor for Violin, 3rd Movement" by Antonio Vivaldi. The audience enthusiastically responded to the morning's concert performances with a rousing standing ovation. "This concert is part of our collaborative partnership with the Palm Beach Symphony," explained Nagy who addressed the audience. "Our music students have the distinct opportunity today to perform on stage with professional musicians who have also been providing instrumental instruction to our band and strings students during special master classes the Symphony's musicians have been conducting on both of our campuses."

Campus Features

Fine Arts Day Celebrates Visual and Performing Arts From comedy and improv to shibori dying and interior design, students in grades six through 12 assembled together on the Upper School Campus to immerse in an abundance of dynamic learning opportunities during the inaugural Fine Arts Day.

Campus Features

by Kathy H. Aiello, Ed. D.

The Benjamin School

he much anticipated September 25 celebration of the visual and performing arts kicked off in Benjamin Hall with a welcome by Head of Upper School Latta Baucom and opening comments to the middle and upper student body, teachers and staff by Head of School Bob Goldberg. “Today you will discover a mix of fine arts disciplines and the endless possibilities the arts afford,” announced Middle School Dean of Academics and Fine Arts Day Coordinator Dr. Tina James. Keynote speaker Steven Caras, a world-renowned photographer of dance and a former member of the New York City Ballet under the leadership of its legendary founder George Balanchine addressed the audience. A video presentation chronicling Caras’ renowned career included images from his work, including the Emmy award-winning documentary Steven Caras: See Them Dance, a compelling celebration of his accomplishments and the artistry and magnitude of his photographic collection. Middle School English Department Chair Kathleen Devine followed on stage with an introduction of Carney Gray and Luke Arrington, actors with the energetic and inspirational poetry performing arts group “Poetry Alive.” The highly admired and talented performers engaged the audience with interactive poetic interpretations highlighting motion, acting and student participation.

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The morning segment concluded with a lively concert performance by Julian Velard. The popular songwriter, singer and pianist is a frequent performer in New York City and on National Public Radio. Velard, accompanied by accomplished guitarist Ryan Bull, performed original material from his numerous albums, including his recent release If You Don’t Like It You Can Leave. Students convened in classrooms throughout the campus to partake in two of 30 hands-on workshops following a barbeque luncheon provided by Cheney Brothers. Middle and upper school students worked side-by-side in their advisory groups during their afternoon sessions as a host of visual and performing arts professionals presented a range of topics, including playwriting and directing, curating an art museum, stand-up comedy, singing and voice, creating Instagrams, drumming, professional dancing, commercial performance and so much more. “This exciting and highly successful Fine Arts Day is a celebration of The Benjamin School’s commitment to fostering an appreciation for the Fine Arts as a vital aspect of our whole-student approach to education,” explained James. “Cultivating an appreciation for the arts both awakens and encourages innovative learning and problem solving in all academic disciplines. Today’s events serve to reaffirm how vital the fine arts are to enriching the lives of our students and to making them lifelong, fearless learners and creators ready to embrace the challenges of the 21st century.”

Campus Features

Dr Alan Chen, Director of Psychiatry Max Planck Institute Germany

Max Planck and The Benjamin School

Pair Up for Science Meets Music Series Cutting-edge international scientific research and classical music rang throughout Benjamin Hall at the Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscienceâ€™s (MPFI) Science Meets Music series. The innovative program merges science and music for a night of exploration and entertainment.

by Kathy H. Aiello, Ed. D.

Dr. David Fitzpatrick, CEO Max Planck Florida Institute

Campus Features

The Benjamin School

More than 400 area residents were present for the January 13 “Biology of the Blues” lecture delivered by Dr. Alon Chen, Director of Psychiatry at the Max Planck Institute in Munich, Germany and Head of the Max Planck SocietyWeizmann Institute of Science Laboratory for Experimental Neurogenetics in Israel. Chen explored how and why the brain responds to stressors, as well as the link between stress exposure and a variety of disorders.

MPFI CEO and Scientific Director Dr. David Fitzpatrick who welcomed the audiences. "The Institute has enjoyed working with The Benjamin School and getting to know its students and teachers since we arrived here in Palm Beach County in 2010."

The guest audience of the opening event of the 2016 series also enjoyed musical arrangements performed by the American Friends of the Kronberg Academy, featuring cellist Anastasia Kobekina accompanied by pianist Naomi Kudo.

Students in the Upper School have been active participants in several of the MPFI educational activities, including the High School Intern Program, the annual Brain Bee Challenge and the annual Neuroscience Discovery Day. Upper school science teachers have also participated in the Institute’s High School Teacher Workshops and Teacher Summer Internship Program.

The crowd returned to Benjamin Hall on March 29 for the final program of the Science Meets Music series. The works of Handel and Bach performed by the Florida Atlantic University Woodwind Quintet entertained the audience, accompanied by a presentation on “New Insights into Causes and Therapies of Alzheimer’s Disease” presented by Dr. Eva Mandelkow, acclaimed research scientist from the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases and CAESAR/Max Planck Institute Research Center. “We are so grateful and honored to have The Benjamin School as our partner by aligning with us in this amazing, state-of-the-art venue for our public lecture series,“ said

The Buccaneer | 2016

“We are pleased to expand our partnership with Max Planck Florida and to host these renowned scientists and musicians for the community on our stage in Benjamin Hall," announced Head of School Bob Goldberg who addressed the audience at the evening programs. With record-breaking attendance at the third annual event and the first staged in Benjamin Hall, audiences would undeniably concur, this year’s collaborative Science Meets Music series was a resounding success.

Campus Features

Summer Interns Plunge Into Scientific Research by Kathy H. Aiello, Ed. D.

Campus Features

The Benjamin School

The opportunity to expand their knowledge of science with internationally regarded research scientists and college professors in renowned research laboratories and universities came to life last summer for nine upper school students. The summer science interns presented their research findings and hands-on internship experiences with upper school students and faculty during a special assembly held September 10 in Benjamin Hall.

"We are expanding opportunities for our students to participate in significant scientific research by building relationships at several locations, including our campus neighbors at Scripps Research Institute, Max Planck Institute and Florida Atlantic University Honors College," said faculty member Renee Szeliga. Faculty member Eric Gardner, moderator of the morning program, introduced the audience to the following juniors and seniors who presented their research findings to the audience:

Charlotte Barkdull '16

Sakshi Saxena '16

College - Jupiter, FL C harlotte interned at Dr. Ken DawsonScully's laboratory at the universityâ€™s Neuroscience Research Extension. She studied neuroprotection during cellular stress and the relationships between age, anoxia and neural function using the common fruit fly.

College - Jupiter, FL S akshi interned in Dr. Rod Murphey's lab studying the nervous system development of a fruit fly by observing the competition between neurons during the fly's development.

Florida Atlantic University Honors

Geoff Moody '17

Max Planck Institute for Neuroscience Jupiter, FL G eoff interned in the Kwon Behavioral Lab under the mentorship of Drs. Kwong and Jung. His research centered on the engineering and design of a New Floating Trackball System that enables neuroscientists a view into an awake, active animalâ€™s neuronal ensemble activity as the animal performs a tactile, spatial behavioral activity.

Kole Rosin '17

University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine - Philadelphia, PA Kole studied medicine by simulating four years of medical school in four weeks. Each week focused on a special topic, including basic skills, specialties, surgery, psychiatry and alternative health care careers.

The Buccaneer | 2016

Florida Atlantic University Honors

Blair Slavin '16

Juneau Icefield Research Program - AKA JIRP - Juneau, AK Blair spent last summer traversing across the entire Juneau Icefield in Alaska as a member of the JIRP team conducting scientific research. Her project involved using Ground Penetrating Radar to profile what a glacier looks like underneath snow and ice to determine winter snow accumulation and the resulting effects of climate change on the environment.

the study of mechanical design and manufacturing, materials science and renewable energy technology, as well as aerospace engineering, including airplanes and rockets.

Veronica Weiss '16 Resilient Systems - Cambridge, MA Veronica spent four weeks last summer as an engineering intern for a cybersecurity startup firm. The firm enhances a company's security system with an Incident Response Platform and a product that centralizes and organizes the company's prevention, detection and response to cyberattacks. Veronica's programming work involved improving the automatic e-mail parsing system in the email connector between the firm's Incident Response Platform and the automated defense systems.

Michael Taylor '16

University of Miami Summer Scholars Program for Aerospace, Architectural, Civil, Environmental and Mechanical Engineering - Miami, FL M ichael earned six college credits last summer in two courses that gave him an overview of three disciplines divided into five sections: civil, architectural, environmental, structural engineering and research in engineering. The program also included

Isaac Wendler '16 and Andrew Witmer '16 Scripps Research Institute - Jupiter, FL Isaac and Andrew interned for six weeks in the Chemistry Department under Dr. Scott Snyder's total organic synthesis laboratory. They synthesized two natural products or molecules found in nature that hold potential benefits to human health.

Campus Features

Middle School Launches Inaugural TEDx Conference by Kathy H. Aiello, Ed. D.

It was an extraordinary day-long event filled with ideas worth spreading at the inaugural TEDx conference presented April 29 in the Barker Performing Arts Center. More than 40 student, faculty and guest presenters captivated the middle school audience with engaging topics centered on the theme Pentimento. “Defined simply, pentimento is that phenomenon when an artist’s first draft errors are still visible in the final work of art," explained faculty member Dr. Tina James, coordinator of the TEDx event along with faculty member Kathleen Devine. “These errors are called pentimento because the artist’s mistakes which he or she changes are still visible. While they may render the final art work imperfect, the errors help us to further understand the artist, her work, and her intentionality and journey in creating that piece of art.” TEDxTheBenjaminSchool featured a host of motivational and inspirational program speakers, including 34 seventh and eighth graders, faculty members Nancy McAllister and Jen McDonough and the following guest presenters:

Campus Features

Karen E. Avery

Senior Director of Institutional Giving for the PBS Foundation "I Am Woman"

Andrea Bradley, J.D.

President and CEO of Palm Healthcare Foundation "Take All the Doors"

Chris Callahan

Co-Founder and President of Startup Palm Beach "Entrepreneurship for All"

Shanon Materio

West Palm Beach City Commissioner "Why Changing My Life Led to My Greatest Accomplishments"

Peter Weisz

Founder and Owner of Peter Weisz Publishing "The Worst Day of My Life"

The Benjamin School

The conference additionally showcased several official TEDx videos for the audience to explore, presented by faculty member Nicholas Crisafi who served as master of ceremonies throughout the day. “As a licensed TEDx event, this program is designed to help communities, organizations and individuals spark conversation and connection at the local level,” explained Crisafi. “We invited our students, faculty and guests to engage the notion of pentimento as it relates to one’s life, experiences, passions, philosophy of living, interactions with others and more,” said James. “Our presenters were exceptional as they conveyed the pentimento of it all. In other words, they imparted the journey, the process, the unexpected errors that brought them to a moment important enough to share in a TEDx Talk." To view the conference presentations visit: www.thebenjaminschool.org/TEDx

The Buccaneer | 2016

Campus Features

Lower School Mandarin Classes

Immerse in Chinese Culture by Kathy H. Aiello, Ed. D.

Campus Features

Calligraphy, Taiji and a virtual visit from students in China were the activities explored with guest speaker presentations in lower school Mandarin Chinese classes during the 2015 2016 school year. Special guest Rui Ming from the Miami-Dade State College Confucius Institute engaged students in a series of classroom lessons writing calligraphy. The world language students practiced the method of holding a calligraphy brush using authentic Chinese brushes and ink. Students ultimately converged outdoors with large sponge brushes and water to rehearse their penmanship skills by imprinting the Chinese letters on the campus basketball court. “This is an exciting learning technique for students, allowing them success in forming the ancient Chinese characters,” explained faculty member Dr. Lucy Wei. “By practicing with big strokes, students are able to manage the activity and have fun in the process.”

Visiting teacher Pei-Pei Mao from Beijing Zhong Guan Cun Elementary School also met with students during her visit from China. Fourth graders conferenced earlier in the school year via Skype with Mao's students. Throughout the classroom conference, the two groups shared songs and music, exchanged conversation in both English and Mandarin and also posed questions to one another during the Skype encounter. Finally, students joined in a hands-on workshop of Taiji, the most widely practiced Chinese traditional martial art, during an engaging classroom workshop. Taiji instructor Jiang-Nan Wu led a demonstration for both students and Wei who eagerly mirrored the exercise techniques. "We are fortunate to have these guest instructors share their expertise with us,” said Wei. “The activities are motivational and provide opportunities for students to immerse in the Chinese culture and increase their knowledge of the language they are studying.”

Campus Features

Faculty Spotlight

Beyond Borders Historic Trip to

CUBA

by Steven Anderson

Faculty Spotlight

The Benjamin School

hen President Barack Obama announced plans for the United States to reestablish diplomatic relations with Cuba and ease travel restrictions, the time had come to offer students an historic educational excursion. The 56-year travel ban between the two nations was over. A dozen students* enthusiastically jumped on board for the travel adventure, emphatically endorsed by the School’s administration. From the moment we arrived in Havana, we found the Cuban people to be very friendly and polite, fond of American tourists and exceptionally joyful and vivacious, considering the economy is gravely suffering under the country’s totalitarian, communist regime. With the economic embargo still in effect, American citizens must visit solely for a specific, designated purpose, such as a humanitarian endeavor, a family visit, a business venture or, our mission, an educational, “people to people” encounter. Although independent travel is not yet permitted, we utilized the travel services of Cuba Explorers who crafted a fascinating itinerary for us. Students all loved and appreciated the hard work and professionalism of Pavel, our tour guide, who piloted us throughout our journey. We found the colorful Cuban capital of Havana, with its long history, splendid, colonial era architecture and decaying elegance, a truly alluring city with a rich culture, perfect for our walking tour. Beautiful plazas, lively salsa music and dancing and a captivating collection of antique American cars could be spotted throughout the wide, impressive avenues surrounding Cathedral Square and the Square of the Revolution. No wonder Old Havana has been awarded distinction as a UNESCO World Heritage Site!

The Buccaneer | 2016

Throughout our trip, we were tempted by the delicious Cuban food. At the private restaurant El Ajiaco, students witnessed a cooking demonstration and eagerly joined cooks in the kitchen to help prepare their own meal. The group also ventured to Escuela Taller Gaspar Garcia de Jovellanos, a school where students are trained in the restoration of the city’s beautiful, old buildings. Our students donated a generous collection of supplies during the visit. We concluded an enjoyable afternoon interacting with young Cuban people at beautiful Santa Maria Beach. We also explored the scenic village of Cojimar, one of Ernest Hemingway’s favorite fishing spots. As political and economic relations between the United States and Cuba continue to improve, there is no doubt Cuba will encounter rapid change. We are grateful The Benjamin School offered us the unique opportunity to explore Cuba, to better our understanding of the island’s evolving social, political and economic environment, to discover a wonderful, friendly people and to truly experience history in the making. *Student travelers: seniors Chris Chapin, Lambert Johnson, Aubrey O’Brien, Derek Packer, Shay Pradetto, Jonathan Ricketts, Jared Shapiro. Natalie Smith, Tyler Wilkinson and Andrew Witmer; juniors Breezy Leassear and Ian MacPherson (Editor’s note: The author is a faculty member in the upper school Social Studies Department and teaches the course A History of Florida and the Caribbean Islands.)

Faculty Spotlight

Academic Accolades 21 Champion STEM Competitors 22 National, State and Area Achievers 24 Induction Ceremonies Celebrate Academic Excellence

Academic Accolades

The Benjamin School

Champion STEM Competitors

Benjineers Capture National Championship in STEM League Racing Challenge After months of preparation throughout the school year and setting their goals high, the Benjineers captured the national championship at the TEN80 Student Racing Challenge National STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) League Finals. The upper school engineering club joined more than 400 middle and high school students from 18 schools across the country to showcase their team's engineering enterprise and robotics skills at the national competition held May 21 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. The Benjineers three 1:10 scale remote control cars dominated the RC Raceway track in the RoboCar autonomous driving competition, the aerodynamic car design challenge and the data driven design competition. Their solar panel and wind turbine design project also earned a first place finish in the state competition earlier in the school year and included constructing a small scale wind turbine to test multiple variables of wind speed to power the Benjineers sustainable car.

It was a tremendous effort by our students who worked diligently to win this prestigious national STEM award in only our second year of competition. - Patrick Cullinane, faculty advisor to the Benjineers

Benjamin Team Wins Max Planck Brain Bee Challenge The TBS Brain Bee Team of seniors (pictured L to R) Charlotte Barkdull and Isaac Wendler and junior Geoff Moody defeated 20 area school teams from Palm Beach and Martin Counties to win the 2016 Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience Brain Bee Challenge held February 20 on the MPFI campus in Jupiter. “The Brain Bee participants answered several questions on neuroscience topics such as learning and memory, emotion, sensation, movement,

aging, neurobiology, brain anatomy and neural disorder to win the annual competition,” explained faculty member Renee Szeliga. “Through competition, these students carry the same enthusiasm for discovery that many of our researchers hold,” remarked MPFI CEO and Scientific Director David Fitzpatrick. “It is our hope that events like this will open their eyes to the field of neuroscience and foster the next generation of scientists from our area.”

Fourth Graders Finish Second in Science Center's Engineering Competition Fourth graders Matthew Brodner, Tim Mahon, Will McDonough, and Canyon Rauch captured second place in the elementary school “Thrill It” category at the 30th annual South Florida Science Center and Engineering competition.

enable a marble to make its longest run

“Our winning TBS team, along with 20 classmates, spent over two months building gravity-based roller coasters to

12 participated in this year’s STEM

The Buccaneer | 2016

at the annual event,” said Lower School Science Coordinator Susan Bickel. More than 500 students throughout the county in grades kindergarten through contest hosted April 16 at the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium.

Academic Accolades

National, State and Area Achievers 22

ASPA Names The Pharcyde one of Nation's Best High School Newspapers For the second consecutive year, the American Scholastic Press Association cited The Pharcyde as the "Best High School Newspaper for Schools with Under 500 Students" in its national journalism contest. In addition, it was another exceptional year for Pharcyde staff members who were honored with numerous awards at The Palm Beach Post Excellence in High School Journalism Awards luncheon celebrated April 21 in West Palm Beach.

“Since 2003, the upper school newspaper has accumulated 101 awards in the annual competition, including the 2016 2nd place General Excellence (Newspaper) award,” reported Assistant Head of School for Academics Ken Didsbury who serves as faculty advisor to the the award-winning newspaper.

Seniors Earn Top Honors at Pathfinder’s Awards Ceremony The Palm Beach Post named Class of 2016 members Alexis Kauchick (Business) and Derek Packer (Foreign Language) this year’s first place winners in the 33rd annual Pathfinder Scholarship Awards program. The two TBS seniors were each presented with a $4,000 scholarship prize at the 2016 Pathfinder Scholarship Awards ceremony held May 10 at the Kravis Center in West Palm Beach. Business Pathfinder Kauchick was additionally named a Kantner Foundation award winner in recognition of outstanding student achievement and potential in the categories of Entrepreneurship and Community Involvement. The Post also named senior Katie Walsh a third place award winner in the Communications category and the recipient of a $2,500 Pathfinder scholarship prize. The Pathfinder Scholarship Awards, sponsored by The Palm Beach Post, are presented annually to public and private high school seniors in Palm Beach and Martin Counties who have demonstrated exceptional achievement in select academic, arts, vocational, community service and athletic categories.

Academic Accolades

The Benjamin School

French Team Takes First Place at State Congrès

The 26-member middle and upper school French world language team earned Florida's Division 2A 1st place trophy at the 2016 Congrès held March 10-12 in Orlando. The TBS Congrès team, who also won last year’s title, competed with

French students throughout the state in several individual events, including poetry recitation, impromptu speaking, advanced impromptu conversation and reading comprehension, in addition to award-winning group skit performances.

BTV N3WS Program Awarded Fourth Gold Medal For the fourth year in a row, the Florida Scholastic Press Association awarded BTV N3WS a gold medal for The Benjamin School's in-school news program. BTV N3WS is produced in the video production studio on the Upper School Campus by students in the Television Broadcasting program directed by faculty member Ken Archer. FSPA judges of broadcast and journalism professional across the state additionally awarded BTV N3WS "All-Florida" distinctions in the categories of news writing, feature writing and sports writing, as well as special distinctions for audio and verbal communication.

Bella McNamara

composed "Don't Take Our Country's Freedom for Granted," the winning essay in the annual contest sponsored by the Palm Beach Fellowship of Christians and Jews. The seventh grader presented her essay to the membership at the organization’s annual meeting held April 11 at the Paramount Church in Palm Beach. “The theme this year was the meaning of liberty and Bella certainly captured that concept in her writing to earn first place out of 400 entries submitted by students throughout Palm Beach County,” said Dr. Rosalie Franks, chair of the essay contest.

The Buccaneer | 2016

Academic Accolades

Induction Ceremonies Celebrate Academic Excellence

Cum Laude Society It was a morning to celebrate academic excellence on the Upper School Campus as 14 members* of the Class of 2016 were inducted into the Cum Laude Society at the fourth annual ceremony hosted April 12 in Benjamin Hall:

*Charlotte Barkdull, Caterina Breuer, Christopher Chapin, Isabella DeRosa, Niki Hendi, Annelise Hillmann, Derek Packer, Dylan Peters, Megan Rooney, Blaire Slavin, Kathleen Walsh, Isaac Wendler, Andrew Witmer and Ian Witmer. Grace Weir was additionally installed into the Society at the Senior Awards Banquet.

(L to R) Ken Didsbury, Bob Goldberg, Latta Baucom

"The Cum Laude Society recognizes academic achievement in secondary schools for the purpose of promoting excellence, justice and honor," announced Head of School Bob Goldberg who presided over the ceremony and welcomed the division's student body, faculty and staff, as well as parents and family members of the inductees. "These students are receiving this honor based upon a superior academic record and demonstration of fine character. As a chapter member in this elite society, The Benjamin School is identified among the most prestigious independent schools in the country due to our curriculum, standardized test scores and college admission profile.â€?

National Honor Society

National Honor Society members welcomed 34 new candidates into The Benjamin School Chapter during the 2015-2016 school year with annual fall and spring candlelight induction ceremonies held in Benjamin Hall. The following new inductees, who were elected into the Chapter by the TBS Faculty Council, satisfied the criteria for NHS membership by demonstrating excellence in scholarship, character, leadership, knowledge and service:

Academic Accolades

seniors Viggo Bjorklund and Vanessa Delgado; juniors Pablo Barrios, Griffin Bracci, Jonathan Chait, Jonah Hasson, Madeline Horowitz, Madeleine Jezerinac, Arianna LaBarbiera, Lukas Lasher, Jake Lewis, Jack Mahon, Marisa Marino, Jordan Mendelsohn, Chiara Micchelli, Geoffrey Moody, Jacklyn Potts, William Randolph, Kole Rosin, John Toothman, Alex Weinstein and Zuyi Zhao and sophomores Alessandra Baldari, Jennifer Barre, Scott Burstein, Kailey Graziotto, Lisa Huang, Roberto Lama, Abigale Mendelsohn, Ryan Postman, Maggie Regnery, Acadia Rubin, Ashley Sniffen and Marine Wolff.

The Benjamin School

Advancing the Mission 26 BASH: Unlocking the Doors to a World of Possibilities 26 Gala Call from the Heart to Support STEM Science Center 27 Benjamin Hall Showcases Variety Show: Colors of the World 28 Benjamin Parents' Association Enriches Campus Life 29 BPA Hosts Exciting Family Evening of Extreme Sports

The Buccaneer | 2016

Academic Accolades

Unlocking the Doors to a World of Possibilities It was a remarkable evening in the glittering new ballroom at Trump National Golf Club Jupiter transformed into an extraordinary “Wonderland” at the 32nd annual BASH Gala - Through the Looking Glass - Unlocking the Doors to a World of Possibilities. More than 325 supporters of The Benjamin School donned whimsical or elegant Alice in Wonderland themed attire to celebrate the memorable occasion held April 16.

Benjamin School parents Michelle and Chris Grande and Denise and John Caruso co-chaired the school's major fundraising event that featured a cocktail reception, dinner, entertainment and live and silent auctions. Lynda and Jeff Jacobs served as the honorary chairs for the evening’s lavish affair. The successful Gala raised over $511,000 to support the School's operating budget.

Gala Call from the Heart to Support New STEM Science Center Mrs. Grande, accompanied by her sisters Nicole Bessette and Danielle Jenkins, also Benjamin School parents, added to the evening’s excitement with the thrilling announcement of a lead gift to begin construction of a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Science Center on the Lower/Middle School Campus.

Gala attendees r e s p o n d e d enthusiastically during the Call from the Heart effort to raise an additional $74,850 to fund furniture, fixtures and equipment for the STEM Science Center.

“The Berlin Family Foundation, joined by Benjamin School grandparents Bill and Madeline Maglio, have contributed $2.5 Million to begin making this truly one-of-a-kind facility a reality for our students,” said Head of School Bob Goldberg. “This outstanding gift to The Benjamin School already marks 75% of the total cost of construction. This new STEM Center will promote an integrated curriculum where science, technology, engineering and math will be presented in context with one another.”

“Our family is committed to this new facility that will provide our youngest students high-level, experiencebased learning through the use of the latest equipment and technology,” said Grande. “The STEM Center will be an amazing educational and learning space for our children where they will be inspired to take an active role in their own education. They will learn through hands-on experience, and will build a solid foundation to become the next generation of innovators and future leaders.”

Academic Accolades

The Benjamin School

Benjamin Hall Showcases

Variety Show: Colors of the World

A record-setting number of 220 Benjamin singers, dancers and instrumentalists entertained TBS audiences with a spectacular musical review on January 16 at the 2016 Benjamin School Variety Show. Colors of the World (Sherie Katz '83, Chair; Sara Salivar, Artistic Director) featured a talented cast of students, faculty, parents and alumni at the 20th annual production staged for the first time in Benjamin Hall. Matinee and evening audiences enjoyed traveling the world through music and dance with lively narration showcased

The Buccaneer | 2016

on the theatre's giant screens. The dazzling cast included superb performances by the middle and upper school dance teams, the upper school band, chorus and chamber ensemble, student/faculty/parent vocal, dance, and instrumental groups, PFP and the lower and middle school cast of The Lion King. Variety Show guests were also treated to breathtaking vocal performances by alumnae Jill Nicklaus '89, Alix Paige '04 and Maddy Apple '07, as well as an instrumental performance by violinist Riley Burke '14.

Advancing the Mission

Benjamin Parentsâ€™ Association Enriches Campus Life

The Benjamin Parents' Association unleashed an engaging and supportive lineup of activities throughout the 2015-2016 school year for the school community. The All-School Community Event, Grandest Friendsâ€™ Day, teacher appreciation luncheons, the new family ambassador program, hospitality support services, M.O.B. (Men of Benjamin) events and more served to strengthen unity among TBS students, parents, faculty and staff and enrich the quality of campus life.

BPA Operating Board 2015 -2016 Joy Motto President

Jill Fried President-Elect

Ali Moss Vice-President

Genie Smith Treasurer

Angela Amato Secretary

Vince Marotta Past President (ex-officio)

Amy Zito LS Grade Liaison Coordinator

Advancing the Mission

Maria McCraney US Grade Liaison Coordinator

Amine Aghzafi Devon Burden Denise Caruso Willa Cohen Cindy Doolittle Michelle Hendricks Ali Moss Christina Preston Kari Small Francine Walker

Dawn Crawford

Susan Poncy

MS Grade Liaison Coordinator

Student Services Representative

The Benjamin School

The Benjamin Parents’ Association treated the Benjamin community to an action-packed entertaining evening of extreme sports at the All-School Community Event presented by ASA Entertainment October 2 on the Upper School Campus.

TBS families enjoyed an exciting display of BMX demos and tricks, skateboarding and surfing clinics featuring top X-Game professional athletes, including X-Game gold medalist Rob Nolli and top female surfer Nikki Viesins. NBC action sports commentator and BMX legend Kenan Harkin served as moderator for the Friday evening celebration. TBS students and parents had a blast testing their skateboarding skills on mobile ramps and rails as well as their surfing skills on a host of mechanical surfboards. The crowd also joined in several informal lawn games, including an obstacle course. The Benjamin community additionally

The Buccaneer | 2016

BPA Hosts Exciting Family Evening of Extreme Sports

enjoyed dining together on a delicious cookout provided by Cheney Brothers. “Everyone had a terrific time at the event, especially our students,” remarked BPA Community Event Co-Coordinator Willa Cohen who organized the evening along with Cocoordinator Denise Caruso. “Tonight was a big hit with fantastic participation from our students and parents and tremendous efforts by our volunteers." “We are delighted this event was such a huge success and enthusiastically received by our Benjamin families,” added BPA President Joy Motto.

Advancing the Mission

Service to Community 31 Benjamin Community Embraces School-wide Community Service Initiative 32 Making a Difference Beyond the Classroom

Service to Community

The Benjamin School

Benjamin Community Embraces School-wide Community Service Initiative From our youngest to oldest students, our parents, faculty, staff and alumni, The Benjamin community extended overwhelming support and generosity to the clients served by Adopt-A-Family of the Palm Beaches, this year’s school-wide community service partner. - Susan Poncy, Director of Student Services (PK3-8)

The non-profit agency provides services within our community to homeless families and families at-risk of becoming homeless. Adopt-A-Family also offers quality after-school programming, tutoring and summer programs to children it serves in grades kindergarten through five. A variety of several service projects instituted during the school year by The Benjamin School have made a positive impact in the lives of those assisted by Adopt-A-Family, including the following activities: • Food, toy, book, costume and diaper drives • Contributions of first aid supplies, stuffed animals, gingerbread cookies and holiday wreaths • Collections of baby blankets, baby bottles, cleaning supplies, and entertainment and sports equipment • Financial contributions for school supplies from the WOW Trike-a-thon

• Donation of prize winnings from the winning fourth grade science team • Men-of-Benjamin sponsored Family Fun Day and barbeque at Adopt-A-Family • Benjineers classroom lessons of STEM activities presented to students of Adopt-A-Family's Project Grow after-school program

“The Benjamin School’s generosity, positive energy and giving spirit have made a difference in the lives of hundreds of families we serve,” said Adopt-A-Family Resource Coordinator Sean Dollard. “Your combined philanthropy will not soon be forgotten and you’ve shown our families that the community does care.”

Service to Community

Making a Difference Beyond the Classroom Alexis Kauchick has been shining Ali Wettermann’s a light on mental illness by crafting candles, after enduring the deep, painful loss of her brother and best friend who both suffered from mental health issues. Kauchick learned the craft from her late brother, Todd, and in 2012, founded Eternal Essence Candle Company, Inc., a non-profit soy candle business whose proceeds are supporting community programs that address mental illnesses, ranging from bipolar disorder to depression and addiction. To date, Kauchick’s foundation has donated more than $70,000 from her candle sales to various mental health agencies, including the Ryan Licht Sang Bipolar Foundation and the Adolescent Depression Awareness Program. “My personal goal is to to end the stigma associated with mental illness, assist teens in crisis and support organizations addressing and researching the disease,” said Kauchick.

efforts fostering rescue dogs over the past three years have resulted in the salvation of 70 puppies and two mother dogs. Volunteering at A Second Chance Puppies and Kittens Rescue sparked Wettermann’s desire to foster the orphaned animals. Wetterman cares for each of the puppies in her family’s home for up to three weeks, until Second Chance secures a permanent adoption for the household pets. “I want to help puppies reside in a safe environment during their temporary relocation, so they have the chance to ultimately belong to a loving, forever home,” said Wettermann.

Madeline Caruso’s business plan

Members of the Class of 2023 discovered their combined act of labor can make a positive difference in the community. The fifth grade class traveled to West Palm Beach on January 29 and painted the entire exterior of a Habitat for Humanity home for their grade level service project. The non-profit international organization, founded in 1976, joins forces within communities to build affordable houses for families in need. Throughout the day, students wielded paint brushes and rollers on the home's walls with the guidance of Habitat volunteers. The fifth graders also tested their skills at hammering nails into wood and painted a welcome message on individual tiles to greet the new homeowners upon their arrival on move-in day.

Service to Community

to pair senior citizens with older service dogs for companionship a n d c a re e a r n e d t h e s e v e n t h grader a winning finalist spot in the Palm Beach Philanthropy Tank Challenge sponsored by Advisors for Philanthropic Impact. Caruso joined eight additional finalists from Palm Beach County public and private schools and pitched her plan before a judge’s panel of investors and philanthropists at the March 17 contest held at The Harriet Himmel Theater in West Palm Beach. Caruso earned a $9,000 cash prize and mentoring advice to help further her Seniors with Seniors service project. The goal of the Palm Beach Philanthropy Tank Challenge is to provide students the challenging opportunity to create and implement innovative solutions to community issues and social problems within Palm Beach County.

The Benjamin School

Bucs Sports Highlights 34 Homecoming Ceremony Honors Hall of Fame Inductees 35 Buc Athletes Moving On to College Sports 36 A Banner Year for Varsity Sports

The Buccaneer | 2016

Service to Community

Homecoming Ceremony Honors Hall of Fame Inductees The second Athletics Hall of Fame induction ceremony in the history of the School culminated an exciting homecoming week as Athletic Director Ryan Smith welcomed distinctive honorees Delores Colton, Toby Harbeck, Linda Ream and Ron Ream onto Theofilos Field. Family members, Head of School Bob Goldberg and school administrators joined the inductees during a ceremonial halftime presentation at the October 9 homecoming game. A celebratory crowd of alumni, students, faculty and staff also gathered along the sidelines and in the stands in support of the honorees. "The Benjamin School Hall of Fame honors and perpetuates those individuals who, either through participation or support, have made outstanding contributions to Benjamin athletics, and who have helped to bring recognition, honor, distinction and excellence to the School and its athletic program," announced Smith. "These four inductees have contributed a combined total of 138 years of service to Benjamin and our athletic program are most deserving of this Hall of Fame honor."

Delores Colton is currently the head coach for both the girls' and boy's varsity tennis teams. She also previously led the volleyball and girl's soccer teams as head coach. Her career achievements are many, including district, regional and state championships as well as induction into the Palm Beach County Sports Hall of Fame and being named Coach of the Year by The Palm Beach Post and Sun Sentinel. Toby Harbeck, athletic director in the Middle School and English teacher, is the head varsity coach for the boys' golf team. He has coached several sports at TBS and brings many accolades to the athletic program, including district, regional and state championships. He has also been named Coach of the Year by several organizations, in addition to being selected as head coach for the Florida FACA National Championship team (2009-2010).

Linda Ream is the former athletic administrative assistant and retired from TBS in 2010. Her responsibilities included the management of eligibility requirements and physical and consent forms, sports awards programs, special athletic awards, athletic scheduling, ticket-taking and assisting coaches and teams with operations and management. Ron Ream, who served as the School's former athletic director (1981-2010), is currently the Bucs head football coach and a mathematics teacher. He brings a wealth of achievements, honors and awards to the Buccaneer athletic program, including numerous district, regional and state championship titles, in addition to being named Coach of the Year by several organizations and induction into the Palm Beach County Sports Hall of Fame.

The newest Hall of Fame recipients join the ranks of the following inaugural Athletic Hall of Famers inducted October 1, 2010: Olympic gold medal swimmer Ryan Berube '92, world class runner Julian Reynolds Clay '95, TBS supporters Jack and Barbara Nicklaus and school co-founder Marshall Benjamin. 34

The Benjamin School

Buc Athletes Moving On to College Sports The Buccaneer | 2016

Kylie Borislow

Andrew Packer

University of Florida (Women’s Soccer)

University of Maryland (Men’s Lacrosse)

Kieran Casey

Autumn Ryan

University of Miami (Baseball)

Lehigh University (Women’s Lacrosse)

Tristan Doran

Julia St. Amand

Manhattan College (Men’s Soccer)

Brandeis University (Women’s Basketball)

Matt Ellmyer

Nic Sylvia

Wofford College (Baseball)

Stetson University (Football)

Riley Johnston

Logan Taplett

Northwestern University (Women’s Lacrosse)

Furman University (Baseball)

Charlie Kennerly

Cameron Thompson

Wake Forest University (Men’s Golf)

Gettysburg College (Men’s Lacrosse)

Chandler Morris

Ian Witmer

University of Connecticut (Men’s Golf)

Georgetown University (Men’s Tennis)

Colin O’Hare Ohio State University (Men’s Lacrosse)

Bucs Sports Highlights

a banner year for varsity sports 36

Bucs Sports Highlights

All-Area Players of the Year The Palm Beach Post or Sun Sentinel

Jacob Montes Boys’ Soccer

Alessandra Baldari Girls’ Swimming

Ian Witmer Boys’ Tennis

All-Area Coaches of the Year The Palm Beach Post or Sun Sentinel

Shane Rye Boys’ Lacrosse

Wes Logsdon Girls’ Golf, Baseball

Victor Sanchez Boys’ Soccer

US Lacrosse All-Americans

Palm Beach Post Scholar-Athlete

US Swimming All-American

Julian Reynolds Career Athletes 2016

Andrew Packer, Autumn Ryan

Alessandra Baldari

Ian Witmer

Autumn Ryan, Logan Taplett

The Benjamin School

FHSAA Team Championships

Girls’ Cross Country

Girls’ Golf

State Qualifier

Regional Champions State Qualifier

Boys’ Lacrosse

Girls’ Tennis

Regional Champions Final Four

The Buccaneer | 2016

Regional Champions State Qualifier

Bucs Sports Highlights

Alumni Focus 39 Olympian Ryan Berube '92 Named 2016 Distinguished Alumnus 40 Welcome Newest Alumni: The Benjamin School Class of 2016 48 Class of 2016 College Profile 49 Alumni Class Notes 54 Alumni Events 2015-2016

Alumni Focus

The Benjamin School

(L to R) Distinguished Alumnus Olympian Ryan Berube '92 receives congratulations from Athletic Director Ryan Smith '93 and Alumni Relations Manager Jenna Smith '07.

Olympian Ryan Berube '92 Named 2016 Distinguished Alumnus It was a memorable afternoon for members of the Class of 2016, alumni, faculty, staff and school administrators with the naming of Olympic gold medalist Ryan Berube '92 as the 2016 Distinguished Alumnus by the Alumni Council at the annual Alumni Luncheon hosted May 22, 2016 in Benjamin Hall. The former competition swimmer and freestyle specialist won the gold medal anchoring the U.S. men's team in the 4x200-meter freestyle relay at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia. Berube's athletic career accomplishments are numerous, including being named a 26-time NCAA All-American swimmer while at Southern Methodist University where he earned his degree in history and finance and was named the 1998 NCAA Swimmer of the Year. Internationally, Berube also won relay gold medals at the 1993 World University Games and the 1995 Pan American Games. The Class of 1992 TBS alumnus was a proud member of the Buccaneer swim team and won the FHSAA state championship in the 200IM and 500 freestyle. Head of School Bob Goldberg welcomed the audience, followed by Athletic Director Ryan Smith '93 who joined

The Buccaneer | 2016

Alumni Relations Manager Jenna Smith â€˜07 on stage and presented the honoree with the 2016 Distinguished Alumnus award. "I am deeply honored to be back at Benjamin receiving this award," said Berube who resides in Dallas, Texas, with his wife, Michele, and two sons. "I believe my relationships with my teachers while a student here helped me to chose my college path and pursue my love of history. This is a very special place that will have lasting memories for every graduate here. I congratulate each of you and encourage you to identify your passion and pursue it as you move forward with your college and career plans." Berube is currently a wealth manager at UBS Private Wealth Management and is the chairman of the Dallas Chapter of Swim Across America, a non-profit organization that raises funds for cancer research. He now joins the ranks of Distinguished Alumnus award recipients, including Dr. Andy Larson '91, Rob Flournoy '85, John Matz '96, Lisa Arline '68, Congressman Tom Rooney '89, Mark Swift '88 and Meredith Ahr â€˜97.

Alumni Focus

Welcome Newest Alumni 40

Alumni Focus

The Benjamin School

Photo by Moya Photography

Class of 2016 The Buccaneer | 2016

Alumni Focus

The Benjamin School

Edward Allsopp

Rachael Anzalone

Estel Arapoglou

Gabrielle Bakst

Charlotte Barkdull

University of Florida

Emory & Henry College

Loyola University New Orleans

Indiana University at Bloomington

University of Virginia

Alexis Barker

Olivia Belew

Rachel Berke

Julie Bicknell

Nils Viggo Bjorklund

Clemson University

University of Mississippi

The University of Alabama

University of Florida

University of Southern California

Kylie Borislow

Conor Brannum

Benjamin Brason

Caterina Breuer

Peter Burt

University of Florida

Arizona State University Honors College

Temple University

University of Notre Dame

The University of Alabama

Kieran Casey

Adam Cass

Christopher Chapin

Alexander Crescenzi

Vanessa Delgado

University of Miami

Southern Methodist University

University of Miami

Loyola University New Orleans

Berry College Honors Program

Alumni Focus

The Benjamin School

Class of 2016

Isabella DeRosa

Amanda DiFilippo

Victoria Donten

Payton Doran

Tristan Doran

University of Miami

University of Delaware

Auburn University

Manhattan College

Matthew Ellmyer

Erika Fanuzzi

Sophie-Rose Fawkes

Ryan Frankel

Emily Gay

Wofford College

Southern Methodist University

Florida Institute of Technology

University of Colorado at Boulder

The University of Alabama

George Georgeadis

Blake Henderson

Jacqueline Henderson

Niki Hendi

Blake Hendricks

Indiana University at Bloomington

University of North Florida

High Point University

University of Virginia

Florida Institute of Technology

Rachael Higginbotham

Annelise Hillmann

Margot Hirsch

Lambert Johnson

Riley Johnston

University of Florida

Harvard University

University of Central Florida

Florida Gulf Coast University

Northwestern University

Valedictorian

The Buccaneer | 2016

Alumni Focus

The Benjamin School

Jake Josza

Naomi Kaslow

Alexis Kauchick

Charles Kennerly

Madeline Leibowitz

The University of Alabama Honors Program

Florida Atlantic University

University of Georgia

Wake Forest University

University of Maryland, College Park

Max Lichtig

Alec Mahoney

Taylor Mahoney

Logan Manos

Lucas Martin

Eckerd College

Florida State University

Indiana University at Bloomington

St. John Fisher College

Southern Methodist University

Sierra McLaughlin

Kathleen Mora

Chandler Morris

Aubrey Oâ€™Brien

Colin Oâ€™Hare

Florida Atlantic University

University of Florida

University of Connecticut

University of Florida

The Ohio State University

Chase Oliver

Andrew Packer

Blake Packer

Derek Packer

Lyndsey Peckham

University of North Florida

University of Maryland, College Park

Baylor University

University of Richmond

Endicott College

Alumni Focus

The Benjamin School

Class of 2016

Dylan Peters

Shayna Pradetto

Christopher Raso

Sofia Remez

Jonathan Ricketts

University of Virginia

The University of Alabama

University of Florida

Fordham University

Furman University

Salutatorian

Shelby Rinker

Megan Rooney

Sloane Rosin

Harrison Rudolph

Autumn Ryan

Valencia College

Georgetown University

American University

College of Charleston

Lehigh University

Sakshi Saxena

Summer Scherb

Fiona Schor

Jared Shapiro

Bernice Shed

University of Florida

The University of Iowa

Southern Methodist University

Hobart & William Smith Colleges

Evan Siegel

Luke Silvers

Blaire Slavin

Natalie Smith

John Solomon

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Emerson College

University of Miami

Auburn University

University of Central Florida

The Buccaneer | 2016

Alumni Focus

The Benjamin School

Katharine Sory

Jordan Sprechman

Gabriella Springer

Julia St. Amand

Nicolas Sylvia

The George Washington University

University of Florida

Florida State University

Brandeis University

Stetson University

Logan Taplett

Michael Taylor

Trent Taylor

Cameron Thompson

Kathleen Walsh

Furman University

University of Miami

University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Gettysburg College

Davidson College

Grace Weir

Veronica Weiss

Isaac Wendler

Alison Wettermann

Carly White

Cornell University

Skidmore College

Yale University

The University of Tampa

Alumni Focus

The Benjamin School

Class of 2016

The Buccaneer | 2016

Tyler Wilkinson

Myâ€™Asja Wilson

Andrew Witmer

University of Florida

High Point University

Princeton University

Ian Witmer

Enrique Wulff

William Zahringer

Georgetown University

University of South Florida, Tampa

Santa Fe College

Alumni Focus

Class of 2016 College Profile

Matriculating to 64 different colleges & university in 25 different states; accepted to 151 different colleges and universities

13 student-athletes with signed commitments to play their sport in college

Qualified for $383,160 from the Florida Academic Scholars Award; $231,000 from the Florida Medallion Scholars Award

College Matriculation Texas Virginia South Carolina

5.9%

5% New York 6.9%

Awarded $3,426,520 in additional scholarships

Completed 25,270 hours of community service

Other 36.6%

Florida 33.7% 6.9% Alabama

Alumni Focus

The Benjamin School

Alumni Class Notes 1972

1990

D r. C a r t e r F. S m i t h , a program administrator in the Department of Criminal Justice at Middle Tennessee U n i v e r s i t y, h a s re c e n t l y co-authored two college textbooks titled Private Security Today and Gangs.

1980 Douglas Seifert, an underwater photography pioneer, is the world editor for DIVE magazine in the United Kingdom. He is also the author and photographer for the publication’s regular feature, “Water Column.”

1986

Claire de Marcellus Paris, MD, is one of 10 “Top Docs” nationwide featured in the American College of Physicians Hospitalist professional journal (November 2014). She resides in Johnson City, TN.

1991 Rob Salomon is on a promotional tour throughout the United States and abroad for his recently published general audience book Global Vision: How Companies Can Overcome the Pitfalls of Globalization. Rob is a professor of International Management at the NYU Stern School of Business, and is scheduled to discuss his book on interviews with MSNBC, Bloomberg, CNN and more.

Anne Landon Fallon is now in her fifteenth year employed as an elementary teacher at The Bolles School. She resides in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, with her husband, Mike, daughters Emily (18) and Cindy (15) and son Andrew (13).

Kyle Smith, Will Lawler, ‘93 and Christian Searcy ‘97 are pictured (L to R) in Havana, Cuba at the 66th International Hemingway Marlin Fishing tournament. The team of anglers, aboard the Bull Run, captured second place at the historic event held in June.

1987 M a rc i E r n s t H i g h , who teaches autistic high school students, enjoys living on Saint Simons Island, GA, where she resides with her teenage daughters, Emma and Caroline.

1988 Scott Arnold is t h e v i c e - p re s i d e n t for design and engineering at Wärtsilä FUNA International. He creates and designs the implementation of technologies a s s o c i a t e d with themed entertainment for cruise ships, theme parks, museums and visitor centers. Scott is pictured at the opening of Disney Shanghai where he worked with team creators of “Eye of the Storm – Captain Jack’s Stunt Spectacular,” the stunt show based on Pirates of the Caribbean.

The Buccaneer | 2016

1992 Brett Barner, an attorney with Barner & Barner, P.A., in Palm Beach Gardens, FL, is pictured in San Diego, CA, at his September engagement to Ivette Lipp. The couple married on May 7 in Jupiter, FL. Eric Kresser upper school physical education teacher and football coach, is credited for saving a man’s life on April 30 in Huntington, WV, when he administered CPR to a collapsed Starbuck’s customer. The former Marshall University and Cincinnati Bengals quarterback and his wife, Jenna, reside in Jupiter, FL. Mike Nicklaus, Dan Allen and Pat Kelly '96 will again be hosting the annual CureNFwithJack Golf Tournament on September 16 at Lost Tree Golf Club in North Palm Beach, FL.

Alumni Class Notes

1993

1997 Edward V. Ricci, Esq., is beginning his ninth year as an attorney with the Searcy Denney law firm in West Palm Beach, FL. He resides in Jupiter, FL, with his wife, Holly, and two daughters who joined the TBS student body this fall. Carolina is a second grader and Gianna is in the kindergarten class.

Rebecca Szmukler Seelig, APR â€˜93 has been voted in as the 2016 Chair-Elect of the PRSA Sunshine District, representing more than 1,000 public relations professionals from seven chapters throughout Florida. Rebecca is the owner of Palm Beach Public Relations, the firm she founded in 2007.

1994 Daniel R. Sheehan is employed in real estate investment banking and serves as chairman of Professional Bank. He resides in North Palm Beach, FL, with his wife, Christy, and three children: Danny, a TBS kindergartener, Jack, a member of the WOW class and Kate (2).

1996 Freddie Laker of Backyard Discovery, the largest swing set manufacturer in the United States, partnered with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County and built a Guinness World Record-breaking swing set in three days. Made of 51 individual swing sets, each was gifted to qualifying families on April 30 at a celebration held in Markham Park in Sunrise, FL.

Alumni Class Notes

Niki Warren Cavallo and TBS Middle School Dean of Students Jeff Cavallo recently celebrated a one year wedding anniversary. The couple and the family are eagerly expecting the birth of a new baby.

1999 Jeanine Craner Norlin and her husband, John, welcomed the birth of their twin sons, Brooks Daniel and Grant William, on October 20, 2015. The family resides in San Diego, CA. Eric Kiner, Psy.D., a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in treating anxiety disorders, has opened a private practice in Jupiter, FL. He resides in Palm Beach Gardens, FL, with his wife, Dr. Iris Kiner, and two daughters, Kaylee (5) and Charlotte (2).

Steve Yackira was recently promoted to partner at Ernst & Young accounting firm. He and his wife, Farin, and children Jordan (7) and Ivy (5) have relocated from South Florida to Raleigh, NC.

1998

2000 Christopher Johncke continues to expand iFixYouri, the company he founded in 2010, now with 12 locations and more than 50 employees in the areas of Palm Beach County, Orlando, FL, and Boston, MA. Named to the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies in America three years r u n n i n g , i F i x Yo u r i provides smart device repair services in its walk-in stores.

2001 Brandon Arnette has returned to TBS to coach the boysâ€™ varsity basketball team. Brandon is a former college basketball coach for the University of Massachusetts Lowell and Pace

The Benjamin School

Alumni Class Notes University. He was an All-Conference player at UMass Lowell and a standout guard for the Bucs Class 2A state championship team his senior year.

2003 Matt Brannon, the incoming Alumni Council president, congratulated members of the Class of 2016 and welcomed the School’s newest graduates into the Alumni Association at the annual Alumni Luncheon. Matt is the CFO of Prosperity Land Title in Palm Beach Gardens, FL, and a real estate broker. He resides in North Palm Beach, FL.

Nick Long and Dr. Kandace Kichler married on June 11, 2016, in Foley, Alabama.

Jessy Fulford Padon is entering her tenth year at The Benjamin School and enjoys her role as Director of Marketing. Jessy lives in Jupiter, FL, with her husband, Brent, and two children, Hazel (5) and Henry (2). Lisa Ziemer is the CEO of IBA Technology and Marketing Consultants, a firm she founded in Germany in 2014. The company has opened an independent branch in Florida (International Business Apps) that develops software, websites, mobile apps and virtual reality projects.

Shelby Fagan Guerra and Justin Guerra welcomed Miles Cole on November 21, 2015. The alumni couple resides with their son in Jupiter, FL. Linnie Supall Rainey and Michael Rainey married on April 30, 2016. TBS classmate Brianna Whittemore served as a bridesmaid at the ceremony held in Nash Square in downtown Raleigh, NC.

2002 Andre Washington and his wife, Kocell, welcomed their newborn son, Elijah, on March 29, 2016. Stephanie Mitrione and Ryan Dinsdale will be married on October 15, 2016, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Palm Beach Gardens, FL, with a reception to follow at Trump National Jupiter. Jon Allen and Krystan Vlachos were married in Santorini, Greece on July 15, 2015.

Amber Ivins Schultz and her husband, Pat, welcomed Heidi Noelle on December 28, 2015. The family resides in Houston, TX. Gina Benfante Masilotti, her husband, Tracy, and the couple’s sons, Vincent (6) and Michael (3) welcomed Luke into the family in December 2015. The family resides in Palm Beach Gardens, FL.

The Buccaneer | 2016

2004 Tracy Randall de Lemos was named a “2016 Rising Star” in the field of eminent domain by Florida Super Lawyers. She is a partner in the Sharma Eminent Domain law firm in Orlando, FL. Alexandra Sexton Milligan and her husband, Colin, welcomed the birth of their daughter, Keely Alexandra, on May 16, 2016. Rob Gimson graduated from Harvard Business School in May 2015 and joined Goldman Sachs in West Palm Beach, FL. He and his wife, Kimberly, welcomed their second child, Robert Jr., in August 2015.

2005 Ben Apple, a 2014 graduate of Harvard Law School, is an attorney specializing in general litigation, regulatory, and environmental practice with Beveridge & Diamond in Washington, DC.

Alumni Class Notes

2007

Mallory McRoberts Chason and her husband, Nicholas, live in Tallahassee, FL, with their three sons: Clark (3), Charlie (2) and Carson, born March 31, 2016. Brooke Smith Grogan ‘05 and Bre nna n G roga n ’02 are both practicing attorneys in Palm Beach County, FL. Brooke is with DeSantis, Gaskill, Smith & Shenkman law firm in North Palm Beach, FL, and Brennan is with the Levine Law Group in Palm Beach Gardens, FL. The alumni couple, parent s of t wo-year-old Patrick, is expecting the birth of a baby girl in September. Leslie Pat terson Silverman and William Silverman married on June 11, 2016, at the Housing Wo r k s B o o k s t o r e Café in New York City. The newlyweds a re g r a d u a te s o f Em o r y Uni ve r s i t y. Leslie is an account director with BerlinRosen Public Affairs communications firm and William is employed as a senior social media strategist at Blue State Digital.

2006 Lauren Colclasure Ferreira Neto and Bernardo Ferreira Neto married October 10, 2015, in Palm Beach Gardens, FL. The couple is employed in the hospitality industry in Las Vegas, NV. Lauren is assistant marketing and company manager for BASE Entertainment and Bernardo is director of the Monte Carlo Hotel and Casino. Kristin Anthony Sloane and Jeremy Sloane were married on Harbour Island in the Bahamas on May 28, 2016. The alumni couple resides in Lake Worth, FL, where Kristin manages E-commerce for Anthony's, Inc. Jeremy is a contractor for Sloane Construction and a realtor with Sutter & Nugent.

Alumni Class Notes

Maddy Apple, a member of the Actors' Equity Association, spent the summer in New York testing her choreography skills at MacHaydn Theatre in Gershwin's Nice Work if You Can Get It. The professional singer, dancer and actress has several performance credits, including the national tour of White Christmas. Maddie returned to TBS in January for an alumni guest performance at the annual Variety Show.

Karina Garcia Shepard and Tim Shepard married this summer on May 7, 2016, in Palm Beach Gardens, FL. Lauren O’Neill Jennings and Scott Jennings married on April 2, 2016. The couple lives in Atlanta, GA. Jenna Smith, the TBS alumni relations manager, is the founder and board member of the 501c3 non-profit Cynthia Smith Brain Aneurysm Foundation, established in September 2015 in honor and memory of her mother. Jenna is also the founder and owner of Your Sparkling Event (an event & wedding planning company) and serves as the 2016 Chairman of the Board for the National Association of Wedding Professionals of the Palm Beaches. Catherine Anne Cassidy is in Scotland pursuing a Master of Letters in Museum and Gallery Studies at the University of St. Andrews.

The Benjamin School

Alumni Class Notes 2009

2013

Heather Chilvers is a financial advisor for Deutsche Bank Securities in Jacksonville Beach, FL. Santiago Zindel is a project manager for the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation. In the fall, he will be pursuing a graduate degree in environmental management from the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies.

2010 Kayla Foriere was crowned Miss Miami Beach at the 2016 scholarship pageant held on the campus of Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, FL. She went on to compete for the Miss Florida title and finished third runner-up at the annual pageant held July 2 in Lakeland, FL.

Adrienne Propp is entering her senior year at Harvard and has worked as a teaching fellow in the university’s Department of Applied Mathematics. She also served on the executive boards of her dance company and the Harvard chapter of Engineers Without Borders.

2014 Brandon Shed, a sophomore wide receiver at Hobart College, was named the Statemen’s Offensive MVP at the 2016 Hobart Block H Awards Dinner.

2015

2011 Brittany Bigelow led upper school dance students in a master dance class on December 9 during a break from her national tour of 42nd Street, including performances at the Kravis Center in West Palm Beach, FL. Brittany is a 2015 Magna Cum Laude graduate of Pace University where she earned a BFA degree in commercial dance and a minor in arts & entertainment management, in addition to the university’s performing arts award in commercial dance. Kelly Kohlmeyer Williams and Quint Williams married on October 3, 2015, in Highlands, NC. Stefan Theofilos recently launched SnapDesign. io. The online company creates custom designed Snapchat Geo-filters to help individuals and corporations share their special events.

The Buccaneer | 2016

Maria Maciejko, aka, Maresha, a solo singer, performer and composer and student at the Berklee School of Music in Boston, MA, has just released her newest single hit, “My Love Has Come.” Her sophomore EP, New Revolution, has received rave reviews from the music industry. In May, Maresha returned to TBS and entertained the Benjamin Hall audience with a special guest performance at the annual Senior Showcase.

2016 The Alumni Association is proud to welcome The Benjamin School’s first set of graduate triplets, Andrew, Derek and Blake Packer.

Alumni Class Notes

Alumni Tent at Homecoming Football Game October 9, 2015

Alumni Holiday Party December 18, 2015 Cabo Flats, Jupiter, FL

The Benjamin Upper School, Theofilos Field

The Benjamin School

Alumni at the Ballpark

Gainesville Alumni Social

March 6, 2016

March 10, 2016

Roger Dean Stadium, Jupiter, FL

The Swamp Restaurant, Gainesville, FL

Spring Alumni Social

New York Alumni Social

April 7, 2016

April 28, 2016

Wine Dive, West Palm Beach, FL

Murrayâ€™s Cheese Bar, New York, NY

Alumni Events 2015-2016

Senior Countdown Breakfast

Alumni Luncheon

April 29, 2016

May 22, 2016

The Benjamin Upper School, Pavilion by the Lake

The Benjamin Upper School, Benjamin Hall

In Memoriam

Mrs. Nancy Benjamin The Benjamin School Co-founder November 8, 1926 - November 9, 2015

"Be kind, be kind, be kind!"

Non-Profit Organization US POSTAGE PAID WEST PALM BCH, FL PERMIT #474

The Benjamin School strives to attract and support a diverse and talented student body, faculty, and staff. Applicants for admission or employment will not be denied based on race, creed, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation or disability.