Issuu

VOLUME XIII

the magazine of The Benjamin School

2015 UNVEILING

BENJAMIN HALL

FACULTY SPOTLIGHT

ADVANCING THE MISSION

Robyn’s Nest Dedication Honors Retiring Head of Lower School

BASH Transforms Mar-a-Lago into Masquerade Ball

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.

In This Issue Board of Trustees 2014-2015 �� 2 Our New Trustees �� 3

Robert S. Goldberg, Head of School

THE BUCCANEER

From the Head of School �� 4 Campus Features �� 5 Faculty Spotlight �� 20

Kathy Aiello, Ed. D., Editor

Academic Accolades �� 21

Contributing Photographers

Advancing the Mission �� 28

Douglas Benedict Photography Elle Kay Photography Moya Photography Julie O’Brien Photography Michael Price Photography Erica Sousa

Service to Community �� 33 Bucs Sports Highlights �� 34 Alumni Focus �� 38 Alumni Class Notes �� 51 Alumni Events 2014-2015 �� 58

Photo Submissions

Kathy Aiello, Nick Crisafi, Jeaneen Garcia, Jeff Johansen, Jessy Fulford Padon ’01, Rhonda Thomas

Advancement Office Staff Kathy Aiello, Ed. D. Director of Publications and Communications Gloria Boyd Gift Services Coordinator

Mattie Hayes ‘94 Advancement Associate/BASH

Donna Minard Director of Annual Giving and Special Events Jessy Fulford Padon ‘01 Director of Marketing, Branding & Alumni Relations Rhonda Thomas Web 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 | 2015

Table of Contents

Board of Trustees 2014-2015

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

Table of Contents

The Benjamin School

Our New Trustees

Our New Trustees 2015-2016

Christopher M. Tighe, Jr., a former TBS Annual Fund co-chair with his wife, Laura, is an agent for State Farm Insurance. He has over 30 years experience in the insurance and financial services industries and has operated his agency in the West Palm Beach area since 2003. Tighe is a graduate of Alfred University where he majored in business and led the school’s basketball team as captain. Prior to relocating to Florida from Long Island, Tighe spent a year traveling solo around the world. For the past 17 years, he and Laura have resided in Palm Beach Gardens. The couple has three children: Maddy, a freshman in the Upper School, and Grace (5th grade) and Christopher III (3rd grade), both students in the Lower School. Euclid Walker is currently the managing partner of Parkway Investment Management, LLC., and was also a founding member of a SBIC licensed middle market

The Buccaneer | 2015

investment firm and Renascent C a p i t a l g ro u p . Wa l k e r w a s employed with Morgan Stanley for over 10 years in various capacities throughout the world, including Johannesburg and London, as well as New York and Chicago. He is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Morehouse College and a member of the Palm Beach County Investment Policy Committee and Chicago Plan Commission. He serves on the Morehouse College Board of Trustees and the Francis W.

through eighth grade private independent school located in the Town of Gulf Stream, Florida. Zaluski earned both his bachelor’s

and master’s degrees from the University of Dayton and was the assistant head of school and head of the lower school at Sewickley Academy near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, prior to relocating to south Florida. He began his career in education at the Glen Helen Outdoor Education Center and also was a sixth grade teacher and Parker School Finance Committee. administrator at The Miami Valley Walker and his wife, Francine, School in Dayton, Ohio. Zaluski reside in Palm Beach Gardens with and his wife, Sally, reside in Gulf their three children - Ramesses, Stream. a freshman in the Upper School, Amina, a sixth grader and Xavier, a first grader in the Lower School. Joseph Zaluski returns as a Trustee, having served previously for two terms (2006 - 2012). He is currently the head of school at Gulf Stream School, a position he has held for 10 years at the pre-kindergarten

Our New Trustees

From the Head of School

Dear Members of The Benjamin School Community,

From the Head of School

It is always my great pleasure to recap a Benjamin School academic year. So much is accomplished by our faculty and students from one August to the next that archiving our achievements in published form seems imperative to capturing the depth and breadth of what happens in a single year at TBS. Often, my letters home to you include such summaries which clearly support the unique advantages of the Benjamin experience. As each new school year is about to begin, The Buccaneer brings to life pictorially and journalistically the richness of discovery awarded each of our students. This year, more than any other in my Benjamin career so far, we have an icon of success that speaks metaphorically to our arrival on the national stage. Benjamin Hall, on the Upper School Campus, has already hosted in its breathtaking new theater musical concerts, dance productions, theatrical performances, honors and awards ceremonies and, for the first time, Senior Commencement. Our students compete very competitively nationally on standardized test scores, athletic commitments to colleges, admissions to the finest visual and performing arts college programs and in their matriculation to the nationâ€™s most competitive colleges and universities. We have indeed â€œarrivedâ€? upon the stage of national recognition in all of those areas. Our reputation as a leader among independent schools across the country as well as locally and regionally clearly translates into our continually strengthening enrollment numbers over the

From the Head of School

past several years, even in light of increasingly strident requirements for admission. Our fresh, new branding heralds the confidence of a new era for The Benjamin School. We are so very proud of our young alumni who have been attending many of the most highly competitive undergraduate schools in the country. Their successful transition from Benjamin finds them pursuing exciting 21st century academic areas in preparation for life as educated and professional members of our society. They follow those whose TBS experience has already catapulted them into impressive and important careers as productive and essential citizens of a complex world. I hope you will peruse with interest the Alumni Class Notes section of the Magazine. As our future unfolds, significant efforts are being made to provide this unique level of challenge and enrichment to more children of diverse backgrounds. We are steadfast in our exploration of ways to sustain and expand our diversity initiatives. Thank you for your interest, support, generosity, faith and partnership -- all in the name of our children and their future.

Robert S. Goldberg Head of School

The Benjamin School

Campus Features 06 What Defines Us 08 Broadening Tradition with Annual Events 10 The Benjamin Experience - A Family Affair 12 Diversity Initiatives Embrace Values and Differences 14 Prominent Guest Speakers Address The Benjamin School 16 Unveiling Benjamin Hall The Buccaneer | 2015

Campus Features

ROBUST MIND

Benjamin students think bigâ€”really big. From Lower School through Upper School, teachers and coursework push them beyond what they imagine into areas of intellectual curiosity and personal discovery. Having shared in crafting their own learning, they navigate the moving horizons in our modern world, becoming passionate life-long learners.

What De Benjamin inspires students to develop a set of values that include a love of learning, personal responsibility, self-motivation, concern for others and a commitment to serve society. We do this every day in what we teach, in how we treat each other and through school-wide community service projects.

STRONG CHARACTER

Campus Features

The Benjamin School

CREATIVE HEART

For Benjamin School students, the sky’s the limit: They can intern with local companies, volunteer on a medical mission to Haiti or try their hand in the School’s television studio. Surrounded by high expectations, our students fully develop their talents, exceeding expectations in the classroom, on the athletic fields and in their artistic pursuits.

efines Us We’re proud of our outstanding reputation in independent school education, and we work diligently to sustain it. At The Benjamin School, we’re setting new standards for excellence with a broad array of awardwinning programs in STEM, sustainability, the arts and athletics as well as student activities, like our Pharcyde newspaper and BTV news program.

IMPRESSIVE BODY OF WORK

The Buccaneer | 2015

Campus Features

Homecoming Spirit Week • Sept 17-20, 2014

Red Ribbon Week • October 27-30, 2014

Broadening Tradition with Annual Events The Benjamin School takes tremendous pride in celebrating the importance of its treasured time-honored traditions year after year. The School community additionally partakes in the excitement and value of broadening and developing new traditions for generations to come.

Halloween Parade • October 31, 2014

Campus Features

PK4 Fall Festival • November 20, 2014

The Benjamin School

Friendship Games • January 9, 2015

Olympics XXV • February 5, 2015

Field Day • March 13, 2015

Senior Lake Jump • May 1, 2015

The Buccaneer | 2015

Eighth Grade Banquet • May 19, 2015

Campus Features

The Benjamin Experience A Family Affair by Kathy H. Aiello, Ed. D.

Strong, successful, accomplished and prepared for a bountiful range of opportunities describes alumna Jessica Armstrong ‘14 and her younger brother, Kristofer, a sophomore at the Upper School. The talented siblings are familiar fixtures on campus, both excelling on the athletic field with their respective sports teams and each singing and performing center stage in several of the school’s concerts and musical productions. Their mother, too, is no stranger to the Benjamin community, especially in the early childhood classrooms, where Kristine has dedicated a decade to students at TBS as a lower school teaching associate. Her husband, Jack, a former major leaguer, and father to Jessica and Kris, has also been known to pitch in with his coaching skills for a couple of the Bucs athletic teams. It comes as no surprise the dynamic pair has established a mark with their athletic achievements. The Palm Beach Post and Sun Sentinel named Jessica Volleyball Player of the Year her senior year. The varsity captain also earned the Bucs MVP title two years in a row and went on to earn a full volleyball scholarship to Stetson University where she was accepted into the School of Music and since named Freshman of the Week in her first season playing for the Hatters. The athletic ability of brother Kris has not gone unnoticed, especially on the baseball diamond as both a left and right-handed pitcher for the USA National Team (15 and under) and the NTDP USA Team (14 and under). The varsity Bucs pitcher, who is also a switch-hitter, throws at a velocity of 87 MPH from his dominant right-hand and pitches his left-handed fastball in the low 80’s. Kris additionally plays for a travel baseball team and is a member of the varsity basketball team. When not on the field, it is not uncommon to see the two sharing their passion for performance. Jessica, who was a vocalist in the upper school chorus and recipient of the Vanessa Anderson Memorial Scholarship for Performing Arts, was a frequent performer in the annual Variety Shows and musicals while at TBS. She was also a lead singer for PFP as well as a student at the Maltz Conservatory summer program. The Class of 2014 alumna and member of the 14 Year Club returned this year to perform at the opening of Benjamin Hall and the 2015 Variety Show where she and Kris entertained the audience with an electrifying duet performance. As an eighth grader when he enrolled at Benjamin, Kris performed the role of Sky Masterson in the middle school production of Guys and Dolls and discovered his newfound singing talent and joy in performance. He has nurtured that ability as a member of the middle and upper school chorus and was presented with the musical theatre award in Middle School, in addition to the Marshall Benjamin Scholar Award (2014) and the John Allen Headmaster Award (2014).

Campus Features

The Benjamin School

A joint interview with Jessica and Kris reveals a glimpse into how the brother and sister have embraced the Benjamin experience. Can you describe what is meant by the phrase “The Benjamin Family” and how that has been part of your TBS experience? Jessica: Benjamin welcomed us to the school with open arms. It is like a family because the faculty, administration and coaches care about your success. The caring, nurturing, guiding and encouraging begins in Lower School and continues throughout Middle and Upper School. How have you been able to balance the rigor of athletics and the performing arts while succeeding as a student at TBS? Jessica and Kris: It is not always easy to manage athletics along with the arts and also maintain the rigorous academic classwork at Benjamin. But you can excel in both if you are willing to work hard, make sacrifices and are self-disciplined with time management skills. Our teachers and coaches have always been supportive, helpful and understanding. Fortunately, it is positively supported if you want to be part of the arts as well as athletics. Can you reflect on a memorable experience during your time at TBS? Jessica: There have been so many wonderful memories, experiences and highlights for both of us - performing in the Variety Show and the school musicals, Hairspray and Shrek, and being a part of the 2014 volleyball team that won the district championships three years in a row. Kris: Performing in the middle school play and the Variety Show and being a part of the undefeated eighth grade basketball team and a member of the varsity baseball team are highlights for me. What are your plans for the future? Jessica: I have transferred to Jacksonville University and am studying Music Business in the College of Fine Arts and playing volleyball for the Dolphins. Kris: I plan on continuing playing baseball and basketball and singing in the chorus and performing in the musicals. I plan on playing college baseball and, hopefully, taking it to the next level. Clearly, the young and budding Armstrong’s have capitalized on the athletic, arts and academic opportunities afforded to them at Benjamin as witnessed by their ability to perform at the highest level in their most passionate areas of interest. Unique to the Benjamin experience is the dedicated, caring and nurturing faculty, staff, coaches and administrators who strive to cultivate each student’s strengths and talents. Remarkable as it seems, Jessica and Kris are not alone in the larger community of the TBS family - one that encourages all students to discover, flourish and thrive - and develop into the best version of themselves.

The Buccaneer | 2015

Campus Features

Diversity Initiatives Embrace Values and Differences by Kathy H. Aiello, Ed. D.

Campus Features

The Benjamin School

The Benjamin School is making significant strides in furthering the School’ s commitment to diversity and multiculturalism through several initiatives instituted during the 2014-2015 school year. With the support of the Diversity Committee, engaging programs and assemblies, cultural celebrations, innovative heritage events and support services for diverse students and those with differences are an expanding component of the TBS experience. “Our committee members who meet monthly include faculty, administrators, parents and community representatives,” said Director of Student Services Amy Taylor who chairs the Diversity Committee. “We believe differences enrich and strengthen both the school community and the community at-large.” The goal of the committee appreciation for the broad and religious diversity within community, the nation and following methods:

is to help cultivate an ethnic, cultural, racial, the School, the greater the world through the

• By creating a diverse educational community where each member feels respected and supported • By teaching and modeling sensitivity

Several activities on campus serve to enhance diversity awareness and support, including the Martin Luther King, Jr., Celebration Breakfast, world language cultural celebrations, guest author presentations on feminism and physical disabilities by the Diversity Book Club, mentoring programs for students of diverse backgrounds, Safe Space group meetings and special events for diverse families. “This year, members of the Diversity Committee also participated in S.E.E.D. (Seeking Educational Equity and Diversity) training to heighten their self-awareness on a broad range of diversity issues,” added Taylor. “The committee additionally addressed topics on gender and sexual orientation. Our 10 Character Traits, including acceptance and respect, guide our efforts to teach core values in a safe and welcoming community.”

• By encouraging the exchange of ideas and understanding with regards to race, religion, socioeconomic status and other individual characteristics • By supporting and encouraging increased diversity in student enrollment, faculty, administration and school committees • By encouraging school practices and policies that reflect a long-range commitment to diversity • By establishing a strong support system for students, families, faculty and administrators who reflect the school’s diversity

The Buccaneer | 2015

Campus Features

Prominent Guest Speakers Address The Benjamin School

Intern Queen Lauren Berger February 20, 2015

Campus Features

NASA Engineer Clara Wright September 22, 2014

WPBF 25 Meteorologist Cris Martinez March 4, 2015

The Benjamin School

Diversity Book Club

9/11 Survivor Michael Hingson

Award-Winning Author Emily Jenkins

November 11, 2014

April 27, 2015

Leadership Speaker Series

Photo By Mike Coots

The Buccaneer | 2015

Background Photo By Trevor Murphy

Silver Lake Partners Co-founder Glenn Hutchins • February 18, 2015

Professional Surfer Bethany Hamilton • April 15, 2015

Campus Features

Unveiling Benjamin Hall

We know our new theater and reception hall to be among the very most impressive in any independent school across the country. If you have not yet had the experience of Benjamin Hall, you must find the time to attend one of the many events that will take place there. We have already seen the tremendous impact it has made on the culture of our school community.

Head of School Bob Goldberg, regarding the March 28, 2015, Grand Opening of Benjamin Hall.

Campus Features

by Kathy H. Aiello, Ed. D.

It was an historic milestone for The Benjamin School as students, parents, faculty, staff, trustees, alumni, local dignitaries and community guests joined in an electrifying celebration on the Upper School Campus.

The Benjamin School

The Buccaneer | 2015

Campus Features

Master of Ceremonies Juan Carlos Fanjul ‘93, a former news anchor, Emmy Award winner and alumnus of The Benjamin School welcomed a near-capacity crowd to the new 849-seat, 25,232 square foot performing arts theatre and multi-purpose educational complex. “I remember when we entered the stage to the Music Center on the North Palm Beach Campus from the boys and girls restrooms when we had our performances,” recalled Fanjul who presented his former drama teacher and the current Upper School Performing Arts Department Chair Sara Salivar with a floral bouquet. “This facility rivals any school or professional theatre in the area.” Dazzling musical performances by the Benjamin AllStars - the TBS band of students, parents and alumni, including a solo performance of “Benjamin Girl” by parent Ed Rieck, coupled with dramatic multimedia presentations projecting from three theatre screens entertained guests assembled in the 8,000 square foot multi-purpose auditorium. Excitement peaked throughout the facility as Head of School Bob Goldberg, Board of Trustees Chair and Capital Campaign Chair Ray Graziotto joined Palm Beach Gardens Vice-Mayor Eric Jablin center stage for the ceremonial ribbon cutting.

Campus Features

“The opening of this magnificent facility signals the unveiling of a vital hub for the entire Benjamin community – our parents, students, teachers and alumni,” said Goldberg as streams of orange and blue confetti showered the stage. “Benjamin Hall will not only propel our performing arts programs to new heights, but will serve as the premier venue for lectures, class offerings, educational forums, special gatherings and visual arts exhibitions.” Since its opening, the $11M Benjamin Hall, funded by Leaps & Bounds: The Campaign for Tomorrow, has already staged several school events, including L e a d e r s h i p a n d g u e s t s p e a k e r s , c l a s s ro o m presentations, division assemblies, Cum Laude Society induction, Alumni Luncheon, Diversity Committee reception, Senior Showcase, music and dance concerts, visual arts exhibitions and the 2015 baccalaureate and graduation ceremonies. “There are so many to thank for this historic moment, especially Ray Graziotto, for his tireless efforts to make today a reality,” said Goldberg as the Grand Opening crowd dispensed to the campus lawn. The afternoon celebration continued with a Family Fun Fare of refreshments, games and lively DJ entertainment hosted by PGA National Resort and Spa, the Benjamin Parents’ Association and Marketran.

The Benjamin School

Fabulous Features of Benjamin Hall • 25,232 total square feet • 2,784 square feet of stage • 849 seats in 8,000 square foot auditorium • 34 counter-weighted pipe battens for lighting, curtains and scene backdrops • 23 square yards of deep blue velour for main stage curtain • 200 guest seating in luxurious entrance lobby • 40 musician seating area in orchestra pit with height-adjustable platform • 3 dividable sections in theatre auditorium for simultaneous functions • 2 concession areas in lobby and concession area on upper promenade level • State-of-the-art control areas for multi-function theatre • Digital audio sound and video system • Theater stage distributed dimming lighting system • High-definition video with on-stage screen, motorized side screens and distributed TV system • Theater stage distributed dimming lighting system • Backstage scene shop, costume shop, dual dressing rooms and green room

The Buccaneer | 2015

Faculty Spotlight

Faculty Spotlight: Robyn’s Nest Dedication

by Kathy H. Aiello, Ed. D.

It was a morning filled with much excitement and anticipation on the Lower/Middle School Campus as the student body, parents, faculty and staff assembled on the playground near Red Dot to honor retiring Head of Lower School Robyn Quaid.

The lower school office staff joined Quaid to conclude the festivities with the release of several butterflies whose flight pattern circled the newly dedicated grounds of Robyn’s Nest.

“We are here today to celebrate the dedication of Robyn’s Nest that will forever acknowledge the extraordinary contributions Robyn Quaid has made

for our students, faculty and staff during her 21 years of service to The Benjamin School as a teacher, Lower School Student Services Coordinator, Head of Middle School, Assistant Head of School and Head of Lower School,” announced Head of School Bob Goldberg. “During her tenure with us, we have seen the arrival of WOW, Mandarin Chinese, expansion of our science offerings, technology implementation, innovative educational theory and the birth of a 21st century schoolhouse.” The May 22 celebration continued with the presentation of heartfelt gifts to Quaid by each grade level of lower school students. “We plan to refurbish the playground and permanently mount a plaque naming this beautiful campus site Robyn’s Nest,” said Goldberg. “Although she will be sorely missed by all of us, we wish Robyn well as she begins her new journey in retirement.”

Faculty Spotlight

Dr. Kristen Sheehan Assumes Position as Interim Head of Lower School Lower School Curriculum Coordinator and fif th grade writing teacher Dr. Kristen Sheehan assumed the position of Interim Head of Lower School on July 1, 2015, upon Quaid’s official date of retirement. Sheehan, who has 23 years of lower school experience, including supervision over curriculum, has been at Benjamin since 2007. “I have come to know Kristen as a member of our Academic Council and have been extremely impressed with her depth in the field and her careful interpersonal approach,” said Goldberg. “Her Doctor of Education degree in Instructional Leadership and Reading will serve her well in her new responsibilities. I am very happy to report that the Lower School is in such capable hands.”

The Benjamin School

Academic Accolades 22 Benjamin Hall Stages Cum Laude Society Induction Ceremony 23 National Honor Society Inducts 22 New Members 24 Benjineers Earn Spot in National STEM League Challenge 25 The Benjamin School Excels in Academic Competition

The Buccaneer | 2015

Academic Accolades

Benjamin Hall Stages Cum Laude Society Induction Ceremony Sixteen members of the Class of 2015 were welcomed into the Cum Laude Society on May 9 at the third annual induction ceremony and the first held in Benjamin Hall on the Upper School Campus. Parents, family members, faculty and staff, Trustees, Head of Upper School Latta Baucom, Assistant Head for Academics Ken Didsbury and Head of School Bob Goldberg joined inductees for the Saturday morning ceremony.

“The Cum Laude Society recognizes academic achievement in secondary schools for the purpose of promoting excellence, justice and honor,” announced Goldberg who presided over the ceremony. “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.”

Class of 2015 Inductees (alphabetical): Gabrielle Aguirre (University of Georgia), Alec Batts (University of Virginia), Julia Batts (University of Virginia), Nicholas Castriz (Washington University in St. Louis), Isabel Grabel (University of Michigan), Benjamin Greenspan (Columbia University), Carolina Haddad (Georgetown University), Reagan Jahn (Lehigh University), Camille Larmoyeux (Southern Methodist University), Lillian Lesser (Northeastern University), Mark Libowitz (University of California, Los Angeles), Savannah Logan (Rider University), Mason Manos (Georgia Institute of Technology), Alexandra Murray (Harvard University), Brody Nissen (University of Central Florida), Stephanie Roche (University of Texas, Austin)

Academic Accolades

The Benjamin School

National Honor Society Inducts 22 New Members

embers of the National Honor Society welcomed 22 new candidates into The Benjamin School Chapter during the 2014-2015 school year at the annual fall and spring candlelight induction ceremonies held in the Barker Performing Arts Center.

“National Honor Society members are elected into the Chapter by the TBS Faculty Council and satisfy the criteria for membership by demonstrating excellence in scholarship, character, leadership, knowledge and service,” said faculty member Anita Spassoff who serves as the NHS faculty co-advisor, along with faculty member Sara Misselhorn.

Fall inductees

Spring inductees

Juniors

Julia Bicknell, Christopher Chapin, Isabella DeRosa,

Erika Fanuzzi, Charles Kennerly, Dylan Peters, Grace

Riley Johnston, Megan Rooney, Katharine Sory, Jordan

Weir and Isaac Samuel Wendler

Sprechman, Julia St. Amand, Kathleen Walsh and Michael Taylor by transfer of membership

Sophomores Christian Cropp, Jonah Goldberg, Rainey Johnson, Michael Kahle, Jakob Lazar, Brittany Silvester and William Smithy

The Buccaneer | 2015

Academic Accolades

Benjineers Earn Spot in National STEM League Challenge

by Kathy H. Aiello, Ed. D.

Months of creativity, collaborating and problem-solving have paid off for the Benjineers. Members of the upper school engineering club’s 1:10 scale electric radio controlled car earned a first place victory for their innovative data driven design project and fourth place overall out of 20 competing teams at the Regional Ten80 National STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) League Race Car Challenge hosted March 13 on the R/C track at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

manipulate mechanical systems in order to maximize performance.

The Benjineers award-winning design project included constructing a small scale wind turbine to test multiple variables of wind speed to power their car, then collect and analyze the resulting data. “The goal of the project was to power a sustainable car with the renewable resource produced by the wind turbine,” explained The victory secured the Benjineers the 10th place spot Patrick Cullinane who serves as faculty advisor to the in the country and an invitation to advance with 37 60-member club. student teams from across the country to the National STEM League Finals held May 16 at the Royal Purple The Benjineers also created a business plan for their Raceway in Baytown, Texas. More than 900 teams from project that required managing the team’s budget, 41 states competed in a points race for the coveted designing a team logo and developing a marketing strategy. “It was a tremendous team effort by our Finals slots. students who worked diligently over the past few The goal of the Ten80 Student Racing Challenge is months to earn this prestigious STEM award and finish to immerse students in the real-life applications strong in 16th place at the national finals in our first of STEM concepts and careers. Students work year of competition,” said Cullinane. in teams to collaborate, create and compete in project categories that include racing, engineering According to Ten80 National STEM League Director of design and fabrication, computer-driven innovation Training and Support Maria McCarthy, “The Benjineers and sustainable transportation through renewable were selected to compete in the national challenge energies. The challenge encourages students to utilize based on their exceptional project submission, problem-solving fundamentals, interpret data and leadership and teamwork in face-to-face competition.”

Academic Accolades

The Benjamin School

Third Grade Super Science Sharks Win National Recycling Competition

The Benjamin School Excels in Academic Competiton

ASPA Names Pharcyde One of Nation’s “Most Outstanding Newspapers” The Buccaneer | 2015

Academic Accolades

BTV N3WS Earns Three-time FSPA Gold Medal

French Team Earns Top Honors at State CongrĂ¨s

Odyssey of the Mind Regional Champions Finish Fifth at State Tournament

TBS Dancers and Insrtumentalists Excel in Competition 26

Academic Accolades

The Benjamin School

Spanish Students Place Third at State Conferencia

Visual Art Students Award Winners in Regional Scholastic Art Competition

TBS Students Earn Congressional Award Medals The Buccaneer | 2015

By Annelise Hillmann ‘16

Vocalist Lillian Lesser ‘15 Named to All-State Reading Chorus Academic Accolades

Advancing the Mission 29 BASH Transforms Mar-a-Lago into Masquerade Ball 30 Benjamin Parentsâ€™ Association - Strengthening the School Community 32 Variety Show Rocks the House

Advancing the Mission

The Benjamin School

BASH Transforms Mar-a-Lago into Masquerade Ball More than 300 supporters of The Benjamin School donned elaborate Venetian masks and enjoyed a spectacular Night at the Masquerade Ball at The Benjamin School’s 31st annual BASH Gala held April 18, 2015, at the Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach. Krista and Steve Nicklaus and Stephanie and Bud Kline co-chaired the school’s major fundraising

The Buccaneer | 2015

event that featured an elegant cocktail reception, dinner, entertainment and live and silent auctions. Ambassador Al and Dawn Hoffman served as the honorary chairs for the evening’s lavish affair, with proceeds earmarked to support the School’s operating budget.

Advancing the Mission

Benjamin Parentsâ€™ Association BPA Operating Board 2014-2015 Vince Marotta President

Joy Motto President-Elect

Mary Frances Cvetas Vice-President

Marc Spungin Treasurer

Cari York Secretary

Stephanie Kline

Past President (ex-officio)

Shelley Jahn Upper School Grade Liaison Coordinator

Jennifer Toothman Middle School Grade Liaison Coordinator

Joy Motto Lower School Grade Liaison Coordinator

Angela Amato Devon Burden Willa Cohen Dawn Crawford Jill Fried Sabrina Markin Ali Moss Krista Nicklaus Kari Small Genie Smith Francine Walker Susan Poncy Student Services Representative

Advancing the Mission

The Benjamin School

Strengthening the School Community

All-School Community Event • September 28, 2014

MOB Daughter Dance April 26, 2015

Family Fun Fare at Benjamin Hall Grand Opening March 28, 2015

Grandest Friends’ Day • March 9-12, 2015

The Buccaneer | 2015

Advancing the Mission

Variety Show Rocks the House Legacy: From Tradition to Innovation A Musical Review

The Benjamin School’s 200-member cast of lower, middle and upper school student, faculty and alumni singers, dancers and instrumentalists rocked the house in a final farewell to the Eissey Campus Theatre at the 19th annual BASH Variety Show staged January 17, 2015. For the matinee and evening audiences of Legacy: From Tradition to Innovation (Sherie Katz ‘ 83, BASH

Advancing the Mission

Variety Show Chair; Sara Salivar, Artistic Director), it was an electrifying musical review performed by Benjamin’s talented dance teams, band and chorus, and student/faculty/parent vocal, dance and instrumental groups. Guests were also treated to breathtaking vocal performances by alumna Jill Nicklaus, a 1989 graduate of The Benjamin School, whose professional career spans 20 years on Broadway.

The Benjamin School

Community Service Projects Earn United Way Award

Service to Community

by Kathy H. Aiello, Ed. D.

The United Way of Palm Beach County presented The Benjamin School with its Driven to Donate award at the organization’s 2015 Simply the Best awards banquet hosted March 25 at the Kravis Center in West Palm Beach. Director of Student Services (PK3-8) Susan Poncy joined more than 400 corporate, business and individual United Way benefactors at the annual ceremony.

For 85 years, the United Way of Palm Beach County has been the leading local charity dedicated to identifying and addressing critical community issues to improve residents’ lives. Last year, United Way invested in 68 programs offered by 45 local nonprofits, including those assisting the elderly, disabled, children and families, and those promoting financial independence, healthy lifestyles and ending hunger.

“It was an honor for our school to be recognized along with many of United Way’s major supporters throughout the community,” said Poncy. “The Benjamin School was praised for the many volunteer initiatives undertaken in partnership with United Way during this year’s school-wide community service collaboration.” Students, faculty and parents have made a positive impact in our community through several projects instituted during the year, including food and toy drives, blazer and prom dress collections, the PK3 Trike-a-Thon and volunteering at the food bank and gleaning events.

Service to Community

Bucs Sports Highlights 35 Buccaneer Athletes Advance to College Sports 35 Middle School Athletic Program Winner of PBISA Caruso Cup 36 All-Area Players of the Year 36 All-Area Coaches of the Year

Bucs Sports Highlights

The Benjamin School

Buccaneer Athletes Advance to College Sports Maria Dattolo

Reagan Jahn

Dylan Malamala

Parker Quinn

Tufts University

Lehigh University

Mercer University

Hofstra University

Women’s Lacrosse

Women’s Golf

Women’s Lacrosse

Baseball

Chris Erdmann

Jalen Ledger

Hannah Malasky

D.J. Robinson

Kenyon College

University of Kentucky

University of New Hampshire

Warner University

Men’s Lacrosse

Men’s Golf

Women’s Lacrosse

Football

Giovana Giraldo

Savannah Logan

Mayra Pelayo

Baylen Sparks

University of Florida

Rider University

University of Florida

Palm Beach State College

Women’s Soccer

Volleyball

Women’s Soccer

Baseball

Middle School Athletic Program Winner of PBISA Caruso Cup For the second year in a row, the Palm Beach Independent School Association named TBS its Most Outstanding Middle School Athletic Program and the winner of the Caruso Cup. The Middle School Bucs competed in eight championships during the 2014-2015 season, capturing four titles and two runner-up finishes,

Bucs Sports Highlights

including the girls’ undefeated soccer team, winners of 71 consecutive games and four championship titles over the past five years. “This is a wonderful honor again this year, and an indication of the strength of our middle school athletic program.” said Middle School Athletic Director Toby Harbeck.

The Benjamin School

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

Hannah Cogsil

Savannah Logan

Mayra Pelayo

Autumn Ryan

Girls’ Track

Volleyball

Girls’ Soccer

Girls’ Lacrosse

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

Sarah Burlingame

Toby Harbeck

Brian Kaplan

Girls’ Lacrosse

Boys’ Golf

Baseball

FIAAA Mandy Stoll Scholar-Athlete Maria Dattolo

Bucs Sports Highlights

The Benjamin School

US Lacrosse All-American Autumn Ryan

FHSAA Academic All-State Team

FHSAA State Championship Individual Qualifiers Girls’ Cross Country: Ashley Reback, Carolyn Rose, Caroline Small, Kiyo Vigliotti, Ana Weed, Louisa Weed, Sophie Weed

Savannah Logan

Girls’ Golf: Hannah Foster, Reagan Jahn

All-Area Academic Teams

Boys’ Golf: Henry Dubiel, Charlie Kennerly, Jalen Ledger, Michael Maxwell, Chandler Morris

The Palm Beach Post or Sun Sentinel Maria Dattolo, Savannah Logan

Julian Reynolds Career Athletes - 2015 Reagan Jahn, Savannah Logan

FHSAA State Individual Champion Hannah Cogsil (Girls’ Track - High Jump)

FHSAA State Individual Runner-up

Swimming: Alessandra Baldari, Nina Houri, Madison Lichtig, Acadia Rubin Boys’ Tennis: Alex Crescenzi, Jonah Goldberg, Ethan Klein, Maks Silagy, Ian Witmer Girls’ Track: Hannah Cogsil, Isabella DeRosa, Daniella Garcia, Eva Hasenhuttl-Bishop, Grace Weir

Ian Witmer (Boys’ Tennis)

FHSAA State Championship Team Participants

FHSAA State Individual 3rd Place Finish

Girls’ Cross Country Boys’ Golf Boys’ Tennis

Reagan Jahn (Girls’ Golf)

The Buccaneer | 2015

Bucs Sports Highlights

Alumni Focus 39 Distinguished Alumnus Award 2015 NBC Executive Meredith Ahr â€˜97 40 Welcome Newest Alumni: The Benjamin School Class of 2015 50 Class of 2015 College Profile 51 Alumni Class Notes 58 Alumni Events 2014-2015

Alumni Focus

The Benjamin School

Distinguished Alumnus Award 2015 NBC Executive Meredith Ahr ’97 (Left) TBS Director of Marketing, Branding & Alumni Relations Jessy Fulford Padon ‘01 and (Right) Alumni Council President Kristen LeFevre ‘93 welcome Distinguished Alumnus Meredith Ahr ‘97.

To say Meredith Ahr ’97, the executive vice-president for alternative programming at NBC Entertainment, is making an impact in the entertainment industry is an understatement. The Benjamin School Alumni Council named the TBS alumna who oversees all alternative series for both NBC and Universal Television, its 2015 Distinguished Alumnus. TBS coach and faculty member Ron Ream introduced Ahr to graduating seniors, school administrators, faculty members and alumni at the annual Alumni Luncheon hosted May 21 in Benjamin Hall. Ream also shared some of Ahr’s most recent professional successes, including the development of the Emmy-winning vocal competition series, The Voice. Ahr has additionally been integral to the development of several popular NBC franchises - like America’s Got Talent, The Biggest Loser, Last Comic Standing, The Celebrity Apprentice, American Ninja Warrior and Hollywood Game Night.

opportunities when they might unexpectedly become available to you,” advised Ahr, who began her career at NBC as a page in New York. “You never know what doors may become open to you along the way if you work hard and learn from each experience.” Ahr, a graduate of Boston College’s Honors Program who now resides in Los Angeles with her husband, is continuing to develop even more creative television at NBC Entertainment. “Even though it’s been 18 years since I graduated from the Upper School, I met my lifelong friends while here at Benjamin which I am forever grateful.”

Ream also conveyed fond memories of Ahr and her family while at TBS. “I am deeply honored to be here today accepting this award and to have my family present here, too,” said Ahr, who shared the colorful journey of her career path with the audience. “Do not be afraid to seize

The Buccaneer | 2015

Alumni Focus

Welcome Newest Alumni

Alumni Focus

The Benjamin School

Photo by Moya Photography

The Benjamin School Class of 2015 The Buccaneer | 2015

Alumni Focus

Welcome Newest Alumni

Gabi Aguirre

Monica Anderson

Nicole Archer

Piper Austin

Angelica Bafitis

The University of Georgia

Wake Forest University

University of Florida Honors College

University of Miami

Florida Atlantic University

William Bafitis

Alec Batts

Julia Batts

Thomas Camp

Nicholas Castriz

Miami University, Oxford

University of Virginia

Mississippi State University

Washington University in St. Louis

Danshi Chen

Max Chesnes

Patrick Clancy

Kameron Cline

Hannah Cogsil

Boston University

University of Florida

Louisiana State University

Southern Methodist University

Alumni Focus

The Benjamin School

Class of 2015

Tyler Coliskey

Maria Dattolo

Madisyn DeLeo

Hannah Denenberg

Morgan Ditaranto

Palm Beach State College

Tufts University

Florida State University

University of Michigan

Florida State University

Andy Dominicis

Caroline Downey

Chris Erdmann

Stephen Fasul

Bobby Ferruggia

University of Tennessee, Knoxville

University of Florida

Kenyon College

Florida State University

Lynn University

Robert Friedly

Amelia Gardner

Gio Giraldo

Izzy Grabel

Benjamin Greenspan

Elon University

Texas Christian University

University of Florida Honors College

University of Michigan

Columbia University SALUTATORIAN

The Buccaneer | 2015

Alumni Focus

Welcome Newest Alumni

Samantha Guildford

Carolina Haddad

Rachael Hagy

Caroline Hopkins

Alexis Howell

Providence College

Georgetown University

University of Florida

Auburn University

Florida SouthWestern State College

Inga Iverson

Reagan Jahn

Virginia Johnson

Tyler Kasten

Emily Katz

Florida State University

Lehigh University

University of Florida

Elon University

Baylor University Honors College

Brooke Kaufman

Kaitlin Keller

Carly Kennerly

Ethan Klein

Tanner Krul

Fordham University

Florida State University

Auburn University

The George Washington University

The University of Alabama

Alumni Focus

The Benjamin School

Class of 2015

Hadley Lane

Camille Larmoyeux

Michael Lay

Jonathan Le

Jalen Ledger

Quinnipiac University

University of Virginia

Valencia College

University of Florida

University of Kentucky

Lillian Lesser

Mark Libowitz

Becca Lichtblau

Savannah Logan

Hailey MacGregor

Northeastern University Honors College

University of California, Los Angeles

Clemson University

Rider University Baccalaureate Honors

Santa Fe College

Kelsie MacGregor

Maria Maciejko

Brandon Mackles

Dylan Malamala

Hannah Malasky

Santa Fe College

Berklee College of Music

Indiana University at Bloomington

Mercer University

University of New Hampshire

The Buccaneer | 2015

Alumni Focus

Welcome Newest Alumni

Kyle Malone

Mason Manos

Emma McCarthy

William McCloskey

Madeline Moss

Pratt Institute

Georgia Institute of Technology

West Virginia University

Palm Beach State College

University of Florida

Charles Mountain

Michael Mullery

Alexandra Murray

Brigid Murray

Natalie Newman

University of Miami

Indiana University at Bloomington

Harvard University VALEDICTORIAN

Florida Gulf Coast University

University of Colorado at Boulder

Casey Nicklaus

Brody Nissen

Agne Numaviciute

Katie Oâ€™Hare

Bobby Oâ€™Leary

Florida State University

University of Central Florida - Burnett Honors College

New York University

The University of Alabama

Texas Christian University

Alumni Focus

The Benjamin School

Class of 2015

Kevin Okun

Mayra Pelayo-Bernal

Adrian Perez Vargas

Vincent Pileggi

Elizabeth Potts

University of California, Santa Barbara

University of Florida

Southern Methodist University

Flagler College

FAU Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College

Kimberly Price

Parker Quinn

Ashley Reback

Steven Reece

Kelly Reed

The University of Alabama

Hofstra University

University of Florida

Auburn University

High Point University

Edward Rieck IV

D.J. Robinson, Jr.

Stephanie Roche

Antonio Rodriguez

Cole Ronquillo

Belmont University

Warner University

The University of Texas, Austin Honors College

University of Florida

Seton Hall University

The Buccaneer | 2015

Alumni Focus

Welcome Newest Alumni

Trevor Ross

Kieffer Rueckert

Kristy Sadocha

Savanna Saiz

Jillian Sander

University of Florida

Santa Fe College

Wake Forest University

Sarah Lawrence College

School of the Art Institute of Chicago

Spencer Schar

Sydney Schultz

Sam Seabridge

Brittney Searson

Gretchen Sousa

Elon University

Colgate University

The University of Alabama

Louisiana State University

High Point University

Baylen Sparks

Kit Spina

Samantha Stilley

Annie Syed

J.T. True

Palm Beach State College

Rollins College

University of Florida Honors College

The George Washington University

Florida State University

Alumni Focus

The Benjamin School

Class of 2015

Kiyo Vigliotti

Kyle Vincent

University of Southern California Honors

Eckerd College

Thomas Von Lehmden

Andy Weir

Max Wulff Rodriguez

Northwestern University

University of South Florida, Tampa

The University of Tampa

Not Pictured: Qingdou Jiang The University of Washington

Sebastian Schiller Bard College, Berlin, Germany

The Buccaneer | 2015

Ding Zhang

Carolina Zindel

University of Washington

Southern Methodist University

Alumni Focus

Class of 2015 College Profile • Accepted to 167 different colleges and universities • Matriculating to 69 different colleges and universities in 28 different states • 12 athletes looking forward to playing their sport in college • Six students majoring in the arts • 10 students attending university honors programs • 36 students qualified for $444,960 Florida Academic Scholars Award and $231,000 (25 students) for the Florida Medallion Scholars Award • Awarded $3,079,580 in additional scholarships • Completed 25,270 hours of community service

College Matriculation

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Alumni Focus

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The Benjamin School

Alumni Class Notes

The Buccaneer | 2015

Alumni Class Notes

1969 Bertrand Piccard NPBPS ‘69 and fellow Swiss explorer, André Borschberg, are the founders, pilots and d r i v i n g f o rc e b e h i n d Marvin, NC, where Dave operates Solar Impulse, the first a business consulting firm. They are airplane of perpetual pictured with their children Andrew endurance able to fly day (grade 12), Ben (grade 11), Kayla and night without a drop (West Point Military Academy) and of fuel. The around-the- Sierra (grade 12). Not pictured world solar flight originated from Sarah (grade 9). Abu Dhabi on March 9, 2015. For updates on Bertrand’s progress, 1986 visit solarimpulse.com.

1979 Five women from Benjamin’s first graduating class connect several

times a year and invite the other four female graduates from the Class of 1979 to join them for a social outing. Pictured at their most recent dinner gathering in Palm Beach Gardens, FL, are (L to R) Lisa Wells Bowers ‘79, Bea Henricksen Mistich ‘79, Sherry Dahlgren Neal ‘79, Chris Laird Foster ‘79 and Judy Pangburn Harrison ‘79. Contact Chris (AUCfoster@aol. com) for upcoming class events.

1981 Dave McCann ‘81 and college sweetheart, Lori Langlais-Swasey McCann, married on December 21, 2014. The couple resides in

Alumni Class Notes

Anne Landon Fallon ‘86, a second grade teacher for 13 years at The Bolles School (Ponte Vedra Beach Campus) resides with her husband, Mike, a regional director for Makea-Wish Foundation, and their children, Emily (18), Cindy (14) and Andrew (12).

1989

Charity hosted June 11, 2015, at Nationals Park in Washington, DC, where he represented his alma mater with a custom Benjamin baseball uniform.

1991 Scott Smith ‘91 and his wife, Molly, live in Old Marsh in Palm Beach Gardens, FL, with their four children, Sandy, Tucker, Charlie and Harrison and the family’s yellow lab, Chief. Scott is a managing partner at the law firm of Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath in West Palm Beach, FL, and also a member of the Board of Directors for the Palm Beach County Bar Association. Scott is also listed in The Best Lawyers in America. Kathleen (Fay) Walter ‘91 is a reporter at CBS 12 in West Palm Beach, FL. You can find her covering the day’s major story on the 11:00 p.m. news or reporting on the 2016 presidential primary as the station’s chief political correspondent. She and her son, Timothy (18), reside in Jupiter, FL.

1993 Juan Carlos Fanjul ‘93 served as master of ceremonies at the

Congressman Tom Rooney ‘89 was sworn into the 114th Congress to serve Florida’s 17th District. Tom is pictured with his family at The Congressional Baseball Game for

The Benjamin School

Alumni Class Notes March 28, 2015, Grand Opening celebration of Benjamin Hall on the Upper School Campus. Will Lawler ‘93 recently co-founded Terra Conservation Group, a real e s t a t e b ro k e r a g e firm specializing in marketing and selling large tracts of land to the State of Florida for conservation purposes and to private individuals for investment and recreational purposes. He resides in Tallahassee, FL, with his wife, Mary Katharine, and their daughters Meghan (6) and Claire (3).

2014. She resides with her family in Culver City, CA.

1998 Katharine Riso Alwishah ‘98, a 2 0 0 2 g r a d u a t e o f We l l e s l e y College, and her husband, a tenured professor at Pitzer College, reside in Claremont, CA, with their daughter Ranin (4).

1999 Matthew Boykin ’99, CPA, is the regulatory accounting manager at NextEra Energy. Matt also holds elective office as one of five supervisors of the Northern

1996 Jennifer Buxe Rogers ‘96, an aerospace engineer at Northrop Grumman, welcomed Grayson Buxe Rogers on November 2,

The Buccaneer | 2015

Element’s Jupiter office, reside in Palm Beach Gardens, FL, with their sons Jay (2) and Dean (5 months). i Fix Your i, founded in 2010 by president and CEO, Christopher Johncke ‘00, is opening its thirteenth location this year.

1995 Christian Miller ‘95, a 10 year professor of philosophy at Wake Forest U n i v e r s i t y, directs the Character Project (www.thecharacterproject.com), which examines the philosophy, theology and psychology of character. Christian and his wife recently celebrated their sixth wedding anniversary. The couple has two sons, Jackson (3) and William (1).

Mandy Romfh Jesteadt ‘00, a litigation attorney at Carlton Fields Jorden Burt’s West Palm Beach office, and her husband, Jimmy, an aerospace test engineer at

Palm Beach County Improvement District. He was internally elected president of the NPBCID Board of Supervisors last year. Matthew and his wife, Dr. Kristen Boykin, a physician at the West Palm Beach office of the Cleveland Clinic, reside in Jupiter, FL, with their son Bennett, born October 11, 2012.

2000 Jasmine Geranmayeh Gifford ‘00 is a sales and marketing manager at SpendWell Health. She lives in Atlanta, GA, with her husband, Jason, and their sons Kian (5) and Kamran (1).

Pictured with Chris are fellow Benjamin alums and i Fix Your i employees (L-R): Ryan Riley ‘01, Chad Misselhorn ‘95 and Michelle Johncke Zausnig ’99. Not pictured - James Lewis ‘00. Mark Riso ‘00 earned his undergraduate degree from Johns Hopkins University and graduated from New York University Law School in 2008. Mark and his wife, an attorney with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, reside in Washington, DC.

Alumni Class Notes

2001 Gregory Kohn ‘01 and his wife, Jane, a freelance photographer, reside in Los Angeles, CA, and were married by fellow alum Ben Posner ‘00 in October 2014. Greg, a filmmaker, has had two films presented at the Tribeca Film Festival, i n c l u d i n g t h i s y e a r ’s Come Down Molly which he wrote and directed.

FL. Christopher married Emily Georgia on June 27, 2015, in Des Moines, IA.

Corporation in Portland, OR, which specializes in the design and manufacturing of complex metal components for the aerospace industry.

2002

2004

Cyrus Geranmayeh ‘02 works as attorney-advisor at the Office of Inspector General at NASA in Washington, DC.

Jamie Boykin ’04 married Zlatan Mujagic, a vice-president for Bank of America, on October 11, 2014, in Stowe VT. Jamie has been teaching at Benjamin since 2009 after graduating from Florida’s ProTeach Program with both a bachelor’s and master’s degree. Last summer, Jamie represented TBS as an attendee of the Harvard University Graduate School of Education Project Zero program, and previously participated in the Columbia University Teachers College specialized summer program for teaching reading and writing.

Paige Maltby Bollenbacher ‘01 and her husband, Donald, welcomed

Alexander Geranmayeh ‘02 is a manager at Pricewaterhouse Coopers in Charlotte, NC. Brynn Robin (pictured with her four year-old sister Mallory) on August 16, 2014.

Jessy Fulford Padon ‘01 and her husband, Brent, welcomed their son, Henry Oaks Padon, on August 28, 2014. Their daughter, Hazel Grace (4), is beginning her second year at The Benjamin School. Christopher Salivar ‘01, a graduate of the University of Miami Law School (2008) and graduate of Florida Atlantic University (2005) is an associate attorney at Andrew M. Schwartz, P.A., in Boca Raton,

Alumni Class Notes

Kaci Winter Lynch ‘02 and her husband, Michael, welcomed their

Brent Craft ‘04 recently directed and produced his first feature film, Lady-Like. The comedy was coproduced by fellow alums Darren Craft ‘04, Ryan Craft ‘02 and Will Searcy ‘04.

first child, Lillian Dorothy Lynch, at UCLA Santa Monica Hospital on December 25, 2014.

2003 Alvaro (AJ) Mendoza ‘03 earned his Ph. D. in Materials Engineering from the University of Florida in 2012. He is the senior metallurgist for Precision Castparts

Frances Sorgini Lockwood ‘04 married James Lockwood on March 28, 2015, in Palm Beach, FL. Frances is a physician assistant in urology, and James is a physician and ophthalmology resident at Emory University in Atlanta, GA, where the couple resides.

2005 Ben Apple ’05, a graduate of Harvard Law School, served as the managing editor of the Harvard

The Benjamin School

Alumni Class Notes Environmental Law Review in May of 2014. After graduation, Ben joined the environmental firm of Beveridge & Diamond in Washington, DC.

were married on June 6, 2015, in Palm Beach Gardens, FL. J.B. is employed in the shipping industry and Jenna works for Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa.

2008

Monica Edwards Samson ‘05 and her husband, Christopher, welcomed Jack Christopher, on November 5, 2014. The family resides in Jupiter, FL.

2006 Bradford W. Bandel ‘06 graduated from Southern Methodist University with degrees in finance and Spanish and went on to obtain his MBA from SMU. Bradford works for the Klabzuba family office in the Dallas/ Fort Worth area. Jacquelyn Daubert ‘06 graduated from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and is currently an intern at JFK Medical Center in Atlantis, FL. She will complete her ophthalmology residency at Georgetown University in Washington, DC.

2007 J.B. Corey ‘07 and his wife, Jenna,

The Buccaneer | 2015

Conner Kempe ‘08 and Alexandra Taylor ‘08 recently graduated from Stetson University Law in St. Petersburg, FL. Conner will be pursuing his LLM in tax law and Alexandra will be working in intellectual property law at Maxey Law Offices in Tampa, FL. They are pictured at their law school graduation with Benjamin middle school teacher Kathleen Devine.

Victoria Canzio Sloane ‘08 and Dylan Sloane ‘09 were married in Jupiter, FL, on Ju n e 13, 2015. Victoria teaches 2009 first grade at The Benjamin School Lyndsay Daubert and Dylan works ‘ 0 9 i s a s e n i o r for PricewaterhouseCoopers. business analyst at Target Corporation, Morgan Brannon ‘08 is the digital headquartered in marketing manager Minneapolis, MN. at Best Friends Total Pet Care in Seattle, Loren Gutentag ‘09, who earned WA. The company her B.A. in Multimedia Journalism manages over 40 from Florida Atlantic University, is sites in 18 states and the editorial manager at Newsmax offers pet boarding, Media, Inc., and writes feature training, grooming articles involving key political and animal day camp. figures. She resides in downtown West Palm Beach, FL. Rob Clark ‘08 is the international s a l e s m a n a g e r f o r A p o g e e 2010 Electronics, a music-based technology firm in Santa Monica, United States Air Force CA, specializing in products Academy 2nd Lieutenant for r e c o r d i n g studios, Ryan Anthony Lynch ‘10 graduated with b r o a d c a s t a B.S. in Aeronautical facilities Engineering on May 28, and concert 2015. Ryan is a member venues around of the Space Analysis the world. Squadron in the National

Alumni Class Notes

Air and Space Intelligence Center at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton, OH. Kelsey Meany ‘10 graduated magna cum laude from the University of Florida in 2014 with a B.S. in Journalism. She is attending Georgetown University’s Law Center this fall.

Summer Reedy ‘10 is in her final year at the University of Alabama and will receive her Registered Nursing degree in the spring. This summer she is traveling with the university’s nursing school to help underprivileged Vietnamese children in Cambodia.

2011 Blair Bitove ‘11 graduated from the University of Southern California Annenberg School of Communication and will attend Loyola University Chicago School of Law this fall.

as an Army officer. She recently received the honor to lead Jackson State University ROTC as Battalion Commander.

2013 branded content department of VICE Media, Inc., in Brooklyn, NY.

2012 Will Kemp ‘12, a senior in Studies in War and Peace at Norwich University, is interning at the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle, PA, where he is developing recommendations for delivery of humanitarian aid to the Central African Republic.. After completing his internship, Will plans to spend next semester in Berlin studying European military history, architecture and German. Hattie Reedy ‘12 is a senior at the University of Alabama and will receive a degree in interior design in the spring. She is studying abroad this summer in Florence, Italy.

Brooke Visoski ‘ 1 2 is a senior Phil Staiman ‘11 graduated from a t M i s s i s s i p p i the University of Maryland Philip College majoring Merrill College of Journalism with in math and will a B.A. in Broadcast Journalism. soon graduate He is an associate producer in the

Alumni Class Notes

Hannah Gross ‘13 is majoring in material and product studies with a minor in music at the University of Oregon. She is an active member of Gamma Phi Beta and will serve as a student ambassador for the 2015-2016 school year. She plans to study abroad in Copenhagen next spring. Robert Jacobs ‘13, who plays for the Kenyon College Lords, was named the North Coast Athletic Conference Men’s Lacrosse Player of the Week in March 2015. Adrienne Propp ‘13 is a junior at Harvard University studying applied mathematics with a focus in physical chemistry. This summer, she worked at the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory at Stanford University and at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.

2014 Arden Pettit ‘14, a freshman softball player at Stanford University, was named an alternate to the U.S. Junior Women’s National Team.

The Benjamin School

Alumni Share Expertise with TBS Students

Dr. Andrew Moffitt ‘84 relayed the eventful and creative journey to his career path as a physician with middle school students on February 20, 2015, at the division’s annual Career Day and concluded his presentation with an entertaining vocal and guitar performance.

Dr. Michael Gillen ‘04, a practicing veterinarian, met with third graders on October 30, 2014, during their science study on animals and conveyed insights into his profession and tips on the care of household pets.

Leah Dirkse ‘08 is an education specialist for WOAR (Women Organized Against Rape), a sex abuse crisis center in Philadelphia, PA, who addressed the topic of personal safety and security on college campuses and social outings with upper school students during grade level workshops presented April 13-14, 2015.

Sarah Bell ‘11 engaged second, third, fourth and fifth graders on April 7, 2015, with a discussion about primate conservation. She plans to Skype with students from the island of Borneo in Asia while researching the impact of ecotourism on orangutans.

The Poncy Family Celebrates the Holidays Members of the Poncy family pictured include 10 of 15 TBS alumni, parents of alumni and current TBS students, parents and faculty. (Front Row, L-R) Matt Poncy ‘99, Adrienne Poncy Allen ‘97, Claire Allen, Atticus Hatfield, Calvin Poncy ‘24, Isabel Allen, George Mitchell, Alison Poncy Mitchell ‘96

The Buccaneer | 2015

(Second Row, L-R) Morgan Poncy ‘88, Mara Poncy Hatfield ‘91, Willow Hatfield, Lilly Hatfield, Holland Poncy ‘22, Nadia Poncy ‘20, Jack Poncy ‘18

(Back Row, L-R) Emilio Allen, Marnie P o n c y, C a ro l e P o n c y, G e o rg e Poncy, Susan Poncy (TBS faculty), Carl Mitchell, Scotty Mitchell, Suzie Poncy, Sanders Poncy (TBS ‘96-’05), Richard Poncy, Jordie Poncy ‘02 Alumni Class Notes

Alumni Events 2014-2015

Alumni Tent at Varsity Football Game August 29, 2014

Homecoming Picnic September 19, 2014

The Benjamin Upper School, Theofilos Field

The Benjamin School Alumni Events 2014-2015

Classes of 1993 & 1994 20 Year Reunion September 20, 2014 Seasons 52, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida

Spring Training Game March 8, 2015 Roger Dean Stadium, Jupiter, Florida 58

Alumni Class Events 2014-2015

Spring Social Event April 9, 2015 Vault 39 Wine Cellar, Jupiter, Florida

Class of 2004 10 Year Reunion December 26, 2014 Square Grouper, Jupiter, Florida The Benjamin School

Odds vs. Evens Basketball Game December 20, 2014 The Benjamin Upper School, Healey Athletic Complex

Alumni Luncheon May 21, 2015 The Benjamin Upper School, Benjamin Hall

Alabama Alumni Social April 21, 2015 Epiphany Farm-toFork, Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Alumni Holiday Party December 19, 2014 Bar Louie, West Palm Beach The Buccaneer | 2015

Alumni Class Events 2014-2015

Voted the #1 independent school newspaper in the U.S.

Named Sun Sentinelâ€™s 2014 athletic program of the year

Project-based STEM curriculum in all 3 divisions

53 sports teams in Middle and Upper School

Student-faculty ratio across all divisions

New 849-seat performing arts center

100% perticipation in co-curricular activities

WHY BENJAMIN? BY THE NUMBERS

25,270 hours of community service completed by the Class of 2015

More than a half-century of tradition

376 admissions offers to 167 colleges and universities

23 Advanced Placement (AP) and 15 honors courses

15 years of world language studies, including Mandarin

Need-based financial aid awarded in 2014-2015

The only Cum Laude Society school in Palm Beach County

Alumni Class Events 2014-2015

Named best video production program in Florida

$660,660 in Bright Future Scholarships. $3,079,580 in additional awards.

The Benjamin School

The Buccaneer | 2015

Alumni Class Events 2014-2015

US POSTAGE PAID WEST PALM BCH, FL PERMIT #474

11000 Ellison Wilson Road North Palm Beach, Florida 33408-3108 www.thebenjaminschool.org

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.