Issuu

spring 2014

Cushing Today Cush i n g ac ade my mag a z ine

A Rich Life A tribute to retiring teacher Richard Henry

high Performance Cushing’s music program is alive and well

Alumni Profiles Brooke Goodnow ’07: Envisioning a better world

Cushing Today spring 2014

Cushing Academy, founded as a coeducational boarding school in 1865, exists for students, their academic growth and their personal development. We are dedicated to educating the mind, shaping the character, and nurturing the creativity of young men and women. In a community that is academically and culturally diverse, we challenge each individual, support excellence in every aspect of the learning process, and promote active participation in all areas of life and learning. We offer a demanding college preparatory curriculum, teach skills that build confidence, and instill values that endure. Cushing Today is a publication of Cushing Academy’s Office of Development and Alumni Programs. Headmaster Christopher Torino Associate Head of School Catherine Pollock Director of Development Caitlin O’Brien Cushing Today Editor Amy Ostroth Director of Marketing and Communications Heather Hill ’90 Director of Alumni and Parent Programs Mary Judith Tierney Contributing Writers Amy Ostroth Mary Judith Tierney Jennifer Klein Photography Tom Kates Tim Morse Amy Ostroth Phil Wexler Keeley Frost ’14 Katherine Lemieux ’15 Stephanie Martin ’14 Design Andrea Hopkins Cheney & Company Printing Allied Printing Services, Inc. Cushing Today welcomes class notes, photographs, story ideas, and comments by alumni/ae, parents, and friends. Please send them to alumniprograms@cushing.org or call 978-827-7400.

Cushing’s campus blanketed in snow, February 2014

In This Issue

Features

14 In the Classroom A Tribute to Richard Henry

17 Alumni Profiles Jaime Hancock ’02: Giving Back to the Community

Young Alumni Return to Their Roots at Cushing

Brooke Goodnow ’07: Envisioning a Better World

22 Historical Legacy What am I?

Departments

2 On Campus

From the Headmaster

Along School Street

Art of Giving

Show Your Work

Good Sports

38 Alumni

International Corner

Alumni News

Class Notes

In Memoriam

Remembrances

on the cover An interesting view of Cushing’s bell

spring 2014

From the Headmaster community the story of “Ox-Cart Man,” a poem by United States Poet Laureate Donald Hall.

On a beautiful Sunday last September, at the Academy’s convocation, I shared with our

The poem describes the ebb and flow of the life of a farmer who works hard and mindfully throughout the year before selling the fruit of his labor and beginning his work anew the

following year.

The analogy is an appropriate one for Cushing. We begin each year with an excitement

be great. Our convocation back in September was a celebration of what we were beginning to get down to work, knowing that while much effort will be required, the rewards will

together, of what was then ahead of us. In the months that have passed since, I’ve traveled from Ashburnham, around the

United States and as far as China, getting to know members of the extended Cushing family. My family and I had fun alongside students during Cushing Olympics events and

cheered on our school’s athletic teams and arts performers. I’ve worked with our wonderful the Headmaster’s Holiday. I’ve spent time in advisory meetings and assemblies, and I’ve

faculty, getting to know their many strengths. It’s been a busy and gratifying year. Soon, I will participate in my first commencement at the Academy. Why, at the end

of our labors, do we celebrate with an event named for a beginning? As for the ox-cart man, one year’s effort cycles into the next. T.S. Eliot observed the same in his poem “Little

Gidding”: “We shall not cease from exploration/ And the end of all our exploring/ Will be to arrive where we started/ And know the place for the first time.”

new phase of the journey. I hope they take with them the learning they’ve accomplished As each member of the Class of 2014 moves on from Cushing, she or he will begin a

and the growth they’ve realized here, and that their experiences will inform their future paths. Of course, just as we say goodbye to students—and faculty members like

community who will write their own Cushing stories while writing themselves into the the extraordinary Rich Henry—next year will see us welcoming new members into our

Academy. school’s history, just as generations before have. Such is the brilliant cycle at Cushing

What Am I?

Can you identify this piece

of Cushing’s history? Think

you know where it is on

campus and what it has to

to be part of the Cushing story, and I am confident and optimistic about those Cushing I look forward to the celebration of our students’ successes. I am honored and grateful

chapters still to be written.

Here’s to the past, present, and future,

do with one of Cushing’s

favorite coaches? Read the

full story on page 22

to find out if you’re right.

Christopher Torino, Headmaster

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Along School Street

2013–2014 Cushing Scholars

Congratulations to the 2013–2014 Cushing Scholars! The Cushing Scholars

program provides an opportunity for further enrichment through partici-

pation in an exciting range of intellectual and artistic experiences. The

discussions and participate in off-campus excursions such as theatre,

dance, and museum visits. Jordan Comeau Kayla Sargent

Highlights of recent events for the scholars include:

Gabrielle Dutil Zach Sowerby

• Andrew Fitzgerald Karen Sun

the National Theatre Live (England) and based on the award-winning Mallory Fredericks Tony Vien

international best-seller by Mark Haddon Keeley Frost

• Savannah Zhong

Lights, Camera, Action, a Physics and Photography Workshop at the Taylor Greene

• MIT Museum in Cambridge, Mass. Cynthia Hamidi

A trip to the Improvised Shakespeare Company at the Capitol Center for Kyu Sang Han

Sophomores

the Arts in Concord, N.H. YoungAh Kim Christina Bao

• A visit to the Broad Institute in Cambridge, Mass. Sooji Lee Olivia Greene

• Seeing the Mayhem Poets in Keene, N.H.

Connie Leong

• Rachel Guerriero

Shaylah O’Connor KaYu Lau

Jennifer O’Neill Vivian Lu

Laura O’Neill Kira Tierney

In addition, the Cushing Scholars went back in time during a tribute to Alex O’Neill Eunice Wong

Benny Goodman by the Capital Jazz Orchestra. These fifteen musicians Donovan Park Jessie Zhen

included Ken Peplowski, a skilled clarinetist and entertainer who played Michelle Tierney

with Tommy Dorsey and Benny Goodman. Impromptu history lessons, Mariah Weintraub

lively music, and first-hand accounts of Benny Goodman and his band Bob Zeng

Live screening of The Curious Incident of the Dog at Night-Time, presented by

Watching One Man Star Wars Trilogy at the Capitol Center for the Arts in

Concord, N.H.

expanded the students’ musical and cultural appreciation of this part of

2013–2014

students meet with speakers and visiting scholars in special small-group

Cushing Scholars

Seniors Frank Mei

Freshmen

the American songbook. As Vivian Lu stated, “This was such a wonderful

Juniors

experience for me; it is crucial to learn about the culture and history of

Haidee Chu

Angelina Pei

music from the ’30s and ’40s in America.” The jazz orchestra performed

Olivia Del Dolori

Zara Tarter

twenty-one arrangements that were not transcriptions but the original

Joanna James Caroline Fital

Katheryn Oh

music performed by the Benny Goodman Orchestra in a 1938 Carnegie Hall

concert obtained from the Benny Goodman estate. Some of the Scholars’

favorites were Tiger Rag, One O’ Clock Jump, Honeysuckle Rose, and Sing, Sing, Sing.

spring 2014

Along School Street

For the Torinos, Community Is a Priority ting the stage for a year of warmth, The Torinos also know that

connection, and fun for the whole when kids see their Headmaster gotten great feedback from faculty,

Chris and Dena Torino have not yet

been at Cushing for a whole year, community. or their teachers outside of the staff, and students about their

classroom—and when they’re efforts to strengthen our commu-

nity bonds.

including a mini-golf course on the

turf.

Cushing TODAY

Community building has been

but they are already leaving their a priority for both Torinos, even encouraged to have fun together—it

mark on the Academy. They’ve before coming to Cushing. “Commakes it easier to have meaningful They know that the work

opened Jewett House to students, munity is the foundation for everyconversations on every topic from they’re doing now is building a

inviting each class over for fun thing that happens on campus,” academic subjects to discipline foundation for Cushing’s future.

and games—even hiring a hot dog says Chris. “It sets the stage for issues. “It’s about the foundation,” Chris

truck to serve from their driveway. the learning that happens all over

During the Headmaster’s Holiday campus; and if that community munity building doesn’t always

in October, they made sure there connection is uncertain or unstable, have to center around fun and

were lots of fun activities designed then we’re not realizing our fullest games, but can also provide an

to bring the community together, potential as a school.” opportunity to advance academics

Dena agrees. “Boarding school

Cushing Student Artists Are Exhibiting Their Work

In February, the Fitchburg Art Museum hosted a reception for the exhibit-

ing Cushing artists. The event was a great opportunity for guests to discuss

pieces with our talented portfolio artists. We appreciate all who came out to

enjoy this great show!

spring. In April, a group of students also showed their work at the Peter-

But that’s not the only show our Cushing students participated in this

sham Art Center. We’re very proud of our excellent Cushing artists! Chris acknowledges that com-

life is a lifestyle, not a job,” she at the Academy. Indeed, Dena has

begun a socially conscious movie

Of course, faculty and staff says. “It’s part of who we are and night at Jewett House where kids

haven’t been left out of the fun. The building up this community is a watch movies that deal with social

Torinos also hosted opening dinner piece of us that we want to bring to issues and then discuss the movie

in the Jewett House backyard, setCushing.” and those topics.

Both Chris and Dena have

says. “It’s about tending to that

foundation and building on it.”

left (l–r) Headmaster Chris Torino with Sydney Buono ’15, Olivia Burke ’16, Nora Flaherty ’16, and Mackenzie Burke ’16

middle (l–r) Emma Bernett Chin Lin ’14, Hiu Tik Haidee “Haidee” Chu ’15, Ho Yee “Kennice” Tse ’16, Genichiro Nishikawa ’15, and Jordan Comeau ’14

right A student plays miniature golf on the turf during the Headmaster’s Holiday

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Theatre Students Welcome NYC Actors

In fall 2013, Cushing welcomed

Katherine Stults, an actress

in New York City and former

student of Ms. Julia Ohm, along

with her friend and director,

Dan Balkin. The two visited

with students in Ms. Ohm’s

Advanced Acting and Directing

class, as well with as the cast

of the fall production, The

Doctor and the Devils, originally

by Dylan Thomas and adapted

by Ms. Stults and Mr. Balkin.

In addition to working with

students on the script, they

Investment Club Competition offered acting techniques and

Though just in its second year, we don’t have as many opportunito learn and grow along with other sensory exercises helpful to the

the Cushing Investment Club is ties for intellectual competitions. institutions.”

wasting no time in diversifying Reaching out to offer this competi-

its offerings. In fall 2013, the tion is a great way to foster relationAcademy website for completion actors and producers from a

club launched an Investment ships with other schools.” standings and announcement of small theatre company in NYC,

competition’s website and stock

“We’re putting all our ideas

market simulator. “It’s really great

together, trying to create the stage

to share ideas—to learn and col-

for better investing and better com-

laborate,” said Jordan. “We compete

municating,” said Jordan. “This is

with other schools in sports but

going to be an incredible experience Stay tuned or visit the Cushing

Competition among Cushing, Cushing’s club has 16 active the winning team. A first-place to work with our cast and crew,”

Hotchkiss, Loomis Chaffee, Taft members and David Shields serves trophy designed by Bob Johnson, said Ms. Ohm. “Having Katie

School, and Lafayette High School as the faculty advisor. The group Cushing’s Chair of Fine Arts, will be as a former student during my

(Missouri). The competition will spent last year and the summer passed between winners each year. tenure in Princeton has allowed

run through May. reaching out to consulting firms, our collaboration to come full

Club founder Jordan Comeau ’14 banks, hedge funds, and investors circle and to share in her success

contacted schools to gauge interest,

for information, inspiration, and

while Fred Morlock ’16 designed the

guidance.

If you are interested in supporting

the club with funding or by

call us at 978-827-7400 and let

us know! Our students appreciate

rehearsal process.

ence to host Katherine and Dan, “It was a wonderful experi-

as a vocal instructor and music/

theatre teacher.”

volunteering your time, please

above Jordan Comeau ’14, founder of the Cushing Investment Club

the active participation of Cushing

alumni and parents.

spring 2014

Along School Street

Cushing Student and New Faculty Member Revive Math Club

Kwonil “Kobe” Ko ’16 and Hyeon Jun “Jayden” Kwon ’16. “Kobe’s score was in the top one percent

When Chair of the Math Department Zach Boboth left Cushing at the end of last year, the fate of the Math Club he had been advising was up in the air. Enter Andrew Neyer, who joined the Academy’s faculty this year and

of all high school students in the world and Jayden’s score was in the top five percent,” says Mr. Neyer. “These are very impressive scores on an extremely difficult test.”

took over Zach’s position as Chair.

Frank feels his participation in the club benefits him. “It helps me

More About Cushing’s New Math Chair

One day shortly after school started,

In November, the Cushing

to apply what we have learned in

Andrew Neyer was at the

Jiazhong “Frank” Mei ’15 came to

Academy Math Club went to Boston

class to some interesting problems,

Mr. Neyer and asked for his help

to participate in a tournament that

even issues around us, and practice

in keeping the club going. At first,

is a collaboration between the un-

a quantitative and logical way of

Mr. Neyer worried about taking on

dergraduates at MIT and Harvard.

thinking about things,” he says.

too much so early in his time at the

There were more than 400 students

“And of course, I also enjoy the

Academy, but he agreed and with

competing and while Cushing’s

process and struggle when thinking

Frank’s help, it’s worked out well

club didn’t blow the competition

about a problem and the sense of

music director for musical

and has been a good thing for both

away, it was a great opportunity for

accomplishment when it’s finally

productions there. He has

teacher and students. “Frank has re-

the students and their advisor to get

solved.”

undergraduate degrees

ally taken the reins,” he said. “He’s

the feel of things. “It was a great

For his part, Mr. Neyer hopes

in math stats and music

the one who’s really running it.”

chance for these students who love

the students have fun and that the

Leysin American School in Switzerland for five years before coming to Cushing Academy. He’s also an accomplished piano player and served as

and a master’s degree in math education—all from the University of Miami of Ohio.

experience is accessible to everyone,

other group of students who feel the

not just the top math students at

to keep the club running this year

same way,” Mr. Neyer says.

the Academy. At the same time,

“I really enjoyed the experience

after Mr. Boboth left the school.”

In February, the students

the problems need to be challeng-

The group meets once a week

participated in the American

ing and teach things beyond what

after school, in addition to the

Mathematics Competition (AMC),

might be learned in a typical math

students’ other afternoon activi-

which is the qualifying round

class. “Truly, I want them to learn

and as Dorm Head of Lowe

ties. They prepare for tournaments

for the American Invitational

to problem solve and think,” he

Hall, he plays piano for

by practicing problems from past

Mathematics Examination (AIME).

says. “Being able to do that and

student productions.

tournaments and make great use of

Those two tests serve as the

think outside of the box is applica-

a room in the library known as the

qualifying round for the American

ble to all areas of life.” Frank agrees:

“idea room.” The room’s walls are

Mathematics Olympiad (AMO),

“I hope that everyone who is and

painted with a special paint that

and the top six students in the

will be in the Math Club would ben-

allows the students to write on the

United States will participate in

efit from it, and realize that math is

walls and then erase them, so it’s

the International Mathematics

not just fixed and boring equations

a great way for small groups of stu-

Olympiad. Cushing had two

in class, but is fun and related to

dents and faculty to collaborate.

students qualify for the AIME:

many things in our life.”

He has continued his musical ways at Cushing and, in addition to his role in the Math Department

math to be surrounded by a whole

last year,” says Frank. “I wanted

Cushing TODAY

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Kira Tierney ’16, Julie Donnenfeld ’15, Piper Harrod ’16, Nolan O’Connor ’14, Roberto de Guardiola ’15, and Emi Strazdis ’16 in the Cushing Academy library

Fisher-Watkins Library Brings Digital Literacy and Accessibility to Cushing Academy

text on their screens to suit their in-

of their education, not just while

dividual needs, and text-to-speech

they’re here with us, but in college,

conversion can be a vital aid to Editor’s note: Cushing’s new Digital Literacy Librarian, Amy Frazier, recently wrote the

in their careers, and throughout

students with visual impairments,

following article for Independent Educational Consultants Association. It gives a glimpse into

their lives. Our ability to make the

learning differences, and those still

the Fisher-Watkins Library happenings.

most of this opportunity is greatly

gaining fluency in English. One

aided by a library that can be used

recent study suggests that high

from anywhere on campus: in the

Back in 2009, when the idea of

and audiobooks, all instantly

school students with dyslexia may

dorms, in the dining hall, on the

being a librarian was still mostly

available to students anywhere on

have an easier time reading on an

playing field, or on a sunny knoll

an abstract concept to me, some

campus 24/7 through the library

e-reader than on a printed page.1 By

on a warm afternoon. The Fisher-

librarian friends told me about a

website, plus on-demand access

providing students with e-books,

Watkins library is more than a

tempest taking place in the field.

to millions of current titles and

the library becomes an active par-

building or a collection of books:

It surrounded Cushing Academy,

bestsellers via our fleet of Kindle

ticipant in every student’s academic

it’s an approach to learning that

a New England boarding school

e-readers. Our collection of books

support network.

literally reaches into every corner of

that had decided to make its library

is less tangible than that of most

“bookless.” It was one of the first

similar libraries, but the move to an

toward digital resources is part of

The technology behind our

concrete examples I’d seen of the

all-digital library has increased the

an effort to make using the library

library is constantly changing, and

library as digital hub first and

number of books available to our

a comfortable, intuitive experience

in many respects the library itself is

foremost, and it was likewise one of

students many, many times over.

for students. The primary interface

always a work in progress. No single

the first things that made me start

The change has not only in-

on our library website has been de-

product or platform meets all of our

thinking about librarianship more

creased the number of books avail-

signed to look and feel as much like

needs, so our systems are built from

seriously. Not even five years later

able to our students, but has also

an Internet search as possible, with

available tools and products com-

I find myself working in the very

measurably increased circulation,

a simple keyword search covering

bined with a bit of ingenuity. And

same library as the Digital Literacy

especially of books for leisure read-

the complete content of our aca-

as new technologies emerge and

Librarian, tasked with helping our

ing. Our collection is an ever-shift-

demic e-book collection, as well as a

evolve, the tools we use today may

students make the most of the digi-

ing, organic thing that can change

huge variety of full-text magazines,

not be the tools we use tomorrow.

tal library that Cushing built.

to meet the needs and wants of our

journals, and reference works. This

Having committed to a fully digital

I have yet to meet the librar-

students and faculty on a day-to-

familiar interface invites students

library, we have also committed to

ian that doesn’t have a soft spot for

day basis. A call or an email from

into the library’s resources and

continual re-assessment in order to

paper-and-ink books, so I com-

a student, and we can have nearly

paves the way for further develop-

make sure that we’re always meet-

pletely understand the wariness

any title they want in their hands

ment and instruction.

ing the needs of our school com-

with which some meet the idea of a

within a few minutes. Ask for The

More than that, the shift

the school.

And instruction is really the

munity. But our core philosophy

library with no print books. But the

Hunger Games, and you shall receive.

name of the game. An intrinsic part

is built on concepts and principles

term “bookless” has always been

This kind of dynamic, instant

of moving into the digital milieu

that remain sound no matter where

a bit of unfortunate labeling—as

responsiveness is a primary reason

is teaching our students how to

the technology leads, and so offers

it stands today, Cushing’s Fisher-

why our library went digital.

navigate the information landscape

our students a library that is at once

confidently and effectively. Focused

current and enduring.

Watkins Library owns a modest

But e-books have some other ad-

collection of roughly 5,000 print

vantages that make them particu-

instruction in information and digi-

volumes. The emphasis, however,

larly compelling within the context

tal literacy is a big part of what we

1. Schneps, M., Thomson, J., Chen, C.,

is firmly on our digital resources,

of a school library. For one, they are

do every day. We’re using the tools

Sonnert, G., & Pomplun, M. (2013).

which make our real collection vast

more accessible than print books in

and resources we’ve put in place to

E-readers are more effective than paper

indeed: hundreds of thousands of

ways that go beyond simple avail-

teach information skills that will

for some with dyslexia. PLoS ONE, 8(9).

academic e-book titles, journals,

ability. Students can customize the

help our students in every aspect

doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0075634

spring 2014

Along School Street

Pink the Rink 2014

Our sincere thanks to the many individuals and organiza-

tions who supported Cushing’s 5th Annual Pink the Rink of t-shirts and bracelets. The Cushing community

Cushing TODAY

The event featured a bake sale, a raffle, and sales

hockey fundraiser on Feb. 8. “It took months of prepararaised $9,100 for the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge

tion, but it all came together flawlessly because of our and Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center,

volunteers, donors, and sponsors,” said event organizer significantly surpassing previous years. “I am truly grateful

and Cushing Athletic Trainer April Boettcher. “I was truly for the coming together of the Cushing community to

humbled by all the support in making this Cushing’s most help in the fight against cancer,” says April. “I’m looking

successful Pink the Rink to date.”

forward to getting started on Pink the Rink 2015.”

Top (left) Several Little Penguins with Pete the Penguin; (middle) The Varsity Boys Hockey team on the ice; (right) Headmaster Torino with Pete the Penguin

bottom (left) Caroline Matoon ’16 and Julie Donnenfeld ’15 pose with Pete; (middle) Even the skates had pink on them; (right) The Pink the Rink raffle was a big hit.

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Little Shop of Horrors was Frightfully Good

musical, Little Shop of Horrors!

Congratulations to the cast and crew of this year’s winter

Top (l–r) Ryan Marsan ’16, Diana Parsley ’15, Andrew MacDonald ’17, and Cynthia Hamidi ’14

Bottom (left) Olivia Dei Delori ’15 with Ryan Marsan ’16; (middle) Andrew MacDonald ’17 with Toshinori Sato ’16; (right) Andrew MacDonald ’17

Spring 2014

Along School Street

Spotted:

Penguins in Europe

remember field trips—to Boston,

Many Penguins probably

to New York City, maybe even just

Starting out in Trafalgar Square

Cushing TODAY

the Tower of London, and finished

by taking in a show of The Phantom of

the Opera.

to the Walmart! This year, Cush“Every day seemed to produce

ing history teacher Alec Coyle took some new exciting element of travscratch the surface of the Louvre. Mr. Coyle. “Rome was another city,

a group of students and faculty to eling with children that I had not In Normandy, they explored the like Paris, in which one can only

Europe for spring break. The group really imagined,” said Mr. Coyle. remains of the Mulberry—an artifiscratch the surface.” The group

traveled to London, Paris, and “The EuroStar whisked us to Paris cial, pre-fabricated harbor—off Gold visited pagan Rome—seeing the

Milan. at 200 mph with some splendid Beach that survived the great storm Flavian Amphitheater (Colosseum),

views of Flanders and Picardy along of June 1944. “The fog added an the Forum, the Circus Maximus—

in London, Mr. Coyle noted that the way. That was probably my other-worldliness to the exploration and Christian Rome—catacombs,

they went into Whitehall through favorite aspect of the trip: the views of the beaches, Ponte-du-Hoc, the St. Paul’s Outside the Walls, and

Horse Guards Parade, walked down

and experiences of the French and

American Cemetery, and Omaha

the Vatican.

to Parliament Square, passing a pro-

Italian countryside—Normandy,

Beach itself,” Mr. Coyle said.

Ukraine ‘rally,’ and then had dinner

Tuscany, Umbria.” there. They got to see great sights mental architecture. They then took

that left many of the travelers another 200-plus mph train to Flor-

planning return visits. They visited ence. “Florence was digestible in a

Versailles and had time to just way that Rome was not,” observed

They took a train from Paris

fun, they were glad to return to

Although the trip was good

at an Asian-fusion joint. They saw

Although Paris sometimes gets

to Milan, and when they arrived,

the happy confines of Boston and

the changing of the Guard, West-

a bad rap, the traveling party from

tumbled out into the Milan station

Ashburnham and look forward to

minster Abbey, St. Paul’s Cathedral,

Cushing had a good experience

straight into Mussolini’s monu-

the next adventure.

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spring 2014

Along School Street Building Community and Reviving Traditions: Cushing Olympics and Winter Carnival Ash House won the Cushing based on “The Dating Game,” and

Olympics last year and the team is a talent contest. Perhaps the most

looking good again. Mrs. Clarke deinteresting addition to this year’s

Cushing has long been known for and the day students. Each team cided to have term winners this year Olympics was the revival of Cush-

its strong sense of community. has a color. For each event, teams and Ash took first place for the fall ing’s Winter Carnival.

Indeed, alumni frequently point to earn points for winning, but also 2013 term with 130 points, winning

it as Cushing’s greatest strength. spirit points for being the most a pizza party. Winter and spring nival events and each offered an

requires regular work to maintain. A strong community, however, spirited in dress, attitude, and terms will each have winners and opportunity to win points: a relay

sportsmanship. all three terms added together will race of skating, sledding down

Cushing TODAY

There were a number of car-

In an effort to provide construcEach fall features opening cerdetermine the year’s winner. hockey hill, throwing 10 snowballs

tive and entertaining outlets for emonies with Donny Connors (who Events in the fall included through a hula hoop, sleigh racing,

students, Academic Support teacher calls most of the sporting events opening ceremonies, badminton, a scavenger hunt, a chili contest,

Cara Clarke decided to initiate a on campus) as commissioner. Each a music video contest, dodgeball, Pictionary, and cupcake- and

Cushing Olympics last year. team makes a flag, carries their a Mountain Day contest rewarding puzzle-making contests.

The Cushing Olympics breaks flag onto the field, and is judged, the highest percentage of students The carnival ended, as they

the student body into eight teams, winning points. Mrs. Clarke notes from each team to the top, a holiday traditionally have, with a Carnival

based predominantly on dorms: that the goal is to be as spirited as lights contest, and broomball. Ball.

Alumni, Price, Ash, Sawyer, Cooke possible, “so there’s lots of yelling,” Winter term featured competitions

and Vose, Lowe, the house dorms, she laughs. during assembly, a roommate game

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Reviving Cushing’s Winter Carnival period spent in one of his classes.” States.” The first carnival featured some point, however, the tradi-

Cooke Hall, constructed in 1961, was a ski-jumping competition off a tion waned, as so many do. Last

L. Clyde Cooke came to Cushing in named for Mr. and Mrs. Cooke. 19-foot jump near Lowe Hall, but

1914 and stayed, almost unintersummer though, Wayne Clarke,

Mr. Cooke was the architect of a that competition moved to a more who works in the Admissions Office

rupted, until 1958. He and his secscience club, the Penguin yearbook, difficult jump in 1924. Winter Carand coaches the football team, was

ond wife, Erma Wheeler Cooke, had the Outing Club, and Cushing’s nival weekend was typically kicked looking through old yearbooks and

nearly 60 years of service to Cushing annual Winter Carnival, the first off with a play directed by longtime saw pictures from Winter Carnivals

Academy. of which took place in the winter of theatre teacher Lois Cann, who

According to Cushing Historian gone by. Thinking it a great tradi-

1921 or 1922—the record isn’t entirely also came to Cushing in 1924. The tion to bring back, he and his wife,

Frank Rand (1908), “Mr. Cooke was clear. It was based on a similar festivities eventually also featured Cara, talked to Director of Student

the students’ companion, mentor,

event held each year at Mr. Cooke’s

hockey games, basketball games,

Activities Chris Boyle and brought

and advocate. He was with them,

alma mater, Dartmouth.

obstacle courses, and a ball, which

and of them, and for them.” A

in some student volunteers to brain-

at one point even had fireworks.

1921 Breeze notes, “Even the most

storm ideas. Together, they decided

The carnivals were sponsored by

indolent student can hardly fail to

the March 1957 Bulletin, was “one of

remember Winter Carnivals from

Olympics and the revived Winter

learn something worthwhile in a

the oldest of its kind in the United

their time at the Academy. At

Carnival would be a great duo.

the Outing Club and, according to

Many Cushing alumni will

that the newly created Cushing

spring 2014

Cushing today

A Rich Life

Richard J. Henry is retiring after 33 years of service to the Academy

In 1972, Richard Henry was teaching in Boston area

evening the Henrys would invite the boys into their apart-

schools and working at the Stop and Shop. His boss at the

ment to have pizza after study hall or to watch some Monday

store asked for his help to pack up a summer home on a lake

Night Football.”

near Ashburnham, Mass. So, off Rich went to the small

Peggy Lee came to the Academy in 1984 and remembers

town in north central Massachusetts and when he got there,

the impact Rich had on her early days at the school. “From

he discovered he liked the little town—and the house—very

the outset, Rich’s friendliness and great sense of humor

much. Instead of packing it up, Rich bought the house and

made me feel welcome. He and Jill even invited the entire

everything in it. On weekends and during the summer, he

Summer Session faculty and staff to their small summer

and his wife, Jill, used the house as a getaway. Finally, one

house on Sunset Lake, where good food, good wine, and a

summer, they decided to live in the little house the whole

good time were had by all! Throughout that summer, Rich

season while Rich worked at the Stop and Shop in Gardner.

provided invaluable advice to those like me who were new to

In 1980, Rich interviewed for a job in Applewild’s sum-

teaching in a boarding school.”

mer program and was offered a position. On the way home

When his kids were younger, Rich also helped Ray

from the Fitchburg school, he stopped in at Cushing to see

Lemieux paint houses, mow lawns, and move furniture

if they had a summer program, too. By the time the day was

during breaks and summer vacation. He has also served as a

over, he had a job at the Academy. “[Jill and I] both worked

director for Summer Session, Dean of Faculty, Director of the

summer school and it was a great gig,” he laughs. “We lived

Language Development Program, Head of Academic Support,

at the lake and had free meals.”

and Director of College Counseling, his current position. He’s

After that summer, he went back to Lenox Public Schools

coached softball, volleyball, and basketball.

in the Berkshires where he was then teaching, but it wasn’t

His philosophy of teaching mirrors that of some of his

long before Dr. Curry called him and offered him a full-time

own favorite teachers. “I was a product of the Boston public

position at the Academy. It was a good call by Dr. Curry. Rich

schools,” he says. “I had very organized, strict, and demand-

Henry had a master’s degree in Special Needs Education and

ing teachers. But they were kind and supportive at the same

had served as a resource teacher at both the elementary and

time—kind of like Peggy Lee,” he laughs. His favorite teach-

high school levels. “The reason I got interested in learning

ers were the ones who took an interest in him, got to know

disabilities,” he says, “is that when I was working in the

him, and had high expectations.

Dedham Elementary School, I noticed that the principal kept

As you might imagine, there have been a lot of changes

giving me that kind of kid.” That prompted the pursuit of

in the Academy since 1980. In the first place, the school is

his master’s degree. “I figured if I was going to have them in

much bigger—from about 200 kids then to about 400 now.

class, I should learn more about them,” he says. His first job

And while Cushing has always had a focus on diversity, the

at Cushing was teaching reading and study skills, a precur-

international population is bigger now, too. “Cushing was

sor to the Academic Support Program.

more casual then, too,” he says. “These days the academic

He’s had a lot of different jobs since then and thousands

left Rich Henry in his office at Cushing

focus is different and there is more pressure on the kids.”

of students have felt Mr. Henry’s guiding hand in his 33 years

But one thing that hasn’t changed is the sense of com-

at the school. He’s been a dorm parent—in Cooke Hall for the

munity and the value the Academy places on each and every

first seven years and in Cowell House for the last 26 years. It

student. The school has long been accepting of students with

seems the Henrys were a natural fit as dorm parents. “I recall

learning differences and Rich knows that a wide range of

many nights while on duty in Cooke Hall for study hall, Jill

kids is appreciated for their strengths—whatever they may

Henry baking cookies or making brownies for the boys,” says

be. “I believe in my heart that Cushing has always tried to be

longtime Academy math teacher Paul Dowling. “Many an

what it says it is and we always have the best interests of the

spring 2014

kids at heart,” he says. “Kids here are appreciated for their

tive, and helpful spirit. Indeed, he has weathered difficult

community made the transi-

unbelievable strengths. I like that about Cushing.”

times at the Academy with great gentility.”

tion easier for them.” The Henry kids carried on the family tradition of working in education. Kristen taught math at Cushing for a while, where she met her husband,

Rich relishes the successes of his students. He’s proud

For a man whose job is an everyday adventure, Rich

of his relationship with students and that he always tried

says he’s going to miss the relevance of his day-to-day work

to do his job well—whatever that job was. “I tried to make

after retirement. “I’ll miss the interaction with kids and

every job I had better and to grow from each of those experi-

colleagues,” he says. But he looks forward to spending time

ences,” he says.

with his grandchildren and having the time to attend their

His value to the school has not gone unnoticed by his

basketball games and equestrian competitions. He and Jill

friends and colleagues at Cushing. “Rich has touched many

will do some traveling—some of which will even be trips for

she’s the Chair of the Math

alumni lives over the years in every aspect of his life at

Cushing, so don’t think he’s going to be completely missing

Department at Dana Hall

Cushing,” says Mr. Dowling. “I recall the many interactions

from the Academy’s future.

School, and her husband sells

he had with students, always looking for the positive in

software for independent

each and every one of them.”

David Walton, who was the school’s Academic Dean. Now,

schools. Matt and his wife, Nicole, are teachers in Oregon and both are former Cushing summer faculty. The Henrys also have five grandchildren.

Cushing today

Mrs. Lee agrees. “I admire Rich because he has done it all,” she says. “He has taught, coached, worked in mainte-

Asked for some parting words of wisdom for young teachers, he says, “Catch the students being good. Don’t always look for the faults, but lavish them with honest praise when they work hard to do the right thing.”

nance during the summer, lived in the dorm throughout

“Rich and Jill Henry will be truly missed but we wish

his career, continued to grow by taking on new challenges

them many, many happy years of retirement on the Cape,”

and seeking new opportunities to expand his educator’s

says Mr. Dowling, no doubt echoing the sentiments of

toolbox. I also admire Rich’s diplomatic, optimistic, posi-

everyone in the extended Cushing community.

Jaime Hancock ’02

Giving Back to the Community

One of the defining characteristics of Cushing—indeed, any boarding school—is the families who make the school their home. Faculty members come and bring their families. Some of those faculty children are even born during their parents’ time at the Academy. And some of those children go on to become Cushing students themselves. Such is the case with Jaime Hancock, a member of the class of ’02, whose father is longtime Cushing faculty member and baseball coach Wayne Hancock. Jaime remembers his youth at Cushing fondly, particularly the sense of community. Although Jaime is an athlete, he was never much good at his father’s sport. “I remember saying to my Dad one day, ‘Dad, I know you coach baseball, but I stink!’” he says. He decided to run track and play soccer instead. Jaime spent five years at the Academy and took an active part in the life of the school. In addition to running track, he was a tour guide, participated in Model UN, and served as student body president. Jaime must have learned something about coaching and giving back to his community from his father’s long association with Cushing. He’s coached the Fitchburg travel basketball team for six years and for the past two years, he’s been coaching an AAU basketball team for the North Central Massachusetts Police Athletic/Activities League (PAL). PAL is a nonprofit organization supporting youth athletics in the

poverty, provide structure, and help the players understand

Fitchburg area. The group hopes to help their kids achieve

the value of a good education. In order to play, the kids must

the highest level of performance both academically and

get Cs or better in their classes. To help the kids meet this

athletically.

requirement, they started a tutoring group that meets twice

“I love being able to coach and being able to have an

per week, and is attended by about half of the team. Jaime

influence on the kids,” he says. His players often come to

and Sarah help the kids learn how to schedule their lives,

him in the fourth grade and stay until they go to high school,

which the couple feels is an important part of success.

so there’s plenty of time to get to know them and have an

Jaime has been taking advantage of his Cushing ties,

impact on the direction of their lives. For Jaime and PAL,

reaching out to Cushing Track Coach Stirling Ince and his

the experience is about more than just sports. The children

runners to have the Cushing students help out with tutoring.

on the team sometimes have difficult family situations and

“It’s a great opportunity for the kids to interact with older

the economic realities of the recent downturn can mean that

kids who have academics as a priority,” he says. “The Cush-

there is little parental involvement.

ing students get a chance to work with kids who come from a

For the first four years, Jaime was really focused on teaching the kids how to play excellent ball, but now, as that

Bottom (left) Jaime poses with some of his kids; (right) Jaime’s yearbook picture, 2002

different kind of dynamic. So it’s a win-win.” Cushing coach and faculty member Bill Wenning also do-

foundation has been laid, he’s been able to focus more on

nates his time to working with Jaime’s players, and the team

helping his players with their academics.

sometimes gets to come to campus to see Cushing’s excellent

Jaime and his wife, Sarah—who is a soccer coach at Fitch-

top Members of Jaime’s basketball team

team play.

burg High School—are working hard to break the cycle of

spring 2014

Young Alumni Return to Their Roots at Cushing We asked a few of our young alumni how they felt about being back at the school on the hill. Here’s what they had to say.

Adam Gadoury ’01

Sintayehu Taye ’08

Adam Gadoury went to Hartwick College

Sintayehu’s family is originally from

after graduating from Cushing in 2001.

Ethiopia, but his father had moved

While at Hartwick, he played baseball,

to Maine and thought Sintayehu and

majored in math, and minored in

his brother should come to the United

psychology. These days, he’s teaching

States for its educational opportunities,

algebra and geometry at the Academy.

which turned out to be a good decision

He’s also the assistant coach for varsity baseball, varsity basketball, and JV2 soccer. Adam acknowledges the impact athletics has had on

boarding schools, so he and his brother went to a school fair

his life. “Athletics has given me a great ability to work with

and met Cushing Admissions Officer Deb Gustafson. Both

others, especially the confidence to talk to groups of people,”

boys ended up attending Cushing Academy; his brother,

he says. “I was quiet when I was in school, so being one of

Ayalew, graduated in 2007.

the more vocal people on the field really helped me develop

in the dormitory and interacting with people from all over

He didn’t just learn confidence in public speaking,

the world and having everything around you—dining hall,

his skill as a hitter. During a baseball game against Andover,

athletic fields, and teachers,” he says. Even so, when he graduated from Cushing, he didn’t re-

he hit a game-tying grand slam in a big comeback win dur-

ally imagine coming back. After all, Cushing has some pretty

ing his junior year. That memory stands out because he says

long winters and he was ready for a warmer climate. He took

he was not a very good hitter while at Cushing, “something

his stride to the University of Virginia, but he came back to

Coach Hancock pointed out many, MANY times,” he laughs.

work during Summer Sessions and discovered that he enjoyed

“For me to hit a ball that far at such a crucial time in the

working with students. He had planned to go to graduate

game was something nobody expected out of me.”

school after graduating from UVA, but his Summer Session

After college, Adam spent one year teaching at Fitchburg High School and then seven years working in retail. But it was his relationship with Coach Hancock that led to his

experiences made him a good fit as Assistant Director of Admissions, so in 2012, he took advantage of that opportunity. These days, he’s also an assistant track coach to Stirling

return to the Academy. Coach Hancock recently called Adam

Ince, who was his head coach as a student and who Sin-

and asked him for his help with the yearly Cushing baseball

tayehu acknowledges is a great coach. “For me, the best part

Florida trip. “After the trip I knew I had to get back to teach-

of running was the team aspect and working together to

ing and coaching,” he says. “It made me realize how much I

achieve that goal,” he says. “Athletics at Cushing is about

missed working with students. I was lucky that there was a

supporting each other. It’s not all about winning; it’s about

math teacher opening at the time here and now I’m here.”

improving and helping your team win.”

As a matter of fact, relationships continue to impact his

He finds his student experience helps him offer potential

feelings about the Academy. “That really is the best thing

and current students good advice about how to take advan-

about being on campus coaching and teaching,” he says. “I

tage of all of the opportunities available at Cushing. At the

feel like I get to have all these great relationships with people

same time, he knows now that there are more opportuni-

I wouldn’t normally have met. There is nothing better than

ties available to Cushing students than he was aware of as a

helping a person get better at something that they are truly

student. “We were in such a hurry to go to college, but being

passionate about.”

a student here is one of the best things. There are a lot of

He also enjoys helping his students get better at math— which has been the bane of many a student’s existence. One of his favorite teaching moments happened this past year

Cushing today

“For me, the best part of being a student here was living

confidence when it came to speaking in front of people.” however. He also remembers a time when he had to rely on

for Sintayehu. During his freshman year of high school in Portland, Me., Sintayehu decided to look at

opportunities for students here that I didn’t see when I was a student.” Asked what he wants Cushing students to experience

during conferences when he had quite a few parents say that

during their time at the school, he replies, “I had a lot of fun

their son/daughter enjoyed coming to his class. “At the end

here. When I go back and look at pictures from my time as a

of the day, I remember feeling very good after that because it

student, I see a lot of smiles and a lot of camaraderie. I would

must mean I am doing something right in the classroom.”

like today’s students to learn that.”

Courtney Sheary ’06

Matt Tuller ’02

Courtney Sheary ’06 returned to Cush-

As is true for many alumni, Matt

ing after graduating from the University

Tuller’s best Cushing memories come

of New Hampshire with a degree in

from the Academy’s sense of com-

sociology.

munity. “All of my memories are of

For Courtney, as for many athletes, playing sports played a big role in her personal success, both as a student and

spending time in the dorm with my buddies, bus rides with the team, going to the student center, various events on

as a young adult. Athletics helped her better manage her

the weekends, and going home to my friends’ houses on the

time and not just how to succeed, but also how to cope with

weekend and getting to know their families,” he says.

inevitable failures. She also learned to be dedicated to the things she feels passionate about. Her favorite memory from her student days at Cushing

After his 2002 graduation from Cushing, he went to Bentley University and followed that up with a marketing job in Boston. After two years he decided he needed a change

is from her freshman year when her team won the E.G.

and when he heard there was a job opening in the Academy’s

Watkins Hockey Tournament. “It was my first time realizing

Admissions Office, he decided to give it a go.

how close the Cushing family is,” she says. “It was the first

“When I graduated, I thought I would come back for

time I got to experience what it meant to play for Cushing

alumni events,” he said. “But I never thought I would end up

and how excited the community was for the victory. I

working at Cushing. These six years have gone by really fast.”

remember many teachers and staff being at the game and

Matt’s father is a Trustee Emeritus of the Cushing Acade-

congratulating the team with the same excitement that we

my Board and because of that relationship, Matt had a pretty

felt as players on the team.”

good sense of the business side of a boarding school. “I have

One of the things she’s passionate about is coaching

always been interested in the business side of the Academy

at Cushing. She’s coaching varsity field hockey and varsity

and love making decisions on a daily basis that help keep the

softball. In addition, for the 2014–2015 school year, she’ll be

Cushing community thriving.”

taking over the role of head coach for varsity girls ice hockey

He enjoys his interactions with the students as well—as

for the retiring Coach Paul Kennedy. “It is rewarding as a

a coach, advisor, and dorm parent—and finds his knowledge

coach to watch a player develop over the years in their vari-

of Cushing to be helpful in knowing how to handle differ-

ous sports,” she says. One such player is Susie Cavanaugh ’13,

ent situations. “I think all my interactions with students are

whom Courtney remembers scoring the triple overtime goal

affected by my own experience as a student,” he observes. “I

to send the girls varsity hockey team to the New England

want the kids to have the same experiences as I did. It’s nice

semifinals. “I could not have picked a better student, athlete,

to have the fine balance of knowing when to be the adult and

or person to be able to experience a memory as great as that,”

when to be a friend.”

she says.

Above (l–r) Matt Tuller ’02, Sintayehu Taye ’08, and Adam Gadoury ’01 smiling in the Heslin Gymnasium; Courtney Sheary ’06 on campus

He’s glad he came back and appreciates his teachers even

Asked about the difference between being a student and

more now, knowing how hard the faculty work to help the stu-

being back at Cushing, Courtney says, “It took some adjust-

dents do well. He knows that the core of the school is the same

ing at first, but you learn how much of an impact you have

now as when he was a student. “I think Cushing is still the

on students’ lives once you start to compare your time at

same. It’s a place for kids to come, learn and be themselves and

Cushing as a student and then as an adult.”

grow to move on and become successful in their own right.”

spring 2014

Envisioning a Better World

Stopping in to the alumni office one morning last fall to reconnect with the school, Brooke Goodnow ’07 updated us on her life since graduating from Cushing. An energetic philanthropist who lives in Alldays, South Africa, Brooke is passionate about her work with Vision Africa Wildlife (VAW). This passion was ignited when Brooke was a student at Northeastern University, as the co-op program there afforded her the opportunity to do an internship working on cheetah conservation. Soon after she graduated from Northeastern in 2011, Brooke heard of an opportunity with VAW and actively sought to work in Africa as a project leader. Her current work consists of tracking cheetahs and other predators to help conserve them in their natural habitat. This work also involves the training and supervision of the many volunteers, of various ages, who seek to give of their time in South Africa. Brooke teaches volunteers how to track animals, how the animals fit into the ecosystem, and respect of endangered species. Her boyfriend, Paul Blumer, moved to Africa as well. With a master’s degree in English, Paul was the perfect candidate to be a teacher in the only multi-racial school in their area. Brooke goes on to say, “The main threat to predators in Africa, and on every continent, is habitat loss. As communities grow and spread out, predators like cheetah, lion, and leopard are targeted as problem animals and are pursued or driven out of their habitats. I work on a wildlife reserve in a predator-unfriendly region in Limpopo where the economy is based on game farming. On this reserve, we run multiple conservation projects, and a percentage of what volunteers pay to work with us goes to the land owner, which is how we are sustainably supporting the cheetahs, leopard, and brown hyena.” Brooke’s and Paul’s desire to change the world reaches far beyond their current work, however. They, along with some family members and friends, have created a nonprofit organization which allows them to extend the reach of their efforts far beyond VAW.

Cushing today

this page Brooke in Africa Right (top) A cheetah poses for the camera; (bottom) African landscape

Through Conserve + Educate (www.conserveandeducate.org), they are getting the word out that “conservation and education go hand in hand.” Brooke explains, “Our organization is like Teach for America. We are working to build secular schools,” like the one where Paul teaches, “and to subsidize teacher salaries and living expenses. Our plan is to live as the locals live, teach conservation, and work to balance the ecosystem.” Brooke and Paul want to better their local community in South Africa and feel their nonprofit will help them to accomplish that goal. Coming to Cushing after attending Applewild School in Fitchburg, Mass., Brooke enjoyed her years as a student in Ashburnham. Brooke recalls several teachers who had a strong influence on her, including advisors Thea Sittler—who Brooke remembers as a powerful and thought-provoking igniter—and Michelle Salvucci, who, Brooke says, “taught me compassion and wisdom.” From lacrosse coach Emily Roller, Brooke learned tenacity and mental toughness. Brooke also remembers Susie Carlisle, Dean of Academics, who has inspired many students. Perhaps most notably, Brooke remembers Raja Bala, English teacher and Dean of Academics, who Brooke says lit a fire for her. Brooke says, “It wasn’t just that he exposed us to literature from around the world, but that he had the patience and tactics, using international music and literature, to force a bunch of seniors to look beyond the confines of school and our little campus out into the world. I was a bit high-spirited and Mr. Bala knew how to pull the energy out of me, instead of suppressing it.” To Brooke, Cushing is a special place because of the relationships she made with exceptional teachers and friends. She cites the art program as something truly unique to Cushing, as well. Cushing provides an opportunity for students to build the confidence to take chances in life—one lesson that Brooke has clearly learned quite well! Brooke says, “I keep casting my net wider to nurture the resources I already have. I keep my future secure by engaging people in what I do.” Brooke is not the only Cushing alum in her family. Her grandfather graduated in 1945 as did her uncle in 1970. Brooke’s advice to fellow alumni? “Use your resources,” she says. With the common bond of a shared experience at Cushing, she knows that “the friends that we went to school with are a valuable resource for each of us.” Brooke continues, “I understand giving back now because of my nonprofit work and appreciate why Cushing needs its alumni to help it be successful.” It’s heartwarming to know that Cushing alumni, like Brooke, are truly making a difference in the world and still hold Cushing so close to heart.

For more information on Brooke and her work, please check out www.conserveandeducate.org.

spring 2014

What Am I?

Can you identify this piece of Cushing’s history? Think you know where it is on campus and what it has to do with one of Cushing’s favorite coaches? Read the full story and find out if you’re right.

It ’s the plaque on Heslin Gymnasium recogniz-

Coach Heslin was Mr. Bike’s assistant before taking over the

ing its dedication to longtime Cushing Coach and Athletic

reins when Mr. Bike left in 1930.

Director Paul Heslin.

ter Cowell (still the longest serving Headmaster in Cushing

pleted in 1957, paid for in part by money raised through the

history). It was the year Fred D. Lane was honored for his 50

Alumni Fund and the Parents Christmas Fund. When it of-

years of service to Cushing. One wonders if—at that time,

ficially opened on Apr. 23, 1957, The Breeze called it a “thrilling

tenure would last almost as long, a total of 42 years before his

attended the opening to see its electronic scoreboards, “ultra-

retirement in 1971.

modern” glass backboards, and wooden pull-out bleachers.

It was a big year that saw a number of firsts and impor-

“A 7–3 victory over the Deerfield baseball team provided a suit-

tant events and people at the Academy. Parents Weekend was

It wasn’t until the summer of 1959, however, that Coach Heslin was honored with the naming of the building. That

new, held the weekend before Mother’s Day. The girls hosted coeducational teas for the first time that year, helping them

to become “proficient in the fine art of hospitality,” notes The

honor commemorated his thirtieth anniversary of appoint-

Breeze. “Both boys and girls were surprised to find what good

ment to the Academy.

times they could have under the conventions of society,” it

It was 85 years ago this fall that this beloved member

went on to say. A student council was formally organized, as

of the community arrived for his first year. He came to the

was a Chess Club. In 1928, the Board of Trustees had purchased

school on the hill in part because of his friendship with

a moving picture machine for the school, but it was 1929 be-

Edward Bike, who at the time coached the football and bas-

fore anyone was sufficiently knowledgeable to run it. The first

ketball teams and served as Athletic Director. That first year,

Cushing today

in his first year—Paul Heslin could have imagined that his

experience.” More than 500 alumni, parents, and students

able climax to the dedication ceremonies,” declared The Breeze.

The summer of 1929 had seen the passing of Headmas-

The gym’s construction began in 1956 and it was com-

movie showing—The Haunted House—took place on Nov. 17, 1929.

Top (left) Coach Heslin near his retirement; (right) Coach Heslin’s first football team. He’s on the far left of the middle row. Mr. Bike is pictured on the far right of the middle row. Bottom (left) Heslin Gymnasium when it was new; (middle) Coach and Mrs. Heslin on Mount Monadnock; (right) The dedication plaque on Heslin Gymnasium

Cushing welcomed also its first woman trustee that year:

history. His teams played in 1,100 games and won 122 football

Gertrude Sanderson Brown 1897. Along with new Headmas-

games, 279 basketball games, and 236 baseball games. Three

ter James Vose, also joining the faculty in 1929 was a young

of his football teams were undefeated.

woman by the name of Elizabeth Penny who took over for Mr.

In his 42 years at Cushing, he worked with four Head-

Bike’s wife as Athletic Director for Girls. A few years later,

masters: James Vose (1929–1933), Clarence Quimby (1933–

Elizabeth Penny became Elizabeth Heslin after her marriage

1956), Ralph O. West (1956–1960), and Bradford Lamson

to Paul. The couple had a daughter, Paula Heslin Nelson,

(1960–1972). On the occasion of Coach Heslin’s retirement in

who graduated from the Academy in 1953 and is still a regular

1971, then-Headmaster Bradford Lamson wrote, “Great teach-

visitor to campus. They also had a son, Peter, who attended

ers make great schools and Paul was a giant among giants as

the Groton School.

a teacher, a coach, and an athletic director.”

None of Coach Heslin’s teams set the world on fire in

For 60 years, the Heslin Gymnasium has served as a wel-

his first year, although the baseball team did beat Worcester

come reminder of the lasting impact of excellent teachers on

Academy, which seemed to sit pretty well with everyone

the lives of their students.

at Cushing. In spite of this inauspicious beginning, Coach Heslin went on to be one of the greatest coaches in Cushing

spring 2014

Art of Giving

What is an Endowment Anyway? If you’ ve been around independent

sustainability, and security. The goals for any

toward the endowment in support of any area of

schools for any length of time, or if you follow

endowment, including Cushing’s, is to maintain

the school.

the national news, you’ve probably heard people

its purchasing power by earning greater returns

Endowments often supplement an institu-

talking about endowments. Often, however, it

than its rate of spending. Endowment spending

tion’s operating budget and provide funding for

isn’t clear just exactly what an endowment is or

rates usually are in the 3 to 5 percent range while

financial assistance. That is certainly true at

how it works. Further, the notion of an endow-

investment returns targets are 2 to 4 percentage

Cushing and helps ensure that worthy students

ment often suggests a school is very well off and

points above the rate of return.

are able to take advantage of all Cushing has to offer. Endowments may also add to what an

has a pot of money that enables them to offer big

Of course, the growth of an endowment is

scholarships or build impressive new buildings.

not dependent only on investment return. The

institution might do above and beyond operating

In reality, simply having an endowment isn’t a

endowment also grows as a result of gifts to the

expenses and financial aid, such as constructing

guarantee of a school’s financial health.

school.

new facilities, helping faculty continue their

At Cushing—as at any independent school,

Often, a school’s endowment is broken up

educations, and allowing faculty to take students

or college and university—an endowment works

into smaller funds directed toward a specific

on field trips, thereby supplementing the educa-

as a kind of permanent savings account for the

purpose such as scholarships, faculty salaries,

tion the students receive. Most important, an

institution. Donations to the endowment are

unrestricted funds for a department, or mainte-

endowment helps preserve and bolster the

invested and the returns on those investments

nance for facilities. Frequently, such funds are

Cushing experience and ensures that future

are both spent and reinvested. The rate at which

named by a donor and the size of those funds

Cushing students have same wonderful educa-

the funds are spent varies so that both the value

varies depending on its purpose. For example,

tional experiences as today’s students.

of the endowment and the expenditures rise over

a full scholarship fund must be large enough to

time to keep pace with inflation.

generate adequate funding to support a stu-

dowment, its growth, or how you can support it, please contact the Development Office at

A larger endowment provides opportunity

dent whereas a fund that provides unrestricted

for greater investment and stability, resulting

funding for a department could be smaller. That

in overall growth of the endowment. Therefore,

said, a gift needn’t be large to support a school’s

endowment size adds to an institution’s health,

endowment. A gift of any size may be directed

Sample Endowment Fund Growth and Expenditure Fund Value

Investment Growth at 8%

If you have questions about Cushing’s en-

978-827-7400 or email alumniprograms@ cushing.org.

Cushing Four Year Endowment Growth

Annual Expenditure at 4%

Fiscal Year

Value

$25,000

$2,000

$1,000

2010

$24,805,000

$100,000

$8,000

$4,000

2011

$29,190,000

$500,000

$40,000

$20,000

2012

$28,887,000

$1,000,000

$80,000

$40,000

2013

$32,957,000

Minimum Named Endowment Amounts at Cushing

Cushing TODAY

Fund Type

Minimum

Faculty Chair

$1.5 million

Full Scholarship

$1 million

Library Resources

$100,000

Headmaster’s Fund

$100,000

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A Little Goes a Long Way in Annual Food Drive At the end of 2013, student leaders at Cushing set out to raise awareness of the challenges and difficulties some local families face each day simply to put food on their table. Determined to make a difference, these students launched the 4th annual Cushing Academy Food Bank Campaign. This project was designed to raise funds for the Worcester County Food Bank, an organization that serves more

Spencer West speaks to Cushing students in Cowell Chapel

than 60 communities in the local area. The students leading this effort worked tirelessly to organize and promote this cam-

The World Needs Cushing Students

paign, all while inspiring the Cushing community to reach

In late January, Cushing had a

to learn. On that trip, he found

difference and inspiring them to be-

special visitor to campus.

peace thinking less about himself

come involved with things they’re

and more about others. He helped

passionate. In January, he brought

as a result of this student-led

rare genetic disorder that resulted

build the village a new school so

his message to the Academy. “If I

community effort, a check in

in the amputation of his legs at age

the children were no longer subject

can do all of these things,” he told

the amount of $1,318.65 was de-

five. His parents were told, then,

to the weather and could learn in a

the Cushing students, “then so can

livered to the Worcester County

that he would never walk and would

solid structure.

you. The world needs you.”

Food Bank. Although the vital

Spencer West was born with a

likely never sit up. He proved the

That trip to Kenya was just the

Natalie Hillman ’14 has been so

out to those in need. We are pleased to report that

work to relieve hunger is ongo-

doctors wrong, but as you might

beginning for Spencer. He came

inspired by Spencer—indeed, it was

ing, these funds provided much-

imagine, Spencer was the victim of

home and found a job working with

her idea to bring him to speak—that

needed sustenance to hundreds

some bullying in his school years

the Me to We organization, part of

she is spearheading an initiative at

of local families.

and has become used to answering

a family of organizations that also

the Academy to raise money to build

people’s awkward questions. In

includes Free the Children. In 2012,

a school as part of Free the Chil-

the Worcester County Food Bank

spite of that, he has never let other

he climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro—on his

dren’s Year of Education. Together

has invited Cushing students

people define him. He approaches

hands—to raise money for Free the

with the 1865 Leadership Society

to visit the facilities to learn

his life with humor and a commit-

Children’s sustainable water initia-

and Mrs. Torino, she has planned

how their donations serve the

ment to making the world a better

tive in Kenya. In 2013, he walked

several fundraisers throughout the

many families in the local area.

place.

about 180 miles across the Cana-

spring term.

We hope the students will take

After graduating from college,

dian province of Alberta, from the

Spencer’s trip to Cushing was

Spencer got a good job in Phoenix,

capital, Edmonton, to Calgary, as

made possible through the generos-

Ariz., but he felt something was

part of Free the Children’s We Walk

ity of the Hillman family.

missing. A friend invited him to

4 Water campaign.

go to Kenya as part of a Me to We

For the last six years, Spencer

trip. While there, he met children

has been redefining what is pos-

who went to school in a building

sible. In the process, he is helping

without walls, and where, when it

kids all over the world to recognize

rained, they would sit in the mud

the power they have to make a

In addition, the Director of

advantage of that opportunity during spring term.

If you would like to get involved or learn more about the good work these organizations are doing, visit the Me to We website at www.metowe.com or Free the Children at www.freethe children.com.

spring 2014

Art of Giving

All Fired Up

Cushing Students Visit a Local Glass Studio

This page Arkadiy Baltser ’17 creates a piece of glass art.

On Thursday, Feb. 27, Bob an interest in pursuing visual arts was a team effort, everyone works

Opposite top Bob Johnson at the fire, while the Terrapin Glass instructor looks on

Johnson took four students from his majors in college. Alex and Fiona together. You need three people to

portfolio class to visit Terrapin Glass were already interested in glass blow glass.”

Blowing Studio in Jaffrey, N.H. arts; they currently make glass The students also got to see

Terrapin is a family run studio that beads at Cushing. They each left their teachers as students; the trip

Opposite bottom (left) Alex O’Neill ’14 works with hot glass; (right) Susie Carlisle (far left) and Arkadiy Baltser ’17 (far right) work with the instructor (center).

offers classes and private lessons in

Terrapin with seven self-crafted

was a learning experience for both

glass blowing. The gift was made

blown glass works.

The students, Arkadiy Baltser

Cushing TODAY

possible thanks to a donor with a

Besides wonderful pieces of art

Mr. Johnson and Susie Carlisle,

Cushing’s Dean of Academics, who

strong appreciation for glass arts.

to add to their portfolios, what else

accompanied the group. “It was nice

did the students take away from

for the kids to see Susie and me as

’17, Cyvian Chen ’16, Alex O’Neill

that day? According to Bob Johnson,

students. This was a way of show-

’14, and Fiona Yang ’16, all have

they learned about teamwork. “It

ing the kids that you don’t stop

■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■ on campus

learning once you leave school,”

Mr. Johnson says.

trip to Terrapin Glass Blowing The group will make a return

Studio this spring term.

a generous gift made by Alex and

The trip was funded through

Norma Cugini, of Renton, Va.,

grandparents of Alex O’Neill.

For more information on Terrapin Glass Blowing Studio, visit their website www.terrapinglass.com, email them at info@terrapinglass.com or call them at 603-593-5073. You can also follow them on Twitter @TerrapinGlass

spring 2014

Show Your Work

Cushing today

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High Performance

Since the earliest days of the Academy, music instruction has been a part of the curriculum. Indeed, in Cushing’s first year—not 1865, when it was incorporated, but rather in 1875, when the first students arrived—there were more than 20 students enrolled in “instrumental music” and nine private vocal students. Such instruction was clearly deemed an important addition to the classical education that was typical of the time. Since then, Cushing has always had some kind of formal musical instruction, including instrument and vocal lessons, and some extracurricular options like Glee Club and choir. Many alumni will remember the long years of service to the Academy by Theodore Pierce, who taught at the Academy for several decades and who was, sometimes, the sum total of the Department of Music. These days, music instruction at the Academy is quite purposeful and is more than extracurricular. Indeed, many music classes—including chorus, jazz ensemble, and classical chamber music— are major classes that count toward a student’s graduation requirements. Cushing’s current Director of Music, Desh Hindle notes that this differentiates Cushing from other schools. “We take these ensembles seriously. They are educational ensembles and not just recreational,” he says. We asked Mr. Hindle why music instruction is so important. He answered, “Music plays a special role in any community as a function that helps us to feel things together at important communal occasions, and to recognize why we are here and what we aspire to. Music is an art that has a particular power to drive straight through to one’s emotions without the need for any translation or analysis; it just strikes you in your gut. In a way, it is the ideal way to express something that cannot be expressed using traditional means.” He goes on, “There is an exhilaration to pouring oneself into music; it is the sort of thing that one cannot do half-way. This takes courage and also builds confidence.” Mr. Hindle also acknowledges that for some students, music can be a retreat from the rigors of everyday life at a school like Cushing. For others, it is a means for social engagement and connection—a way to challenge themselves and be a part of something bigger. For still others, it is a part of who they are that will not be denied. Read on to meet some of the Cushing students for whom music has been an important part of their Academy experience.

Desh Hindle has served as Cushing’s Director of Music since 2006. Prior to coming the Academy, Mr. Hindle spent five years growing the music program at the Hun School of Princeton. Before that, he spent several years working on his master of music degree in composition at the Hartt School of Music in West Hartford, Conn. He has been playing music since the age of eight, and was involved in musical ensembles throughout his schooling. He graduated from Bates College in 1989 with a degree in music composition. Despite his personal musical accomplishments, he hasn’t always worked in the field. He spent a number of years working in financial planning and was Director of Financial Aid at the Boston University Medical Campus. He says, “My hiatus from active music-making was primarily one of counseling, educating, and public speaking, all of which led me to try to combine those elements with music.”

spring 2014

Show Your Work

Ethan Leff ’14

Ethan Leff ’14 started playing drums about 10 years ago during summer companiment to school musicals and is part of the theatre technology

camp, during which he had just one lesson. When he came home, he program where he learns to run light and sound boards and design sets.

says he played drums on everything he could find—from pillows to his

desk—and drove everyone crazy. A year later, his parents finally gave in “It’s a well-rounded, hands-on program,” he says.

Also important to Ethan was Cushing’s Academic Support Program,

to the inevitable and bought him a drum set and hooked him up with a which has been a real help to him. “The Academic Support Program has

teacher. “The better I got, the more I enjoyed it,” he says. “I like playing helped me to reach my potential. I’ve always worked hard, but at Cush-

with others too. I like the musical conversation you can have.”

Ethan had been looking at day and boarding schools in his home ing I’ve learned to slow down and take my time,” he says. That sense of

discipline and control makes him a better drummer too. “I’ve learned to

state of New York when he found out about Cushing from a tutor he not do just the minimum, when to use finesse, and when to use power.

was working with. The Academy was particularly appealing because the

school allows students to do activities that are not athletic in nature. I’ve learned to be my own person.”

Mr. Hindle acknowledges that Ethan hasn’t ever been the kind of

When he came for a visit, Director of Music Desh Hindle reached out,

student to do just the minimum. “He takes music theory, plays drums

setting a tone that Ethan appreciates to this day. “I’m not athletic,” he

for Jerry Sabatini in the Jazz Ensemble, takes private lessons, regularly

says. “It was important to me to have a music or theatre option. Also,

performs in Coffeehouses at the Academy and generally finds any excuse

the program is small enough that everyone knows each other. I can get

to get involved in both music and theatre production.” Furthermore, like

individualized help.”

As a student, he appreciates that Cushing music students are able to

his classmate, Mimi, Ethan is also a proctor this year.”I’m thankful for

take trips regularly—like a recent trip to the House of Blues—and they’re

encouraged to explore other musical venues. Ethan regularly offers ac-

Cushing today

the opportunity to be a leader here,” he says.

In the fall, Ethan will head to Boston’s Berklee College of Music.

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Ka Yan “Mimi” To ’14

Like many of us, Ka Yan “Mimi” To ’14 sings in the car. She sings to re-

lieve stress and to express her feelings. “When I’m sad, I sing sad songs,”

she says. “But when I am happy, I sing happy songs.” But what started

out as a fun way to relieve stress and pass the time on road trips has be-

come an important part of her life and her time at Cushing Academy.

Jacky ’06, to Cushing. When it was time for her to start high school, she A four year student from Hong Kong, Mimi followed her brother,

knew she wanted a different kind of experience than she would have at a

large Hong Kong school, so she made up her mind to attend the Acad-

emy, where she has been an outstanding singer and volleyball player.

“Cushing is not just a place for certain things,” she says. “It’s for every-

thing—academics, athletics, and arts. I love playing sports too.”

was volleyball that initially got her attention. She hadn’t participated in In fact, although she enjoys chorus and her solo performances, it

chorus in Hong Kong, but because she indicated on her Cushing forms

that she liked to sing, Music Director Desh Hindle sought her out after

she arrived on campus and invited her to join. Two years ago she started

private voice lessons. “I enjoy it so much. The music program here is

good,” she says.

had to work with so many different voices, but singing in the chorus Chorus was uncomfortable for her in the beginning because she

helped ignite an interest in learning more about music. That interest

has led to many opportunities to learn and perform—both in chorus and

alone on stage. It has also been a time of personal development for the

young singer. “It helps me to learn more about music and helps build

confidence, which allows me to communicate with people better,” she

says. “I’m more social. It makes me happy.”

the court, in the choir room, and in the dorm. She’s the alto section Mimi’s talents have led to some leadership opportunities as well—on

leader for the chorus, which has helped her appreciate her place and her

talent. “Many girls want to sing soprano and I did too, but I’ve learned

that singing alto can be the most challenging position. I’m learning

something new every day. It’s more than just the notes,” she says.

freshman year, which has helped her feel more comfortable at Cushing In addition, Mimi has been on the varsity volleyball team since her

and supplements the confidence and communications skills she’s gained

in chorus. She’s the only four year player on the team this year and was

selected as a captain. She’s also a proctor, which she feels has taught her

valuable problem-solving skills.

also discovering other talents. It turns out she has an aptitude for foreign

Beyond expanding her musical horizons with voice lessons, she’s

languages. “I’ve learned a lot about foreign languages by singing songs

from different countries,” she says. “I used to be scared of the future, but

now I know I can do well because Cushing has given me confidence.”

spring 2014

Show Your Work

Cushing today

KyuSang Han ’14 South Korea native KyuSang Han ’14 started playing piano at the age of

five, inspired by a kindergarten teacher. He played for a while, but even-

tually got tired of playing and gave it up.

and took it up again as a way to expand his school experience and relieve

That would be the end of the story, except that he came to Cushing

stress. “Music helps my academics and athletics because it improves my

memory and communication,” he says. “It allows me to relieve stress and

be more proactive, creative, and independent in my learning.”

speaking English in class. “When I first came to Cushing, I was afraid to For Kyu, music has helped build his confidence and feel better about

speak English, so I couldn’t speak in class,” he says. “But when I play mu-

sic, I open myself up, get out of my comfort zone, and work together with

other musicians. That has made me more comfortable about participating

in class and interacting with my teammates.”

that Kyu has done better than perhaps any student I have seen at the Mr. Hindle has seen that comfort at work in class. “One of the things

high school level is to actively communicate in rehearsal with his peers

and coaches about his reactions to the music, suggestions for dealing

with performance problems, and ideas for shaping the music in our own

way,” he says. “It’s quite a remarkable accomplishment that has and will

certainly transfer into other areas of his life.”

student, but by the time he was a junior, his grades had shown strong When he came to Cushing, Kyu didn’t think of himself as a strong

improvement and he applied—and was accepted—to be a Cushing Scholar

[see page 3 for more on the Cushing Scholars Program]. It was during a

Cushing Scholars program that he heard a guest speaker from Harvard

talk about using technology to help disadvantaged kids in Africa and was

inspired to do an independent study project to engineer ventilation sys-

tems for African schools. “Last summer I finished the design and sent it to

a volunteer organization that will implement it,” he says.

Cushing having only skied recreationally. So while he made the team his Kyu is also a strong skier, but it wasn’t always that way. He came to

freshman year, he didn’t do very well. It’s safe to say he’s come a long

way since then. “I found potential I never expected because I was not an

athlete before I came to Cushing. I hope to participate in the 2018 Winter

Olympics,” he says.

he’s forced to manage problems on his own. “When I have problems with

Kyu feels Cushing has made him a more independent person because

my friends, I have to sort it out. I have to deal with the consequences of

getting in trouble, do my own laundry, clean my own room, sign up and

get to class on time, and study. I’m more aware and more organized. I’m

better prepared for hard work.”

spring 2014

Good Sports Repeat Champions

If there was any doubt about

whether the Cushing varsity

basketball team deserved last

year’s NEPSAC championship,

they were put to rest in March

when the Penguins repeated

as champs. It was an amaz-

ing, fast-paced game against

Kimball Union Academy and

the team had great fan support.

Final score: 78–70.

Way to go, Penguins!

Helping Others

Taking time out of their

own busy schedules before

spring break, Kylie Caou-

ette ’15, Dovey Foote ’14,

and Mikala Malboeuf ’15

recently pitched in to help

the local public school’s

girls basketball team

(grades 3–5) as they headed

into tournament games.

The Cushing girls gave the

team some great pointers

and were great role models!

Ackim Mpofu ’14 Named All Scholastic MVP

career! (Read more about Ackim in the fall 2013 issue of Cushing Today.)

Cushing TODAY

Speaking of Champions

Huge congrats to Ackim Mpofu ’14 (above left, with soccer coach Matt

The basketball team wasn’t the

only winner on the court. Coach

Shea), who was named the 2013 Prep Private, Boys Soccer All Scholastic

Barry Connors was named 2013–2014

MVP! It has been quite some time since a Cushing player has had this award

NEPSAC Class AA Coach of the Year

and we are all extremely proud of what he has achieved in his Cushing

along with Michael Hart from St.

Andrew’s (R.I.). Great job, Coach!

■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■ on campus

CA Players Named to NEPSAC All-Tournament Team

Congratulations to the following

field hockey players on being named

to the NEPSAC Class B All-Tourna-

ment Team (shown left to right)!

•

• Dovey Foote ’14, Defense,

Cambridge, MA

Kylie Caouette ’15, Forward,

Ashburnham, MA

Samantha Reynolds ’15,

Goalkeeper, Burlington, MA

Above, from left Dexter Turner ’14;

Idris Taqqee ’14, basketball Coach Barry Connors, and Kaleb Joseph ’14;

Johnny Bianchi ’14, Alford “Tre” White ’14, Liam McCarthy ’14, football Coach Wayne Clarke, Dexter Turner ’14, Ryan Bajjaly ’14, and Devin Hemeon ’14

Cushing Athletes Sign Letters of Intent • Kaleb Joseph ’14 heads to Syracuse University for basketball.

• Idris Taqqee ’14 has signed on to play basketball at St. Bonaventure University.

Several Cushing athletes have • Jonathan Bianchi ’14 heads to Sacred Heart University to play football.

committed to play in college. • Dexter Turner ’14 will play football for University of Maine.

• Richard Boyd ’14 will play hockey for the University of New Hampshire.

• Bailey Conger ’16 has committed to St. Lawrence University for hockey.

•

David Cotton ’16 will play hockey for Boston College.

•

Malcolm Hayes ’14 has committed to play hockey for the University of Maine.

•

Matt Hoover ’14 has committed to Canisius College for hockey.

•

Val Dayton ’14 heads to Merrimack College to play lacrosse.

•

Ackim Mpofu ’14 heads to Northeastern to play soccer.

spring 2014

Carrying on a Hockey Tradition Hockey has been part of

Even so, hockey wasn’t a regu-

ing out over the ice. The smack of

shots at the goal. But following that

Cushing for a long time. So long,

lar feature on campus even in the

the puck against the boards. The

win, the team saw a losing streak of

scrape of skates on the ice. The

six games. A streak like that might

in fact, that it’s hard to remember

1940s.The 1947 Bulletin notes that at

a time when it wasn’t a fixture on

that time there had been no hockey

cheers of parents and friends in the

be enough to break a team’s spirit,

campus.

for several years. Perhaps this on

stands, wrapped in blankets to keep

but on a Friday evening in mid-Jan-

Cushing players have played on

going lack can be attributed to the

warm.

uary, the boys rallied to take home

Olympic, National Hockey League,

difficulties in maintaining an ad-

American Hockey League, and

It can be difficult coaching at

their second win of the season,

equate rink outdoors. Many alumni

an independent school, however.

against the New England Stars.

Canadian Women’s Hockey League

have shared memories of building a

Your players come from different

That win kicked off a stron-

ice. We know their names: Bobby

rink with boards and water brought

backgrounds with different skills

ger second half of the season that

Allen, Richard Bachman, Zach

down from Ash House with hoses.

and often by the time your team

would see the boys winning six,

Bogosian, Chris Bourque, Meghan

Imagine the difficulty of keeping

really starts to gel, the season is

tying one, and losing just four,

Duggan, Bryan Ewing, Ryan Lan-

such a rink in good playing order.

ending. And because of the nature

including a revenge win against

Despite the early inconsisten-

of schools—kids sometimes come

Tilton School, who had beaten them earlier in the season.

non, Erika Lawler, John Lilley, Broc Little, Eric Nickulas, Brad Nor-

cies in Cushing’s hockey program,

and go fairly quickly—you find

ton, Jeff Norton, Tom Poti, Conor

one thing that has never been in

yourself starting over each season.

Sheary, and Keith Yandle.

dispute is the Academy’s commit-

As a result, you can have a great

ever played knows, being part of

Of course, as anyone who’s

But in fact, hockey has only

ment to athletics—whether those

season followed by an average one

a team can be wonderful experi-

been played at the Academy since

competitions carried the players

or vice versa.

ence regardless of the final record.

the school constructed the short-

toward championships or toward

After a strong 2013 campaign,

George Peters ’14, a four year senior

lived Michael C. Price Rink in 1924.

good health and sportsmanship.

the 2014 season was a challenging

who served as a team captain, says

That commitment is evident in the

one for the Varsity B team. The

he grew up hearing about Cush-

was a disappointment because of

36 teams the Academy fields each

team dropped their opening game,

ing hockey and feels glad to have

leaking, so the team spent a lot

year over three seasons—boys and

but came back in the second game

had to opportunity to play for the

of time practicing on mill ponds

girls, varsity and junior varsity.

with a strong performance against

Academy. “Being on a team brings

Dexter School, which featured a hat

you together with the community,”

The Breeze notes that the first rink

before taking on the Harvard fresh-

Varsity B Boys Hockey is one of

men in their first real game on Jan.

those teams and you can imagine

trick by Nolan O’Connor and goals

George says. “You build bonds with

14, 1925—a game the Penguins lost

the scene. Purple Penguin jerseys.

by four other players. Goalie Nate

friends and coaches that can’t be

soundly by a score of 13 to 1.

The sound of the ref’s whistle ring-

Norton turned back 26 of Dexter’s

beat.”

Cushing TODAY

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2014 Varsity B Season Record Team Roster Team Awards

Cardigan Mountain School Dexter School New Hampton School Tabor Academy Tilton School Phillips Exeter Academy Avon Old Farms School Academy St. Louis New England Stars Tilton School Deerfield Academy Salisbury School Northfield Mt. Hermon Hillside School Lawrence Academy Phillips Exeter Academy Hebron Academy Rust Cup vs. Avon Old Farms School Rust Cup vs. Tabor 2 3 4 7 10 11 12 13 14 16 19 21 22 23 24 29 Nate Norton Finest Contribution to the Sport

L W L L L L L L W W W L T W W L L L W 1–2 7–2 2–4 2–4 0–3 1–4 1–6 1–3 4–2 4–2 6–0 2–4 2–2 3–1 7–5 4–7 5–2 1–5 5–2 Clayton Sandage ’14 Max Grafton ’14 Trevor Diver ’17 George Peters ’14 Graff Richards ’14 Go Uemura ’16 Nathan Alber ’17 Leon Melamed ’17 Evan Samson ’16 Nolan O’Connor ’14 Zach Doucette ’15 George Han ’15 Spencer Ralston ’14 Scott Harlin ’16 Charlie Buerk ’15 Nathan Norton ’14 Clayton Sandage Most Improved

Nolan O’Connor Defensive Player

Graff Richards Offensive Player

Max Grafton Outstanding Sportsmanship

Facing Page Varsity B Boys Hockey 2014

This page, top (left) Clayton Sandage ’14; (right) Nate Norton ’14 guards the goal.

Bottom (left) Charlie Buerk ’15; (right) Graff Richards ’14 (front), Spencer Ralston ’14, and Trevor Diver ’17 are congratulated by their teammates.

Managers Dan Kelley ’14 Edwin Forrester ’16

who followed his brother Will ’09 to Teammate Scott Harlin ’16,

Cushing from Florida, says hockey

was definitely one of the reasons

he came to the Academy. “I’m a big

sports fan,” he says. “I feel good

about playing hockey at Cushing.

It’s a feat in itself. The coaches

mean a lot to me and help me enjoy

the game even more. And the team

hangs out after school. We’re good

friends off the ice too,” he says.

’02 [read more about Matt on page Assistant Coach Matt Tuller

19] knows all about that. He played

Varsity B hockey as a student and

remembers the experience as a good

one, where he made good friends,

and that added to his overall Cush-

ing experience.

their 2014 season and will say goodThe team has closed the book on

bye to seven players and manager

Dan Kelley at commencement. But

the experience is one that they’ll re-

member for many years to come and

it won’t be the record they remem-

ber, but the friends they made and

the lessons they learned.

spring 2014

International Corner Reaching Out to Cushing’s International Alumni and Families

information about her upcoming

Over the next several years,

students. We hope all 90 alumni

Cushing will have many Chinese

living in Hong Kong will join them

graduates entering the work force,

in their efforts. The group has

Nearly 20 percent of Cushing

Jenn says the alumni and parents

because 60 percent of Cushing’s

already scheduled four events each

alumni are living outside the

she meets have been excited to work

mainland Chinese graduates are

academic year and coordinated

United States, and Assistant Direc-

together to help today’s Cushing

still in college. The Alumni Office

their first bowling party over spring

tor of Development Programs Jenn

students. In Korea, the Korean

hopes to organize alumni-parent

break with current students.

Klein is working hard to energize

Mothers Association President and

chapter councils in each major

this important group of Penguins

Secretary have decided to issue an

city in mainland China to help our

and international families.

invitation to Korean alumni to part-

newest Penguins network for their careers.

travel to France and Germany. No matter where she travels,

For the second year in a row,

ner with them on enhancing the

she traveled with the Headmaster to

Cushing experience. There are 114

Japan, Korea, and China. Last year’s

living Korean alumni and the Ko-

are getting in on the act as well.

trip also included Taiwan and Indo-

rean Mother’s Association is excited

Michael Ho ’06 was recently voted

nesia. Never one to let an opportuni-

about their successes, including the

President of the first alumni-parent

ty to meet alumni and parents pass

achievement of the Korean Air CEO

council in Hong Kong. Tyler Chu ’06

her by, she also hosted a Cushing

Yang Ho Cho ’68. Korean alumni, be

and current parents Jo Jo Leung and

gathering during a recent personal

on the lookout for their invitation

Lina Chow will work with Michael

vacation to London. Stay tuned for

in your mailboxes!

and others to benefit Cushing

Hong Kong alumni and parents

In Japan, Tomo Matsuo ’94 has created a Japanese alumni group on Facebook. If you would like to be added to the group, please email Jenn at jklein@ cushing.org. All Japanese Cushing students will be added upon graduation. If you are an international alumnus/a who would like to get involved with an alumni-parent council in your city, please email Jenn Klein at jklein@cushing.org.

Update on Cushing Art Graduate Jacqueline Kumer ’13

time reading and writing essays about art history. Asked about her advice

Jennifer Klein recently caught up with Cushing alumna and talented art

vantage of the different mediums to be multi-talented instead of limiting

student Jacqueline “Jackie” Kumer ’13.

yourself and focusing on one aspect.” She is considering going into product

Jackie is in her first of a four-year program at the Art Institute of Chicago, which includes some Saturday classes and a few six-hour-long classes. On campus, she sometimes runs into Wenli Liu ’12, of Beijing. Jackie is taking classes on painting, illustrations, abstract art, sketching, and installations, and was surprised to find that she spends a lot of

Cushing TODAY

to Cushing art students, she says, “Try every possible art class and take ad-

design after she finishes college. Jackie’s younger sister, Jennifer Kumer ’13, is also doing well. She is studying at the Maharishi University of Management in Iowa. We are proud of their accomplishments!

Fundraising in Asia

Headmaster and Mrs. Torino

enjoyed their first trip to Asia

in February. They were gone

for 16 days and traveled to

Tokyo, Seoul, Beijing, Shang-

hai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen,

and Hong Kong. Events in

each city were planned and

hosted by Cushing parents,

and during the trip, they met

over 100 people and raised

$108,000. Everyone at Cush-

ing greatly appreciates this

overwhelming support.

$380,000 from our extended Last year, Cushing raised

community in Asia. So far

this year, we have raised

$165,000, but you have until

June 30th to help us surpass

last year’s total.

To make your gift, you can call us at 978-827-7400, email Jenn at jklein@cushing.org, or visit our website at www.cushing.org/give.

spring 2014

Alumni News Where in the World is the Alumni Office?

Since the fall, Alumni Office staff members have attended numerous

events and meeting with alumni, near and far. While the trip to the Bel-

mont Country Club outside of Boston for the annual holiday party was

close by, they also traveled to Massachusetts’ North Shore, Providence,

R.I., New York City, Chicago, Denver, Colo., and Washington, D.C., for

events. Mr. and Mrs. Torino also traveled to Asia with Assistant Director

of Development Programs Jennifer Klein. For more information on that

trip, turn to the “International Corner” on page 38.

North Shore

On a foggy fall day, four Cushing

alumni, one spouse, and two

representatives from the Alumni

Office enjoyed a beautiful lunch

at the Boston Yacht Club in

Denver, Colo. and alumni parents, there were

Marblehead, Mass. Hosted by Director of Development Caitlin also staff members from Denver

Nancy Coffin ’44, the lunch was O’Brien traveled to Colorado in Kids Inc. and two Cushing Summer

one of many area events this fall March to meet up with Cushing Session scholarship recipients from

with the goal of reconnecting alumni. She was joined by Head-

Holiday Celebration at Belmont Country Club the organization. The Richardson

our alumni with one another master Chris Torino for a reception family, who are involved with both

A beautiful holiday reception and with the Academy. During at the Charcoal Restaurant in DenCushing and Denver Kids, funded

was hosted by Bill Rose and lunch, conversation was easy, ver, which was hosted by Jim and the two scholarships. It was a great

Dr. Merle Monsein, parents of the food delicious and the comJoanne Richardson (Andrew ’10). In visit with outstanding Penguin

Jared Rose ’15, at the Belmont pany truly enjoyable. We were addition to local Cushing alumni hospitality as always!

Country Club on Friday, Dec. even treated to a rendition of the

6, 2013. Over 135 guests were Alma Mater sung by Nancy and

in attendance to celebrate the

season with Headmaster Torino Mike Goodstein ’52.

and his wife, Dena, including

trustees, faculty, staff, current

and past parents, alumni from

1940 to 2011, and friends of the

Academy.

Providence, R.I., Reception 7th Annual NYC Holiday Event

On Nov. 14, Trustee Jeremy Duffy The 7th annual New York holi-

’89 and his wife, Julie, hosted day reception was hosted by

a Cushing Academy reception Aaron ’90 and Franceska Earls

where they welcomed Headmas-

and Wayne Sanborn at the

ter Chris Torino with his wife,

Gramercy Park Bar on Wednes-

Dena. The event took place at the

day, Dec. 18, 2013. Over 30 guests

University Club in Providence,

were in attendance, which in-

R.I. We were thrilled to welcome

cluded alumni, former faculty,

alumni from 1948 to 2004, cur-

and past parents. We thank both

rent parents, and trustees to the

Aaron and Wayne for carrying

event.

on this fantastic tradition!

Cushing TODAY

above Director of Development Caitlin O’Brien met with Harold Cooney ’94 while she was in Colorado. Pictured here, some of his glass work.

Bottom Caitlin also met with Will Day ’89 in Colorado. He’s pictured here with one of his paintings.

Cushing Olympian Meghan Duggan ’06 first-team All-American, WCHA Player of

Just a few weeks before Meghan Duggan ’06 Final Face-Off All-Tournament team, NCAA

(at right, with Amanda Palumbo ’13) left for Frozen Four Co-MVP, All-Tournament Team

Sochi as the U.S. women’s hockey national member, WCHA Rookie of the Year, two-time

team captain, a contingent from Cushing surOffensive Player of the Year, and Jeff Sauer

prised her at an event hosted by the Friends

of the Boston Blades in Dorchester, Mass. Most Dedicated Player award recipient.

A four-year letter winner at the Univer-

sity of Wisconsin, she is the Badgers’ career

leader in points (238), career plus/minus the Year, WCHA Scoring Champion, WCHA

There, she spoke about her athletic journey, Blades since 2011. As captain, she led the Meghan has played with the Boston

being an Olympian, and playing professional team to win the League and 2013 Clarkson

women’s hockey. In addition to this year’s Cup. The Danvers, Mass., native was named

silver medal, she was also awarded one in the 2011 Sportswoman of the Year by the Wom-

2010 Olympics.

At Cushing, she played soccer, softball, en’s Sports Foundation. She has competed

in a number of tournaments wearing red,

lacrosse, and hockey, which she captained her white, and blue, including four IHF World

senior year. She was a three-year recipient of Championships, five Four Nations Cups, and

the Bette Davis top female athlete award. a Quest Tour in 2009. She was a two-time

member of the U.S. Women’s Under-22 Select

Team, which she captained in 2008.

(+164), and is tied for the program’s lead in fact, that we’ve asked her to come back to We’re very proud of her! So proud, in

career power-play goals (31). The three-time campus this spring to be this year’s com-

national champion earned a number of accomencement speaker. We look forward to

lades at Wisconsin, including Patty Kazmaier hearing about her Olympic experiences and

Memorial Award, RBK/AHCA Division I her advice to the Class of 2014.

Alumni Invasion!

Mark your calendars for June 6–8, and get ready to enjoy a great weekend with your Cushing classmates. We’ll be celebrating classes ending in 4s and 9s, but no matter when you graduated, we’d love to see you.

Fun for Everyone!

• • • • •

An art show, Fun with faculty, Gold Key Society induction for the Class of 1964, Hot air balloon rides (weather permitting, of course), A send-off for Rich and Jill Henry, who retire from the Cush this year, • A Grand Celebration with dinner and dancing, and • Good food and good friends throughout the weekend!

Make your reservation now! www.cushing.org/reunion or 978-827-7400

Fund Diversity Meet Ackim Mpofu. A member of Cushing’s Class of 2014, Ackim comes to the Academy from Zimbabwe, Africa. He’s a strong student leader, an excellent student, a good role model, and a talented athlete. But more than that, Ackim and our other international students help us build a diverse student body, lending a global perspective to campus that benefits everyone. Ackim is at Cushing because of donors whose generosity made it possible for the Academy to offer him a scholarship, without which he wouldn’t have been able to attend. The Varsity Boys Soccer Team, on which he’s a starting player, also benefits from the generosity of donors.

Your Gift Matters. To learn more about how gifts are making a difference at

Cushing, visit our website at www.cushing.org/gifts.

Cushing today

Class Notes 1945 and 1946

enjoying her bench near the School

Robert Sawyer ’45 and Nancy Thay-

1952

Jennifer Stace has recently published

Girl Statue in front of Lowe Hall, where

er Sawyer ’46 are celebrating their

a memoir called The Philosopher’s Daugh-

she lived in 1956.

64th wedding anniversary this year!

ter. You can order it on Amazon; she

Although Kenneth Wheeler’s

1948

has sent a signed copy to add to our

Burlington Classic 70s softball team

alumni book collection in the Fisher-

did not fare well at the National

Al Hixon remembers playing drums

Watkins Library. She says, “A photo

Senior Games in Cleveland, Ohio, last

with Bob Perry in 1948. Drumming

inside blazes off the pages showing

summer, he did make third team All-

helped pay Al’s college expenses, and

our Winter Carnival Queen’s Court for

American. At the end of October, his

for the last 23 years he has had a band

that year, all twelve girls in fabulous

Burlington Classic 75 AA team won the

in the Sarasota, Fla., area. The band

ski sweaters looking beautiful.”

International Senior Softball National

1953

75 AA Championship.

1951

married to husband Edward for 55

1964

Marilyn Andrews and her husband,

years and they live in Charleston, W.Va.

Bill, have been living in Humbolt

Ray Freeman and his wife, Mary,

They are retired and have three grown

County, Calif., since 1971. Marilyn is a

continue to ski actively. The couple

children and seven grandchildren. The

sculptor and Bill is a musician. Their

went to Santa Fe, Mammoth Moun-

couple flew to Paris in April, where

children and grandchildren also live on

tain, Whistler, Vail, and Sun Valley

they boarded a riverboat to cruise the

the West Coast.

during the 2013–2014 season. There

Seine out to the Normandy beaches.

was less snow than usual in most

She was delighted to return to France,

ated from the University of Georgia

of the West this year, but they had

where she studied many years ago on

in 1968 and completed her master’s

many great days on the mountain

a Fulbright. She knows her Cushing

degree in 1974. She and her husband

nevertheless. In May, they will enjoy

French teacher, Marguerite Sawyer,

have two grown children: John and

a 15-day river cruise from Budapest to

would be proud! In June, they will

Rachel. She taught English for 30 years

Amsterdam, followed by a pilgrimage

head to Maine to spend a few weeks

at East Coweta High School, south of

to the Holy Land.

at the old Hanscom cottage on Lake

Atlanta, Ga., before retiring in 2000.

Beverly Stevens Prakelt has

Annabessacook. She hopes to stop

She’s enjoyed every minute of freedom

lived in the Burlington, Vt., area since

by Ashburnham and Cushing. She is

since then!

1957. She raised four children and has

still in touch with classmates Diane

five grandchildren ranging from in

Cummings Hill and Paula Heslin

to Dallas in 1990. She got married and

age 10 to 25. Her oldest grandchild,

Nelson and would love to have news

is enjoying a life in the fine arts. She

Haley Alyssa Bishop, is a graduate of

of others in the Class of ’53.

says, “It’s grand fun and I feel fortunate

success with her art work. She has

1956

to be in this place.”

Rhenda Bramwell Brodnax has been

ney spent three years in college and

had several shows in Vermont. Beverly

married to Clarence Brodnax for 53

then three years in the U.S. Army, the

takes great joy in the 17 years that she

years. She is retired and enjoying liv-

last year in Germany. He married his

worked at the Shelburne Museum as

ing in Palm Coast, Fla. The couple has

wonderful wife, Ellen, and the couple

a guide. It was an incredible learn-

three grown children: Carl and twins

had three children: Scott, Sean, and

ing experience. As a result of her

Chanda and Cheryl. They also have two

Steven. The couple spent 40 happy

service, she has a lifetime membership

grandsons, Cuyler and Cayden.

years together before Ellen succumbed

has an education building that will be

1958

to cancer in 2010. Peter retired from

Diana Wilson Frazier and her

27 years of service. During these years

open year-round. She is still in touch

husband, Paul, enjoyed seeing friends

he also spent time coaching youth

Al Hixon ’48 is still swinging with his bands four to six nights a week in the Sarasota, Fla., area.

with her former sister-in-law Lillian

at the Boston holiday party. She hopes

football and hockey. He was a high

Ray ’51 and Mary Freeman skiing

Prakelt Goss and her family.

faculty, students, and friends are

school hockey coach for six years but

recently finished 10 concerts in 10 days. If you are in the area, he invites you to stop by and see them play.

the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston and has been having some

enabling her to visit often, which will be wonderful now that the museum

= reunion year

Virginia Hanscom Rugeley has been

Nancy Sherlock Boren gradu-

Elizabeth “Betse” Lanier moved

After graduation, Peter Whit-

the Hudson Police Dept. in 1999 after

Above, From the top Neil Bouchard ’41 Nancy Coffin ’44

Spring 2014

that end of the school year business

was playing hockey for Cushing and

will hinder his attendance at his 50th

he could not be in two places at once.

reunion in June.

He is a member of the Hudson High 10 to be inducted as an individual

1966

and also inducted as a member of the

were married in Korea where he was

school’s undefeated 1962 football team.

stationed. While there, he flew the F-4

Two sons graduated from Cushing:

Phantom. He also was a test project

Scott in 1988 and Steven in 2000. His

pilot flying the F-4 and a director of

other son, Sean, went to Hudson High

operations. He has run 22 marathons,

School and joined the U.S. Marines

but stopped this year due to an injured

after graduation and is a veteran of the

Achilles’ tendon. He is currently

Gulf War. Peter is grateful that Sean

an FAA designated pilot examiner

came home safe. Scott (Union College)

administering flight tests for private

and Steven (Babson College) had great

pilots through Airline Transport Pilot

college careers playing hockey and

multiengine. He also works as a flight

lacrosse. Scott even went to Europe

instructor at East Coast Aero Club at

and played professional hockey for a

Hanscom Field, Bedford, Mass., where

year. Scott has just become a trustee

he teaches competition aerobatics.

at Cushing. In addition to his sons,

He enjoyed his time as a student at

Peter has three terrific daughters-in-

Cushing, in particular climbing Mt.

law and six grandchildren, ages 2 to 16.

Monadnock, which he can see when he flies, and sports. He loved wrestling

1969

as Volunteer of the Year. While in Cali-

He still works driving a school bus as

In 2013, Millicent Bolden won the

fornia for the NTA Convention, he and

a spare driver and does a lot of charter

and the individual effort it required.

Arts and Sciences Teacher of the

wife, Diane, visited with Dean Herman

trips involving the sport teams. He has

He wishes all past and future Cushing

Year Award at Samford University in

’70. Dean is still a very busy practicing

been driving for 12 years, but it could be

students the very best. Cushing is a

Birmingham, Ala., where she has been

attorney, growing grapes, and playing

coming to an end because his grand-

great school.

teaching since 2000. In announcing

guitar. Tom is also active with his

the award, Political Science Depart-

leadership roles in Rotary, USO, and

School Hall of Fame, one of the first

children are all involved in sports,

Marc Nathanson and his wife, Terri,

Valerie Friend Randall just

Above Marc Nathanson ’66 and his wife, Terri, with his Pitts Special.

including football, hockey, cheerlead-

retired after a 36-year career in

ment Chair Fred Shepherd noted that

the Navy League. He and Diane are

ing, and lacrosse, and he wants to be

environmental consulting. Valerie

the praise submitted on Bolden’s

gearing up for Seattle Fleet Week, for

there to cheer them on. In fact, his

and her husband, Doug, two of their

behalf emphasized her dedication

which they have been event co-chairs

granddaughter Mady will be attending

three children, and two of their eight

to students’ academic and personal

for 14 years. This year also marks the

Cushing next year as a member of the

grandchildren live in Fort Collins,

growth and the rich, diverse resources

30th anniversary of the Jaffa Company

Class of 2017. He looks forward to see-

Colo., where they enjoy hiking, biking,

she brings to the classroom. This is

(based in Seattle), which continues to

ing everyone at the reunion.

skiing, and paddle boarding. More

her second major teaching award

provide services to corporate, small

1965

travel, including visiting their children

in recent years. In 2010, the Greater

business, and not-for-profit clients

and grandchildren in Washington,

Birmingham chapter of the United

with an emphasis in the tourism

Dick Ripley is Dean of Faculty at

Oregon, and Alaska, is in their plans.

Nations Association honored Bolden

industry. Tom and Diane recently

Berkeley Preparatory School in Tampa,

Valerie also plans to relearn the guitar

with its Outstanding Educator Award.

welcomed their grandson, Jacob. Tom

Fla. He taught for several years in

and to continue volunteering with local organizations.

1970

would love to hear from classmates

Connecticut before moving to Florida,

Tom Jaffa continues to be active on

contribute, and stay engaged with

the Cushing Alumni Council. In addi-

Cushing.

where he has been since 1978. He’s

and encourages all to come to reunion,

Student Support Services at Berkeley,

1967

David Miller has returned from his

tion to his work with Cushing, he was

for 17 years and the couple has one son

year of missionary teaching in Costa

recently recognized for his 30 years of

and two stepchildren, each married

Rica at Glory Christian School.

volunteer service to the National Tour

1974

Association (NTA) as he was honored

Patty Bujnicki Peck met in Florida for

been married to Sarah Pajot, Dean of

with two children. His vehicle license plate reads GRN PA6. He hopes to retire in August 2015, but is sad to report

Cushing TODAY

In March, Tannye Flake Johnson and the wedding of Tannye’s son.

Above, from left Tom Jaffa ’70 and Senator Mark Begich of Alaska, who were honored together at the NTA Conference Tom Jaffa ’70 and his wife, Diane, with their grandson, Jacob

David Farnham ’77 and Peter Metcalf ’98 met in St. Louis while on business. Both work for Merrill Lynch. Former Cushing Hoopsters John Paquette ’81 and Alvin Whitney ’81 got together at the Super Bowl in New Jersey and had a great day!

1978

Dana Curry Lorway says hello!

cian in Annapolis, Md., and he is Vice

Cheshire Academy in Cheshire, Conn.

Peter Choi is running for state sen-

Her daughter, Breton, is a freshman at

President of Sales, Training, and Re-

His older son, Matt, will be attend-

ate in California’s 24th district. For

Cushing and is really thriving. She likes

cruiting for Techtronic Industries. The

ing the University of New Hampshire

information on his campaign, visit

the food, too! Dana has been running

couple has five beautiful kids ranging

next fall to play football for the UNH

choiforsenate2014.com.

a yarn shop, the Good Good Sheep, for

from third grade to sophomore year in

Wildcats as a tight end. His younger

over two years and has recently moved

college.

son, Kyle, is a seventh grader this year.

Robin Lockwood Hall is living with her husband, Jeff, in North

it to 58 Worcester Road in Princeton, Mass. As many of you know, she has

a sophomore at Cushing and is fitting

always loved art and fibers and making

1984

His wife, Laura, works in admissions

Stonington, Conn. Their son, John, is

Heather Wright Ojha is still living

they live on campus. Brett and his fam-

into life at Cushing. He is playing

things. She’s very happy to be involved

north of San Francisco with her

ily still get together frequently with

lacrosse this spring and his parents

with CA again.

husband, Mukesh, and 5-year-old

Bruce Lemieux and his family and enjoy good times together. Brett enjoys

ing in the Advancement Department

keeping his ties with Cushing strong

experience to be able to re-live my old

1981

daughter, Rani. Currently, she is work-

Ken Fahmy is an investment and

at a PreK–12 independent/boarding

by visiting campus often and volun-

Cushing days through my son. Cush-

insurance adviser living in Potomac

school in San Anselmo and loving it!

teering on the Alumni Council and golf

ing looks, smells, and feels just like

Falls, Va. He has his own business,

Her daughter is in kindergarten at the

tournament committee. He encour-

when it was my home back in 1977–78.”

Fahmy & Associates, located in Falls

school and Heather often runs into her

ages all alumni to get involved and

Robin has joined Cushing’s new

Church, Va. He has been in business

on campus. Heather remains hopeful

support the Academy in some way, as

Alumni Council and hopes to help get

for almost 30 years. He and his wife,

that her daughter will eventually

the Cush was great to everyone!

all alumni on board and ready to help

Heather, have two children. Garrett is

become a fourth generation Penguin—

Cushing where and when they can.

21 years old and attends Hampden-Syd-

Class of 2026! Heather loves keeping up

Robin is a realtor with Berkshire Ha-

ney College in Virginia; their daughter,

with alumni on Facebook and thinks

1991

thaway Home Services–New England

Kendyl, is 18 and is in the process of

it is high time that the class of ’84 gets

McKenna visited campus and treated

Properties and works in their Stoning-

choosing a college to attend next year.

together—reunion this year anyone?

our silversmithing students to a work-

1982

All is well with Matt DeFeo and his

1985

shop on precious metal clay. The group

family. His wife, Jeanne, is a pediatri-

year as the Athletic Director at

look forward to attending games. Robin says, “It has been an incredible

ton office. She’s looking forward to a wonderful Reunion Weekend.

= reunion year

Brett Torrey is entering his twelfth

at “CA South” (Cheshire Academy) and

In February, Annika Johnson

had a great time learning about this beautiful art form.

Spring 2014

Above Right The research facility where Katy Marchetti ’07 worked in 2012, located in the city of Eilat on the border of Egypt and Israel

1994

2002. She then moved back to Boston

in applied theater. She is really enjoy-

International, the leading marketer of

Adam Perlow was recently promoted

and worked with autistic children at

ing her time there, and looks forward

luxury wines in the United States. She

to Vice President, Sales, for Kia Motors.

the New England Center for Children

to teaching others how awesome the

also serves on Cushing’s Young Alumni

He lives in Orange County, Calif.

in Southborough for five years, spend-

world of acting is.

Council, helping the Academy build a

Anyone wanting to connect should

ing one of those years working in

email Adam at aperlow@kiausa.com

Bermuda. She earned her master’s in

liams University with a B.S. in marine

or adamperlow1@yahoo.com.

education from Simmons College in

biology, Katy Marchetti was accept-

1995

2008. She then moved back to Denver,

ed in a master’s program at the Univer-

2009

got married, and worked for two years

sity of Massachusetts–Dartmouth in

goal in December while playing for the

In April 2013, Lindsay Haigh ran in

as a program coordinator at a school

their marine science program, where

Boston Bruins.

the Boston Marathon, helping to raise

for children with autism. She is now

she has been studying clownfish in the

money for the Dana Farber Cancer

a stay-at-home mom to her two chil-

Red Sea. She spent the summer of 2012

Institute. It was her first marathon.

dren Nolan (3.5 years old) and Elliana

in Israel doing field work as a visiting

2012

1997

(almost 1 year old). She is still active in

scientist at the Interuniversity Insti-

Tyler McFarland was voted to the

Denver’s autism community and plans

tute of Marine Sciences. Katy is just a

All-Northeast-10 Conference Men’s

Catherine Leopold married Aaron

to return to work once the kids are in

few months away from defending her

Basketball second team.

Duffy on Amelia Island, Fla., in mid-

school.

master’s thesis, which looks at global

Former Faculty

March. Catherine is currently pursu-

Peter Tio has been married to his

After graduation from Roger Wil-

climate change and the effect of rising

larger network of alumni.

David Warsofsky scored his first NHL

Bentley University sophomore

ing a master’s degree in healthcare

lovely wife, Ashley, for almost four

ocean temperatures and increased

administration at Suffolk University

years and the couple has a beautiful

ocean acidification rates on clownfish

and faculty got together at the Colo-

in Boston and works at a transitional

2-year-old daughter, Teegan. Pete is

size and general health.

nial Inn (owned by Nicole Moorshead

shelter, offering meals and support-

currently a loss prevention supervi-

Theresa Travia has finished her

’89) in Gardner, Mass., to celebrate

ive case management to homeless

sor for Kohl’s. His family lives outside

bachelor’s degree at Merrimack College

the 90th birthday of longtime faculty

families with children as they seek

Cincinnati, Ohio.

and has started a master’s degree pro-

member Mary Fern. Happy birthday,

2007

gram at Lesley University. She is work-

Mrs. Fern!

permanent housing.

1998

Jillian Barry has finished her bach-

In March, a bunch of Cushing alumni

ing at an elementary school in Boston

Also in March, several Cushing

and really enjoys teaching young kids.

folks visited with former headmaster

Nicole Fouts Foster attended

elor’s degree at Emerson College and

Marina “Boo” Vernon is living in

Dr. Joseph Curry on the occasion of

Colorado University–Boulder and

has been accepted at the City Univer-

Chicago and working as an assistant

his 81st birthday. Happy birthday, Dr.

graduated with a B.S. in psychology in

sity of New York in a master’s program

marketing manager at Terlato Wines

Curry!

Cushing TODAY

In Memoriam

Cara Cleaves Seymour

1928

1943

1960

1930 Chester Kurzet

1961

Marion Herrman Hemeon

1931

T.R. Dufva

1932

Alfred Reeser

1934

Alice Lang Adams

Richard J. Sharpe

1936

Jack Abraham

William Evans

1938

1939

Phyllis Hicks Wood

1940

Dorothy Isenberg Schwartz

1941

John Deltorchio

1942

John J. Donovan

William King

Anthony Picucci

Elaine Atwood Smith Carolyn Wennerberg Johnson

Peter Stathis

1947

Richard Leighton

Dexter Manzer

Doris Couillard Meehan

1948 Joseph Guice every interaction, and he will be deeply missed by all who had the

privilege to know him. When John, Heather, and their late brother,

Gly Donovan Hardy Kenneth C. Crafts, Jr.

1966

David H. Klein

1935 Lawrence Sullivan

Elizabeth Hood O’Neill Alfred R. Verrier

Richard Bickford

1949

Clifton E. Hayes Michele Bynoe

Shirley Rice-Pallucchini Margaret Rosbury Leblanc

1937 Judith Leonard Maccready

1972

Llewellyn Daigneault Jacquelyn Robichaud

1950

1951

1952

Albert Currier Nancy Collins

Jean Knofla Mead

Morton Gould

1953

Charles F. Corbelli

George Conklin Brian Flynn

Anne Laubenthal Sally Tucker Nye

Barbara Bangs Roper

Robert A. Peckham, Jr.

Charles F. Morgo

Richard S. Fouracre

1957

Marina Mainini Crowley

Remembrances

This list includes those alumni whose passings we have learned of since October 2013.

Diana Chase

Robert A. Kilgore

1963

1967

Hubert Barton

John G. Sommers

1983

Nina Jauw

Crawford McKittrick what’s happening on campus? We send an electronic newsletter

1954

1993 to our alumni once a month. If you’re missing it, or have a

1955

2000

1956

2004

Sally Staples Rulifson

2007

1985

Christopher R. Shippee

Cushing Mourns Loss of Trustee John Sommers ’74

We are deeply saddened to share the news of the October 2013

Carol Rahnasto Paulson

passing of John G. Sommers, Sr., a beloved member of the Class

of 1974 and a devoted trustee, following a battle with cancer. We

1962 send our heartfelt condolences to John’s wife, Elizabeth, and their

children, John Jr., Rachel ’07, and Matthew ’11, and to John’s

mother, Betina, his sister, Heather ’71, and their extended family. John’s kindness, compassion, and concern for others marked

Gerry ’75, enrolled at Cushing, the family began a shared history

with Cushing that has touched the Academy immeasurably,

Robert B. Howard continuing that legacy with Rachel and Matt. John’s father, John

F. Sommers, served as a trustee, and John honored the Academy

1970 by accepting trusteeship in 2002. His wise and generous spirit and

his thoughtful leadership greatly enriched the Board’s work.

Manchester, Conn., a three-generation family business begun by John was Chairman and CEO of Allied Printing Services in

Donald R. Tucker his parents. Through Allied Printing Services Charitable Founda-

tion, John created the Gerald F. Sommers Memorial Golf Tourna-

1974 ment in Gerry’s memory, which for six years has benefited scholar-

ships at Cushing, the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, and

the Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation.

Mark O’Sullivan

1984

Missing Us?

Are you feeling out of touch with Cushing Academy? Wondering

classmate who is, email us at alumniprograms@cushing.org or

call 978-827-7400 to make sure we have your most up-to-date

Tiffany M. Blood-Collins contact information.

Kendrick Reusch

David (Davey) Campbell

Former Faculty

Stephen Stanley

Mona Dawn Irvine Rice

Frances Winter

spring 2014

Remembering Mona Rice It was with sadness I read about Mona Rice. I have clear memories of classmates in leotards and tights going downstairs to the old gym from Vose Hall for dance, a new experience for many of us. While I was never a dancer nor did I want to be, later in college, I had major courses in dance and all of a sudden I was rehearsing Ruth St. Denis, Ted Shawn, and more. In later years, my two daughters became dancers, one with a B.F.A. in dance from UMass. It all started with Mrs. Rice exposing us to dance. She put up with a lot of flak from many of us who did not want to “dance.” She did it with grace and a smile. Without her tenacity in the 1960s there probably wouldn’t have been dance at Cushing for many years. —Sally Hogan ’64

We are saddened to share the news that

and her local community. Mona com-

Players in Fitchburg, Mass., where she

ma, music, and animals. She also loved

former faculty member Mona Rice passed

pleted one year of nursing education

was either an actor or a choreographer.

nature, bird- (and people-) watching,

away in November. We reprint her obituary

at Fitchburg State College, and in 1977

For more than 40 years Mona Rice was

skiing and taking a daily walk. She was

here.

received her B.F.A. in dance through

a member of Marion Rice’s Denishawn

the ultimate romantic and modeled

Mona Dawn Irvine Rice, a rare

UMass Amherst’s “University Without

Dancers, performing works by Ruth

her philosophy of life around her favor-

beauty loved by many, passed away

Walls” program, which accessed dance

St. Denis and Ted Shawn locally, in

ite prose poem, “Desiderata.”

on Nov. 26, 2013. Mona was a person of

educators from Smith, Mt. Holyoke,

New York City, and throughout New

artistic grace, vitality of spirit, integ-

and Hampshire Colleges as well as

England, including at Jacob’s Pillow

ed husband of 63 years, James Parker

rity, and intelligence. Her life’s work

from UMass.

Dance Festival in Lee, Mass. Mona

Rice, Jr., three children: Robin Rice

performed lead roles with that troupe,

of North Stonington, Conn.; Rebecca

as a director, producer, performer,

Passionate about dance, Mona

Mona Rice leaves her loving devot-

choreographer, and educator of dance

studied ballet, modern, Denishawn,

in time performing alongside three

Rice Flanagan of Ashburnham, Mass.;

inspired many in central Massachu-

and ballroom for many years at the

dancing generations: Marion Rice;

and Christopher Irvine Rice of New-

setts for over fifty years, and her gen-

Marion Rice Studio of the Dance

her sister-in-law Carolyn (Rice) Brown

castle, Me.; four grandchildren: Erik

erosity, creative spirit, and devotion

in Fitchburg. In her hometown of

(who became a leading dancer with

Rice Flanagan, Ashley Pierce Flanagan,

to friends, family, and students were

Ashburnham, Mass., she founded

the Merce Cunningham Company);

Tiana Adriana Recos, and Mariel Rice

unwavering.

the Dance Department at Cushing

and her two daughters, Robin and

Frechette; and one great-grandchild,

Academy, where she taught from 1961

Rebecca Rice. Following her dance

Frances Kathleen Flanagan. She was

Mars Hill, Me., on Aug. 22, 1931, the

to 1976. In 1981, Mona Rice founded

career, she worked at Hyland/Rice

predeceased by her brother, Laurel

daughter of Thelma Pauline Gallop and

the Dance Center, where she taught

Office Products, the family business in

Kincaid Irvine of Sarasota, Fla.

Cecil Courtney Irvine. She and her fam-

quality dance education for 15 years.

Fitchburg, assisting her husband with

ily moved to Fitchburg, Mass., when

She was a gifted performer and cho-

sales, advertising, and marketing.

she was nine years old. Vice president

reographer, creating over 30 original

Mona and her husband spent 48

of her class, Mona graduated from

works, many of them while on faculty

years in Ashburnham raising a family

Fitchburg High School in 1949 and was

at Cushing Academy, including “Give a

and renovating their cherished c.1796

the sole recipient of a D.A.R. scholar-

Damn” (1968), “Carmina Burana” (1976),

house they named “Windswept.” In

ship to attend Middlebury College. She

“Emotions” (1975) and “Electronics”

2005 they retired to Westport, N.Y.,

declined the award, instead choosing

(1970), as well as many full-length origi-

where they established a special

to marry the love of her life (and dance

nal children’s productions. Her credits

place overlooking the Adirondack

teacher’s son), James Parker Rice, Jr.,

included theater work at the High-Tor

Mountains. Besides being a beautiful

so as to devote herself to dance, family,

Summer Theater and with the Stratton

dancer, Mona loved theater, art, cine-

Mona Dawn Irvine was born in

Cushing TODAY

The fall 2013 issue of Cushing Today featured an article on the Cushing dance program, which is now run by Mona’s daughter, Rebecca Rice, and includes photos of Mona in her early Cushing career. Please visit www. cushing.org/magazine to access the issue and article on page 10. If you’d like to support the Mona Irvine Rice Dance Fund in honor of Mrs. Rice, contact the Office of Development at 978-827-7400.

Leave a Legacy

Thomas Parkman Cushing founded Cushing Academy with a bequest, leaving a legacy that has been the basis for the education of thousands of young people for nearly 150 years. The generosity displayed by Thomas Cushing has been echoed by many friends, alumni, and parents at Cushing over the years who have also made planned gifts to the Academy and who have been recognized as members of our 1865 Society.

We invite you to leave your own legacy. Whether it is a bequest, a life income gift, a life insurance policy designation, or something else, you can help lay a foundation for Cushing’s future success.

For infor mation on the ways you can support Cushing Academy, visit www.cushing.org/support where you will find calculators, information, and tools to help you plan a gift that will provide benefits, not just to Cushing, but also to you.

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