FALL // WINTER 2018
Christophe Courchesne ’95 Goes to Court • Derby’s First Winter Term • Nate Merrill ’01 at the EPA
THEN NOW &
Derby Academy is a co-educational, PreKindergarten through Grade 8 school that nurtures the development of the child by providing opportunities for the maximum intellectual, emotional, and physical growth of each student. That mission is as important now as it was three centuries ago.
'95
'17
Contents features Taking a Stand Christophe Courchesne '95 goes to court to fight for environmental justice as
in this issue 2
Mr. Perry reflects on his First Chapel
Chief of the Environmental
remarks and Derby’s effort to respect,
Protection Division for
engage, and expand.
the MA Attorney General's Office.
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From the Head of School
4
Campus News The first half of the school year has been busy with events, guest speakers, and performances.
Winter Term Derby's first-ever Winter Term had students thinking globally and acting locally to tackle
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With the support of the Derby
some of the biggest
community, our campus continues
challenges facing our world today.
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Making "Cents" of Change At the EPA Nate Merrill '01 calculates the value of protecting and improving one of our most valuable natural resources.
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Development
to grow.
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Class Notes See what our alumni are up to—from college and career news, to birth and wedding announcements.
HEAD OF SCHOOL Joseph J. Perry, Jr. COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER Connor Gleason COMMUNICATIONS ASSOCIATE Christina Young Tessier PHOTOGRAPHERS Connor Gleason Christina Young Tessier PRINTER Fowler Printing & Graphics
Please send letters to the editor, class notes, obituaries, and changes of address to: DERBY ACADEMY 56 Burditt Avenue Hingham, MA 02043 781-749-0746 (ext. 131) alums@derbyacademy.org Cover: Christophe Courchesne ’95
FOLLOW DERBY ON SOCIAL /derbyacademy @derbyacademy @derby.academy /derbyacademyorg
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arly this fall, as I watched the trees on Derby’s campus turn from a vibrant green to shades of orange and red, I was reminded how lucky we are to have a campus as beautiful as ours. The calls of seabirds echoing mingles with playground laughter and school bells ringing. Even in winter, when the New England weather can freeze you to your core, the sunsets cast a lovely warm hue over Broad Cove. It’s hard to think of Derby and not think of its location and relationship with the surrounding environment. That relationship is one of respect. More than two centuries ago, Derby was founded on the ideals of community, generosity, and respect. The mission to Improve Both Mind and Heart was based on the notion that we respect both each other and also our surroundings – a theme I reminded our students and faculty during First Chapel to consider throughout this school year. At Derby, students learn from an early age what it means to be a part of a community; to respect one another and to respect their environment. They graduate with an understanding that they are never too young to make a difference, whether it’s through citizenship, social responsibility, or becoming more environmentally aware. This year, our students are proving themselves to be true stewards of our planet. They are emphatic in their mission to think globally and act locally.
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In this issue of the Derby magazine, you’ll read about our first-ever Winter Term and how we challenged students and faculty to provide solutions to some of the biggest challenges we face in our world today. Calls to action to address issues such as sustainability, personal health, and consumption of resources—issues that affect us here on campus, and also as citizens of the world. You’ll read how our alumni have built on their Derby foundation and their passions, and applied themselves to create change, to give back, and to make a difference. Derby is growing, both literally and figuratively. With the recent purchase of property, we’ve chosen to expand our campus footprint for the first time in over eight decades. When we think of growth it does not relate to size of community, but broadening our programs and increasing our depth of understanding. Growth means preparing for tomorrow and preparing for tomorrow’s tomorrow. The future of Derby, the future of our local surroundings, and the future of our global environment need to be priorities today. Education and respect working together will ensure our future remains bright. I wish you and your families a happy, healthy, and productive start to 2018. We have a lot to look forward to. Enjoy -
FALL // WINT
Joseph J. Perry, Jr. P’17,’19,’26 Head of School
PRESIDENT
Paul D. Scanlon P’16,’18 VICE PRESIDENT
Mark K. Jones P’14,’17 TREASURER
Hugh M. Kelly P’19 SECRETARY
Christie O’Connor P’16,’18,’21 TRUSTEES
David P. Bergers P’18,’21 Michelle M. Buckley ’94, P’26 Lori W. Cashman P’19,’19,’22,’22,’23 Robert R. Fawcett, Jr. P’18,’19,’21 Caroline Curtis Hayes ’99 Jean M. Jones P’95,’97 Pamela B. Marshman P’15,’20 Metri R. Metri P’16,’17,’18,’21 Maria Martignetti Murphy P’12,’14,’17 Jennifer Lowe Newell ’90 Jay K. Sadlon P’92,’96 Leigh King Schwartz P’12,’14,’17,’18 Katherine A. Sherbrooke P’15,’18 EX-OFFICIO
Joseph J. Perry, Jr. P’17,’19,’26 Head of School Nasreen deLaar P’18,’21,’25 President, Parents Association TRUSTEES EMERITI
Jane Cheever Carr ’50, P’75,’77,’79,’82, GP’03,’05 Harry W. Healey, Jr. P’72,’73, ’74,’75,’77,’79,’86 Patricia B. Leggat P’85 Elizabeth M. Loring P’97,’99,’01 Bruce H. Minevitz P’00,’04
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New Faces ( l-r): W. Boericke, A. Vittands, K. Smith, A. Rosten, M. Murphy, A. Black, E. Thibault, M. Barba, E. Garr, S. O'Connor-Divelbiss
Derby Academy welcomed a number of new faculty and staff members who joined the community in the fall. Our new colleagues offer a multitude of experiences to share with students, parents, and colleagues, and we look forward to their involvement in continuing Derby’s mission to Improve Both Mind and Heart.
Michael Barba joins Derby as part of the Physical Education Department and coach in the Upper School. Michael has been a teacher and coach in the Hingham and Marshfield school systems for five years. Anthony Black joins Derby’s Business Office as the Controller for the School, responsible for assisting the office in the oversight of daily business activity, financial analysis, 4
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and maintaining the integrity of the School’s accounting records. A USAF veteran from Quincy, Anthony previously worked at Entercom Communications where he was a senior accountant.
Will Boericke comes to Derby with a wealth of experience leading small group instruction and working oneon-one with a wide range of students. He has developed and implemented a curriculum that focuses on differentiated instruction to support and challenge all students. As Derby’s Math Specialist, Will’s primary focus will be supporting students and teachers in Grades 1-3. Emmy Garr comes to us from the Duxbury Public Schools where she was a library media specialist working with kids in Kindergarten through Grade 5. Emmy brings with her a passion for literature, media,
and collaboration. With master's degrees in literature and library science, Emmy teaches library classes to all Primary and Lower School students, and works with faculty to incorporate technology, research, and digital and print literacy skills into classroom learning. Paz Mosqueira is teaching our Pre-K – Grade 2 Spanish classes and assisting Grade 8 Spanish classes this year. Paz taught in her native country of Chile before she was the Curriculum Coordinator and a Lead Teacher at the Hingham-based Su Escuela Language Academy. Mary Beth Murphy brings 22 years of teaching and instructional coaching to Derby’s Grade 3. She is very excited to continue her teaching career in an independent school setting. This fall, her two children, Jack and Nina, joined Derby’s Grade 1 and Grade 5 classes, respectively. Mary Beth’s husband grew
up in Norwell and three of his siblings are Derby alumni. Sam O’Connor-Divelbiss teaches science to Grades 6 and 7, and also acts as a Grade 8 homeroom teacher, a Grade 6 advisor, and a two-season coach. Sam comes to Derby from the Latin School of Chicago where he was a Grade 7 science teacher for six years. He has been a summer course instructor at Hurricane Island Outward Bound School in Maine since 2005. Amy Rosten joins the Grade 3 team as an assistant teacher. A graduate of Williams College, Amy brings with her a background in psychology and a wide range of experience as she begins working with the eldest students in the Primary and Lower School. Samantha Sears ’06 recently joined Derby's Grade 2 as an assistant teacher. Following her time at Derby, Samantha attended Thayer Academy and Stonehill College, receiving a master's in education from Lesley University in 2017. She holds two MA state licenses in early childhood education and moderate special education. Kate Smith recently re-located to Hingham after spending the last decade in New York City as a grade level lead teacher. Her experience with students ranging from Pre-K through Grade 3 serves her well as a Pre-K assistant teacher. Kate has spent time in India working with faculty and students from the Dalit (“untouchable”) community, where she provided curriculum and professional development for faculty. Evie Thibault teaches Grades 7 and 8 history and serves as a Grade 8 advisor, Grade 7 homeroom teacher, and yearbook advisor. A graduate of Mount Holyoke College and Brown University, Evie most recently served as the Social Studies and History Department Head at Pine Crest School in Florida, and previously taught history at the Wheeler School in Providence. Evie has a daughter, Eliza, who joined Derby’s Kindergarten this fall. Anika Vittands is our new technology and STEAM instructor and serves as a Grade 6 advisor. A graduate of Drexel University, she just completed dual master’s degrees in science education and ESL education at the University of Wisconsin. Anika has been involved in teaching since 2012, including a position as a summer instructor at the Acadia Institute of Oceanography on Mount Desert Island, Maine. Christina Young Tessier joins our Communications Office as a communications associate. Christina plays a critical role in creating, designing, and facilitating the production of the School’s digital and print collateral, while instructing Upper School students in a digital arts elective course.
Dr. Laura Miller Derby welcomed psychologist Dr. Laura Miller to campus this fall. While consulting with faculty with regard to behavioral, social emotional, and academic concerns in the classroom, Dr. Miller will be meeting with individual students if necessary, and also with parents to provide community resources and to discuss their child’s needs.
Having completed a pre-doctoral internship in pediatric neuropsychology at Virginia Beach City Public Schools and a postdoctoral fellowship in pediatric neuropsychology at MassGeneral Hospital for Children at North Shore Medical Center, Dr. Miller worked as a pediatric neuropsychologist at Child and Family Psychological Services Norwood/Weymouth prior to joining Derby. This fall, Dr. Miller presented on social-emotional functioning and learning during discussions with families and faculty. “Some common topics that come up are social problem-solving, friendships and social development, coping with negative emotions, and self-confidence,” says Dr. Miller. “As a school, the Responsive Classroom model allows many of these issues to be addressed within the classroom setting, but I’ll also be addressing these topics in the Primary and Lower School. In the Middle and Upper School, I’ll be consulting with advisors on issues covered in advisory periods.”
Dr. Miller will be observing students in the classroom to help inform behavior or academic learning plans, and she’ll also be reviewing neuropsychological evaluations to help faculty implement relevant recommendations. “I’m looking forward to developing a greater understanding of the needs of Derby Academy,” says Dr. Miller. “In stride with the School’s motto of ‘Mind and Heart,’ I’ll be continuing to expand programing aimed at meeting the ever-changing needs of faculty, families, and students.” FALL // WINTER 2018
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New Spaces
New furniture for the Science Center common area and Lower School Library arrived this fall, helping transform the areas into more collaborative and comfortable work environments for students and faculty. The renovations were funded by the generous support from the Derby community during the All in for Derby benefit last spring.
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It’s a
Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood
Derby Acquires 43 Burditt Avenue
The family of alumna and former faculty member Anne Elwell ’53, P’75,’76,’78,’86, GP’07,’10,’14, longtime neighbor and supporter of Derby, has graciously moved forward with a private sale agreement of their family home to Derby Academy. The purchase of 43 Burditt marks Derby’s first property expansion in over 80 years, and appropriately aligns with Derby’s strategic plans for growth—growth in program, growth in facilities, and growth in opportunities for our students and faculty. The connection between the Elwell family and Derby is the perfect backdrop for this agreement. Anne’s father, Marius Johnston, lived in the house and was a Latin teacher at Derby from 1946-1978. Two of Anne’s siblings were also Derby alumni: Marius Johnston III ’56 and William Johnston ’64. The School is honored to become the new stewards of 43 Burditt and looks forward to continuing its commitment to be supportive neighbors and partners within the Hingham community.
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“
Respect is key…
We are all responsible for our own actions. Show respect when speaking and interacting with others – this is a Derby expectation.
”
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First Chapel D
erby Academy welcomed new and returning students back to campus for the first day of school and First Chapel on September 6.
similarities, and to encourage character and develop community, all of which form the pillars of respect.
Head of School Joe Perry greeted faculty, Trustees, students, and guests in Larson Hall for the annual lecture. Mr. Perry welcomed students to a new academic year, introduced new faculty and staff, and recognized Grade 8 students for their role as studentleaders.
“Take these words and put them together,” he said. “The words may have different meanings, but we’re hoping to get one action: respect.” Mr. Perry urged the student body to respect their parents, peers, teachers, neighbors, other cultures and countries, and to take this theme into the academic year at Derby, and beyond.
Mr. Perry challenged students to use this school year as an opportunity to learn, understand, and respect one another. He presented the idea of taking words and turning them into actions. To accomplish this, Mr. Perry stressed, the Derby community should focus on what it means to be responsible, to be encouraging, to acknowledge our differences and
“Respect is key…we are all responsible for our own actions. Show respect when speaking and interacting with others – this is a Derby expectation. We must learn the meanings and intentions of words and symbols, and we must be educated about different cultures. If we understand and learn these words, together we can greater appreciate and respect others.”
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Outside, Looking in
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rade 8 students visited the Sargent Center, a 700-acre outdoor education facility in Hancock, New Hampshire. The three-day trip focused on learning outside the classroom as students and teachers completed outdoor team-building exercises and adventure activities. Students worked together in groups to develop problem-solving and decision-making strategies as they began their final year at Derby.
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erby’s Grade 7 students traveled to Hale Reservation in Westwood to participate in the adventure education program, a day that provided opportunities for students to challenge and apply themselves in group activities and team-building exercises that focused on communication.
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raversing the mountains, hiking trails, and coastlines of Maine, Grade 7 students and faculty spent September 26-29 learning first-hand how nature’s beauty and science intersect in Acadia National Park. Students played the role of citizen scientists (by collecting data on the diversity of marine life with tidal exercises) and daily hiking and outdoor activities gave students the opportunity to quietly reflect and journal about their experiences while surrounded by beautiful landscapes.
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iddle and Upper School students traveled off campus for a variety of local outdoor education programs in September. Grade 4 students visited the South Shore Natural Science Center, while Grades 5 and 6 visited Camp Wing in Duxbury. By challenging themselves outside the classroom, the excursions promoted social growth for students and the entire school community.
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Visiting Voices This fall, Derby welcomed guest speakers and presenters to campus, bringing a diverse range of talents, experiences, and stories to share with students and the Derby community.
Dressed for Success Emily Cotter, founder of Alice Walk, a Boston-based, made-to-order women's clothing line, visited campus to meet with students and discuss the entrepreneur mindset, starting a business, and how to best address issues of textile waste and sustainable fashion. Students then re-purposed fabric samples and excess materials to create their own designs.
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Sharing Traditions Tai Chi Master Fang-Chih Lee demonstrated a traditional Chinese lion dance for students in December. Lee, who received the Presidential Best Teacher Award from the Republic of China and was Taiwan’s National Martial Arts Champion, assisted students with their Let There be Light choreography.
Examining Sports from “InsideOut” In October the Derby Speaker Series hosted former NFL player Joe Ehrmann, author and co-founder of the NFL Foundation-funded InSideOut Initiative, an organization aimed at implementing education-based athletics that are co-curricular, character-based, and led by transformational coaching. His presentation, ”InSideOut Coaching: How Sports Can Transform Lives,” shared his personal history and stressed the need to examine the value our society places on youth and professional sports.
Picture Books Best-selling author and illustrator John Rocco and acclaimed author Sherri Rinker spoke with Primary and Lower School students in September about their experiences writing and illustrating children's books.
Global Gig
A fall performance by Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos - Guatemala (Spanish for ”Our Little Brothers and Sisters”), delighted students and faculty alike with culturally rich musical performances and stories. The non-profit group provides for children in poverty throughout Latin America and the Caribbean.
Hive Mind In November, apiarists Allison and Colin Doherty P’24 introduced Grade 2 students to the intricate world of beekeeping and the important role bees play in nature and agriculture.
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Ewe, brains!
A
cross campus, Grade 3 students played puzzles that challenged different parts of the brain and tested students’ motor coordination, vision, and decision-making through activities like writing their name while looking in a mirror.
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H
aving studied the human brain's various parts and functions during the first few weeks of school, Middle School students were introduced to dissection labs with sheep brains. Dissection procedures were put into practice as students worked in groups to dissect the brains and identify the hemispheres, lobes, cerebellum, and brain stem.
Spirit Day
S
chool pride filled the campus during Spirit Day in October. Supported by fans, the fall athletic teams hosted three games and embodied the Derby spirit with teamwork, athleticism, and sportsmanship.
Raising Awareness D
ylan Arevian ’18 presented the topic of his 2017-2018 Edward R. Foley Citizenship Prize initiative-supporting the Native people of the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. Throughout the school year, Dylan continues to raise awareness about the mistreatment of the Native people, collecting donations and hosting local charity events, and connecting with students to encourage them to support similar efforts within their own communities. FALL // WINTER 2018
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T
he Parents Association's annual Fall Fair invited members of the local community, current families and students, as well as alumni, back to campus to enjoy a day of fun activities on October 14. A little rain couldn’t stop the fall fun and with something for everyone, guests enjoyed a variety of arts and crafts, delicious food, thrilling rides, and amusing games that provided an entertaining day for the whole community.
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Paint & Patriotism
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rade 5 and 6 art students completed a 42-foot mural inspired by the song, “America the Beautiful.� Faculty member Mary Ellen Olson asked her art students to create visual imagery expressing their ideas about the meaning of the song written by Falmouth native Katherine Lee Bates. The mural was featured on the wall outside of Old Derby during the 9th annual Arts Walk in downtown Hingham.
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(l-r) Best Group or Duo: Haley Miller ’19, Elizabeth McDougall ’19, Emma Foss ’19 and Madeline Synnestvedt ’19 | Scariest: Luke Keegan ’20 Funniest: Anna Cressman ’18 and Grace Kane ’18 | Cutest: Rachel Glynn ’22 | Most Creative: Emily McVane ’21 and Cassie McCabe ’21
Ghoulish grins were spotted during the Student Council’s annual Halloween parade on October 31. Faculty and students donned costumes in festive spirit while prizes were awarded for standout costumes.
Tricks & Treats 18
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Pumpkin STEM Grade 1 students examined the size, shape, and weight of pumpkins as part of a festive STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) activity Halloween morning. Students learned the history and anatomy of pumpkins and were introduced to new pumpkin vocabulary like tendrils, pulp, and ribs.
State of the School Successes & Goals
T
he annual State of the School address was held on November 2, bringing the Derby community together to recognize the School’s strengths in leadership, finances, and academic programs, while helping to define the goals and measures of future success. Speaking in Larson Hall, Board of Trustees President Paul Scanlon P’16,’18 addressed parents, faculty, and fellow Trustees, speaking to the responsibilities of the Board and the School’s governance. Derby's Chief Financial Officer Phil Cantillon P’06,’07 presented a financial briefing on the School, which included summaries of its budget, endowment, financial aid, and the Annual Fund, which had reached 100% participation by the faculty and staff at the time of the address.
“
Derby provides the resources for every student to develop meaningful relationships, and nurtures the ideas of responsibility and independence.
”
Head of School Joe Perry shared how the current academic and social programs are continuing the mission of the School, building on its founding principles of philanthropy and community. At the core of a growing school are its relationships with faculty and peers, and inspiring and engaging classrooms, he stressed. “Moving forward, that growth will be evident in the School’s programs, its campus, and within its pedagogy and community. In doing so, Derby provides the resources for every student to develop meaningful relationships, and nurtures the ideas of responsibility and independence.”
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Letters from Home Primary and Lower School students wrote personal messages of support and appreciation during the D-Team’s Veterans Day card making activity in November. The handmade cards were then presented to local service members prior to Veterans Day.
Masters of the Field
Despite their youthful vitality, students were no match against the faculty’s years of experience on the field during the Faculty vs. Grade 8 Soccer Game in November. 20
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Grand Friends Day
Family and friends were welcomed to campus during Grandfriends Day in November. Students in every grade eagerly shared their classroom experience with guests, who were able to explore classrooms, read stories, and see all Derby has to offer.
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Standing Out Addressing themes of non-conformity, navigating peer relationships, and managing social pressures, the Grade 8 Drama Class took to the Larson Hall stage to perform Hoodie, the one-act play by Lindsay Price. Director Christine Beniers led a talented cast and crew as they explored the notions of “standing out” and “being different.” “The theme of non-conformity resonated with this year’s Grade 8 drama students primarily because they have often felt pressure to ‘fit in,’” said Beniers. “In theory, developing one’s own identity and finding one’s own voice sounds easy, but we all know that in reality, it takes courage and confidence…and practice. We hope we can encourage those in our community to feel free to show their true colors.” When thinking about design concepts for the play, students considered the idea of repetition to simulate the theme of conformity. Inspired by the repetitive images of Yayoi Kusama, an artist Grade 3 students were studying, the drama class enlisted the help of the younger students to create the white dots on stage, which represented “the clump,” and incorporated the design into all aspects of the play.
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A Play of Perspectives Grade 3 students retold the meeting of the Wampanoag tribe and the Pilgrims, discovering the similarities and differences between the groups with festive music and dance during the annual Thanksgiving Perspectives play. The performance was the culmination of their unit on the two cultures, which consisted of a field trip to Plimoth Plantation, interviews, and analyzing books and online sources.
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Winter Wonders Demonstrating the lessons learned in their music class, the Kindergarten students paired expressive words, noises, and rhythms to holidays songs and poems during their winter festival concert.
Catch that Cookie! It was up to the Pre-Kindergarten class to capture their gingerbread cookies after the delicious treats ran away during their holiday party!
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A Time for Peace Students in Grades 1-3 shared musical numbers, poems, and stories from a variety of different cultures—performing in a total of six different languages—during their annual holiday concert, Peace of the Season, in December.
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A Time for Traditions The Middle School shared holiday spirit from around the world during their annual Holiday Traditions performance. Backed by the talented Middle School chorus, the production told the meanings of holidays like Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Ramadan, Three Kings’ Day, and the Japanese New Year, celebrating their differences and similarities.
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Lighting the Way
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Derby’s Upper School filled
School in holiday spirit.
campus with festive spirit during
Buddy the Elf and his
their annual holiday concert, Let
friends even graced the
There be Light: A Celebration.
stage during a rendition of
With music, readings, and
“SparkleJollyTwinkleJingley,”
dances, the community event
from Elf: The Musical,
celebrated our varied traditions
helping cap another
and commonalities, uniting the
wonderful season of holiday performances.
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Taking a Stand Derby caught up with alum Christophe Courchesne ’95, who serves as Chief of the Environmental Protection Division for the Massachusetts Attorney General's Office, a role focused on litigation in the fight against climate change, advances in clean energy, and holding polluters accountable. Derby: It’s no secret our planet is fragile and in need of special legal protection, but environmental law can incorporate a wide range of responsibilities amidst public concern and numerous influences. How does your role address those needs? Courchesne: At the AG’s Office, I lead the Environmental Protection Division, which works to enforce and defend the laws and policies that protect our environment. From taking companies and people to court when they pollute or otherwise violate environmental law, to advancing policies that support good environmental outcomes at the state and federal level, the work is varied. What's exciting is that we’re privileged to represent the people of Massachusetts and protect the environment for their benefit. The biggest challenge we're dealing with is climate change, and so I've spent a lot of time working on that issue. Derby: How did your interest in environmental law develop? Courchesne: I’ve been focused on environmental issues since I was at Derby, and it’s been at the core of my professional life. I was really engaged in my science classes at Derby, and some of today's environmental debates were already raging in the mid-’90s. Hingham has wonderful natural spaces, and I spent a lot of time at World's End as a kid, walking and enjoying that property, looking out over Boston Harbor. I enjoy the outdoors, and I think that's where a lot of people get their passion for clean air, clean water, and preserving natural treasures.
(Cont. on page 32)
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Derby: Would you say your work develops
Harbor, located so close to Derby Academy, we
future regulations, or acts as a watchdog after
had decades of disastrous pollution that, based
an alleged violation has occurred and needs to
on the enforcement of environmental laws, was
be justified?
cleaned up over time. We're using the law as a tool to protect people and resources, and from
Courchesne: We have to do both. In my division,
a moral perspective, to keep
we focus on civil environmental
the changing climate from
violations, but we also advocate for stronger
destroying the planet for future
environmental protection. We're involved in
generations.
a range of different cases to ensure the federal government is abiding by federal law, and we look for opportunities to work with legislators to enact and improve state policies that advance
Derby: How does it feel to stand up and represent the environment in court?
environmental protection. In all of these ways, we're trying to protect the environment for future
Courchesne: It’s an honor and privilege. The law
generations and also urgently trying to safeguard
is a very powerful tool and although the process
the public's health.
may be slow, Massachusetts has made a lot of progress on environmental and clean energy
Derby: So there are short-term and long-term goals?
issues. It's also challenging and frustrating when you don't win the whole fight, or the tactics used by your opponents are self-interested or short-
Courchesne: When we're fighting a case about climate change, it may feel far into the future, but the reality is there are many horrible things that will happen in the very near term, if we don't address climate change globally, nationally, and locally. We're seeing intense storms, we're seeing heat waves around the world, we're seeing fisheries collapse as fish populations leave their
sighted. But these are policies, projects, and progress that will benefit
historic grounds and seek out colder waters. We
everyone, and the fight
have an urgent need to invest in infrastructure
is worth it.
now—especially in coastal communities like Hingham—to protect areas where the sea is rising. It's rising in New England faster than in many other places in the world, and one of the fastest warming water bodies is the Gulf of Maine. But these fights take a long time. In Boston
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Derby: Why do you think it's important to give a voice to our environment and take action to uphold those laws?
Courchesne: It's vital because there are powerful
decades ago with bipartisan support. Additionally,
forces that resist environmental stewardship.
our office frequently communicates with the
If you are heavily invested in the old way of doing
public. Citizens are engaged about environmental
business, you're going to use every tool you can to
issues—both globally and locally—and they often
fight against progress, against change, and against
want to help. We work with community groups,
a cleaner future. We need to
non-profits, and regular, everyday citizens
stand up for the important
concerned about these issues, and then we try to
laws that have made our
address their concerns as best we can.
environment so much cleaner and have protected species from extinction. Because certain industries feel threatened, we're at a point where environmental protection has become politically charged, when it really shouldn't be. That's something we want to work on.
Derby: How do you take politics out of environmental law?
Derby: Our students spent Winter Term focused on providing answers to questions regarding sustainability and the environment at the global and local level. Have you seen a shift in how younger generations address their impact on the environment? Courchesne: Young people are the group that is most concerned about the environment, and I’ve seen their passion about the issue. We need to sustain that passion across society, into homes, schools, and workplaces. Climate change has really become a global emergency within the
Courchesne: There will always be some level of healthy political debate about the right approaches to
last 10 years, and it's important to everyone on the planet. The issue has ramifications across the curriculum, so I'm very excited that Derby is involved. There's so much that Derby can do to make a difference – on campus and in the classroom, and so much that families can do too:
environmental policy.
buy an electric car, live close to public transit,
That said, in my
install solar at their home, take vacations nearby,
division, my colleagues
moderate your house's energy use, and don't
and I work to present
forget the environment and climate change when
the best possible legal and policy
you vote. When schools and communities can
arguments in the cases we undertake. We spend a
work together, that's when I think there's a lot of
lot of time working with other states, in coalitions,
opportunity for progress, and that's exciting.
to enforce federal environmental laws that passed
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Thinking Globally, Acting Locally
D
rawing inspiration from the United Nations' 17 Goals for Global Sustainability initiative, Derby Academy's first-ever Winter Term had Middle and Upper School students thinking globally and acting locally to tackle some of the biggest social and environmental challenges facing our world today. During the two-week term in early December, students enrolled in studios focused on issues of sustainability, access and consumption of resources, and adopting healthier lifestyles. With Derby’s regular class schedule on hold, students were able to take their research into the field. There, they met with experts and creatively investigated, engaged, and applied hands-on, solution-oriented designs to resolve challenges on both a global and local level. The approach is something new, bringing together a mission-based experience for students and faculty to develop their global awareness and bring it back to the Derby campus. "We have an obligation to help our students understand how they are personally connected to the major global challenges affecting our world," explains Michael Bowler, Winter Term co-organizer and Director of Teaching and Learning. "We have to help our students see that getting involved and connecting with global issues encompasses more than charitable donations or gifts. Having a local component allows students to relate to the issue and their impact in a deeply personal way that they wouldn't have before. Now, they see they're a part of the bigger global picture." Studio topics ranged from analyzing consumerism and ocean health, to designing sustainable cities of the future, while investigating ecology (Cont. on page 36)
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Living Well Grade 4 and 5 studios focused on good health, well-being, and promoting healthier living by examining topics like sustainable food production, access to clean water and sanitation, and how communities can leverage natural resources to address emerging health issues. Students removed trash and studied ocean water off the shores of Hingham’s beaches, went behind the scenes at a local working dairy farm, and even enrolled in a cooking school to learn how to cook with fresh ingredients. A visit to a local wind turbine showed how communities can live greener lives by utilizing power derived from cleaner energy.
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and food production. The projects brought students, faculty, and administration together across disciplines, not only to explore their individual interests, but also to work toward a better understanding of a common theme.
Students in Grade 6 focused on designing the sustainable cities
“As a teacher, I think the exciting thing is the cross-curricular nature of all the studios,” says Winter Term co-organizer and Head of the World Languages Department Lynn Cornell. “You're working with someone in a different department on a completely different topic than your normal class subjects, and you get to explore it with the students.”
Boston allowed students to meet with architects and learn how
At the end of the term, having both figuratively and literally moved beyond their classroom walls, students presented their research and solutions, and evaluated Derby’s efforts in sustainability and use of resources on campus. Students even considered their own impact and approach to these global social and environmental topics. “This is not only going to get students thinking empathetically about the world, but it’s also going to ask them to turn empathy into action,” Bowler says. “When our students graduate from Derby Academy, we want them to be confident leaders that look beyond themselves at the bigger picture and feel like they have some experience tackling something that would otherwise seem out of reach.”
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DERBY ACADEMY
and communities of tomorrow by researching how designers make cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. Tying into the upcoming Future Cities Competition projects, students created cities that considered congestion, utilities, adequate housing, and infrastructure. A visit to Walsh Brothers construction company in planners meld functionality and design with resource efficiency, safety, and clean energy for their communities.
Less is More Grade 7 and 8 students focused on resource consumption and production, as well as the ideas behind promoting energy efficiency, sustainable infrastructure, and providing access to resources. Students explored what it means to be “doing more and better with less,” and met with experts to discuss designing homes that could withstand natural disasters. Additionally, they weighed the School’s food waste at lunches to assess Derby’s resource consumption and constructed solar-powered cars in the Maker Space. Students presented their research on solar power to members of the Board of Trustees to discuss the benefits of bringing solar to Derby’s campus. Students even audited small businesses in foreign countries to create business plans and extended real micro-loans.
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Making “Cents” of Change
38
DERBY ACADEMY
Nate Merrill ’01 calculates the true cost and benefits of one of our most valuable natural resources. Nate Merrill’01 was working toward his PhD when he had what can only be called an “aha” moment: he realized exactly how he could combine two of his passions into a career. It was a revelation that occurred in the right place at the right time — in a classroom with a professor who helped foster his love of learning and natural curiosity; something he recognized from his days at Derby Academy.
FALL // WINTER 2018
39
W
hen he’s not on the water surfing or
For example, data can be generated by
sailing, Merrill works as an environmental
analyzing the number of people at a given
economist at the Environmental Protection
place in a day, month, or season. Questions
Agency’s Atlantic Ecology Division in Rhode
of where they came from and how much
Island. He was pursuing environmental and
time they spent there can also add to the
natural resource economics at the University
findings. “Does poor water quality affect how
of Rhode Island when he had his epiphany.
far or how long people will travel to get to
“This is one way to look at our connection and
cleaner places?” Merrill asks. “That is a cost
relationship with nature…to mesh it with our
to people, and we use that to understand part
economic activity,” he remembers thinking. His
of the economic value of coastal resources.”
interest was piqued. From there, Merrill, who had
Data is weighed against other information,
been selling sailboat sails just a few years prior,
like algae that occurs as a byproduct from
found himself working for the EPA.
sewage treatment plants and runoff water. “It makes areas less desirable to visit, and
“Water is fundamental for a lot of things in
that affects an area’s recreational usage for
nature, and it's fundamental for a lot of things
activities like fishing, for example.”
humans do,” Merrill explains. “How much water do we take from the natural systems
His work calculates the costs and benefits
for our use, how do we put it back, and how
for towns and communities of improving
do we plan around it?” His research focuses
wastewater infrastructure. Through surveys,
on water supply, and by studying how people
modeling, and on-site observations, Merrill
interact with the resource, he’s able to apply an
applies value to data at a time when, too
economic value and cost to the improvement
often, natural resources are considered to be
of coastal waters. In turn, this helps to explain
“free.” By understanding the economic value
human behavior surrounding one of the biggest
of water, he explains, lawmakers are able to
necessities for life itself.
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DERBY ACADEMY
gain perspective about something they may
“I can go find that myself. I can go find out
have not considered.
about that on my own and learn about it.” Latin classes, history classes, computer class, public
Moreover, Merrill’s research provides the
speaking…The teachers and classwork helped
data required to develop infrastructure and
make learning fun and helped him develop his
new legislation. “Policymakers know they're
own love of learning.
going to spend billions of dollars over 50 years to put in sewers and septic systems,”
Today, Merrill is able to apply all of these skills
Merrill explains. “What they don't know is:
to his career. Merrill says that it’s entirely
What are the possible benefits of doing that
rewarding to take the problem-solving strategies
and how much is it worth? Where do we
he learned in his education and apply them to
do it? A lot of our work is quantifying things
real-world situations that can inspire positive
that don't transact on a market. It's more
change. To that end, he’s able to face challenges
straightforward to come up with costs, it's a
with the determination that was fostered during
little harder to come up with some of those
his days at Derby. His love of learning has lent
benefits.”
itself to a job where curiosity is endless. For Merrill, working as an environmental economist
To Merrill, part of his natural curiosity
is truly a dream job for that very reason, and he
evolved because he read so much while
knows that he’s one of the lucky ones to feel that
attending Derby. “Derby taught me how
way. “You can't ask for anything more than that,”
to teach myself,” Merrill says, adding that
he says. “It's hard to find a job doing what you
developing the skills of being a self-starter
want to do, and I was lucky enough to find a job
and lifelong-learner have been a huge
doing exactly what I want to do.”
advantage throughout his educational career. He remembers thinking as a student:
FALL // WINTER 2018
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Historic Leadership Following the re-opening of Old Derby as the Hingham Heritage Museum this fall, Head of School Joe Perry welcomed Leadership Donors back to Derby’s original school building, acknowledging their gracious support and celebrating Derby’s long-standing traditions of generosity and community.
DEVELOPMENT
Friendships Constituents gathered to raise a glass during the second annual Beer, Boats, and Buddies networking and social event at Hingham Beer Works in the Hingham Shipyard in November.
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DERBY ACADEMY
1784 Appreciation Derby Academy gathered to celebrate the holiday season and acknowledge the gracious support of donors during a reception at Tosca in November.
Derby Council The newly formed Derby Council, comprised of committed volunteers who share a passion for the School and believe in its mission, values, and purpose, held its inaugural meeting late this summer. In the spirit of growth, this important initiative, co-chaired by former Trustee Catherine Cantillon P’06,’07 and former PA President Kristen Maxwell P’17,’18,’20, will provide an additional element of support to the Board of Trustees and Head of School.
FALL // WINTER 2018
43
ALUMNI
CLASS NOTES
Members of the Class of 1948
1940s Lansing Reed ’44 writes: "On page 56 of the summer
Derby Academy (founded in 1784). Nevertheless, I
issue of the Derby Magazine, you posted a photo of the
enjoyed beating them in both football and baseball
1939 Derby Day parade with Herbert Hand ’42
during my Derby years, which include the years
carrying the flag. A few steps behind Herb in the
of World War II. During those years, Conant was
foreground is myself. Also behind Herb (his head under
instrumental in the Manhattan Project, and later in
Herb's elbow), I think is Bill Dillon ’44."
Los Alamos, New Mexico, in close cooperation with Robert Oppenheimer. Derby Academy's involvement
Marjorie Dean Burgard ’47 writes: "I am happy to be
in the war effort and its aftermath was twofold, as to
living at the Village of Duxbury. I am actively rowing,
the student body in 1941- several English students
enjoy my watercolor art classes, and memoirs writing
came to the U.S. to escape the Blitz, and were active
group. I look back at the time spent at Derby with
in all aspects of Derby. At the end of the war, under
wonderful memories."
the auspices of the GI Bill, several young men, older beyond their years and known to us all as "The
John Harper ’48 writes: "My wife of 59 years, Audrey,
Veterans," attended Derby to finish their secondary
and I spent Thanksgiving with our three children
education, which had been interrupted by their
and five granddaughters in London, where we have
military service. These wartime Derby chapters were
been living since 2004. Our two daughters, each
well covered in a special issue of the Derby magazine a
with two daughters of their own, are also residents
few years ago."
here. I am presently reading the biography of Dr. James Bryant Conant, who was president of Harvard
Susannah Rich Gourevitch ’48 writes: "There have
University during 1933 - 1953, which included my
been terrible wildfires in northern California and one
own years at Harvard College in part, 1951 - 1955. I
came within five miles of our retirement community.
was surprised to read that Dr. Conant's preparatory
All the fires are now out and the rains started, so we
school, Roxbury Latin (founded in 1645), is older than
were very relieved. At least there are no hurricanes or blizzards here!"
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DERBY ACADEMY
ALUMNI
CLASS NOTES
1950s Lee Smiley Adams ’52 writes: "Moved to the Village
Leesy Wallace McDonnell ’52 writes: "Had my 81st
of Duxbury. Closed Folk Art Antiques in 2015 after 35
birthday. Still working in the Emergency Department at
years in Duxbury, three years in Marion, and one year in
the Frederick Memorial Hospital in Maryland. It has been
Dennis. Also worked in the Duxbury schools for 12 years.
enlarged and has a lot more rooms and patients. I still love
Two grandchildren are graduates of Colby and Franklin &
it. Hope everyone had a nice holiday. I miss Hingham and
Marshall, plus a 15-year-old girl who is a big soccer player."
the sailing."
Elizabeth Agens Durant ’52 writes: "Thanks to Derby
Wells Dow ’59 writes: "Moved back to the South Shore –
and remedial reading teacher, Elizabeth Warren, in the
Plymouth, MA. We have five kids, ten grandkids and five
’40s, I learned to read. Dyslexia wasn't known yet.
teachers in the family. All is good and wonderful. The South
Forever grateful!"
Shore is fun again!"
1960s Congratulations to Craigie Zildjian ’63 for being recognized in The Commonwealth
Institute and The Boston Globe's list of 100 Women-Led Businesses in Massachusetts in November. Craigie is owner, CEO, and Chairman of Avedis Zildjian Co. in Norwell. The company started in 1623 and has been passed down to Zildjian heirs for fifteen generations. Craigie and her sister Debbie Zildjian ’64 continue the family tradition in what is recognized as one of the oldest family-owned business in America and the oldest music brand in the world. Hilary Morse Sikes ’63 writes: “Last year has proved to be an extra busy one for us. Charles and I enjoyed six wonderful weeks in Paris last spring and returned home just in time to celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary! Last fall we had planned on a fall foliage tour of New England and to see my tenth-grade roommate from Dana Hall in Maine, but due to the East Coast’s warm fall and lack of good foliage, we toured the Southeast instead. Hope everyone in our Class of ’63 is fairly healthy and happy and
Patricia Peacock Akstin ’65 writes: "In August, our daughter, Amy blessed us with a fifth grandchild – a girl named Merryn Rose Meads. She joins brothers Michael (7), Andrew (6), Joseph (2), and sister Abigail (4). Unfortunately they live in Tyler, TX and can't take advantage of a Derby Academy education."
enjoying God's blessings.”
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ALUMNI
CLASS NOTES In mid-December, Lesley Visser ’68 was inducted
Hope Swift ’71 writes: "I am still living in Sherborn, MA
into The Sports
with husband, Dudley Baker, and black lab, “Otis.” My
Broadcasting
charter yacht agency, Swift Yacht Charters & Villas LLC, is
Hall of Fame. A
celebrating its 30th year. I get together regularly with "The
pioneer in sports
Magnificent 7" including George Cooney ’70 and his wife,
broadcasting,
Lindsay Guild Cooney ’68; Bill Cooney ’71 and his wife,
Lesley is the only
Debbie; Peter Hubbard ’71, Marsom Pratt ’71 and Lisa
woman to be
Herstad Koed ’71. Life is good. We are healthy
recognized by
and we are lucky."
the Pro Football Hall of Fame as the 2006 recipient of the Pete Rozelle Radio and Television Award, the first female NFL analyst on TV, and the only sportscaster in history (male or female) who has worked on Final Four, NBA Finals, World Series, Triple Crown, Monday Night Football, the Olympics, the Super Bowl, the World Figure Skating Championships, and the U.S. Open network broadcasts. Now in her 43rd year covering sports, Lesley was the first woman hired by The Boston
Globe as a sports reporter and later became the first female NFL beat writer covering the New England Patriots. She has been a reporter for CBS Sports since 1984, and just authored her memoir, Sometimes You Have
To Cross When It Says Don't Walk: A Memoir Of Breaking Barriers. Lesley’s mother, Mary Visser taught Grade 4 at Derby from 1958 – 1964 and her brother Chris Visser ’67 also attended Derby. Lesley is married to former Harvard basketball captain, Bob Kanuth, and they live in Florida, but they visited Derby last year to go on the swings.
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DERBY ACADEMY
1970s
1980s Jodi Samuels ’87 writes: "I've been in Sacramento since 2004, still enjoying the NorCal climate and quality of life, especially the year round access to fresh fruits and veggies! Since 2012, I've worked for the California Primary Care Association. I'm currently the Deputy Director of Development & Training and responsible for grants management and stewardship, and overseeing our statewide training program. Outside of work, I volunteer for WEAVE, a local non-profit that provides services to survivors of domestic abuse and human trafficking, and for the Sacramento SPCA. I'm a member of the Grant Professionals Association and the California Society of Association Executives and serve as the Vice-Chair of the Professional Development Committee for CalSAE. My spouse, Evan, and I are proud parents of two feline fur babies, "Calypso" and "Captain Jack," and we travel quite a bit to visit our family members in Austin, Denver, Chicago, and Boston."
ALUMNI
CLASS NOTES
1990s Tyler Sargent ’93 and Maya Pindyck welcomed Alma Pindyck Sargent on November 30, 2017. Amanda Tripp Hayes ’96 and Ryan Hayes welcomed Hunter Tripp Hayes, born on May 4, 2017. Scott Sadlon ’96 is engaged to Jessica Ludy. A spring wedding is planned.
Christy Orshak Proppe ’93
Neely Wakeman ’96 married Peter
writes: “Dave and I are
Whelan on October 14, 2017 in Cohasset.
thrilled to announce the arrival of our son, Thomas
Chris McPherson ’98 and Calli
John Galt, on August 31,
McPherson welcomed Clery McPherson,
2017. Lily is a fantastic big
born on September 27, 2016.
Jillian Lee Russell ’99 and Hamish Russell welcomed Harper Georgene Russell born on November 25, 2017.
sister, and we are loving Amory Loring ’97 married
all the craziness, giggles,
Prescott Logan on June 24, 2017
and joy TJ has brought
in Northeast Harbor, ME.
into our life!"
Michael Fallon ’96 married Alexandra Gonclaves on May, 6 2017 in Cascais, Portugal. (l-r) Kate Fallon ’94, Scott Sadlon ’96, Lesley Fernandes ’96, Michelle Buckley ’94, Charlie Dean ’96 and lying across is the groom in all of his glory, Michael Fallon.
FALL // WINTER 2017
47
ALUMNI
CLASS NOTES
2000s Carly Holden ’00 is engaged to Randall Carter. A summer 2018 wedding is planned. Cali Steele ’01 and Jimmy Duggan welcomed Marjorie (Mari) Faye DugganSteele, born on August 29, 2017. Anni Griffin Muriel ’02 and Marcos Muriel welcomed Maddox Sebastian Muriel, born on November 25, 2017. Lani Brown Dourado ’03 and Renato Dourado welcomed Paloma Dourado, born on June 25, 2017.
Mike O'Brien ’00 married Drew Davis on December 2, 2017 in Cohasset. (l-r) JJ O’Brien ’98, former Board member Tobey O’Brien, Drew, Mike, and Joe O’Brien.
Ali Anderson ’04 is engaged to Emilio Tangerini. A fall wedding is planned. Caroline Saltonstall ’06 is engaged to Jake Seroussi. A summer wedding is planned.
Natalie Curtis
Allison Boynton
Thorne ’01 and Nate
Cayzer ’04 and Bertie
Thorne welcomed
Cayzer welcomed
Louisa Marion
Herbert (Henry)
Thorne, born on
Robin Cayzer born on
July 2, 2017.
October 13, 2017.
Jenna Savage Ryan ’01 and Evan Ryan welcomed Tate Robert Ryan (far left), born on October 4, 2017. Mallie Loring Pratt ’01 and Stuart Pratt welcomed Althea (Thea) Madeira Pratt (left), born on September 9, 2017.
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DERBY ACADEMY
ALUMNI
CLASS NOTES
Members of the Class of 2006 gathered just after Thanksgiving to catch up and reminisce about their time at Derby. (l-r) first row: Kelly O'Connor, Kelly Voke, Mary Murphy, Max Hoffman; (l-r) back row: Jacqui Hatch, Megan Fitzgerald, Sammy Sears, Will Oliver, Kevin
Brooks Hammond ’02 married Natalie Morgan on October 20, 2017 in Maui, HI.
Grady, James Mullally. (Also in attendance were Andrew Cantillon and Julia Vermeulen.)
Matt Magoon ’06 writes: "I am currently teaching 8th grade ELA and Social Studies at the Edward W. Brooke Charter School in Dorchester, but next year I am transitioning to the Dean of Students and Athletic Director role. This past summer, I married the wonderful Kendall Grace Magoon at the Boston Public Garden on July 22, 2017."
Zach Clayton ’05 married Emma Obernesser on October 22, 2017 at the Spencer Pierce Little Farm in Newbury, MA. (l-r:) Former Board member Mark Clayton, Jennifer Clayton, Emma and Zach Clayton ’05, Ellie Clayton ’06 and Robbie Hoffman (Ellie's fiancé), Matt Clayton ’10. Other Derby alums in attendance were: John Lenehan ’03, Andrew Johnson ’04, Kelsey Johnson ’06, and Colby Johnson ’08.
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49
ALUMNI
CLASS NOTES Derby friends gathered after Milton’s field hockey team played Groton in October. (l-r) Emma Murphy ’14, Lara Metri ’18, Coaches Lauren Brooks and Annie Peterman, Eleanor Murphy ’17, Jada Trench ’18, Annie Middleton ’18, Sydney Browder ’18.
2010s Lauren Humphreys ’10 expects to graduate from the Honors College at UMass Amherst in May 2018 with a degree in economics. She has accepted a position with UBS Financial in New York City beginning in the summer of 2018. JD Dietrich ’12 is currently in his freshman year at
Improvisation Troupe in the Upper School. In Derby Summer Arts, Carter appeared in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, as Harold Hill in The Music Man and the title role in Shrek. Carter has been a counselor in training at Derby Summer Arts for the last two summers.
Northeastern University's College of Engineering.
Congratulations to John Minicus ’14 who was included
Last August, Helena Jensen ’13, a freshman at
schools for playing football for Milton Academy. Last spring,
Georgetown University, won a silver medal after she rowed in the open class W8 division as a Danish/
in The Boston Globe’s All-Scholastics list under NEPSAC in his junior year at Milton Academy, he was the NEPSTA D1 champion in the long jump, triple jump, and javelin, as well as
American at Denmark’s Nationals.
the ISL field MVP.
In the ISL league last fall, Ben White ’14 was named
Last summer, Will Barao ’15, a junior at Hingham High
an All-Scholastic for boys' cross-country at St. George's, and Derby classmate Annie Huycke ’14 was also named an All-Scholastic for girls' cross-country
School, completed his long course meters championship season with top swims at the Phillips 66 National Championships, New England Senior Championships, and U.S.
as a senior at Thayer Academy.
Open Swimming Championships. At Nationals, Will earned
Congratulations and "Break a Leg" goes to Carter
a stage comprised of the country's top NCAA and Olympic
Jones ’14, who will be playing Javert in Eagle Hill School's production of Les Misérable in mid-May. While at Derby, Carter had his breakout role playing Scott in Dear Edwina in the Grade 6 play. In Upper School musicals, he played Rolf in The Sound of Music,
50
the Tin Man in The Wizard of Oz, and was also part of the
DERBY ACADEMY
best times while being one of the youngest competitors on swimmers. He continued his progression at NE Senior Champs where he took home top honors for mid-distance and distance freestyle events, besting the field in most races by several body lengths. Will completed his season in August at the U.S. Open Championship meet, where his 400-meter freestyle
ALUMNI
CLASS NOTES results of 3:55.26 moved him ahead of Michael Phelps in the all-time rankings for 15-16 year-old boys in that event. The swim also places Will at
Andy Scheerer ’12
No. 1 in the nation for his recruiting class in the
is in his freshman
event. He swims for the Bluefish Swim Club out of
year at Princeton
Attleboro, under head coach Chuck Batchelor.
University, but last June was one of
A junior at Noble and Greenough School,
11 recipients of the
Lily Farden ’15 was named a Boston Globe
Faculty Prize at
All-Scholastic in the ISL for girls' hockey, as
Hotchkiss School's
well in Class A's for NEPSAC Field Hockey All-
graduation. The
Tournament Teams.
Faculty Prize is awarded to
Ella Benjamin ’16, Shane Ryan ’16, Maya Metri ’17 and Emily Wolford ’17 returned to Derby in mid-October to lead a practice Model UN conference for Derby’s Model United Nations Conference participants.
members of the senior class "who are distinguished by their humility, kind-spiritedness, and strength of character, qualities that have made a great difference, often in subtle ways, to our community during their time here."
Eleanor West ’10 received an Outstanding Presentation award at the 2017 MathFest in Chicago for her work entitled “Rendezvous Search on the Edges of Platonic Solids.” Eleanor is a Dean's List student, triple major in applied math & statistics, economics, and French, during her senior year at Johns Hopkins Whiting School of Engineering in Baltimore.
Members of the Class of 2013 gathered in Cohasset before starting their freshman year at college: (l-r) Olivia Gomez (Williams College), Loring Lauretti (University of Chicago), Julia Herzfelder (Harvard University), Camerin Rawson (Harvard University), Nadiya Roy (Johns Hopkins University), K.K. Patterson (Connecticut College), Brad Patterson (George Washington University).
FALL // WINTER 2018
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ALUMNI
CLASS NOTES
Turkey Day Reunion
Alumni from the Classes of 2014–2017 returned to campus for Derby’s annual Turkey Day Reunion in November.
Last fall, former faculty member Doug Lally was inducted into Thayer Academy's Hall of Fame as a three-sport standout athlete while enrolled at Thayer. He participated in soccer, wrestling, and was a member of the first boys' lacrosse program at Thayer. He is among the few athletes who hold the honor of three-sport captains and three-sport MVPs. Lally became a teacher and coach at the Hyde School, where he developed the basis for his strong stance on character building and the importance of being a positive role model. From 1999 - 2004, he taught at Derby as a Middle and Upper School math teacher and coach. At both of the aforementioned schools, Lally was named the Coach of the Year. He then spent eight years at Thayer as the middle school director of athletics, a math teacher, and coach.
PARENTS & ALUMNI Are you getting multiple Derby magazines? Please visit www.derbyacademy.org/update to send us your correct mailing address and contact information. Engagements, births, marriages, or job news? Send us news and photos of the events in your lives! We want to hear about it and so do your classmates!
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DERBY ACADEMY
MEMORIAM IN
Barbara Lincoln '56
John R. Whitney, Jr. “Whit” ’42 Mr. Whitney, Jr. died peacefully on September 6, 2017. John grew up in Hingham with his sister, the late Joan Whitney Schaupp ’45. He briefly attended college in Connecticut after serving as a gunner in the U.S. Army, Battery D, 136th Anti Aircraft Battalion, in Europe during World War II. John's professional life was in sales, where he joined his father at The John R. Whitney Company, eventually running the firm. John had a lifelong passion for canoeing and camping and, for decades, served as New England sales representative for the Old Town Canoe Company. John was an ardent
who spent many summers in
George “Bruce” Upton ’59
Camden, Maine where he served
Mr. Upton died December 31, 2017
as Commodore of the Camden
in Duxbury from complications
Yacht Club, as well as President
from COPD. Bruce graduated from
of the Megunticook Watershed
Holderness and Harvard University
Association. "Whit" frequently
and served in the U.S. Marine Corps.
shared his love for the great
He was a voracious reader of history
Maine woods, including as a
books and an inquisitive traveler
longtime member of Yoke Pond
who researched the history and
Camps, introducing many family
culture of his destinations. Perhaps
members and friends to this
his most infamous adventure (pre-
great joy.
internet) was assuming a dot on a map indicating an airfield in Iran was a real
Barbara Lincoln ’56
airport. After reaching the spot, he
Ms. Lincoln passed away March
discovered it was closed to civilians.
23, 2017 after a courageous battle
Undaunted, he and his partner,
with cancer. She graduated from
Joan Fitzgerald, continued their
Skidmore College and after
adventures until his COPD limited his
having her children, went back
international travel. Bruce enjoyed
to school to become a veterinary
being part of the growing Fitzgerald
technician. She became a
family. He is brother to Molly
volunteer trainer for New
Upton ’58 and David Upton ’64.
England Assistance Dogs Service
While he donated to local animal
(NEADS) and helped bring
shelters, donations in his memory may
trained dogs to military veterans
be made to any charity.
and the disabled.
photographer and outdoor enthusiast
FALL // WINTER 2018
53
Mark Emerson ’62
John (Jack) S.
Mr. Emerson
Llewellyn, Jr.
passed away at
Mr. Llwellyn ,
his residence
a former Derby
September 21, 2017.
Trustee, died
Mark is preceded
November
in death by one
30, 2017
sibling, Elizabeth
surrounded
Bridges Emerson
by his loving family. Jack leaves
Kautt ’64. He
behind his wife of 55 years, Mary
attended Noble
Martha Llewellyn. He also leaves behind his many children, including
and Greenough School and Cornell University, receiving his degree in hotel administration and was a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity. Mark's degree led to a career in the restaurant business taking him to Texas, Colorado, California and Pennsylvania before settling in Columbus, OH. In Ohio, Mark was the COO with Max & Erma's, a casual family restaurant with 100 stores in 12 states and responsible for creatively maintaining the concept and running all day-to-day operations. Mark embraced and lived life to the fullest. His passions were many and varied. Mark loved cooking, entertaining, fine wine, travel, and was obsessed with sports. In addition, Mark's highest passion was the game of golf. From an early age, Mark excelled as a golfer while facing some serious physical limitations. Despite that, Mark was able to overcome those challenges and recently posted an eight handicap. Mark was world renowned as a collector of golf ephemera and was a co-author of Gilchrist's Guide
to Golf Collectibles. He made many contributions to the golf world, including the USGA and World Golf of Fame and is widely respected for his knowledge of the game and its history.
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DERBY ACADEMY
Hamilton “Ham” B. Bowman Mr. Bowman, a former Derby Trustee, died June 28, 2017 at his home in Duxbury. A graduate of the Hotchkiss School, the Merchant Marine Academy, and Yale University, he served in the Navy on the U.S.S. Worcester from 1950–1953. Ham was a company executive with Bowman Steel Company, C. Drew & Co., Teledyne Rodney Metals, and Teledyne Inc.. He owned and ran Hamilton House necktie company, the Parker-Dawson Boat Company, and Olde Cape Cod Stoneware. Ham served on the Boards of Derby Academy (1972–1976), Noble and Greenough School, Compugraphic Corporation and Cranberry Hospice. He sang in the St. John's Episcopal Church choir and the Boston Saengerfest Men's Chorus. He was a long-time member of Duxbury Yacht Club. Survivors include his wife Ann (Learnard); daughters Sarah Mitchell Bowman ’76, Margaret Busser Bowman ’77, and Barbara Learnard Bowman ’79, and many grandchildren.
James ’91 and Timothy ’95, as well as many grandchildren. Jack was born in Amsterdam, NY and graduated from The College of the Holy Cross in 1956. He served in the Marine Corps as an Artillery Captain, and earned his master's degree in business administration from Harvard University. Jack was the President and CEO of Ocean Spray Cranberries, Inc. for 15 years. He found real meaning in his work and was particularly proud to have served a cooperative of family farmers. He was a member of several Boards of Directors including the Dean Foods Company, the Massachusetts Environmental Trust, a Trustee at St. Sebastian’s Country Day School, and Derby Academy from 1985–1996. After his retirement he became a volunteer counselor at the Service Corps of Retired Executives. Jacks proudest accomplishment was his family, and he cherished the formal and informal gatherings over the years. His warm, generous personality created a welcoming environment.
MIND& HEART
“Improve Both Mind and Heart” is woven into every fiber of the Derby experience—from the small reading groups where stories are discovered and shared, to the walkways of our campus-village, where classmates become lifelong friends.
TH
P
O
IM
R
56 burditt avenue hingham, ma 02043 address service requested
OVE B
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NON-PROFIT U.S. POSTAGE PAID HINGHAM, MA PERMIT NO. 005
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golf & tennis tournament tuesday, may 29, 2018