Gala Gala
March 12, 2026
We proudly salute Portledge School for providing our children with opportunities to shine.
CELEBRATING SEVEN DECADES OF DISTINCTION | 1956-2026
Dear Portledge Community,
Welcome to the 2026 Portledge Gala Digital Journal!
The Raising the Stakes Gala is first and foremost a celebration of our community. This evening simply would not be possible without the commitment, generosity, and partnership of our families, whose support extends far beyond one night and helps shape the very foundation of Portledge.
This year, Gala Chair and Portledge “lifer” parent Mona Sanveren exemplifies what makes this community so special. Over the years, Mona has been instrumental in reimagining the Gala, helping to transform it into a more cocktail-style evening where connection and conversation are at the center of the experience. Her dedication to creating a welcoming, engaging atmosphere, one that reflects the spirit of Portledge, has elevated this event in meaningful ways. Through her leadership and partnership with fellow parent and Parents Association President Dana Plunkett this year, Mona has helped ensure that this strong culture of collaboration and philanthropy continues to grow. Her impact, like that of so many parents, extends well beyond the Gala and into our students' daily lives.
The Gala is our largest annual fundraising event, but it is also a moment to come together — to celebrate our students, our shared values, and the relationships that make Portledge unique. From generous donations and sponsorships to the countless hours volunteered by families, every contribution helps make this evening possible. And, of course, we look forward to enjoying a memorable night together, complete with games, bidding, and opportunities to connect.
To our families, alumni, faculty, and friends — thank you. Your belief in Portledge brings our mission to life and ensures that our students continue to thrive.
Let’s go all in for Portledge!
With heartfelt appreciation, Simon Owen-Williams
Portledge School Board of Trustees 2025-2026
Lindsey Barnett, President
Dr. Kevin Mercier, Vice-President
Shawnée Warfield, Vice-President
Joel Friedman, Treasurer
Ari Sass, Secretary
Trustees
Claude A. Bahnik '90
Dana Hansen
Maz Khalfan
Amy Littman
Dr. Luis Marcos
Michael O'Donoghue
Alex Steinberg ’05
Harry Taylor '92
Donald D. Wilson
Dear
Portledge Community,
Serving as Chair of this year’s Portledge Gala holds a particularly special place in my heart. After 15 years as part of this extraordinary school community, and after chairing this event multiple times, this evening feels like a meaningful curtain call.
When our daughter first walked through the doors of Portledge, we could never have imagined the journey ahead. She has truly grown up here — nurtured by remarkable teachers, lifelong friendships, and a community that shaped her into the young woman she is today. As she prepares to graduate, I find myself reflecting not only on her journey, but on ours as a family. Portledge has been more than a school to us; it has been home.
Chairing this Gala over the years has been one of the greatest privileges of my time here. Each event represents months of dedication, creativity, and commitment — all in support of the school we love. The generosity and spirit of this community continue to inspire me, and the success of this evening is a reflection of that shared devotion.
I am deeply grateful to our Head of School, Simon Owen-Williams, for his leadership and encouragement. My sincere thanks as well to Tara Askeland and Rachel Chanenchuk in the Development Office, whose tireless efforts and steady guidance make evenings like this possible.
To my incredible Gala Committee and Board of Trustees — thank you for your friendship, your countless hours of work, and your unwavering commitment. What we accomplished together is a result of collaboration, trust, and genuine care for one another and for Portledge. I am so grateful to have shared this experience with each of you.
And finally, to my husband Jim and our daughter Cole — thank you for your love, patience, and constant support. Watching Cole grow up here has been the greatest gift of all.
As this chapter comes to a close, I do so with immense gratitude and pride. Portledge has given our family so much, and it has been an honor to give back in this way.
Thank you for being part of this special evening and for investing in the future of Portledge School. Together, we continue to strengthen the foundation of our school and ensure that the very best is yet to come.
With heartfelt gratitude, Mona Sanveren
Thank you to our devoted committee for their steadfast support of Portledge School. Your dedication makes a difference!
Mona Sanveren - Chair
Marie Bahnik
Michèle Bahnik-Mercier ’93
Lindsey Barnett
Heather Baynon
Daniella Calonita
Jessica Chitty
Franki Doshi
Jill Drucker
Denise Faltischek
Jami Friedman
Gina Heaphy
Vera Jain
Christine Kasper
Amy Littman
Nadia Markovic
Tiffany Palagonia
Dana Plunkett
Lauren Raddock
Dr. Avni Thakore
Tiffany Terranova
Emily Wachtel
Michelle Wilson
Despina Yarian
Akina Zhong
Lucy Zhou
Maria Zografos
as of March 4, 2026
Franki and Nish Doshi
Lei Feng
FLIK Independent School Dining
Dana and Michael Plunkett
Mona and Jim Sanveren
Kati Ann and Michael Sklar
Platinum Sponsors Gold Sponsors
First National Bank/Connect One
Amy and Alan Littman
Motoko Sakurai and Harry Taylor '92
as of March 4, 2026 as of March 4, 2026
Silver Sponsors
Kirsten and Jay Benjamin
Kara and Alan Brodsky
Kerry and Zander Byers
Denise and Kenneth Faltischek
Chia Hui and Scott Herskovitz
Julia and Chris Lee
Melissa and Bill Peterson
Caryl and Len Shapiro
Yani Zhang and Jeff Sheng
Ida Taner
Xiao Tong
Nikki and Andrew Tully
The Wang Family
Yan Zhang and Frank Yu
Bronze Sponsors
Emily and Jeffrey Alessio
Liz and Joseph Cousin
Cassandra and Rick DiPietro
Kim and Robert Hare
Jaclyn and Raymond Houseknecht
of March 4, 2026 as of March 4, 2026
Faculty Sponsors
Lorin and Rocky Agostino
Heather and Timothy Baynon
Mary and Mark Baghdassarian
Lindsey and Duke Barnett
Nathilee Caldeira and Sean Barnwell
Halley and Adam Bodian
Daniella and Richard Calonita
Torrey and Daniel Chin
Jessica and James Chitty
Alison and Leonard Cooperman
Geraldine and Kevin Desmond
Kristin and Jim Dolan
Franki and Nish Doshi
Jill and David Drucker
Denise and Kenneth Faltischek
Lei Feng
Lora and Gary Giampetruzzi
Dana and Jeff Hansen
Kim and Robert Hare
Gina and Sean Heaphy
Jaclyn and Raymond Houseknecht
Andrea and Jet Ivezi
Jennifer and James Jones
Joanna and Michael Joseph
Tanya Yeremeyeva and Russell Kadirov
Christine and Michael Kasper
Farzana and Maz Khalfan
Patty and Marek Kiyashka
Annie Liu
Jennifer and Michael McKeon
Deena and Amit Mehta
Michèle Bahnik Mercier '93 and Kevin Mercier
Victoria and Peter Munsill
Marie and Michael O'Donoghue
Leslie and Eric Palatnik
Melissa and Bill Peterson
Marielle Pietronigro
Dana and Michael Plunkett
Felicia and Chris Principe
Lauren and Brian Raddock
Rabia Sheikh and Dan Sajjad
Mona and Jim Sanveren
Patricia Snowden
Dr. Avni Thakore and Dr. Sathish Subbaiah
Nini Dai and Jiangtao Sun
Michelle and Michael Tadross
Liza and Noel Tripp
Akina Zhong and David Tu
Anna Gvirts and Kuzma Vostrikov
Emily and Jason Wachtel
Hongxia Wang
Shawnée and Johnny Warfield
Michelle and Don Wilson
Lucy Zhou and Jianmin Xu
Ellen and David Zimmerman
Maria and Nicholas Zografos
as of March 4, 2026
Twelfth Grade Class of 2026
We are proud to Support the 2026
Portledge School Gala
Ninth Grade
Thank you to the faculty and staff of Portledge School, and to our parents, for your constant love and support. Over the years, you ’ ve believed in us, challenged us, and given us the tools and confidence to succeed. As we move onto the next chapter of our lives, we’ll carry your lessons with us as we strive to live with Kindness, Honor, Purpose and Respect!
Ninth Grade Class of 2029
With sincere appreciation to our remarkable faculty and staff for shaping, supporting and inspiring the class of 2029!
Tenth Grade Class of 2028
The tenth-grade students and their families extend their deepest gratitude to the exceptional faculty and staff of our school. Each day, you bring our school’s pillars to life; you teach with purpose, lead with kindness, model honor in your work, and treat every student with the respect they deserve. Because of you, our children grow not only academically, but as thoughtful, compassionate, and principled young adults.
Eleventh Grade Class of 2027
On behalf of the students and families our heartfelt appreciation and Faculty for your unparalleled success of our students.
Eleventh Grade Class of 2027
of the Class of 2027, we wish to share gratitude to the entire Portledge dedication and commitment to the
We want to express our heartfelt gratitude to the Seventh Grade teachers and staff at Portledge School. Your dedication, care and guidance help our children grow in Kindness, Honor, Purpose, and Respect every day. Thank you for creating an inspiring environment where they can learn, explore, and thrive.
Warmly, The Seventh Grade Parents
We are proud to support the 2026 Portledge Gala!
Thank you to the Portledge Community! Throughout the years, we have shared countless enriching experiences while surrounded by your support and friendship. We will cherish the wonderful memories we made with our Portledge family. Wherever we go, we always keep a piece of Portledge with us.
With Gratitude, The Bahnik Family Marie, Claude '90, Reid '22, Oliver '24 and Nate '26
The Calonita Family proudly supports Portledge School!
With heartfelt gratitude to our incredible faculty and staff for the dedication, care, and commitment you show our students each and every day.
Daniella, Ricky, Gianna ‘29 & Gio ‘32
Our family thanks Portledge teachers, administrators and staff for supporting our children with care and helping them grow into confident, curious learners. We feel incredibly lucky to be part of this community.
With heartfelt gratitude, Dana and Matthew Carrus
The Chitty Family and Talon Air proudly support Portledge School!
A heartfelt thank you to the faculty and staff for another amazing year!
With Gratitude, The Doshi Family Nish, Franki, and Escher ’27
With Deep Gratitude to the Portledge Community
As we move through this year of “lasts,” we find ourselves reflecting on just how extraordinary Portledge has been for our family.
Thank you to Simon Owen-Williams and all the incredible teachers, coaches, advisors, and staff who make Portledge what it is! Over the years, Ava and Lily have been challenged, encouraged, inspired, and supported in ways that will stay with them far beyond these walls. From early morning practices to latenight rehearsals, from moments of triumph to lessons learned the hard way, you have been there, always embodying the Portledge pillars of Kindness, Honor, Purpose, and Respect.
While it is bittersweet that our time at Portledge is coming to an end, we are profoundly grateful. Grateful for the friendships, the amazing memories, and the lasting impressions each of you has made on our family.
Denise & Ken Faltischek
CELEBRATING 112 YEARS 1914 - 2026
The Fishkind Family & Standard Tinsmith Supply proudly celebrate 112 years of success throughout four generations.
We wish all of the faculty, staff, and students at Portledge continued success in the future!
After 10 years at Portledge, it is time to say a bittersweet goodbye! Thanks to Simon, a great and supportive leader, and some special teachers and staff, lots of learning, memories, support, and fun times were had! Jonah has accomplished his lifelong goal with your help. Next step, Cornell University! A big Mazal Tov to Jonah! We are so proud!
The
Goldman Family
Refined Living. Exceptional Representation.
RootedinLocustValleyandproudlyservingtheNorthShoreofLongIsland.
HonoredtosupportourPortledgecommunityandthefamilieswhomakethe NorthShoresucharemarkableplacetocallhome.
The Heaphy Family proudly supports Portledge School!
We are truly thankful for the outstanding faculty and staff whose dedication, guidance, and kindness shape Ryleigh’s experience each day. Your commitment to your students does not go unnoticed, and we are so appreciative of all that you do.
Gina, Sean & Ryleigh ‘34
Portledge Class of 2026
Go on and swing for the fences... Take a shot at the moon
A dandelion that dances Takes chances and fancies every little light in the room
Be a heartbeat cannon in a quiet spot
A white picket fence in a parking lot
Brandi Carlile & Elton John
With Congratulations & Best Wishes,
Cynthia & Seth Hemley
With our special thanks to those of you who remain foremost in making our eleven years here feel like home.
We appreciate your support, smiles, and friendship.
Cynthia & Seth Hemley
Katherine ‘22, Jared ‘23, & Sabrina ‘26
Tara Askeland
Peggy Balsam
Kim Baratoff
Rachel Chanenchuk
Stephanie Cisneros
Michael Coope
Peter Cox
Karen Crowley
Melissa Damm
Chris Disimile
Traci Douglas
Gerard Krause
Shoshana Krieger-Joven
Roger LaFlair
Francisco Lameiro
Robert Liberto
Carol Luzynski
Victoria Mack
Dan Naftalis
Simon Owen-Williams
Alexandria Probst
Jason Reese
Susan Edwards-Bourdrez
Rachael Ferruggia
John Greene
Jan Groden
Harry Grzelewski
Philip Hills
Albert Intreglia
Dorothy Kleinman
Neil Rigg
Patricia Rigg
Breann Ross
Susan Simon
Ryann Supple
Dan Ugenti
Eden White
Jane Zisa
Thank you to the incredible faculty, staff, administrators, and community members who make Portledge such a wonderful place to grow, learn, and thrive. With Gratitude, The Jones Family
Congratulations to the entire Portledge community!
We are so appreciative of the students, teachers, and families who make this school such a special place to learn, grow, and thrive.
Joanna, Mike, and Madison Joseph ’33
Thank you to the teachers, staff, administration and the entire Portledge community for all that you do. We are forever grateful to be a part of such a special place over the past six years.
The Kasper Family Catherine ‘26
Our family thanks the Portledge teachers, administrators, and staff for supporting our children with care and helping them grow into confident, curious learners. Your dedication makes a lasting difference every day.
Warmly, The Khalfan Family Farzana, Maz, Zaynab ’24, Fatemah ’27, Ali ’29 and Zayn ’31
Thank you to the dedicated faculty and staff for supporting and guiding our students.
We are truly grateful to be part of the Portledge community.
Chris & Julia Lee Mason and Kyle, Class of 2026
We sincerely thank the Portledge teachers, administrators, and staff for their dedication and guidance. Your support encourages our children to explore new ideas, take risks in learning, and grow into thoughtful, confident individuals.
Warmly, The Marcos Family Claudia, Luis, and Chantal ’29
Is proud to support the 5th Grade and Portledge School!
Thank you to the Portledge community, faculty, administrators and staff for such a warm welcome. We are grateful for your dedication and care and look forward to the years ahead.
The O’Keefe Family
We are thankful to the Portledge faculty and staff for guiding our children with care, patience, and encouragement. Your dedication makes a difference, and we are proud to be part of this community.
Warmly, The Pinto Family Stacy, John, and John ’30
Sending a heartfelt thank you to the incredible teachers and staff who support and inspire our children each day. We are grateful to be a part of this wonderful school community!
With gratitude, Dana, Michael, Jamie ’27, Cassandra ’30, and Carly ’34
Thank you to the amazing teachers and staff for all of their support and dedication to the students.
Portledge is truly a special place and our son, Henry, is thriving and never been happier.
We are so grateful to be a part of this wonderful community!
The Raddock family Brian, Lauren, and Henry ’29
Thank you to the Portledge teachers, administrators, and staff for nurturing our children and inspiring them to grow with confidence and curiosity. We are grateful to be part of this community.
Warmly,
The Rotolo Family Katie, Pete and Grace ’30
We are grateful for the dedicated teachers and staff, lifelong friendships, and the extraordinary foundation our children have received at this wonderful institution.
Here's to Portledge and the bright futures it continues to build!
Sincerely, The Sass Family
Thank you to the amazing teachers and staff at Portledge for making this such a warm and wonderful community! Congratulations Portledge from the Subbaiah Family!
Thank you to the faculty for a great year!
Thank you Portledge for the care and guidance you provided throughout these high school years. We are deeply grateful for the wonderful experience. Congratulations to the class of 2026!
With love and gratitude, The Yarian family
Thank you to the faculty and administration for another great year.
We’re truly grateful for Portledge’s dedication to nurturing our children’s growth, both academically and personally. Thank you for creating an environment where they can thrive!
Lucy Zhou, Jianmin Xu
Patrick ’28 and Eric ’30
Thank you to the incredibly dedicated Portledge Faculty & Staff for their unwavering support throughout the years.
With love and appreciation, The Zografos Family
We proudLY support PORTLEDGE Students and the annual gala & AUCTION
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With Gratitude for Mrs. Lawn Saralyn, your leadership has defined an era of growth and strength in the Lower School.
For more than a decade, you have shaped curriculum, mentored faculty, supported families, and guided our youngest Panthers with wisdom and heart. You have created a community where children thrive—academically, socially, and emotionally.
We are grateful beyond words for the impact you have made on Portledge and on the lives of so many students.
With heartfelt thanks, Your Portledge Family
