2023 Green Vale Magazine

Head of School’s Message

Dear Green Vale Community,

What a year for Green Vale this was! We entered the 100th school year ready for a new century. We were ready not just with excitement and celebration plans, but with carefully developed, concrete tools to lead us toward next-level excellence. These include a newly adopted Mission, Values, and Vision, comprehensive Strategic Plan, and enhanced logo and visual branding.

In this special centennial Green Vale Magazine, I know you’ll enjoy extended coverage of this year’s enthusiastic celebrations. You’ll also read about how the 2022 Strategic Plan has already begun to take shape in classrooms. The coverage of our alumni, both living and deceased, exemplifies the consistent success of Green Vale graduates as measured through truly fascinating and varied lives of purpose.

Next year’s theme is rooted in the newly restated Values that infuse all that we do as a community. It is “Reflection”, which is fitting as we pause to take stock in what we have collectively learned after several transformational years for our society and for our school. We look forward to a year that is as dynamic and vibrant as Green Vale always is, but with a bit more space for inward-looking contemplation for everyone.

Countless studies conclude that playing and spending time outdoors is invaluable for children’s development. Beyond improving motor skills and physical health through exercise, the benefits extend to emotional, interpersonal, and intellectual skills.

Go Outside & Learn!

Children feel a greater sense of independence with more space, and tend to be more imaginative in their play. They also have healthier social interactions when less confined and more aware of their place within their surroundings.

Different seasons bring different sensory experiences. Nature is unpredictable and sometimes presents discomfort. (Hot slide, insects, rain, mud, thorny plants, mess from trees and animals, to name a few.) This builds flexible mindsets and resilience. Time outdoors improves mental health – reducing stress, creating calm, and making them happier. Knowing this, Green Vale’s Early Childhood teachers emphasize outdoor learning all year round. A vast campus becomes an extension of the classroom.

Falling cherry blossoms form pink snow.

Fall

• The GVS orchard offers apple picking, taste comparisons (and graphing), pie baking, and print-making. Excess apples are donated, teaching about food insecurity and helping others.

• A visiting “pumpkin patch” allows weighing, measuring, carving, and seed counting. GVS landscaper “Farmer John” gives hay rides.

• The garden teaches how potatoes, pumpkins, and other foods grow. Students receive herb seedlings to grow at home.

• Scarecrow made from lost and found items

• Bulb planting outside the classroom windows teaches delayed gratification.

• Teamwork builds leaf piles for jumping.

Winter

• Students dress for the weather with snowsuits kept at school.

• Snow play (snowman, rolling down the hill)

• “Painting” snow with squirt bottles

• Observing icicles and freezing/melting cycles

• Making and observing bird feeders

• Thanksgiving Turkey Trot

Spring

• Celebrate blooming of forsythia, the first flowers of spring, clipping branches to inspire still life painting

• Smell and appreciate lilacs and welcome each new perennial as it blooms

• Classrooms watch cocoons form and hatch; butterflies released on Grandparents Day

• Falling cherry blossoms form pink snow.

• Ducklings hatch in Pre-K classroom.

• Everyone watches closing races at Blue-Gold Day!

Year-Round

• The Rogers quad forms a racetrack for scooter bikes.

• Science lessons and experiments with Ms. Nastos

• Rain puddles can be fun when exploring campus.

• Gather materials for art projects.

• Science pond visits through the seasons

What’s New in Lower School?

Fresh ideas have met quick success.

Parent-School Communication

The better the collaboration between school and home, the better the outcomes for students. To reinforce this, Lower School Director Heather Wagner introduced a “Hopes and Dreams” conference for parents of 1st-5th Graders with the homeroom teacher. This is a conference where the teacher does the listening while the parents explain their goals for their child and offer context about the child’s background and family.

Another communication initiative improves the quality and consistency of weekly homeroom and grade level updates. Rather than each teacher using a different style, frequency, and depth to their newsletter, teachers take turns crafting a high-quality update for the entire grade. Specials teachers rotate adding a section on their course as well. The most significant shift is the framing of the newsletter itself. They are titled “Ask Me About…” as a way to inspire dialogue between parents and the child. In support of the Strategic Plan’s student-centric learning mandate, this encourages the child to feel ownership of his/her own learning.

1st Grade Tea 2.0

The evolution of this event is an excellent example of tweaking a beloved tradition, without losing its feel and essence, to evolve its educational and/ or community-building benefits. This hallmark 1st Grade experience still involves the children serving tea to parents in hand-made clay cups in an elegant setting in the dining hall, and still features children dressed in their finest for the occasion. However, rather than showcasing a study of England through a song and dance performance, the students showcase the trajectory of their writing throughout the year, reading to their parents over tea. The event is now known as the “1st Grade Authors’ Tea”. It also entails a walk-through of the collaborative 3D “community” built by each homeroom contributing assigned elements: public services, retail stores, residential and recreational areas.

Community Groups

To establish bonds between grade levels and create an element of continuity throughout the Lower School experience, each student in the division is now assigned to a Community Group. Each group has a faculty leader and contains at least one student from each grade level. Group composition remains constant each year, apart from welcoming new 1st Graders in September and saying goodbye to 5th Graders each June. Meeting every six weeks or so, group activities incorporate service learning, such as making cards and letters for veterans or cancer patients, or simply reading picture books together or playing games. “The students just love being together, and getting to know kids outside of their grade,” says Wagner.

Responsive Classroom

All Lower School homeroom teachers have undergone training in the “Responsive Classroom”, an evidence-based approach to enhance academic and social-emotional learning through focus on the homeroom environment. What constitutes a Responsive Classroom?

Morning meeting: Each child is actively seen and heard by their peers and teacher before the day gets underway. This engenders feelings of belonging and responsibility as part of the group and leads to children’s “best efforts” throughout the day.

Routines: Consistent expectations create safety, calm and a sense of order so that attention can be focused on learning.

Teacher language: 3 R’s include frequent Reinforcement (“I see Susie is quietly ready with her pencil.”), Reminding (“Who can remind me how we move through the hallways?”), Redirecting (“Let’s continue this conversation during lunch.”)

Positive relationship with school: Encouraging students to consider how and why things at school are taught and done creates ownership of their school experience. Where possible, teachers put things in students’ hands: “How can we organize the markers? How can we use the whiteboard to help with fundations today?”

Problem solving: Teachers have techniques to help students take agency in dispute settling.

Responsive Classroom

Intro t o Video Production

When a professional-grade production studio was added in the final stages of the Bacon & Biondi Building construction, a vision was born of how a fully-equipped facility could augment student learning. This year, the vision met reality as a group of 8th Graders participated in a weekly production class. Taught by William Meade, a professional videographer and editor who has worked extensively with Green Vale’s Advancement Team, the class was geared toward collaborative development of a Green Vale-themed video news show.

Students crafted scripts related to current events as well as happenings at GVS. They learned how to convey information in a clear, understandable way, creating a show with variations in tone – both serious and funny.

Students were exposed to technical skills such as:

• Use of a green screen and chroma key

• Production camera settings and optics

• Sound capture and audio techniques

• Operation and use of a teleprompter

• Variations in shooting style for interviews vs reporting

Each student rotated through the various roles and responsibilities in front of the camera, behind the camera, graphics, concepting and scripting, and general set-up. As the program expands in the future, editing and post-production lessons will be included.

Even more than the concrete production skills, the course was an exercise in collaboration. As Mr. Meade frequently conveyed to the students: “TV doesn’t happen without every person doing their job well. You HAVE to grow and learn as a team. It lends itself to a lot of different personalities and skills.”

As each episode was finalized, the students experienced tremendous pride in their output, which was echoed by the rest of the Upper School who met each installment with uproarious laughter and applause. “Once the kids saw what was possible with the medium, it would inspire new ideas for the next one,” said Meade.

Getting Honest about Social Media

for students to check in with one another and a highly involved adult outside of their demanding academic schedule. Twenty minutes each day plus a longer, weekly 40-minute period offers a respite (and a snack). “It’s a time to get off the hamster wheel,” says 7th Grade Dean Nydia Aguirre-Calderon. 8th Grade Dean Aisha Daley adds, “They release stress through bonding, talking, and common experience. And we get to know them as people.”

In addition to reminders and announcements, advisory is a time to focus on social-emotional learning and executive functioning competencies. In January, recognizing that SEL in middle school is closely tied to culture, attitudes, and behavior around technology, Green Vale invested in a new interactive curriculum to aid in this key aspect of student development.

Through The Social Institute, Upper School advisory now incorporates a comprehensive online curriculum that empowers students to navigate social media and technology while protecting their health, happiness, and future success. With interactive, student-centric content, the program inspires students to make high-character choices. The Social Institute modules leverage the same CASEL social-emotional learning framework that Green Vale teachers use starting in Early Childhood.

Lessons are calibrated by grade level and often feature current events, memes, or trends for increased relevance to these digital natives. Students complete the interactive module independently, answering questions about a scenario or about their own emotions or habits. Teachers periodically pause the lesson for discussion, finding that students are more open and forthcoming when able to reference a response to the online game. The program tabulates responses for comparison with the class, with the full school, or even the nation. These results are often the impetus for illuminating discussion.

“It works,” says 6th Grade Dean Kevin Kane. “They are all in and they buy it.”

A Plan Becomes Action

Year One of the Strategic Plan

The sense of optimism expressed universally by the trustees, administrators, and teachers involved in developing Green Vale’s 2022 Strategic Plan stemmed from the plan’s clear actionability. Sure enough, the first year of Plan implementation proves this hunch was correct. With true clarity of v ision, “low-hanging fruit” of meaningful but easily executed improvements was plentiful.

Following are examples of enhancements completed during the 2022-2023 school year:

New Positions

Lower School Coordinator for Teaching & Learning

This leadership opportunity for Stephanie Broder will build leadership capacity in other teachers. Broder will facilitate teacher coaching and professional growth opportunities and share specific techniques and strategies.

New Partnerships

Main Street Books

A new Book Fair vendor offers higher quality books and broader range of authors

Full-Time School Psychologist

Dr. Lindsay Macchia provided helpful counseling to numerous students and families, her full-time presence allowing for better familiarity with the School and community. She also worked with groups of students periodically, visiting grade levels to advise on themes such as friendship or stress.

The Social Institute

Curriculum for 6th-8th Grades to make productive and self-affirming decisions around social media & technology

The Morgan Library

A new multidisciplinary field trip for 4th Grade

Preservation Long Island

A new field trip for 7th Grade to Joseph Lloyd Manor where poet Jupiter Hammon was enslaved in the 1700s.

New Training

Fundations

Kindergarten - 3rd Grade teachers completed identical training in this systematic phonics, spelling, and handwriting program. This ensures alignment of student experience across sections and across grade levels.

New Approach

5th Grade Departmentalization

Students now change classes for math, literacy, and history. Without losing the benefits of the homeroom experience, students gain exposure to how academics will be structured in Upper School, and in turn the homeroom teachers’ capacity and subject matter expertise are heightened.

Deeper Learning

1st Grade “Community” Theme

Studying the components and needs of a community was determined to be more age-appropriate than a broad study of continents. Learning becomes more relevant as a field trip entails helping clean up a local park, a group project revolves around designing a playground, and a lens of problem-solving, sustainability, and innovation is applied.

3rd Grade “Changemakers”

The study of European explorers took on a new context as students learned more broadly about “changemakers” and the different ways of impacting human history.

Guiding Principles for Implementation

Authentic

Grounded by GVS’ strengths of academic excellence and character education

Intentional

Task forces are reflecting, sharing knowledge, and challenging assumptions.

Strategic

Mission, Values & Vision is a firm framework for decision-making.

Sustainable

Focus on systems and structures will ensure continued evolution of teaching and learning.

4th Grade State Fair

Eliminating the over-involvement of parents in crafting state projects stems from the imperative of student-centric learning. Displays are now created during school in a cross-curricular integration with the Innovation Lab and art department.

8th Grade Video Production

A student news show reflects a commitment to next-generation learning needs. Read more on page 6 for how students translated history lessons into TV segments for their peers.

The festivities began immediately as school opened in September. Families returned to celebratory banners around campus and a special “100 Years” centennial logo. On the heels of a newly adopted, years-in-the-making Strategic Plan and revised Mission, Values, and Vision co-created by the Board, senior administrators, and faculty, Green Vale was ready to celebrate.

The goals for the year were simple:

• Honor Green Vale’s past, present, and future by engaging as many constituents as possible.

• Recognize the work, decisions, generosity, and spirit that have accumulated over a century to create the school that continues to provide a bedrock for families and a springboard for lives of purpose.

• Revel in the school spirit and gratitude that define this community.

The culmination of the centennial festivities was the Party of the Century on May 20. Nearly 600 gathered at the Watters Center for a stunning, roaring 1920s deco-inspired party with seated dinner, emotional toasts, and music from The Cameroons. The blend of alumni, current parents, current and former faculty, staff, administrators, and trustees in attendance formed a resounding tribute to Green Vale.

Sponsors

Benefactor

Jamie Nicholls and Fran Biondi P’15, ’18, ’21

The Comfort Family

Sherri and Jack Grace P’09, ’11 ’14

John and Wendy Doubleday Havens ’71 | P’97, ’99, ’07

Patricia and Hugh O’Kane Jr. P’93, ’99, ’95, ’95 | GP’25, ’26, ’26. ’28, ’30, ’30, ’33

Valerie and Wright Ohrstrom P’20, ’21

John and Robin Pickett, Jr. P’81, ’83, ’86 | GP’26, ’28, ’31

Amy Falls and Hartley Rogers P’15, ’17, ’19

Patron

Elizabeth and Lee Ainslie P’11, ’13

The Borynack-Zaralegui and Clark Family

Ann and Elliot Conway P’06, ’10

Aileen and Ian Gumprecht ’92 | P’29, ’31, ’34

Tina Mariani May ’86 and Marshall May ’80 | P’16, ’19, ’21

Ginger and Henry Morriello P’29

Arianne and Hugh O’Kane ’93 | P’25, ’26, ’28, ’30

The Qin Family Preethi and Hari Rajan P’27, ’31

Janet and Walter Teagle, III ’64 | P’94, ’97, ’99 | GP’28, ’28, ’30, ’32

A moving video narrated by alumni who are also current GVS parents was shown as guests were seated for dinner. Visit the GVS YouTube channel to view this and other videos!

Supporter

Liz Carmody ’63 and Rodney Berens ’59 | P’89, ’94, ’94, ’99 | GP ’17, ’20

Diana and John K. Colgate, Jr. ’49 | P’87 | GP’10, ’12, ’14, ’14, ’16, ’19, ’21

Sharon and Darrell Crane P’26

Kate and Chad Doerge ’89 | P’18, ’21, ’25

Mary Beth and Joseph Donohue P’11, ’17

Dalith and Todd Edgar P’20, ’23, ’26

Anne and John Forlines, III P’04, ’06, ’11 | GP’35

Gwendolyn and James Gillies ’90 | P’19, ’22

Michelle and Timothy Gokey P’20, ’23

Carolyn and Oliver Grace P’96, ’97, ’99, ’02, ’04, ’07, ’07 | GP’32, ’34

John and Gabrielle DeMatteis Keller ’97 | P’29, ’32 | F

Melissa and Stephen Meister P’20

Kim and John O’Kane ’99, P’26, ’30, ’33

Eileen and Jonathan Otto P’22, ’23, ’26

Missy and Flip Pidot ’91 | P’25, ’27, ’30

Grant and Christina French Porter ’66 | P’97 | GP’28, ’30

Liz and Jay Remsen, II ’72 | P ’03, ’04, ’06, ’10 | F The Sciame Family

Herbert and Marianna Murnane Smith ’78 | P’03, ’05, ’05, ’09

Kearney and Daniel Staniford ’87 | P’23, ’25

Tina Porter ’97 and Clifton Teagle ’97 | P’28, ’30

Michal Colby Wadsworth ’62

Celebration

Centennial Saturday

During the day on May 20, the School hosted an open house designed to bring all ages back to campus informally, with a “something for everyone” theme. There was elegant brunch served all morning in the dining hall, a nostalgic, unchanged setting that served as a central meeting place for the morning. Food was served on the school’s classic blue patterned china plates fondly recalled by alumni. Attendees eagerly helped one another locate their graduation plaques, and each find brought the now-grown-up artist a wave of memories.

Special centennial-themed GVS merchandise was available for purchase. Visitors embarked on selfguided tours using specially created campus maps, thrilled to explore both familiar and brand-new spaces and facilities. Veteran teachers were stationed in various learning spaces to explain today’s curriculum, answer questions, and bring smiles to the many who recognized them from bygone days. For families with young children, there was a miniature carnival event with games and activities. Mid-way through the event, a student choral concert brought everyone together in Harris Theater for reassurance that Green Vale’s music program is perhaps better than ever, and sent them out smiling and tapping their feet to the Beatles’ “Penny Lane”.

GVS regalia that had been stored at the top of a closet for decades. “I knew I had the pennant,” she said, “and when I took it down for this occasion, all these other ribbons and pins came rolling out!”

Browse remaining inventory of special centennial-themed GVS merchandise.

Archives

A major draw for visitors on Centennial Saturday were curated archival exhibits featuring memorabilia, artifacts, original documents, and photos galore from Green Vale’s entire first century. Led by Centennial Executive Team Chair Arianne O’Kane and former museum curator Meredith Brown, both parent volunteers, the effort to unearth and organize disparate materials was extensive. Former Lower School Director Linda Gardiner and Early Childhood teacher Elyce Vuernick lent time and peerless institutional wisdom. Featured items included:

Original notes and documents related to the School’s founding, naming, and site selection;

Stock certificates in the names of Roosevelt, Morgan, and Frick; Blueprints for the original building by noted architect Peabody, Wilson and Brown;

Meticulous student health records kept by Dr. Everett Jessup, founding trustee and school physician for over 30 years;

Athletics ribbons, patches, medals, pins, and jerseys;

Curriculum from the 1920s and sheet music from the 1930s; Hand-written letter to the School from Gloria Vanderbilt ’39; Vintage woodworking crafts made by students.

Commemorative History Book

In the lead-up to the centennial year, Jesse Dougherty and the Advancement Team committed to publish a full-color, hardcover coffee table book of School history, archives, and photographs to chronicle the first century of a remarkable school. Prior histories had been printed in paper booklet form for the 50th and 75th anniversaries; this iteration was designed as a true display and keepsake item that is visually rich and reliant on first-person storytelling to convey a more personal, emotional portrait of Green Vale.

The final product, The Best Endures: 100 Years of The Green Vale School reflects exceptional teamwork over 14 months among Green Vale’s marketing and communications office and Good Design, LLC of Deep River, Connecticut with Gaby Hoffman and Sarah Dupuis leading layout and graphic design and Christine Foster as primary writer. Countless other contributors are thanked in the book’s preface. Copies are available for purchase ($100) at Locust Valley Bookstore or directly from GVS. (Contact atewes@greenvaleschool.org to arrange payment and pick-up or shipping.)

Alumni Softball

A new annual tradition was born with a wildly successful alumni softball game held on Friday, May 19. Over 30 men and women ranging from the class of 2023 to the class of 1956 turned out to play, and vastly more came to cheer and socialize, most decked in blue and gold. With local beer, and catering courtesy of the Otto family’s The Rex Burger & Lobster, along with face paint, pom poms, cowbells and other spirit items for kids, the event brought immediate calls for an annual repeat. In a barnburner of a game, team Gold bested team Blue, 11-10.

Next Year’s Game

May 17, 2024

Student Celebrations

An important aspect of marking Green Vale’s 100th was engaging students in their school’s milestone. An immediately popular addition was the return of classic GVS desserts pioneered by Chef Roger and beloved since the 1960s: “Mississippi Mud” and “Floating Island”. A series of weekly assemblies each focused on a decade of Green Vale history, with students and teachers taking turns presenting old photos, fun facts, and interesting comparisons between aspects of school life that feel incredibly different (such as naptime on cots in the gym or the separation of boys and girls in older grades), and myriad traditions that remain unchanged.

A new all-school annual event, Founders Day, was reestablished and will be observed going forward in January to mark the timing of Green Vale’s official charter in 1923. The entire community was unified with matching shirts and gathered for an all-school assembly where historic, spirited GVS cheers were resurrected. The day proceeded with inter-grade bonding and service activities, and various treats and fun surprises.

Upper School students were paired with GVS alumni as pen pals and exchanged letters throughout the year about how the School is both the same and different. Lower School students sent paper GVS knights to friends and relatives around the world with a request for photos of their knight in far-reaching locales, creating a metaphor for the School’s reach and prompting fun geography lessons.

Chris Garcia

Reflections of a Board President

GV Magazine sits down with Chris Garcia at the end of his tenure. What should the world know about Green Vale?

GVS uniquely readies children to lead a successful and productive life in all aspects, not just academically. It’s a K-8 institution, and yet graduates count it as their most formative educational experience. I think that’s exceptional.

What do you feel most proud of during your tenure?

We improved the governance of the Board and of the School. We confronted a couple of once-in-a-lifetime moments appropriately and effectively: COVID and calls for racial justice. We not only preserved a strong financial footing; we strengthened it.

What are 2-3 things you have learned through your GVS work?

1. I’ve seen teaching at its apex.

2. One of the School’s great strengths is the partnership that the parent community truly wants to have with the School.

3. I’ve been blown away by the skills, acumen, and commitment that my fellow trustees bring in support of it.

What was your priority as you entered the role? How did that evolve?

My priority was to move the Board toward higher-level strategic work so that we were not in the weeds of operations, but laser-focused on how strategically we could move the School into its next 100 years as a better and stronger institution. That priority didn’t change.

COVID: Thoughts in the moment? Thoughts in retrospect?

Both then and now I would say the same thing: COVID presented an opportunity. And Green Vale met that opportunity. Jesse gets a lot of credit for being willing to act boldly in the moment. Committing to being open had the potential to be a very controversial decision. I distinctly recall conversations with Jesse where we acknowledged risks but remained guided by our lodestar of providing an optimal educational experience.

Reflections as a GVS parent: what brings a tear to your eye?

The thing I get emotional about is the teachers. They have had such an impact on my kids’ lives. My sons in college and high school still talk about their GVS teachers and compare them favorably to current teachers.

What’s your wish list for Green Vale’s future?

1) I hope for wildly successful implementation of the 2022 Strategic Plan. 2) I hope that GVS continues to meet every new generation’s needs while still holding onto its core identity. And 3) I hope for doubling of the endowment!

What makes you proud of the 2022 Strategic Plan?

Its focus on teachers is unique. Most strategic plans are focused on buildings or programs. Ours recognizes that Green Vale isn’t Green Vale without the teachers.

Does the Board have a secret handshake?

Not currently, but I understand my successor is developing one.

Where is the Board’s favorite hangout?

After most meetings you can find us at Bar Frites. Often closing it down.

GVS Hockey Takes it up a Notch

An excellent example of the value of Reflection in action is a recent overhaul of the Green Vale hockey program. Athletics Director Mike Kotula observed that Green Vale had talented ice hockey players who were understimulated ever since the local hockey-playing private schools – GVS, Portledge and East Woods – had moved to a collaborative, blended team. For several years, each school would practice independently and then combine for weekly mixed-team scrimmages rather than formal interscholastic games. In large part, this necessity was a function of low participation on other schools’ hockey teams, not to mention many peer schools not offering hockey at all in middle-school.

Kotula and Head of School Jesse Dougherty decided that Green Vale players would be better served by reverting to a fully independent schedule, forgoing blended scrimmages where Green Vale players dominated in both number and skill. “We decided to stop feeling limited by geography,” explained Kotula. “If Long Island private schools couldn’t provide competition, we were willing to travel a bit further.”

Two new outside coaches were hired: head coach Kathy Griswold with experience coaching town, public school, and travel hockey and Kyler Rowe, a local hockey star who played juniors before joining the Farmingdale State College Division II team.

Thus, Green Vale hit the road for Connecticut and the 20222023 season featured games against Greenwich Academy, Greenwich Country Day, Brunswick, and New Canaan Country School. The games are co-ed, non-contact hockey. Kotula was quick to point out that many of Green Vale’s strongest players this year were girls. Now that Green Vale has proved its skill level and commitment, the CT teams will each travel to Long Island once a season as well.

“Hockey is probably our most talented sport at GVS. The kids have played together so much both at school and outside of school.” — Mike Kotula

Blue-Gold Day

Eight students were selected to perform in the 2022-2023 All-County music festival. This event, sponsored by NMEA (Nassau Music Educators’ Association), brings together strong student musicians from across the county for a week of intensive rehearsals and a performance at LIU Post’s Tilles Center. Students are selected based on the previous year’s NYSSMA solo scores.

Upper School Musicians All-County Honors

8th Grader Penelope Chun was chosen for cello and seven students were selected for chorus: Molly Lamb, Sophie Kasouf, Tristan Amparo, Adetola Babatunde, Alexander Yarian, Shayla Durrett, and Charlotte Lee.

Student Accomplishments

In May, Julia Mahadeo placed second in the free skate division of the 2023 Nassau County Figure Skating Championship. Next, she placed first at the Dix Hills Summer

Classic. According to her mother, Priya, Julia loves incorporating classical Bharatnatyam and Indian music in her skating program. She is also part of a synchronized skating team. “Gliding on the ice is an electrifying feeling,” she says.

Results this past winter established Veronique as #49 in the entire United States for her age level in the floor category for several weeks. Since then, she placed first on bars in the regional state championship. In three other meets this season, she placed 2nd in all-around where her personal best was a 37.75 (out of 40).

On the heels of a starring role as Wilbur in Green Vale’s 3rd Grade production of “Charlotte’s Web”, Tara Rajan has taken her talent to new heights. The Paper Mill Playhouse, a 1,200seat regional theater in Millburn, New Jersey, cast her as Brigitta in “The Sound of Music” alongside

career Broadway actors. An intensive rehearsal schedule preceded 37 evening and matinee performances. Next, she landed a part in the widely acclaimed May revival of “Goodbye Girl” with the J2 Spotlight Musical Theater Company in Manhattan, under a Tony Award-winning director.

Class of 2023

Closing Exercises for the Centennial Class of 2023 began with a procession of faculty, administration, and staff, followed by the graduates. The graduating class selected a student speaker, Noah Daher ’23, and a faculty speaker, Devon Cohen, Upper School history teacher.

Daher emphasized the readiness of his class to enter their next life chapter. “To all the parents with children going to schools, both boarding and day, don’t be sad. Be happy that your child is taking the next steps in their journey.” He continued, “we should not be scared about the future, we should be happy that Green Vale is giving us the knowledge to be able to properly go to that future.”

Cohen noted the affection he will always have for his first group of students as a full-time teacher, calling them “this extremely colorful, uniquely distinct class.” He spoke about respect for differences, noting that “keeping an open mindset will be more beneficial to you in the long run than some of you may realize at this point in your lives.”

Attendees raved about the full class’ choral performance of “Somewhere Only We Know” by Keane. In keeping with a remarkable tradition, each graduate’s faculty advisor delivered personalized remarks about each student as the diplomas were presented.

Head of School Jesse Dougherty gave a valedictory address with a theme of storytelling. He explained that in preparation for the 100th year of Green Vale, he had to consider what stories should be told about the School. He reflected that graduation is a similar moment for graduates to ponder the stories they will tell about their past and how those will inform their futures.

He shared that great stories are self-reflective, and many come from failure and contradiction that lead to growth. Although the graduates’ stories are just beginning, Dougherty complimented them on a head start of practicing reflection, failure, perspective, and listening to others.

The ceremony also featured the inaugural presentation of the Penny Doerge ’21 Character Award.

Graduation Awards

Buckley Award for Effort and Achievement

Sienna Sara Edgar | Thomas W. Grant III

Head Of School Awards

River Essie Aryeh | Ogden Mills Phipps II

Emma Chloe Slonim

Robert Fenwick Jackson Bowl for Excellence in Academic and Athletic Endeavor

William Garcia | Penelope S. Chun

Thomas M. Bancroft, Jr. Citizenship Award

Leyla M. Casimir | Lachlan Neil Vogel

Penny Doerge Character Award

William Fitzgerald Busconi

Benjamin Farnsworth Vanderpoel Award

Caroline Field Myles

Derby Medal for Strong Character

Noah Daher

Year-End Awards

Frederick Driscoll Award

Margaret M. Dubuque

Brock Award for Excellence In Art

Elizabeth A Gokey

Class Of 1967 Music Award for Effort and the Advancement of Music at Green Vale

Chorus: Veronica Moran Edwards

Ensemble: Samantha Elizabeth Jurim

George V. Bartlett Rose Award for Shop

Lilly Tower McMillen

John A. Cosentino Drama Award

Samantha Elizabeth Jurim

Cheryl L. Webb Girls’ Athletic Award

Reese Elle L’Esperance

Joseph J. Julien Athletic Award for Excellence in Athletics

William Phelan Kelly

Marguerite K. Wheeler Award for Mathematics

Kento Cavallo

Carlyle J. Coash, Jr. History Award

William Garcia

Jonpatrick Barry Science Award

Luke Ferraro | Alexandra Davis Zarou

Warner Speech Contest

Etelle J Silvera

“Focus on demonstrating your individuality rather than conformity, because it is your individuality that ultimately is worth celebrating.”

— Devon Cohen

Parents Day

Grandparents & Friends Day

People of Color Conference

Green Vale’s Largest-Ever Delegation

The NAIS People of Color Conference (PoCC) is the flagship of the National Association of Independent Schools’ commitment to equity and justice in teaching, learning, and organizational development. The mission of the conference is to provide a safe space for leadership, professional development, and networking for people of color and allies of all backgrounds in independent schools. Nydia Aguirre-Calderon, Narinder Bhalla, Aisha Daley, Valerie Field, and Helen Yu-Holguin were selected to attend along with 7,800 other educators in San Antonio.

Keynote speakers included Dr. J. Luke Wood on recognizing and avoiding “racelighting” and Nikki Giovanni, world-renowned poet and one of the foremost authors of the Black Arts movement. Upon return, the GVS attendees presented highlights from an inspiring and emotional three days to the entire faculty. Through this, they reinforced renowned scholar Asa Hilliard’s notion that “education is an act of love.”

Corinthia Price American Library Association Council

The American Library Association has elected Lower School librarian Corinthia Price to serve as Councilor-at-Large for 2023-2026. She received over 40,000 votes to achieve this honor. “ I didn’t think I had a chance,” said Price, “but I threw my hat in the ring and won.” The theme of her candidacy was “advocating for inclusive access”. As part of her new role, she will attend biannual ALA governance meetings.

Mary Metzger

Children’s Yoga Certification

Through Yoga Alliance and Deep Play for Kids in Westport, Connecticut, Metzger was certified as a kids’ yoga instructor. She looks forward to using mindfulness and yoga in her classroom as another tool to build and enhance children’s emotional stamina and well being.

Faculty News

Harvey Bass

Teaching, Sailing, and Giving Back Innovation Lab Director

Harvey Bass was featured in Newsday’s Long Island Life section for his Ranger Sailing Foundation, a program that sponsors children from underserved communities to learn to sail through a seven-week camp at Sea Cliff Yacht Club.

Anthony Schettino Wrestling Hall of Fame

After a remarkable 40 years of extensive leadership in the sport of wrestling, technology teacher Anthony Schettino has been inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, Downstate New York Chapter based on his achievements as both a competitor (as recently as 2014) and a coach. “I’m both elated and humbled,” says Schettino.

Danielle Maggi Technology in Education Conference

Technologists and educators from around the world gathered to learn about the latest advancements, trends, and best practices in educational technology across grade levels. “I found it exceptionally informative and inspiring,” says Maggi. “Integrating the arts with traditional STEM subjects resonated with me, as it opens the door for endlessly creative and engaging educational experiences!”

GALA 2022

Green Vale’s main annual fundraising gala was held November 4, 2022. Set in a 1919 mansion at the Muttontown Club with the theme “A Knight on the Blue & Gold Coast,” it was a fitting tribute to Green Vale’s school spirit and storied history. The event also raised more for ongoing operations than any of the last five years.

Alumni Spotlight

The Soref brothers’ latest film is the Netflix documentary, “Take Care of Maya” which premiered at Tribeca Film Festival in June. Rylan is an executive producer and Colton is a co-producer. The story focuses on the ordeal of Maya Kowalski who was rushed to a Florida emergency room for extreme pain and subsequently held for three months under a state-issued shelter order and barred from seeing her parents, whom doctors suspected of medical child abuse. Rolling Stone says: “There are medical nightmares, and there are legal nightmares. The story at the heart of ‘Take Care of Maya’ encompasses both.”

Rylan Soref ’01 and Colton Soref ’05 Documentary Film Producers

In May, Entenmann was named the Most Outstanding Player of the NCAA Division I men’s lacrosse tournament, leading the Notre Dame team to win their first-ever national championship. Entennmann was also honored as National Goalie of the Year.

Liam Entenmann ’15 Notre Dame Lacrosse Goalie

Gotham Greens is a Brooklyn-based fresh food company that grows local produce year-round in urban greenhouses that are solar- and/ or wind-powered. By reimagining urban landscapes, they are revitalizing communities and innovating for a sustainable future. Frymark has extensive experience designing and operating greenhouses and indoor farming facilities around the world from Anguilla to Antarctica where she grew fresh vegetables for research scientists. Her brother Todd Nelkin ’95 and sister Sarah Nelkin ’02 also attended Green Vale.

“We are farmers that live in apartments.”

— GothamGreens.com

Early Childhood

1 Barbara Jurim-Virbukas ’93

2 Maximilian Virbukas ’31

3 Ashley Levien Dooley ’01

4 Kieran Dooley ’32

5 Janet Teagle Graham ’99

6 Addie Graham ’32

7 Gabrielle DeMatteis Keller ’97

Lower School

1 Bryan McMillen ’81

2 James McMillen ’27

3 Ian Gumprecht ’92

4 Lilly Gumprecht ’29

5 Taylor Robinson ’98

6 Hatherly “Ivy” Robinson ’28

7 Pierce Robinson ’30

8 Austin Keller ’32

9 Victoria Pool Holm ’01

10 Alison Holm ’34

11 Charlotte Holm ’32

12 John O’Kane ’99

13 John “Ben” O’Kane ’33

14 Evan Uhlick ’97

16

17

18

20

21

22

1 Charles “Charlie” Pidot ’25

2 Flip Pidot ’91

3 Graham H. Staniford ’25

4 Dan Staniford ’87

5 Robert “Hutson” Staniford ’23

6 Henry Kasouf ’23

7 Sophie Kasouf ’25

8 Baldwin Smith III ’84

9 Georgia Smith ’29

10 Bronson Smith ’31

11 Jennifer Baker ’97

12 Sophie Walsh ’29

13 Gabrielle DeMatteis Keller ’97

14 Jackson Keller ’29

15 Lauren Powell Beyer ’95

16 Blake Beyer ’26

17 Caroline Salas Gage ’97

18 Caroline “Cece” Gage ’27

19 John “Jack” Gage ’30

20 Peter O’Kane ’28

21 Robert “Robbie” O’Kane ’30

22 John O’Kane ’99

23 Kirsten Isaksen Benjamin ’94

24 Julia Benjamin ’30

25 Ashley Levien Dooley ’01

26 Rory Dooley ’30

27 J.P Duffy ’90

28 Delaney Duffy ’30

29 Christina Porter Teagle ’97

30 Barbara Jurim-Virbukas ’93

31 Rebecca Virbukas ’29

32 Peter C. Webel ’97

33 Janet Teagle Graham ’99

34 Austin Graham ’28

35 Frederick “Freddie” Webel ’30

36 Porter Teagle ’30

37 Charles “Charlie” Webel ’28

8 Kelly Florio Kasouf ’96

9 Francis “Frankie” Doerge ’25

10 Taylor Zarou ’23

11 Sam J. Zarou, Jr. ’88

12 Davis Zarou ’23

13 Chad Doerge ’89

14 Caroline Myles ’23

15

16

17

19

22

23

Parent & Alumni Speaker Series

David Gulden

’87

Gulden thrilled his 4th-8th Grade audience with tales of his career as an African wildlife photographer. Each stunning photo and video depicted the rewards of patience, determination, and respect for one’s subject and environment. Students jostling to ask questions were clearly inspired by the work and admired Gulden’s courage to move to Africa in pursuit of a passion.

@davidguldenphotography

Ripley Hartmeyer ’06

Hartmeyer spoke to Upper School students about her life and career since GVS and how the lessons of Green Vale have contributed to her success as a venture capitalist. Specifically, she credits GVS with cultivating a combination of confidence and humility that leads to the ability to seek and use help from teachers and others.

Caroline Coleman ’79

Caroline Coleman ’79, author of children’s book If I Were a Tiger, visited campus during the Book Fair and spoke with Upper School students about the writing process. She discussed the process of selecting an illustrator and drawing inspiration from her family and her life experience. She is also the author of the novel Loving Soren about Danish philosopher Soren Kierkegaard.

Judith Tabler ’62

During the Book Fair, Tabler read students her latest book, Not So Fast, Tom Thumb, about a race between a steam engine and a horse in 1830 during the Industrial Revolution. Tabler grew up riding horses and her brother William Tabler ’57 was a railroad enthusiast with a model train collection. Tabler has published books for children and adults.

Randy Slavin

Randy Slavin is an award-winning director, photographer, and cinematographer. He is also a leader in the use of drones to make art, founding the NYC Drone Festival. He spoke to students about storytelling, discovering your own creativity through exploration,

and the importance of persistence and interpersonal skills for success in any career. He also spoke about techniques for positive self-talk during times of stress. Students could easily connect Mr. Slavin’s message with the GVS value of Resourcefulness.

Alfredo Paredes

The former chief creative officer for Ralph Lauren spoke to Upper School students about his work overseeing retail store design, visual merchandising, events, and the brand’s jaw-dropping Polo Bar restaurant, all in the service of creating one-of-a-kind experiences. He credited the importance of a good mentor (in his case, Ralph Lauren himself) and an excellent team. Students also heard about the commitment it takes to remain creative and passionate, as well as the courage it takes to know when it’s time to make a change.

Mikel Eisenberg

Eisenberg visited Lower School’s Earth Day assembly to speak about young people’s power to affect change for their planet’s future. After reviewing the damage caused by our addiction to single-use plastics, Eisenberg explained his vision for improving recycling efforts through incentives and education. He empowered students by explaining the numbering system on plastic containers: the lower the number, the more readily recyclable the product. Higher numbers such as 5 or 6, are nearly impossible to recycle and thus more harmful.

Peter B. Wilson ’03

Wilson spoke to 3rd Grade about his volunteer work in Tanzania as part of their study of “changemakers” in history. After climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro, he formed a chapter of The Waterboys, a group that builds wells and access to clean water where it’s most needed. He explained that the recipe for being a changemaker is to 1) be grateful; 2) be curious; and 3) take action!

My Father, Carl Coash

Headmaster 1978-1995

When someone does something that supports us at a vulnerable time, we can look back and see the ripples of change it created –see how that choice of compassion and kindness awoke a confidence in us, inspired a bold move or encouraged us to follow our heart.

The thing is, there is no way of knowing what will impact another. We might have an inkling, but the conundrum of impact is that it is less likely to work if planned. It is better when it stems from a natural place of attentiveness – from a desire to truly be of service and a courage to illuminate someone’s gifts.

My father was Headmaster from 1978 to 1995. Dad had other jobs in his life, but Green Vale seemed to coalesce all his skills, interests, and inspirations into the perfect role for him. With my Mother, Nadine, as his collaborator, Carl and Nadine were a force. It was not until after their deaths that I truly saw the impact of that force through others’ stories and countless memories of impact. For 30 years, I’ve had many people approach me and say, “I need to tell you how your parents helped me”. They follow that with how their life was transformed positively by Nadine’s and Carl’s actions of support, often describing simple ordinary moments that conveyed something those people would never forget.

Some felt believed in, celebrated for their gifts. Some were given a chance, a trust in what they would bring to the community – even if they didn’t believe it themselves. Some felt seen for the passions in their hearts or for the vision they had for the world. All these storytellers knew they had an ally in this unpredictable world.

And in turn, they passed along the same manner of support to others. By encouraging sparks of brilliance, by stirring confidence instead of doubt, people perpetuated the kindness of my parents in a genuine, heartfelt way. Some even sat with my mother while she was dying, because there are many ways to give back.

When impact comes from kindness, it can do anything. The best gift to my parents is to do the same. Take that extra moment to listen, to shine support towards another. Even if it seems insignificant, the ripples it creates can move mountains. It is always worth the time.

Mary Jessup Amonette ’35

Pilot, Engineer, Fashion Model

In Memoriam

Green Vale’s eldest alumna died November 13, 2022 in Ross, California at 102 years old. She was the daughter of Dr. Everett Jessup, Green Vale’s revered school physician for over 35 years. After being awarded the Derby Medal, Amonette attended the Emma Willard School and Sarah Lawrence College. She then worked at Grumman Aircraft Company building Naval fighter planes during World War II. She received her pilot’s license and seaplane rating and joined the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs). Later, Amonette enjoyed a second career in real estate for 25 years and upon retirement, volunteered at Marin General Hospital for 12 years. In 2000, Mary wrote a memoir entitled “Looking Down the Runway,” a reference to her life as both a model and pilot. She was predeceased by her brothers John B. Jessup ’37 and Richard N. Jessup ’35 and is survived by her sister Joan Jessup Eddy ’44, among others.

Ashton Hawkins ’51

Met Museum Executive

Ashton Hawkins died March 27, 2022 at 84 years old. For 32 years he worked for the Metropolitan Museum of Art where he collaborated with influential Met directors Thomas Hoving and Philippe de Montebello as executive vice president and general counsel. If they were curators of great works of art, Hawkins was their peer as curator of the museum’s most transformative donors. With his legal acumen and extensive social network, Hawkins facilitated major acquisitions and projects including the construction of the Egyptian wing. He is known for pioneering the specialty of art law and maintained a practice after retiring from The Met.

Friendships with the likes of Andy Warhol, Truman Capote, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Rose Kennedy, Brooke Astor, and Princess Margaret, boundless charisma, and impeccable style made him a fixture of uptown and downtown New York society.

After Green Vale, Hawkins attended Harvard University and Harvard Law School. A job at Cadwalader, Wickersham and Taft brought him to New York, followed by a stint as an assistant state attorney general. Thomas Hoving recruited Hawkins to join him at The Met. Hawkins is survived by his husband, actor and producer Johnnie Hawkins, and sister, Lisa Hawkins ’45

Neltje ’49 Painter & Philanthropist

Neltje died on April 30, 2021 at 86 years old. After attending Green Vale with her brother Nelson Doubleday ’47, she eventually dropped her surname and embarked on a career as a self-taught abstract expressionist artist. During her 50 years in Banner, Wyoming, she gained distinction as a rancher, community leader, and painter of large-scale canvases. In 2005, she was recognized as one of Wyoming’s pre-eminent artists with the Governor’s Arts Award. Her work has been featured at the Smithsonian, the Yellowstone Art Museum, IBM Corp. in Denver, the UW Art Museum, and the Wyoming State Museum. She published a memoir called North of Crazy in 2016. An important community benefactor, she established the Jentel Foundation to award artists and writers with month-long residencies. The bequest of her ranch to University of Wyoming as the Neltje Center for Contemporary Visual and Literary Arts is the university’s largest private gift ever.

Penelope “Penny” G. Doerge ’21 Artist, Prankster, Warrior

Penny died of complications from neurofibromatosis on November 10, 2022 at just sixteen. She attended Green Vale from Pre-K through 8th Grade. At graduation, she was honored with the Buckley Award for Effort and Achievement. After Green Vale, she attended Pomfret School and Portledge School.

Penny lived bravely and without complaint despite a dozen major surgeries over the course of her life. She prioritized humor and positivity throughout her life, never letting her illness impede her ability to embody joy. This mentality, along with a desire to boost awareness and funding for neurofibromatosis, inspired her family to establish Penny’s Flight Foundation (www.pennysflight.org).

Head of School Jesse Dougherty noted that “While Green Vale was blessed to have Penny for ten years, we are saying goodbye much, much too soon. Penny was known by all as a loyal friend, a talented artist, a giggler, a hard worker, and throughout her life, a courageous warrior in the face of challenge.” She is survived by her parents Kate and Chad Doerge ’89, brothers Henry Doerge ’18 and Frankie Doerge ’25, and aunts and uncles including Duke Barnett ’86, Lindsey Doerge Barnett ’92, Graham T. G. Doerge ’97.

George “Pete” H. Bostwick, Jr. ’49 Multi-Sport Champion

Pete Bostwick died July 7, 2022 at 87 years old. After Green Vale, Pete attended Aiken Preparatory School, St. Paul’s School, and Middlebury College. Despite a 35-year career at H.N. Whitney, Goadby & Co. as a stockbroker, Bostwick is best remembered for his rare athleticism. Accolades in court tennis, tennis, squash, racquets, golf, and ice hockey abound.

• Competed in the U.S. Open in both golf and tennis.

• Won national singles championships in court tennis, racquets, and squash.

• Pete is in the Middlebury College Athletics Hall of Fame with 12 varsity letters.

• He tried out for the 1960 U.S. Olympic hockey team and from 1958-1983 captained the St. Nicholas Hockey Club.

• In tennis, he achieved top-five and top-ten national rankings in Father/Son, Father/Daughter, and Grandfather/Grandson doubles

• In golf, he won six regional amateur tournaments. He reached the semifinals of the French Amateur and the fifth round of the British Amateur, and with his brother Jimmy ’51 won three team titles. Pete was predeceased by his wife and his sister Laura Bostwick ’60. He is survived by his brother James F. C. Bostwick ’51, three half-siblings, children George H. “Peter” Bostwick, III ’71, Catherine Bostwick Wilson ’72, Lilias Bostwick Noesen ’76, and Janet Bostwick-Hale ’80. He is also survived by eleven grandchildren including Peter Wilson ’03, James Wilson ’05, David Wilson ’06, and Caroline K. Wilson ’13. Niece and nephews include Thomas Bostwick ’92, Lisa Bostwick ’80 and James Bostwick ’78

Maria del Mar Casaseca Slocum

Mar was the proprietor of a successful catering business on Long Island and in New York City and for many years Green Vale’s star event caterer. Her son Kendall C. Slocum ’12 is a Green Vale graduate.

Joseph Quartararo

“Mr. Q”, beloved math department chair and friend to all for 17 years at Green Vale, was 79. His quick wit, kindness, generosity, and namesake Pi Contest are an enduring legacy. Since 1968, he had also taught evening courses at Nassau Community College. Quartararo was honored by President Ronald Reagan at the White House as Mathematics Teacher of the Year.

Sir Howard Hodgkin ’47 Renowned Abstract Artist

Recently, a historian working on a biography of Howard Hodgkin (1932–2017) called the Alumni Office to inquire about Hodgkin’s time at Green Vale. The School thus learned about yet another illustrious graduate. Hodgkin was knighted in 1992 to honor his status as one of England’s most celebrated contemporary abstract painters.

Born in London, Hodgkin was evacuated to Long Island with his family during World War II. After three years at Green Vale along with his sister Ann ’45, Hodgkin returned to England to attend Eton College, from which he ran away, fearing that formal education would impede his abilities as an artist.

Career highlights include a 1995-96 exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York and a 2006 retrospective at the Irish Museum of Modern Art, Dublin, The Tate Britain, and Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía, Madrid. Upon his death, the Tate Gallery director called him “one of the great artists and colourists of his generation”. In 1984, he was awarded the Turner Prize, Britain’s highest honor for a visual artist.

Marriages

Gilbert “Gib” W. Chapman III ’75

Kate Bedrick

May 19, 2023

Ashley Banker ’99

Pablo de Rosas

October 15, 2022

Alessandro Zanelli ’00

Diana Ayala

May 27, 2023

James N. Gardiner ’02

Mal Gretz

September 24, 2022

Laura A. Van Ingen ’04

Charlie Clarke

January 14, 2023

Mindy Weiss ’07

Lee Singer

July 9, 2022

Whitney H. Hartmeyer ’08

Charlie Finnegan

September 24, 2022

Births

Sterling B. Ely ’96

Arden River Ely

October 18, 2022

Nicholas S. Connors ’99

William Bayard Connors

April 30, 2023

William M. Copp ’01

Cora Catherine Copp

April 21, 2021

Pamela Battinelli Hamilton ’01

Naomi Layla Hamilton

February 8, 2023

Diana Grace Beard ’02

Wyatt Beau Beard

May 10, 2023

Eduardo F. Canet ’02

Sebastián Wolcott Canet

March 3, 2023

Deaths

Frederick H. Von Stade ’34

November 28, 2020

Mary Jessup Amonette ’35

November 13, 2022

Hugh Knowlton, Jr. ’35

April 4, 2022

Bradford Mills ’39

March 18, 2021

Lawrence “Larry” W. Ward ’40

January 10, 2022

Warren I. Titus, Jr. ’41

August 14, 2021

Payne Payson Middleton ’42

January 15, 2023

Milestones

Frederica Auerbach Neff ’42

December 2022

James J. Lee, Jr. ’44

February 22, 2023

Blyth Gilmour Patel ’46

January 22, 2021

George H. Bostwick, Jr. ’49

July 7, 2022

David LeBoutillier ’49

February 2020

Neltje ’49

April 30, 2021

Edward P. Harding ’50

April 4, 2022

Hoyt Ammidon, Jr. ’51

August 18, 2022

Ashton Hawkins ’51

March 27, 2022

Bernard “Barney” J. Ridder, Jr. ’51

October 5, 2022

George “Chip” M. Moffett, II ’52

December 17, 2021

Thomas LeBoutillier III ’53

April 10, 2020

John W. Galston ’54

May 1, 2022

Richard W. Brewster ’56

July 15, 2022

Anne Weld Collins ’56

December 3, 2022

David A. Harrison, IV ’58

April 13, 2022

Sybil Baker Carton ’60

February 4, 2023

Marie-Louise “Mal” Nickerson ’60

February 25, 2021

John F. Rand ’61

October 4, 2022

Jack Koch ’18

May 28, 2023

Penelope “Penny” G. Doerge ’21

November 10, 2022

Joseph Quartararo

Former Faculty

October 31, 2022

Mar Slocum

Former Parent

November 5, 2022

Class Notes

’34

Frederick H. Von Stade ’34

The Alumni Office recently learned of Frederick’s death on November 28, 2020; he was 97 years old. After Green Vale, Fred attended St. Paul’s School and Fountain Valley School in Colorado Springs. After graduating from Fountain Valley, he began pre-medical studies at Harvard University. Later that year, he enlisted in the Army where he served for four years during World War II in England and France. Upon his return from the war, he enrolled in the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music where he majored in piano. In 1953, Fred began his 31-year career at Taft Broadcasting. He married Carolyn Carrier from Cincinnati, the love of his life and the mother of their four children. Fred was also the proud grandfather of nine grandchildren and five greatgrandchildren.

Hugh Knowlton, Jr. ’35

It is with regret that we share the news of Hugh’s death on April 4, 2022; he was 99 years old. After Green Vale, Hugh graduated from Groton School, Yale University, and Harvard Law School. After his second year at Yale, he joined the Army Air Corps as a pilot. Hugh served briefly as a lawyer after his graduation from Harvard Law and then began work in investment banking. He was president and CEO of Smith Barney & Company. After retiring from Smith Barney, he joined Schieffelin & Company, an importer of wines and spirits. He was predeceased by his sister Mary Knowlton Sulzer ’33, wife, and four stepchildren. He is survived by his brothers Winthrop Knowlton ’40 and Stanley, three children, two stepchildren, eight grandchildren, and twelve great-grandchildren. ’39

Bradford Mills ’39

The Alumni Office recently learned of Brad’s death on March 18, 2021; he was 94 years old. After Green Vale, Brad attended Millbrook School and went on to serve in the Navy. He later

attended Princeton University where he was on the ski team and graduated cum laude in economics. Brad went on to be the assistant director of overseas territories for the Marshall Plan in Paris, earned a degree from Oxford University, and completed additional government service in naval intelligence and the CIA. Brad later took a break from his career in investment banking, to be the first head of the Overseas Private Investment Corp., appointed by President Richard Nixon. As an executive in investment banking, he was a founder-leader in numerous financial enterprises, heading his own firms and as a principal in others. Brad is survived by his wife, four children, and ten grandchildren.

’40

Lawrence “Larry” W. Ward ’40

It is with regret that we share the news of Larry’s death on January 10, 2022; he was 96 years old. Larry graduated from University of Michigan with a degree in naval architecture and marine engineering. He went on to receive a master’s degree from the Webb Institute in nautical engineering. Larry worked for Gibbs & Cox in the Hull Scientific Division designing the SA United States. He was a professor at the Webb Institute teaching structures and fluids to both undergraduates and Navy postgraduates for 32 years. He received a doctoral degree from Stevens Institute and was awarded a National Science Foundation fellowship in Hamburg, Germany. Larry received the greatest honor that may be bestowed upon a Webb alumnus, the William Selkirk Owen Award, for outstanding achievement and service to his profession and to Webb.

’41

Warren I. Titus, Jr. ’41

The Alumni Office recently learned of Warren’s death on August 14, 2021; he was 94 years old. Warren was born in Brooklyn and lived in Glen Cove, Lloyd Harbor, and, more recently, Greenport. In addition to Green Vale, Warren attended Friends Academy, Phillips Exeter Academy and Harvard College. He went on to attend the University of Virginia School of Law. His legal career included partnership at Payne, Wood and Littlejohn and counsel at Farrell Fritz. Warren served as a trustee for several organizations and an active member of his community. Warren

celebrated 67 years of marriage to his wife, Valentine and had three children, four grandchildren, and two greatgrandchildren.

’42

Payne Payson Middleton ’42

It is with regret that we share the news of Payne’s death on January 15, 2023; she was 95 years old. She grew up on Long Island, New York City, and Maine, and later lived in Arizona, Italy, and South Carolina with her beloved late husband.

Frederica Auerbach Neff ’42

It is with regret that we share the news of Frederica’s death in December 2022; she was 94 years old. After Green Vale, she went on to study at Brearley School, Foxcroft School, and Vassar College. She raised her three daughters with her first husband in Beirut, the Belgian Congo, Puerto Rico, and then New York, while supporting her first husband’s work at Mobil Oil in Paris. Upon return to New York, Frederica worked for Train Smith Counsel as an investment advisor for seventeen years. Frederica was a member of the Snarks, an amateur theater club through which she met her second husband, James Neff. She is survived by her husband, three daughters, two stepchildren, three step-grandchildren and eleven greatgrandchildren.

’44

James Lee, Jr.

’44

It is with regret that we share the news of James’ death on February 22, 2023; he was 93 years old. James was born in New York City and raised in Syosset. After Green Vale, he attended Brooks School and Kenyon College until entering the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Jim worked in Hartford as a salesman for Monroe Calculating Company and became a branch manager of the sales office in Worcester, Massachusetts. Jim and his wife Patricia raised their three children in Grafton, Massachusetts until they moved to Manchester, Vermont where they transformed a family home into the Birch Hill Inn - where guests were welcomed for over fifteen years.

He is survived by his wife, three children, eight grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.

’46

Blyth Gilmour Patel ’46

The Alumni Office recently learned of Blyth’s death on January 22, 2021; she was 88 years old. Blyth opened her own yoga center which drew many spiritual seekers who became her students. She was predeceased by her brother.

Elizabeth Cushman Putnam ’48

“I am so grateful to Green Vale for what was an excellent education. I was there first through ninth grade which was during WWII. I felt so grateful to all the faculty. Each and every one of them helped me to feel safe, and inspired me both academically and athletically. I am still in touch with some friends I made there. I felt well prepared for my next academic and athletic endeavors and have always been very grateful to Green Vale for helping provide those critical basic skills. From Green Vale I attended Miss. Porter’s School and then earned a bachelor’s degree from Vassar in 1955. After that I was fortunate to have the opportunity to found the Student Conservation Association (SCA), now in its 67th year with over 100,000 participants from all fifty states and abroad. I have a wonderful daughter, Phebe, currently living in Wyoming, but sadly my husband, Bruce, passed away in 2019. I am currently living on our farm in Vermont.”

’49

David LeBoutillier ’49

The Alumni Office recently learned of David’s death in February 2020 in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. David was predeceased by his father Thomas LeBoutillier, Sr. ’27, mother Ann, stepmother Pamela Tower LeBoutillier ’34, and half-sister Pamela LeBoutillier Miles ’73. His brother Thomas LeBoutillier III ’53 died shortly after David. He is survived by his half-brother John LeBoutillier ’67, half-sister Susan Secor Humes ’65, and other family members.

’50

Edward P. Harding ’50

It is with regret that we share the news of Edward’s death on April 4, 2022; he was 86 years old. After Green Vale, he went on to St. Paul’s School, Harvard College, and Harvard Business School. He joined Springs Mills Inc. in 1958 as a sales trainee and was stationed in New York, Boston, Montreal, San Francisco, and New York.

Twenty years later he was president of the Apparel Fabrics Division and created Barn Hill Company, selling high-end European fabric. He was predeceased by his brother Charles Harding, III ’48. He is survived by his sister Marie Harding ’57, brother Henry A. Harding ’66, wife Peggy, three children, six grandchildren, and two step-grandchildren. ’51

Hoyt Ammidon, Jr. ’51

It is with regret that we share the news of Hoyt’s death on August 18, 2022; he was 84 years old. Hoyt was born in New York City. After Green Vale, Hoyt went on to Phillips Exeter Academy and graduated from Yale University with a degree in history. Hoyt entered the US Marine Corps and served as a Marine Aviator for four years.

Following his honorable discharge, he worked at Morgan Stanley and ended at Berkshire Global Advisors. Hoyt was predeceased by his parents. He is survived by his wife, their three children and spouses, nine grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, his sister, and her husband.

Bernard “Barney” J. Ridder, Jr. ’51

It is with regret that we share the news of Barney’s death on October 5, 2022.

Barney was born in New York City and grew up in Laurel Hollow.

After Green Vale, he attended St. Mark’s School and Yale University. After serving in the military, Barney worked at The American News in South Dakota. The newspaper belonged to his family’s publishing firm where he spent his entire career. He spent two years at The Dispatch & Pioneer Press in Minnesota and then

moved to California where he became business manager of the Independent and Press-Telegram. He was an avid fisherman in Montana and Argentina, and spent weekends at his duck shooting club. He is survived by his brother L. Michael Ridder ’54, wife, two children, and two grandchildren. ’52

Anthony S. Hoyt: tabloidman@gmail.com

Anthony S. Hoyt ’52

“Happily married and living in Palm Springs, California.”

George “Chip” M. Moffett, II ’52

The Alumni Office recently learned of Chip’s death on December 17, 2021; he was 83 years old. Chip was born in New York City and grew up in Glen Head. After Green Vale, he attended the Middlesex School and the University of Pennsylvania-Wharton School of Finance. He went on to serve in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard and was a member of the First Troop Philadelphia City Cavalry. He worked in banking for 25 years at CoreStates Financial Corporation. In 1984, Chip was elected president of the Whitehall Foundation, a charitable organization founded to support research in neurobiology. He was predeceased by his parents, sisters Helen Moffett Brooks ’44 and Melissa Moffett Rumbough ’48, and former wife. He is survived by his wife, two children, three stepchildren, two grandchildren, and nine stepgrandchildren.

’53

Henry S. Reeder, Jr.: hsreeder@comcast.net

Thomas LeBoutillier III ’53

The Alumni Office recently learned of Tom’s death on April 10, 2020; he was 77 years old. After Green Vale, Tom attended Avon Old Farms Preparatory School, University of Missouri, and the University of Houston. He began his flying career with Delta Airlines in 1970 and rose through the ranks to captain and flight instructor before retiring in 2002. Tom attended Dallas Theological Seminary and received his masters in biblical studies. Tom was predeceased by his father Thomas LeBoutillier, Sr. ’27, mother Ann, stepmother Pamela Tower LeBoutillier ’34, brother David

LeBoutillier ’49, and half-sister Pamela LeBoutillier Miles ’73. He is survived by his half-brother John LeBoutillier ’67, half-sister Susan Secor Humes ’65, wife, son, mother-in-law, brother and sister-in-law, and nephews.

’54

Mimi Colgate Kirk: oaklea234@gmail.com

John W. Galston ’54

It is with regret that we share the news of John’s death on May 1, 2022; he was 81 years old. After Green Vale, he attended Phillips Exeter Academy, Tufts University, and Yale University - , receiving the prestigious Henry Adams Medal, awarded to the graduating student with the highest academic ranking. John went on to become a Fulbright Scholar at the Royal Danish Academy of Architecture in Copenhagen. In 1996, he moved to Washington, D.C. to work at the architecture firm Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill where he was appointed by President Lyndon Johnson as Director of the Commission on Pennsylvania Avenue. John’s design projects were adopted, notably the reflecting pool at the base of the US Capitol building and the Haupt Fountains that frame the White House on the other end of Pennsylvania Ave. He later relocated to Manhattan and founded real estate development company Envicon Capital Corp. He went on to fund a bilingual school in Nuevo Vallarta, The Harkness Institute. John was predeceased by his former wife. John is survived by his wife and three children, and six grandchildren.

E. Tompers

“Tom” McMahon ’54

Tom visited Green Vale with his nephew last May. He saw his plaque in the Dining Room and his name on the Blue Captain list.

’56

Richard W. Brewster ’56

It is with regret that we share the news of Richard’s death on July 15, 2022. After Green Vale, he attended St. Paul’s School, Princeton University, and Harvard Law School. He was a litigator in both public and private practice, and

retired from practicing law in 2016. He then became a mediator and adjunct professor of mediation. During the pandemic, Richard wrote and published, Witchcraft Legacy, Stories from the Big Attic, a family memoir. He was predeceased by siblings Isabel Brewster Van Dine ’47 and Samuel D. Brewster ’53. He is survived by his brother Thomas S. Brewster ’48, wife, three children and two grandchildren.

Anne Weld Collins ’56

It is with regret that we share the news of Anne’s death on December 3, 2022.

Anne was born in New York City. Her brother David L. Weld ’52 predeceased her. She is survived by her brothers Francis M. Weld ’53, William F. Weld ’58, four children and five grandchildren.

Peter J. Pell Sr. ’56

Peter pictured with his grandchildren Tommy ’29 and Carter ’27 at Green Vale on Grandparents & Friends Day in May.

’57

Magdelaine Anthony Smith ’57

“I’m the grandmother of four grandchildren - Cliff (19), Brady (17), Delainey (7), and Lyla (7). Cliff has finished his first year at Embry Riddle University and has his pilot’s license! Brady finished his junior year in high school; been playing varsity basketball and baseball. Delainey is busy with art, soccer, etc. and Lyla plays soccer, basketball, swims, etc. My daughters Diane and Lisa have joined me in my love of pickleball while Lisa and I play occasional 9 holes of golf.” ’58

David A. Harrison, IV ’58

It is with regret that we share the news of David’s death on April 13, 2022; he was 77 years old. David was born in Richmond, Virginia and raised in Old Brookville. After Green Vale, he attended Episcopal High School, and the University of Virginia undergraduate and law schools. After

practicing law in New York, he moved to Arizona, where he owned a copier business, but ultimately moved back to Virginia. After a few years as a stock broker, he founded Shades of Light, a successful national lighting catalog, with his wife. He was predeceased by his parents, and brother George Harrison ’71. He is survived by his sisters Mary Harrison Keevil ’65, Marjorie Harrison Webb ’61, and Anne Harrison Armstrong ’72, his wife Ashton, four children, two grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

’60

M.R.E. Theodore Baehr ’60

“Even though our family-oriented MOVIEGUIDE® has soared to 89 million per month, it has been a difficult year after the loss of my wife Lili (who graduated to Heaven on May 5, 2022), pictured here when we first met. The grief was mitigated slightly by the increase in grandchildren to 17. Green Vale was a blessing.”

Sybil Baker Carton ’60

It is with regret that we share the news of Sybil’s death on February 4, 2023. Sybil was born in New York City and grew up in Mill Neck. She went on to attend The Hewitt School, School of Visual Arts, and St. John’s University. Sybil started her career at the Chubb Agency in New York and later worked for two insurance companies in Toronto when she moved with her family. Later, she returned to Long Island where she joined her mother as the broker & agent for Townsend & Winslow, Inc., which her mother had started in 1933. Sybil went on to become the President of Townsend & Winslow, Inc. which she maintained through this year. She is survived by her daughters Alexandra N. Carton ’90 and Caroline.

Tara Butler Economakis ’60

“About 10 years ago, while staying with my mother in Oyster Bay, I asked my dear friend Christine Benson Pell ’60 to show me around Green Vale. Seeing the school through adult eyes was just wonderful. The grounds, the rooms I remembered and the ghosts of amazing teachers that once inhabited them. What a gift this school was, and what a joy to realize and be part of it again. I miss my friends, and those glorious young days. My bubble and squeak (rhyming slang for Greek) and I have been

together now for well over 50 years. We are outside of London in Berkshire, surrounded by incredible countryside, and have three adult children and six grands. Everyone is scattered but we usually manage to join up in July on the island of Skyros in Greece. I am still working (past-time now) as a HypnoPsychotherapist.

Cynthia McClintock ’60

“I’m delighted to report that I just became a grandmother! My daughter, Alicia, and her husband, Brian Draper, welcomed a baby boy in November. The boy is named Kelly, after my brother Kelly McClintock ’54. In the photo, I’m with baby Kelly and my boyfriend, David Mowbray. I feel very fortunate that I have the good health that enables me to continue teaching Latin American politics at George Washington University (and continue riding horses!).”

Marie-Louise “Mal”

Nickerson ’60

The Alumni Office recently learned of Marie-Louise’s death on February 25, 2021; she was 75 years old. After Green Vale, Mal went on to attend Bryn Mawr College and then earned her masters and doctorate degrees at Columbia University, where she met her husband David. She was a tenured professor at Bronx Community College for over 30 years. Her children Elizabeth and Sayre are testaments to her determination and persistence. Mal was predeceased by her sister Stephanie N. Nickerson ’63 and parents. She is survived by sisters Lawrie H. Nickerson ’61 and Susan Nickerson Palmarin ’64.

’61

John “Jack” F. Rand ’61

It is with regret that we share the news of Jack’s death on October 4, 2022; he was 75 years old. After Green Vale, he attended Deerfield Academy and

the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. While at UNC, he signed up for the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps and joined the United States Marine Corps upon graduation. After graduating from Officer Candidate School in Quantico, Jack served as a Tank Platoon Commander for the 1st Tank Battalion, 1st Marine Division at Camp Pendleton, California. He then transferred to Okinawa, Japan, where he was severely injured in a scuba diving accident that limited function in both shoulders. Despite the setback, Jack returned to full duty and joined the Marine Corps pentathlon team. Following an honorable discharge, Jack went on to pursue an M.B.A. at Harvard Business School. He worked at CitiBank and Morgan Stanley which led him back to New York. Jack was predeceased by his sisters Leslie and Laura Rand ’68. He is survived by his three children.

’62

Judith Tabler: judithtabler@gmail.com

Judith Tabler ’62

“I had fun at the GV Centennial—even with all the rain. Got to look at all the memorabilia with an old friend, Paul Fowler ’59. Such fun to see him again.”

Michal Colby Wadsworth ’62

“Sitting here at O’Hare airport waiting for the flight to Traverse City, Michigan. I went to Buffalo last weekend to hear the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus deliver a powerful Verdi Requiem. Since getting back to Traverse requires a stop in Chicago anyway, I took advantage of that to visit my daughter and grandson for a few days. Since my younger daughter and granddaughters live in Traverse, I’ll see them before heading to my home in the woods a stone’s throw from Lake Michigan. Nice way to spend five days! My family and I are all well, looking forward to summer, hoping the fires don’t impact us too badly. For all of you in the East Coast and especially the New York City area, I’m praying for lots of rain for you! A big thanks to Judith Tabler ’62 for keeping us together via class notes. I love reading from and about everyone.”

’64

Frederick D. Iselin ’64

“Sallie and I have been married for 50 years,now retired and living on Kiawah Island. We have 5 grandchildren and this is without a question a magnet to all of them! Something for everyone to do in paradise. I enjoyed the card with photo of Chef Roger who introduced us

to sautéed calves liver and Mississippi Mud. Both of which I still enjoy!”

Susan Nickerson Palmarin ’64

“After graduating from GVS, I went to boarding school, The Masters School, in Dobbs Ferry, N.Y. From there I went to the Boston Museum School of Fine Arts. From there I took art courses at various schools in Italy, got married to a wonderful Italian man, who has, unfortunately, since died. I have two children, Giacomo and Aurelia, and two grandchildren, Marcello and Carmela. My parents who lived in Roslyn Harbor where I grew up, are no longer alive. All three of my sisters, MarieLouise, Lawrie and Stephanie went to Greenvale. Only Lawrie H. Nickerson ’61 is still alive. Sadly Marie-Louise “Mal” Nickerson ’60, and Stephanie N. Nickerson ’63 have both died. Pictured: Me and my three sisters when we were children.”

’66

Christy French Porter: Cfporter141@gmail.com

Peter T. Robinson ’66

’68

Peter W. Harris ’68

“I’m married to Harriet Reed Harris ’69 (but she left in 5th grade) for 43 years with three kids and six grandchildren. Thoroughly enjoyed our 50th reunion in 2018 seeing old classmates. I’m still working as a management consultant and living between Palm Beach and Newport, Rhode Island. I still have fond memories of Green Vale especially those football and baseball teams where I don’t think we ever lost a game!”

’69

Katherine P. Marshall ’69

Katherine is a Licensed Associate Broker at Brown Harris Stevens in New York City, Family Partner in Needham, Massachusetts, and Parent Advisory Council(s) Member. Her children are Charles, 16 years old, and Payson, 16 years old.

’72

Marcia Johnston Wood ’72

“I just retired after a career as a clinical psychologist (Ph.D.), first in New York and then when we moved to Portland, Oregon about 30 years ago. I was also President of the Oregon Psychological Association and Chair of its Ethics Committee as well as Chairing the Confidential Peer Support Committee. I’m married to Tom Wood who is an environmental attorney and we have two kids (Emma who is almost 32 and Jeremy who is 29). We split our time between Portland and San Juan Island, Washington. We look across the water at Vancouver Island, British Columbia and see orcas from the deck. In retirement we will mostly be on San Juan Island. I am still playing a lot of squash, some tennis and pickleball, as well as designing stained glass windows, birding, and doing a lot of reading. I am on the Board of Portland Literary Arts (was an English major at Williams College).”Her son Sam ’08 is working IT for the CIACulinary Institutes of America. Her son Jake ’10 is a Mechanical Engineer working for Global Foundries.

’73

Nancy Toher Hawkins: nthawkins123@aol.com

Nancy Toher Hawkins ’73

Nancy is working with Douglas Elliman in Locust Valley in her 24th year as a realtor. Since moving her license to Douglas Elliman in September 2021, she and her business partner have earned the 2022 ELLIES Gold Award-Top 13% of Agents Company-Wide and the Leading Edge Award-Top 20% of Agents CompanyWide. Her daughter Emily ’07 has just added a JD to her master’s in risk management. She graduated this past June from William and Mary Law School with special recognition for community service and is studying for the New York Bar.

Devon Powers Delaney ’73

Devon’s new book Murder for Good Measure tells the story of the murder of a young nanny from Dublin. The book is available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Devon noted, “thank you GV all those years ago for a love of writing!”

Alan E. Eyre ’73

“Retiring from federal service after 38 years. Time for something different.”

’75

Lita Remsen Marshall: litarem@gmail.com

Gilbert “Gib” W. Chapman III ’75

Harold “Hal” W. Hawkey, Jr. ’75 (left) and John R. Fell, III ’75 (right) attended the wedding of Kate and Gib Chapman (center) on May 19, 2023.

Henry W. Kimmel ’75

Hank lives in Atlanta where he works as a mediator and playwright. He typically writes about former athletes, religious strays, and overwhelmed parents. His play “Confessions of a Hit Man” was recently published by Next Stage Press.

’80

Victoria Gilbert Maksymowicz ’80

“

J. Hamilton “Ham” Crawford III ’80 and I have been attending the same church (Church of the Heavenly Rest in New York City) and spent the day today working with All Souls, sister church in Harlem, to help them clear out damage from flooding due to a collapsed roof. We thought the GVS community would like to see how classmates from 1980 are still working together!”

’82

Claudia DeBrun Boldyga: cboldyga@gmail.com

Claudia DeBrun Boldyga ’82

Everything has been great on my end as my husband Randy and I live currently in Amelia Island, Florida while still having our home in Maryland and enjoying going back and forth with our two English yellow labs. Our sons, Jason, Zach, and Nate, are all doing well and we are looking forward to our son's Zach wedding to his beautiful bride Tarry Marchus this September at our home in Maryland. Our granddaughter, Hazyl, will be turning 2 this August and Jason and my amazing daughter-in-law Ashley are doing well in their new home

in Michigan. Nate has been working a lot and has his home in Maryland but comes with us when we travel which is great. The boys are super excited that Hazyl is starting to say their names as she is the first girl in the family. I have continued to be the President of Bosom Buddies Charities located in Maryland and will be also doing some charity work down in Florida with an organization called Barnabus. Excited that summer is here and spending time with family and friends.” Pictured: Claudia (right) pictured with her family.

’89

Carl “Chad” H. Doerge III: cdoerge@gmail.com

Lauren Geddes Duff: laurengeddes@aol.com

Natasha Austin ’89 Natasha shared a photo of her Green Vale diploma on the morning of her daughter’s GVS graduation.

’93

Townsend W. Bancroft: townsendbancroft@gmail.com

Katherine Jollon Colsher: katherine.jollon@gmail.com

Patricia Constance D’Anna: trishdanna@me.com

Seth T. Pidot: sethpidot@gmail.com

Hugh O’Kane ’93

“Recently caught up with several ’93 alums over Green Vale’s centennial weekend including Seth T. Pidot ’93, Christina G. MacKinnon ’93, Barbara Jurim-Virbukas ’93 and Trish Constance D’Anna ’93. Trish and I were part of the winning team in the Alumni Softball game (big GOLD win!).” See all the competitors pictured on page 16.

’96

Alexis H. Moed: moedbc03@gmail.com

Sterling B. Ely ’96 Sterling welcomed a baby girl, Arden River Ely, on October 18, 2022.

’99

Ashley Banker: ashley.banker@gmail.com

David R. Holmes, Jr.: davidreesor@gmail.com

Ashley Banker ’99

Natasha pictured with her daughters

Aislinn O’Donnell ’27 and Alastriona O’Donnell ’23.

Sebastian Arcelus ’92

Ashley married Pablo de Rosas this past October in Lattingtown, Long Island. It was a joyous day filled with family and close friends (many of which were alums of Green Vale). LeeLee Robinson Duryea ’99 was co-maid of honor and Alex Webel ’99 gave the reading during the ceremony. Oakley Duryea ’92 and LeeLee’s daughter, Lila, was the flower girl.

Nicholas S. Connors ’99

Sebastian recently played the Baker in Into the Woods on Broadway and is currently starring in the national tour alongside his wife, Stephanie J. Block, who is playing the Baker’s Wife. He is known for his roles in Rent, Wicked, Elf, Jersey Boys and more. This production marks the second time that Sebastian and Stephanie have appeared together on Broadway—the first is when they appeared in Wicked as Elphaba and Fiyero in 2007.

Nicholas and Lindsay Connors welcomed their second son, William Bayard Connors, on April 30, 2023. Their older son, Thomas Munro Connors, was two years old on April 14, 2023. Nick and his family live in New Canaan, Connecticut - as does his sister, Alix Connors Armstrong ’96 Alix and her husband, Jeb have two children, John, age 5 and Brooke, age 3.

’00

Garett M. Vassel: garett.vassel@gmail.com

Alessandro Zanelli ’00

Alessandro Zanelli ’00 married Diana Ayala on May 27 in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.

’01

Victoria Pool Holm ’01: vickymholm@gmail.com

Rylan Soref: rylan.soref@gmail.com

William M. Copp ’01

William and Emma Copp celebrated the birth of their daughter, Cora Catherine Copp, on April 21, 2021.

Pamela Battinelli Hamilton ’01

Pam welcomed Naomi Layla Hamilton on February 8, 2023 at 12:39 AM, weighing 6 lbs 13.9 ounces and 19.5 inches long.

“Baby and Mama are both happy and healthy!

Naomi recently starting rolling over at 4 months! Mom and Dad are extremely proud!” ’02

Diana Grace Beard: dianabeard7@gmail.com

Meagan Lesko Smiles: meg.p.smiles@gmail.com

Diana Grace Beard ’02

Diana and her husband Evan welcomed a baby boy, Wyatt Beau Beard, on May 10. He joins siblings Teddy (GVS ’32), Vivienne (GVS ’34) and Finley (GVS ’35)!

Eduardo F. Canet ’02

Eduardo and his wife Carrie welcomed a baby boy, Sebastián Wolcott Canet, on March 3.

James N. Gardiner ’02

Jamie got married on September 24, 2022 to Mal Gretz in Nantucket. Many Green Vale classmates were in attendance.

(L. to R.) Back row: William Gardiner ’98, Court Hoover ’02, Lawrence Schmidlapp ’02, Erin Loeb ’04, Alex Canet ’04, Peter Wilson ’03, Peter Smith ’02, Zachary Remsen ’04, William Copp ’01, and Graham Gardiner ’01. Front row: Virginia “Fifi” Knott Leachman ’02, Linda Gardiner, Mal Gretz, Jamie Gardiner ’02, Joanie Choremi ’04, and Crystal Lynch Ewoldt ’04. Not pictured: Eduardo Canet ’02 and Laura Van Ingen ’04

Amory C. deRoulet ’02

“We (my wife and three kids) just moved up to Boston in August. I am working at Massachusetts General Hospital as a trauma surgeon. Enjoying life but missing NY!”

J. Cryder Bancroft: james.c.bancroft@gmail.com

Carly P. Postal: carlypostal1@gmail.com

Nicholas C. Remsen: nicholasremsen@gmail.com

Peter B. Wilson: pbwilson1@gmail.com

Raymond L. Penzi ’03

Raymond is currently living on Long Island. He’s a vice president for a financial, insurance and corporate benefits consulting firm. His wife Lauren is a dermatologist. They have a 3year-old son, Leo, and a 1-year-old daughter, Rose.

Zachary P. Remsen: zachremsen@gmail.com

Constance Haydock Sanders: lily.haydock@gmail.com

Hilary H. Copp ’04

“I moved to London in early October 2021, working in art insurance as an underwriter, enjoying traveling, and planning my October wedding. Getting a golden retriever at the end of June!”

Ariana DiLorenzo ’04

“I live in Brooklyn, I’m a musician and songwriter. I write for other artists and my own project, Ariana and the Rose I started an immersive music event called Light + Space while I was living in London and now it’s a residency at a venue in Brooklyn called House of Yes.”

Meredith Aaron Gebhardt ’04

Merrie and husband Michael and their children Maddy (4.5 years old) and Jake (2.5 years old) recently moved back to Long Island to Port Washington, NY. They’re enjoying more space, time outside, and the close proximity to family.

Laura A. Van Ingen ’04

Laura married Charlie Clarke on January 14, 2023 at the Bath and Tennis Club in Palm Beach. Green Vale alumni were in attendance including Austen Wells ’05, Alex Canet ’04, Matthew Restaino ’04, Court Hoover ’02, Jamie Gardiner ’02, Crystal Lynch ’04, Joanie Choremi ’04, Hilary Copp ’04, Constance “Lily” Haydock Sanders ’04, Zachary Remsen ’04, Nicholas Remsen ’03, Eduardo Canet ’02, Chloe LaBranche ’04, and Erin Loeb ’04. Crystal, Lily, Joanie, and Hilary were also Laura’s bridesmaids. The couple spent their honeymoon in Parrot Cay, Turks and Caicos.

’05

Camilla J. Burchfield: burchfield.camilla@gmail.com

Morgan Smith Gessner: morganmcd.smith@gmail.com

Nicholas A. Newburger: nick.newburger@gmail.com

2005

2005 classmates got together for Amanda Ratner Wood ’05 son Oliver’s first birthday! Pictured: Nicholas A. Newburger ’05 holding his 15-monthold son Bryce, his wife Perri is on the left, Amanda holding her 12-month-old son Oliver, her husband Nick Wood is on the far right, and Dana Brisbane ’05

’06

Ripley D. Hartmeyer: rhartmeyer7@gmail.com

Lauren E. Russol: lerusso15@gmail.com

Alison Browne Schloss: alisongbrowne@gmail.com

Molly D. Forlines ’06

Molly graduated from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine on May 19, 2023. She will start a residency in psychiatry at Albert Einstein Medical Center (part of Jefferson Health) in Philadelphia this July. She also recently got engaged to her partner, Kira Williams. ’07

Mindy Weiss ’07

Mindy married Lee Singer on July 9, 2022. ’08

Holly P. Constants: hol9331@aol.com

Anthony D. Russo: adrusso4@gmail.com

Whitney H. Hartmeyer ’08 Whitney married Charlie Finnegan on September 24, 2022. ’10

William C. Remsen: wcremsen@gmail.com

Kevin W. Hiss ’10

Kevin attended the Bill Hiss Retirement Ceremony last spring to celebrate his father’s 40 years of service to Green Vale.

Meghan Hughes ’10*

Meghan’s father Gregory and sister Ashleen Hughes ’18 ran the Boston Marathon in memory of Meghan and to raise funds for the Boys & Girls Club of Nantucket. You can support their fundraiser by visiting https://gofund.me/e93cd394

’12

Grant A. Newburger: grant.newburger@gmail.com

Caroline P. Zerilli: cpz120@gmail.com

Kendall C. Slocum ’12 Kendall guest stars as ‘Josh Conklin’ on NBC’s Law & Order: Organized Crime

’13+

Alex Margotta ’13+

“Alex sends his best to GVS!”

’14

Harriet C. Jones: harrietjones10@gmail.com

Emani C. Elliott ’14

Emani visited Green Vale in June and caught up with her previous teachers including Rick Geismar and Cathy Iannotta. Emani currently works in Houston doing research in pediatric hematology.

Harriet C. Jones ’14

’15

Marshall C. Warren ’15

Marshall served as the captain for Boston College men’s hockey team, becoming the first Black player to have the honor in the college’s 100-year hockey history. Marshall was selected by the Minnesota Wild in the sixth round (No. 166) of the 2019 NHL Draft. ’16

Kathryn Grace Foley: kgfoley@umich.edu

Katrina M. Hunt ’16

Katie caught up with Dr. Jesse Dougherty on Long Island’s North Fork last summer while she was working at Macari Vineyards

Daniella L. Burke: dlburke726@gmail.com

Tomas H. Cushman: tomas.cushman@gmail.com

John K. Jervis: jkjerv@gmail.com

Eric S. D. Suh: jentris13@gmail.com

Isabella Zhang: bellaezhang21@gmail.com

Ellen V. Dorrian ’18

Elle is at Villanova University, School of Engineering studying chemical and biomedical engineering.

Jack Koch ’18

Beta-Xi chapter of Pi Kappa Alpha. Jack was loyal, kind, hardworking, and a great friend to all. He is survived by his parents, two brothers, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

’19

Theodore A. Janedis: teddyjanedis@gmail.com

Serena C. Saad: saadserena66@gmail.com

Samuel A. Winkler: Princetontiger1@outlook.com

Catherine B. Barry ’19

Ella Stacconi ’19

Ella will be going to Boston College this fall.

’20

Micaela Meister: micaela.r.meister@gmail.com

2020

Friends from the classes of 2020 and 2021 stopped by Green Vale at BlueGold Day.

Skylar Cohen ’20

Cate brought home the gold medal in the women’ youth single sculls at the 2023 United States Rowing Association’s Youth National Championships. She will be joining the women’s rowing team at Princeton University.

Quinn Dougherty ’19

Quinn accompanied his younger brother Liam for Grandparents & Friends Day at Green Vale in May.

Skylar committed to Yale University for lacrosse. She was named an All-County player at Friends Academy this year.

Samantha

G. Maynard ’20

Samantha won the 2022 Student of the Year award from The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society for her fundraising work. Samantha is a student at Kent School.

Harriet got together for Memorial Day weekend with (L. to R.) Isabella “Sage” Quigley ’15, Harriet, Margaret G. Collett ’14, Georgina Green ’14, and Olivia S. Brokaw ’14.

It is with regret that we share the news of Jack’s death on May 28, 2023. Jack graduated from Locust Valley High School and had just completed his freshman year at the University of Wisconsin, Madison studying computer engineering. At Wisconsin, he was a member of the

Morgan “Meg” E. Gillies ’19 Meg will be joining the women’s rowing team at Hamilton College.

Pictured: Meg (front) with her teammates.

Eleanor Rogers ’19

Eleanor is joining the women’s ice hockey team at Dartmouth College.

Dylan P. Rorech ’19

Dylan will be joining the baseball team at Villanova University.

Class Agent Annual Meeting

On November 9, the Alumni Office hosted the second annual fall kickoff for Class Agents. The Classes of 1954-2020 were excited to hear more about GVS today and about their role as an agent. We thank them for their dedication to GVS!

’21

Students from the classes of 2020 and 2021 visited Blue-Gold Day to cheer on their teams.

Katherine D’Anna ’21

Katie will be sailing with St. George’s School around Croatia this summer.

Next Stops High School Destinations for

Margaret Anderson | Episcopal High School

Lallie Argenti | The Hotchkiss School

River Aryeh | Paul Schreiber High School

LuElla Bacon | Convent of the Sacred Heart

Halsey Beard | Friends Academy

William Busconi | Friends Academy

Leyla Casimir | The Stony Brook School

Kento Cavallo | Chaminade High School

Penelope Chun | The Spence School

Henry Crofton | Portledge School

Clover Curry | The Hotchkiss School

Noah Daher | Portledge School

Paige D’Anna | Friends Academy

Tristan Delacroix | Friends Academy

James Dorrian | Eaglebrook School

Sienna Edgar | Friends Academy

Veronica Edwards | Westminster School

Luke Ferraro | Chaminade High School

Campbell Fredericks | Kent School

William Garcia | Choate Rosemary Hall

Elizabeth Gokey | Friends Academy

Lauren Graham | Sacred Heart Academy

Timmy Grant | Friends Academy

JR Janedis | Locust Valley High School

Samantha Jurim | Friends Academy

the Class of 2023

William Kelly | Chaminade High School

Abigail Lenehan | Friends Academy

Hunter L’Esperance | Chaminade High School

Reese L’Esperance | Portledge School

Lilly McMillen | Westminster School

Caroline Myles | The Taft School

Chase O’Brien | Friends Academy

Alastriona O’Donnell | Phillips Academy (Andover)

Julian Otto | Phillips Academy (Andover)

Isabella Panossian | Friends Academy

Oggie Phipps | Friends Academy

Leo Remsha | (undecided)

Scarlett Rueger | Friends Academy

Marina Saravi | St. Paul’s School

Michael Sharifov | Friends Academy

Jack Sheehan | Chaminade High School

Etelle Silvera | The TASIS School in Dorado (Switzerland)

Emma Slonim | Friends Academy

Hutson Staniford | Deerfield Academy

Helen Uffelman | Portledge School

Lachlan Vogel | Portledge School

Lucy Woodhouse | Berkshire School

Davis Zarou | Berkshire School

Taylor Zarou | Friends Academy

College Destinations for the Class of 2019

Barnard College

Boston College (2)

Bucknell University

University of Colorado Boulder

Colby College

Colgate University (2)

College of Charleston

Cornell University (2)

Dartmouth College

Eton College (post-graduate year)

Georgetown University (2)

Hamilton College

Harvey Mudd College

High Point University

Indiana University (2)

Lehigh University

New York University

Tisch School of the Arts

University of Notre Dame (2)

Occidental College

Princeton University

University of Pennsylvania

Purdue University

Syracuse University

Texas Christian University

Tulane University

Villanova University (3)

Wake Forest University

Then and Now

Shelby Renjifo ’12

Shelby Renjifo attended Green Vale from 2000 to 2011, and fondly recalls these years as nurturing her creativity. “My experience gave me the confidence to not only pursue my dreams, but excel. I particularly want to praise the English department for nurturing my creativity; I still re-read some of the essays presented in Mr. Wood’s class!”

After GVS, Renjifo attended Our Lady of Mercy Academy and Emerson College where she received a B.A. in visual & media arts production. She is now a screenwriter and novelist, currently hard at work on her second book. Her debut novella, A Wasp at Funeral features four narrators with four very different proposed eulogies.

“Green Vale provided a comfortable environment to learn and grow with top-tier teachers and a tight-knit, respectful group of peers. Some of my best memories are from my years spent there,” says Renjifo, whose brother Craig Renjifo ’07 attended Green Vale as well.

The Annual Fund

The Annual Fund is 100% allocated toward Green Vale’s day-to-day financial needs, supplementing tuition/fees and a conservative draw from the endowment. It’s no coincidence that the School’s greatest asset is also its largest financial priority by far: salaries and benefits for unparalleled teachers.

Thank you to our 2022-2023 Annual Fund donors!

Make your gift to the 2023-2024 Annual Fund today. Visit or call the Development Office at (516) 628-5197.